Thursday, January 31, 2008

Turn In Your Heart

Acts 7:37-40
37"This is that Moses who told the Israelites, 'God will send you a prophet like me from your own people.'[h] 38He was in the assembly in the desert, with the angel who spoke to him on Mount Sinai, and with our fathers; and he received living words to pass on to us.

39"But our fathers refused to obey him. Instead, they rejected him and in their hearts turned back to Egypt. 40They told Aaron, 'Make us gods who will go before us.


It is so easy to reject what the Lord tells us. His words is law and we must obey His law. When we reject His law, then we turn from Him. Just like the Israelites and how they turned by to Egypt in their hearts, it is easy for me to turn to sin in my own heart.

Even if I don't sin through action, I can be turning away from my Lord and turning to sin in my heart. I need to hold Jesus close to my heart so that I may no sin.

Father, I thank you for your word and I pray that I may hold on to you in my heart. Strengthen me from temption. I pray that I may hold you close and never let you go. Your love for me is awesome and I know that you will be with me when I need you. I pray that I focus more on you. Thank you and I pray all these things in your Holy name.
Amen.

Tuesday, January 29, 2008

T5+: Beautiful Work

Nestled in the mountains of northeast Arkansas sits a little chapel. If you don't know exactly how to get there, you're likely to miss it completely. But this chapel is anything but ordinary. Rising over 48 feet into the sky, it contains 425 windows and over 6,000 square feet of glass. The dream of retired schoolteacher Jim Reed and architect E. Fay Jones, Thorncrown Chapel first opened in 1980. Since then it has won numerous architectural awards, and it has been featured on the NBC Nightly News and in magazines such as Times and Newsweek. It has hosted over five million visitors, helping them find a deeper walk with the Lord and a greater understanding of the Scripture.
He has filled them with skill to do all kinds of work (Exodus 35:35)

Building a chapel, or a temple, might not seem like the work of ministry to some. But God gifted specific individuals with the talent to create magnificent buildings with wood, stone, glass, and other materials. These were individuals He chose to build His tabernacle in the wilderness. You may not feel very gifted because perhaps you cannot sing or speak eloquently. But God has given you a very special talent to be used for Him. Your job is to discover and use that talent.

I believe God has given me talents to be friendly to others and to be welcoming to those who need welcoming. I believe that God's gifts of technical skills also provide me other ways to reach out to people.

Father, I thank you for your love for me and the gifts and talents that you have carefully bestowed me with. I pray that I may be able to use these talents to reach out to others and to build up your people. I thank you for all these things and I pray that I may multiply it for your kingdom. I pray all these in your Holy name.
Amen.

Monday, January 28, 2008

T5+: Set Apart

As a senior linebacker in high school, Michael Boulware caught fifty-six passes, had ninety-one tackles, and six quarterback sacks. As a safety for the Seattle Seahawks, he finished his rookie year with five interceptions and one quarterback sack. But Boulware's football prowess isn't the only thing that sets him apart from the crowd. At the age of 9, Boulware accepted Jesus as his Savior. That commitment never wavered. Instead of partying with his friends in high school, Boulware abstained from drinking, worked hard, and never talked back to his coaches. Now in the NFL, Boulware surrounds himself with people who will give him godly advice, so he's not tempted to give in to the greed and sin that surrounds him.
Be careful not to make a treaty with those who live in the land (Exodus 34:12)

The Israelites were a out to enter a pagan land. God knew they would live among, and interact with, the people there. By remaining "different," the Israelites had the chance to show the power ad goodness of their God. Their very lifestyles could influence the people around them.

Some things in my life that sets me apart from those who do not follow Christ is that I have a relationship with my Lord and Savior. He is the one that I would turn to when I am in a right, as well as in a wrong. He is Lord of my life and I hope that I am able to show others through my life how great Jesus is.

Father, I thank you for this word of being set apart for you. I pray that I am able to show others that you are something special in my life. You are the one who I have Salvation through. I thank you for that. Continue to be with me as I set you as Lord and Savior of my life. Give me the strength to hold up to your standards. I thank you and pray this in your Holy name.
Amen.

Sunday, January 27, 2008

Fear Of The Lord

Exodus 20:18-20
18 When the people saw the thunder and lightning and heard the trumpet and saw the mountain in smoke, they trembled with fear. They stayed at a distance 19 and said to Moses, "Speak to us yourself and we will listen. But do not have God speak to us or we will die."

