Vulnerable

1 Samuel 24; 1 Chronicles 8; Psalm 57,58; Matthew 8

1 Samuel 24:16-21
When David finished saying this, Saul asked, “Is that your voice, David my son?” And he wept aloud. ¹⁷ “You are more righteous than I,” he said. “You have treated me well, but I have treated you badly. ¹⁸ You have just now told me of the good you did to me; the LORD delivered me into your hands, but you did not kill me. ¹⁹ When a man finds his enemy, does he let him get away unharmed? May the LORD reward you well for the way you treated me today. ²⁰ I know that you will surely be king and that the kingdom of Israel will be established in your hands. ²¹ Now swear to me by the LORD that you will not cut off my descendants or wipe out my name from my father’s family.”

Saul was vulnerable. He knew that David was close to killing him and that he was capable. This is where Sauls heart was. Saul loved David, he knew deep down that David loved him too. David was a man after Gods heart and wanted to show God that he was listening.
Because Saul knew he was so close to death, his true colors were shown. But it was Sauls pride and arrogance that took over his true feelings for David. Saul was so jealous and prideful that even though deep down he knew that David was a good man, he couldn't be anything but first.

God wants us to be like David. David, even though he cut off the robe of Saul to warn him, he knew it was the wrong thing to do. He wanted to make things right. David put his pride aside and decided to be the man that God called him to be. Saul didn't have the same feelings, he allowed wickedness to fill his heart.
Our pride is there, but it should be swallowed. Our pride needs to be put in the back of our minds and we are to submit to those in authority to us. God put those people in authority for a reason and until God calls us to a different position than we are to stay.
There are times where its so easy to let the enemy take over our thoughts and feelings but we need to allow God to work in us and be vulnerable to Him.

Lord, Make me vulnerable to you. To your word, to your voice, to your calling. Thank you for making me sensitive and soft and I want to always be that way especially with you. To be with you, to dance with you, to love you. I forever love you always Amen

Worry

1 Samuel 22; Psalm 17; Matthew 6

Matthew 6: 33-34

But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. ³⁴ Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.

There are so many things in this world to worry about. Jesus knew about all the little worries once he became human. As a divine being of course He didn't worry about anything. In heaven He knew that life would be ok for everyone, but He never felt that nervousness. I believe Jesus would feel that nervousness when he thought about the cross and what needed to be done. So for Jesus, He knew that He would take care of His children and we need not worry.

Worry is one of the things i do best. I worry about every little thing. I hate doing it though. I get this feeling inside me like sweaty, heart beating, can't think straight, can't eat...can't do anything until i know what in the world is going on. And a lot of the time I don't find out whats going on, i just have to move on. I have simply moving on, but putting my faith in God and knowing that He has everything under control I need to think in that. There is freedom in not worrying. There is grace and mercy in not thinking about what other people think, in just focusing on Him.

When i put my focus on Jesus I have freedom from all worries, all pain, all hurts, all sin, all temptations, all fear, all judgements, all weaknesses.

Lord,

Thank you for being my God. Thank you for overcoming all fear, all lies, all sin, everything the enemy wants to bring on us. You have given us freedom to choose you. Freedom to be with you, to love you, to serve you. You are my God of justice, praise, and holiness. You are My God.

I forever love you always

Amen

Don't tempt me devil

1 Samuel 19; 1 Chronicles 7; Psalm 59; Matthew 4

Matthew 4:1-3
Then Jesus was led by the Spirit into the desert to be tempted by the devil. ² After fasting forty days and forty nights, he was hungry. ³ The tempter came to him and said, “If you are the Son of God, tell these stones to become bread.”

Jesus had fasted for 40 days and nights. Even though Jesus was God..He was also human. His body was human so what happens when you don't eat for 40 days? The body goes into hunger shock because its not used to starving itself. The body will get tired because the proteins and vitamins needed in food are not available. Also body weight will drastically drop because there is nothing holding it together. So after 40 days and nights Jesus was tired, weak, losing weight, and very hungry.

The enemy likes to take our weakest points and try to tempt us to break.

Matthew 4:5-6
Then the devil took him to the holy city and had him stand on the highest point of the temple. ⁶ “If you are the Son of God,” he said, “throw yourself down. For it is written: “‘He will command his angels concerning you, and they will lift you up in their hands, so that you will not strike your foot against a stone.’

Also what happens when not enough food is inside the body, we are so tired that the brain becomes tired as well. The devil wanted to first tempt Jesus with food by using his stomach pains. When that didn't work he tried using Jesus' lack of brain energy.

Matthew 4:8-9
Again, the devil took him to a very high mountain and showed him all the kingdoms of the world and their splendor. ⁹ “All this I will give you,” he said, “if you will bow down and worship me.”

Than the devil went for Jesus' heart. Jesus knew the easiest thing was to go before satan and bow before him. But that wasn't the right thing, nor what Jesus even wanted. Jesus knew His plan and mission for His time on earth and the devil was trying to distract Him in any way possible to put His love for humanity on the back burner. But Jesus, knowing what would happen, feeling the pain and suffering of His people, the love that He has for us had to stay strong and keep looking forward.

Lord,
Thank you for looking forward and keeping your people in your sight. There are times when i don't put you in my sight even when you are always there. Keep me focused on you and your blessings...
I forever love you Always
Amen

Close To Your Heart

1 Sam 18; 1 Chr 16; Ps 11; Mt 3

Psalm 11:4

The LORD is in his holy temple;
the LORD is on his heavenly throne.
He observes the sons of men;
his eyes examine them.

