Melissa's Life Journal

Vulnerable

2011-04-21T02:08:00.000-07:00

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

2011-04-18T23:04:00.000-07:00

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

2011-04-16T21:11:00.000-07:00

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

2011-04-15T21:16:00.000-07:00

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

2011-04-02T22:26:00.000-07:00

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

2011-03-28T15:41:00.000-07:00

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

2011-03-25T04:03:00.000-07:00

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

2011-03-23T23:11:00.000-07:00

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!

2011-03-21T21:45:00.000-07:00

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

2011-03-19T17:25:00.000-07:00

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

2011-03-13T21:32:00.000-07:00

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

2011-03-11T20:05:00.000-08:00

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

2011-03-08T01:14:00.000-08:00

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

2011-02-27T18:29:00.000-08:00

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

2011-02-26T17:35:00.000-08:00

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

2011-02-25T16:43:00.000-08:00

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?

2011-02-14T13:55:00.000-08:00

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..

2011-02-08T16:57:00.000-08:00

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"

2011-02-06T16:06:00.000-08:00

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

2011-02-05T16:24:00.000-08:00

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

2011-02-04T17:06:00.000-08:00

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?

2011-02-01T16:47:00.000-08:00

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

2011-01-23T15:59:00.000-08:00

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

2011-01-22T17:32:00.000-08:00

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

Two coins

2011-01-21T23:06:00.000-08:00

Exodus 1, 2; Psalm 88; Luke 21

Luke 21:1-4

As Jesus looked up, he saw the rich putting their gifts into the temple treasury. ² He also saw a poor widow put in two very small copper coins. ³ “Truly I tell you,” he said, “this poor widow has put in more than all the others. ⁴ All these people gave their gifts out of their wealth; but she out of her poverty put in all she had to live on.”

I've read this passage many times and have heard it preached...mostly for offering. But there are two things that i never paid attention to until now. Jesus said "these people gave their gifts out of their wealth...but she out of her poverty..." Jesus was trying to teach the people when they give they should give out of theyre most deperate state. When someone is rich they are comfortable, they are able to give some and still have some left over for themselves. But when someone is poor they have scraps, barely anything to get them by, if they give they won't have anything left over.

Jesus wants us to give as if we won't have anything left over. If I have food on my plate and i see someone who is hungrier than me..He doesn't want me to give them my fries and I keep the steak. No, He wants me to give the steak and fries. If someone is freezing and I have a sweater around my waist, he doesn't want me to hug them and try to warm them up...He wants me to give them my sweater. When we are giving, we need to give with EVERYTHING, not just material things either but also with a giving spirit.

Money is great but if we give with a spirit that makes us happy that we are giving to God, than thats better than a million dollars. God would rather us give knowing we are giving what we can instead of having a forced giving attitude.

The rich man knew he was rich and gave a little bit, he even probably thought he was doing a good thing giving a little bit and helping the church, but his heart was selfish...it was still about him, what he was doing, what he was giving. The poor widow gave her last two coins because she probably believed that God could do something bigger with it. She probably praised God for those last 2 coins because she was able to give them to God.

Lord,

thank you for your words that i can read them over and over again and they can be a different revelation every time. You are constantly teaching me new things and help me to always keep an open heart to You.

I forever love you always

1/16/11

2011-01-19T16:36:00.000-08:00

Gen 39-41; Luke 16

Luke 16: 22-26

The time came when the beggar died and the angels carried him to Abrahams side. The rich man also died and was buried. 23 In hell, where he was in torment, he looked up and sae Abraham far away, with Lazarus by his side. 24 So he called to him, ‘Father Abraham, have pity on me and send Lazarus to dip the tip of his finger in water and cool my tongue, because I am in agony in this fire.’ 25 But Abraham replied, ‘Son remember that in your lifetime you received good things, while Lazarus received bad things, but now he is comforted here and you are in agony. 26 And besides all this, between us and you a great chasm has been fixed, so that those who want to go from here to you cannot, nor can anyone cross over from there to us.’

As human form, Jesus felt what it could be to be greedy. He didn’t have to heal people, He didn’t have to feed people, He didn’t have to do anything for anyone. But also as a human, he felt our raw emotion. The needs. The desires. The desperation. Than as divine spirit He knew that whatever He could give to His people, He would do it without hesitation. But he wanted us humans to feel others desperation for a better way of living, so we could give them a piece of heaven on earth.

People that have more money or articles have the ability to give someone who doesn’t have those things a piece of heaven. Heaven is about love, praise, forgiveness, joy, peace, kindness…ALL THE TIME. While on earth there are not many places that you can feel all those things at the same time. There are people who are going through hell and don’t see the light at the end of the tunnel. They see homelessness, they see hunger, they see dirt, they see tears. But I as 1 person can only do so much. But if people band together to give more, to love more, to reveal God more., those desperate people will be able to believe that there is a God that loves them.

The rich man in the scripture is just like any one of us. His name could be Melissa. But I refuse to be like the rich man…I refuse to allow myself see a hungry person and do nothing about. I refuse to believe that poverty is taboo. I want to stare it in the face and kick its butt. I want to stand against hunger, poverty, abuse, desperation. I know I’m only one person…but so was Jesus.

Lord,

Thank you for constant strength. You give me more each day so I can give it back to your people. When others are hungry, confused, desperate allow me to be an instrument in them finding you. Help open my eyes to more of what is going on in this world. Don’t let me sit back and relax, make me confront this and help as much as I can. Forgive me for my oblivious attitude, forgive me for my selfishness. I am Yours

I forever love you always

Humble pie

2011-01-14T18:04:00.000-08:00

Gen 34-36; Luke 14

Luke 14: 8-11

When someone invites you to a wedding feast, do not take the place of honor, for a person more distinguished than you may have been invited. 9 If so, the host who invited both of you will come and say to you, ‘Give this man your seat’. Then, humiliated, you will have to take the least important place. 10 But when you are invited, take the lowest place, so that when your host comes, he will say to you ‘Friend, move up to a better place.’ Then you will be honored in the presence of all your fellow guests. 11 For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted.

Jesus knew how people thought. He knew that some thought more highly of themselves than others. He wanted to show the people that everyone was created equal…no matter where they came from (because God created us all). However, even though some people have higher status quotas than some they should still be humble people. Jesus, knowing He was the Son of God, knowing that He would die for these people, knowing He had the power and authority to heal all, still sat with the lowest of the lows.

Being around the elite and the poorest and rejected I see no difference. I think I feel sorry more for some of the elite because they think they have it made and in any minute they don’t realize that all of it can be taken away. And not only by Gods wrath but by nature, or human error, or anything at all. I try to keep a humble attitude at all times, I don’t like sitting in the front only when I am asked to. I try to look at everyone equal (but I know that doesn’t always happen). I try to be modest and non judgemental, but I know that it doesn’t always happen. I just want to be open, free, and accepting. That’s what I want.

Lord,

You are God yet you remain humble. You are Savior yet you forgive what we perceive as unforgivable. You are Master yet you allow us to mess up. Show me your ways to become a more graceful and humble person. Allow me to see the ways of your heart and hear your voice when I am only listening to mine. Forgive me Lord, for my sins and my thoughts that are not pleasing to you.

I forever love you always and forever

God still...

2010-12-08T11:07:00.000-08:00

1 Timothy 1-4

1 Timothy 4:12-14 Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith and in purity. ¹³ Until I come, devote yourself to the public reading of Scripture, to preaching and to teaching. ¹⁴ Do not neglect your gift, which was given you through prophecy when the body of elders laid their hands on you.

Paul discipled young men that wanted more out of life than what the world wanted. When Paul was a young man he studied and followed the law in his own way. Than when God captured him, and Paul started seeing things differently he realized there was a different way of living and not all young men were like him. Paul knew that being young was tough and that teens make a lot of mistakes, but he wanted them to know that they didn't have to live that way. That there was a way of living that when they grow up they wouldn't have a life of regrets.

Young people have it tough. They are trying to learn whats really the truth. What really works for them in life. They experiment with drugs, sexuality, emotions, etc. And when they become an adult and find their self confidence they look back and wished they didn't do all that they did.

God wants to give teens a gift. The gift of a better future and a better adulthood. God believes in our teens. God believed in me. I knew this scripture as a teen and it stuck with me. I didn't always follow it, but no matter what i was going through or how i felt, i remembered that God believed that i could do anything i put my heart to. God didn't see me as a teenager but as a believer and as His follower. God saw me not as a immature girl but as the mature wise woman i could be. God didn't reject me like everyone else when i said or did something stupid. He held me and corrected me with His mercy.

And even though I'm not a teenager anymore, God still holds me. God still sees me. God still loves me.

Father,
Thank you for your love even at times when i don't deserve it. Thank you that because of your cross I am free from being bound in sin. You are Christ that loves me and forgives me. Lord, please forgive me for my selfish ways and thoughts. I do things that don't please you but Lord search my heart and you will see how much I love you. You are my everything and all i need is you. Hold me and guide me on your path that I may find you.
I forever love you always
Amen

Spotlight

2010-12-03T11:23:00.000-08:00

Romans 13-16

Romans 14:13 ¹³ Therefore let us stop passing judgment on one another. Instead, make up your mind not to put any stumbling block or obstacle in the way of a brother or sister.

Paul had worked with many churches by the time he wrote this letter to the Romans. He knew that even people in the church are easily swayed by human emotions and weaknesses. One of the greatest human weaknesses is judgment. Thinking we are the judger, thinking we are better than the person next to us.

When someone judges another it doesn't mean one is better than the other, it actually is saying that the person who is judging has the bigger problem. When someone points to finger at another especially pointing out their faults the finger pointer usually has bigger sins to hide, therefore they want to put the spotlight on someone else.

God said that He would judge the world. He is the judger of people, because He is perfect. Jesus told us not to judge others because there will be a day of judgement, where people will get theirs. I sometimes find myself judging others because I feel they are being hypocrites, yet when i think that way I am a hypocrite. It is not my duty to point the finger at someone else and be okay with me only looking at their sins. Even if I know someone is sinning and they are being judgemental, I have to just give it to God. Give God my feelings about the situation, give God my thoughts (good or bad), give God all that I have so that He (the true judge) can take it and do His will.

Father.
Thank you for being the true judge. Thank you for taking my bad thoughts and hypocritical feelings and doing your will. I know that i will still have those feelings and may say things I shouldn't in time but Lord during those times (whether i know what i am doing or not) take whats inside of me and throw it out. I don't want to even use the word hypocrite because your grace and mercy has saved us ALL.
I forever love you always
Amen

Blinded

2010-11-27T13:06:00.000-08:00

Psalm 125; Matthew 26-27

Matthew 27:42-44 “He saved others,” they said, “but he can’t save himself! He’s the king of Israel! Let him come down now from the cross, and we will believe in him. ⁴³ He trusts in God. Let God rescue him now if he wants him, for he said, ‘I am the Son of God.’” ⁴⁴ In the same way the rebels who were crucified with him also heaped insults on him.

The Pharisees and Jews spit on Jesus, yelled at Him, cursed Him, laughed at Him, hit Him, mocked Him, etc. They took a man that they thought was weak and took advantage of the fact that he was bound with shackles. They saw that He wouldn't fight back or even say anything in His defense. They thought they were stronger than Him by what they saw with their eyes.

People are so blind by what they see that they are sheltered from the truth. A persons mind forgets the important things and only remembers the things that get them ahead in life. I'm sure that those people that mocked Jesus thought they were doing the right thing by following everyone else, because it was what other people thought that mattered. And its still the same thousand years later, people today are still blinded by their own selfishness.
People are beat in front of them and they "can't get involved".
People are hurt by others opinions so they feel they have to "take control" and shut people up.
The devil is sitting right in front of them and they shake hands with him instead of kicking his butt.

Its time to open our eyes to what God is saying and doing. He wants us to see the truth for what it is and live by it. Jesus is calling us to stick up for Him now instead of being quiet. No one fought for Him and His rights to live. No one tried to stop the crucifixion. He died. And others laughed.
But now its time. Its time to stick up for Christ. Stick up for His cause and not remain quiet. Its time to love on Jesus and proclaim that Yes He is the Messiah. He is Lord, He is Savior, He is King.

Father,
Thank you for your power and authority over my life. You are my Savior yesterday, today and forever. You are King and Majesty over all the earth. You are Lord or Lords and I praise you because you are worthy and Holy.
I forever love you always
Amen

No Eye Balls

2010-11-24T09:10:00.000-08:00

Matthew 17-19 ^a]">Matthew 18:7-9
⁷ Woe to the world because of the things that cause people to stumble! Such things must come, but woe to the person through whom they come! ⁸ If your hand or your foot causes you to stumble, cut it off and throw it away. It is better for you to enter life maimed or crippled than to have two hands or two feet and be thrown into eternal fire. ⁹ And if your eye causes you to stumble, gouge it out and throw it away. It is better for you to enter life with one eye than to have two eyes and be thrown into the fire of hell.

Jesus came to this earth to know how it felt to be human. God is spirit, divine, perfect and didn't know why humans acted like humans. Jesus came and felt all that we feel. He came and was tempted like we are tempted. He had thoughts like we do, felt what we feel, heard what we hear. So when it was time for Jesus to be tempted, instead of falling His thoughts and heart were with God. His priority was the kingdom of heaven and not what someone else will think of me. He knew the true meaning of following Gods will, no matter how much it hurt.

When I stumble, I bring it to God. I allow God to do His will in my life through the mistakes that I make. I know that Jesus doesn't want me to gouge out my eye physically (maybe back in the day) but to destroy anything and everything that is making me stumble and sin. He wants me to get rid of every little thing that makes me fall. Its better to get rid of what makes you sin than to go to the fiery pits of hell.

There are times when I do sin that I go to others and pray for me. Jesus doesn't want us to do things alone. He wants us to find others and pray for one another so our voices will connect with our spirits and God can hear us pleading for Him.

¹⁹ “Again, truly I tell you that if two of you on earth agree about anything they ask for, it will be done for them by my Father in heaven. ²⁰ For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them.”

Father,
Thank you that you made this world unique. Each and every person is different in their own way and we all struggle with different things. You are Creator and Maker of all and I praise you for forgiveness, Grace, Mercy, Hope, and Love. You Lord are the Creator of a better tomorrow. You are the Maker of a brighter future. Your forgiveness is what keeps me going. Your Grace is what makes my heart beat. Your Mercy is what gets me closer to You. Your Hope is what wakes me up in the morning. Your Love is what makes me breathe.
I forever love you always
Amen

Perfect in weakness

2010-11-18T10:35:00.000-08:00

Psalm 124; 2 Corinthians 11-13

2 Corinthians 12:9-10 ⁹ But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me. ¹⁰ That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong.

Paul was a strong man. His faith and hope were totally and completely engulfed in God. Anything that he went through he first went to God and put his trust in Him. Even though he was strong he also knew he was weak which made him more reachable to the people who needed Christ the most.

