Zech 7:4-7
4 Then the word of the LORD Almighty came to me: 5 "Ask all the people of the land and the priests, 'When you fasted and mourned in the fifth and seventh months for the past seventy years, was it really for me that you fasted? 6 And when you were eating and drinking, were you not just feasting for yourselves? 7 Are these not the words the LORD proclaimed through the earlier prophets when Jerusalem and its surrounding towns were at rest and prosperous, and the Negev and the western foothills were settled?' "
God wants the right intentions when you are fasting for Him. He asks the people why they are fasting. Is it for themselves, or is it for the Lord?
When we do things, such as fasting and praying or any other worship, let us do it unto the Lord. We need to die to our fleshly desires and give it to Him. It is going to be super tough, but I can do it through God who strengthens me. The intentions is not for myself, but for the Lord.
Father God, I thank you for your words that you have given me. I pray for your anointing over it. I pray that you may speak your words into my life. Allow my heart to seek after your own intentions and not mine. When I give you worship, let it be for your will and not mines. When I fast, let it be to seek you and not for my own intentions. I pray that you be my purpose. I pray this in Jesus name.
Amen.
Tuesday, September 30, 2008
Monday, September 29, 2008
Being Responsible In The Lord
Luke 14:47-48
47"That servant who knows his master's will and does not get ready or does not do what his master wants will be beaten with many blows. 48But 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.
The Lord is speaking to the people about responsibility. We who know that the Lord is coming is responsibly to be ready to receive Him. We must be waiting on the Lord so that when the time is here, we will be able to meet Him in heaven.
We need to constantly be mindful about our responsibilities of awareness. The Lord can be coming at any time, and it is our responsibility to be ready. The Lord shows us who are in Him to be mindful of how we are, because we know the Lord, and we will be responsible of more.
Father God, I thank you for these words that you have spoken into my life about. Lord, I pray for your words to speak into my life. Allow it to change the way that I view it and to guide my actions and my words that make it pleasing to you. I pray that you forgive me for letting you down, and that your grace and mercy is so awesome. Lord, I pray for a change in my life, to be responsible in You. I know that you have blessed me with so much, and Lord, I pray that I may be the best that you want me to be. I thank you again, and I pray this all in Jesus name.
Amen.
47"That servant who knows his master's will and does not get ready or does not do what his master wants will be beaten with many blows. 48But 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.
The Lord is speaking to the people about responsibility. We who know that the Lord is coming is responsibly to be ready to receive Him. We must be waiting on the Lord so that when the time is here, we will be able to meet Him in heaven.
We need to constantly be mindful about our responsibilities of awareness. The Lord can be coming at any time, and it is our responsibility to be ready. The Lord shows us who are in Him to be mindful of how we are, because we know the Lord, and we will be responsible of more.
Father God, I thank you for these words that you have spoken into my life about. Lord, I pray for your words to speak into my life. Allow it to change the way that I view it and to guide my actions and my words that make it pleasing to you. I pray that you forgive me for letting you down, and that your grace and mercy is so awesome. Lord, I pray for a change in my life, to be responsible in You. I know that you have blessed me with so much, and Lord, I pray that I may be the best that you want me to be. I thank you again, and I pray this all in Jesus name.
Amen.
Sunday, September 28, 2008
Seeking God For Answers Starts With Asking In Prayer
Luke 11:7-13
7"Then the one inside answers, 'Don't bother me. The door is already locked, and my children are with me in bed. I can't get up and give you anything.' 8I tell you, though he will not get up and give him the bread because he is his friend, yet because of the man's boldness he will get up and give him as much as he needs.
9"So I say to you: Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. 10For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened.
11"Which of you fathers, if your son asks for a fish, will give him a snake instead? 12Or if he asks for an egg, will give him a scorpion? 13If you then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him!"
This passage that Jesus speaks of shows us to continue to seek the Lord and ask of Him, specifically of spirituality, but to be bold in all that we are, so that our spirit may know God more. The Lord is good, and will allow us to know of His blessings for us.
We should continue to seek Him in prayer and ask in boldness for what He wants for us. My life is full of decisions and I know that I have to allow God to take hold of my life, and ask Him of what He wants for me. I know that He will show me the plans for my life.
Father God, I want to thank you for your love in my life. I want to thank you for the blessings that you have poured in me, and that I may give you glory. I pray to seek you more and more each day, to be bold in my prayer, and to hear from you so that I know seek your answers. I thank you for the opportunity to just spend time in prayer with you. I thank you for all this and continue to use me in your ways. I give you all the glory in Jesus name.
Amen.
7"Then the one inside answers, 'Don't bother me. The door is already locked, and my children are with me in bed. I can't get up and give you anything.' 8I tell you, though he will not get up and give him the bread because he is his friend, yet because of the man's boldness he will get up and give him as much as he needs.
9"So I say to you: Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. 10For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened.
11"Which of you fathers, if your son asks for a fish, will give him a snake instead? 12Or if he asks for an egg, will give him a scorpion? 13If you then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him!"
This passage that Jesus speaks of shows us to continue to seek the Lord and ask of Him, specifically of spirituality, but to be bold in all that we are, so that our spirit may know God more. The Lord is good, and will allow us to know of His blessings for us.
We should continue to seek Him in prayer and ask in boldness for what He wants for us. My life is full of decisions and I know that I have to allow God to take hold of my life, and ask Him of what He wants for me. I know that He will show me the plans for my life.
Father God, I want to thank you for your love in my life. I want to thank you for the blessings that you have poured in me, and that I may give you glory. I pray to seek you more and more each day, to be bold in my prayer, and to hear from you so that I know seek your answers. I thank you for the opportunity to just spend time in prayer with you. I thank you for all this and continue to use me in your ways. I give you all the glory in Jesus name.
Amen.