My faith is secure that God remains on His throne.

Never

Judges 17, 18; Psalm 89; 2 Corinthians 3

Psalm 89:30-37 “If his sons forsake my law and do not follow my statutes, ³¹ if they violate my decrees and fail to keep my commands, ³² I will punish their sin with the rod, their iniquity with flogging; ³³ but I will not take my love from him, nor will I ever betray my faithfulness. ³⁴ I will not violate my covenant or alter what my lips have uttered. ³⁵ Once for all, I have sworn by my holiness— and I will not lie to David— ³⁶ that his line will continue forever and his throne endure before me like the sun; ³⁷ it will be established forever like the moon, the faithful witness in the sky.” Selah

God is faithful to the promises He has made with His people. He makes covenants with certain people because He knows where their line will go. David was specific, God wanted him to know that no matter what happens his word remains true. God doesn't say something than backs out because someone is misbehaving. God keeps His word true. NO.MATTER.WHAT.

As I sit here and think that i want to be Christ like, the first thing i need to do is keep my word true. When i say something, i need to do it. When i promise something, i need to comply. Comply with Gods word and my own. God gave me words and a voice not for deception but to make a difference. I am to bring a change in this world, but it won't happen if people can't trust my words. And Gods faithfulness, will never change. NEVER.

Lord, Thank you for your faithfulness and love. I know that when i look back you never do. When i do things I've said i wouldn't, you still accept me open arms. When I promise something that i can't keep, you remain true. I forever love you always Amen

The Unlikely

Judges 4-5; Psalm 39, 41; 1 Corinthians 13

Judges 4:9

“Very well,” Deborah said, “I will go with you. But because of the way you are going about this,^[b] the honor will not be yours, for the LORD will hand Sisera over to a woman.”

Barak was a warrior. God had called him to kill Sisera and his men because of the evil that Jabin was doing. Deborah was a prophetess and judge, she was leading Israel at that time and she specifically told Barak that he was to lead the army to conquer Sisera. Barak trusted God but he trusted man more. He may have doubted Deborahs prophecy and wanted her there with him in case it didn't come to pass. But since Deborah heard the voice of God, she didn't doubt and prophesied again.

There are times when I trust man more than God. And its not because i don't think God isn't powerful enough, i think maybe its because I still doubt which voice I'm listening to. I may doubt how i hear the voice of the Lord. I want to be like Deborah and know for a fact that its Gods voice and just run with it. I want to be 100% sure. I want God to use me to conquer lands and not have to use another means.

v.21

But Jael, Heber’s wife, picked up a tent peg and a hammer and went quietly to him while he lay fast asleep, exhausted. She drove the peg through his temple into the ground, and he died.

When God told Deborah that Sisera would be caught in the hands of a woman, He didn't only mean Deborah. God can use anyone, and He used the unlikely. At that time women were not warriors, or soldiers. Women stayed at home and cooked, took care of the children, the home. And Jael was doing what she was supposed to. She was tending her tent minding her own business, but God set her up for success. A weak man, cold, thirsty, scared entered and she took her chance and killed him.

As women it would be hard to go up against a man who is a trained soldier, someone who knows how to fight. But when a man is at his weakest moment and oblivious to a woman's motherly charm is the deadliest time for them. A woman can do just about anything when a man is completely down. God uses the unlikely to do His will.

Lord,

Use me. See me. Choose me. I am here with you always and forever, I want to be used by you. I want to conquer lands. I want to go up against evil and fight for my right to worship you and love you and have freedom in you. I want to be strong for the weak, I want to rise for the fallen, I want to walk for the lame, I want to stand for the dead, I want to yell for the mute, I want to hear for the deaf, I want to prophecy for the blind. Lord use ME.

I forever love you always

Amen

Rhema

Rhema:

Psalm 57
¹ Have mercy on me, my God, have mercy on me, for in you I take refuge. I will take refuge in the shadow of your wings until the disaster has passed.

² I cry out to God Most High,
to God, who vindicates me.
³ He sends from heaven and saves me,
rebuking those who hotly pursue me—^c]">[c]
God sends forth his love and his faithfulness.

⁴ I am in the midst of lions;
I am forced to dwell among ravenous beasts—
men whose teeth are spears and arrows,
whose tongues are sharp swords.

⁵ Be exalted, O God, above the heavens;
let your glory be over all the earth.

⁶ They spread a net for my feet—
I was bowed down in distress.
They dug a pit in my path—
but they have fallen into it themselves.

⁷ My heart, O God, is steadfast,
my heart is steadfast;
I will sing and make music.
⁸ Awake, my soul!
Awake, harp and lyre!
I will awaken the dawn.

⁹ I will praise you, Lord, among the nations;
I will sing of you among the peoples.
¹⁰ For great is your love, reaching to the heavens;
your faithfulness reaches to the skies.

¹¹ Be exalted, O God, above the heavens;
let your glory be over all the earth.

