Psalm 28:1-3 To you I call, O Lord my Rock; do not turn a deaf ear to me. For if you remain silent, I will be like those who have gone down to the pit. 2 Hear my cry for mercy as I call to you for help, as I lift up my hands toward your Most Holy Place. 3 Do not drag me away with the wicked, with those who do evil, who speak cordially with their neighbors but harbor malice in their hearts
God knows the true hearts of the people. He knows what they are really like, even if they hide the truth from everyone else. Only God can answer our cries for help, only He can show us the truth of others and of ourselves. David was crying out for mercy because he was afraid of those coming after him. Everyday the enemy wants to come after us and persecute us and make us feel guilty and bad for every thing we have done. But once we call out to God He will answer us and make us feel at peace because He is our protector from evil.
Psalm 28:6-7 Praise be to the Lord, for he has heard my cry for mercy. 7 The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in him, and I am helped. My heart leaps for joy and I will give thanks to him in song.
Even if David didn't see results he believed in God and what He was capable of. When we cry for help not only should we believe in action but we need to believe in heart because God knows our hearts. When He sees that our hearts are in the right place than He will answer what we are asking. If our hearts are wrong and we ask, He won't answer because we're not truly believing. If we truly believe its with all our hearts and we can see the future changing in our mind as well, and live at peace believing that God will change everything.
Lord,
Examine my heart and see what it really is. Take out all the bad and make me known as someone who is true and holy before you. I am not perfect and sin everyday but I want to live a pure life and be at peace with you forever.
I love you Always, Amen
I love God more than anything in this world. I am not perfect and mess up from time to time. Though my heart is true and He knows it.
Tuesday, February 26, 2008
Monday, February 25, 2008
On the Inside
Mark 4:11-12 He told them, "The secret of the kingdom of God has been given to you. But to those on the outside everything is said in parables 12 so that, "'they may be ever seeing but never perceiving, and ever hearing but never understanding; otherwise they might turn and be forgiven!'"
Jesus wanted his disciples to know the secrets because He was not going to be there for them to explain every little thing. He needed them to know all there was so they would be able to go out and teach how He was teaching. People on the outside of Christianity can read the Bible but not understand it. They can hear a sermon and not be touched, see a miracle and not care. And thats what Jesus was talking about the people on the "outside". Because if those people were on the inside than they would be perceiving, understanding, and want forgiveness. God has called everyone but not everyone has chosen to listen to that calling. Which means they have chosen not to understand everything God has given to them.
The Pharisees wanted to know more about Jesus but their minds were closed. They wanted to hear what suited them therefore they were not able to hear everything God was trying to tell them. Many people are like that today, ignorant and closed-minded. They want to learn more about God but they want to do it their way, the way that they feel comfortable with. They want to be a Christian but don't want to go to church, They want to be a leader but don't want to listen to an authority, they want to serve but only the places that they can be seen. God wants us to fulfill His calling and be ready for anything. Thats what it means to be on the inside.
Lord,
Thank you for putting me on the inside, i know if i was on the outside i would be lost and blinded by the world. You have always been gracious to me and i cannot even begin to comprehend why or even give back what you have given to me. You are the highest God above all the world and there is absolutely no one like You.
I love you Always, Amen.
Jesus wanted his disciples to know the secrets because He was not going to be there for them to explain every little thing. He needed them to know all there was so they would be able to go out and teach how He was teaching. People on the outside of Christianity can read the Bible but not understand it. They can hear a sermon and not be touched, see a miracle and not care. And thats what Jesus was talking about the people on the "outside". Because if those people were on the inside than they would be perceiving, understanding, and want forgiveness. God has called everyone but not everyone has chosen to listen to that calling. Which means they have chosen not to understand everything God has given to them.
The Pharisees wanted to know more about Jesus but their minds were closed. They wanted to hear what suited them therefore they were not able to hear everything God was trying to tell them. Many people are like that today, ignorant and closed-minded. They want to learn more about God but they want to do it their way, the way that they feel comfortable with. They want to be a Christian but don't want to go to church, They want to be a leader but don't want to listen to an authority, they want to serve but only the places that they can be seen. God wants us to fulfill His calling and be ready for anything. Thats what it means to be on the inside.
Lord,
Thank you for putting me on the inside, i know if i was on the outside i would be lost and blinded by the world. You have always been gracious to me and i cannot even begin to comprehend why or even give back what you have given to me. You are the highest God above all the world and there is absolutely no one like You.
I love you Always, Amen.
