You were always there

Numbers 5-6; Psalm 22; Acts 26

Psalm 22:9-10 Yet you brought me out of the womb; you made me trust in you even at my mother's breast.

¹⁰ From birth I was cast upon you; from my mother's womb you have been my God.

All along God had a purpose. He brought me out of my moms stomach. He took care of me, kept me healthy and whole. He was my God even when i didn't even know it. God has been there all along. Some get mad at God because they can't feel Him or see Him but if He was with us when we couldn't talk or hardly move why would He leave us when we can dedicate our whole lives to Him?

Acts 26: 28-29

Then Agrippa said to Paul, "Do you think that in such a short time you can persuade me to be a Christian?"

²⁹Paul replied, "Short time or long—I pray God that not only you but all who are listening to me today may become what I am, except for these chains."

If God knew us in the womb and is our God in everything, why are there people who choose otherwise? Unfortunately the world is perverted with wrong choices. And God saw us in the womb our innocence and purity than choices of other and our own changed our relationship with Him. now that i know God and love Him as my choice it is my turn to be like Paul and let the rest of the world know about a loving and forgiving God who changed my life and is constantly changing me.

There is a real enemy out there who wants to destroy that purity and our hard work that it took to be a good Christian. But there is also an even stronger God who wants to fight for us as long as we allow Him.

Lord,

Thank you for fighting for me and my family. For constantly being there by my side and loving me. You are my protector, my Savior, my King and my Father. You are everything to me today, yesterday and forever.

I forever love you always

Amen

I Don't Regret by Barlow Girls

They’re telling me they’re concerned for the way I am living
That I’ll miss it all why would I think that God is that trusting

I can’t explain all the words He has spoken to my heart
Why I’d want him more

And I don’t regret choosing you
And I’m not ashamed That it’s you who holds my heart

Why do we think if we trust God too much He will fail us
Nothing has come when I chose that in me I’d trust

Separate me you have called out to follow you blindly
I won’t fear you’re leading me

You have shown my ever wandering heart what love is
What on earth is more important than to have all of you

Only when its Convenient

Numbers 1-2; Acts 24

Acts 24:25 As Paul discoursed on righteousness, self-control and the judgment to come, Felix was afraid and said, "That's enough for now! You may leave. When I find it convenient, I will send for you."

This sounds so familiar in so many words "when its convenient for me" or "I'll call you don't call me" or " don't worry I'll see you around". There are so many excuses we all give when we're afraid. No one wants to be afraid, no one wants to fear something or someone. When it comes to God many people don't follow Him cause they are afraid of His authority and His commands. Afraid they can't follow them, afraid they are in the wrong and instead of facing God and finding out who He is they run away.

I believe at one point we are all afraid. I'm afraid too sometimes. Afraid i don't do enough yet afraid i do too much. Afraid I'm more Martha than Mary. I was always afraid i wouldn't graduate high school even though i got good grades. I was afraid i wasn't good enough. And sometimes the enemy tries to bring back those insecurities but since I'm not afraid of being with God or not afraid of declaring who He is in my life, the devil ain't go nothing on me. I mess up I do wrong instead of right but i love God and He knows my heart better than anyone.

Lord,
Thank you for your love. Don't ever allow me to run away in fear. I am more than a conqueror and my strength is in you, your word, your love and your grace.
I forever love you always
Amen

You Keep changing Me

Leviticus 26-27; Acts 23

Acts 23: 29 I found that the accusation had to do with questions about their law, but there was no charge against him that deserved death or imprisonment.

When we know why Christ died and for whom and read why Paul didn't die this time it all makes sense. Jesus dies because men didn't like what he had to say or proclaim. The same thing happened with Paul but God knew that this wasn't for Paul. Jesus dies for our sins, he sacrificed his life for a cause, for his people, for the truth. Paul would've done that in an instant but God knew that wasn't his purpose at that time.

v.11 The following night the Lord stood near Paul and said, "Take courage! As you have testified about me in Jerusalem, so you must also testify in Rome."