Lord,
Thank you for your loving kindness upon my life. You gave me my ah-ha moment today and I never want to forget it. I want to remember the day you told me "How.Dare.You"
I forever love you always
Amen

It's time for Change

Josh 15-17; 1 Cor 8

1 Corinthians 8:9-10, 13
Be careful, however, that the exercise of your rights does not become a stumbling block to the weak.
We, as people, have many rights. Paul tells us that "everything is permissible" which means we can do whatever we want. Did you read that..WE CAN DO WHATEVER WE WANT. It sounds great, right? Being able to eat anything, say anything, watch anything, do anything...sounds like utopia. But, the biggest kicker here is not actually being selfish...but being selfless. Now imagine a world where everyone thinks about...OTHERS. Imagine a world where people look at others weaknesses and not do what they actually want to do, so they can help their friend. Imagine someone not going to a bar because their friend is a struggling alcoholic. Imagine someone purposefully not watching a rated R movie because their friend struggles with porn. Imagine.

¹⁰ For if someone with a weak conscience sees you, with all your knowledge, eating in an idol’s temple, won’t that person be emboldened to eat what is sacrificed to idols?
Everyone has a weakness. Everyone has a limit to their temptation. We all have a breaking point. I believe as people of God, if we are trying to show the world the love of Christ than we need to think about them before ourselves. Even though I love God, I can still go out for a drink. But, what if a new christian sees me at the bar? That can lead them to think its ok to drink and get drunk than go to church on the weekend, most likely hungover. If there are things that I can handle and maybe others can't, then i have to be in the right place. If i want to have a drink with family, than instead of going to the bar, i'm gonna do it at home with them. I may know more about God and even about myself, but not everyone else does.

13 Therefore, if what I eat causes my brother or sister to fall into sin, I will never eat meat again, so that I will not cause them to fall.
I can't be selfish. I can't just think of myself anymore. Its not all about me anymore. It's about others now..about their wellness and about me helping them get into heaven. I want to be selfish, i want to be egotistical, i want to only think of myself. I have been selfish, I have been egotistical, I have only thought of myself. But now that I see, now that God shows me its actually different being His child...it's time for change.

Lord,
You are constantly teaching me and showing me different aspects of you. Thank you for your loving kindness and hope for a better future. Thank you for guiding on the right path and knowing what i need. I trust in your timing and greater will for my life.
I forever love you always
Amen

I don't think so!

Joshua 9-11; 1 Cor 6

1 Corinthians 6:12
“Everything is permissible for me”—but not everything is beneficial. “Everything is permissible for me”—but I will not be mastered by anything.

Just because Paul says "Everything is permissible" to God doesn't mean that we should test the waters. There are times in a Christians life where they have to come face to face with their greatest weakness. This thing/sin has haunted them for years...something that they thought they gave it over to God. They havent seen this thing/sin for a really long time. They felt strong. secure that they were set free from this. Than when they go through their desert time, this thing/sin shows up. And it creeps up little by little. The Christian laughs old feelings off thinking its nothing, than BAM! the enemy pounces on them...what do you do? Do you give in or do you stand and fight?

If you decide to give up: When you give up you're allowing the enemy to win. You are telling him to just take over from here. Lets say you fall...again and again...if you give up you won't do anything after you fall. You won't feel anything, you'll be numb to the sin. You've become a slave to your weakness to allow it to be part of you.

If you decide to fight: When you decide to fight you still feel something. You don't just feel guilty if you've fallen but you also feel bad, angry, hurt. Your emotions are still intact and you get up again. You rise from the dust, brush it off, and instead of the enemy getting in your face...you get in the enemys face and you begin to taunt him.

Sin is a b*tch.

Don't let that thing/sin rule over you. Don't wake up the next day and feel guilty and depressed but get up worshipping God and thanking Him for another day and allowing you to ask for forgiveness. You are not a slave to sin. I am not a slave to sin. And i refuse for sin to crawl into me like a snake trying to get warm. Hell to the NO!

Lord, I am not perfect, i have allowed to let sin to take me over too many times. I want my life, thoughts, body, spirit, soul to be all in your hands. Forgive me God for thinking that I was in control and could do things all for myself. You are my all. I forever love you always Amen

40 years for Rahab

Josh 3-6; 1 Cor 4

Joshua 6:25
But Joshua spared Rahab the prostitute, with her family and all who belonged to her, because she hid the men Joshua had sent as spies to Jericho—and she lives among the Israelites to this day.

When Joshua and Caleb and the rest of the men went to spy on Jericho, Rahab, a prostitute helped them sneak in and out. This was a woman who obviously didn't follow Gods law. She probably worshipped other gods. She was a woman who was selfish in her ways. She would sleep with men for money, married or single. She was an abomination to her people and her family. That's how those people saw her.
This is how i see her: She was desperate for something in her life to change. She didn't know what to do or who to ask. I think she wanted a better life for herself and family and something in the midst of it all went wrong for her. So she had to become a prostitute to make some fast cash.
And God being all-knowing and all-seeing heard the cries of her heart. God saw her for who she really was and wanted to give her a new life, than opened the door.

Rahab didn't have to help Joshua and Caleb. She didn't have to open the doors to her home, she could have easily got them killed. And God could have used someone else, but i don't think there was anyone more hungry, more desperate, more wanting of a change, or a touch from God than Rahab. She waited 40 years till the words of Joshua and Caleb came true. They told her and she waited. I don't know what she did during those 4o years. I don't know if she remained a prostitute. I don't know if she studied God and who He really was. All I know is that Gods word stayed true to the end...she was saved.
Joshua and Caleb didn't judge her, they didn't care that she was a prostitute. They wanted to spy out the land and do what God had sent them to do.