Thursday, February 14, 2008
Surrender
Acts 21:11-14 11 Coming over to us, he took Paul's belt, tied his own hands and feet with it and said, "The Holy Spirit says, 'In this way the Jews of Jerusalem will bind the owner of this belt and will hand him over to the Gentiles.'" 12 When we heard this, we and the people there pleaded with Paul not to go up to Jerusalem. 13 Then Paul answered, "Why are you weeping and breaking my heart? I am ready not only to be bound, but also to die in Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus." 14 When he would not be dissuaded, we gave up and said, "The Lord's will be done."
Things happen in our life because God permits it. He has told us that our walk with Him will not be an easy one but it will be rewarding. Paul had no fear for his life. He knew at any time he could die. He knew that the way he was going to die was a harsh one, but he was ready because he trusted God in everything. He knew the cause for his death would be one of purpose not one in vain. Paul didn't care about people feeling bad for him, all he wanted was for them to know Christ and have a relationship with him. He knew his purpose in life and was living it to the full extent, there was nothing that would stop him.
Our lives need to be put in Gods way so we can also know His will for our lives and live it to the fullest extent. God has plans for us, plans to prosper, to live, to love, to have joy, to give, to receive, but the only way we can know those plans is if we surrender all to him. All that hinders us in knowing Him. Surrender all that keeps us away from hearing His voice. God has called us to do bigger things, bigger than what our minds can think of and handle. He wants us to go to higher places and know more things. To learn more about Him and this world so we can go out and reach all those people that don't know Him.
God,
There are things in my life that i think that are hindering me, but i don't know if its me that thinks that or if its you telling me. Lord, be clear with me today so i can put those things in your hands and get rid of all distractions and hinderances. I want to know you more intimately and seek your face more often. You are God in the heavens and the God in my heart. Rule my heart like you rule heaven.
I love you Always
Amen
Things happen in our life because God permits it. He has told us that our walk with Him will not be an easy one but it will be rewarding. Paul had no fear for his life. He knew at any time he could die. He knew that the way he was going to die was a harsh one, but he was ready because he trusted God in everything. He knew the cause for his death would be one of purpose not one in vain. Paul didn't care about people feeling bad for him, all he wanted was for them to know Christ and have a relationship with him. He knew his purpose in life and was living it to the full extent, there was nothing that would stop him.
Our lives need to be put in Gods way so we can also know His will for our lives and live it to the fullest extent. God has plans for us, plans to prosper, to live, to love, to have joy, to give, to receive, but the only way we can know those plans is if we surrender all to him. All that hinders us in knowing Him. Surrender all that keeps us away from hearing His voice. God has called us to do bigger things, bigger than what our minds can think of and handle. He wants us to go to higher places and know more things. To learn more about Him and this world so we can go out and reach all those people that don't know Him.
God,
There are things in my life that i think that are hindering me, but i don't know if its me that thinks that or if its you telling me. Lord, be clear with me today so i can put those things in your hands and get rid of all distractions and hinderances. I want to know you more intimately and seek your face more often. You are God in the heavens and the God in my heart. Rule my heart like you rule heaven.
I love you Always
Amen
Friday, February 8, 2008
Humble Me
Acts 15:9-11 He made no distinction between us and them, for he purified their hearts by faith. 10 Now then, why do you try to test God by putting on the necks of the disciples a yoke that neither we nor our fathers have been able to bear? 11 No! We believe it is through the grace of our Lord Jesus that we are saved, just as they are."
Peter was making a stand for the Gentiles that were just saved. They were not familiar with the Jews traditions and just decided to live a new life. When Jesus came to save us He didn't bombard us with a bunch of rules and regulations, He came with love. Peter and the other disciples were trying to convey this so the gentiles could live a Christian life and its worth living. The Pharisees wanted them to live like they lived but there was so much to do that it could've made them want to change their minds.
Christianity is not as complex as people make it out to be. Its actually very simple. God created us, He sent His son to die for our sins, we shouldn't sin, and love God and have a relationship with Him. Our joy and salvation comes from Him therefore we should rejoice in what He has given us. We are Gentiles saved by grace by mercy by love and by death on the cross. Jesus only sees our hearts, not our faces and skin...He sees whats on the inside and thats how we are distinguished. Instead of trying to put so many rules and punishments on people, its time to raise them up and love them like Jesus does. We shouldn't put so much pressure on people or else they will leave God, people is what makes other people step away from God.
