Thursday, July 31, 2014 "Vindicate Me, My God"

Vindicate me, my God, and plead my cause 

against an unfaithful nation. Rescue me from those who are deceitful and wicked. 

Psalm 43:1

Just hold your tongue and allow God to fight your battles for you. He sees all. He hears all. He knows all. Just be still and hold your peace. He's got this. Pray for those that hurt you for they do not know the wrath of our loving Father. 

Wednesday, July 30, 2014 "Being Accountable"

We need to be accountable for our actions. For some reason I find Christians are held to a higher standard. Not sure why that is but it is up to me to show others God in His perfect light. We represent Him therefore we must watch our words, our actions and our minds. We must keep our word in all situations. We must remain truthful and trustworthy. Our yeses must be yeses and our no's must be no's. (Matthew 5:37)The last thing we want to do is discount our testimony by doing something that is not aligned with God's Word. People are always waiting to see you fail or waiting to disprove the Son of God so be alert and be on guard at all times. When we remain in His Spirit and walk in His Spirit every day it becomes easier to do this. Give each day to the Lord and allow Him to work through you. Be accountable. Be responsible. Be Godly. 

Tuesday, July 29, 2014 "No Weapon"

"No weapon that is fashioned against you shall succeed, and you shall confute every tongue that rises against you in judgment. This is the heritage of the servants of the Lord and their vindication from me, declares the Lord.” Isaiah 54:17

Allow the Lord to fight for you. You need only be still. Vengeance is His. 

Monday, July 28, 2014 "He Lives"

My Redeemer lives! I am in awe of Him. 

"I know that my redeemer lives, and that in the end he will stand on the earth". 

Job 19:25

Sunday, July 27, 2014 "Jesus Deserves"

Jesus deserves your life. 

Jesus deserves your best. 

Jesus deserves your all. 

But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. Matthew 6:33

Saturday, July 26, 2014 "Wait"

Wait for the LORD; be strong and take heart and wait for the LORD. Psalm 27:14

Wait upon the Lord. As hard as it is to wait for something or someone we must trust in His timing more than our own. No matter how unreasonable it seems, we must believe in Him and not our circumstances. We can never know what it is He is preparing for us. Nothing we can do in our own strength will ever be as great as what He can do. When the waiting becomes unbearable just focus on His love for you. Read the Word. Praise His name through song and be still. Ask for the peace to overcome the anxiety. And it will. Draw from Him and you will be able to sustain. I know it is hard but I have seen His miraculous work in my life. I waited for three full years for an answer and I cannot tell you how many times I wanted to give up. But had I intervened I would have missed out on this amazing life I am living now. So wait. Believe. And hold on to God. 

Friday, July 25, 2014 "Pray for Your Enemies"

"But I tell you, love your enemies and 

pray for those who persecute you." Matthew 5:44

We are called to love our enemies. I must admit that is the hardest thing the Lord has asked me to do. How can I love and pray for someone who wished me or my family harm? Or pray for someone who tries to assassinate my character? But the thing I hold on to is my faith and trust in the Lord. He has asked me to do so many things that others have called in the natural "irresponsible" or "irrational" but in His eyes they were acts of obedience so I know whatever it is He asks of me it is for my better good no matter how it seems. Are you holding on to bitterness toward someone? Is there anger or hate in your heart? Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice. Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you. Ephesians 4:31-32 The Word does not specify that we do this in certain times toward selective people, it says "another" which is all man. The best thing we can do is pray for them and forgive them and surrender them to the Lord. We do not have to break bread with them or have them in our home. No, we simply must keep our hearts free from all things not of God. We will be blessed and we will stay in His will and that is worth it all. 

