4/28/09 I was a Pharisee

Matthew 15:11-13 What goes into a man's mouth does not make him 'unclean,' but what comes out of his mouth, that is what makes him 'unclean.' "12Then the disciples came to him and asked, "Do you know that the Pharisees were offended when they heard this?" 13He replied, "Every plant that my heavenly Father has not planted will be pulled up by the roots.

The disciples were still worried what the religious people thought. Jesus didn't care if they were offended or didn't understand. He had his reason to be on earth and He was going to fulfill it with or without their permission. Jesus rocked their thinking with this statement because it meant not only the food they ate but the people they were affiliated with, the things that they did. It meant they didn't have to be ashamed to be seen with a certain type of person or to do certain thing. Jesus was merely saying you can do just about anything but not everything is good for you and whatever isn't Gods - He will take it out of you.

In today's world there are still those Pharisees that don't accept the concept of being free. But on the other hand there are some Christians who take this way too far. Jesus came to make us free, free in Him - free to eat what we want, dress the way we want, hang out with who we want, say what we want, do what we want. And even though there is this great freedom, He also says be careful with what comes out because of it. Because if something bad and perverted comes out than that's not God. If you help tempt someone because of your freedom that's not God. And He will pull all whats displeasing to him out of the heart to set us straight again.

I had to learn this the hard way because i used to be a Pharisee. I didn't hang out with certain people or watch certain things because i thought they weren't holy enough. But God even took that out of my heart straight from the root and showed me it wasn't them that were wrong - it was me. Jesus came to save those people and i had to see that by God offending me.

Lord-
Thank you for letting me see you for who you are. I know i haven't done all the right things but i want you to know that I'm gonna be free and smart about my decisions. My heart and my mouth are yours and i only want your words to come. Guide me God to do the right things and be the instrument you need me to be.
I forever love you
Amen

Your mercy

Matthew 9:12-13 On hearing this, Jesus said, "It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. 13But go and learn what this means: 'I desire mercy, not sacrifice.' For I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners."

The religious don't understand the concept of mercy before sacrifice. The Pharisees thought their good works, their prayer time, their flee from sin would make them better people. But Jesus didn't and still doesn't want the righteous attitudes but the real ones. He wants the crying and humble hearts.

When Jesus called us to be His own, He didn't want those people who needed to be right or perfect but wanted who knew they sin all the time and can deal with it. I had to learn that the hard way. I always tried to be perfect and fit a certain mold and when I didn't or when others didn't, it was over. God wasn't with me or with them. Christianity was in a box for me and i was missing out on a world that God wanted me to see. Not necessarily one i had to follow but just see so i could relax and be free.

Lord,
I know you wanted me to see different things but at times i took it too far and for that I am sorry. I want to be free yet pleasing to you. Help me to see you in all that i am a part of.
I forever love you.
Amen

Armor Bearer

1 Samuel 14:7 "Do all that you have in mind," his armor-bearer said. "Go ahead; I am with you heart and soul."

Jonathan's armor bearer got it right. He knew what it meant to back up his leader. He knew how to be guided and to follow the one God had anointed as leader. Everyone is called to be a leader in one way or another but its only when you first learn how to follow to really be that leader God has called you to be.

Many people want to be in charge of something. The responsibility, the glory of winning or being successful is exhilarating. However, if you lead nothing or no one your not a true leader. A good leader knows how to delegate, has compassion, and has people who want to follow him/her and not forced to follow. People will be drawn to a good leader and each leader should have an armor bearer. Someone they can count on with their life. This person is someone they can trust to love them and protect them in all aspects of life.

2 Corinthians 13:9-10b
9 We are glad whenever we are weak but you are strong; and our prayer is for your perfection. 10b the authority the Lord gave me for building you up, not for tearing you down.

Leaders are to build up their people and armor bearers are their to accept the leadership. An armor bearer is being prepped for leadership to see what kind of leader they are to be. If an armor cannot be trusted they should step down. A team is made up of one leader and many armor bearers. I am an armor bearer, I am a person of trust, compassion, open mindedness, and God. I am not perfect but someone who takes pride in my work and the help i give out.

Lord,
Thank you for making me an armor bearer. Allow me to be the one my leader can count on for anything. Give me the strength to keep going and being a better leader. Forgive me for my sins and everything that doesn't please you. I love you.
I forever love you
Amen

4/2/09 Aroma

2 Corinthians 2:15 For we are to God the aroma of Christ among those who are being saved and those who are perishing.

When someone smells something good they follow it to know what it is. When Jesus walked the earth His followers and haters wanted to know more about Him. There was an aroma that captured them to want more.

And today in God we have the aroma of Christ. When I am guided by Him others smell something sweet and want more of it. And whether one believes in Christ or not the smell is still there and the curiosity is also present. When I allow God in to lead me He spreads His fragrance around to let the world know that i am carrying Him in my heart.

Lord,
spread your fragrance to this world. Use me as an instrument to the saved and non-saved. Today is a new day and I am prepared for what you have for me. Keep guiding me because without you i am just a blind girl with no path.
I forever love you
Amen

3/30/09 Deep Water

Psalm 42:1-2 As the deer pants for streams of water, so my soul pants for you, O God.
2 My soul thirsts for God, for the living God. When can I go and meet with God?

Thousands of years ago and today people still need God more than ever. People will always have a thirst for more and that thirst should be focused on God alone.

v.7-8 Deep calls to deep in the roar of your waterfalls; all your waves and breakers have swept over me. 8 By day the LORD directs his love, at night his song is with me— a prayer to the God of my life.

When I am thirsty an focused God meets me. When I am in the middle of a crowd and distracted, God meets me. He is constantly reminding me about His love because He knows how important it is for me to feel loved.

Lord,
Pour over me your love as water easily falls on my skin. Endure me as my Father and first love because without you i would be a lost being in this world. Keep me close to you. I forever love you
Amen