Friday, September 29, 2011

Our prayer life should emulate a dialogue, not a monologue. Too often we turn to God only when there is a crisis or when we urgently need an answer to something. He wants us to talk with Him, not to Him. Through prayer with God, we have the power to hear His voice. He speaks to us more than we know but are we listening? Have you ever had a conversation with someone that was all one sided? It was them speaking and you just listening? No two way conversation, just you basically nodding your head every two minutes? That is how God feels with us when we only talk to Him when we want something and or when we want Him to do something. Would you continue a relationship with a person if that was the extent of it? All about them and nothing about you? You knowing everything about them and what they desire yet they have no idea about you? Of course not. We need to be so thankful that we have such a mighty God that shows His mercy to us each and every day. He desires to be more than our prayer go to guy. He wants to be your prayer partner. Two way conversation. Two person relationship. Listening and speaking. Giving and receiving. That is the base of a good, solid and firm foundation of a relationship. That is what He desires and it is what we should as well. Ask the Lord to forgive you today for sometimes we get so caught up in ourselves, we neglect Him. Honor Him today with your actions, thoughts and prayers. You will be blessed for it!

Colossians 1:3-14

Thursday, September 28, 2011

Why do people get so uncomfortable any time the subject of Jesus is brought up? Have you ever noticed that? Yet people seem to listen when they hear about Muhammad, Buddha, Dalai Lama, Moses. People's reaction to Jesus proves that Jesus is who He says He is because He will convict many hearts. I often find myself studying the body language and reactions of those my husband will evangelize to when we are out and about. Most are so thankful and polite when he invites them to church and/or hands them his father's CD and my blog address. Yet others have looks of discomfort, disdain, and down right pain on their faces. I have seen more relaxed people in the dentist's waiting room. I watched a woman stare down my husband like he was handing out poisonous candy to a child. It is so sad to me. Does it happen to you? Does it make you withdraw from speaking out? WE as Christians must stand together and be bold and proud and not be intimidated by those who oppose the news. We can certainly study up on the subject of evangelism, take a class on it, and of course ask the Lord for the boldness. I was always vocal in my work place and faced zero resistance. I would have frequent visitors come to my office when they had a question or were looking for some clarity. I never took the responsibility lightly and I never came off judging them. I always tried to speak with love and compassion for that is who God is. I was always told by many that they respected my Faith and I used to be very touched by that. I used to get so upset with one of my employees who also was a Christian because she would never interject or enter the discussion with me when someone came to talk to me. She had no interest in helping anyone understand Jesus and what He was about and I used to use humor to get my point across but I would tell her she would be held accountable by God for those souls when she faced judgement day. Don't be like she was and shy away from the truth. Don't buy into this modern day thinking that we must be politically correct and not speak of religion. Our news is not about religion, it is about sharing a personl relationship with Jesus, the way, the truth, the life. My prayer today is that the Lord will send in your path today someone who needs to hear the gospel and that He uses you in a mighty way. Be bold, be glad and in all ways, share your news with love.

Mark 16:15-16

Wednesday, September 28, 2011

We must never allow anything to enter our life that will compromise our faith. I struggle with the topic for those that work on Sundays therefore they do not attend church. They explain it as they have to, no choice, must support their families, work demands it, etc etc.... my background was retail and real estate and Sundays were mandatory and for years I sacrificed myself for work. I did what I had to do and justified it week after week. For me and only me, did I discover that I placed my faith and walk in dangerous harms way. I compromised my faith and church attendance because of work. I stopped attending church due to schedule conflicts. But I used to demand a late in so I could attend church before my work day. Where did my boldness go? Why did I stop doing that? When did I allow outside influences to effect my church life? It was when I began my journey last year that I realized where and when it began. I made a new vow to God and myself that I would never allow anything to prevent me from keeping Him first in my life, starting on Saturday night or Sunday morning. It was a grave mistake on my part ever thinking I could handle things on my own. Being told church can be where ever you want it to be. You can listen to some music in the car, listen to a preacher on TV and that was suffice. Please listen to me as I experienced this for myself. It is not true. We all need church. Fellowship. The music. The prayers. The discipline. It is vital. If someone told you that by taking a certain pill it would sustain your life, you would be disciplined in taking the medication. Well church is our medication. It will sustain us and keep us alive. It will renew and restore us and keep us whole so do yourself a mighty favor today. If you are not involved in a church, seek a good solid bible teaching one or if you, like me, stopped attending your own church, go back. Forget all the reasons why you stopped and remember the Only One reason why you should go back ... Jesus Christ. He misses you and wants you back where belong. It is a life changer!