Thursday, July 24, 2014 "Focus on His Love"

Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth. Colossians 3:2

When we focus on God's love for us we will never have a bad day. When we start each morning praising and worshiping the Lord and giving each day to Him we are starting out on the right foot. When we concentrate on Him and seek His wisdom in all things, we will find ourselves more joyful, more restful and more at peace. The anxiousness and agitated moods will lessen and we will feel happier. Staying in His will and staying in His presence will produce a more positive atmosphere. We all can find something to complain about, to stress about, to be angry about but where does it get us? If we cannot change it then why are we focusing our minds on it? Instead let us keep our eyes on God and hold on to Him each day and let His power manifest in our lives. Isn't that worth getting up each day for? #jesusislife

Wednesday, July 23, 2014 "Desires of our Hearts"

May he grant you your heart's desire and fulfill all your plans! Psalm 20:4

The Lord will grant us our heart's desires if we obey and follow Him. Follow His path, obey His Word, and desire things according to His will. Psalm 37:4-5 is my hope and it is my promise. 

Tuesday, July 22, 2014 "I Miss You Mom"

Strength and dignity are her clothing, and she laughs at the time to come. She opens her mouth with wisdom, and the teaching of kindness is on her tongue. She looks well to the ways of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness. Her children rise up and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her: “Many women have done excellently, but you surpass them all.” Proverbs 31:25-30

That was my Mom. The sweetest, kindest, most giving and loving woman. The joy of the Lord was her strength and His grace shined through her. My heart is with you Mom on this second anniversary of your passing. I love you Mom. I miss you everyday. I cannot wait to see you again. 

Monday, July 21, 2014 "Biblical Principles to Live By"

“I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.” John 16:33 

These are some biblical principles I try to live by. When we seek the Lord's wisdom and revelation we gain spiritual knowledge. Let us filter everything in our lives through the Word of God and we will be strengthened in His truth. Stay in the Spirit so you can can remain strong in the world. Be a blessing to others as God blesses you. Happy Monday!

Sunday, July 20, 2014 "Has God Abandoned You?"

"Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:9

Is the Lord a part of your life or is He all of your life? A life centered around the Lord will be a complete and victorious life. Too often I hear people cry that they feel God has abandoned them yet they put nothing into the relationship. Their lives are dry because they stopped going to the well. In order to be close to God you need to be filled up by His Spirit. In order to receive His grace you need to surrender your entire being to Him. He is such a loving and caring Father and would never allow anything to happen to you. He is not disappointed in you nor has He given up on you. He loves you and simply wants you to rest in Him and allow Him into your entire life. Give Him your marriage, your child, your career/job, your bills, your past, your guilt, your fears, your anger, your pride, your jealousy, your grief...give it all unto Him and He will draw near to you. (James 4:8)

Saturday, July 19, 2014 "First Fruits, Not Last"

But the one who does not know and does things deserving punishment will be beaten with few blows. From everyone who has been given much, much will be demanded; and from the one who has been entrusted with much, much more will be asked. 

Luke 12:48

If you have been richly blessed financially, all glory and honor goes to the Lord. Whenever we are given much, much more will be asked. Much more will be required. When we obey the Lord and bless others as we are blessed, He will see that we can be obedient therefore He will trust us with more. Don't miss this powerful gift you have been given. Financial blessings means giving back. First fruits, not your last. We are not required to give what is left after everyone else is paid. First means first. And that goes for all of us, rich and poor. You cannot out give. Trust Him today. Bless someone today. Give back today. He will be so pleased. 

Friday, July 18, 2014 "I Pray"

The LORD is far from the wicked: but he hears the prayer of the righteous. Proverbs 15:29

I will pray with fervor. I pray with boldness. I pray with expectancy. I pray with reverence. I pray with hope. I pray with understanding. But above all else I pray with assurance for no matter what happens, it is what God intended for me. Therefore I pray in obedience. 

Thursday, July 17, 2014 "I Choose"

"Guide me in your truth and teach me, for you are God my Savior, and my hope is in you all day long". Psalm 25:5

I choose to follow Christ. He is my guide each and every day of my life. I listen for His voice and I rest in His love. No other place I rather be. 