God had more plans for Paul. As he does for me. There are times when i think its done, I'm done, what else can i do for God. And then He shows me all the work that needs to be done. There's big work like missions around the world. To little work like calling a new person to see hoe their walk with God is. But whatever it is its in my purpose and plan that God has for me. And all He wants to tell me is to take courage and move forward to where He wants me.

Lord,
thank you for always having new things for me. A new and fresh word, a new look at life. A new heart and spirit. You are the only one that can renew me from the inside out.
I forever love you Always
Amen

Wheres my Faith?

Leviticus 18-19; Psalm 13; Acts 19

Acts 19:15-16
(One day) the evil spirit answered them, "Jesus I know, and I know about Paul, but who are you?" ¹⁶Then the man who had the evil spirit jumped on them and overpowered them all. He gave them such a beating that they ran out of the house naked and bleeding.

Even though evil spirits are ruled by the devil they still know the great power of God. But when someone claims to be Gods instrument but really isn't they are capable of being overpowered by the devil. Only God can beat the devil, we can't do it alone so he is able to beat us as he did to the men who pretended to be Gods instrument.

Any of us can be used by God but the authority we have is based on our relationship with Him. Where is my heart? Does it fully trust Gods capability of the impossible to become possible? Or is my faith by words alone? Those are the questions we all need to ask ourselves. Where is my faith? Is it with me? Or is it with God?
Lord,
My faith is in you. Its in your word, in your promises, in your love. Forgive me if i don't believe sometimes but search my heart because there is where you will be.
I forever love you always
Amen

2/11/10 Never Stop Talking

Leviticus 15-17; Acts 18

Acts 18:6 But when the Jews opposed Paul and became abusive, he shook out his clothes in protest and said to them, "Your blood be on your own heads! I am clear of my responsibility. From now on I will go to the Gentiles."

Paul was a warrior. He knew his missions and dove in head first. During his mission to spread the word he learned about culture and how certain people reacted to the gospel.

In every ones life there comes a point and time where you want to give up, it could be on something or someone. When ministering or even just presenting something i want some sort of respect. Even if people don't fully believe me its OK but don't disrespect me. And Paul was feeling the same way. All he wanted was respect and he wanted to give up on the Jews. They thought they knew it all so all they wanted to do was fight.

Later in the story god tells Paul no to give up. Things looked bad there but God didn't call Paul to get beat down but to save souls even the Jews. God doesn't want me to give up. If people don't want to listen that's fine but it doesn't mean I'll stop talking.

Lord,
Thank you for giving me a voice. I know i need to use it more and i will. You brought your word to be told and i am your instrument. Use me, guide me to your straight path.
I forever love you always
Amen

Thank God for Jesus

Leviticus 10-12; Acts 16

Leviticus 12: 2b; 4-7a 'A woman who becomes pregnant and gives birth to a son will be ceremonially unclean for seven days, just as she is unclean during her monthly period. ³ On the eighth day the boy is to be circumcised. ⁴ Then the woman must wait thirty-three days to be purified from her bleeding. She must not touch anything sacred or go to the sanctuary until the days of her purification are over. ⁵ If she gives birth to a daughter, for two weeks the woman will be unclean, as during her period. Then she must wait sixty-six days to be purified from her bleeding. ⁶ " 'When the days of her purification for a son or daughter are over, she is to bring to the priest at the entrance to the Tent of Meeting a year-old lamb for a burnt offering and a young pigeon or a dove for a sin offering. ⁷ He shall offer them before the LORD to make atonement for her, and then she will be ceremonially clean from her flow of blood.
The Old Testament is full of rules and do this if this happens and do that if this comes up. Its actually a book of "i think this will work so lets try it out." There were offerings for just about everything sin, guilt, burnt, etc. There had to be an offering when women had their monthly period, something we can't control. We were unclean longer if we had a girl which seemed like a deeper sin, which is something we couldn't control. It just seemed women were unclean , dirty just because they were women - something WE CAN'T CONTROL!