Hebrews 10:25

gccc@gcccpray.com

Tuesday, September 27, 2011

Iron sharpens iron. Biblical speaking, it means one person encouraging another. We should all try to encourage and uplift one another and not speak down on each other. It seems so easy for some to find fault and some to so be critical of others. I was never more bothered in the work place than when people spoke unkindly of others or when the bosses only pointed out the negatives and never the positives. Years ago I told my boss I was tired of doing 9 things right but only being told about the 1 thing I did wrong. He was receptive and actually apologized and asked me for forgiveness because it hit true to his heart. I am grateful the Lord gave me the grace to handle the situation that way and I pray the man will always remember it. We need to be the ones that stop the unkind talk. If you hear someone gossiping or making fun of another, step in and stand up. How refreshing would it be if more of us had attitudes of gratitude towards one another? I had to distance myself from a very close person in my life because I felt like all she did was put everyone down and never gave a word of encouragement and yet all I ever had to hear was how great she was, her life, her kids, her family and after awhile I came to see that no matter what I accomplished I would never get the proper response from her. She was not sharpening me or my walk and it became evident for me that in order for me to fulfill this "walk of obedience" God called me on, I would have to remove her from it. My choices were not hers therefore they were wrong. Do you know anyone like that? Do you know how irresponsible and dangerous that could have been for me if I listened to her and not God? If I began to doubt my Lord's voice and direction? We as Christians carry a heavy responsibility never to think, be or act like that. The Lord left us His Word to know exactly what He expects from us and Proverbs 27:17 is clear we need to be there for one another showing God's love. Never ever speak your thoughts in to someone else's life. No one truly knows what they have been through or are currently going through. We must keep our words in line with the biblical doctrines of Christ. Pray for one another, love one another and always sharpen one another. Be blessed today in Him!

Proverbs 27:17

Monday, September 26, 2011

My husband read this to me and he was telling me he read it straight out of his bible's (Hosea chapter 7) life application and we wanted to share it with you:

People look every where except to God for happiness and fulfillment; pursuing possessions, activities and relationships. In reality, only God can truly satisfy the deep longings of the soul. Look first to Heaven, to the Most High and He will meet all your spiritual needs not all your materialistic wants. Life without God is unreliable. Without God's direction our thoughts are filled with lust, cheating, selfishness, and deceit. As long as we are warped by sin, we will never reach our true potential God has planned for our lives.

Hosea 7

and read the NIV Life Application if you have it

Sunday, September 25, 2011

God is in control. To know this truth is to know Him. When we truly know Him and the plan He created for our life, we can begin to fulfill our purpose. Our God destined purpose. We must pray for His will to be shown and to surrender our tomorrows to Him so we can know His happiness. When we are living in His will and obeying His words, we will experience blessed assurance and ultimate peace. Through our peace, we enable ourselves to be sensitive to others and learn to minister to them and pray for them. Ask the Lord to speak to your heart and truly reveal His purpose for your life. And ask Him to give you the strength to see it through. This is my prayer for you today. Be blessed and enjoy your fabulous Sunday!

Psalm 119

Saturday, September 24, 2011

Let your mess become your message. How great is our God to turn our lives around for His glory. Don't ever think your life can not be changed. I witness everyday how my Lord is righting my wrongs. I am fascinated by Him, amazed by His work. He can do all things for us and He does, according to His will and purpose. Don't let the enemy try to keep you in regrets of the past so that you miss out on the blessings of your future. God is waiting with His arms stretched wide and will hold you all of your days. Allow Him to transform your life into the life He desires for you. Go to Him with any burdens you hold and He will speak to your heart with love and kindness and minister to your soul. His purpose for your life will become known. His calling for your life will become evident. And His light will shine through you for the world to see. Accept the free gift God is offering you.....Grace....isn't it amazing?