Wednesday, July 16, 2014"He Leaves Me Speechless"

Therefore let us be grateful for receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, and thus let us offer to God acceptable worship, with reverence and awe. Hebrews 12:28

Wait upon the Lord no matter what. He never ceases to amaze me. I find myself actually speechless by His blessings in my life. He never answers prayers the way I expect Him to which I get a kick out of. He is so miraculous, He is always right on time and I just am grateful to have Him in my life. I pray that all His children know Him in this intimate and personal way. He is such a source of strength in my life. I feel so secure knowing He has full responsibility over my life and the life of my precious husband. I know we are in His hands and it brings such comfort and blessed assurance. May His grace reign upon us all today. 

Tuesday, July 15, 2014 "Why Do I Bother?"

Romans 10:11-15
How then will they call on him in whom they have not believed? And how are they to believe in him of whom they have never heard? And how are they to hear without someone preaching? And how are they to preach unless they are sent? As it is written, “How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the good news!”

His love endures forever. We are only here on earth for a second of our lives therefore I know my eternal life has more meaning and purpose. I cannot comprehend how someone can disregard their future and not worry/wonder where they will spend eternity. More people take interest in their well being today yet pay no mind to tomorrow. I pray for the lost, for the blind, for the deaf for they do not know. I do not come in hate, I come in love, I come in truth. I know my loved ones are saved, I know I am saved so you have to ask yourself.... why do I "bother" blogging each and every day for the last four years speaking about God's love for us? Why do I "bother" to open up our home and plant a church and take away any space or privacy we once had in order to help others know the Lord? Why do I "bother" tithing our hard earned earnings to strangers and ministries that spread the gospel of Jesus rather than keep it for myself? I bother because God loves you and He wants

you to know the truth. The enemy comes in this world to destroy, to lie, to kill. We are called to share the good news that the Lord came to save. (John 3:16) 

Monday, July 14, 2014 "Victory is Ours"

"For the Lord your God is he who goes with you to fight for you against your enemies, to give you the victory". Deuteronomy 20:4

What's it going to be? Are you going to walk in victory and pray yourself through when times get tough or are you going to give in to your fears and allow the enemy to win in your life? Victory is ours in Christ Jesus. The battle has been won therefore we are conquerors not victims. I see so many brothers and sisters in Christ live lives of sorrow and remorse but the Bible is our book of promises and truths and His Word tells us we are "The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit". Psalm 34:18 Therefore we need to live our lives in peace and joy and lean only on Him for all things. Place all your trust into your Lord and allow Him to fight for you. He cares for you! You are blessed!

Sunday, July 13, 2014 "Faith Over Fear"

Faith trumps fear. Fear of anything is not of God for the Word tells us to "do not fear for I am with you" (Isaiah 41:10) 

Saturday, July 12, 2014 "Be Reprove, Rebuke, and Exhort"

For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. Ephesians 6:12

The enemy is always tempting us to do the wrong thing. He looks for any way he can to discount our testimony. The call of all Christians is to spread the Word of the Lord and to show His love to others therefore it is the mission of satan to destroy and stop that message from being spread. Each soul saved is celebrated in Heaven by the angels and mourned by the devil and his servants. Scary? Very much so. Real? Even more so. Be on guard. Be prepared. Be strong in the Spirit. Above all rebuke anything that is not of God.  

Preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, and exhort, with complete patience and teaching. 

2 Timothy 4:2

Friday, July 11, 2014 "Warning"

Thursday, July 10, 2014 "How Will You Finish Your Race?"

They say it isn't how you start the race it is how you finish. I kinda think the same applies to our walk with Christ. I may have started out as a sinner who lived life in my own flesh but I am going to finish my life as a daughter of the Most High. My precious Father called for me and I answered. I am a child of God. He calls me His own. Saved and at rest.

"Put to death therefore what is earthly in you: sexual immorality, impurity, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry. On account of these the wrath of God is coming. In these you too once walked, when you were living in them. But now you must put them all away: anger, wrath, malice, slander, and obscene talk from your mouth. Do not lie to one another, seeing that you have put off the old self with its practices". Colossians 3:5-10

Wednesday, July 9, 2014 "Are You Moving Forward or Backward?"

