3/28/10 Real love for Me

Judges 4; 1 Corinthians 13

1 Corinthians 13: 8-10 Love never fails. But where there are prophecies, they will cease; where there are tongues, they will be stilled; where there is knowledge, it will pass away. ⁹For we know in part and we prophesy in part, ¹⁰but when perfection comes, the imperfect disappears

Paul wrote this to the Corinthians because even though they were a rebellious people they needed to know that no matter what, they were loved. They held on to what they learned in school and what they were taught but didn't realize that all knowledge, all material goods will pass away when Jesus comes.

Many people try to act better and be better because of what they know but the only thing they need to hold on to is the love that God gives. My brains won't get me into heaven, my looks, my money, my clothes, my car or makeup won't get me close to God but only my heart and if its filled with love. Real patient, kind, non judgemental love.

Lord,
Thank you for your unconditional love for me. I am a sinner but i want to love like you love. Teach me everyday more and more
I forever love you always
Amen

3/27/10 Germs

Judges 1-3; 1 Corinthians 12

1 Corinthians 12:4-7 There are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit. ⁵There are different kinds of service, but the same Lord. ⁶There are different kinds of working, but the same God works all of them in all men. ⁷Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good.

Germs in the church are people who try to taint the body. They try to make others sick so they can detach themselves. God didn't make germs He made people who can contribute to keep the church afloat.

Paul knew certain people can do certain things. But everyone is going to do something, no one is left doing nothing. If you're not doing anything than find something to do. God did not create laziness, we did. God created teachers, apostles, Prophets, evangelists, healers, interpreters etc. He had a purpose therefore we need to live with that purpose.

Lord,
I am seeking you because you know where i am to be. Take my purpose and make it happen. Le me not be lazy but find stuff to do at all times. Be with me, bring me peace and joy all the days of my life.
I forever love you always
Amen

I choose

Joshua 23-24; Psalm 44; 1 Corinthians 11

Joshua 24:15
But if serving the LORD seems undesirable to you, then choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your forefathers served beyond the River, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you are living. But as for me and my household, we will serve the LORD."

God wants us to choose where we stand = with Him or against Him. He hates it when people are wishy washy about who they want to serve. To God its all or nothing.

In todays culture there are more options that ever before: God, Buddha, John Smith, satan, nature and ourselves. Who am i going to serve? Who am i going to give my life to? Who will i listen to? When i make a choice i look at all the perks and consequences. If i choose God I will go to heaven. I'll have a tough life on earth but also will have the favor of the Lord.
If i choose buddha i will learn how to pray and chant and be one with nature and my surrounding.
If i choose John Smith i will be in a mainy caucasian religion but have no relationship with the God i serve.
If i choose satan i may get power but i will be sent to a lifetime of torture.
If i choose nature well i'll smell like flowers.
If i choose myself, i'll be lonely.

I choose, as Joshua did, to serve God, my Lord, my Savior, my King. Because He loves me, He died for me and i can have a relationship with Him and not be alone.

Lord,
Thank you for your everlasting love. You give me the hope and strength to keep going everyday. You fill me with the love i need to give those people who need it the most. You are the only one i can truly count on and lean on all the days of my life.
I forever love you always
Amen

3/25/2019 It's not for me

Joshua 21-22; Psalm 47; 1 Corinthians 10

1 Corinthians 10:12 So, if you think you are standing firm, be careful that you don't fall!
The corinthians were a church, a people that liked to test the waters. They were like the rebels of the time. Paul knew what they liked and what they were capable of. People like the corinthians need to be spoken to in a firm way. They need to be told "if you do this...this will happen". Because if not they will try all bad things thinking they're okay.

v. 23 Everything is permissible"—but not everything is beneficial. "Everything is permissible"—but not everything is constructive

What is good for one person may not be good for another. Everything in life needs to be looked at through our own eyes.

Celebrities break up, make up, have sex, lose weight, gain weight, take pills, gamble, get arrested and only get community service. But i know that lifestyle is no good for me.

Rich people break the law, steal, kill think theyre above it all - but just because they have a lot of money that life is not for me.
I will not accept certain things in my life. Yes, I have fallen and sinned but i don't want those things any more. Drunkeness, sexual immorality, pornography, greed, pridefulness is permissible - someone in the world at this time is doing one or more of those things, but its NOT acceptable for me.