Saturday, September 27, 2008
The Lord Ask Us To Carefully Think About Our Ways
Haggai 1:5-10
5 Now this is what the LORD Almighty says: "Give careful thought to your ways. 6 You have planted much, but have harvested little. You eat, but never have enough. You drink, but never have your fill. You put on clothes, but are not warm. You earn wages, only to put them in a purse with holes in it."
7 This is what the LORD Almighty says: "Give careful thought to your ways. 8 Go up into the mountains and bring down timber and build the house, so that I may take pleasure in it and be honored," says the LORD. 9 "You expected much, but see, it turned out to be little. What you brought home, I blew away. Why?" declares the LORD Almighty. "Because of my house, which remains a ruin, while each of you is busy with his own house. 10 Therefore, because of you the heavens have withheld their dew and the earth its crops.
Wow, this is a great reminder to be delicate in all that we do, that we may do it as for the Lord. He instructs us to carefully think about what we are doing. There are many times that we do so much, but gain very little. If we seek the Lord and follow His ways, His blessings will pour into our lives.
I need to carefully think about my ways. I know that there are many things in my life that I need to seek the Lord in. I know through His words that I must follow what He wants for me, that He may bless it in my life.
Father God, I thank you for this verse. I want to take in your words that you have for me, for allowing me to seek you more. I pray for your anointing and for your blessing, that you may give me strength in seeking you. I pray for strength to continue to follow you and fight against my own flesh. Lord, cover me with your spirit and guide me and move me in your ways. I pray all this in Jesus name.
Amen.
5 Now this is what the LORD Almighty says: "Give careful thought to your ways. 6 You have planted much, but have harvested little. You eat, but never have enough. You drink, but never have your fill. You put on clothes, but are not warm. You earn wages, only to put them in a purse with holes in it."
7 This is what the LORD Almighty says: "Give careful thought to your ways. 8 Go up into the mountains and bring down timber and build the house, so that I may take pleasure in it and be honored," says the LORD. 9 "You expected much, but see, it turned out to be little. What you brought home, I blew away. Why?" declares the LORD Almighty. "Because of my house, which remains a ruin, while each of you is busy with his own house. 10 Therefore, because of you the heavens have withheld their dew and the earth its crops.
Wow, this is a great reminder to be delicate in all that we do, that we may do it as for the Lord. He instructs us to carefully think about what we are doing. There are many times that we do so much, but gain very little. If we seek the Lord and follow His ways, His blessings will pour into our lives.
I need to carefully think about my ways. I know that there are many things in my life that I need to seek the Lord in. I know through His words that I must follow what He wants for me, that He may bless it in my life.
Father God, I thank you for this verse. I want to take in your words that you have for me, for allowing me to seek you more. I pray for your anointing and for your blessing, that you may give me strength in seeking you. I pray for strength to continue to follow you and fight against my own flesh. Lord, cover me with your spirit and guide me and move me in your ways. I pray all this in Jesus name.
Amen.
Friday, September 26, 2008
I Need God's Strength To Deny Myself
Luke 9:23
23Then he said to them all: "If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me.
Jesus teaches his disciples to deny themselves and to follow Him. They must carry their own cross, endure their own suffering, fight the struggles of flesh, just as Jesus had done.
I know that it is tough. I am fighting through tough times of denying myself, but Jesus said to take up the cross. He knows too that the struggle and pain will be tough, but God is with me.
Father God, I thank you for this word, Lord. Bless it and anoint it with your Holy Spirit. Allow it to penetrate my heart, that I may draw strength from it. I pray for your power and strength to deny myself. Lord, I make you my rock. Supernaturally empower me to be able to die to my flesh, because I know I can't do it alone. Give me strength, Lord and be with me. I pray all this in your powerful name.
Amen.
23Then he said to them all: "If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me.
Jesus teaches his disciples to deny themselves and to follow Him. They must carry their own cross, endure their own suffering, fight the struggles of flesh, just as Jesus had done.
I know that it is tough. I am fighting through tough times of denying myself, but Jesus said to take up the cross. He knows too that the struggle and pain will be tough, but God is with me.
Father God, I thank you for this word, Lord. Bless it and anoint it with your Holy Spirit. Allow it to penetrate my heart, that I may draw strength from it. I pray for your power and strength to deny myself. Lord, I make you my rock. Supernaturally empower me to be able to die to my flesh, because I know I can't do it alone. Give me strength, Lord and be with me. I pray all this in your powerful name.
Amen.
Thursday, September 25, 2008
God Shows Us How To Manage The Crowd
Luke 8:4
4While a large crowd was gathering and people were coming to Jesus from town after town, he told this parable
Jesus was speaking to the crowd here. What I realized he did was, while they were still coming in, he started to teach. He did not wait till everyone came and sat down to listen.
This showed me that Jesus was timely. Not waiting for the crowd to sit was not a sign of ignoring them, but to be organized in all that He did. There will definitely be large crowds, and I need to learn from Jesus to be timely. I may not necessarily wait for everyone to come, but to begin in a timely manner.
Father God, blessed are your words which you have spoken to me. I pray for your anointing and your wisdom in how to handle these situations. I pray that you fill me with your Holy Spirit, that I may be bold and obey your words. Lead me into your ways, allow me to move in your Spirit. Guide me in all that I do, even in when or how to start things. I thank you for your word and I pray all this in Jesus name.
Amen.
4While a large crowd was gathering and people were coming to Jesus from town after town, he told this parable
Jesus was speaking to the crowd here. What I realized he did was, while they were still coming in, he started to teach. He did not wait till everyone came and sat down to listen.
This showed me that Jesus was timely. Not waiting for the crowd to sit was not a sign of ignoring them, but to be organized in all that He did. There will definitely be large crowds, and I need to learn from Jesus to be timely. I may not necessarily wait for everyone to come, but to begin in a timely manner.
Father God, blessed are your words which you have spoken to me. I pray for your anointing and your wisdom in how to handle these situations. I pray that you fill me with your Holy Spirit, that I may be bold and obey your words. Lead me into your ways, allow me to move in your Spirit. Guide me in all that I do, even in when or how to start things. I thank you for your word and I pray all this in Jesus name.