The backslider in heart will be filled with the fruit of his ways, and a good man will be filled with the fruit of his ways. Proverbs 14:14

We move forward or we move backward in our walk with God. So often times we try to "maintain" our relationship with the Lord by staying neutral. The truth is He longs to be a part of every inch of our lives. I use the example that if we only saw our parents once in awhile and barely spoke with them how close can our relationship possibly be? The longer friends go without speaking or seeing one another, the friendship is moving backward. Same with couples. Couples must spend quality time together, they must communicate in order to maintain a healthy and vibrant relationship. So if we all agree these are truths, than how can we justify spending time with God when we can or only when it is an emergency? Church attendance is not an option, it is part of our walk. (Acts 2:42)Tithing and giving back is biblical not optional. (Malachi 3:10) Reading the Word of God on a daily basis is needed to commune with Him as is daily prayer. (Joshua 1:8, Phil. 4:6-7))Sharing His name with others is not if we get around to it, it is a command. (Mark 16:15)Truths straight from the Word of God. When we place all these things as priorities, our walk is growing, our relationship is maturing and we are obeying our Savior and Lord Jesus Christ. Anything else we say or do is just justifying our sins. 

Tuesday, July 8, 2014 "Covetousness or Peace"

       "But those who desire to be rich fall into temptation, into a           snare, into many senseless and harmful desires 

             that plunge people into ruin and destruction". 

                                       1 Timothy 6:9

The Bible tells us that covetousness is a sin; to desire everything the eye sees and then pursuing at any cost and then eventually getting it doesn't equate blessings from God, sometimes it is from our greedy efforts. I too missed this truth when I used to place my work before anything or anyone else. The more I made, the more I spent, the more I owed. But I eventually learned that true blessings come from the intangibles like peace of mind and joy in the heart. When we experience God's love that transforms our lives then we are able to have the blessings that come from knowing Him. The Word says that God our Father will satisfy all our needs with His Son, our Lord and Savior, Jesus, with His riches and glory. What this scripture taught me is only the Lord can satisfy our deepest needs and fulfill our true desires. Place God high above all else and everything else will follow. When we are in total peace with Him we are able to rest in the simplest of things. I am grateful for this truth. 

Monday, July 7, 2014 "Rest in the Lord"

He says, “Be still, and know that I am God;
    I will be exalted among the nations,
    I will be exalted in the earth.” Psalm 46:10

Find rest in the Lord today.  When we are overcome by our emotions and begin to feel overwhelmed, we are being lied to by the enemy for we are never alone and we are never to be anxious. Of course we all know it is easier said then done but the truth is the command is a spoken word of God. Therefore hold on to Him today, be anxious for nothing. Throw all your worries unto Jesus and be still in His presence. He's got it for you! 

Sunday, July 6, 2014 "Does Money Equal Blessings?"

And he said to them, “Take care, and be on your guard against all covetousness, for one's life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions.” Luke 12:15

I always was told and thought to believe that those that had money were somehow more favored and loved by God. That it was their reward for being obedient and it always made me feel bad if I did not have it. Like somehow our performance measured our blessings. So those that did not have much, were less than or viewed as "doing something wrong". But that simply is not the case for look at Jesus. He was poor. Missionaries are not living in abundance. Not all churches are "rich". So then how can it be that only the favored have much? I do know that God entrusts more to those with whom He can actually entrust more with. So often, we want and want and do not have because we only want for ourselves. We will be amazed how much God will bless us if we simply become channels for blessings to others. 