But i believe God decided enough is enough! No more this or that but hash it out all in one. That is why i thank God for Jesus. Men and women are equals yet differ in so many ways. But Jesus sees women and hold them in the highest regard. In the New Testament He doesn't mention about periods or birth offerings. Only about love and mercy. He threw out all the rules and regulations and brought in freedom to live especially with things we can't control. God didn't get it wrong, He just did things because the generation and culture needed it that way to stay in order, And Jesus came in for the new generation because He knew something needed to change to keep the Gospel fresh and new.

Father,
Thank you for Jesus for bringing him into the world and rocking it forever. Thank you for allowing your word to be fresh in ever generation because you know what we all need to keep going. You are the most creative and awesome living God and thank you for being you.
I forever love you always
Amen

Your Word

Leviticus 7-9; Acts 15

Acts 15:8-10 God, who knows the heart, showed that he accepted them by giving the Holy Spirit to them, just as he did to us. ⁹He made no distinction between us and them, for he purified their hearts by faith. ¹⁰Now 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?

A couple weeks ago i was approached by Jehovahs witnesses that were trying to change my mind about how i should and my view on God. They even said "we'll come back to see if you changed your mind". People who know God aren't to change minds but are called to change lives. Paul knew that since the beginning of time there have been people who say they love God but all they do is judge and point fingers. Thats not Gods real love. Paul wanted to show every type of person the real love from God.

The Pharisees were men that were hypocrites and truly weren't free. They didn't know the extension of Gods love because they thought they should be the only ones because they were circumcised. When someone knows the extension of Gods love like Paul they would go where God calls them to teach every man, woman, and child.

v.19 It is my judgment, therefore, that we should not make it difficult for the Gentiles who are turning to God

Presenting Gods word should be easy and simple. Sometimes I read it and don't understand . But when i have a new or non believer in front of me God wants me to make it simple for them to read ans exciting that there are treasures waiting for them. This also requires me to get into the word, know it and love it.

Father,
Thank you for your word. Thank you for giving me a guide to live by so i can know you better every day. Keep showing me your secrets so i can share them with the world.
I forever love you always
Amen

Check Point

Exodus 39, 40; Psalm 15; Acts 12

Psalm 15 LORD, who may dwell in your sanctuary? Who may live on your holy hill?

² He whose walk is blameless
and who does what is righteous,
who speaks the truth from his heart

³ and has no slander on his tongue,
who does his neighbor no wrong
and casts no slur on his fellowman,

⁴ who despises a vile man
but honors those who fear the LORD,
who keeps his oath
even when it hurts,

⁵ who lends his money without usury
and does not accept a bribe against the innocent.
He who does these things
will never be shaken.

i might read this and think how can i be blameless all the time, I'm human and make mistakes all the time, will i still be able to be next to God in heaven? The answer is yes! When God searches us its through the heart. He wants our hearts to be good and pure. He wants us to make the right decisions in life: Search for God, talk about Him, don't gossip, be honest and good to our neighbors/friends, don't talk about people behind their backs, be disgusted by the wicked and admire people of God, be a person of their word even when it most hurts, let people borrow money or anything without expecting anything back, and don't hurt the innocent on purpose.

God sees our heart and who we really are to see if we can be in His presence because it will be whats in our hearts that will remain in heaven. And it will be whats in our hearts that will be exposed on earth.

Its time to check my heart. Everyday should be a check time. A time to see id I'm OK to go out in the world and let people know I'm a Christian. If I'm the opposite of what David said to be, i shouldn't go outside the door till i allow God to mold me because the moire I'm out there the more damage my true being will make and the more people will want to be away from God instead of closer to Him.