Deuteronomy 7:9

Friday, September 23, 2011

The world is trying to tell us that being a Christian is politically incorrect. Everywhere you turn they are trying to remove God and prayer. It is like an owner of their house not being welcome in their own home. Can you imagine? Believers are looked upon as radicals, labeled "Jesus freaks". Why? Because we know the truth and we are trying to share it? Where do you think you will go when you die? Do you believe in heaven? Do you believe in hell? Do you believe God sent His only Son to die for us so that we may live eternally with Him? Or do you think that is fiction and when we die, that is it? The bible was written for us so that we would know the truth. Not one contradiction. I encourage you to read through the first book of the Old Testament, Genesis, and you will see the Power of God. The Creator of the universe. The builder, the painter, the One. Stop listening to those that want to deny or forsake the truth. The ones that want to explain away everything so that they can continue to live their lives their own way. Don't be influenced by the doubter, by the hater for they do not know. For Jesus said "My Father will draw you near to me." So it truly is a privilege and an honor to be a Christian and God wants you to know that includes you and wants you to be where He is in His Kingdom of Heaven. Don't listen to the news or the non believer that wants to keep you down so that they feel important. Listen to God. Trust God. Love God. Surrender to God.

John 17:24-26

Thursday, September 22, 2011

Guard your heart. Pray for your loved ones. Always ask the Lord to protect them with His precious blood. My husband and I are forever praying for a spirit of protection over our home, marriage, family and loved ones. We pray for our enemies too because God loves everyone. We must lay down our swords of hate and resentment. It is a commandment to forgive as God forgave us. We forgive so that we may be right with God. Forgetting is a false denial of forgiving so allow Him to help you if you struggle with this. I have for sure. But as I mature in Christ I realize that by forgiving the very people that have hurt me the most, I am freeing myself. He has also taught me that forgiving someone does not mean I must continue a relationship with them. We are not expected to be some one's doormat or be some one's whipping post. He wants you to surround yourself with good solid Christians that will encourage you and uplift you in prayer. It is so vital for our walk to fellowship with others that believe as we do and to have hearts that are pure in spirit. This is all designed for spiritual growth so that we in turn can enter the world and help people find Jesus. We must be amongst the sinners and non believers in order to show them God's love. It is the very thing Jesus did when He walked this earth. He received His encouragement from His disciples but showed His love towards the sinner. He wants you to let go of the pain. Give to Him the names of the people that have hurt you and He will take the burden. Stop allowing your hurt to effect your purpose. Forgive the spouse who betrayed you, the friend who turned their back on you, the co worker who said wrongful things about you, the sibling who is unkind to you. He wants you to restart your life in Him. "Forgive, and you will be forgiven. " And begin today!

Luke 6:37

Wednesday, September 21, 2011

The Lord calls us to help others as you would help yourself. Love others as He loves us. Do not close your ears to the cries of the poor for your own cries will go unanswered. Proverbs 21:13. Some people give from their excess and help in their free time. We must guard our own hearts from becoming more selfish than selfless, takers more than givers, greedy more than generous. Yet I also know we are to guard our own hearts from the needy vs. the needing. We are called to aide, support, bless others, to show them God's love. But there is a fine line between that and enabling. We are not to be the crutch that someone becomes reliant on; dependent on. Why do you ask? Because only the Lord our God should be the One we all rely and depend on. We as believers must exemplify His love to others by lending our ear and hand but we must be wise not to become the "one" they seek for it is He they need, not us. Never allow anyone to take advantage of your giving or make you feel guilty if you say no to them. Be aware of the person that tries to enslave you to the commands that God has bestowed upon you. I pray to the Lord for discernment so that I can concentrate of helping people instead of analyzing their motives. I go to Him with all my thoughts, feelings, opinions, suspicions and I ask Him to give me the wisdom and guidance so that I can focus on building His Kingdom for the Righteous. If you feel like you are being called to do something for someone, go to the Father. He will guide you, lead you and show you the way you should go. I pray today that the Lord leads you to the person that needs Him and that He uses you as the very vessel for His love. Be blessed today!