In everything I did, I showed you that by this kind of hard work we must help the weak, remembering the words the Lord Jesus himself said: ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’ ” Acts 20:35 

Saturday, July 5, 2014 "My Independence Day"

But this command I gave them: ‘Obey my voice, and I will be your God, and you shall be my people. And walk in all the way that I command you, that it may be well with you.’ Jeremiah 7:23

When we step out in faith, amazing things will happen. When the Lord speaks to your heart, simply listen and obey for His way is perfect.  There is no greater path you or I could ever take on our own that could ever outdo His way for us. So why on earth would we want to deny His command and do it on our own? “Why do you call me ‘Lord, Lord,’ and not do what I tell you? Luke 6:46 The Lord spoke to me four years ago today to trust Him and walk away from all the things I held on to that I thought made me feel secure. I was scared and felt very alone but I stayed close to Him and He led me into a new and wondrous life. Far different than what I ever knew. So for me, although the calendar calls the 4th Independence Day , July 5th will forever be my day of independence. 

Friday, July 4, 2014 "Let us not Forget Who set us Free"

 It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery. Galatians 5:1

Real freedom is living for Jesus. He frees us from all bondage and sin and frees us from all condemnation.  Although we celebrate America's birthday today, let us not forget Who set us free. Let no man enslave you to the blessings God has bestowed upon you.

Thursday, July 3, 2014 "Forgiveness"

For if you forgive men when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you.  But if you do not forgive men their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins. Matthew 6:14-15

It is not an option to not forgive someone who trespasses against you.  Too often people hold grudges or stay angry and it really is not behavior that pleases the Lord. I try to ask for forgiveness of others when I know that I hurt someone but if that person chooses not to forgive me or chooses not to accept my apology then there is nothing more I can do. As long as our hearts are right with God we really cannot control how someone else reacts to the joy of forgiveness. I know what joy it is to be forgiven therefore I know I cannot harbor ill will towards my brothers and sisters in Christ. I know that I must act in love and forgive no matter what. So what are you holding on to today that the Lord is asking you to let go of? Who are you staying angry at that the Lord is asking you to forgive? Forgive one another so the Father can forgive you. 

Wednesday, July 2, 2014 "Lessons From My Mom"

My Mom would always ask to speak to the manager at a store or restaurant when she wanted to give accolades to an employee when she experienced excellent customer service. I always remembered how special it made the employee feel. She told me to encourage others with praise not criticism. She told me to always make birthdays special for someone whether it was through baking someone a cake or buying someone lunch. She taught me simple acts of kindness mean so much to a person. She was so kind and so wise. She was simply showing God's love by  her acts of kindness. Everyone saw the Lord in my Mom. She was just that kind of lady. I reflect on this month two years ago when I lost my Mom. But I know she is at peace and at rest with our Lord and she has been reunited with her husband and family so that brings me comfort and joy. Just miss her and I wanted to share that she was an amazing gift from God. What a blessing she was. Hug your Mom today and tell her you love her. You will be so glad you did!

Strength and dignity are her clothing, and she laughs at the time to come. She opens her mouth with wisdom, and the teaching of kindness is on her tongue. She looks well to the ways of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness. Her children rise up and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her: “Many women have done excellently, but you surpass them all.” Proverbs 31:25-30

Tuesday, July 1, 2014 "For Those That Like to Boast"

For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast. Ephesians 2:8-9

Those individuals that boast and brag about their own accomplishments are missing the bigger picture...their works,their achievements, their giving, their donating will not save them. Too often we hear when evangelizing that the key to entering the gates of heaven is just being a good person. What defines a good person? What qualifies one person from another? The truth is the Bible tells us specifically that works is not the entry to heaven, God's gift of grace is. And that grace is earned when we confess His Son as Lord and Savior of our lives. When we ask the Lord into our heart and vow to commit our ways to His, we are saved by His grace and by His mercy for our souls. No where in the Word of God does it say if we do this and we do that, we will be saved. We are called to love one another, help one another without any reward. We are not doing anything special when we give to a charity or when we help an old woman cross the street. Those are acts that the Lord expects from us for we are to demonstrate His love to others. So for those that like to offer themselves accolades of greatness, you might want to read the Word of the Lord and see what He has to say about "good works". We are to be humbled by His love, not proud.