Lord,
I come before you as a vessel wanting to be used by you. I know I can be judgemental, harsh, and stubborn. I ask that you trade those in for love, compassion, and faith. You are the only one that can change me and make me into not only a better person but a better pastor, shephard, leader, servant, helper. God humble me all the days of my life.
I love you Always
Amen
Peter was making a stand for the Gentiles that were just saved. They were not familiar with the Jews traditions and just decided to live a new life. When Jesus came to save us He didn't bombard us with a bunch of rules and regulations, He came with love. Peter and the other disciples were trying to convey this so the gentiles could live a Christian life and its worth living. The Pharisees wanted them to live like they lived but there was so much to do that it could've made them want to change their minds.
Christianity is not as complex as people make it out to be. Its actually very simple. God created us, He sent His son to die for our sins, we shouldn't sin, and love God and have a relationship with Him. Our joy and salvation comes from Him therefore we should rejoice in what He has given us. We are Gentiles saved by grace by mercy by love and by death on the cross. Jesus only sees our hearts, not our faces and skin...He sees whats on the inside and thats how we are distinguished. Instead of trying to put so many rules and punishments on people, its time to raise them up and love them like Jesus does. We shouldn't put so much pressure on people or else they will leave God, people is what makes other people step away from God.
Lord,
I come before you as a vessel wanting to be used by you. I know I can be judgemental, harsh, and stubborn. I ask that you trade those in for love, compassion, and faith. You are the only one that can change me and make me into not only a better person but a better pastor, shephard, leader, servant, helper. God humble me all the days of my life.
I love you Always
Amen
Thursday, February 7, 2008
Breathe
Acts 14:19-20 Then some Jews came from Antioch and Iconium and won the crowd over. They stoned Paul and dragged him outside the city, thinking he was dead. 20 But after the disciples had gathered around him, he got up and went back into the city. The next day he and Barnabas left for Derbe.
Every time there is something good that happens for the kingdom of God, the enemy wants to come and break it up. He wants to clear us out and confuse us with his nonsense. The people here were ready to know God more. They were confused but they would have turned from their old way if Paul and Barnabas had more time to explain and distinguish between God and the gods that they believed in. Many people want to come and be instruments of the enemy and be used by him because thats the easy route. Its easy to be used by him because he wants to use everyone. God calls everyone but not all listen. The men that came to overbear the others were being used by the enemy and they knew it too. Stoning and death is not from God. They were living their old life and wanted the rest of the people to live that way.
God wants us to learn new things and be new people. He doesn't want us to live the old life we once did. He doesn't want us to believe in what we once did but move on to greener pastures and bigger things. He wants us to have a new heart and to be kinder, nicer, more loving and joyful. Paul and Barnabas were tired of the confusion and deaths but they knew that they had to keep on going and keep on doing the will of God. They never knew when their last breath was coming but when they had a breath they used it and never took it for granted.
God,
I thank you for the breath you give me. All the love and peace you pour upon my heart. You are the greatest and only God on this earth and nothing or no one can take your place. I thank you for your love in my heart because I know that no matter what I can go on knowing you are guiding me.
I love you Always
Amen
Every time there is something good that happens for the kingdom of God, the enemy wants to come and break it up. He wants to clear us out and confuse us with his nonsense. The people here were ready to know God more. They were confused but they would have turned from their old way if Paul and Barnabas had more time to explain and distinguish between God and the gods that they believed in. Many people want to come and be instruments of the enemy and be used by him because thats the easy route. Its easy to be used by him because he wants to use everyone. God calls everyone but not all listen. The men that came to overbear the others were being used by the enemy and they knew it too. Stoning and death is not from God. They were living their old life and wanted the rest of the people to live that way.
God wants us to learn new things and be new people. He doesn't want us to live the old life we once did. He doesn't want us to believe in what we once did but move on to greener pastures and bigger things. He wants us to have a new heart and to be kinder, nicer, more loving and joyful. Paul and Barnabas were tired of the confusion and deaths but they knew that they had to keep on going and keep on doing the will of God. They never knew when their last breath was coming but when they had a breath they used it and never took it for granted.
God,
I thank you for the breath you give me. All the love and peace you pour upon my heart. You are the greatest and only God on this earth and nothing or no one can take your place. I thank you for your love in my heart because I know that no matter what I can go on knowing you are guiding me.
I love you Always
Amen
Monday, February 4, 2008
Fall in Love again
Psalm 19:12-13 Who can discern his errors? Forgive my hidden faults. 13 Keep your servant also from willful sins; may they not rule over me. Then will I be blameless, innocent of great transgression.