Proverbs 21

Tuesday, September 20, 2011

I believe a person's character is truly shaped during God's tests and while we wait on Him. I do. Anyone can find happiness when everything is going right, but when we can find that pure joy in the midst of our trial and tribulation, well that is what shapes us into a child of God. The Lord will break us down, shave us to the nub in order to create in us what He had in store for us. Sometimes this process takes place with great ease and sometimes with much pain and time. But count all things joy. We must serve the Lord and love the Lord through it all. He promises us that all we need to do is delight ourselves in Him and He will grant us our heart's desires. So when know that He is always at work in our lives, we can be still and rest in all days. Life will be a series of storms and sunshine, so it is up to us how we handle ourselves. The Lord wants to see our actions, motives and attitudes during the difficult times for this displays our hearts and trust in Him. Do you cry out, "Why me?" when things go wrong? Do you play the blame game? Do you take accountability or are your prayers focused on asking God to change the other person? Do you grow impatient with God? Do you get angry at God? When difficult times come, we first must self examine our own lives first to make sure our hearts are right with God and then we can hold on to God's Word, for it is always true and pray our way through it with grace and contentment. The greatest compliment someone can give you is when they see how great you are handling yourself amongst the uncertainty. Just continue to give God all the glory as you wait upon Him. And I promise you He will not disappoint for His blessings will go beyond what we could ever imagine. Meditate on Jeremiah 29:11 and you will be at peace. So today whatever you are facing, know that God is with you and will sustain you through to the end. Have a blessed Tuesday!

James 1:12

Monday, September 19, 2011

When we truly align ourselves with the Lord, it is His will we seek. We no longer desire the things that once brought us pleasure. We begin to act differently, think differently, speak differently. Prayer becomes a pivotal role in our daily lives. How we pray and what we pray is important. When you pray, what does it consist of? Is it spontaneous? Are you coming to the Father with prayer requests only for yourself? Do you pray for others? Do you ever commune with Him in thanksgiving only? Prayer is our direct line of communication with God, Our Father. No relationship will prosper or grow if there is no dialogue. One on one, person to person. I can keep in touch with friends via email and texting but is it really the same thing as a face to face conversation that is heart filled and deep? I don't think so. We can get by only for so long without prayer time with God. What happens to a friendship when you never speak to each other? When the contact becomes less and less? It fades away doesn't it? Why? Because you no longer took the time for that person. Well the same thing will happen to your relationship with God if you do not feed on your daily bread with Him. We must seek it, we must search it, we must crave it. If you know your light is fading and your fervor for prayer has changed, simply go to the Father and repent. Ask Him to lead you back on His path. Make Him and prayer time with Him first in your life again and continue to ask for His forgiveness each and every day. A life with Christ reflects a changed life; a changed heart. Allow the world to see your light. Live for God! Love for God! He will be so pleased! And most of all have a blessed day in Him.

2 Chronicles 7:14-15

Sunday, September 18, 2011

I love how the Lord loves me. I cannot get enough of His love and mercy. I am thankful for the gift of Grace which allowed me to restart my life in His will. Have you fallen off the path of God's will? Has it been awhile since you have been in church or simply sat in prayer alone with Him? Do you feel convicted when someone speaks of God? Do you miss Him? I am here to tell you that He misses you. He loves to watch over you and He is waiting for you to ask for more of Him. Allow Him back in to your life today. It doesn't have to be a big production. It can be simply you and Him, alone and private. I have back slidden myself and it all starts so innocently and casually with the minimal excuses that amount to much more as time passes. I encourage you not to allow your life to go any more out of the will of God. Stop thinking that your life is better off with you at the helm. It may appear that this world rewards the sinner, but the righteous will live with Christ for eternity. This world is a temporal place that feeds on your flesh and head, not your heart and soul. Do not fall unto the spell of the latest guru or self help book that tells you that you are in control of your destiny. It is all garbage and lies from the enemy. I pray for you today. I pray for your loved ones today. I pray for you and I don't even know you but I know where you are. I have been there myself. Trust Him today. Open your bible to Isaiah 41:10 and speak it out loud. "Do not fear, for I am with you. Do not anxiously look about you, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, surely I will help you; surely I will uphold you with my righteous right hand."

Saturday, September 17, 2011

My life is in God's hands. Period. If God decides not to show up in my life today, then I am nothing. He is my provider, counselor and life coach. He is who I lean on and depend on. I surrender my everything to Him and I allow Him to light my path. I am helpless without my Lord. He has guided me through the darkest of days and has brought me to my knees. Therefore I am forever grateful to Him and forever faithful to Him. He has restored and renewed my life and it is now His life that I choose to live. I align my thoughts with His, my actions with His and my life with His. It is He I live to please, not man. So what is it that you are struggling with today? Trying to control on your own? Is it not enough time in the day to fit everything/everyone in? Trying to make your house payment? Health issues? Division amongst loved ones? Unemployed and scared for your future? Let go of it and Let God. Allow Him to be your leader of life today. Drop your bag of burdens and responsibilities at His feet and allow Him to right your wrongs and fix your mistakes. You know He can and He will if you let Him. His love for us gives us the free will to make this decision on our own. But I believe He allows these very worrisome things in to our lives to get our attention. Don't dismiss it. Don't miss it. Make this the day you surrender it all to Him and make it your day of renewal and revival. Give your heart to Him, your will to Him and your life today. And in all things, be blessed in Him. He will be so pleased and you will be so at peace.