Amen.
Wednesday, September 24, 2008
Jesus Shows The Magnitude Of Forgiveness And Love
Luke 7:40-47
39When the Pharisee who had invited him saw this, he said to himself, "If this man were a prophet, he would know who is touching him and what kind of woman she is—that she is a sinner."
40Jesus answered him, "Simon, I have something to tell you."
"Tell me, teacher," he said.
41"Two men owed money to a certain moneylender. One owed him five hundred denarii, and the other fifty. 42Neither of them had the money to pay him back, so he canceled the debts of both. Now which of them will love him more?"
43Simon replied, "I suppose the one who had the bigger debt canceled."
"You have judged correctly," Jesus said.
44Then he turned toward the woman and said to Simon, "Do you see this woman? I came into your house. You did not give me any water for my feet, but she wet my feet with her tears and wiped them with her hair. 45You did not give me a kiss, but this woman, from the time I entered, has not stopped kissing my feet. 46You did not put oil on my head, but she has poured perfume on my feet. 47Therefore, I tell you, her many sins have been forgiven—for she loved much. But he who has been forgiven little loves little."
The Pharisee believes that the woman to be a sinner, yet he did not consider himself to be a sinner. Jesus showed him that all are forgiven, yet the woman knew of her sins and was forgiven more than the Pharisee believed, so much that she loved Jesus more.
I know that I am a sinner. I know that Jesus has forgiven me of my sins, that He had died for me. Through forgiveness, God shows me to love Him more, and to love those without more.
Father God, I pray for your forgiveness, that your grace and mercy allow me to love just as you have loved me. I thank you for all that you have done. I want to love you more, Lord. I want you so much that all that I need is you, to be with you. Lord, I pray for your love to take over. Allow me to love others, just as you have spoken, even to love those that don't love us. Allow this to speak into my life I pray in Jesus name.
Amen.
39When the Pharisee who had invited him saw this, he said to himself, "If this man were a prophet, he would know who is touching him and what kind of woman she is—that she is a sinner."
40Jesus answered him, "Simon, I have something to tell you."
"Tell me, teacher," he said.
41"Two men owed money to a certain moneylender. One owed him five hundred denarii, and the other fifty. 42Neither of them had the money to pay him back, so he canceled the debts of both. Now which of them will love him more?"
43Simon replied, "I suppose the one who had the bigger debt canceled."
"You have judged correctly," Jesus said.
44Then he turned toward the woman and said to Simon, "Do you see this woman? I came into your house. You did not give me any water for my feet, but she wet my feet with her tears and wiped them with her hair. 45You did not give me a kiss, but this woman, from the time I entered, has not stopped kissing my feet. 46You did not put oil on my head, but she has poured perfume on my feet. 47Therefore, I tell you, her many sins have been forgiven—for she loved much. But he who has been forgiven little loves little."
The Pharisee believes that the woman to be a sinner, yet he did not consider himself to be a sinner. Jesus showed him that all are forgiven, yet the woman knew of her sins and was forgiven more than the Pharisee believed, so much that she loved Jesus more.
I know that I am a sinner. I know that Jesus has forgiven me of my sins, that He had died for me. Through forgiveness, God shows me to love Him more, and to love those without more.
Father God, I pray for your forgiveness, that your grace and mercy allow me to love just as you have loved me. I thank you for all that you have done. I want to love you more, Lord. I want you so much that all that I need is you, to be with you. Lord, I pray for your love to take over. Allow me to love others, just as you have spoken, even to love those that don't love us. Allow this to speak into my life I pray in Jesus name.
Amen.
Tuesday, September 23, 2008
Love Others Even If You Don't Want To
Luke 6:27-30
27"But I tell you who hear me: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, 28bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you. 29If someone strikes you on one cheek, turn to him the other also. If someone takes your cloak, do not stop him from taking your tunic. 30Give to everyone who asks you, and if anyone takes what belongs to you, do not demand it back. 31Do to others as you would have them do to you.
One of Jesus' teachings that shows you to love your enemies. This is such a basic teaching, yet it is one of the toughest to follow. Love those who mistreat you, who hate you; that is really tough.
I need help in this area of my life. Like the Bible says, it is so easy to love those who you get along with, who you like, but it is so hard to love those that hate you. I need God to allow me to do something supernatural in my life to love my enemies.
Father God, I thank you for this love that you have for me, a sinner, one who disobeyed you. Lord, I pray for your spirit and your anointing on my life that I may love as how you loved, and that I may love those who do not love me. Lord, I pray for your Spirit to allow me to show compassion and to change in my heart to love. I thank you Lord. I pray that your words speak into my life. I pray all this in Jesus name.
Amen.
27"But I tell you who hear me: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, 28bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you. 29If someone strikes you on one cheek, turn to him the other also. If someone takes your cloak, do not stop him from taking your tunic. 30Give to everyone who asks you, and if anyone takes what belongs to you, do not demand it back. 31Do to others as you would have them do to you.
One of Jesus' teachings that shows you to love your enemies. This is such a basic teaching, yet it is one of the toughest to follow. Love those who mistreat you, who hate you; that is really tough.
I need help in this area of my life. Like the Bible says, it is so easy to love those who you get along with, who you like, but it is so hard to love those that hate you. I need God to allow me to do something supernatural in my life to love my enemies.
Father God, I thank you for this love that you have for me, a sinner, one who disobeyed you. Lord, I pray for your spirit and your anointing on my life that I may love as how you loved, and that I may love those who do not love me. Lord, I pray for your Spirit to allow me to show compassion and to change in my heart to love. I thank you Lord. I pray that your words speak into my life. I pray all this in Jesus name.
Amen.