1 Corinthians 4:5
Therefore judge nothing before the appointed time; wait until the Lord comes. He will bring to light what is hidden in darkness and will expose the motives of the heart. At that time each will receive their praise from God.

When God gives us something to do and there are people around to help, don't judge their sin. God puts us in certain places at certain times with certain people for a reason. Joshua and Caleb didn't have time or the patience to sit and ask Rahabs background or to tell her that shes wrong and she needs God. They didn't need to explain the 10 commandments to her to make sure she knows God. They needed her help to do the will of God and she was willing.
God wants willing people, not perfect people. We are all sinners...I am a sinner. I can't hear the voice of God and expect the people around me to be perfect. If I am to walk in the will of God, than I will need help. Will that help always be Godly? Probably not. Is that OK? Yes.
I will know people in my life that are gay, prostitutes, drug addicts, murderers, thieves and will they help me do the will of God? If they are willing...they will be used by Him.

Lord, Rahab was a woman that was willing. I want to be willing. I want to be used by You. I want to see you and help those that want to get closer to you. Use me in your will. Let my words, breath, life be for your glory. Put unsuspecting people in my path that i may be a vessel for your glory and will. I forever love you always Amen

Next Besst Thing

Deut 22-24; Gal 4

Galatians 4:28-31

Now you, brothers and sisters, like Isaac, are children of promise. ²⁹ At that time the son born according to the flesh persecuted the son born by the power of the Spirit. It is the same now. ³⁰ But what does Scripture say? “Get rid of the slave woman and her son, for the slave woman’s son will never share in the inheritance with the free woman’s son.”^f]">[f] ³¹ Therefore, brothers and sisters, we are not children of the slave woman, but of the free woman.

The Galatians were people that were easily swayed. They wanted the best new thing. When Paul was there with them, they accepted him and what he had to say. Once he left they were swayed by another doctrine.

I wonder how many times the Galatians raised there hands to accept the next offer. I wonder if its the same amount of times that we change our mind here. I have changed my mind in so many things: styles, hair color, clothes, shoes, makeup, men, food, etc. If things are constantly changing than why wouldn't people change their minds about God. I know that I have doubted God and even thought that a worldly life would be easier than following Christ. So why wouldn't others want to try the next best thing?

People will always want to try something new, they will always want to try a new restaurant, a new pair of shoes, even a new car. But the difference in people is that 1) the children of the slave will always be slaves..to the world. Hagar had Ishmael and she remained shunned and her son was not that of the promise. So that type of person will always be looking for their new master. Always a slave. And then theres 2) children of the promise. These people will see new things, discover new things, try new things but will always have that foundation of Christ with them. We are not looking for a new master because we are secure in Christ and free in Him and not trying the next best thing to rule our lives...but to add on to what Christ has already given us.

Lord,

Thank you for making me Your child. In all that i do, good or bad, i know where my foundation is. You are my strength and my rock. It is because of You that I am free from sin and condemnation. I am Your child, grounded in Your Word,.

I forever love you always

Amen

The law

Deut 16-18; Ps 38; Gal 2

Galatians 2:19-21
“For through the law I died to the law so that I might live for God. ²⁰ I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. ²¹ I do not set aside the grace of God, for if righteousness could be gained through the law, Christ died for nothing!

The law was hard core. Sometimes we think that the Old Testament people had a hard time because there was no "grace". But Gods grace in the OT was the law. His rules for His people was for us to live a good life, to live a righteous life. God never intended for others to persecute one another for their sin. God never intended for people to break the law either. He wanted His people to obey the law to live the best life. He wanted His people to be blessed and flourish, but the problem is that sin separates us from living that great life.

I am no longer the property of the enemy. Jesus paid a price for my sin. He allowed His people to live with grace. His death provided mercy for our sin to be erased and to live a new life. We are new people, new thoughts, new feelings, new vision, new everything. With Christ, I am free. With Christ, I can actually live in abundance. I can be tempted than run back to God and He can help me. He can be with me, He can love me.

Father, Thank you for your love. I can only live with you and be happy with you. You are my everything. I forever love you always Amen

Just enough

Deut 7-9; Mark 15

Deuteronomy 8:4 Your clothes did not wear out and your feet did not swell during these forty years.
Moses was speaking to the Israelites. He was reminding them of the faithfulness and love of God. Even when they forgot about God, He never forgot about them. When the Israelites complained, God kept loving them. When they worshipped other gods, God was still around. When they yelled, kicked, screamed for something else, something different, for more...God was still around loving them.

God never makes us go through something we can't handle, no matter how hard we may think it is. The Israelites walked about for forty years. I get new shoes after 40 days! But God made sure they were comfortable...enough. When God has plans for each of our lives, He makes sure we are comfortable...enough. Some people become millionaires, others can barely eat every day. I don't know why some are chosen and others are not, but I know that God wouldn't allow something we can't handle. Even if the worst is happening to us and around us...He believes that we are strong enough to get through it.

God made sure that the clothes and shoes of the Israelites were still intact. He made sure that they were fed, clothed, loved. God wants to do the same for me. Whatever I am going through, no matter how hard, He makes sure I am comfortable....enough, to get through that day. I may not eat the best food, where the best clothes, smell the best, look the best...but its enough to get through tomorrow. Because tomorrow can lead to something different, a surprise, anything that can change my life forever. And I wait. I wait on God..wait on His promises for my life, wait on tomorrow with...just enough.