David was a great king filled with everything he could ever ask. He was rich, handsome and smart. But one thing he had that not every king had was humbleness and a heart for God. Some of the greatest people in the world are th e most humble.
Theres a story about Joyce Meyer when her and her husband went to a restaurant and their waitress was new and she kept on getting everything wrong and she spilled drinks on her and was very embarrassed. But instead of Joyce getting mad and angry, complaining adn screaming, she was nice to the waitress. And even left her a tip...Now after everything happened the waitress noticed who Joyce Meyers was and thanked her for being patient with her...and most likely won a soul that day.
Every day in every situation God is watching us. No matter where we are and who we are God wants our hearts to be right. When we do something wrong sometimes we don't think they are wrong because we have our own opinions about certain things. But in certain ways God thinks they are wrong and He has to tell us when we mess up. We're not always going to discern our issues the right way which is why we need to be close to Him, so He can help us.
David asked for forgiveness even for those things that he didn't know were wrong. Every day I have to ask for forgiveness cause I don't always know my sins. I need to pray every morning to get Gods opinion for my day and to help me get through it the best way possible. Its not easy to pray every morning especially when i'm extra tired and want to sleep just a little bit more, but I know I have to do it.
Lord,
I want to be blameless in your sight. I want my heart to be upright before your eyes. I want you to be happy with who I am and not wait for who I will be. I know I have failed and I ask in front of all who read this, forgiveness for my sins, hidden and open ones. I want to be strong before you and I want to know you better each day. I want to fall in love with you more each day each time I read your word I learn something new about you. Love me Lord for who I am because I am your child. You created me with your own hands, and I thank you for that.
I love you Always
Amen
David was a great king filled with everything he could ever ask. He was rich, handsome and smart. But one thing he had that not every king had was humbleness and a heart for God. Some of the greatest people in the world are th e most humble.
Theres a story about Joyce Meyer when her and her husband went to a restaurant and their waitress was new and she kept on getting everything wrong and she spilled drinks on her and was very embarrassed. But instead of Joyce getting mad and angry, complaining adn screaming, she was nice to the waitress. And even left her a tip...Now after everything happened the waitress noticed who Joyce Meyers was and thanked her for being patient with her...and most likely won a soul that day.
Every day in every situation God is watching us. No matter where we are and who we are God wants our hearts to be right. When we do something wrong sometimes we don't think they are wrong because we have our own opinions about certain things. But in certain ways God thinks they are wrong and He has to tell us when we mess up. We're not always going to discern our issues the right way which is why we need to be close to Him, so He can help us.
David asked for forgiveness even for those things that he didn't know were wrong. Every day I have to ask for forgiveness cause I don't always know my sins. I need to pray every morning to get Gods opinion for my day and to help me get through it the best way possible. Its not easy to pray every morning especially when i'm extra tired and want to sleep just a little bit more, but I know I have to do it.
Lord,
I want to be blameless in your sight. I want my heart to be upright before your eyes. I want you to be happy with who I am and not wait for who I will be. I know I have failed and I ask in front of all who read this, forgiveness for my sins, hidden and open ones. I want to be strong before you and I want to know you better each day. I want to fall in love with you more each day each time I read your word I learn something new about you. Love me Lord for who I am because I am your child. You created me with your own hands, and I thank you for that.
I love you Always
Amen
2/2/2008 Only With You
Exodus 33:15-16 33:15 Then Moses said to him, "If your Presence does not go with us, do not send us up from here. 16 How will anyone know that you are pleased with me and with your people unless you go with us? What else will distinguish me and your people from all the other people on the face of the earth?"
Moses knew the importance of Gods presence with him. God was the very being of his existence. If Moses didn't have God, he had nothing. If God wasn't with Moses there would be no meaning and purpose of his life. He would be going around with nothing in his heart or on his plate. He would be going around with nothing in his heart or on his plate. He would wander around aimlessly trying to save these people and would've failed. God knew Moses' heart and was pleased that it was one after His own.
People see others surface while God is always in the heart. Which means I need to keep my heart real. Moses was real with God: insecure, weak, lonely. And wanted God to fill those voids and He told God I can't do this without you. He told God that He is nothing without Him and no one will listen to Him or pay attention without Gods presence. It's Gods presence that makes us stronger and more powerful it's Gods presence that puts us in a different position.
God,
Restore my heart because you're the only one that can do it. Help me to be that person that searches for you all the days of my life. I know my heart needs work and only you can do that. Only with you can I face my fears. Only with you I can go and do your will. Only with you will others listen to me and believe my surface because you are in the center.