Monday, September 22, 2008
Remeber to Withdraw Yourself To Pray
Luke 5:14-16
14Then Jesus ordered him, "Don't tell anyone, but go, show yourself to the priest and offer the sacrifices that Moses commanded for your cleansing, as a testimony to them."
15Yet the news about him spread all the more, so that crowds of people came to hear him and to be healed of their sicknesses. 16But Jesus often withdrew to lonely places and prayed.
Jesus was doing healings and other miraculous signs and wonders, and the crowd kept coming to him. He was always doing so many things, but in the last verse, it says that he often withdrew himself from these situations by himself to pray.
Prayer is such an important time and and awesome time to spend with God. Sometimes I feel like I do so many things and are always all over the place, but I must remember to withdraw myself with my time with God.
Father God, I thank you for this reminder, that I may spend time more with you. I pray that you be with me and anoint the time that I have with you. Allow me to remember to spend that quality time with you. Lord, I pray that I not keep myself busy to be busy, but to take the time to talk with you allow time to listen to your words. I thank you for this and let it change me I pray in Jesus name.
Amen.
14Then Jesus ordered him, "Don't tell anyone, but go, show yourself to the priest and offer the sacrifices that Moses commanded for your cleansing, as a testimony to them."
15Yet the news about him spread all the more, so that crowds of people came to hear him and to be healed of their sicknesses. 16But Jesus often withdrew to lonely places and prayed.
Jesus was doing healings and other miraculous signs and wonders, and the crowd kept coming to him. He was always doing so many things, but in the last verse, it says that he often withdrew himself from these situations by himself to pray.
Prayer is such an important time and and awesome time to spend with God. Sometimes I feel like I do so many things and are always all over the place, but I must remember to withdraw myself with my time with God.
Father God, I thank you for this reminder, that I may spend time more with you. I pray that you be with me and anoint the time that I have with you. Allow me to remember to spend that quality time with you. Lord, I pray that I not keep myself busy to be busy, but to take the time to talk with you allow time to listen to your words. I thank you for this and let it change me I pray in Jesus name.
Amen.
Friday, September 19, 2008
God Shows To Us Who Need Him
Luke 2:8-11
8And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. 9An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. 10But the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. 11Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord.
When Jesus, the Christ, was born, God told the angels to go tell the shepherds that His Son was born. Out of all the people that God could have announced the birth of His Son, He went and told dirty shepherds. He could have gone and told the religious people, or rich people, but instead he went to shepherds instead.
Shepherds represented the unclean people, the common people, the people that needed cleansing. And God went to them to show them that their Savior was born. That is awesome. God came to those that needed Him. He wanted to show us who need Him that there is Salvation in Christ Jesus.
Father God, Lord I thank you for your Son Jesus, who was born and died for my sins on the cross. I pray that your blessing for your people be so great, that it come overflowing. I thank you so much, because you love me so much. I can't understand the depth of how good you really are. Lord, continue to keep me in your favor. I know without you, life would not be pleasing. I thank you for all that you have done, and I pray this in Jesus name.
Amen.
8And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. 9An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. 10But the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. 11Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord.
When Jesus, the Christ, was born, God told the angels to go tell the shepherds that His Son was born. Out of all the people that God could have announced the birth of His Son, He went and told dirty shepherds. He could have gone and told the religious people, or rich people, but instead he went to shepherds instead.
Shepherds represented the unclean people, the common people, the people that needed cleansing. And God went to them to show them that their Savior was born. That is awesome. God came to those that needed Him. He wanted to show us who need Him that there is Salvation in Christ Jesus.
Father God, Lord I thank you for your Son Jesus, who was born and died for my sins on the cross. I pray that your blessing for your people be so great, that it come overflowing. I thank you so much, because you love me so much. I can't understand the depth of how good you really are. Lord, continue to keep me in your favor. I know without you, life would not be pleasing. I thank you for all that you have done, and I pray this in Jesus name.
Amen.
Thursday, September 18, 2008
Pray With Faith
Luke 1:11-18
11Then an angel of the Lord appeared to him, standing at the right side of the altar of incense. 12When Zechariah saw him, he was startled and was gripped with fear. 13But the angel said to him: "Do not be afraid, Zechariah; your prayer has been heard. Your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you are to give him the name John. 14He will be a joy and delight to you, and many will rejoice because of his birth, 15for he will be great in the sight of the Lord. He is never to take wine or other fermented drink, and he will be filled with the Holy Spirit even from birth.[b] 16Many of the people of Israel will he bring back to the Lord their God. 17And he will go on before the Lord, in the spirit and power of Elijah, to turn the hearts of the fathers to their children and the disobedient to the wisdom of the righteous—to make ready a people prepared for the Lord."
18Zechariah asked the angel, "How can I be sure of this? I am an old man and my wife is well along in years."
It is astonishing how we always pray for things, yet our faith is not in it. Here, Zechariah prayed as the angel said, and his prayer was heard, yet when his prayers were answered, he was doubtful of it.
We need to pray with faith, and be sure of what is to come. God may answer your prayer, yet you may not believe in it, so it may not come about. We need to put faith and believe in all that we do, and especially the prayers that we pray.
Father God, I thank you for your encouraging word. I know that sometimes I am not faithful in all that I say and do, so work in my life in this area. Let me pray with all that I am, and believe with all that I have, so that when you come to answer it, I may know that You are God. Thank you for this word, I know that you will do great and mighty things. I pray all this in God's Holy name.
Amen.
11Then an angel of the Lord appeared to him, standing at the right side of the altar of incense. 12When Zechariah saw him, he was startled and was gripped with fear. 13But the angel said to him: "Do not be afraid, Zechariah; your prayer has been heard. Your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you are to give him the name John. 14He will be a joy and delight to you, and many will rejoice because of his birth, 15for he will be great in the sight of the Lord. He is never to take wine or other fermented drink, and he will be filled with the Holy Spirit even from birth.[b] 16Many of the people of Israel will he bring back to the Lord their God. 17And he will go on before the Lord, in the spirit and power of Elijah, to turn the hearts of the fathers to their children and the disobedient to the wisdom of the righteous—to make ready a people prepared for the Lord."