Lord, Thank you for showing me that even if my outside isn't the best, you have the best for me on the inside. Your love keeps me going day to day and i can see you and feel you. Even on my darkest days I put my trust in you. There are times when I don't seek you but you strengthen me without even asking or even sometimes wanting. Lord, don't allow me to sulk in pity because I know you made me stronger than that and I choose to find you, to love you, to know you and to need you. I forever love you always Amen

Talking Donkey

Num 21-23; Mark 6, 7

Numbers 22:18-22

But Balaam answered them, “Even if Balak gave me all the silver and gold in his palace, I could not do anything great or small to go beyond the command of the LORD my God. ¹⁹ Now spend the night here so that I can find out what else the LORD will tell me.” ²⁰ That night God came to Balaam and said, “Since these men have come to summon you, go with them, but do only what I tell you.” ²¹ Balaam got up in the morning, saddled his donkey and went with the Moabite officials. ²² But God was very angry when he went, and the angel of the LORD stood in the road to oppose him. Balaam was riding on his donkey, and his two servants were with him.

God told Balaam not to go to Balak. God told Balaam that the people Balak wanted to curse were already blessed. God Balaam His will and plan for those people. God told Balaam. But what did Balaam do? He kept asking God what to do. He heard Gods voice, he knew what God wanted and even though he said to the men that no amount of silver or gold could take him away from the will of God, it was the very love of money that made him keep asking God what to do.

God knows whats in our hearts. He knows us better than we know ourselves. God knew that Balaam was tempted by their money. Balaam was a man of God, he heard the voice of God, but he was human and was tempted. God was angry with him because what Balaam said with his voice wasn't what he truly meant in his heart.

There have been many times where I havent wanted something so bad that i would manipulate my way into that situation. I would keep giving myself excuses to let myself think that i was doing the right thing. I would even try to manipulate God and walk away from what He had already told me, by making up stories. When it gets to the point that i try to manipulate God, i know ive reached a low point. The moment i try making excuses for myself should be the very moment i know that I am going in the wrong direction. When God tells me where to go or how to do things, i won't need to make excuses, i won't need to make up stories, i wont need to manipulate or lie about things. Because the will of God is straight, narrow, and truth.

Lord,

Thank you for your guidance in my life. Thank you that like Balaam even though he disobeyed you and you got angry you still used him in the place where he was at. You are a great God that even when we walk away you still use us in that place. You find a way to get us back on track and for that i love you . It is through your mercy and grace that i can find you again, seek you more, and hear your voice.

I forever love you always

Amen

What to do with demon possession

Num 19, 20; Ps 28; Mark 5

Mark 5: 18-20 As Jesus was getting into the boat, the man who had been demon-possessed begged to go with him. ¹⁹ Jesus did not let him, but said, “Go home to your own people and tell them how much the Lord has done for you, and how he has had mercy on you.” ²⁰ So the man went away and began to tell in the Decapolis how much Jesus had done for him. And all the people were amazed.

The demon possessed man was chained up, hand and foot, but those chains couldn't hold him. He would cut himself with rocks everyday. He didnt have just one demon in him but several...a legion of demons. This man was desperate for the demons to come out. He cried out every night and when he cut himself he was either trying to kill himself or simply trying to get the demons out in any means possible. Demons recognize the spirit of God and His power therefore were forced to bow before Jesus. Even the demons were afraid of Christ. Once the demons left the man, he probably had no where to go. His family and friends must have left him, so he wanted to be with Jesus. But Jesus needed him to show the people that His power was real. The demon possessed man became a disciple of Christ in that part of town. Because the people wanted Jesus out, Jesus used the demon possessed man to spread the gospel.

If i was living in those times I would want to be with Jesus too. I wouldn't want to stay behind, I want to be with Jesus at all times. But Jesus' plan wasn't to keep us where we're at. His plan is to raise us in to His disciples and have us go out and show people what He can do. When Jesus does a miracle in our lives He doesn't want us to keep it quiet. He wants us to tell people and show them so in turn they can believe. And we are being used by God in that manner. We are truly being His disciples when we tell people about His power and authority.

If the demon possessed man wouldn't have said anything to the people about his life changing than he wouldn't have been a disciple of Christ. Those people wouldn't have been able to know who Christ is and in turn be saved.

Lord, Thank you for doing things in my life that i can say you truly changed me. The miracles and wonders you have put in my life have changed me forever and I love telling people about all you have done. Thank you for putting patience in my life that I can wait for you. I can wait for that moment that i see another miracle. that i feel your presence once again, that i see your face, and that i can feel your love. I forever love you always Amen

i am like them

Num 17, 18; Ps 29; Mark 4

Numbers 17:8,10 8 The next day Moses entered the tent and saw that Aaron’s staff, which represented the tribe of Levi, had not only sprouted but had budded, blossomed and produced almonds. 10 The LORD said to Moses, “Put back Aaron’s staff in front of the ark of the covenant law, to be kept as a sign to the rebellious. This will put an end to their grumbling against me, so that they will not die.

God told Moses to give each tribe leader a staff. The staff was no more than a piece of wood. Nothing special. After Moses each gave them a staff he put them in the tabernacle overnight. When Moses entered the tabernacle in the morning he noticed that Aarons (leader of the Levites) staff had blossomed and produced almonds. God told Moses to put Aarons staff in front of the Testimony so those people that were rebelling could see it. When the people saw it they were afraid because this was another sign that God was watching them, rebellious or not.