People in authority sometimes make themselves seem more like God than human. They sometimes forget that they are still tempted and still sin everyday. We all have weaknesses. I have plenty weaknesses. I've had more in the past when i didn't know how to be strong but now that I am stronger I am more in control. I can tell people my weaknesses without being embarrassed and allow others to come into my life and be accountable for me. I believe that is why Paul boasted about his weaknesses, so people would take into account those things and if he was ever in a compromising situation than those people would help him make the right decisions.

Father,
Thank you for loving me so much that your love has made me stronger than before. I know I still fall in my weaknesses but through your power I can rise up and meet you where you are.
I forever love you always
Amen

Live as a Believer

2010-11-10T09:27:00.000-08:00

Job 35-36; 1 Corinthians 7-8

1 Corinthians 7:17 ¹⁷ Nevertheless, each person should live as a believer in whatever situation the Lord has assigned to them, just as God has called them. This is the rule I lay down in all the churches.

Paul wrote what he lived. He wrote by example, through his own life, his own temptations, his own weaknesses and strengths. He knew what it was like to live with and in the world and how to live with and in the Spirit. He saw the problems of a marriage from the outside view which means it was worse from the inside. And he lived as a single man wholly devoted to God.

As a believer and a leader, the situations i go through seem to explode 100 x's more. My life and path that i choose is reflected on by others especially for others to see the end result. My sins feel 100 x's worse too. Paul tells me that whatever situation I am in, I need to live as a believer. When i make a mistake...pick myself back up and live as a believer. When someone doesn't like me, don't hate on them back...I am to live as a believer. When I think i have done the worst thing i could do and feel confused, frustrated, numb...I am not to fall back into old ways...I am to live as a believer.

Lord,
You have assigned me this life. You have given me this time to be with you and follow you and love you. And sometimes I fall back, I sin, I do stupid things and let my flesh take over, but i want to live as Your believer. As someone who believes in You. As someone who worships You. As someone who loves You. Father, forgive my sins that yes i do forget about the sin and only think selfishly. Guide me to your true and forever righteousness,
I forever love you always
Amen

Pilate the Coward

2010-11-04T10:02:00.000-07:00

Job 26-27; Mark 15-16 ^{Mark 15:12-15
12} “What shall I do, then, with the one you call the king of the Jews?” Pilate asked them.

¹³ “Crucify him!” they shouted.

¹⁴ “Why? What crime has he committed?” asked Pilate.

But they shouted all the louder, “Crucify him!”

¹⁵ Wanting to satisfy the crowd, Pilate released Barabbas to them. He had Jesus flogged, and handed him over to be crucified.

Pilate was in a pickle. He was the leader, he held Jesus' life in his hand and saw found nothing wrong with him. Pilate had a decision to make, do what the people say or listen to his gut. He listened to the people.

Living in a society where other people have a great influence, its easy to point the finger and Pilate and call him a coward. But looking at daily life, we make this decision everyday. "Its either them or me". And we would probably do what Pilate did: put ourselves first before anyone else, no matter how innocent they are. We unfortunately live in a selfish world with selfish people, but God came to become the light at the end of the tunnel. And with that light, we can be different.

Its easy in my area of work to have a bad attitude to people. I can snarl at them back and shake my head back and forth to them if i wanted to. Last night a lady asked me a question and i gave her an answer with a smile, but she decided to give me straight attitude! I could've done it right back if i wanted to but i answered her again...with a smile. And I'm glad i did because a lady was watching me the whole time and was surprised that i kept my composure. She even told me that she used to be the one who would have the attitude all the time with everyone, but now shes asked God to help change her heart. Telling her I'm a Pastor didn't surprise her because of how i kept myself in the situation. And however someone treats me, i have to remember that someone is always watching.

Father,

Thank you for the patience that you have instilled in my life. You have planted a seed inside of me that i can take to others and they can see who You are in me. Lord, keep using me for your good and guide me to your path everyday. I will not give up on you, your word, your promises, and your presence in my life. You are my everything

I forever love you always, Amen

Sold Out

2010-11-03T09:17:00.000-07:00

Job 25; Mark 13-14

Mark 14:29-31

²⁹ Peter declared, “Even if all fall away, I will not.”

³⁰ “Truly I tell you,” Jesus answered, “today—yes, tonight—before the rooster crows twice^e]">[e] you yourself will disown me three times.”

³¹ But Peter insisted emphatically, “Even if I have to die with you, I will never disown you.” And all the others said the same.

Peter was a rash man. He spoke before he could think about what was going out of his mouth. He was the type of man that was very emotional. He was led by his emotions and sometimes that got him in trouble. Peter was gung-ho for Jesus. He loved the cause and believed with all his heart that Jesus would save them. He was next to Jesus when he did miracles, when he healed the sick and stood up to the Pharisees. He was sold out.

There are good reasons and bad reasons to be sold out.

Good: you believe in something bigger than yourself. /The cause you are following is for the greater good. / You know you are doing something that is not selfish and helping others at the same time.

Bad: You can get so tied up in something that you forget why you were sold out in the first place.

I am a sold out Christian. Yet, in time I have realized the pros and cons and tried to keep my emotions in check and see the reality of it all. Sometimes there are people in my life who are also sold out but become sell outs. I don't want to do that. I want to remain sold out and know that I am not perfect. Believe that Jesus loves me for who I am and he remains loving me even with my faults. I don't ever want to doubt in Gods existence and choose another path just cause life doesn't deal me the perfect cards. I want to keep walking on the road that God is guiding me on and remain focused on him.

Peter had the right idea. He thought with all his heart that he would NEVER betray Jesus. But even a disciple of Christ can be led astray. We are all guilty of sin, and betray Jesus with that sin. But the good thing about Peter? He came back, on his knees, broken and ready to try again.

Father,

Thank you for brokenness. Peter was a broken man after he realized what his heart truly held. But he came back and I thank you for allowing me to come back. Thank you for helping me be a better person and showing me what my heart truly entails. I am not perfect nor anything close to it, but I want to be close to you. Close to your heart, close to your life. I love you.

I forever love you Always, Amen.

Search Deep

2010-10-29T09:06:00.000-07:00

Job 20; Mark 3-4

Job 20:4-7 ⁴ "Surely you know how it has been from of old, ever since man ^a]">[a] was placed on the earth,

⁵ that the mirth of the wicked is brief,
the joy of the godless lasts but a moment.

⁶ Though his pride reaches to the heavens
and his head touches the clouds,

⁷ he will perish forever, like his own dung; those who have seen him will say, 'Where is he?'

Job was a good man. He loved God and did all he could to give all he had to God. He was chosen personally from the devil as a test. God knew Jobs heart; the devil didn't yet the devil thought he would be able to sway Job away from the Lord if he destroyed him physically, emotionally, and spiritually. But even when his wife, his friends, his family turned their backs on him, he remained focused on God.

Jobs friend in this passage was trying to tell Job to search his heart because he must have done something wrong. People think if bad things happen, you must have done something bad. If your life is wrong than sin must be lingering in your heart and to get life right again than you must get the sin out. But that's not the case here, and its not always the case now. Job loved God and wasn't afraid to show it. Yet he was a good man with bad things happening to him. We can't always be quick to judge a situation by looking at the surface. That's what Jobs family and friends did. They saw him and started pointing fingers accusing him of sin, but Job was clean.

As human, it is easy to judge a situation by just looking at the outside of it. I can see something and easily pick someone to blame and get it over with. But once you hear the heart and whats truly beating inside of it is when you see the truth. I am someone that has to hear the heart because I have been judged superficially too many times and i don't wish that on anyone. Its a horrible feeling, like anything you do can never be right. But if i want to be just, and be like Christ, than I have to search deep and not stop searching until i really see someones heart and not their surface.

Father,

Thank you for allowing me to see things through your eyes. I know I don't always get it right and I am quick tempered and forgive me for those times that I have judged someone on their outside look and not seen their true heart. Help me to be better and see better and know better. Be my guide and my help in my time of true need.

I forever love you always

Amen

Beautiful Difference

2010-10-28T17:56:00.000-07:00

Job 19; Mark 1-2

Mark 2:27
²⁷Then he said to them, "The Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath. ²⁸So the Son of Man is Lord even of the Sabbath."

At this point of Jesus' time, he was beginning in his journey as the Messiah. He was letting the people see his works and miracles. He hadn't given a big teaching or given any explanation of who he was or what he was doing. He was being Jesus.

So many people today are easily swayed by words, propaganda, agendas, etc. They buy into such seriousness and don't learn to live life happy. Jesus said that the Sabbath was made for man, therefore it is our choice of how we spend the sabbath. We are to give God our attention and service to him, we are not to work, but enjoy that day. However the Jews wanted to keep to their old traditions and not change it in any way. They didn't want to help people on the sabbath. They didn't want to go out of their way to lend a hand on the sabbath. They didn't want to open their home to anyone on the sabbath. Because years before that's how the people of old would do things.

But Jesus is saying the old is gone and the new is here. Jesus came to change how we see things. He wants us to stay focused on the prize, to win the race...however there are some people that run, walk, crawl, jump, skip, slide...and Jesus says "that's just fine". Jesus wants us all to get to His kingdom but we will all go in different ways, and as long as those ways are pleasing to Him, than go for it.

Father,
Thank you for making things differently. I am blessed to see different people, different colors, different seasons, different styles and be happy for it. I know that everyone is unique because they were made in your image and by your hands which makes all the difference beautiful. You are beautiful.
I forever love you always,
Amen

God is Simple

2010-10-23T09:52:00.000-07:00

Job 13-14; Acts 17-18
Acts 17:24-25 ²⁴"The God who made the world and everything in it is the Lord of heaven and earth and does not live in temples built by hands. ²⁵And he is not served by human hands, as if he needed anything, because he himself gives all men life and breath and everything else.

Paul was a dynamic speaker. Whenever he would preach he would give his heart and soul to matter. He knew that God was real, that the Crucifixion was real, and he knew what God did for this earth and its people. However, other people didn't know and he was determined to tell them.
Paul was upset that people wouldn't listen and didn't care about the God that was keeping them alive. They had temples and statues built for other gods that didn't really exist. The people wanted something tangible but there God is something spiritual. And that's what Paul wanted them to understand.

God is powerful. He doesn't need a temple for himself or a statue for us to guess what he looks like. The church is a essentially a place, not for God, but for his people. We build churches for ourselves, to come together and worship Him. But we can do that anywhere. We can come together and worship and talk about God outside, in our homes, or even in the bathroom. God is everywhere. It's when we use those churches to build idols of Him is when we come into the wrong.
God wants us to love him, know him, have a relationship with him...simple things. He doesn't want us to build things, reject people, or hurt others in His name. He may have created the world, created us humans, given us life and breath, but He is simple because all he simply wants is love.

Lord,
Thank you for creating me. For creating this beautiful world full of its beautiful splendors and wonders. No human could have created such color, mountains, flowers, seasons, or differences in this world. It was from a divine being so much greater than a human mind. It was you. And I thank you for the love you gave to me first and i am so blessed to have you in my life.
I forever love you always
Amen

10/13/10 Baptism

2010-10-13T08:52:00.000-07:00

Nehemiah 9-10; Acts 2 Acts 2:38-39 ³⁸Peter replied, "Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. ³⁹The promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off—for all whom the Lord our God will call."

Baptism is a big decision. It can change your life or it can be just another day. When someone gets baptized they are telling God that they are going public with their relationship with Him. They are telling the world that they repent for their sins and are giving their life over to Him. And because of that decision to be baptized they will also have the chance to receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.

To receive the gift of the holy spirit, your spirit needs to be clean and holy. And once you repent and are baptized, its symbol that you are white as snow. That your spirit is pure and you have given your heart over to God. It doesn't mean that you won't sin anymore, it just means you will work harder at not sinning and if you do than you will go to God and confess your sin.

Father,
Thank you for repentance. Without it i would be filled with bitterness, anger, sin, spite, pride, rejection, and so much more. Only through the confession of sin can I move on from the stupid things i have done and hand them over to you. Thank you for leaving the gift of the Holy Spirit on this earth for me to trust him, love him, and be with him always.
I forever love you always
Amen

At least thats what I'm going to do

2010-10-06T16:26:00.000-07:00

Esther 9-10; Luke 19 Luke 19:5-7

⁵When Jesus reached the spot, he looked up and said to him, "Zacchaeus, come down immediately. I must stay at your house today." ⁶So he came down at once and welcomed him gladly.

⁷All the people saw this and began to mutter, "He has gone to be the guest of a 'sinner.' "

Jesus was an 'every ones man'. He loved all people, no matter who they were or what they did. And He still does.

There have been people lately who have killed themselves because of their shame of the sin. They may not think its a sin, but i know its a sin. However, being homosexual (sin) is the same as lying (sin). The difference with people now a days is that they feel they can harass others just because they don't like who they are or what they look like. It's true I am against homosexuality...the sin...I am not against the person. There is still a soul, a spirit, a life underneath it all. The same goes for me. I am not going to bully, judge, or even harass a homosexual just because I don't agree. What I am going to do is love on them.

The problem with today is people go and judge, picket, and say dumb things in the "name of God". That is NOT GOD!! My God loves all people. My God will find them and tell them to get out of hiding and say 'lets go have some dinner'. And during that dinner, he would listen to them. Crack jokes with them, hug them, even pick up the bill. Zacchaeus was a thief. He stole peoples life savings, rent, food money, diaper money. He stole from the rich and from the poor. He had no shame, until he realized he was doing wrong and wanted to make things right.

Lets not be like the old Zaccheaus and steal the most precious thing to a person: their integrity. There are many things that get taken from us, but why should we take from others? We are not to be like old Zaccheaus, but we are to be like Jesus and not judge and love.... At least that's what I'm going to do.

Lord,
Thank you for making me a Christian thats not perfect. I couldn't stand perfection because I know thats not what I am built for. I am here to love on your people, sinners and all. I am a sinner and i ask today for your forgiveness if I have judged someone. I ask for forgiveness if I have made someone feel less than. It is not their fault, its mine. You are what makes me keep going and you are my strength when I am weak. Prepare me for whats to come in this life so i can proclaim who you really are...A loving and kind God.
I forever love you always
Amen

Queen

2010-10-04T09:22:00.000-07:00

Esther 1-2; Psalm 150; Luke 17 Esther 2:15,17,20 ¹⁵ When the turn came for Esther (the girl Mordecai had adopted, the daughter of his uncle Abihail) to go to the king, she asked for nothing other than what Hegai, the king's eunuch who was in charge of the harem, suggested. And Esther won the favor of everyone who saw her.
Esther was the type of woman every woman should strive to be like. The fact that she was beautiful physically wasn't what made her the queen. In verse 15 Esther had favor from God. When someone has favor it means their heart is right. When someone has favor it means God is listening to their prayers. When someone has favor it means they have a close relationship with God.
¹⁷ Now the king was attracted to Esther more than to any of the other women, and she won his favor and approval more than any of the other virgins. So he set a royal crown on her head and made her queen instead of Vashti.
It is easy to fool people. When someone is constantly nice and kissing butt people like it. However, there are some people that cannot be fooled. In the beginning Esther had favor with the people. She was favored by the other women, she was favored by Hegai, she was favored by those around her. And all of her kindness, gentleness, could have been a grand act to get her way into the kingdom. However, the one person she had to impress was the king.
²⁰ But Esther had kept secret her family background and nationality just as Mordecai had told her to do, for she continued to follow Mordecai's instructions as she had done when he was bringing her up.

