Simon

Luke 22:31-32 "Simon, Simon, Satan has asked to sift you as wheat. 32. But I have prayed for you, Simon, that your faith may not fail. And when you have turned back, strengthen your brothers."

Jesus was addressing Peter with his old name. At that very moment He didn't see Peter as a rock but as his old self. satan was asking for Peter but Jesus knew that he would turn into Simon once temptation rose. This shows that God allows satan to tempt us but Jesus goes on the defense for us by praying and telling us to hold on and keep strong. Jesus knew Simon would fall but after that Jesus wanted him to turn back to Peter and help the other disciples to remain like a rock.

22:61-62 The Lord turned and looked straight at Peter. Then Peter remembered the word the Lord had spoken to him: "Before the rooster crows today, you will disown me three times." 62. And he went outside and wept bitterly.

I read the Bible and see all the things i should and shouldn't do yet i do those wrong things. Jesus tells me to hold on and keep my faith yet i find myself sinning over and over again. Yet Jesus is saying after you sin go and help those other sinners so they can remain strong and help even more people. Jesus is praying for me because i can help those that don't know they are sinning, He's praying so i can be like a rock after the hard times come and when they do, if i fall, i will go and weep before God and come out stronger.

Lord,
Make me a rock. A rock that doesn't break so easily. You have made me in your image and i choose to be stronger than before. Even if satan wants me i choose not to allow him in and for you to take me over. God take my life and use it for your kingdom.
I forever love you
Amen

Israel

Luke 21:32-33 "I tell you the truth, this generation[a] will certainly not pass away until all these things have happened. 33Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away.

Ever since the time of Jesus and before the Israelites were hated by everyone. Watching the news today, the same is true. These people are Gods chosen and have remained that since the beginning of time. That is why they are hates and that is why they cannot be wiped from the earth. They are to see the coming of the Lord as it is said by Jesus Himself.

I may not know all of Israels history but i know what is loved by God, i should love as well. Even if it is a whole country. Going to Israel and seeing for myself gave me a new love for these people. Stepping off the plane i just felt God all over and knew this was the chosen land. So even if society said to hate these people i choose not to. i choose to defend them and help them and pray for them because Gods chosen people are the ones that need the most help today as they did thousands of years ago.

Father,
I sit here today thinking about my trip to Israel. Meeting your people, talking to them and falling in love with a country that's not mine. I pray for Israel this morning for their safety and that they rise up for the occasion and never back down. May they be a David to their Goliath and trust solely in You. I bless Israel today and pray that they may find peace in you.
I forever love you
Amen

Righteous vs. Sinners

Luke 15:7 I tell you that in the same way there will be more rejoicing in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who do not need to repent.

Jesus knew the hearts of the men he was talking to. All he wanted from them was for them to change their hearts and be men of their word. God knows our hearts and wants us to be real with ourselves; be real with who we are and expose that. The men were trying to be so righteous that they forgot that they were still sinners.

Some people think why even try to be righteous if God celebrates the sinners? Why should i try to be good if the ones who sin get most of the praise for turning their lives around? My answer is the more you sin the more guilt will eat you up and a party is temporary. When we are good we are not better, we are still sinners. I am a sinner. As long as that is still in our hearts that even though i didn't get into drugs and gangs and had a miraculous change...I am a sinner. And I need to ask for forgiveness every day.

Lord,
You are my judge and my Saviour. Show me the things i need to change in my life and please forgive me for the pain i have caused and for pushing you to the side. You are my guide and shield, protect me this day and forever.
I will forever love you
Amen

1/13/09 Weep with me

Genesis 33:4 But Esau ran to meet Jacob and embraced him; he threw his arms around his neck and kissed him. And they wept.

After so many years of Jacob thinking Esau hated him, Jacob wept in his brothers arms. He was tired from wrestling with God and himself that all he could do at this point was weep. He knew that Esau's hug was the hug of God comforting him and weeping with him.

When we go through a time of trials, god feels our pain. He feels what our hearts feel. He feels what pain is pressing me. He feels the suffering, the shame, the depression, and all He does is weep with me. And the farther i think I'm from Him the closer He gets.

Lord,
weep with me. You know my heart and what i really need. Father, i need you and your shoulder. Be my Saviour today and forever. You are God and i will forever Love you.
Amen.

Beyond Emotions

Genesis 23:14-16 Ephron answered Abraham, 15. "Listen to me, my lord; the land is worth four hundred shekels of silver, but what is that between me and you? Bury your dead." 16.
Abraham agreed to Ephron's terms and weighed out for him the price he had named in the hearing of the Hittites: four hundred shekels of silver, according to the weight current among the merchants.

Reading the Bible can teach some life long lessons. I find it sad when people say this book doesn't have the answers because they are right in front of us. Abraham could've been greedy and taken the land for free because he led these people. He could've let his emotions take over and agreed with Ephron. But he decided to do something different. He didn't want anything hanging over his head or be indebted to someone. He made a choice beyond emotions.

As life passes us by we'll have friends, enemies, and acquaintances. People will love us, hate us or just not care. But as life brings its challenges God brings His wisdom. I can deal with things the wrong way and hurt other but God brings His grace. I can destroy someones hope in me, but God brings His mercy. I can betray those I love but God brings His forgiveness.

Whatever God brings is what our Spirit should follow. Emotions are from God but sometimes they need to be controlled because than we can make decisions based on what we want and not what the Lord wants for us.

Father-
Happy New Year. I know your time is different than mine but you know whats going on. I thank you that you have given me the privilege to have another year, to start over and to work things out. You have given me grace and forgiveness and I couldn't go on without you. You're my Savior and Lord and my Best Friend.

I love you forever
Amen