The Israelites abandoned God than came back when there was a miracle. Than they rebelled again than came back. They sinned than they would repent. And it was a cycle that happened with every generation. And it is still a cycle that goes on today. I don't have to be an Israelite to know that I, one of Gods children, participate in this cycle. I don't do it on purpose, I don't want to admit that i do it, but i do. As a sinner I abandon God for that sin...than when i repent I come back. I may not grumble or groan like the Israelites did...I may not worship a golden calf...I may not wish that I was back in slavery instead of following God to freedom. But I do complain about little things in life, that i wish God would fix...I do worship other things in life by putting them before God...I do wish sometimes i can do things that are not pleasing to God just because its easier for me.

I can't say I am better than anyone else, especially the Israelites. I can't say i have seen more miracles than they have, because i haven't seen miracles like they did but i still believe. I am human...I sin...I make mistakes...but i love God with every being of my body, spirit, and soul. I want God to show me those miracles, I want God to be more evident to me. I want to see a staff grow almonds..I want to see manna fall from the sky...But even more, I want to see God.

Lord, Thank you for being evident. You are everywhere and I may not see You or feel You..I know you are there. You have never abandoned me or forsaken me. I trust in your word, your love, your life, your promise for my life. I trust in you My God. Thank you for always taking care of me. I forever love you always Amen

Who is this King of Glory?

Lev 23, 24; Ps 24; Acts 21

Psalm 24:8-10
Who is this King of glory?
The LORD strong and mighty,
the LORD mighty in battle.
⁹ Lift up your heads, you gates;
lift them up, you ancient doors,
that the King of glory may come in.
¹⁰ Who is he, this King of glory?
The LORD Almighty—
he is the King of glory.

What can I say but proclaim that the Lord is the king of Glory. He is worthy and mighty to be praised. My God is above all creator of heaven and earth. He made the big and small things. He cares about me and all that is within me.

Father,
I thank you for being the true King. There is no one like You. You are mighty and worthy and blessed. I worship you because it is worth the time being with you and hearing you and knowing you. You are everything to me.
I forever love you always
Amen

Instead..

Lev 7-9; Acts 15
Acts 15:19-20 “It is my judgment, therefore, that we should not make it difficult for the Gentiles who are turning to God. ²⁰ Instead we should write to them, telling them to abstain from food polluted by idols, from sexual immorality, from the meat of strangled animals and from blood.

Paul was called to reach out to the gentiles. He was appointed for them to help them find the one true God. God spoke to Paul and in return Paul wanted to be an apostle to not just a certain type of people. Paul was not the type of person to be kept in the box. He was someone who needed to reach out to everyone who was able to have a relationship with Christ. Paul didn't see just the jews but everyone else around the jews. He saw people. He saw multitudes. He saw revival. He saw miracles. He saw the world.

We are to be like Paul. Not just think inside the box. We are to reach out to all people, all men. And the way of having people turn to Christ shouldn't be difficult. Its not all about rules and regulations. Its not about hating on them. Its about loving them, for who they are. Its about being simple with people. God told us what to do and we understand. But the people who are new to knowing Christ can't understand theological phrases and thoughts, just yet. We are to keep things simple and if they choose to go deeper, we are to support them. If someone wants to keep their relationship with Christ simple, we support them.

Lord, Thank you for the spirit you have implemented in me. You have allowed me to see things in many different ways yet i choose you in the end. I choose your love, your grace, your mercy. your blessing over me. I choose to be with you whether simple or difficult you are my God. you are my Father. I forever love you always Amen

They shouldn't all be "normal"

Lev 1-3; Acts 13

Acts 13:46-48
Then Paul and Barnabas answered them boldly: “We had to speak the word of God to you first. Since you reject it and do not consider yourselves worthy of eternal life, we now turn to the Gentiles. ⁴⁷ For this is what the Lord has commanded us: “‘I have made you^f]">[f] a light for the Gentiles, that you^g]">[g] may bring salvation to the ends of the earth.’^h]">[h]”⁴⁸ When the Gentiles heard this, they were glad and honored the word of the Lord; and all who were appointed for eternal life believed.

The jews knew that they were the chosen people. But throughout the years they had taken what God saw a blessing to them for granted. They moaned, complained, saw God and even worshipped other idols. They took their messiah and betrayed him. Instead of God waiting for them to change their ways and wholly and completely trusting God, He had to move on from them. They were still the chosen people but other people needed God and through the humanity of Christ, He was able to see them. Gentiles needed God just as much as the jews and God appointed Paul and Barnabas to reach out to them.

Sometimes when God puts people in front of us to save we don't want to talk to them because they don't look "normal". They are different looking, speaking, and acting so we are turned off. But like Paul and Barnabas, God has called us, called me to reach out to not just those that look "normal" but anyone and everyone. God called us to do this, not just certain people...He wants all of us to reach out to the Gentiles, to the lost, the broken, the sad, the mad, the angry, the sinful, the happy, the joyous EVERYONE.