The reason that Esther had true favor was not her beauty or even the way she spoke. But she was humble and submissive. Even after Esther had the crown and was queen she still went back to Mordecai to get advice and know what to do next. Her true intentions were not to turn her back on her uncle or people but to raise them up and do what she can with the power and authority that was given to her.

Too many people forget where they came from. They forget their past and turn their back on their humble roots. God brought us up in certain ways and we cannot take that for granted.

As a person with a title, I am not one to throw that title in peoples faces. I am to work even harder to help those in need and be there for them. God put me in a certain position which I am to hold in high regard and know that God has all control in my life.

Lord,
Thank you for taking control. Thank you for allowing me to be me and for putting me in this position for this time. I know you have things set out for me and I cannot wait to know your incredible plans for my life. I trust you as my God and my king and I know that I am your child.
I forever love you always
Amen

Humble

2010-10-01T10:12:00.000-07:00

Zechariah 10-12; Psalm 126; Luke 14
Luke 14:7-11 ⁷When he noticed how the guests picked the places of honor at the table, he told them this parable: ⁸"When someone invites you to a wedding feast, do not take the place of honor, for a person more distinguished than you may have been invited. ⁹If so, the host who invited both of you will come and say to you, 'Give this man your seat.' Then, humiliated, you will have to take the least important place. ¹⁰But when you are invited, take the lowest place, so that when your host comes, he will say to you, 'Friend, move up to a better place.' Then you will be honored in the presence of all your fellow guests. ¹¹For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted."

Humble: not proud or arrogant; modest

Humble: having a feeling of insignificance, inferiority, subservience,

Humble: to destroy the independence, power, or will of

To be humble is one of the hardest things someone has to be. When someone is humble it means they are lowering themselves. They are making themselves less than, less worthy, less dignified. Jesus understood this all too well. He became the lowest of the low, so we didn't have to. And to be humble was one of Jesus' teachings and hopes for his people.

We are not the best. We are not greater than anyone else. We do not deserve the best. Yet through Christ we are able to get it all. Through Christ we are able to be rich, happy and free. And in that freedom we need to be thankful, humble, and grateful.

There are times when I don't thank God for what I have. I forget sometimes in the morning to thank God for my life because I'm so tired. I forget to thank God for my food because I'm so hungry. I forget to thank God for what I have because I'm focused on other things. So when it does come down to thank God I make sure He knows how truly grateful I am. I am not above the little things in life just because I have a title. Because at any second He can take it away. Though there are things I don't want to do, I do them because I know God has bigger plans in the little things and its through those things that I will learn more about God and His great love.

Father,
Thank you for your love for me. Thank you that I can remain humbled in you. Humbled knowing that you have greater plans for me. I know Lord that you have brought me here for a reason and it is know your grace and mercy on a different level. I praise you Lord because I am fearfully and wonderfully made in your image.
I forever love you always
Amen

Please Sir can I have some more?

2010-09-30T18:18:00.000-07:00

Zechariah 7-9; Luke 13
Luke 13:6-8 ⁶Then he told this parable: "A man had a fig tree, planted in his vineyard, and he went to look for fruit on it, but did not find any. ⁷So he said to the man who took care of the vineyard, 'For three years now I've been coming to look for fruit on this fig tree and haven't found any. Cut it down! Why should it use up the soil?'

⁸" 'Sir,' the man replied, 'leave it alone for one more year, and I'll dig around it and fertilize it. ⁹If it bears fruit next year, fine! If not, then cut it down.' "

Jesus mainly spoke in parables because just letting the people know everything right away without letting them think about things was too easy. Jesus wanted his people to learn something from each parable, because everyone was able to interpret the parable in their own way so they can relate it to what was going on in their lives.

Every person is going through something different. I am going through things that you, the reader, are not going through. However when we read the scripture we are reading the same thing. When God created us He didn't want us to be desolate and empty. He wanted us to be fruitful and full of life. Jesus, as man, understood depression, emptiness, loneliness, and hurt. Things that God didn't even understand before because even though He created man, he never was man, until Jesus. So when Jesus came he understood second chances. He understood that even if things don't look good right now, they can get better later.

I see things for what they are right now and God could say, ok she's had enough chances, her time is up. Yet Jesus would say wait! there is still more in her to give and I want to invest the time in her to see. God doesn't want me to be lazy. He wants me to work for Him, as an instrument, as His voice. My tree may look empty now but Jesus is saying, i will give you more time because I believe that you are worth it. And knowing that Jesus comes from God and is God only makes things that much better.

Lord,

Thank you for believing in me. Believing that there is more in me that I am worth investing more time. I can think that I am done but you know how much more is left. Father, you are my energy, my love, my life, my God, my everything. You wake me up in the morning and give me breath. I love you eternally

I forever love you always

Amen

He knew

2010-09-29T08:46:00.000-07:00

Zechariah 4-6; Luke 12

Luke 12:35-38
³⁵"Be dressed ready for service and keep your lamps burning, ³⁶like men waiting for their master to return from a wedding banquet, so that when he comes and knocks they can immediately open the door for him. ³⁷It will be good for those servants whose master finds them watching when he comes. I tell you the truth, he will dress himself to serve, will have them recline at the table and will come and wait on them. ³⁸It will be good for those servants whose master finds them ready, even if he comes in the second or third watch of the night.

Jesus, even before he was born, knew the world inside and out. He was there when God formed the earth and its people. Jesus was there when God wiped the earth of its perversions. He was there when God was pleased and disappointed. Jesus knew it all. He knew his people and those who were against Him. Jesus also knew the time when He would die and rise again and come back on earth to save his people. He knew.

There are times that i go through seasons that I really can't explain where that particular time in my life started. Seasons can be good and others can bring you down. This particular season in my life hasn't been the best and I forgot that God already knew that this season in my life was coming. He knew that I would be in a slump for some time. But he also knows the time and day that I will get out of it. He knows the joyful season that is coming up. However, I didn't prepare myself in this season.

No matter if it is up or down, we need to be prepared for God. He is our master and He can come knocking on the door any time. And some of us aren't prepared because the time in our lives aren't the best. But i think that's just an excuse. God wants us to praise Him, search for Him, find Him no matter where we are or what we are doing. No matter if things look good or bad...It is He that we need to praise, because when he does come back, we will be ready.

Father,
Thank you for never leaving my side no matter what place in life I was in. You were and always will be there for me and I can never thank you enough. You are my light and I trust in you during the dark days and nights. Forgive my forgetfulness and selfishness by not seeking you enough. I praise you all my days.
I forever love you always
Amen

Desperate?

2010-09-08T08:09:00.000-07:00

Jeremiah 42-44; Psalm 48; Revelation 13

Jeremiah 42:5-6 ⁵ Then they said to Jeremiah, "May the LORD be a true and faithful witness against us if we do not act in accordance with everything the LORD your God sends you to tell us. ⁶ Whether it is favorable or unfavorable, we will obey the LORD our God, to whom we are sending you, so that it will go well with us, for we will obey the LORD our God."
This certain group of men were running for their lives. If they arrived at the wrong place they could've been captured and killed. They escaped death before and knew they needed more guidance. They were desperate.
Jeremiah 43:1-3 ¹ When Jeremiah finished telling the people all the words of the LORD their God—everything the LORD had sent him to tell them- ² Azariah son of Hoshaiah and Johanan son of Kareah and all the arrogant men said to Jeremiah, "You are lying! The LORD our God has not sent you to say, 'You must not go to Egypt to settle there.' ³ But Baruch son of Neriah is inciting you against us to hand us over to the Babylonians, ^a]">[a] so they may kill us or carry us into exile to Babylon."

When people become desperate they call on God. Whether they follow God or not, that's the first name that comes out of their mouth. In desperate times, people suddenly want to do things they are not used to because they think those things will get them out of their mess. These men, at first, were willing to do anything that God wanted them to do because they thought they knew what God wanted. But the moment they heard something foreign was when they turned their back on God.

There are many things that I want to do that God doesn't. There are many times when i heard Gods answer to my cry I thought it really wasn't God because than I would have to step out of my comfort zone. God doesn't want you or me to do what we want because God sees bigger and better things. God didn't want these men to get caught and die He wanted them to live and prosper. But when we don't listen to God is when God can't give us His blessings because we're not believing they're there.

Lord,
I ask today for more wisdom and better vision for the things you want to bless me with. I want your eyes and those things that you can give me because I know the world only wants to capture and kill me. But you want to bless and use me for your good. Keep me in your path and hold me close to you.
I forever love you always
Amen

9/7/2010 Agony in Hell

2010-09-08T08:08:00.000-07:00

2 Kings 25; 2 Chronicles 36; Jeremiah 40-41; Revelation 12

Revelation 12:7-9 ⁷And there was war in heaven. Michael and his angels fought against the dragon, and the dragon and his angels fought back. ⁸But he was not strong enough, and they lost their place in heaven. ⁹The great dragon was hurled down—that ancient serpent called the devil, or Satan, who leads the whole world astray. He was hurled to the earth, and his angels with him

In this particular story, John is explaining the vision that he had. The vision of when Jesus comes back and what happens to the people on earth and those that are already in heaven. At this moment, Michael is fighting against the devil and his demons because Satan wants his place back in heaven to corrupt it like he did with earth. Those angels that followed satan lost their places as well and found agony in hell.

Just because John is writing about what happens in the future, this happens everyday in heaven. Angels are fighting for our lives that we remain in the path of the Lord. When I sin, there is a possibility that my soul can be lost forever. But when the angels fight for me against the demons and I trust that the angels will win my soul is regained. My trust in the angels is my faith that everything will be OK after I sin. When I sin and recognize what i did I ask for forgiveness. I go to God and show Him that I don't only feel guilty but I am genuinely sorry for what I did and not do it again. However there are times when I will do it again, but in those repeated offenses I go back and believe that the blood of the lamb will save my spot next to Him in heaven.

Lord,
Thank you for the blood that you shed for me. You're blood and sacrifice has given me a place next to you and has allowed me to know you. My soul, my spirit, my life is in your hands. I place it and give it all to you
I forever love you always
Amen

9/6/2010 He's got the calling card

2010-09-08T08:06:00.000-07:00

Ezekiel 29-32; Revelation 11 Revelation 11:16-17 ¹⁶And the twenty-four elders, who were seated on their thrones before God, fell on their faces and worshiped God, ¹⁷saying: "We give thanks to you, Lord God Almighty, the One who is and who was, because you have taken your great power and have begun to reign.

The Lord is coming soon. No matter how long it takes, there will always be people saying the Lord is coming soon. And its because they are right. Gods timing is significantly different than ours, so when God says I am near and even though we may not feel Him, He is near. At the end of the world and when Jesus comes again, there will be a lot of death, terror, fear, & hate. And when all this happens, not only those who are sitting next to God on the throne need to praise Him, but us too.

In my fear and despair I am praising God. The Lord wants me to run to Him when I have a problem, an issue, if I'm confused, scared, angry, or hurt. I need to go to Him when my heart isn't right and when I've lost touch with Him. Its me that's holding the calling card and the phone because God wants to answer but I just need to call.

Lord,
Thank you for taking my call. Thank you for listening and helping me get right back up from the floor. There are times when I just want to give up but your light helps me through it all and knowing that your time is near that your face is near and that your love is with me, helps me go on.
I forever love you always
Amen

It is You

2010-09-01T11:25:00.000-07:00

Ezekial 15-16; Psalm 70; Revelation 6

Psalm 70:4-5 But may all who seek you rejoice and be glad in you; may those who love your salvation always say, "Let God be exalted!"

⁵ Yet I am poor and needy;
come quickly to me, O God.
You are my help and my deliverer;
O LORD, do not delay.

There are men that are out for blood. They don't care about others and would rather see others suffer because that's what they seek.

Than there are others that seek happiness within. Whether its through themselves or through God. When man searches happiness within himself he will always be disappointed because something will always be missing. However when man seeks for God, he will always find the greatest joy because God never comes up short.

There are times when I don't want to seek God because I feel like i don't deserve Him. And than I read a scripture like this and ask God for more help. Lord I am poor and needy! Lord I am a sinner! Lord I make the dumbest mistakes! What is wrong with me?! But the only thing I can tell God is "You are my help and my deliverer" God is the only one that can take me out of certain things to be able to walk the right path.

Lord,
You are my help and my deliverer. You are my Saviour and God. You are my redemption and holiness. You are strength when i am weak. You are mindful when I am forgetful. You are faithful when I can care less. You are all I want to be and all I want to be with. It is You.
I forever love you always
Amen

Whos really in control?

2010-08-26T11:11:00.000-07:00

Jeremiah 50-51; 3 John

Jeremiah 51:20-23 ²⁰ "You are my war club, my weapon for battle— with you I shatter nations, with you I destroy kingdoms,

²¹ with you I shatter horse and rider,
with you I shatter chariot and driver,

²² with you I shatter man and woman,
with you I shatter old man and youth,
with you I shatter young man and maiden,

²³ with you I shatter shepherd and flock,
with you I shatter farmer and oxen,
with you I shatter governors and officials.

Jeremiah was prophesying the destruction of Babylon when he recited these words. God was giving him the words to say as to what would happen to such a strong nation. However, because Babylon went against Zion, God was going to destroy them. Everyone knew that the Lords place was Israel and if anyone would come against it they would be destroyed. However Babylon got too comfortable in doing what they wanted, they didn't see what God had in store for them.

There are times when I feel too comfortable where I'm at. And when that happens a boredom starts and I become unhappy. However when I seek God through this season He begins to bring new things to spice things up. He also allows problems to adhere because with those issues comes new understanding and more wisdom. God knows what we need however when we listen to Him and follow Him He will not destroy us.

Babylon was strong, they were used for many things but they took that strength and threw it back in Gods face. They began to rely on themselves and get greedy. The moment we do that is the moment God will humble us and show us who really is in control.

Lord,
Thank you for always being in control. Thank you for guiding me on the right path and showing me where to go. It is your strength that I have therefore it is your strength i will use when you want me to use it. I am yours.
I forever love you always
Amen

Whats the point?