I love you Always
Amen
Moses knew the importance of Gods presence with him. God was the very being of his existence. If Moses didn't have God, he had nothing. If God wasn't with Moses there would be no meaning and purpose of his life. He would be going around with nothing in his heart or on his plate. He would be going around with nothing in his heart or on his plate. He would wander around aimlessly trying to save these people and would've failed. God knew Moses' heart and was pleased that it was one after His own.
People see others surface while God is always in the heart. Which means I need to keep my heart real. Moses was real with God: insecure, weak, lonely. And wanted God to fill those voids and He told God I can't do this without you. He told God that He is nothing without Him and no one will listen to Him or pay attention without Gods presence. It's Gods presence that makes us stronger and more powerful it's Gods presence that puts us in a different position.
God,
Restore my heart because you're the only one that can do it. Help me to be that person that searches for you all the days of my life. I know my heart needs work and only you can do that. Only with you can I face my fears. Only with you I can go and do your will. Only with you will others listen to me and believe my surface because you are in the center.
I love you Always
Amen
Friday, February 1, 2008
Ultimate Escape
Exodus 32:4,6 He took what they handed him and made it into an idol cast in the shape of a calf, fashioning it with a tool. Then they said, "These are your gods, O Israel, who brought you up out of Egypt." 6 So the next day the people rose early and sacrificed burnt offerings and presented fellowship offerings. Afterward they sat down to eat and drink and got up to indulge in revelry.
When God makes leaders and puts people in certain positions, its because He believes in them. Aaron was chosen not to be a leader, but to help his brother Moses. Moses didn't think he was good enough to be believed by the Israelites so God put Aaron there to help him. But we see here why Aaron wasn't chosen as the key leader. He was weak and didn't stand his ground. He allowed the people to make the decisions instead of being firm in the Word of God like Moses. Moses was out praying getting more from God while Aaron was hanging out with the people listening to them and seeing what they wanted instead of what God wanted.
That happens to a lot of leaders, we try to please others more than God. Thats one of my weaknesses. People become my top priority. The Israelites woke up early to party and worship some stupid gold calf but if God would call them to get up early they push Him aside because they knew He was there, they took Him for granted. I wake up early if I have work, an appointment, or somewhere to go, but when its time to get up early for prayer, I fail...Maybe because in the back of my mind I know that God will always be there, but thats me taking Him for granted. I know that God will always be there but I can't think of Him as a doctor...just call when i need to.
We are not to be like the Israelites, but to be like true followers of Christ. I am to be someone different, unique, following the path of God. I haven't always made the right choices but I know through the blood of Christ and the cross that was hung I can start anew. I can be cleansed, white as snow.
Father,
I thank you for your cross and your blood. You have shown me that life is more than material things. Keep speaking to me and revealing to me the truth of your word and the truth of my life. God you are my ultimate escape, the one person I can always turn to, the one I can count on, the one i can seek the truth from without feeling bad.
I love you Always
Amen
When God makes leaders and puts people in certain positions, its because He believes in them. Aaron was chosen not to be a leader, but to help his brother Moses. Moses didn't think he was good enough to be believed by the Israelites so God put Aaron there to help him. But we see here why Aaron wasn't chosen as the key leader. He was weak and didn't stand his ground. He allowed the people to make the decisions instead of being firm in the Word of God like Moses. Moses was out praying getting more from God while Aaron was hanging out with the people listening to them and seeing what they wanted instead of what God wanted.
That happens to a lot of leaders, we try to please others more than God. Thats one of my weaknesses. People become my top priority. The Israelites woke up early to party and worship some stupid gold calf but if God would call them to get up early they push Him aside because they knew He was there, they took Him for granted. I wake up early if I have work, an appointment, or somewhere to go, but when its time to get up early for prayer, I fail...Maybe because in the back of my mind I know that God will always be there, but thats me taking Him for granted. I know that God will always be there but I can't think of Him as a doctor...just call when i need to.
We are not to be like the Israelites, but to be like true followers of Christ. I am to be someone different, unique, following the path of God. I haven't always made the right choices but I know through the blood of Christ and the cross that was hung I can start anew. I can be cleansed, white as snow.
Father,
I thank you for your cross and your blood. You have shown me that life is more than material things. Keep speaking to me and revealing to me the truth of your word and the truth of my life. God you are my ultimate escape, the one person I can always turn to, the one I can count on, the one i can seek the truth from without feeling bad.
I love you Always
Amen
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