"3His divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness. 4Through these he has given us his very great and precious promises, so that through them you may participate in the divine nature and escape the corruption in the world caused by evil desires.
5For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; 6and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; 7and to godliness, brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness, love. 8For if you possess these qualities in increasing measure, they will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. 9But if anyone does not have them, he is nearsighted and blind, and has forgotten that he has been cleansed from his past sins.
10Therefore, my brothers, be all the more eager to make your calling and election sure. For if you do these things, you will never fall, 11and you will receive a rich welcome into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ."
This is pretty great. I love verse 5. Add to your faith goodness. Add to your goodness knowledge. Add to your knowledge self-control. Add to your self-control perseverance. Add to your perseverance godliness. Add to your godliness brotherly kindness. Add to your brotherly kindness love.
It's almost like a times-table of what to expect in your walk with Christ. As if he's saying, "It's really not THAT difficult as you're making it out to be... just follow these seven easy steps. You'll come out on top!"
That's pretty great. It's like one builds on top of the other. If you add love to brotherly kindness, you'll be doing what God wants. You bring your neighbor some of your dinner because you know they are having a financially difficult situation. BAM. You've made God happy. If you add self-control to your knowledge, you'll be doing what God wants. If you KNOW that God speaks to you through the word, then discipline yourself to reading it, using self-control to not turn on the television first thing in the morning. Instead, opening your bible. BAM. You've made God happy!
The list goes on and on, of course. But it's seriously not that difficult. I almost would want to write this up on a poster and put it up somewhere. Just to constantly be looking at it.
Lord,
I thank you that every day is a new day. Your mercies are new every day. I thank you for your Holy Spirit, constantly reminding me of what YOUR heart wants, Lord. I love you and I ask for you to forgive me in areas where I've grown lazy and stagnant. Build me up and help me to overcome. I love you and I trust you with my life. SO much.
amen.
Thursday, March 12, 2009
Wednesday, March 11, 2009
Deuteronomy 7.12-16
" 12 If you pay attention to these laws and are careful to follow them, then the LORD your God will keep his covenant of love with you, as he swore to your forefathers. 13 He will love you and bless you and increase your numbers. He will bless the fruit of your womb, the crops of your land—your grain, new wine and oil—the calves of your herds and the lambs of your flocks in the land that he swore to your forefathers to give you. 14 You will be blessed more than any other people; none of your men or women will be childless, nor any of your livestock without young. 15 The LORD will keep you free from every disease. He will not inflict on you the horrible diseases you knew in Egypt, but he will inflict them on all who hate you. 16 You must destroy all the peoples the LORD your God gives over to you. Do not look on them with pity and do not serve their gods, for that will be a snare to you. "
I love God's promises. Those are ones you can trust. How many times has someone made you a promise and you either a) put your full trust in them and they end up letting you down. Or b) never trust that person and their word to begin with?
Usually B is an outcome if A had ever happened to you. It's sort of human nature to put our defenses up when we've been hurt. That's not necessarily a bad thing. But God... has never once let ANYONE (not just me) down. People may think at times that he had. You lose a family member, you lose your job, etc etc. But if they ever let their emotions get out of the way and actually look at the situation, they'd see the truth behind it... God didn't do it. But he allowed it to happen for your own potential to grow.
But when you put your trust in God's promises, there's no need for walls. I know it's difficult at times, but there's ultimately freedom in that, in the end...
So yes, this devotion is about God's promise, but it's also about trusting in God.
Lord,
I trust you. Even as things don't seem to fit together yet, and I see no way how it would work, I don't need to. I only see life through a box. You are outside of that box. So roads and paths that will lead to your promises, I may not see right away. I thank you that I can trust to trust you. Holy Spirit, be with me today as I search for a job. Lead me in the right direction so I may find the job you want me to have. Whatever it might be. I love you. I trust you.
amen.
I love God's promises. Those are ones you can trust. How many times has someone made you a promise and you either a) put your full trust in them and they end up letting you down. Or b) never trust that person and their word to begin with?
Usually B is an outcome if A had ever happened to you. It's sort of human nature to put our defenses up when we've been hurt. That's not necessarily a bad thing. But God... has never once let ANYONE (not just me) down. People may think at times that he had. You lose a family member, you lose your job, etc etc. But if they ever let their emotions get out of the way and actually look at the situation, they'd see the truth behind it... God didn't do it. But he allowed it to happen for your own potential to grow.