18Zechariah asked the angel, "How can I be sure of this? I am an old man and my wife is well along in years."
It is astonishing how we always pray for things, yet our faith is not in it. Here, Zechariah prayed as the angel said, and his prayer was heard, yet when his prayers were answered, he was doubtful of it.
We need to pray with faith, and be sure of what is to come. God may answer your prayer, yet you may not believe in it, so it may not come about. We need to put faith and believe in all that we do, and especially the prayers that we pray.
Father God, I thank you for your encouraging word. I know that sometimes I am not faithful in all that I say and do, so work in my life in this area. Let me pray with all that I am, and believe with all that I have, so that when you come to answer it, I may know that You are God. Thank you for this word, I know that you will do great and mighty things. I pray all this in God's Holy name.
Amen.
Wednesday, September 17, 2008
Focus On The Lord And Worship God
Rev 22:8-9
8I, John, am the one who heard and saw these things. And when I had heard and seen them, I fell down to worship at the feet of the angel who had been showing them to me. 9But he said to me, "Do not do it! I am a fellow servant with you and with your brothers the prophets and of all who keep the words of this book. Worship God!"
Imagine John seeing this great vision. There must be some crazy stuff going through his head when taken aback from the glory of God and what He is going to do. Sometimes, things are presented in a pleasing way that it looses its focus on what it is, but you start to focus on other things.
For John, he saw great things that God is going to do, and in his lost, he loses focus on God and starts to thank, even bow down, to the angel that is showing him it. There are so many times that we get sidetracked from God and start to be pleased with other things, but the Lord says to focus on Him.
Father God, I want to worship You. I want to bow down before you and just sit at your feet in your presence. I know the great things that you have revealed and the plans that are to come. Lord, I pray that you be gloried in all this. Let your glory be known to all, and let us continue to worship you with all that we have. Thank you for your words, and I pray this in your glorious name.
Amen.
8I, John, am the one who heard and saw these things. And when I had heard and seen them, I fell down to worship at the feet of the angel who had been showing them to me. 9But he said to me, "Do not do it! I am a fellow servant with you and with your brothers the prophets and of all who keep the words of this book. Worship God!"
Imagine John seeing this great vision. There must be some crazy stuff going through his head when taken aback from the glory of God and what He is going to do. Sometimes, things are presented in a pleasing way that it looses its focus on what it is, but you start to focus on other things.
For John, he saw great things that God is going to do, and in his lost, he loses focus on God and starts to thank, even bow down, to the angel that is showing him it. There are so many times that we get sidetracked from God and start to be pleased with other things, but the Lord says to focus on Him.
Father God, I want to worship You. I want to bow down before you and just sit at your feet in your presence. I know the great things that you have revealed and the plans that are to come. Lord, I pray that you be gloried in all this. Let your glory be known to all, and let us continue to worship you with all that we have. Thank you for your words, and I pray this in your glorious name.
Amen.
Tuesday, September 16, 2008
Blessings, Prospering, And Growing In The Lord
Psalms 128:1-4
1 Blessed are all who fear the LORD,
who walk in his ways.
2 You will eat the fruit of your labor;
blessings and prosperity will be yours.
3 Your wife will be like a fruitful vine
within your house;
your sons will be like olive shoots
around your table.
4 Thus is the man blessed
who fears the LORD.
God wants us to be fruitful and prosper. As the author of Psalms says, we are to fear the Lord, and He will make us blessed.
I like the words that God speaks to me about the vine, the growth of those who follow Him and fear Him. As I plan to go to "Da Vine" meeting, I can see why they are called that, and the purpose that God has in store for those who follow him.
Father God, I thank you for your words. I pray for all that you are doing here in my life and the people that I am reaching out to in You love. I pray for your words spoken here today, that it may guide me and allow me to grow more in what you want for me and my life. Let me be the vine that grows to reach others. I pray that you use me in a mighty way. I thank you and give you all the glory in Jesus name.
Amen.
1 Blessed are all who fear the LORD,
who walk in his ways.
2 You will eat the fruit of your labor;
blessings and prosperity will be yours.
3 Your wife will be like a fruitful vine
within your house;
your sons will be like olive shoots
around your table.
4 Thus is the man blessed
who fears the LORD.
God wants us to be fruitful and prosper. As the author of Psalms says, we are to fear the Lord, and He will make us blessed.
I like the words that God speaks to me about the vine, the growth of those who follow Him and fear Him. As I plan to go to "Da Vine" meeting, I can see why they are called that, and the purpose that God has in store for those who follow him.
Father God, I thank you for your words. I pray for all that you are doing here in my life and the people that I am reaching out to in You love. I pray for your words spoken here today, that it may guide me and allow me to grow more in what you want for me and my life. Let me be the vine that grows to reach others. I pray that you use me in a mighty way. I thank you and give you all the glory in Jesus name.
Amen.
Monday, September 15, 2008
Let Everyone Know That He Is God
Ezekiel 39:21-22
21 “In this way, I will demonstrate my glory to the nations. Everyone will see the punishment I have inflicted on them and the power of my fist when I strike. 22 And from that time on the people of Israel will know that I am the Lord their God.
God is showing His people Israel how great He is. He is telling them of His power to punish them for their sins, as well as to save them from other nations. Like it says, "Everyone will see... the power of my fist when I strike."
Many times, we want to see God. We want to know God is real. We want Him to move in a way that we can know for sure that He is real. God is showing Israel that He is real, that He is their God, and many times, He shows himself to us as well. He shows Himself through the miracles that occur, the words spoken into our lives, to way the Holy Spirit is guiding us everyday. He is showing Himself to us constantly.