20 Moses said to the people, "Do not be afraid. God has come to test you, so that the fear of God will be with you to keep you from sinning."


Sometimes I forget that reverence of God. He is a Holy being, worthy of praises. He is perfect. His name is feared. These people knew how Holy His name was. Sometimes I lose that feeling and though I have a relationship with Christ Jesus, His name is also feared.

I must remember to fear the Lord, and His name, and all that He is. The Lord my God is Lord over all the heavens and the earth and in the waters below. The Holy name of the Lord is nothing to be casually placed. I must remember that He is also my God.

Father, I thank you for your word. Let me be more fearful of You. I pray that this word speak to my heart so that I may know that you are Lord. I thank you and I pray for your forgiveness of any times that I degraded your Holiness. Lord, I pray that I may lift up your name on High, so that it may be glorified. I give you all the glory and pray this in Jesus name.
Amen.

Saturday, January 26, 2008

Slow Down and Be Still

Exodus 14:12-14
12 Didn't we say to you in Egypt, 'Leave us alone; let us serve the Egyptians'? It would have been better for us to serve the Egyptians than to die in the desert!"

13 Moses answered the people, "Do not be afraid. Stand firm and you will see the deliverance the LORD will bring you today. The Egyptians you see today you will never see again. 14 The LORD will fight for you; you need only to be still."


There are so many times that God wants to help us out. I know that He is always there with me, it's just that I don't know it because life is moving so fast and I don't spend the time to stop and know that He is my God. We are all so busy with life: school, friends, work, that we forget to just stop and "smell the roses."

We need to take life more slowly. I believe God didn't want us to work work work and not have time to live life. It is much harder for Him to talk to us when we are so busy with life. Every moment in the day we have to be doing something. We need to spend that slow steady quiet time to just live life and I know God will speak to us.

Lord, I thank you for your word. Let me be more slow in life, so that you may speak to me. I pray that I be able to slow down my life and life live like how You wanted me to live. Lord, I pray that I spend more of that time with you, in your presence, so that I may build that relationship with you. I thank you and glorify your name.
Amen.

Friday, January 25, 2008

A Guiding God

Exodus 13:20-22
20 After leaving Succoth they camped at Etham on the edge of the desert. 21 By day the LORD went ahead of them in a pillar of cloud to guide them on their way and by night in a pillar of fire to give them light, so that they could travel by day or night. 22 Neither the pillar of cloud by day nor the pillar of fire by night left its place in front of the people.


The Lord was helping the Israelites though their journey. He led them by day at by night. It says in verse 22 that he never left its place in front of the people. God is always with us. He is leading us everyday. He sometimes changes the way in which he may lead, but fire or cloud, though people or through His words, but he is always leading us.

I know that God has something planned for me. I know that He is with me daily. I need to listen to what He wants for me and be sensitive to how He is leading in my life. I need to allow the Holy Spirit to guide me.

Father, I thank you for leading in my life. Continue to be a guide for me to know what you want in my life. Lord, I pray that I may be open to your words and open to your will, let me see your cloud and fire so that I may know which way to go. Lord, I thank you for being with me and I want to give you glory in Jesus name.
Amen.

Thursday, January 24, 2008

To Suddenly See

Luke 24:44-47
44He said to them, "This is what I told you while I was still with you: Everything must be fulfilled that is written about me in the Law of Moses, the Prophets and the Psalms."

45Then he opened their minds so they could understand the Scriptures. 46He told them, "This is what is written: The Christ will suffer and rise from the dead on the third day, 47and repentance and forgiveness of sins will be preached in his name to all nations, beginning at Jerusalem.


A lot of times we don't always see the meaning behind what God was to tell us. The Lord may speak through his words, through the heart, or through other people, and sometimes, we don't get it. In all my understanding, I may not get what God wants to tell me. Only when He opens up my mind to see the meaning of what He's trying to say do I understand it.

It is always good to understand what God wants to tell you. He may be saying things to us everyday, but we don't see it. It is blinded to us and we go about our day not knowing God's words to us. We need to let Him reveal us words and His scriptures to us, so that we may know Him more.

Father, I thank you for your word. I pray that your rhema be revealing to me. Let me understand and know what you are telling me. Let me act on your words. Lord, I thank you for your words and I pray that I grow closer to you and more like you as I feed on your words. I glorify you and worship you in the name of Jesus.
Amen.