2010-08-25T14:02:00.000-07:00

Jeremiah 37-39; Psalm 79; 2 John Jeremiah 38:15 ¹⁵ Jeremiah said to Zedekiah, "If I give you an answer, will you not kill me? Even if I did give you counsel, you would not listen to me."
Jeremiah heard the voice of God. He knew what God was telling Him and all he wanted to do was give the words to the person they were meant for. He did that before this verse and he shared it with others however the others didn't like what he said so they tricked the king to punish Jeremiah. He was afraid to tell anything else to the king no matter what it was.

There are some of us that go for counsel but don't like what the other person has to say. So what does the counselor do? Why would they want to give advice if the other person won't even listen? Whats the point?

Unfortunately King Zedekiah didn't listen to Jeremiah quick enough and got handed over to the king of Babylon. He saw his sons die before him and than got his eyes cut out. When God is speaking through a prophet to follow Gods orders...we are to follow Gods orders.
Jeremiah 39:15-18 ¹⁵ While Jeremiah had been confined in the courtyard of the guard, the word of the LORD came to him: ¹⁶ "Go and tell Ebed-Melech the Cushite, 'This is what the LORD Almighty, the God of Israel, says: I am about to fulfill my words against this city through disaster, not prosperity. At that time they will be fulfilled before your eyes. ¹⁷ But I will rescue you on that day, declares the LORD; you will not be handed over to those you fear. ¹⁸ I will save you; you will not fall by the sword but will escape with your life, because you trust in me, declares the LORD.' "

Because Ebed listened to the Lord and followed him, he was saved from Babylons taking over.
When God puts someone in our lives to help us get through life easier and give us good counsel, we are to go to them and follow the word of the Lord. Yes I can discern what i want to follow and not but listening is step number 1. Than taking action is where we show God how much we trust Him.

Father,
Thank you for putting certain people in my life that I can go to and receive wise counsel. You are the first one I go to and then you guide me to the truth. Thank you for loving me more and more even when I don't always show you all the love. You are my ultimate father and my savior.
I forever love you always
Amen

He is the Light

2010-08-20T16:20:00.000-07:00

Jeremiah 48-49; Psalm 67; 1 John 1 1 John 1:5-6 ⁵This is the message we have heard from him and declare to you: God is light; in him there is no darkness at all. ⁶If we claim to have fellowship with him yet walk in the darkness, we lie and do not live by the truth.
John, the disciple that Jesus loved, had close fellowship with Jesus while He was on earth therefore knew the inner workings of Jesus. Jesus is the way the truth and the life, living by Jesus meant you are alive in Him. John knew what it was like to be alive and see the light and run away from darkness. When Jesus died John could have ran into darkness and forget what Jesus had taught him but instead he truly stayed in the fellowship of Jesus and was able to teach others about it.

There are times when I have felt in the dark, but knowing this scripture than that darkness had nothing to do with God and everything that the enemy wants to bring upon me. What I show at home, church, store, bathroom should be me at all times. If I say I love Christ yet don't follow His word than I am lying. I need to be who I am and show others the love that Christ has shown me so than more people can see who I am in Jesus.

Lord,
Thank you for being the light and allowing me through you to get out of the darkness. Any darkness belongs to the enemy and I will remember that You are the Light, at all times.
I forever love you always
Amen

Do you love me?

2010-08-19T09:45:00.000-07:00

Jeremiah 45-47; Psalm 105; John 21

John 21:15-17 ¹⁵When they had finished eating, Jesus said to Simon Peter, "Simon son of John, do you truly love me more than these?" "Yes, Lord," he said, "you know that I love you." Jesus said, "Feed my lambs."

¹⁶Again Jesus said, "Simon son of John, do you truly love me?"
He answered, "Yes, Lord, you know that I love you."
Jesus said, "Take care of my sheep."

¹⁷ The third time he said to him, "Simon son of John, do you love me?"
Peter was hurt because Jesus asked him the third time, "Do you love me?" He said, "Lord, you know all things; you know that I love you."

Jesus said, "Feed my sheep.

After Jesus died on the cross he came back and appeared to His disciples to make sure that what He taught them while He was human would remain with them and they would keep teaching about Him. Simon was one of the most stubborn in the disciples yet even though he denied Christ, he loved Him wholly. In this passage all Jesus wanted to know what if Peter loved Him. He didn't want to know about his faith or his plans on how to spread the gospel...He merely wanted to know about the simple truth "do you love me?"

Many times me and others over think God. We sometimes put God in a box and try to dissect Him or figure Him out. And its at those times when God shows His simple side. All God really wants to know about us is if we love Him. Because if we do than we gotta show others how much we love Him. Now what does God truly ask of us?
1. Feed his lambs: both spiritually and physically.
:: Since I know God it is for me show others His love. When I'm in love and have a boyfriend i want to show him off. If i get engaged I'm gonna be proud of my ring. Therefore, I am in love with Jesus and need to show off my relationship with Him. When i do that i am not ashamed of my love for Him. Also, when someone tells me their hungry, Gods wants me to show His love by feeding them.

2. Take Care of my sheep: In every way possible. (period)

Lord,
Thank you for your word. Thank you that I can find something new everyday. You surprise me and I pray that everyday you show me more and more of you. You are my holy Father and Savior and I love you.
I forever love you always
Amen

Peoples Choice

2010-08-16T09:22:00.000-07:00

2 Kings 24; Jeremiah 22; Psalm 112; John 18

John 18:33-40

³³Pilate then went back inside the palace, summoned Jesus and asked him, "Are you the king of the Jews?" ³⁴"Is that your own idea," Jesus asked, "or did others talk to you about me?"³⁵"Am I a Jew?" Pilate replied. "It was your people and your chief priests who handed you over to me. What is it you have done?" ³⁶Jesus said, "My kingdom is not of this world. If it were, my servants would fight to prevent my arrest by the Jews. But now my kingdom is from another place."³⁷"You are a king, then!" said Pilate. Jesus answered, "You are right in saying I am a king. In fact, for this reason I was born, and for this I came into the world, to testify to the truth. Everyone on the side of truth listens to me."³⁸"What is truth?" Pilate asked. With this he went out again to the Jews and said, "I find no basis for a charge against him. ³⁹But it is your custom for me to release to you one prisoner at the time of the Passover. Do you want me to release 'the king of the Jews'?" ⁴⁰They shouted back, "No, not him! Give us Barabbas!" Now Barabbas had taken part in a rebellion.

Pilate was the governor at that time. And governors are in charge of their people therefore they have to power to keep a prisoner in jail or to let him out. Governors in Roman times also acted as judges therefore the people took Jesus to Pilate to be judged. In all Gospels, Pilate is shown to hesitate in sending Jesus to His death. However, in the end Pilate allows the peoples choice to overrule his hesitations.

I can sit here and condemn Pilate for what he did and say he was a bad man and cowardly for not following his own feelings. But if Pilate didn't allow this than the prophecy's in the old testament would never have come to pass. Pilate was used by God to allow the crucifixion to happen. Pilate was just an instrument who was used to condemn Jesus to his untimely death.

God will use people for good or bad to make sure His will is done. However that might sound He would never force people to do something. Yes, Pilate had a choice. He could've ultimately let Jesus go and set him free. Yet, if that would've happened God would've used someone else. As we live; As I live there are situations that I am put in that I need to seriously listen to what God wants. I have my own choices to make but God can want me to do something different therefore I need to keep my eyes and ears open to make the right decisions for Him.

Lord,
Thank you for allowing me to make my own decisions. You have given me free will to live my life yet I want to live it for you and with you. I want to be next to you hearing your voice. Forgive me for the MANY wrong decisions that I have made that my flesh made instead of my spirit. I am only human but my spirit is yours.
I forever love you always
Amen

You keep me Juiced

2010-08-13T10:33:00.000-07:00

Jeremiah 13-15; John 15 John 15:13 ¹³Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends.
Jesus came to earth to promote love. He came to change our mind sets and keep us focused on what was important. In the next verses He explains that He came to make us think differently. In the old testament we were slaves. Everyone was a slave, either a slave to God or a slave to the world. Everyone had a master. Yet Jesus came to tell us that we are no longer slaves, that that word was getting a makeover. That instead of slave we are called friends. Through the connection of the Son we are now friends with God because Jesus showed us the secrets to having that one on one connection with Him.

When someone tries to start something not everything will come out perfectly. When God created the world it started out perfect until evil entered and everything became a ruckus. Than Sodom and Gomorrah and more perversion. Than little by little even after God wiped out the people, evil still lingered. However, when Jesus came it wasn't about being perfect it was about love and what that meant.

Love to me is everything. The love of my Father keeps me going. Knowing that God will never assume things, never judge me, never hate, never turn His back is the sole reason I am still here. He is the juice that keeps me thirsted and the food that gives me energy to have the compassion and drive to help those in need. My friends my family are my everything and the Lord has put in me the love that I wouldn't hesitate to lay down my life for them just like Christ laid down His life for me.

Father,
Thank you for your unconditional love for me. Thank you that through your love and compassion towards me I can show others the light that you have placed. You are everything that I have and without you I am nothing. Without you I can go nowhere and accomplish nothing. It is because of you that I am still strong.
I forever love you always
Amen

Jesus doesn't make mistakes

2010-08-09T10:52:00.000-07:00

Jeremiah 3-4; John 11 John 11:47-48 "What are we accomplishing?" they asked. "Here is this man performing many miraculous signs. ⁴⁸If we let him go on like this, everyone will believe in him, and then the Romans will come and take away both our place^c]">[c] and our nation."
Jesus had just raised Lazarus from the dead. His friend had died and Jesus wanted to use this opportunity to show others who He really was and was capable of. Martha and Mary both questioned Jesus as why He took so long to come and heal Lazarus. If He was Jesus, than why did Lazarus have to die in the first place? But Jesus had a plan. He knew what He was doing by waiting 4 days after Lazarus died. Jesus doesn't make mistakes.

However, even after raising Lazarus from the dead and healing sick people and helping out the poor and doing everything to help the less fortunate at all means possible, the Pharisees wanted to kill Him. Jesus could never do anything right in their eyes. They were jealous and bitter and just wanted to get rid of Him because Jesus made them look bad. Once Jesus came the Pharisees and Saducees started to be exposed for who they really were, fakes. They knew the word but they didn't live it.

God wants me to live the word. He wants me to know what the Bible teaches and put it into practice. I can't just sit back and think the word would come to life by itself. The words won't jump off the page if I ask them to. They will jump off the page when I start living them. And now its my turn. My turn to do something and my turn to be like Jesus' followers and not His haters. Its time to know the word more and live it to the fullest extent. No more sitting back and doing nothing, its time to take a step and move forward.

Father,
Thank you for your word, that I can live by something and be proud of it. Thank you that I am a person that can be used by you in any means possible. You are my God and I am your child. You are my everything and I live for you. Keep me in your path that I will follow you all the days of my life.
I forever love you Always
Amen

Breaking Point

2010-08-02T09:01:00.000-07:00

2 Chronicles 33; John 4

John 4:13-14
Jesus answered, "Everyone who drinks this water will be thirsty again, ¹⁴but whoever drinks the water I give him will never thirst. Indeed, the water I give him will become in him a spring of water welling up to eternal life."

The Samaritan woman was someone who is just like us. She was trying to live life to the fullest, than things struggles happened and she lost her way. She had 5 husbands; 5 men that she thought could make her life better; she tried 5 times to better her life but than she just gave up. Gave up on marriage, gave up on herself, gave up on God.

Jesus came to this woman because He knew what He was doing. He knew what she was doing in her life and knew what she needed to hear. Just like her I also need the living water. At one point in my life i had tried so many times to better my life and was at a breaking point. I didn't want to go no more. All I wanted to do was just give up and do nothing. But God came with His living water. With water that I want to drink. And the best thing is that I only have to drink it once. I don't have to constantly drink it over and over again because the Lord doesn't make me thirsty, the worlds salt does. Its God that quenches my thirst.

Father,
Thank you for quenching my thirst and for giving me of your water. Thank you for sharing your word with the world so we can drink of your cup and know more of you.
I forever love you always
Amen

All Crap

2010-07-27T20:40:00.000-07:00

Isaiah 50-52; Psalm 92; 2 Peter 1 Isaiah 52:3 ³ For this is what the LORD says: "You were sold for nothing, and without money you will be redeemed."

Isaiah knew what God had told him and wasn't afraid to let others know what the future held.

When i read this scripture I was immediately drawn to it. I didn't understand it at first and it kept me truly puzzled. "You were sold for nothing" I was sold? When? Than I remembered...I was sold into slavery, into sin, into the worlds lies. i sold myself, the devil bought my soul but not with money. Even though I didn't know...Isaiah knew. He knew from the beginning. He knew the power of sin and what it could do to my life. He knew the price was cheap because what the world offers is cheap...pure cheapness; all crap.

Than the second part "And without money you will be redeemed"...this part i understood full well. Isaiah knew what price had to be paid to get us all back to Him. It wasn't $2,000 or $20,000. It had nothing to do with money. It had everything to do with the cross. The power of the cross, the power that Jesus had. And the sin that He had to endure to get rid of ours. To get rid of sin we have to embrace the cross. And we need to stop thinking about money, wealth, riches cause I can't take that with me to heaven. That has no merit...My payment is not with money...its with the Cross.

Lord,
Thank you for the cross. Thank you for the power and authority that you have laid upon it. Your precious life became sin so I can be redeemed. You became sin so I can get rid of mine. Thank you for loving me so much that I can be clean and pure.
I forever love you always
Amen

7/21/2010 Gods View

2010-07-27T20:14:00.000-07:00

2 Kings 18-19; 2 Chronicles 32; James 5 2 Kings 18 ¹⁹ The field commander said to them, "Tell Hezekiah: " 'This is what the great king, the king of Assyria, says: On what are you basing this confidence of yours? ²⁰ You say you have strategy and military strength—but you speak only empty words. On whom are you depending, that you rebel against me?

The king of Assyria was a prideful man. All he looked at was the things that the world was showing him. If he had a lot of warriors than he had a great army. If he had a lot of gold he was rich. If he had many weapons he was safe. But the Lord saw more than what the man can see. Hezekiah was a man of conviction and prayer. He knew who the Lord was and put his trust in Him.

2 Kings 19 ⁶ Isaiah said to them, "Tell your master, 'This is what the LORD says: Do not be afraid of what you have heard—those words with which the underlings of the king of Assyria have blasphemed me. ⁷ Listen! I am going to put such a spirit in him that when he hears a certain report, he will return to his own country, and there I will have him cut down with the sword.' "

Hezekiah knew the power of God and trusted in His authority and Word. However there are times that even when I hear the voice of the Lord I doubt it because I see something else. But God doesn't want us to trust in what we see or hear, He wants us to trust in what He tells us and what He shows us. Gods view is so much more powerful and original than my own. His future for me is bigger than anything I can ever imagine and even if someone tells me 'No' but God tells me 'Yes' than i will follow the 'Yes'. It is Gods word that has precedence over anyone else.