Lord, Thank you for calling me into your will and service. Help me to reach out to those that need you the most. Give me the words and boldness to be your instrument and light. I forever love you always Amen

Even when it hurts...i trust in You

Ex 39, 40; Ps 15; Acts 12

Psalm 15:1,4b
1 LORD, who may dwell in your sacred tent? Who may live on your holy mountain? 4b who keeps an oath even when it hurts, and does not change their mind;

David was a man that sought God out. He wanted to know the secrets of God and explore them in his life. When David was reciting his poetry and scribing them i believe a lot of that was him just thinking aloud. When he spoke about who may dwell with God in his tent he was thinking those things out loud. Gods sacred tent was the place that God was 24/7. This was the tent that had the ark of God...the presence of God...the glory of God. Who was anointed enough to be able to spend that time with God? Not many people but one of the requisites was for someone who keeps an oath...no matter what.

Davids life was full of successes and betrayals. He didn't know who to count on because his own king tried to have him killed. So David had only God to rely on. The very person who he trusted was killed. But David was anointed by God, called out by Him and David promised God to worship Him, to love Him, to live for Him. There were many things in Davids life that he had to change and he paid consequences for it. David knew that the decisions he made had to stay grounded and he had to follow through because God doesn't want people who are constantly back and forth.

God opens and closes doors for us. He wants us to go through things than he takes us out of those seasons. Thats the cycle of life. Friends come and go...people come and go...but God remains forever. There are times when I have to make the hardest decisions and its so easy to look back and crack that door just a little bit. But God can't work with us if we're always allowing ourselves to open the door again. If the door is meant to open than God will open it...not me. I can't open doors anymore because than God won't be able to talk to me as candidly as He'd like to. If I want to hear all of God I have to be all of God. If i want to know all that God has for me than I have to be all that God has for me. And trust that God knows the true desires of my heart and if all is right than He will make a way...but i can't make that way if I truly want Gods will in my life.

Lord, Thank you for building that relationship with me that I can trust you. I want to be close to you as much as I possibly can and if it means making hard decisions and not turning back than I am willing...for You. Even when it hurts God I will bring myself back to you and your rest. Thank you for your grace and faith. I forever love you always

Its all worship

Ex 37, 38; Ps 19; Acts 11

Psalm 19:1-6
The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands. ² Day after day they pour forth speech; night after night they reveal knowledge. ³ They have no speech, they use no words; no sound is heard from them. ⁴ Yet their voice^b]">[b] goes out into all the earth, their words to the ends of the world. In the heavens God has pitched a tent for the sun. ⁵ It is like a bridegroom coming out of his chamber, like a champion rejoicing to run his course. ⁶ It rises at one end of the heavens and makes its circuit to the other; nothing is deprived of its warmth.

God created everything, every little thing, for a purpose. The trees weren't only made to help with oxygen. The ocean wasn't created only to produce breeze, clouds werent only created to shade the sun, flowers weren't made just to look pretty. Every thing has a purpose. A greater purpose than in science books or surface looks. God made each and everything living thing to glorify Him. Nature and everything that comes with it glorify God. The waves when they rise and fall are bowing to the Lord. The birds, the sun and moon, trees, flowers, bushes, clouds are all worshipping God. We may not see it with our natural eyes because there worship is not human, its divine and its for God not us.

Sometimes I can see the things around me worship God. When i hear the waves crashing, or the trees blowing. When I smell a flower that is intoxicating and the clouds continuously moving...it reminds me of heavens worship. At all times there is worship, theres no end to Gods worship thats why nature keeps moving, keeps reproducing, keeps showing us new things because there doing that to glorify Him.

Lord, You created me and everything around me. You made all of this earth for one purpose, to glorify you. You created us into being to live a wonderful life with you as the center. You are God forever and like the flowers and trees and clouds I want to worship you at all times. I want to live this life for You and with You. God you are my all and like the waves i want to crash on this earth with a thunderous sound proclaiming You. I forever love you Always Amen

Why him and not me?

Exodus 30-32; Acts 8

Exodus 32:1-4

When the people saw that Moses was so long in coming down from the mountain, they gathered around Aaron and said, “Come, make us gods who will go before us. As for this fellow Moses who brought us up out of Egypt, we don’t know what has happened to him.”² Aaron answered them, “Take off the gold earrings that your wives, your sons and your daughters are wearing, and bring them to me.” ³ So all the people took off their earrings and brought them to Aaron. ⁴ 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, Israel, who brought you up out of Egypt.”

Moses was in the mountain having time with God. God was giving him instructions, telling him how to lead his people, showing him what he needed to do, making sure he knew everything step by step. And after those 40 days and nights the people became restless. They turned to their selfish ways and wanted something, anything to worship. So Aaron decided to take control and do something about their selfishness.

Up to this point Aaron had been second in command. He was Moses' mouth because Moses wasn't a very secure speaker. However, Moses was gone and Aaron thought he could take control and do something as a leader. This is the point where you finally realize WHY God didn't choose Aaron to lead his people out of slavery. He was just as selfish as they were. Aaron wasn't first in command material because he didn't have the conviction, strength, love, holiness that Moses did.

Sometimes i wonder why did God choose this or that person. Or even why did God choose me? But this verse tells us that very reason. Every person has different qualities in them and God doesn't look at where you were placed in your family, He looks at your heart. Moses wasn't gone for a long time, it was merely 40 days and nights...these people had seen the hand of God at work, they knew who God was and how to worship Him. But they chose to be selfish and Aaron, instead of leading the people in worship to God, he became weak too.

Lord,

Thank you that you know all. I thank you for putting everything into perspective especially when i don't understand certain things. You make things known and today i know why certain people are called to be certain things. I may not see those qualities, or things in their heart like you do, But i trust that you have it all in control and i will remain worshipping you no matter what i see or not, no matter what i hear or not, it will always be you.