Psalm 100

Friday, September 16, 2011

Do you ever feel ashamed for getting down or feeling sorry for yourself? I do but I am assured in the fact that my Lord sees my heart and I know that He knows that I trust Him beyond. And I never would allow those feelings to manifest into anything greater than what they are....seeds of doubt. There can be no place for doubt in the life of a believer. I always say the enemy uses all emotions/actions that begin with the letter "d"... doubt, despair, depression, denial, defeat, derail, delusional, and on and on. The purpose of his being is to dissuade us and trick us into believing that we can do things better on our own and that the Lord can not save us. I rebuke those thoughts that are not of God and I ask that the Holy Spirit protect me with His precious blood against all thoughts and/or actions that are for my harm and not good. For I know the Lord has sealed me up and nothing formed against me will ever prosper. So trust Him all the way...no matter what. Whatever it is you are going through, I get it and I truly understand and I know how easy it is to give up and just walk away but don't let the enemy win. Receive all the gifts the Lord has for you. Failure is not in the Lord's vocabulary and it should never be in yours. Be not afraid of the unknown for the greatest gift is Faith in the Lord almighty...for all that we cannot see but all that we know He is. Allow your Faith to take you through this day one minute at a time. And be blessed in it!

Isaiah 54:17

Thursday, September 15, 2011

God expects from us. This relationship is not one sided. God do this for me, answer that for me, give me this, give me that. It is a two way street all the way. He expects us to place Him first in our lives and center in everything we do. We are expected to exemplify Him, bear witness for Him and love others as He loves us. Not an easy task and not anything to take lightly. My life with Christ has been the most rewarding and fulfilling and yet the most challenging all at the same time. He disciplines me when needed, tests me when He desires more from me. His love for me runs so deep that I try to give Him glory in all I do and please Him in all I say. I am saddened by those that turn their backs on Him when things don't go their way. How easily people forsake God when they rather control things on their own yet they know better. If you feel yourself starting to pull away from God, I urge you to kneel before Him right now, and ask that He forgive you and show you that He is the only way. Trust Him to do what He says He will do. Grab a hold of His garment and allow Him to touch your life in the areas needed. He misses you and knows you are hurting and wants to carry this burden for you. He died on the cross for us so that we can live our lives in abundance and in peace. Don't make His death be in vain. Honor it and claim it as your own today and let this be the day your foot crosses back on to the path of righteous. Be blessed in all you do today!

Revelations 1: 4-6

Wednesday, September 14, 2011

I never grow tired of watching the Lord work. To see people come to Him and be saved is so powerful. My husband likes to talk with the gas station attendants when he is getting gas and he hands out church bulletins and gospel music. He has prayed with the men and mind you most are Muslim. This past Sunday we were walking out of church and I saw my husband talking with a couple and he was so excited and said, "Babe look who this is"... and I turned around and saw this handsome man all dressed up in his Sunday best and he was wearing the biggest smile and I recognized him from one of the gas stations my husband attends. His girlfriend whispered to me he gave his heart to Jesus in church that very morning, September 11th, 2011 and pointed to the bible he so proudly was holding in his hands. So great, so powerful. And God gets all the glory! That is the mighty God we serve. So wherever you are, whoever you come across, always be ready to share the gospel. For you may very well be the one God uses as His vessel in that very moment. God is so amazing and I stand in awe of Him. May I never grow timid in sharing the gospel of Jesus Christ.

1 Chronicles 16: 8-9

Tuesday, September 13, 2011

I declare my faith in the infinite power of God. Through prayer, I am blessed with happiness, abundance, peace, and love. I meditate on this when I am feeling sad or tired. I know the enemy likes to attack when we are weary so I must be on guard and praise the Lord always. I must keep my eyes on the prize....Jesus Christ. He is omnipotent and worthy to be praised in good times and in bad. I pray that He continues to carry my husband and I through our trial of waiting and we know that no matter what He decides for us, that it will be for our good. He loves us, He loves you and He wants us to keep believing. And with believing comes the assurance in knowing that He will give us the grace to understand His will for our lives, no matter what happens. So for me, I will continue to believe and I will continue to trust for my miracle. I hope you will too. Be blessed today!