Lord,
Thank you for allowing me to see the light. Its taken a long time but as you say "but when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it". I will take those words and try always to find my way out. I trust your will for me and ask you to guide me for all of my days.
I forever love you always
Amen

Alias

Joshua 18-20; 1 Corinthians 9

1 Corinthians 9:24 Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize.
Paul was a cultured man which is why i think Jesus chose him to spread the gospel. He knew Paul could speak, eat, preach to any type of person. There are certain people we will listen to therefore God chooses universal disciples.

v.19 Though I am free and belong to no man, I make myself a slave to everyone, to win as many as possible

Paul became a slave a rejected, confused man to walk a slaves path. He learned how they live to be able to share the gospel in a way they could understand.

v.20-22 To the Jews I became like a Jew, to win the Jews. To those under the law I became like one under the law (though I myself am not under the law), so as to win those under the law. ²¹To those not having the law I became like one not having the law (though I am not free from God's law but am under Christ's law), so as to win those not having the law. ²²To the weak I became weak, to win the weak. I have become all things to all men so that by all possible means I might save some

So God is basically saying - be what you need to be to save souls. When Jesus ate with prostitutes, liars, killers, did he become one? No, but he spoke at their level.

Don't matter that i have a college education i am not to be at a college level with people who only have high school and under education level.
I am not to be only one person - but all people to save them.
Do what i need to do to save souls.

Lord,
Thank you for bringing me into this work because you are teaching me not to be one but to be many. I am to be who you call me to be at that moment. I will walk your path and do your will. Lead me Lord
I forever love you always
Amen

Disclaimer

Joshua 15-17; 1 Corinthians 8

1 Corinthians 8:1c But while knowledge makes us feel important, it is love that strengthens the church.

Paul was a church planter. He knew the pros and cons. He knew what could happen if the people weren't being discipled correctly. Since God is love it is love that will hold a church together. Love for oneself, love for your neighbor, love for God.

There is already enough hate and judgement in the world, why bring it in the house of God? Being with Him is yes, a sacrifice. but isn't it worth it? We're all teachers, leaders, and followers. Hungry to learn more and teach more. but what we teach can't be just anything - its gotta be something that others can learn from.

v.12-13 And when you sin against other believers^c]">[c] by encouraging them to do something they believe is wrong, you are sinning against Christ. ¹³ So if what I eat causes another believer to sin, I will never eat meat again as long as I live—for I don’t want to cause another believer to stumble.
Disclaimer to veteran Christians: What you do doesn't affect only you - but everyone around you. Especially those who are still trying to find which God to serve.
Disclaimer to baby Christians: Don't let the world get the best of you. There are many things you can still do just be wise and even read the Bible if you have questions - trust me, the answers are there.

Disclaimer for me: Check yourself Melissa. Some things you and say can hurt others - be aware and know that God loves you no matter what - even if you mess up. Be strong - look at the prize and go for it. God made you to win this race. He made You.

Lord,
Thank you for creating me for this time. Prepare me for bigger and better things. You are who i follow and trust. Help me to see more of you. You are my Savior and Rock my Everything for all days.
I forever love you always
Amen

Lead not into my temptation

Joshua 7-8; Psalm 69; 1 Corinthians 5

Joshua 7:13 Get up! Command the people to purify themselves in preparation for tomorrow. For this is what the Lord, the God of Israel, says: Hidden among you, O Israel, are things set apart for the Lord. You will never defeat your enemies until you remove these things from among you.

Everyday is a battle. there are people, things, situations that can lead us into temptation but unless we don't get rid of our hidden sinful desires we can never please God. Achan stole which led to God not helping the Israelites. Time was wasted because of his sin. He wasn't honest with his hidden sin which led to a massacre of his own family.

v. 24-25 Then Joshua and all the Israelites took Achan, the silver, the robe, the bar of gold, his sons, daughters, cattle, donkeys, sheep, goats, tent, and everything he had, and they brought them to the valley of Achor. ²⁵ Then Joshua said to Achan, “Why have you brought trouble on us? The Lord will now bring trouble on you.” And all the Israelites stoned Achan and his family and burned their bodies.