Father God, anoint these words that you have spoken to me about. I pray for your Spirit to show life and rhema to me through your words. Let me know in your own way how real you are to me. Speak to me, show me your power, because I know that I serve a great and mighty God. Lord, be with me and guide me in all that I do, and continue to show yourself to me. I thank you and pray all these things in Your Holy and Mighty name.
Amen.
21 “In this way, I will demonstrate my glory to the nations. Everyone will see the punishment I have inflicted on them and the power of my fist when I strike. 22 And from that time on the people of Israel will know that I am the Lord their God.
God is showing His people Israel how great He is. He is telling them of His power to punish them for their sins, as well as to save them from other nations. Like it says, "Everyone will see... the power of my fist when I strike."
Many times, we want to see God. We want to know God is real. We want Him to move in a way that we can know for sure that He is real. God is showing Israel that He is real, that He is their God, and many times, He shows himself to us as well. He shows Himself through the miracles that occur, the words spoken into our lives, to way the Holy Spirit is guiding us everyday. He is showing Himself to us constantly.
Father God, anoint these words that you have spoken to me about. I pray for your Spirit to show life and rhema to me through your words. Let me know in your own way how real you are to me. Speak to me, show me your power, because I know that I serve a great and mighty God. Lord, be with me and guide me in all that I do, and continue to show yourself to me. I thank you and pray all these things in Your Holy and Mighty name.
Amen.
Saturday, September 13, 2008
God Has Asked For Good Shepherds
Ezekiel 34:1-6
1 The word of the LORD came to me: 2 "Son of man, prophesy against the shepherds of Israel; prophesy and say to them: 'This is what the Sovereign LORD says: Woe to the shepherds of Israel who only take care of themselves! Should not shepherds take care of the flock? 3 You eat the curds, clothe yourselves with the wool and slaughter the choice animals, but you do not take care of the flock. 4 You have not strengthened the weak or healed the sick or bound up the injured. You have not brought back the strays or searched for the lost. You have ruled them harshly and brutally. 5 So they were scattered because there was no shepherd, and when they were scattered they became food for all the wild animals. 6 My sheep wandered over all the mountains and on every high hill. They were scattered over the whole earth, and no one searched or looked for them.
God is speaking to His leaders, His shepherds. He shows here that there those that were shepherds for his flock were not doing what He wanted them to do. In the end, the flock was scattered and were lost.
As a leader, there must be a shepherd to lead God's flock. We must not leave those that God wants us to shepherd to the world, because people can get lost in the world.
Father God, I pray that you make me a good shepherd. I don't want to be a shepherd that does not tend to your flock, but to lead others in a way that You want me to lead. I pray for your anointing and for your guidance. I thank you for the opportunity to be a shepherd for your people. I pray all these in Jesus name.
Amen.
1 The word of the LORD came to me: 2 "Son of man, prophesy against the shepherds of Israel; prophesy and say to them: 'This is what the Sovereign LORD says: Woe to the shepherds of Israel who only take care of themselves! Should not shepherds take care of the flock? 3 You eat the curds, clothe yourselves with the wool and slaughter the choice animals, but you do not take care of the flock. 4 You have not strengthened the weak or healed the sick or bound up the injured. You have not brought back the strays or searched for the lost. You have ruled them harshly and brutally. 5 So they were scattered because there was no shepherd, and when they were scattered they became food for all the wild animals. 6 My sheep wandered over all the mountains and on every high hill. They were scattered over the whole earth, and no one searched or looked for them.
God is speaking to His leaders, His shepherds. He shows here that there those that were shepherds for his flock were not doing what He wanted them to do. In the end, the flock was scattered and were lost.
As a leader, there must be a shepherd to lead God's flock. We must not leave those that God wants us to shepherd to the world, because people can get lost in the world.
Father God, I pray that you make me a good shepherd. I don't want to be a shepherd that does not tend to your flock, but to lead others in a way that You want me to lead. I pray for your anointing and for your guidance. I thank you for the opportunity to be a shepherd for your people. I pray all these in Jesus name.
Amen.
Wednesday, September 10, 2008
God's Compassion Shows His Unfailing Love For Us
Lamentations 3:31-33
31 For men are not cast off
by the Lord forever.
32 Though he brings grief, he will show compassion,
so great is his unfailing love.
33 For he does not willingly bring affliction
or grief to the children of men.
This is a ongoing theme that the author shows in this book. God's love is so great and so awesome. Even in this time of judgement and punishment, God still tells us that He loves us. It grieves Him to bring punishment on His people.
We are a people of sin, deserving of death, yet God grieves for us, and shows us compassion, through His son who died on the cross for our sins. God never wishes to punish, yet He must, and through His compassion, allowed us to be forgiven.
Lord, I thank you for your forgiveness. I would never ever want to go through what these people of Judah went through. Their punishment of their sins are so great and I can honestly say that it would be tough to go through that. Yet, your love allowed us to be forgiven through the death of Christ Jesus. Lord, thank you for your love. Thank you for your compassion on your people. Let your words speak into my life of how great you are to me. I thank you and praise you in all of Jesus Holy name.
Amen.
31 For men are not cast off
by the Lord forever.
32 Though he brings grief, he will show compassion,
so great is his unfailing love.
33 For he does not willingly bring affliction
or grief to the children of men.
This is a ongoing theme that the author shows in this book. God's love is so great and so awesome. Even in this time of judgement and punishment, God still tells us that He loves us. It grieves Him to bring punishment on His people.
We are a people of sin, deserving of death, yet God grieves for us, and shows us compassion, through His son who died on the cross for our sins. God never wishes to punish, yet He must, and through His compassion, allowed us to be forgiven.
Lord, I thank you for your forgiveness. I would never ever want to go through what these people of Judah went through. Their punishment of their sins are so great and I can honestly say that it would be tough to go through that. Yet, your love allowed us to be forgiven through the death of Christ Jesus. Lord, thank you for your love. Thank you for your compassion on your people. Let your words speak into my life of how great you are to me. I thank you and praise you in all of Jesus Holy name.