Deuteronomy 20:4

Monday, September 12, 2011

God's timing is perfect. Never too late, always right on time. That is a powerful promise and one to be truly studied. We all go through our own trials of waiting. It is how we react to those trials that God sees. Do you cry and whine? Do you become down, depressed, down trot ten in the despair? Do you panic and worry? Do you listen to outsiders that try to speak in to your life? My best advice is to stay in the Word and study the topic of waiting. Truly know what the Lord says about our time in waiting. I believe they are tests that He allows to happen in order to see our hearts/attitude. Do you get angry towards God for allowing this to even happen? Our feelings will lie to us. The enemy will use them against us. He wants nothing more than for us to give up and walk away and believe we can do better on our own. Never believe that what you are facing or going through is bigger than our Lord. Nothing that is happening to you is of any surprise to Him. I pray you stay in His presence, love Him, praise Him and worship Him. Love this time with Him. For the waiting is part of your miracle. Stay totally dependent on God to work it out and you will be in the best position. I always say if God doesn't show up for me today, I am nothing for He is in total control of my life. Hook, line, sinker. I am in ALL THE WAY. For my Faith doesn't tell me that He can, but that He will. I pray you stand with me today on His promise and never give up for the Lord God Almighty heard your cries and will do everything He says He will do. Just wait and believe!

Isaiah 64:4

Sunday, September 11, 2011

Let us not forget today, 9/11. The day innocent people died. The day of the hero. The day we lost our innocence as a country. Let us also never forget the day our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ, gave up His life for us. The innocent. The hero. We must acknowledge Him and never forget His ultimate sacrifice for us to have the gift of eternal life. So on this day, wave the American flag for we as a country must never forget the ones that suffered and lost their lives for our freedom. And may we also never forget and keep in our hearts today and always, the Almighty One who died for our freedom. GOD BLESS AMERICA!

John 3:16

Saturday, September 10, 2011

The Lord loves us no matter what. No matter what we think, do or say. It is up to us to forgive ourselves when we feel we have failed God. When we repent to Him, He forgives and the veil of sin is removed. It is when we live in sin, justify sin and accept sin in our lives that we begin separating from God. In spite of our actions, He loves us. He hates the sin, not the sinner. And He wants us to know that He loves us, forgives us and watches over us all of our days. When we truly grasp the love He has for us, we can we begin to change our lives and become holy. Let your life reflect His love. See others as He sees them. Treat others as He treats you. Exemplify and glorify and all things will pass. Let go of your past, forgive yourself and allow the Holy Spirit to guide you.

Romans 8:1

Friday, September 9, 2011

I am often reminded of how far God has taken me. I can not help but reflect on how amazing He is. I heard someone say we should never become too complacent with God nor become indifferent to His greatness. We can become so casual in our relationship with Him that we sometimes forget all that He has done for us and all that He is. We become immune to His miraculous and marvelous ways. I try every morning to give my day to Him first thing and thank Him for my blessings as I walk down the steps to my kitchen. I brew my coffee and head to my sunny front living room where I just commune with Him, no distractions. It is my alone time with Him. Our devotional time with God is extremely important because it helps us remember how awesome He is. It arms us for the day ahead especially for those entering the world. And for me, it keeps me in His presence and it strengthens my trust. All God wants from us is our love and trust in Him. Believing in what we can not see. That is faith. Trust is our display of love for Him. I believe it is when we become lackadaisical in our prayer time or when church becomes a ritual rather than a blessing, that we need to heed, concede and allow God to lead our lives once again. Let us not forget the death of Christ. The debt He paid for us. The eternal gift He has given us. Let us be reminded each and every day what an awesome God we serve. Let us never diminish the light of His life because we are too tired or too busy to care. Share with someone today how wonderful God has been to you. Give Him all the glory when someone notices a change in you. Share and spread the gospel to those that do not know. And above all else, love God, seek God and cherish God for all that He is. And always remember He is all we will ever need. Have a blessed Friday!