Because Achan sinned his whole family had to suffer. And because of my sin those around me suffer too. Sinning is selfish and prideful. It doesn't care who it hurts but once our spirit convicts us, we see the real hurt. Not everything is about me or only affects me. I have to think about those i love with every decision i make - good or bad. I need to be accountable for my weaknesses so i can't lead others into my temptation.

1 Corinthians 5:6b Don’t you realize that if even one person is allowed to go on sinning, soon all will be affected?

Lord,
Thank you for your mercy and grace upon me. I know i am foolish with my sin but without you i could be dead. Forgive me. Your sacrifice on the cross is why i am still here and happy to be alive knowing you better. You are mt salvation from this world.
I forever love you always
Amen.

He will choose someone else

Joshua 3-6; 1 Corinthians 4

1 Corinthians 4:10 We are fools for Christ, but you are so wise in Christ! We are weak, but you are strong! You are honored, we are dishonored!

Paul was trying to teach the Corinthians that life on earth isn't worth losing their life in heaven. As Christians, life wasn't and still isn't the best. People everyday are being persecuted for following Christ and that is something we have to deal with. It would be so much easier to live for nothing but ourselves but it is so much more rewarding to live for God.

v.11-12 To this very hour we go hungry and thirsty, we are in rags, we are brutally treated, we are homeless. ¹²We work hard with our own hands. When we are cursed, we bless; when we are persecuted, we endure it;

As the Lords followers there are things we are required to do even if we don't want to. Its the fruits of the Spirit that make us different from the rest of the world.

v.13 when we are slandered, we answer kindly. Up to this moment we have become the scum of the earth, the refuse of the world.

God gave us strength to get through life's surprises - good or bad. Paul was able to go through things other men couldn't which is why He chose Paul for that certain missions because He knew it was in him to be successful.

When God calls us its because He knows and has seen our success yet we have to believe in ourselves to truly be successful or God will find another person to finish.

Lord,
Thank you for trusting me to do your work. I want to finish your work with success and be in heaven with you celebrating all the people that have found you. Keep me on your path because anywhere else i will be lost.
I forever love you always
Amen

3/18 - Its not About Me

Joshua 1-2; 1 Corinthians 3; Psalm 37

1 Corinthians 3:6 I planted the seed, Apollos watered it, but God made it grow.

Like Paul, there is only so much we can do so people can receive Christ. God gave Paul and Apollos a job and they couldn't do Gods part because that was reserved for God. If they tried to be God than they would risk the true salvation of that person.

v. 7 So neither he who plants nor he who waters is anything, but only God, who makes things grow.
So many people think because they are the chosen from God they deserve privileges. They think the people they help save are "their people". But they are all "Gods people". We are to bring them to God than God does the important work. What we are are instruments to be used for Gods work and if we get no recognition on earth - that's OK because its heaven where it truly counts.

v.8-9 The man who plants and the man who waters have one purpose, and each will be rewarded according to his own labor. ⁹For we are God's fellow workers; you are God's field, God's building.
When someone plants a seed and waters it to God we have a duty to make sure it is God that they are worshipping. Since there are so many gods for people to worship we are to plant and water the one true God in their heart. Saving a soul is not about me, or my recognition. Its not about what i want for them or how i should be recognized on earth. Because earth has nothing for me. What people want from me or say about me shouldn't be important because its God that's important.

Lord,
You are important. Your Word, Your growth in me and all the people who need you. Father, keep growing those seeds because without you we will all be lost in this dark world.
I forever love you always
Amen

Forever Love

Deuteronomy 32-34; 1 Corinthians 2

1 Corinthians 2:9b No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no mind has conceived what God has prepared for those who love him

This scripture was written thousands of years before Paul repeated it. Since the beginning f time there was always a plan greater than we could ever imagine. A plan that we had to wait for. A plan that all we knew was that it was for those who follow God.

Deuteronomy 32:4 He is the Rock, his works are perfect, and all his ways are just. A faithful God who does no wrong, upright and just is he.