But when you put your trust in God's promises, there's no need for walls. I know it's difficult at times, but there's ultimately freedom in that, in the end...
So yes, this devotion is about God's promise, but it's also about trusting in God.
Lord,
I trust you. Even as things don't seem to fit together yet, and I see no way how it would work, I don't need to. I only see life through a box. You are outside of that box. So roads and paths that will lead to your promises, I may not see right away. I thank you that I can trust to trust you. Holy Spirit, be with me today as I search for a job. Lead me in the right direction so I may find the job you want me to have. Whatever it might be. I love you. I trust you.
amen.
Tuesday, March 10, 2009
1 Peter 3.8-16
"8Finally, all of you, live in harmony with one another; be sympathetic, love as brothers, be compassionate and humble. 9Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult, but with blessing, because to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing. 10For,
"Whoever would love life
and see good days
must keep his tongue from evil
and his lips from deceitful speech.
11He must turn from evil and do good;
he must seek peace and pursue it.
12For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous
and his ears are attentive to their prayer,
the face of the Lord is against those who do evil."
13Who is going to harm you if you are eager to do good? 14But even if you should suffer for what is right, you are blessed. "Do not fear what they fear; do not be frightened." 15But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect, 16keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander."
Thanks for the spiritual spanking, Jesus. I'm sorry. Please help me to let you be my defender. Let you be my peace. I love you and I trust you.
"Whoever would love life
and see good days
must keep his tongue from evil
and his lips from deceitful speech.
11He must turn from evil and do good;
he must seek peace and pursue it.
12For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous
and his ears are attentive to their prayer,
the face of the Lord is against those who do evil."
13Who is going to harm you if you are eager to do good? 14But even if you should suffer for what is right, you are blessed. "Do not fear what they fear; do not be frightened." 15But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect, 16keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander."
Thanks for the spiritual spanking, Jesus. I'm sorry. Please help me to let you be my defender. Let you be my peace. I love you and I trust you.
Monday, March 9, 2009
2 Timothy 2:1-7 WOW!
"1You then, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. 2And the things you have heard me say in the presence of many witnesses entrust to reliable men who will also be qualified to teach others. 3Endure hardship with us like a good soldier of Christ Jesus. 4No one serving as a soldier gets involved in civilian affairs—he wants to please his commanding officer. 5Similarly, if anyone competes as an athlete, he does not receive the victor's crown unless he competes according to the rules. 6The hardworking farmer should be the first to receive a share of the crops. 7Reflect on what I am saying, for the Lord will give you insight into all this. "
-NIV
" 1-7So, my son, throw yourself into this work for Christ. Pass on what you heard from me—the whole congregation saying Amen!— to reliable leaders who are competent to teach others. When the going gets rough, take it on the chin with the rest of us, the way Jesus did. A soldier on duty doesn't get caught up in making deals at the marketplace. He concentrates on carrying out orders. An athlete who refuses to play by the rules will never get anywhere. It's the diligent farmer who gets the produce. Think it over. God will make it all plain."
-The Message
Oh... my... GOODNESS!
Is this NOT exactly what I needed to hear this morning! God is so good to speak so long as we're trying to listen and seek his advice. I'm dealing with this in a couple of different areas in my life right now and it is exactly the answer I was looking for.
I don't have TIME to deal with laziness, or rebellion. It only frustrates things more than the original plan needs to take action. I see a big picture here, kids! A BIG plan! And I'm not going to get in the way of what God is trying to do. I am not going to allow things in my life that will slow down or even cancel out what God is trying to do. Enough said.
God,
You are amazing. I am so in love with you. Thank you for speaking when I ask for advice. Thank you for listening when my heart cries out to you. You are brilliant and I trust you. I trust your every move. Holy Spirit, be with me today as I get things done and make decisions that affect my future. I don't want to do anything that would jeopardize what you are trying to do in me, through me, with me. You are perfect.
amen.
-NIV
" 1-7So, my son, throw yourself into this work for Christ. Pass on what you heard from me—the whole congregation saying Amen!— to reliable leaders who are competent to teach others. When the going gets rough, take it on the chin with the rest of us, the way Jesus did. A soldier on duty doesn't get caught up in making deals at the marketplace. He concentrates on carrying out orders. An athlete who refuses to play by the rules will never get anywhere. It's the diligent farmer who gets the produce. Think it over. God will make it all plain."
-The Message
Oh... my... GOODNESS!