Lamentations 3:22-27

Thursday, September 8, 2011

Balance is a very important part of our spiritual life. 1 Peter 5:7 speaks of how it is an instruction from God to keep the enemy away. For years I have tried to maintain an established order in my life and when I do, I experience emotional calmness and peace. Our lives can be measured in scales and if we are doing too much of one thing and neglecting another, the scales will tip more to one side lifting everything else up or weighing something else down. Finding our balance equals stability, which then brings maximum ability to our lives, which enables us accomplish all God has asked us to do. I am a firm believer we are all called to serve somewhere or someone. Whether you stay at home, work part time or full time, God asks us all to serve and give back in His name. I missed that for years. Although I knew the importance of giving of your tithes and offering, I see now that I received something in return. When you give your heart to serve, you give of yourself for someone else's gain, expecting nothing in return. In the end, we gain so much because that is how the Lord is. In knowing this, we may tend to commit to too much and this may cause an uneven scale, so even with good things, we must find what works for us and the challenges of life. If you struggle with feeling overwhelmed or being unorganized then ask the Lord to help you prioritize and help you find your balance in life so you too can be all He calls you to be. Do it today, He is waiting! Be blessed always!

1 Peter 5:7

Wednesday, September 7, 2011

I recently received a phone call from someone telling me that I empowered them. I told them I was happy to hear it but nicely corrected them to give God the glory, not me. For He is the one strengthening me and teaching me, which enables me to then share what I have learned with others. It is so important that the Lord receive all the praise. We are nothing without the power of the Almighty God. For He gives us the boldness and the strength to do things that we in our own flesh would never be strong enough to do. So always keep the focus on Him. I was telling a friend recently I was proud of her for being brave in something she recently did and she told me God told her to do it and she thanked me for being proud. I had to explain I was proud of her obedience, not the deed. For her obedience gave glory to God and He was exemplified. I reminded her how pleased God was for blessed are the peacemakers and that He blesses us when we listen and obey so I always try to encourage people but it is also important we always keep God in the center. It is so easy for us to allow our own egos to take the credit for our pride is hungry for glory. However it is vitally important to our relationship with God to always be on guard for when we find ourselves becoming more "flesh driven" than "spiritually motivated". But praise God always for He is fabulous and worthy to be praised. Shout to the Lord all the earth let us sing, power and majesty praise to the King. Amen and amen!

1 Corinthians 10:31

Tuesday, September 6, 2011

Love the Lord with all your heart, soul and mind. It truly is all He wants from us. To rest in His love and trust in His word. I do and I pray you are all too. It is the peace that comes from surrendering and complete submission to Him. Placing all your cares and burdens and worries at the altar. Knowing that He knows what we need and when we need it. Most are in the midst of seeking His counsel and waiting on Him. Just embrace the time. Enjoy life's blessings each and every day. See the rainbow in the darkest of skies. Reflect on past victories so you can be assured your future is sealed up with joy. And always remember no matter how rocky the beginning may have been, how scary the journey is at the present, the ending will be fantastic!

Matthew 22:37

Monday, September 5, 2011

Happy Labor Day to all! What a nice day to relax with family and friends. God is so good to us isn't He? I thank Him for the peaceful days that allow us to rest in Him. With life's hectic schedules and routines, holidays are nice to get together with others and enjoy the day. I worked for years on all the summer holidays and I have never felt so free to be home instead of on the ACE sitting in traffic. I am thankful to be in the place I am at with God. For all the wonderful things my old job afforded me, I love God more than of them. To be back in church and serving and honoring Him first, above all else, means more to me than any of it. We all need to take time to evaluate ourselves and our priorities to make sure we are in balance. I always tell my husband that for years I always believed in established order. God first, family second and so on and so on. But even I lost footing. How can we make the mistake of getting so busy in the chaos that God gets pushed out of the way? God must be the first in our lives and center in the center of our everything. Make sure you are right with God and He is in the proper place. He will let you know when things are not following proper order, so be ready to listen when He speaks. It took me awhile to really listen, understand and obey Him when He was trying to get my attention. I just pray people can learn something from what I went through so you can be spared. Don't let your everyday life get in the way of your spiritual walk. Make it your #1 priority and I promise you, everything else will fall in to perfect place. Be safe today and for all back to work/school tomorrow...have a great school year!