Father,
Thank you for your Word. Thank you that you have everything under control and I can trust in you. In those times that I doubt I will run back to you and your word and rely on the future you have for me. I want to rest in your wings now and forever.
I forever love you always
Amen

7/18/2010 Faith vs Deeds

2010-07-23T14:38:00.000-07:00

Isaiah 32-35; James 2 James 2:25-26 In the same way, was not even Rahab the prostitute considered righteous for what she did when she gave lodging to the spies and sent them off in a different direction? ²⁶As the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without deeds is dead.
Before Christ everything was very religious. People had to obey all the laws and if they didn't, just a little than they would be punished. And that worked...for them. When the generation of James came and when Jesus came things started changing. Jesus took those laws and respected them, however, He made them of less importance and made God (the reason for the laws) more important.

With each generation comes major differences. Jesus rocked my life. His views, his stance, his patience and acceptance was what made me want to follow him. Knowing that I had to work for something greater made me want Him more. I can have faith and that's great but i have to put it in action to make God and everyone else notice. Spread the gospel and if needed use words.

Lord,
Thank you that I can show you who I am and whats in my heart. Thank you that i can show others through my compassion your love and grace. I love doing things for others and being used by you,
I forever love you always
Amen

7/17/2010 Don't be Polluted

2010-07-23T14:30:00.000-07:00

Isaiah 29-31; James 1 James 1:27 Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world.

James the brother of Jesus was touched by the spirit and knew he too had to spread the gospel and truth. His letter was more about how to live a pure life than about the story of Jesus. James wanted others to know how to live after the fact. Some people were able to see and hear about Jesus and know what was good and bad. Others needed clear instruction.

Having a relationship with God doesn't require only good works but it is included. When James spoke about religion he wasn't saying only being kind to orphans and widows but go out and look out after all those in need. All those who are alone. All those who can't help themselves. And not to listen to the worlds selfishness and pride but hear the compassionate heart of God and follow that.

Lord,
Thank you for your word. You inspired great men and women to share your truth and because of that i can worship and know you. Because of your faithful servants i can see you in everything.
Thank you
I forever love you always
Amen

7/16/10 This Was Planned

2010-07-21T09:49:00.002-07:00

Isaiah 25-28; Hebrews 13

Isaiah 25:1,4,8-9

¹ O LORD, you are my God; I will exalt you and praise your name, for in perfect faithfulness you have done marvelous things, things planned long ago.

Isaiah was a prophet and God spoke to him about many things especially things that were going to happen in the future. Instead of Isaiah keeping it all to himself he wanted to let the world know about all the amazing things God had prepared.

⁴ You have been a refuge for the poor, a refuge for the needy in his distress, a shelter from the storm and a shade from the heat. For the breath of the ruthless is like a storm driving against a wall

I believe that God has planned everything in my life. Especially me coming to India. Meeting, ministering, loving, feeding people - the poorest of the poor. It is hot, humid, sticky in India, the flys are everywhere but coming was a small shelter for those in need. Giving them food gave them a small token of joy and a little less worry for the time being where their next meal will come from.

⁸ he will swallow up death forever. The Sovereign LORD will wipe away the tears from all faces; he will remove the disgrace of his people from all the earth. The LORD has spoken.

⁹ In that day they will say, "Surely this is our God; we trusted in him, and he saved us. This is the LORD, we trusted in him; let us rejoice and be glad in his salvation."

This week the people that we saw knew who God was because what they were praying, begging for came to pass. I became an instrument this week for the poor. the lepers - the disgraced were like little children. They were disgraced no more but loved because the Lord has spoken.

Lord,

Thank you! I know I get too comfortable at times and i want to thank you for pulling me our of my comfort zone. Thank you for allowing me to see the poor and bring you to them. You are their comfort, their peace, their joy, their love, and healer, their God, their everything. You are Lord forever.

I forever love you always

Amen

Come back to strength

2010-07-06T22:08:00.000-07:00

Hosea 6-9; Hebrews 3 Hebrews 3:12-14 12See to it, brothers, that none of you has a sinful, unbelieving heart that turns away from the living God. 13But encourage one another daily, as long as it is called Today, so that none of you may be hardened by sin's deceitfulness. 14We have come to share in Christ if we hold firmly till the end the confidence we had at first.

The author of this book was obviously a believer. This was a person who knew what it was like to feel the Lord so strongly in the beginning than as time passed, have that feeling fade slowly away. Does that mean that God went away? Of course not! Does it mean we went away? Yes.

As a believer in anything, especially the Lord there are times when I feel strong and others when i feel weak. I always want to feel strong but I know it won't always happen. I wish when i am weak to be able to return to those strong times as easy, though it is possible, its not easy.
God wants me to stand firm in Him no matter what. As long as I'm standing on solid ground and I have my heart beating and my breath breathing I will praise the name of the Lord for as long as I live here on earth and up in heaven.

Father,
I thank you for your faithfulness. You are everything to me and I praise you because you made me whole. Without you I am weak and with you I am strong. Be always with me that I can surpass the bad in my life and overcome the trials that face me.
I forever love you always
Amen

100% Human

2010-07-05T11:09:00.000-07:00

Hosea 2-5; Hebrews 2

Hebrews 2:14-18 Since the children have flesh and blood, he too shared in their humanity so that by his death he might destroy him who holds the power of death—that is, the devil— ¹⁵and free those who all their lives were held in slavery by their fear of death. ¹⁶For surely it is not angels he helps, but Abraham's descendants. ¹⁷For this reason he had to be made like his brothers in every way, in order that he might become a merciful and faithful high priest in service to God, and that he might make atonement for the sins of the people. ¹⁸Because he himself suffered when he was tempted, he is able to help those who are being tempted.

Jesus was 100% God and 100% man, a mystery that is still being questioned to this day. How is that possible? But Jesus knew all about divinity and living in heaven and yet He knew all about being human and being tempted and what sin truly felt like. Jesus came to be 100% human to help us. God created us and we were made in His image, however, He didn't know what it was like to be human. Than when Jesus came He came to understand and knew that the only way to help us was to become the one thing that was separating us from our creator, sin.

Whenever I watch a movie and there has to be an ultimate sacrifice, sometimes I cry, sometimes I don't care. And that is how life is with Jesus. Some people care and cry and know what He did and they implement it in their daily lives. Others can care less and keep going on with their lives. But God sent His Son to earth not to be like an angel but to be like us. He stripped his divine nature when He came to earth. Yes, He was able to do miracles...but so was everyone else. Yes, He spoke to God and had a personal relationship with Him...but so did everyone else.

We think Jesus was divine when He was on earth. Yes, He was the Son of God and the Messiah and the Savior and that is what separates Him from us. Yet, when He was on earth He was 100% human and everything that He did on earth, everyone else was and is capable of doing it too.

I am capable of working miracles. I am capable of having a personal relationship with God. I am capable of turning from temptation. I am capable of getting rid of the devil. God made me 100% human and in His image with the faith and power and authority that Jesus had when He was on earth. I am 100% human.

Lord,
Thank you for creating me. There are times when I do wish I was someone else because they may have it easier, but it is because I have you that I rejoice and praise you for all that i have and all that I am. I can live because of you and be glad for it.
I forever love you always
Amen

Be an Example to the Believers

2010-06-22T09:46:00.000-07:00

2 Kings 8-9; 2 Chronicles 21; 1 Timothy 4

1 Timothy 4:11-14 ¹¹Command and teach these things. ¹²Don't let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in life, in love, in faith and in purity. ¹³Until I come, devote yourself to the public reading of Scripture, to preaching and to teaching. ¹⁴Do not neglect your gift, which was given you through a prophetic message when the body of elders laid their hands on you.

Timothy was a young disciple of Paul. During those times it was rare to have such a young pastor or teacher of the word because the rabbis and teachers were older men who have studied all their lives. Timothy was younger than other leaders and maybe felt like that was a negative aspect of his ministry. But Paul, a man of discernement, a man of faith and strength saw something in Timothy that he knew he could persevere and lead people to the Lord.

There are many ways for us to lead by example. There are many ways for us to live and show others who we are in Christ. But Paul set out specific ways for us to live...live by example. Show others who we are in

Speech: If I in the morning are worshipping God and reading the Word and doing my journal and telling my friends and family about Christ than going out at night and swearing all the time..what kind of example am i?

Matthew 15:18 But the things that come out of the mouth come from the heart, and these make a man 'unclean.'
Life: The decisions I make in life don't only affect me but those around me. Especially because I am a Pastor and even if I wasn't, they still affect my family & my friends. The person I decide to be is the person that other people will want to or not want to be around. So if I am a grotesque person than I will have grotesque friends. But If I am a kind person than I will attract kind people.

1 Kings 21: 17 ¹⁷ Then the word of the LORD came to Elijah the Tishbite: ¹⁸ "Go down to meet Ahab king of Israel, who rules in Samaria. He is now in Naboth's vineyard, where he has gone to take possession of it. ¹⁹ Say to him, 'This is what the LORD says: Have you not murdered a man and seized his property?' Then say to him, 'This is what the LORD says: In the place where dogs licked up Naboth's blood, dogs will lick up your blood—yes, yours!' "

Love: It is easier to be mad at someone than to love them. But God calls us to love everyone even our enemies. To treat them right, no matter what. Because that is how God treats us.

Matthew 22:37-40 Jesus replied: " 'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.'^a]">[a] ³⁸This is the first and greatest commandment. ³⁹And the second is like it: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.'^b]">[b] ⁴⁰All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments."
Faith: As followers of Christ we are pushed to live by faith. How can I not have faith if I am loving, worshipping a God that I cannot see. If I believe in God I have faith and if I don't believe in Him my faith perishes.

Hebrews 10:35-38 Do not let this happy trust in the Lord die away, no matter what happens. Remember your reward! You need to keep on patiently doing God's will if you want Him to do for you all that He has promised. His coming will not be delayed much longer. And those whose faith has made them good in God's sight must live by faith, trusting Him in everything. Otherwise, if they shrink back, God will have no pleasure in them.

Purity: In a world that depends on itself and wants to destroy others to get ahead, its tough to live in not only sexual purity but also mental purity. It is a command from God to keep ourselves pure because than God can speak to us and keep us strong from the temptations of the world.

Phillipians 4:8 Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.

Lord,
Thank you for guiding me to you. I know that I can learn about life and how to live it to the fullest through you. You are the Almighty and wonderful God and I am nothing without you.
I forever love you always
Amen

6/18/10 Stop Comprimising

2010-06-18T16:19:00.000-07:00

1 Kings 22; 2 Chronicles 18-19; Colossians 4

2 Chronicles 19:1-3 But Jehoshaphat king of Judah got home safe and sound. Jehu, son of Hanani the seer, confronted King Jehoshaphat: "You have no business helping evil, cozying up to God-haters. Because you did this, God is good and angry with you. But you're not all bad—you made a clean sweep of the polluting sex-and-religion shrines; and you were single-minded in seeking God."

God created us to follow Him. He created us to be one with Him and see Him. However once people get older and start seeing things differently they either choose right or left. There are others that go right than left than right again than left again. There are some that choose right and never look to their left and vice versa. Jehoshaphat was on the right path and to please the king he looked left. He could have been like Micaiah, but he didn't want to be looked down upon. So he was known as a man of God yet there were things he compromised with.

As a Christian and human I can be easily swayed. Knowing I stand for Gods goodness yet have the temptation of the world on my shoulders, I can be white yet be able to try black. Doesn't make it right that i make an excuse, doesn't mean I won't pay the consequences even I know Gods grace, it just means I have to search my heart. Jehoshaphat could've been killed by God because he was luke warm. But he wasn't because God saw his heart. It didn't make it right, but God saw that he truly loved God.

I truly love God and my heart is always thinking of Him and making sure I do the right things, but I don't always do that. There are times when I look to the left and move towards bad things for selfish reasons. Because that's all sin is...selfishness. Why did Jehoshaphat love God yet allow himself to be swayed by evil men? Selfishness. Why do I love to worship God yet don't do it as much as I should? Selfishness. And I can come down on myself but I know that God knows my heart and if I keep my heart good before God, that's what matters.

Lord,
Thank you for searching my heart and seeing that I truly love you. Forgive me for looking to the left for being selfish and not thinking of you first. Forgive me for not being stronger knowing that you made me strong in you. Thank you for giving me my place in your kingdom.
I forever love you always
Amen

I Am because You Are

2010-06-17T14:18:00.000-07:00

1 Kings 20-21; 2 Chronicles 17; Colossians 3

Colossians 3:22-25 ^22-25Servants, do what you're told by your earthly masters. And don't just do the minimum that will get you by. Do your best. Work from the heart for your real Master, for God, confident that you'll get paid in full when you come into your inheritance. Keep in mind always that the ultimate Master you're serving is Christ. The sullen servant who does shoddy work will be held responsible. Being a follower of Jesus doesn't cover up bad work.

There are many people in this life that have worked hard to where they got. They weren't lazy nor made excuses for themselves. They looked life in the face and conquered every tribulation that came in front of them. Paul was one of those men. He killed Christians before he converted. He was a hated, despised, feared man from the people that he eventually was trying to reach. He could've looked away and felt sorry for himself saying that there was nothing he could do because people didn't trust him. He could've said sorry God, but my past is too gruesome and painful, I just won't do it. But instead he knew what he did and he knew his obstacles and instead of freaking out....He went face to face with his maker and his enemy.

There are many people who follow and don't follow God that make excuses for life. They think they're life is too hard and they step away from they're once spoken goals. But the moment that things get cloudy it is our duty to step up and not be afraid.

v.12-14 So, chosen by God for this new life of love, dress in the wardrobe God picked out for you: compassion, kindness, humility, quiet strength, discipline. Be even-tempered, content with second place, quick to forgive an offense. Forgive as quickly and completely as the Master forgave you. And regardless of what else you put on, wear love. It's your basic, all-purpose garment. Never be without it.

I am a chosen one from God, my Father, my Creator, my Maker, my King, my Friend. He told me what I needed to do and where I needed to go. His map is His word and I have no excuse to fall away from Him. I understand the words and I understand that my Lord loves me unconditionally with mercy and grace. I know that I am only human but I can love like He loves. I can be gentle and humble like Him. I am able to forgive others and have my strength come from the inside. I am capable of being disciplined and disciplining myself. I Am.

Lord,
Thank you for having me part of your team, part of your world. Thank you that you have chosen me to be with you and allowing me to show the world who you are through me. I Am because You Are. It is you and only you that can show me the truth to what I need to know.
I forever love you Always
Amen

How He Loves Us

2010-06-16T09:39:00.000-07:00

1 Kings 17-19; Colossians 2

1 Kings 19:11-12

^11-12 Then he was told, "Go, stand on the mountain at attention before God. God will pass by."