Everyone who follows God knew there was a Messiah coming. Everyone who believes in Jesus knows He'll be coming back. From day one God promised us one thing: Love. His Love. Jesus' Love. Forever Love.

Lord,
Thank you for your plan of love. That plan to love me for all of my days. Your love will never leave me, will never forsake me, will always be near me. I trust you with my heart and life and the greater plan you have for me because i love you.
I forever love you always
Amen

My Ears are Pierced

Deuteronomy 30-31; Psalm 40; 1 Corinthians 1

Deuteronomy 30:4 Even if you have been banished to the most distant land under the heavens, from there the LORD your God will gather you and bring you back.
God promise to us is to always be with us no matter where we are. Once we declare ourselves back to Him, He grabs us from the world and: v.5 He will bring you to the land that belonged to your fathers, and you will take possession of it. He will make you more prosperous and numerous than your fathers.

Gods promise is not only to take us out of the devils pit, but its also to take care of us once were out. He promises to take care of not only yesterday and today but tomorrow as well.

Psalm 40: 1-3 I waited patiently for the LORD; he turned to me and heard my cry.

² He lifted me out of the slimy pit,
out of the mud and mire;
he set my feet on a rock
and gave me a firm place to stand.

³ He put a new song in my mouth, a hymn of praise to our God. Many will see and fear and put their trust in the LORD.

When we wait patiently God will hear us. When He takes us out of the pit of hell, He gives us a place to remain firm. God doesn't leave us whether good or bad, perfect or sinful, friend or lonely. He is there, He is here, He is everywhere.

Psalm 40:6a

Sacrifice and offering you did not desire, but my ears you have pierced

God just wants my heart, my ears, my eyes, my soul, my body. How can i give it all to Him when i am so selfish? he already has it, it was always His whether we believe it or not. We were born for Him, with Him, anointed to Him.

Lord,

I am fully yours. My selfish, egotistical, lazy, prideful, blind, worldly self is yours. It doesn't seem much to me but i know its everything to You. My good and bad, perfect and sin is Yours because i know you can do better with it than i ever can. God, make my feet steady on Your Word and blessings. Only through grace can i live.

I forever love you Always

Amen

Love not Law

Deuteronomy 1-2; Mark 12

Mark 12:29-31 The most important one," answered Jesus, "is this: 'Hear, O Israel, the Lord our God, the Lord is one.^e]">[e] ³⁰Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.'^f]">[f] ³¹The second is this: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.'^g]">[g]There is no commandment greater than these."

Most of the people who were asking Jesus questions were only trying to trap him so they could get him off the streets. These men followed the law God gave Moses but Jesus came to change the way people lived. He wanted them to live by love not the law. Love for God, love for themselves, love for their neighbors. In every teaching/parable it all came down to love.

Thousands of years later, society is still split with what they believe. There are still people who are driven by hate and others who live by love. There are still pharisees, hypocrites, followers of Christ. Nothing much has changed only the language and culture. But Jesus still walks this earth through us and we need to show everyone else the love He instilled in us.

Lord,
Thank you for your love. The love you gave and showed me through your love and mercy. Help me show others as your instrument.
I forever love you always
Amen

Be Aggressive

Numbers 34-36; Mark 11

Mark 11: 15-17 On reaching Jerusalem, Jesus entered the temple area and began driving out those who were buying and selling there. He overturned the tables of the money changers and the benches of those selling doves, ¹⁶and would not allow anyone to carry merchandise through the temple courts. ¹⁷And as he taught them, he said, "Is it not written: " 'My house will be called a house of prayer for all nations'^c]">[c]? But you have made it 'a den of robbers.'

Jesus knew what His ministry consisted of. He knew His purpose and planned on sticking with it. But even Jesus a man of compassion, hope, love, and mercy needed the people to see how they were defiling His holiness.

When there is no authority in a house the people in it take over and do what they want. There was no authority over that temple area. No one teaching them about true holiness and how to live for God. Jesus was so angry because that specific temple are was meant for a specific purpose and satan and his perversion was taking it over. Jesus had to regain that authority by showing those people how important it is to worship there. How there forefathers treated that area.