Father,
Check my heart. Am i in the right or wrong? Because only you know the inner truth. Help me to be a righteous people in your eyes and forgive me for my sins, dishonesty, and hiding. You know all that's in me help me everyday to be a better person for your glory and kingdom. I want to be honest and whole filled with your spirit, love and mercy and grace. I thank you for making me who i am because without you i am nothing.
I forever love you always
Amen

Davids Weakness Prayer

Exodus 37,38; Psalm 19; Acts 11

Psalm 19:12-14 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.

¹⁴ May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart
be pleasing in your sight,
O LORD, my Rock and my Redeemer.

I am guilty of sins i do or do not commit. Even before Jesus came to die for our sins David knew how important it was to receive forgiveness from God. David, a man after Gods own heart, was human and sinned but the difference was that he knew how to capture Gods heart, by being honest with Him.

There are things in my life that i have a weakness for. So much so that they can lead me to sin. But this prayer that David put before God is one I need to make everyday.

(My version of the prayer)

Lord, sometimes i can't discern between right and wrong. Forgive all that i am hiding. Protect me from sins i can easily make, may they not devour me. Because than i can be pure and innocent from my enemies. Every word that leaves my mouth and all you find in my heart and soul may you smile just thinking about me. O Lord, my Rock and my Redeemer; my Savior.

Father,

Thank you for allowing prayers like this to be in your word so i can read and meditate on it. these prayers show me I'm not alone in human weakness but can be built up in your strength and power. You are my Rock, my Redeemer, my Savior. Today and Always

I forever love you always

Amen

Reveal Yourself

Exodus 35,36; Acts 10

Acts 10:34-35 Then Peter began to speak: "I now realize how true it is that God does not show favoritism ³⁵but accepts men from every nation who fear him and do what is right.
After all this time it dawned on Peter that Jesus died for ALL mankind. Even a disciple didn't realize the real reason of Jesus' death. No matter who we are and how close we are to God, His wisdom and knowledge is shown to us at different times in our lives. God keeps teaching us things everyday even if they are plain and simple and obvious. But people like Peter have to see first hand the truth of God to truly understand it.

v.45 The circumcised believers who had come with Peter were astonished that the gift of the Holy Spirit had been poured out even on the Gentiles.

I see so many of Gods wonders and miracles everyday and i read about it but i won't understand it till the time is right. I can read something today and have read it years ago and barely start understanding it now. God has given us the knowledge and ability to understand His word but He won't reveal everything in one sitting. Little by little God shows himself so we won't be overwhelmed. But as we keep studying Him and keep searching He will reveal His true purpose for our lives.

Lord,
Reveal yourself. Reveal who you are and my true purpose. I don't want to be surprised by the obvious but be amazed by your glory and miracles. You are the one true living God.
I forever love you Always
Amen

1/30/10 Always a way Back

Exodus 25-27; Acts 6

Proverbs 30:7-9 "Two things I ask of you, O LORD; do not refuse me before I die:

⁸ Keep falsehood and lies far from me;
give me neither poverty nor riches,
but give me only my daily bread.

⁹ Otherwise, I may have too much and disown you and say, 'Who is the LORD ?' Or I may become poor and steal, and so dishonor the name of my God

Some dreams of people are to be rich. To have all the money in the world because this might take all their problems away. But there is a reason why God permits certain people to have certain things. Some people may not be able to handle the gift that God gave them which is why some people have a certain gift and others don't.

My dream should never be to be rich or get something i don't have. My dream is to be close to God and live by Him. The things of the world could change my heart and view of life. If I'm too rich i could forget to trust in God, if I'm too poor i could neglect God because of bitterness. But God permits only what I can handle.

Lord,
Thank you for putting things in order. You know exactly what we need to make sure we don't forget about You. And if we do there is always a way back. God, you make a way when there is no other way. Keep the impossibilities possible and the difficulties easy. Because through you i can do all things.
I forever love you Always
Amen