A hurricane wind ripped through the mountains and shattered the rocks before God, but God wasn't to be found in the wind; after the wind an earthquake, but God wasn't in the earthquake; and after the earthquake fire, but God wasn't in the fire; and after the fire a gentle and quiet whisper.

When people think of God, they think someone who is always mad, who is a tyrant, someone they are afraid of. And then God reveals Himself and they get proved wrong. God is mercy and knows His children. He knows that if He presents Himself as an angry tyrant king I would be mad at Him and not listen & just not care about the Word. But God being gentle and forgiving, presenting Himself as such, is why I am still in love with Him.

"He is jealous for me Loves like a hurricane I am a tree Bending beneath the weight of his wind and mercy When all of a sudden I am unaware of these afflictions eclipsed by Glory And I realize just how beautiful you are and how great your affections are for me"
His love is like that hurricane, earthquake, and fire. Its intense. God is intense. His love will move mountains and destroys things to make sure we know how much He loves us.

"We are his portion and he is our prize Drawn to redemption by the grace in his eyes If grace is an ocean we’re all sinking So, heaven meets earth like a sloppy wet kiss And my heart turns violently inside of my chest I don’t have time to maintain these regrets when I think about the way "

Gods love is beyond all knowledge. Gods love is something I will never understand and may always question in one way or another. But whatever I think about it, its always there. He is always there.

Father,
Thank you for your unconditional love for me and your people. Thank you that I can share your love and proclaim it to others and show it through who I am. You are love and mercy and grace and through you I am free. Through you I am Me. I am who you created and I am here for you.
I forever love you always,
Amen

Live a worthy life

2010-06-08T15:36:00.000-07:00

Ecclesiastes 7-9; Ephesians 4

Ephesians 4:2-6 Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. ³Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. ⁴There is one body and one Spirit—just as you were called to one hope when you were called— ⁵ one Lord, one faith, one baptism; ⁶one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all

Each of us has a calling. They are either being a prophet, evangelist, teacher, apostle, or pastor. Some people think they don't have any of these gifts, but God implanted in us something special. Paul, here, gives us some tips to make sure we are ready for Gods calling and ready to hear Him say to go out and show others what are calling is.

1. Be Gentle
In this step when someone is gentle they are humble enough to show others the true love of Christ. When I'm at the doctors office i would rather have a nurse that is gentle than poke me with needles.When someone is gentle they are also patient. They understand that not everyone is the same and some need more time than others. A gentle person is also filled with love. Love for others and love for themselves.

2.Be Peaceful
It has been prophesied over me that I am a peace maker. When someone wants peace it means they don't want to fight about things.They like to work things out in the nicest way possible. When someone hurts someone of peace, it aches inside their soul because all they want is to have peace with others and not have any trouble. To remain in peace is a tough thing to do yet it surprises others because its not the usual way to handle things.

3. Be One
Know who God is and He will show you who you are. There are other people living in this world that know God yet those people think they are better. God made us equal in His image, once we learn to be gentle and peaceful than God can truly show us who He is and who we are worshipping and serving. If I know God than I'll know His calling and His will for my life.

Lord,
Thank you for allowing me to know what you want for my life. Thank you for choosing me to be with you and to follow you and to know you. Reveal yourself to me all the days of my life that even when I look away from you, You remain looking at me.
I forever love you always
Amen

Get your Act together

2010-06-07T10:51:00.000-07:00

Ecclesiastes 4-6; Psalm 18; Ephesians 3

Ecclesiastes 5: 18-20 After looking at the way things are on this earth, here's what I've decided is the best way to live: Take care of yourself, have a good time, and make the most of whatever job you have for as long as God gives you life. And that's about it. That's the human lot. Yes, we should make the most of what God gives, both the bounty and the capacity to enjoy it, accepting what's given and delighting in the work. It's God's gift! God deals out joy in the present, the now. It's useless to brood over how long we might live.

God gave each of us life. Yes there are people who have a better life than others, however, He gave us this life. And what should we do with it? Enjoy it. There are some that live longer and some that have more money. There are others that die young and waste away in their sorrows. But as people who live by the Bible, God is telling us to take our life and live it to the fullest.

Psalm 18:20-24 God made my life complete when I placed all the pieces before him. When I got my act together, he gave me a fresh start. Now I'm alert to God's ways; I don't take God for granted. Every day I review the ways he works; I try not to miss a trick. I feel put back together, and I'm watching my step. God rewrote the text of my life when I opened the book of my heart to his eyes.
There are times in life when mistakes make me feel like i don't deserve this life. There are times when I sin and I need to hide myself from God. But reading this i see that God, no matter what I have done, wants me to persevere in Him. That He gives me a second chance to redeem myself in Him because He died for me and made me complete again.

Lord,
thank you for giving me a second chance and for making me whole in you. All the wholes in my heart have been filled by your love and grace for me. I can look at you and see a complete vision that you made me a part of. Thank you for loving me unconditionally.
I forever love you always
Amen

Grace

2010-06-02T11:38:00.000-07:00

Proverbs 22-24; Romans 14

Romans 14:2-4 (The Message) For instance, a person who has been around for a while might well be convinced that he can eat anything on the table, while another, with a different background, might assume he should only be a vegetarian and eat accordingly. But since both are guests at Christ's table, wouldn't it be terribly rude if they fell to criticizing what the other ate or didn't eat? God, after all, invited them both to the table. Do you have any business crossing people off the guest list or interfering with God's welcome? If there are corrections to be made or manners to be learned, God can handle that without your help.

Paul was someone who got it. He understood the purpose, the idea, the concept. He knew what it meant. He wasn't perfect and may have messed up here and there but he lived it. Grace. Grace is about showing the other person you love them NO MATTER WHAT.
You a satanists...I love you.
You a homosexual...I love you.
You curse God...I love you.
Does that mean I approve of the way your living...absolutely not.
Grace means that I accept you, that I wont judge you, I won't hate on you because your not living the right life.
It means I will listen to you and if you need my advice be prepared to hear something you may not want to hear.

v.17-18 God's kingdom isn't a matter of what you put in your stomach, for goodness' sake. It's what God does with your life as he sets it right, puts it together, and completes it with joy. Your task is to single-mindedly serve Christ. Do that and you'll kill two birds with one stone: pleasing the God above you and proving your worth to the people around you.

I am not the one to set your foot back on path. I can help you get there but its God that puts things back in control.
God has called me to serve Him. And serve Him only. I am not to worship my parents or any other thing on this earth, but look to Him and know who He is at all times.

Lord,
Thank you for creating me to serve you. Thank you that I can see you in things and find you. I know i have sinned and ask for your forgiveness in my life and those times that i have judged others and looked at the speck in their eye when there was a brick in mine. Lord you have always shown me ultimate grace and I want to take your path to show others what you have always shown me.
I forever love you always
Amen

Lean not on Me

2010-05-26T10:59:00.000-07:00

Proverbs 1-3; Romans 7

Romans 7:22-23 For in my inner being I delight in God's law; ²³but I see another law at work in the members of my body, waging war against the law of my mind and making me a prisoner of the law of sin at work within my members.

If you read Pauls letters, you will notice a struggle within him. He loves God however there was a battle inside of him that he was struggling to overcome. He knew all about love and justice, God and satan, the bible and the law of the land. He was strong and intelligent and weak all at the same time. And Paul wasn't alone, because that is all of us. We, I, love God with all my heart and soul yet the enemy is waging a war inside of me and making me weak at times so that I fall into his sin.

Proverbs 3:3-6 Let love and faithfulness never leave you; bind them around your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart.⁴ Then you will win favor and a good name in the sight of God and man.⁵ Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; ⁶ in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight.

When satan wants to battle within me, instead of fighting him back with my bad words or just even giving up...I love. I don't love satan but i love myself. I trust that God will forgive me and has already forgiven me, i trust in the unconditional mercy of God and his surrounding grace that is everywhere.

v.3 when love and faithfulness becomes a leech and sucks me dry, is when I forgive easily. I look at people who have hurt me with the eyes of the Lord. When love and faithfulness are like a tattoo - it hurts at first because its hard to love my enemies, but once it heals its there forever and the mercy and grace of God is layed upon me.

v.4 When you love others and you show them by respect and kindness, not only will other people see it, but God sees it. He knows when I am extra nice to someone, when I open the door for someone, when I give my seat, when I help another. He sees when I go out of my way and others may not appreciate it or even care, but God does.

v.5-6 When i trust God and trust Him with even my weakness He will stir me in the right direction. He will make sure that I am in the right season of my life and doing the things that i'm supposed to. Sometimes I want to stir my own car and make a right or left but when its time for God to stir the wheel, He will make it known and take over from there.

Lord,
Thank you for your love and kindness that has been poured over me. Thank you for making me who I am, how I am. I know that I have strengths and many weaknesses but I pray and ask that you continue to pour your love and grace over me. I want your love to be the mascot inside of me cheering me on to keep going and searching for you. I love you with all my heart and soul, keep me in your path and if you see me stirring away take over and start driving.
I forever love you always
Amen

Are you a Follower?

2010-05-21T09:52:00.000-07:00

1 Kings 7; 2 Chronicles 4; Psalm 98; Romans 2 Romans 2:12-13 All who sin apart from the law will also perish apart from the law, and all who sin under the law will be judged by the law. ¹³For it is not those who hear the law who are righteous in God's sight, but it is those who obey the law who will be declared righteous

The Romans were people who lived by their law. They lived by their rules, yet Paul was trying to explain Gods law, Gods rules. His are different from land laws therefore they should be regarded differently.

It is better for me to say I won't do something and actually do than say I'm going to do something and not do it. Because I can tell someone something and I can say something but if i don't do something about it than I am just a coward. Gods want me to live what I believe. And when i do that than i am righteous in His eyes.

v.28-29 A man is not a Jew if he is only one outwardly, nor is circumcision merely outward and physical. ²⁹No, a man is a Jew if he is one inwardly; and circumcision is circumcision of the heart, by the Spirit, not by the written code. Such a man's praise is not from men, but from God.

Gods looks at our hearts because that is where He will see if we are truly His followers. A word is one thing but an action is another. If I say I'm a follower yet stay quiet...I'm not a follower. If I say I'm a follower and I share the gospel and follow the Lords commands...I'm a follower.

Lord,
Thank you for allowing me to get spiritually circumcised. I can cut out the things of the world through you. I know I still have things to work on and parts of the world to cut out of my heart, help me with those things. I want to walk straight and be righteous before you. Show me the things I need to cut out so I can start on the straight and narrow.
I forever love you always
Amen

I am weak but He is strong

2010-05-20T11:19:00.000-07:00

1 Kings 6; 2 Chronicles 3; Psalm 97; Romans 1

Romans 1:20 For since the creation of the world God's invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature—have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that men are without excuse.

One of Pauls dreams was to minister to the Romans. These were the physical people who took Jesus into their hands and nailed him physically to the cross. These people were ruthless, they knew no mercy and didn't care. These were the exact kind of people that Paul loved and wanted to get close to.

Who the Romans were are the people most of us are afraid to even speak to. We go to the streets and see someone on the floor and instead of seeing if they are ok, we walk pass them judging them thinking they are just drunk. The Romans were people that carry guns, that kill for territory, that look scary on the outside. Yet, Paul saw them as Gods creations and wanted to reach out and help them.

As followers of Christ and disciples of Paul, we are to follow the example. Help those, however they look like, in finding the truth about God. When someone walks into these doors we are to open our arms and give them a loving hug. Jesus would want me not to be scared of how someone looks, because my fight is not against flesh and blood but against principalities. My war is with the spirit world and how the devil thinks he could handle me. My battle is not my own to fight but I have the Lord to protect me from any fear.

I have no excuse to make when I ignore someone. The fear is my own because God didn't give me a spirit of fear but a spirit of peace and love. If I see someone that I don't think would listen my first instinct is to walk away, but the Lord wants me to move forward and talk to such people. My weakness is the Lords strength therefore my power is in Him.

Lord,
Thank you for your strength in me. I know there are times when I don't listen to your spirit and I do walk away. But I want to stop walking away and keep moving forward to you. Forgive me for not listening to your word.
I forever love you always
Amen

Mine and Yours Temple

2010-05-19T11:46:00.000-07:00

1 Kings 4-5; 2 Chronicles 2; Psalm 101; 2 Thessalonians 3

2 Chronicles 2:4 Now I am about to build a temple for the Name of the LORD my God and to dedicate it to him for burning fragrant incense before him, for setting out the consecrated bread regularly, and for making burnt offerings every morning and evening and on Sabbaths and New Moons and at the appointed feasts of the LORD our God. This is a lasting ordinance for Israel.
Solomon knew what God wanted him to do. David was supposed to build this temple but David came to the point in his life that he didn't have time because he was busy with the wars and fighting. Yet Solomon, a man of peace and wisdom, is young and has the time to build this temple for the Lord.

Even though Solomon built a whole temple from scratch, God wants us to build him a temple. The temple in our hearts, in our rooms, in our secret place. This temple is to be dedicated to God - the time that we spend in this temple is to be dedicated to God. All that we do, say, hear is for Him.
- "for burning fragrant incense" - this is for our temple to have a beautiful fragrance going around. This doesn't literally mean we need to burn incense in our temple, but for our temple to be a nice smelling place and place that the Lord would want to spend time in with us.
- "setting out the consecrated bread regularly" - the word is our living bread. When we are in the temple spending time with Him, this is the time we are to read the word. We are to set time apart to be with him and learn more about God.
- "for making burnt offerings every morning and evening" - we are to pray to him, offer him up our time which is sometimes a sacrifice. This is being obedient to him.
- "and on the Sabbaths and new moons and at appointed feasts" - praying to God every chance we get. Worshipping Him during our time off - dedicating it directly to Him and for Him.

Lord,
thank you for giving me the chance to build my own temple for you. I know i can't make one like Solomon but i know you didn't call me to do that. I am here to worship you in my temple during my dedicated time to you. I love worshipping you and reading your word. I am here for you.I forever love you always
Amen

Young and Wise

2010-05-18T10:56:00.000-07:00

1 Kings 3; 2 Chronicles 1; Psalm 78; 2 Thessalonians 2

1 Kings 3: 7 "Now, O LORD my God, you have made your servant king in place of my father David. But I am only a little child and do not know how to carry out my duties."
Solomon was a young man when he became king. All he knew was that he saw his father be king and wanted to be like him. He knew that his father was a man after Gods heart and wanted to seek God too. Solomon was not a fighter, he was not a man of war, it was never implanted in him. David on the other hand was a man who wanted to fight for his country and for his God. As generations pass so do some characteristics. Solomon was quiet and kept to himself a lot. He wanted to have a great kingdom, one that God and his father David would be pleased of. As a young man he didn't know what to do and how to show his people that he could be their king.

v.9 "So give your servant a discerning heart to govern your people and to distinguish between right and wrong. For who is able to govern this great people of yours?"