Being crucified with Christ changes a person. It changes how we think, how we see things, how we approach life. Maybe some people there got upset that Jesus destroyed all their stuff instead of just telling them to leave. But when it comes to defiling the things of God, we need to be aggressive. Need to yell, need to get angry that satan is even being allowed to speak.

There are times when i want to yell, scream, kick things down because satan was able to get a foot in the door. And i do have the authority to do that, through Jesus. Because I am His child than I am to be like my Father in every sense and not hold back. He is the Messiah, the Lord, the Savior, My Everything.

Lord, Thank you for fighting for whats right. I know you fight my battles because I trust in You, in Your Word, Your Promises, Your Heart, Your Voice. I put all my faith in You. I forever love you always Amen

What if...?

Numbers 32-33; Mark 10

Numbers 32:9-12 After they went up to the Valley of Eshcol and viewed the land, they discouraged the Israelites from entering the land the LORD had given them. ¹⁰ The LORD's anger was aroused that day and he swore this oath: ¹¹ 'Because they have not followed me wholeheartedly, not one of the men twenty years old or more who came up out of Egypt will see the land I promised on oath to Abraham, Isaac and Jacob- ¹² not one except Caleb son of Jephunneh the Kenizzite and Joshua son of Nun, for they followed the LORD wholeheartedly.'

Everyday God wants to show us new things. Big, small, nice, scary new things. These men saw a place that God reserved for them. It was filled with everything they dreamed of. Their favorite food, sweets, homes, weather. But they saw bigger stronger men who were living there and got scared. Instead of trusting in God and His plans they scared everyone else.

33:53 Take possession of the land and settle in it, for I have given you the land to possess.
This is the promise God gave them. But only 2 men believed Him. Only 2 men tried to get the Israelites to fight for what was theirs. Only 2 men saw the promise and stuck with it. Imagine wandering 40 years because you didn't want to decide to take a risk and fight.

33:55-56 'But if you do not drive out the inhabitants of the land, those you allow to remain will become barbs in your eyes and thorns in your sides. They will give you trouble in the land where you will live. ⁵⁶ And then I will do to you what I plan to do to them.'

If God called me to do something and i choose not to do it than He will go for someone else. God wanted Moses and Aaron to lead the Israelites into the promised land but since they didn't trust Him enough He chose Caleb and Joshua. Which led to Moses and Aaron dying wondering "what if..."?

Lord,
Thank you for bringing me here into this world where i can discover your greatness and future you have for me. I have made hard ground-breaking decisions that affect me but i know you have it all planned out that my time hasn't been in vain but just a preparation for the future you have for me.
I forever love you always
Amen

Deny, Take, and Follow

Numbers 28, 29; Mark 8

Mark 8:34-38 Then he called the crowd to him along with his disciples and said: "If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. ³⁵For whoever wants to save his life^c]">[c] will lose it, but whoever loses his life for me and for the gospel will save it. ³⁶What good is it for a man to gain the whole world, yet forfeit his soul? ³⁷Or what can a man give in exchange for his soul? ³⁸If anyone is ashamed of me and my words in this adulterous and sinful generation, the Son of Man will be ashamed of him when he comes in his Father's glory with the holy angels."

There's a couple of things to truly think about and then have to do when you decide you will follow Jesus with your whole heart:
1. Deny yourself
- deny temptations
- deny what your flesh wants and live wholly to the spirit
2. Take up the cross
- sacrifice yourself
- sacrifice your body
- sacrifice your reputations
- sacrifice your life on this earth
3. Follow Him
- follow his commandments
- follow His word
- follow His law

Why would anyone want to do this?
Because when we deny, take and follow Christ will save our lives from the hell that this world can bring and the hell that is trying to devour our soul.

There are so many people out there that don't understand the power of heaven and hell and the battle for our lives. All God wants is for us, for me not to be ashamed to proclaim who He is to others. At times when the unashamed gets near the ashamed they bring a power with them and can allow the ashamed to feel the authority to rise up and change sides.

Lord,
Thank you for allowing me to be on the right side of the battle. You have always shown me the truth in you and in your word. Forgive me for ever thinking that the other side is slightly better Father, you know my heart, you know where i lay my alliance. You are my God, my shield, and my power.
I forever love you always
Amen