Is this NOT exactly what I needed to hear this morning! God is so good to speak so long as we're trying to listen and seek his advice. I'm dealing with this in a couple of different areas in my life right now and it is exactly the answer I was looking for.
I don't have TIME to deal with laziness, or rebellion. It only frustrates things more than the original plan needs to take action. I see a big picture here, kids! A BIG plan! And I'm not going to get in the way of what God is trying to do. I am not going to allow things in my life that will slow down or even cancel out what God is trying to do. Enough said.
God,
You are amazing. I am so in love with you. Thank you for speaking when I ask for advice. Thank you for listening when my heart cries out to you. You are brilliant and I trust you. I trust your every move. Holy Spirit, be with me today as I get things done and make decisions that affect my future. I don't want to do anything that would jeopardize what you are trying to do in me, through me, with me. You are perfect.
amen.
Saturday, March 7, 2009
Psalm 139
" 1 O LORD, you have searched me and you know me.
2 You know when I sit and when I rise; you perceive my thoughts from afar.
3 You discern my going out and my lying down; you are familiar with all my ways.
11 If I say, "Surely the darkness will hide me and the light become night around me,"
12 even the darkness
4 Before a word is on my tongue you know it completely, O LORD.
5 You hem me in—behind and before; you have laid your hand upon me.
6 Such knowledge is too wonderful for me, too lofty for me to attain.
7 Where can I go from your Spirit? Where can I flee from your presence?
8 If I go up to the heavens, you are there; if I make my bed in the depths, you are there.
9 If I rise on the wings of the dawn, if I settle on the far side of the sea,
10 even there your hand will guide me, your right hand will hold me fast.
11 If I say, "Surely the darkness will hide me and the light become night around me,"
12 even the darkness will not be dark to you; the night will shine like the day, for darkness is as light to you.
13 For you created my inmost being;you knit me together in my mother's womb.
14 I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.
15 My frame was not hidden from you when I was made in the secret place.When I was woven together in the depths of the earth,
16 your eyes saw my unformed body. All the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be.
17 How precious to me are your thoughts, O God! How vast is the sum of them!
18 Were I to count them, they would outnumber the grains of sand. When I awake, I am still with you.
19 If only you would slay the wicked, O God! Away from me, you bloodthirsty men!
20 They speak of you with evil intent; your adversaries misuse your name.
21 Do I not hate those who hate you, O LORD, and abhor those who rise up against you?
22 I have nothing but hatred for them; I count them my enemies.
23 Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts.
24 See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting."
-New International Version
This is pretty neat. On Wednesday night, my sister Freedom gave me a call and said, "America's Next Top Model is casting for their season 13. Guess what they're looking for for that season? "What?" "Models that are 5'7 and SHORTER." "Wait- what?!"
I was so excited to hear that because when the show first started, YEARS ago, I went directly online to try and find the requirements to apply for the show and they were that you had to be 5'7 and TALLER... I was of course, immediately bummed, being 5'4 and all, but thought to myself, "Dang. They need to have a show where it's shorter models for print ads or something. That would be great." But I let it go, never thought about it again.
And now, randomly, here it is, the very thought I'd had, they are doing. I knew I couldn't pass this opportunity up. I went online to check out and make SURE these where the requirements. Confirmed. I checked the due in- date... March 10th. Crap.
I had to get all this information, all these photos, and 15 page application printed and filled out, on top of a 3 minute video. But surprisingly, everything has been falling into place relatively quickly. Yesterday, practically the whole day (from 10.30a to 10.30p) was spent on filming the 3 minute video, editing it, and putting it to a DVD.
I have all my paperwork filled out (quicker than I thought that would be). Now basically all that's left is taking everything to Fed-Ex and shipping it out. THAT'S EXCITING!
It's MORE exciting when I keep in mind that I already have a goal if I were to get onto the show. I would still hold my accountability with my leaders, remain in the word every morning, even if that meant waking up at 4a just to make sure I get it in. It's very important to me that if I got on that show, I would keep God first because he's the reason I'd be there to begin with!
That's what I see out of this chapter in Psalms. There's no where I could go that God would not be, and that's encouraging. It's also a request to God to search my thoughts and see any areas where I might be anxious (because I really don't feel that I am. I honestly will pray over the package as I send it, then forget about it, unless I get some sort of call in the future.) but if there's any area that is out of whack, then I want to see it so I can deal with it right then and there.