1 John 2:15-17

Sunday, September 4, 2011

Keep your eyes on God no matter what your circumstances may look like. When you begin to feel down or are losing hope, do this exercise and I promise you, you will feel rejuvenated and refreshed in the spirit. Take a note pad and pen and write down each and every blessing God has given you this past year. Remembering your past victories will help strenghten you and remind you of what God can and will do. Some write down these blessings each night in their "grateful journals". Whatever it takes to keep your mind clear and focused on Him is what you need to meditate on. If you are searching for a job and feel panic in knowing the unemployment rate is over 9%, don't dwell on that. Dwell on the One who can open doors never thought possible. If someone is speaking negative things into your life, rebuke them and remember that no weapon formed against you will ever prosper and God will vindicate you always. When your electric bill is past due and they are threatening to shut it off, remember that the Lord provides your daily bread and will grant favor on you because of your faithful tithes and offerings. They will seal you up and guarantee you in times of financial need. How can I be so sure? Because I am waiting on a victory just like yourself. I fix my eyes on Him and I do not take them off. I surround myself with good solid Christian believers who help keep me strong in my faith and encourage me when I am down or scared. And I never forget all that the Lord has done for me. I know the Will of God will never lead me where the Grace of God cannot keep me. And I want you to know that too. Stand bold and stand firm for His rock is eternal and He has you in the palm of His hand.

Hebrews 12:2-3

Saturday, September 3, 2011

The Lord will bless you through your obedience. Trusting Him enough to do as He says even when your flesh and head are doubtful. Total submission to the Lord is like falling backward into the arms of someone...total display of trust right? Think of the Lord being those arms that will catch you from falling and those arms will continue to keep you up, and even carry you in times of trouble. I think the footprints poem is one of the most known. But have you ever truly read it and meditated on it? To know that during the most difficult times of your life, not only is the Lord with you but He will carry you during the toughest paths. I think that is the most amazing thing anyone would do. How often are you disappointed by loved ones or friends when you feel they were not there during a hard time? It is hard to shake off sometimes and forgive and forget. I used to struggle years back with it but I am learning through Christ's love not to be so harsh and final about people. But it can be hard. When I decided to change my life's path and follow God's voice I felt very alone. Outside of a hand full of people, I felt very disappointed in the lack of support, from family and "friends". When one particular "friend" made an interesting choice to end our friendship, I was every emotion. But when her teenage son called me this past July and asked if he could see my husband and I, I did not hesitate. My husband drove an hour each way to get him and bring him to us for the weekend. We spent good quality time with him...attended church, pool time, bbq's, dinner out, movies...he did not want to leave. My husband also drove him home. The mother did not send him with a dime nor a thank you. Not a sign of appreciation. But I knew that if I did it to impress her then I would be disappointed. I wanted to bless the son and show him God's love. Show Him the way to forgive and love in spite of the situation. And I know my husband and I did the right thing in blessing another. When we obey God, He is pleased. Is God asking you to do something that you have been ignoring? Has He called you to something that you feel is too difficult to follow through on? Is He asking you to forgive someone despite how much they have hurt you? Just know from me that the hardest thing to do is listen to God's voice and obey all the way without fear. But if you do as He says, you can trust that He will catch you, and even carry you through all for your days. I pray today is your day for total submission!

Deuteronomy 30:20

Friday, September 2, 2011

I am at my most peace when I am resting in the Lord. When I truly meditate on His promise that He will never leave me nor forsake me, I breathe lighter...easier. It isn't always easy not to panic or worry but that is why we are to stay one with Him and pray every day and make Him the center of our life. Praying should be as natural as taking a shower. Just part of your day...always. I thank God for being my sovereign Lord. For being the most consistent thing in my life. I was driving to the market just thinking and He told me I will get through this and I thanked Him for being with me at all times. I rest in His truth and promise and I know He is in control. I pray you find your peace today during your trial. We are subject to pain and suffering but with God by our side, we can stand on His word and have the assurance to sustain through. Rainbows come after rain storms so rejoice in Him for as He told me, you will get through this. Amen and amen!

1 Thessalonians 5:17

Thursday, September 1, 2011

You cannot have peace and at the same time doubt that God will provide for you. People do it without realizing it. They worry and that is a sin. It means you are not trusting God. They will speak it out loud with sayings such as, "I hope I get that job"..."I don't know what I am going to do if this loan doesn't come through"..."I am worried about paying my mortgage this month"... Instead stand firm in your Faith and claim the victory! We are victors, not victims. We are to praise, not worry. We are to rest at night, not toss and turn. Turn your eyes upon Jesus and look in to His wonderful face and He will give you peace that surpasses all understanding. No more doubts, no more fears, no more worries. Just know He is in control and He is still on the throne and He will do whatever is best for you...today, tomorrow, always. All He wants is for you to trust Him. Be blessed!

Romans 15:13