I forever love you always, Amen

Believe

Ex 6-8; Luke 23

Luke 23:40-43

But the other criminal rebuked him. “Don’t you fear God,” he said, “since you are under the same sentence? ⁴¹ We are punished justly, for we are getting what our deeds deserve. But this man has done nothing wrong.”⁴² Then he said, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.” ⁴³ Jesus answered him, “Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in paradise.”

Jesus was crucified on the cross and he was still alive at this point. He was hanging there in pain, suffering the selfishness of His people. Making the ultimate sacrifice that we may live an abundant life. The second criminal hanging next to Jesus symbolizes those that are desperate for Him. That in the lowest point in their life they reach for God and they find Him.

The first criminal who said: ³⁹ One of the criminals who hung there hurled insults at him: “Aren’t you the Messiah? Save yourself and us!”

He symbolizes those that have an encounter with Jesus or hear about Jesus but just don't care. They are set in their selfish ways and think of Jesus as a magic genie. The second criminal in his last hours saw who Jesus really was and reached out to him the only way he could...through desperation.

Jesus listens to our hearts and whats really inside. The first criminal only had selfish desires inside, if he would have been saved from the cross he would have become a criminal again. The second if he would have been saved he would have become a disciple. However, it wasn't for Jesus to save them physically on the cross...but to save them if they believe. The second believed and his heart was right when crying out to Jesus therefore he is in heaven today.

All Jesus wants is for us to believe and reach out to him in our belief. Many things can happen in life that can take us away from the pathway of God and make our belief steer away from the truth but even in those moments Jesus wants us to look at Him and reach out for His love.

Lord,

Thank you for your love and belief in me. You believed that i can be more than I think and you make opportunities for me to grow as a follower and disciple. Keep me in the same path so i can keep learning, keep believing, keep loving You.

I forever love you Always

On being weak

Exodus 3-5; Luke 22

^{Exodus 4:1-4}

¹ Moses answered, “What if they do not believe me or listen to me and say, ‘The LORD did not appear to you’?” ² Then the LORD said to him, “What is that in your hand?” “A staff,” he replied.³ The LORD said, “Throw it on the ground.” Moses threw it on the ground and it became a snake, and he ran from it. ⁴ Then the LORD said to him, “Reach out your hand and take it by the tail.” So Moses reached out and took hold of the snake and it turned back into a staff in his hand. ⁵ “This,” said the LORD, “is so that they may believe that the LORD, the God of their fathers—the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac and the God of Jacob—has appeared to you.”

Moses loved God. He answered Gods call and will for his life. The only problem was that Moses was weak. He was the type of person that needed things to be proven to him to believe that they were true. For example:

1. exodus 3:6 Then he said, “I am the God of your father,^a]">[a] the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac and the God of Jacob.” At this, Moses hid his face, because he was afraid to look at God.

The bush was already on fire but not burning...God had already spoken but it wasn't until God said who He was that made Moses believe it truly was God

2. exodus 3:11-12 But Moses said to God, “Who am I that I should go to Pharaoh and bring the Israelites out of Egypt?” ¹² And God said, “I will be with you. And this will be the sign to you that it is I who have sent you: When you have brought the people out of Egypt, you^b]">[b] will worship God on this mountain.”

The most powerful God was telling Moses that he was chosen to free his people, yet he still didn't believe in himself and God had to give him set instructions on what to say...because Moses still didn't believe he was chosen

3. exodus 13-14 ¹³ Moses said to God, “Suppose I go to the Israelites and say to them, ‘The God of your fathers has sent me to you,’ and they ask me, ‘What is his name?’ Then what shall I tell them?”¹⁴ God said to Moses, “I AM WHO I AM.^c]">[c] This is what you are to say to the Israelites: ‘I AM has sent me to you.’”

He was still trying to make excuses...

There are different types of people. 1.Those who hear audibly from God and know it to be God but still doubt and 2.Those who hear from God but are not sure it is God (me)

There are many instances when Moses was trying to get out of the idea that God wanted him to free his people. Moses was weak and needed to be shown signs to make sure that God was legit. He doubted Gods plans even though he loved God with all his heart. And in that doubt it made God angry because essentially he was doubting God all together.

Its easy to be mad at Moses because he was able to hear God audibly when so many of us (me included) haven't really heard Gods voice tell us to do anything. I've had feelings, hunches, dreams, but never a full on audible conversation with God. But what would I have done if God told me the same thing he told Moses? I may have questioned God too. Are you sure you want ME to do it? Did you get me mixed up with someone else? I may look like someone you thought you wanted to choose...

One thing that i know is that God doesn't mess up. When He chooses someone for something its for a specific reason and purpose and its all for His glory. When God calls us to do something sometimes we doubt and ask for signs and thats how Moses wanted to make sure he wasn't going crazy. I'm a signs kinda girl, I want to make sure the idea in my head is not a devil one but a God one. So if your like me ask for signs (unless God talks to you audibly than i think you already have your sign)...because, i admit, i am weak and i want to make sure that I am in Gods will and not my own.

Lord,

Thank you for the call on my life. There are times when I doubt what you have for me and I feel uncomfortable and scared, but I know what you have is far greater than any plans I may think of. You are my Father and Savior and in you I lay my life and any plans I may have selfishly thought of.

I forever love you always