Amen.
Tuesday, September 09, 2008
God Crys For Us Through Our Suffering
Lamentations 2:11-12
11 My eyes fail from weeping,
I am in torment within,
my heart is poured out on the ground
because my people are destroyed,
because children and infants faint
in the streets of the city.
12 They say to their mothers,
"Where is bread and wine?"
as they faint like wounded men
in the streets of the city,
as their lives ebb away
in their mothers' arms.
In the mist of the words of Lamentations, words of judgement and destruction, there is a cry of grief in what is happening to God's people. The author of Lamentations, which I also believe to be anointed and revealing God's own expressions, is crying out in all that is happening. There needs to be judgement and sin needs to be dealt with, but all in God's love for His people.
You can see God's emotions through the author here. In all that He does, God still loves us so much. I can see how it hurts Him when He has to allow His people to be punished. This passage shows the love of God pouring through the words. His love for us, and for His people, result in the death of His Son for our sins. That is love.
Father, I can see your love in your words. It speaks to me and to my spirit. Lord, I pray that your words move me and change my heart to really know how much you love me. I thank you for your compassion for a sinner like myself. I thank you so much, because you came and died for me. Lord, thank you for this reminder of just how Good and Loving you are in my life. Through all the death and destruction that goes on in this sinful world, it reminds me that you still love us so much, that you cry out for us, to come to you. Lord, thank you for your word. Bless it, let it be still in my heart and my spirit. I pray this all in Jesus name.
Amen.
11 My eyes fail from weeping,
I am in torment within,
my heart is poured out on the ground
because my people are destroyed,
because children and infants faint
in the streets of the city.
12 They say to their mothers,
"Where is bread and wine?"
as they faint like wounded men
in the streets of the city,
as their lives ebb away
in their mothers' arms.
In the mist of the words of Lamentations, words of judgement and destruction, there is a cry of grief in what is happening to God's people. The author of Lamentations, which I also believe to be anointed and revealing God's own expressions, is crying out in all that is happening. There needs to be judgement and sin needs to be dealt with, but all in God's love for His people.
You can see God's emotions through the author here. In all that He does, God still loves us so much. I can see how it hurts Him when He has to allow His people to be punished. This passage shows the love of God pouring through the words. His love for us, and for His people, result in the death of His Son for our sins. That is love.
Father, I can see your love in your words. It speaks to me and to my spirit. Lord, I pray that your words move me and change my heart to really know how much you love me. I thank you for your compassion for a sinner like myself. I thank you so much, because you came and died for me. Lord, thank you for this reminder of just how Good and Loving you are in my life. Through all the death and destruction that goes on in this sinful world, it reminds me that you still love us so much, that you cry out for us, to come to you. Lord, thank you for your word. Bless it, let it be still in my heart and my spirit. I pray this all in Jesus name.
Amen.
Monday, September 08, 2008
Obey The Lord Whether Favorable Or Unfavorable
Jerem 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."
During this time, the people of Judah wanted to go to Egypt to escape from the Babylons. They went and asked Jeremiah the prophet to seek the advice of God. In here, they say that they are God's people, and whatever He says they will obey, whether it be favorable or unfavorable. In the end, they disobeyed God by going to Egypt instead of listening to God by staying.
Just like the people of Judah, they were already set in their ways. Even if God decided for them to go one direction, they were already set in their own plans. It was a total lie when they said that they would do what God says, whether it is favorable or unfavorable. Sometimes, God's plans may seem rough, or tough in our own eyes, but He has plans for us. He knows what's best for us. It may seem unfavorable at the time, but through and through, God's plans for us are the best plans.
Father God, I thank you for your heavenly words. I know that you speak life through it. I pray for an anointing of your Holy Spirit to speak to me. Let your words change my heart and my life in according to your will. Allow me to follow you, and to obey you, even when your decision seems unfavorable. I know that you have great plans for me. I know that you are with me, so I pray that I continue to obey. I thank you for your word and your blessing. I pray this in your glorious name.
Amen.
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."
During this time, the people of Judah wanted to go to Egypt to escape from the Babylons. They went and asked Jeremiah the prophet to seek the advice of God. In here, they say that they are God's people, and whatever He says they will obey, whether it be favorable or unfavorable. In the end, they disobeyed God by going to Egypt instead of listening to God by staying.
Just like the people of Judah, they were already set in their ways. Even if God decided for them to go one direction, they were already set in their own plans. It was a total lie when they said that they would do what God says, whether it is favorable or unfavorable. Sometimes, God's plans may seem rough, or tough in our own eyes, but He has plans for us. He knows what's best for us. It may seem unfavorable at the time, but through and through, God's plans for us are the best plans.
Father God, I thank you for your heavenly words. I know that you speak life through it. I pray for an anointing of your Holy Spirit to speak to me. Let your words change my heart and my life in according to your will. Allow me to follow you, and to obey you, even when your decision seems unfavorable. I know that you have great plans for me. I know that you are with me, so I pray that I continue to obey. I thank you for your word and your blessing. I pray this in your glorious name.
Amen.
Friday, September 05, 2008
God's Message Of Salvation Is Sweet Like Honey
Rev 10:9-11
9So I went to the angel and asked him to give me the little scroll. He said to me, "Take it and eat it. It will turn your stomach sour, but in your mouth it will be as sweet as honey." 10I took the little scroll from the angel's hand and ate it. It tasted as sweet as honey in my mouth, but when I had eaten it, my stomach turned sour. 11Then I was told, "You must prophesy again about many peoples, nations, languages and kings."
Here, the scroll symbolizes God's message, and the prophet ate the scroll to receive it. It is sweet like honey because of God's message for Salvation, but is sour because of the distaste of His judgement.
We all need to receive our scrolls. It may seem sour at times, and things may not always go right when proclaiming His message, but the sweetness of Salvation is awesome. We must take up our cross and share how good God really is.