Lord,
If I ended up getting to be a part of that show, it'd be pretty great, but all my trust and hopes are in YOU, Lord, not a television show. I thank you for this opportunity and for the things you're teaching me through it. I ask that you search my heart and my thoughts and bring up any thoughts or anxiousness that might be there. I love you entirely and I ask for your favor with the Producers who view the video, if it be your will for me to go, that it will happen as you will it. I bless your name, Jesus, and I look forward for that opportunity to share you and my church with the rest of the world. But whatever it is that you want, Lord, I'll do it. If you told me to stay put and be content with going to cell, going to church, and try to reach people here in Orlando for the rest of my life, I'd be content with that. May your will be done. I Love you so so much. Holy Spirit be with me today as I have to get this package mailed out and go to Waterford Lakes to do a photo shoot for the radio station. I thank you that I've getting favor in my life. I thank you that you are blessing me and taking control of my finances which I've given you. You are amazing.
amen.
2 You know when I sit and when I rise; you perceive my thoughts from afar.
3 You discern my going out and my lying down; you are familiar with all my ways.
11 If I say, "Surely the darkness will hide me and the light become night around me,"
12 even the darkness
4 Before a word is on my tongue you know it completely, O LORD.
5 You hem me in—behind and before; you have laid your hand upon me.
6 Such knowledge is too wonderful for me, too lofty for me to attain.
7 Where can I go from your Spirit? Where can I flee from your presence?
8 If I go up to the heavens, you are there; if I make my bed in the depths, you are there.
9 If I rise on the wings of the dawn, if I settle on the far side of the sea,
10 even there your hand will guide me, your right hand will hold me fast.
11 If I say, "Surely the darkness will hide me and the light become night around me,"
12 even the darkness will not be dark to you; the night will shine like the day, for darkness is as light to you.
13 For you created my inmost being;you knit me together in my mother's womb.
14 I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.
15 My frame was not hidden from you when I was made in the secret place.When I was woven together in the depths of the earth,
16 your eyes saw my unformed body. All the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be.
17 How precious to me are your thoughts, O God! How vast is the sum of them!
18 Were I to count them, they would outnumber the grains of sand. When I awake, I am still with you.
19 If only you would slay the wicked, O God! Away from me, you bloodthirsty men!
20 They speak of you with evil intent; your adversaries misuse your name.
21 Do I not hate those who hate you, O LORD, and abhor those who rise up against you?
22 I have nothing but hatred for them; I count them my enemies.
23 Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts.
24 See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting."
-New International Version
This is pretty neat. On Wednesday night, my sister Freedom gave me a call and said, "America's Next Top Model is casting for their season 13. Guess what they're looking for for that season? "What?" "Models that are 5'7 and SHORTER." "Wait- what?!"
I was so excited to hear that because when the show first started, YEARS ago, I went directly online to try and find the requirements to apply for the show and they were that you had to be 5'7 and TALLER... I was of course, immediately bummed, being 5'4 and all, but thought to myself, "Dang. They need to have a show where it's shorter models for print ads or something. That would be great." But I let it go, never thought about it again.
And now, randomly, here it is, the very thought I'd had, they are doing. I knew I couldn't pass this opportunity up. I went online to check out and make SURE these where the requirements. Confirmed. I checked the due in- date... March 10th. Crap.
I had to get all this information, all these photos, and 15 page application printed and filled out, on top of a 3 minute video. But surprisingly, everything has been falling into place relatively quickly. Yesterday, practically the whole day (from 10.30a to 10.30p) was spent on filming the 3 minute video, editing it, and putting it to a DVD.
I have all my paperwork filled out (quicker than I thought that would be). Now basically all that's left is taking everything to Fed-Ex and shipping it out. THAT'S EXCITING!
It's MORE exciting when I keep in mind that I already have a goal if I were to get onto the show. I would still hold my accountability with my leaders, remain in the word every morning, even if that meant waking up at 4a just to make sure I get it in. It's very important to me that if I got on that show, I would keep God first because he's the reason I'd be there to begin with!
That's what I see out of this chapter in Psalms. There's no where I could go that God would not be, and that's encouraging. It's also a request to God to search my thoughts and see any areas where I might be anxious (because I really don't feel that I am. I honestly will pray over the package as I send it, then forget about it, unless I get some sort of call in the future.) but if there's any area that is out of whack, then I want to see it so I can deal with it right then and there.