Even though Solomon was young, he was smart and he listened. He was an observer and he knew what he needed to be a great king. Wisdom.

At times, even though i am almost 30, i feel like i don't know enough to do what i do. I feel like I am too young and need more experience to be where I am, however God put me here and has kept me here for a reason. He wants me to be a pastor, a counselor, a friend to these young kids because He sees my heart. He knows my heart is for them and nothing else. He knows that I am here because He put me here and no one else at this moment can do what I do the way I do it. Same as for Solomon, even though he felt young and inexperienced, God grated him what he needed to be a great king.

Many of us no matter how old we are will make mistakes. We will not be wise at times and go down the wrong path. There will be times when we will not listen to Gods voice, as what happened to both David and Solomon, but they went back to listen to Him and followed Him once again. Whatever we ask for from God, ask from your heart but let God listen to your heart first before you open your mouth.

Lord,
thank you for listening to my heart. You know me better than I know myself and you know what I need more than I do. Show me what I need to do next and how to get there. I want to follow you all the days of my life.
I forever love you always
Amen

The Surface and the Heart

2010-05-15T09:36:00.000-07:00

1 Chronicles 25-27; 1 Thessalonians 4

1 Thessalonians 4:11-12 Make it your ambition to lead a quiet life, to mind your own business and to work with your hands, just as we told you, ¹²so that your daily life may win the respect of outsiders and so that you will not be dependent on anybody.

While Paul was going from city to city to spread the gospel, his life was crazy. He was constantly in jail or his life was always threatened. He didn't want the people he was ministering to to go through the same. Paul knew that he was chosen for that work for a reason, because God knew he could handle it. God knew the strength inside Paul and whatever Paul went through, he would keep his heart and eyes set on God. However, the people Paul ministered to, were not as strong as he was. They were baby Christians and barely knew the things of God. Therefore, he wanted them to stay out of trouble, yet not stay quiet about what they had learned about God.

Being a Christian doesn't mean you have to live a dramatic life. It doesn't mean you have to be like Paul or any other grand evangelist. It just means you have to be you. However God created you, that's how He wants you to be. God wants us to live a good life but with the possibility of bad times crossing our paths.

Paul said "lead a quiet life and mind your own business" which means be kind to everyone, don't get involved in stupid drama. Do what God has called you to do and keep your focus on that

"work with your hands just as we told you" means be a hard worker, show others that your not a lazy person.

"your daily life will win the respect of outsiders" means what you do in your daily life should be an example for those who just see your surface. Paul wanted our surface to be so good that when people get to see who we are on the inside - they wouldn't see a difference.

"not dependent on anyone" means our dependency is on God and not on material things. God doesn't want us looking at others and what they have and asking others for favors or for money. God wants us to directly look at Him, ask Him, confide in Him.

Lord,
Thank you for your powerful word that you have. Thank you that you gave such simple yet powerful wisdom to Paul so that even today thousands of years later I can still use it. Help me to depend solely on you and your word everyday of my life. Forgive me of my selfishness and blindness to the things of the world, and cleanse my surface to look like my heart.
I forever love you always
Amen

Don't look to Strangers

2010-05-14T09:37:00.000-07:00

1 Chronicles 22-24; 1 Thessalonians 3

1 Chronicles 22:6-10 Then he called for his son Solomon and charged him to build a house for the LORD, the God of Israel. 7 David said to Solomon: "My son, I had it in my heart to build a house for the Name of the LORD my God. 8 But this word of the LORD came to me: 'You have shed much blood and have fought many wars. You are not to build a house for my Name, because you have shed much blood on the earth in my sight. 9 But you will have a son who will be a man of peace and rest, and I will give him rest from all his enemies on every side. His name will be Solomon, [a] and I will grant Israel peace and quiet during his reign. 10 He is the one who will build a house for my Name. He will be my son, and I will be his father. And I will establish the throne of his kingdom over Israel forever.'

God has a plan for everyone, each and every single person. But when we fall out of Gods will, even for a moment, what God wanted us for that moment could change. God wanted David to build a temple for him and planted it in his heart to do so. But when David walked out of Gods will and killed Uriah to be with Bathsheeba, God saw something in Davids heart that he never saw before. And knowing that David had that type of sin in his heart, he couldn't let him build the temple.

God wanted a man of peace and rest. A man who was different from everyone else. David, when he was younger was that kind of man. He loved singing and song writing, yet was a warrior at heart. And when that warrior took over, God knew that he wasn't the right man. So God had to use Solomon. Solomon wasn't a man of war or blood shed. He was a man of wisdom, peace, and rest. God wanted a temple built knowing that no war would come and destroy it.

God has plans for me, but if i walk out of his will he is going to choose someone else until i get back into his will. I would rather have my child complete Gods will than some stranger, but for me that's not possible right now. So i have to work harder to make sure when God calls me to do something, I do it and put my whole heart into it. My sin cannot take over Gods will for me or else i could miss out on the greatest things in life.

Father,
Thank you for calling me your daughter. For calling me into your will. I want to hear you, clearly, and follow you, clearly. Search my heart and make it clean so I know what you want me to do in life. I want to be with you and in your will, I want to complete it, use me Lord.
I forever love you always
Amen

Awe Factor

2010-05-11T11:15:00.000-07:00

2 Samuel 19-20; Psalm 55; Matthew 28

Matthew 28: 19-20 Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in^a]">[a] the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, ²⁰and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age."
Jesus had a mission. His mission was to make sure to get his message out to the world in whatever way possible. But there was a problem. Even though he performed miracles and taught better than the teachers, he was dead. And with death comes closure, comes somber, comes trying to get over someone. However Jesus wanted his death to be different. He wanted to relay a message therefore had to do something even more dramatic than rise someone from the dead: He had to raise Himself from the dead. Because the moment he brought in the awe factor was the moment that those doubters would start truly believing.

If Jesus wouldn't have risen from the dead, than he would have been known as a great teacher and someone who died for a cause. He wouldn't have been known as a Messiah as a king or as the Son of God. Jesus had to get his message across and use those people who were closest to him. He had to be dramatic and real for the gospel to be spread. And the way that we learned that Christ was real, is the way we need to show others to stop doubting.

Jesus may not be here to perform miracles, but he left his Holy Spirit to guide us to make disciples. Disciples means "learner" which means we are to be teachers. Teachers of the word, teachers of miracles, teachers of the gospel to make it real and modern. God remains the same, The Bible remains the same, but the people are different and we are chosen to make those disciples from all over the world and change this world one disciple at a time.

Father,
Thank you for making me a teacher of you. Thank you for choosing me to be one of the few to go out and have people learn about you through me. You could have chosen anyone but you saw something different in me. You saw my heart and you used it for your glory. Thank you for loving me the way you do and keeping me safe in your arms.
I forever love you always
Amen

Wicked Counsel

2010-05-07T09:43:00.000-07:00

2 Samuel 13-14; Matthew 24

2 Samuel 13 :3-5 Now Amnon had a friend named Jonadab son of Shimeah, David's brother. Jonadab was a very shrewd man. ⁴ He asked Amnon, "Why do you, the king's son, look so haggard morning after morning? Won't you tell me?" Amnon said to him, "I'm in love with Tamar, my brother Absalom's sister." ⁵ "Go to bed and pretend to be ill," Jonadab said. "When your father comes to see you, say to him, 'I would like my sister Tamar to come and give me something to eat. Let her prepare the food in my sight so I may watch her and then eat it from her hand.'

Amnon had a problem and up until then he had controlled it. Even though he said he was in love with Tamar, he was just filled with lust for her. Going to Jonadab was the wrong idea because Amnon knew that Jonadab wasn't the wisest man. However, he took his advice.

2 Sam 13:12-14 ¹² "Don't, my brother!" she said to him. "Don't force me. Such a thing should not be done in Israel! Don't do this wicked thing. ¹³ What about me? Where could I get rid of my disgrace? And what about you? You would be like one of the wicked fools in Israel. Please speak to the king; he will not keep me from being married to you." ¹⁴ But he refused to listen to her, and since he was stronger than she, he raped her.

Amnon couldn't control his urge any longer but he was pushed by Jonadab. And this is what got him killed. If Amnon would have talked to someone, like his father, he could have gotten everything he wanted and not been killed. But when someone seeks wrong counsel they end up with the consequences.

God brings wise people into our lives to help us make the right decisions. When we are conflicted with something, instead of trying to figure it out for ourselves we need to seek out a man or woman of God to help us look at things in a different perspective. After Amnon raped Tamar he hated her because he got what he wanted and all he wanted was to use her. He never loved her all he wanted was to sleep with a virgin girl and see how it felt.

Amnon was tainted from Jonadabs words and wicked counsel that he became wicked himself. If I don't want to be tainted and if i want to seek God than I need to seek those wise people in my life and look at God through them.

Lord,
Thank you for bringing wise people in my life. Thank you for those people that i can look up to and strive to be like them, especially in times in need. You are planted in them and have brought them in my path so i can seek you. I thank you for your holy spirit in me for guiding me and always helping me.
I forever love you always
Amen

Desperate times call for Desperate measures

2010-05-06T09:11:00.000-07:00

2 Samuel 11-12; Psalm51; Matthew 23

2 Samuel 11:14-17 In the morning David wrote a letter to Joab and sent it with Uriah. ¹⁵ In it he wrote, "Put Uriah in the front line where the fighting is fiercest. Then withdraw from him so he will be struck down and die."

¹⁶ So while Joab had the city under siege, he put Uriah at a place where he knew the strongest defenders were. ¹⁷ When the men of the city came out and fought against Joab, some of the men in David's army fell; moreover, Uriah the Hittite died.

What would you do to try and hide your sin? David was willing to kill a man. Not everyone would go that far though many people are hiding something. Hiding because they are scared that someone would find out the truth. But why do people hide? Because some people are ashamed, others are hurt, and scared of the consequence.

2 Samuel 12:24-25
²⁴ Then David comforted his wife Bathsheba, and he went to her and lay with her. She gave birth to a son, and they named him Solomon. The LORD loved him; ²⁵ and because the LORD loved him, he sent word through Nathan the prophet to name him Jedidiah. ^{b]">[b]

When a sin invades our lives its so hard to let it go. It becomes a part of us a part of our present and future. It may even define us for years. David was known as the man after Gods own heart. Then when he sinned with Bathsheeba he was known as the man who took this poor mans wife. The Lord doesn't like it when we sin and hide it. God wants us to be clean and be known for His child instead of the worlds pawn. David knew that he couldn't just leave Bathsheeba behind, he sinned with her and they went through a miscarriage together. David had to take responsibility and take the consequences as a man. And the moment David started thinking like a man of God is when God began blessing him again. God wants us to do something about our sin. Either expose it or get rid of it. And from that moment He will start blessing His children. Lord, Thank you for always watching out for me. I know there are things that i am hiding in my heart that i need to do something about. I can only do this with you being with me and never letting me go. You have always been there and i know you will always be there. I forever love you always Amen}

The Long Road

2010-05-04T18:45:00.000-07:00

2 Samuel 8-9; 1 Chronicles 18-19; Matthew 21

Matthew 21:28-31 "What do you think? There was a man who had two sons. He went to the first and said, 'Son, go and work today in the vineyard.'

²⁹" 'I will not,' he answered, but later he changed his mind and went.

³⁰"Then the father went to the other son and said the same thing. He answered, 'I will, sir,' but he did not go.

³¹"Which of the two did what his father wanted?"
"The first," they answered.

It is better for a man to do things late than never do them at all. Jesus was trying to teach his people that its better late than never. Even if people go the long road by sinning and saying they'll turn to God and finally when they're older they do it instead of accepting Jesus and pushing Him to the side their whole life. Taking the long road is at times the better road for certain people. Peter was almost like the 2nd son because he said he would never betray Jesus yet did it in less than a minute. However he made the right choice when he repented once again and started ministering.

Matthew 21:21-22 ²¹Jesus replied, "I tell you the truth, if you have faith and do not doubt, not only can you do what was done to the fig tree, but also you can say to this mountain, 'Go, throw yourself into the sea,' and it will be done. ²²If you believe, you will receive whatever you ask for in prayer."

Some people never turn to God because they don't get what they want. But God is telling us when we do turn to Him, when we do find the light at the end of the tunnel, the journey doesn't stop there. He wants us to pray and read His word and believe in Him. Its not a journey that ends because it keeps going till the day we get to heaven and our other journey begins.

If i want something to happen, if i want my journey to keep going than i have to keep praying. I will make the right decision, the one God wants me to make when i remain trusting in Him, in His word and His will for my life. When i stay in prayer and in worship is when God will speak to me and listen to my cry for Him.

Lord,
Thank you for allowing me to find you. Yes i may take the long road in trying to figure out what is right for me but i know when i do you are right there with me. Never let me go Lord
I forever love you always
Amen

Through Gods Eyes

2010-04-30T09:22:00.000-07:00

2 Samuel 6; 1 Chronicles 13; Psalm 68; Matthew 17

2 Samuel 6:20-22 When David returned home to bless his household, Michal daughter of Saul came out to meet him and said, "How the king of Israel has distinguished himself today, disrobing in the sight of the slave girls of his servants as any vulgar fellow would!"

²¹ David said to Michal, "It was before the LORD, who chose me rather than your father or anyone from his house when he appointed me ruler over the LORD's people Israel—I will celebrate before the LORD. ²² I will become even more undignified than this, and I will be humiliated in my own eyes. But by these slave girls you spoke of, I will be held in honor."

While David was growing up, he loved to be alone worshipping God in his own element. No one was around to tell him what was a good or bad way to praise God. Not even God told him what was right or wrong, because David opened his heart and worshipped God with everything in it and that was all that mattered to God. Michal was used to a more confined way of worship, a modest and quiet prayer to the Lord, which still isn't wrong either. Yet when these two worlds clash and judgement is involved than that's when things get wrong.

Michal was embarrassed by the way David was worshipping God, especially because he got naked in front of people. As a wife it is OK to have concerns when a your own husband is disrobing in front of others, especially other women, however David was being vulnerable and weak in human eyes but if Michal would have looked through her spiritual eyes, she would have seen a man acting like a happy child praising his God.

Judging others is an ugly road to walk on. The reason we do judge is because we are looking through our worldly eyes and not our spiritual eyes. We see things that are not acceptable in the world but forget that the Lord loves the weak, the broken, the lost. Those are his people and He only have love and compassion for them. And I need to put on my spiritual eyes and start seeing the world through them. Not looking at things in the surface but the heart of the people, why they are doing what they are doing; acting the way they are acting; being who they are being. When I look through Gods eyes I will see more than a naked man or woman I will see their heart and who they truly are.