Father God, I praise you with all of my heart, mind, soul, and strength. I want to learn more about how wondrous you are. Thank you for your blessings. I pray that your words will not return void and to proclaim to all others your words. Holy Spirit guide me and use me I pray, in Jesus Glorious name.
Amen.
9So I went to the angel and asked him to give me the little scroll. He said to me, "Take it and eat it. It will turn your stomach sour, but in your mouth it will be as sweet as honey." 10I took the little scroll from the angel's hand and ate it. It tasted as sweet as honey in my mouth, but when I had eaten it, my stomach turned sour. 11Then I was told, "You must prophesy again about many peoples, nations, languages and kings."
Here, the scroll symbolizes God's message, and the prophet ate the scroll to receive it. It is sweet like honey because of God's message for Salvation, but is sour because of the distaste of His judgement.
We all need to receive our scrolls. It may seem sour at times, and things may not always go right when proclaiming His message, but the sweetness of Salvation is awesome. We must take up our cross and share how good God really is.
Father God, I praise you with all of my heart, mind, soul, and strength. I want to learn more about how wondrous you are. Thank you for your blessings. I pray that your words will not return void and to proclaim to all others your words. Holy Spirit guide me and use me I pray, in Jesus Glorious name.
Amen.
Thursday, September 04, 2008
God Wants Us To Stand In The Gap
Ezekiel 23:30-31
30 "I looked for a man among them who would build up the wall and stand before me in the gap on behalf of the land so I would not have to destroy it, but I found none. 31 So I will pour out my wrath on them and consume them with my fiery anger, bringing down on their own heads all they have done, declares the Sovereign LORD."
The Lord could not stand against the sins of the nations, and he had to judge it, and destroy that which was not holy, detestable and profane. He wanted someone to stop him, so that he would not need to destroy the people, yet, there was no one willing to stand "in the gap", or intercede on behalf of the nation, to lead them back to God.
We need to intercede on behalf of those who are lost, those who do not know God. We who are in Him are able to lead others to the Lord. God is looking for someone to stand "in the gap", and He wants us to go.
Father God, let me stand in the gap on your behalf. I pray that I stand up for you and show others how great You are. Lord, I pray on behalf of all my friends and family that are lost, that you be with them and protect them, open their eyes and their hearts that they may receive you. I pray that you allow me to be used by you. I pray all this so that You may be glorified in Jesus name.
Amen.
30 "I looked for a man among them who would build up the wall and stand before me in the gap on behalf of the land so I would not have to destroy it, but I found none. 31 So I will pour out my wrath on them and consume them with my fiery anger, bringing down on their own heads all they have done, declares the Sovereign LORD."
The Lord could not stand against the sins of the nations, and he had to judge it, and destroy that which was not holy, detestable and profane. He wanted someone to stop him, so that he would not need to destroy the people, yet, there was no one willing to stand "in the gap", or intercede on behalf of the nation, to lead them back to God.
We need to intercede on behalf of those who are lost, those who do not know God. We who are in Him are able to lead others to the Lord. God is looking for someone to stand "in the gap", and He wants us to go.
Father God, let me stand in the gap on your behalf. I pray that I stand up for you and show others how great You are. Lord, I pray on behalf of all my friends and family that are lost, that you be with them and protect them, open their eyes and their hearts that they may receive you. I pray that you allow me to be used by you. I pray all this so that You may be glorified in Jesus name.
Amen.
Wednesday, September 03, 2008
Stop Being Wishy-Washy With The Lord
Ezekiel 20:30-31
30 "Therefore say to the house of Israel: 'This is what the Sovereign LORD says: Will you defile yourselves the way your fathers did and lust after their vile images? 31 When you offer your gifts—the sacrifice of your sons in the fire—you continue to defile yourselves with all your idols to this day. Am I to let you inquire of me, O house of Israel? As surely as I live, declares the Sovereign LORD, I will not let you inquire of me.
The Lord God is just and holy. He can not be in the presence of sin and unholiness. That is the reason why we who are sinners can not come to the Lord, but thank God that He sent His Son, Christ Jesus, to cover our sins with His blood.
Sometimes we are like these people who like to dabble in the world, and God does not like that. He is a holy God and if we are half in the world, and half in Him, then we can not follow God. Just like what P.T. said, if we are neither hot nor cold, if we are lukewarm, then we will be spit out. We must commit to one side, we must commit to the Lord, and live it passionately with all our hearts.
Father God, I thank you for this word. I love to hear from You daily. Lord, I pray for this word of being wishy-washy. Let my life not reflect this, but to choose You and to live a life according to your will. I pray that your Holy Spirit guide me and be with me as I change this world for You. I give you all the glory in Jesus name.
Amen.
30 "Therefore say to the house of Israel: 'This is what the Sovereign LORD says: Will you defile yourselves the way your fathers did and lust after their vile images? 31 When you offer your gifts—the sacrifice of your sons in the fire—you continue to defile yourselves with all your idols to this day. Am I to let you inquire of me, O house of Israel? As surely as I live, declares the Sovereign LORD, I will not let you inquire of me.
The Lord God is just and holy. He can not be in the presence of sin and unholiness. That is the reason why we who are sinners can not come to the Lord, but thank God that He sent His Son, Christ Jesus, to cover our sins with His blood.
Sometimes we are like these people who like to dabble in the world, and God does not like that. He is a holy God and if we are half in the world, and half in Him, then we can not follow God. Just like what P.T. said, if we are neither hot nor cold, if we are lukewarm, then we will be spit out. We must commit to one side, we must commit to the Lord, and live it passionately with all our hearts.
Father God, I thank you for this word. I love to hear from You daily. Lord, I pray for this word of being wishy-washy. Let my life not reflect this, but to choose You and to live a life according to your will. I pray that your Holy Spirit guide me and be with me as I change this world for You. I give you all the glory in Jesus name.
Amen.
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