Lord,
If I ended up getting to be a part of that show, it'd be pretty great, but all my trust and hopes are in YOU, Lord, not a television show. I thank you for this opportunity and for the things you're teaching me through it. I ask that you search my heart and my thoughts and bring up any thoughts or anxiousness that might be there. I love you entirely and I ask for your favor with the Producers who view the video, if it be your will for me to go, that it will happen as you will it. I bless your name, Jesus, and I look forward for that opportunity to share you and my church with the rest of the world. But whatever it is that you want, Lord, I'll do it. If you told me to stay put and be content with going to cell, going to church, and try to reach people here in Orlando for the rest of my life, I'd be content with that. May your will be done. I Love you so so much. Holy Spirit be with me today as I have to get this package mailed out and go to Waterford Lakes to do a photo shoot for the radio station. I thank you that I've getting favor in my life. I thank you that you are blessing me and taking control of my finances which I've given you. You are amazing.
amen.
Thursday, March 5, 2009
Proverbs 1.7
" 7 The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge,
but fools despise wisdom and discipline."
-New International Version
"7The reverent and worshipful fear of the Lord is the beginning and the principal and choice part of knowledge [its starting point and its essence]; but fools despise skillful and godly Wisdom, instruction, and discipline."
-The Amplified Bible
Discipline time.
I'm learning a lot over the past few days, and no. It doesn't feel good. But I have to choose to have the wisdom of God. I have to choose to be disciplined, I have to choose to do what doesn't feel good or fair or fun. God is trying to show me something. He's trying to teach me something. And as long as I keep the ultimate goal in mind at all times, it should help me through it. That ultimate dream that I TRUST AND BELIEVE that God will give to me is my reward so long as I stay strong and open to receive wisdom and discipline.
I had an opportunity last night to run. Again. Anger arises and starts to tell you that you are justified in your actions and "hell, why not run away?". I had to physically tell myself NO. I'm CHOOSING to stay strong in the Lord. I'm CHOOSING to lean on him.
Lord,
Help me through this. Thank you that I don't have to go through it alone. Thank you for loving me enough to want me to be a better person. Don't allow me to be a fool and despise wisdom, despise knowledge, despise discipline, not just from myself but discipline from others. I love you and I trust you with my whole heart. My whole mind. My whole strength. Holy Spirit, be with me today and keep me diligent. Make me creative. Keep my eyes open for which way I should go. I love you. I trust you.
amen.
but fools despise wisdom and discipline."
-New International Version
"7The reverent and worshipful fear of the Lord is the beginning and the principal and choice part of knowledge [its starting point and its essence]; but fools despise skillful and godly Wisdom, instruction, and discipline."
-The Amplified Bible
Discipline time.
I'm learning a lot over the past few days, and no. It doesn't feel good. But I have to choose to have the wisdom of God. I have to choose to be disciplined, I have to choose to do what doesn't feel good or fair or fun. God is trying to show me something. He's trying to teach me something. And as long as I keep the ultimate goal in mind at all times, it should help me through it. That ultimate dream that I TRUST AND BELIEVE that God will give to me is my reward so long as I stay strong and open to receive wisdom and discipline.
I had an opportunity last night to run. Again. Anger arises and starts to tell you that you are justified in your actions and "hell, why not run away?". I had to physically tell myself NO. I'm CHOOSING to stay strong in the Lord. I'm CHOOSING to lean on him.
Lord,
Help me through this. Thank you that I don't have to go through it alone. Thank you for loving me enough to want me to be a better person. Don't allow me to be a fool and despise wisdom, despise knowledge, despise discipline, not just from myself but discipline from others. I love you and I trust you with my whole heart. My whole mind. My whole strength. Holy Spirit, be with me today and keep me diligent. Make me creative. Keep my eyes open for which way I should go. I love you. I trust you.
amen.
Wednesday, March 4, 2009
Joshua 1.9
“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go.”
Not really much else to say. I feel like I've been blindsided this morning.
Falling into a depression and not even realizing it. My bills are all due, real real soon, and bottom line, I don't have the money to pay them, again... and I have this habit of shutting down when things get tough.
I'm getting pretty sick of it. I'm getting pretty sick of me.
Lord,
Help me through this.
Not really much else to say. I feel like I've been blindsided this morning.
Falling into a depression and not even realizing it. My bills are all due, real real soon, and bottom line, I don't have the money to pay them, again... and I have this habit of shutting down when things get tough.
I'm getting pretty sick of it. I'm getting pretty sick of me.
Lord,
Help me through this.
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