Lord,
Thank you for allowing me to see through your eyes. The world tries to force their views and thoughts upon me, but through the darkness God you shine your light upon me. You are my lamp through this dark place and only you can make me into a child once again.
I forever love you always
Amen

Intricate Stitch

2010-04-29T09:36:00.000-07:00

2 Samuel 4-5; Psalm 139; Matthew 16

Psalm 139 O LORD, you have searched me and you know me.

² You know when I sit and when I rise;
you perceive my thoughts from afar.

³ You discern my going out and my lying down;
you are familiar with all my ways.

⁴ Before a word is on my tongue
you know it completely, O LORD.

⁵ You hem me in—behind and before;
you have laid your hand upon me.

⁶ Such knowledge is too wonderful for me,
too lofty for me to attain.

⁷ Where can I go from your Spirit?
Where can I flee from your presence?

⁸ If I go up to the heavens, you are there;
if I make my bed in the depths, ^a]">[a] you are there.

⁹ If I rise on the wings of the dawn,
if I settle on the far side of the sea,

¹⁰ even there your hand will guide me,
your right hand will hold me fast.

¹¹ If I say, "Surely the darkness will hide me
and the light become night around me,"

¹² even the darkness will not be dark to you;
the night will shine like the day,
for darkness is as light to you.

¹³ For you created my inmost being;
you knit me together in my mother's womb.

¹⁴ I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made;
your works are wonderful,
I know that full well.

¹⁵ My frame was not hidden from you
when I was made in the secret place.
When I was woven together in the depths of the earth,

¹⁶ your eyes saw my unformed body.
All the days ordained for me
were written in your book
before one of them came to be.

¹⁷ How precious to ^b]">[b] me are your thoughts, O God!
How vast is the sum of them!

¹⁸ Were I to count them,
they would outnumber the grains of sand.
When I awake,
I am still with you.

¹⁹ If only you would slay the wicked, O God!
Away from me, you bloodthirsty men!

²⁰ They speak of you with evil intent;
your adversaries misuse your name.

²¹ Do I not hate those who hate you, O LORD,
and abhor those who rise up against you?

²² I have nothing but hatred for them;
I count them my enemies.

²³ Search me, O God, and know my heart;
test me and know my anxious thoughts.

²⁴ See if there is any offensive way in me,
and lead me in the way everlasting.

David was a man after Gods own heart. What that means is that he searched for God and His word; everything that it meant, what God wanted Him to know and how He wanted David to live. In this Psalm David was searching how God created him. He discovered that it was an intricate process, it was delicate with much thought and time.

God didn't create us by a touch of the button, but one by one made us different not only on the outside but on the inside as well. Like sewing clothes, each stitch God knows about, each hemline that is off, each crumple of the fabric, each color that is off, each short sleeved, bad cuff, too tight, too loose. When fabric falls off He knows, even when we don't. He knows when someone pulls at the cloth and damages it. He knows when a part is destroyed or hurt.

At times I think God is not there and wonder where He could've gone. But I'm the one whose wrong. God has never gone anywhere I just stopped searching. I stopped looking for Him, He's just been waiting for me to open my eyes. He created my voice, my eyes, my heart, my mind, my spirit, those things that i need to find Him. He knows my next move, my next word, my next thought and still loves me....

Lord, Thank you for loving me. Thank you for being there for me and never leaving my side even when i forgot to look for you. I know that you are the One who will always be here and never leave me. I know you love me so much that i cannot even fathom that love. But i will receive it all the days of my life. I forever love you always. Amen

This is My Kingdom

2010-04-28T17:25:00.000-07:00

2 Samuel 3; 1 Chronicles 12; Matthew 15

2 Samuel 3:39 And today, though I am the anointed king, I am weak, and these sons of Zeruiah are too strong for me. May the LORD repay the evildoer according to his evil deeds!"

David wanted to be a peaceful yet just king. Right before this he had sent away Abner in peace. Yet for the sins of Abners past, he was killed on his way back home. When David heard about this he was distressed and sad because he didn't want any more unnecessary killing, especially in his kingdom. And David admitted he was weak in that time because he realized even as king, people would take justice into their own hands.

There are people who take matters into their own hands. No matter what their authority wants, they want to control the situation. However, God appointed people to be in authority so there would be order in the country, and home. God appointed a mother and father over children's lives to show them order and discipline. Sometimes it works sometimes it doesn't. David was a king who didn't want his own people to be afraid of him, he wanted peace and order in his kingdom. He admitted he was weak not because he was a weak man, but because he was a strong man. He was strong because others might know his true feelings but he wasn't going to go down with a fight. He knew how strong the Lord was and knew that God would bring him justice to those who would try to ruin his kingdom.

I need to be a person that doesn't allow others to try and take away the order from my kingdom. If i want order or confusion than i will allow either. But my strength needs to be in the Lord to lift me up and give me strength when i most need it.

Lord,
thank you for your strength. I know i need more of it everyday to be that woman you have called me to be. You are my Father and i should be more like you. I need order in my life and need to put things in the right places. I know you are teaching me things everyday and I want to listen to you. Forgive me when i shut my ears to your words.
I forever love you always
Amen

Brotherhood

2010-04-26T11:52:00.000-07:00

2 Samuel 1; Psalm 140; Matthew 13

2 Samuel 1:26 I grieve for you, Jonathan my brother; you were very dear to me. Your love for me was wonderful, more wonderful than that of women.
David, during this time was grieving the death of his king and best friend. Jonathan wasn't only his best friend, but he was his right hand man. He was the one David went to talk to, his most trusted mate. He had a solid brotherhood with David and nothing, not even the evilness of his father could take that bond and love for one another away. Not even death.

There are people who find a soul mate in the same sex. But its nothing obscene, its pure holy friendship. The world has perverted a holy friendship to be designed for their own good. David, obviously loved women, but had a special connection with Jonathan that was called Brotherhood. Some people go through life never finding that one person they can run to without feeling judged or afraid. David was never afraid to tell Jonathan how he felt even if it was against his own father. Jonathan saw his fathers true colors and followed who the Lord wanted, not what the people wanted.

It is the best feeling when you come into a brotherhood with someone and can feel the trust and love. That is a Godly friendship. That is an appointed time and place when you meet someone that will be their for you for the rest of your life. I had a brotherhood with someone yet unfortunately it only lasted for a season. And I believe it was God appointed however I do believe that now my brotherhood is with God and that's the way He essentially wanted it.

Lord,
Thank you for your friendship. For listening to me and allowing to go to you without judgement or fear. You have always made me feel welcome and like i belonged with you. You have loved me from the beginning and I know you will never let me go.
I forever love you always
Amen

Whats the harm?

2010-04-21T11:26:00.000-07:00

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

Psalm 57:2 I cry out to God Most High, to God, who fulfills {his purpose} for me.
God has a purpose for everyone. He has a path for each and every one of us to take. Whether we take it or not is our decision. There are people that you can tell straight away that they did not take Gods path and others who you know are following God. Rich or poor each one has a choice. King David had a choice. He was anointed by God to be the next king but he had to wait to Saul was dead. Now, he could have taken his own path and killed Saul himself, and still be anointed king. Or take Gods way and wait it out to see what happens. If you keep reading King David waited on God and gave him a great kingdom. Doing things Gods way gets you above and beyond what you can imagine. Doing things your way limits your mindset.

Matthew 8:2-3 A man with leprosy^a]">[a] came and knelt before him and said, "Lord, if you are willing, you can make me clean." ³Jesus reached out his hand and touched the man. "I am willing," he said. "Be clean!" Immediately he was cured^b]">[b] of his leprosy.

The leprous man could have stayed the way he was. He could have suffered his whole life without knowing how it would feel again with normal skin. What is the harm of finding out what God can do for you? What bad can come out of asking God if He can heal you? Sometimes we have to be at the lowest of the low to finally reach out to God. And God will take you there just so you can seek Him.
I was in a depressive state, anorexic, no friends, when finally i reached out wholly and completely to God. No one understood what i was going through, No one tried to help until the last minute, No one knew what my heart and mind was going through, only God. And He was waiting for me. He was at the door waiting for me to ask Him inside and when i finally did, it was the best thing i ever could have done.

Lord,
Thank you for coming through that door and saving me. I know that i needed to ask you but you could have said no. You could have rejected me like everyone else but you saved me from a treacherous life full of hate and bitterness. Your strength covered my weakness and made me strong again. Thank you for loving me and knowing me when no one does.
I forever love you always
Amen

Who are you looking at?

2010-04-20T11:14:00.000-07:00

1 Samuel 23; Psalm 31, 54; Matthew 7

1 Samuel 23:17-18 "Don't be afraid," he said. "My father Saul will not lay a hand on you. You will be king over Israel, and I will be second to you. Even my father Saul knows this." ¹⁸ The two of them made a covenant before the LORD. Then Jonathan went home, but David remained at Horesh.

Jonathan was introduced to God through his father Saul. Jonathan remained in the path of God but Saul decided to follow his own will. And the consequence was a strained father-son relationship. Jonathan went under the wing of David and became his second in command. Jonathan didn't want to follow who the world wanted but followed who God appointed. He knew that David was the king that God chose and left his family and commitments to follow the God that had shown Himself time and time again.
The Israelites saw God many times yet kept on doubting His grace, His mercy, His power and authority. But Jonathan followed the footsteps of Joshua and Caleb and knew which God he served.

Matthew 7:1-2 "Do not judge, or you too will be judged. ²For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.

Jonathan could have stayed with his father and fought against David. He could have killed David many times, yet instead he didn't blame David. He didn't judge his friend for Gods plan, he embraced what the Lord was doing.
Many people in powerful positions sometimes get jealous and mad because other people are moving up in the world. Some people are threatened by others who can do better than them. Who are more creative, more hard working, and tend to judge those because of their own insecurities. But its time not to look at the talent the person has but what does God want to do with me?
I can't keep asking can that person take my job? Can that person do things better than me?
But instead what does God want to do with me here? God put ME in this position for a reason and i cannot stop till God wants me to. Which means I got to do the best that i can, the best that God has put in me. Its time to stop looking at others and time to keep my eyes on Him.

Lord,
Thank you for bringing me to this place in my life. I know without you i would be lost and unhappy. But with you I am perfect in your sight. You put in me talent and gifts that no one else has, you made me unique and different and i love you for that. Keep me in your path and continue to guide me to you.
I forever love you always
Amen

What will i be known for?

2010-04-16T10:19:00.000-07:00

1 Samuel 18; 1 Chronicles 16; Psalm 11; Matthew 3

Matthew 3:10 The ax is already at the root of the trees, and every tree that does not produce good fruit will be cut down and thrown into the fire.
John the Baptist was a passionate man. He knew who God was and lived to do His will. He lived to spread the good news and wasn't afraid of what people thought. Many men through that time were like that, Paul, Peter, John, James. John the Baptists life was cut short but his legacy lived on. He was a man that bore good fruit therefore wasn't cut down from God. On the contrary he was most known for only one thing baptizing Jesus, but that one thing made him be the man we all know him for.

Some people think they have to do thing after thing for people to remember them. Those people try to live their lives pleasing others making sure other people see them and they are not ignored. But it is those people who produce bad fruit because they are only living for themselves. When someone lives for God and His will is when they will produce good fruit, that's when God will make a way and bring more things in their path.
I am not perfect and sometimes i don't do things that i should but when i do things for God i see what happens next, good things. I am happier, i can smile more, i talk more, i share more. With God and choosing to live with Him is where I am supposed to be.

Father,
Thank you for being in my path in life. I could have ignored you and your will for me but i chose to embrace it sometimes strong sometimes weak. But i am here for you, living for you, doing things for you, loving you. You are who keeps me going in life and keep pushing me further Lord, i know my life isn't over yet.
I forever love you always
Amen

4/14/2010 Obedience vs Sacrifice

2010-04-16T09:59:00.000-07:00

1 Samuel15-16; 1 Chronicles 5; Matthew 1

1 Samuel 15:9-11 But Saul and the army spared Agag and the best of the sheep and cattle, the fat calves ^b]">[b] and lambs—everything that was good. These they were unwilling to destroy completely, but everything that was despised and weak they totally destroyed.
God told Saul to kill and everything and everyone. Period. There is a reason why God told him that and it was because God wanted everything that had to do with that clan had to be destroyed so nothing and no one could stay lingering. Saul, already on Gods bad side, decided to keep the strongest part of the tribe alive. He thought by doing that and offering him up as a sacrifice would make God even happier, but he was wrong.

v.22 But Samuel replied: "Does the LORD delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices as much as in obeying the voice of the LORD ? To obey is better than sacrifice...

God wants us to obey Him. Period. When we don't obey God we are basically telling Him that our way is better than His. That we have better ideas and we are smarter and craftier than Him. God has us doing certain things for certain reasons. He wants things done His way not to give us more work, but because it is the best way, even if we don't think so.
God wants me to obey him instead of sacrificing anything. It is better for me to listen to His voice than try to impress Him with my brains. Because He gave me this brain, He made me as smart as I am, He gives me knowledge...how can i not listen to the Almighty?

Father,
Thank you for looking ahead when i want to stay in the present. You are the smartest because you truly know it all. Forgive me if i would rather sacrifice than obey. You are my King and Authority, it is you i listen to and follow.
I forever love you always
Amen

4/13/2010 Under Control

2010-04-16T09:46:00.000-07:00

1 Samuel 14; 1 Chronicles 4; 2 Corinthians 13

1 Samuel 14:24 Now the men of Israel were in distress that day, because Saul had bound the people under an oath, saying, "Cursed be any man who eats food before evening comes, before I have avenged myself on my enemies!" So none of the troops tasted food.

Saul as king was losing his way. He was losing the purpose of why God had anointed him. A king looks out for his people and not just himself. A king is appointed to lead his people through good times and bad times. A king makes sure his soldiers are ready for war at all times. Saul was selfish and wanted to win at all costs. He thought that his people had to do things for him and allowed them to suffer for his cause, not Gods.

v.29-30 Jonathan said, "My father has made trouble for the country. See how my eyes brightened ^f]">[f] when I tasted a little of this honey. ³⁰ How much better it would have been if the men had eaten today some of the plunder they took from their enemies. Would not the slaughter of the Philistines have been even greater?"
Jonathan even knew better because his heart was right. He knew that making the soldiers refrain from eating was probably the dumbest idea ever. When someone is leading and they are making the wrong choices it is hard to point them out to the leader. There is a level of respect that has to be maintained however when the rest of the people are suffering because of a bad decision, something needs to be said.
God will always bring in someone to be able to let the leader know, their decision is wrong. Jonathan was appointed that person because he had ties to the king and was close to God. I cannot think i am the one that always has to speak up and you cannot think that either, unless God calls us to do something, that's when we move. But there has to be a trust with God knowing that He has everything under control, even if we don't think so.

Lord,
Thank you for having everything under control. There are times that i want to go against authority because i think they are doing wrong, but unless you call me to say something than i will stay back. Thank you for using me in the times that you do and for choosing me to be your voice.
I forever love you always,
Amen