Wednesday, January 23, 2008

A Helping Hand

Exodus 7:19-20
19 The LORD said to Moses, "Tell Aaron, 'Take your staff and stretch out your hand over the waters of Egypt—over the streams and canals, over the ponds and all the reservoirs'-and they will turn to blood. Blood will be everywhere in Egypt, even in the wooden buckets and stone jars."

20 Moses and Aaron did just as the LORD had commanded. He raised his staff in the presence of Pharaoh and his officials and struck the water of the Nile, and all the water was changed into blood. 21 The fish in the Nile died, and the river smelled so bad that the Egyptians could not drink its water. Blood was everywhere in Egypt.


Many people think that Moses was the one that did all the miracles, even myself, but it was Moses' brother, Aaron, who did all the miracles. God had provided Aaron to help Moses get His people out of Egypt. God provides brothers and sisters to help us through tough times and His will done.

I need to be thankful for all the people that help me out. I know that I can't do things on my own. I have friends to help me do things. I have others to help in ministry. God can provide help. Sometimes we don't even know that he has provided us with a helping hand.

Father, I thank you for your love and your grace. I know that you have put people in my life that are my Aaron. Lord, I pray that I appreciate these people more and more. I give you all the thanks and let us all work together to get your will done. I give you all the honor and praises in Jesus name.
Amen.

Tuesday, January 22, 2008

What If?

Exodus 3:13
13 Moses said to God, "Suppose I go to the Israelites and say to them, 'The God of your fathers has sent me to you,' and they ask me, 'What is his name?' Then what shall I tell them?"


We always have questions when we don't know how things are going to turn out. Even in faith, we question what God has in store for us. What if this happens, what if that happens. God can be telling you something, and fear of the unknown can be holding you back.

Through faith in Christ Jesus, we must break through our fears and put our complete faith in our Savior. All these questions of what if are just walls that block us from having faith in our Lord. I must trust in the Lord with all my heart, all my mind, and all my strength, and he will make my path straight.

Father, I pray that my own will, my own mind, my own fear be put aside. Let me trust completely in you. I thank you because you are an awesome God. You know all things, and with all the wisdom in the universe, you know the best for me. I pray that I can have faith in you. Let me be standing strong when things get shaky. Let me hold on to you. I thank you Lord, and I give you all the glory in Jesus name.
Amen.

Monday, January 21, 2008

T5+: I Will Help You

Kaitlyn was grateful the bell rang as she finished her speech. She knew it would be difficult to do a speech on abstinence, but she felt strongly that she should do it. She realized it would be difficult to talk about the subject in front of her classmates, but she didn't realize how hard it would be to face them afterward. Now all she wanted to do was go home. As she gathered her things, she heard someone call her name behind her. It was Kylee, the head cheerleader. Kylee looked around, then said softly, " You know all that stuff you just talked about? Well, what if you've already messed up... is there any way to fix it?"
Now go; I will help you speak and will teach you what to say (Exodus 4:12)

God chose an unlikely spokesman in Moses, or so Moses thought. He was intimidated at the thought of going before Pharaoh and speaking on God's behalf. He felt insignificant and highly unqualified. Although God did allow someone else to speak on behalf of Moses (see verses 14-16), God was fully prepared, and willing, to give Moses the words and the boldness he needed to do the task.

God has asked me to lead the college and young adult group, and to shepherd the ones that are straying away and need guidance. I totally feel that I am not qualified to do such a thing. I know that I am not perfect, but I also know that He also knows I am not perfect, but He still wants me to do it.

Father, I thank you that you allowed us to come to you through your Son even though we were in sin. I thank you that your Son died for me, so that I may come to you. I know that I am not perfect, and that you are working in my life. Continue to change my ways. Give me strength to fight temptation. Give me boldness to do your will. I know that you will help me. Holy Spirit guide me daily. I thank you for your word. I pray all these things in you Holy name.
Amen.

Sunday, January 20, 2008

Undeserving

Psalm 8:3-6
3 When I consider your heavens,
the work of your fingers,
the moon and the stars,
which you have set in place,

4 what is man that you are mindful of him,
the son of man that you care for him?

5 You made him a little lower than the heavenly beings [c]
and crowned him with glory and honor.

6 You made him ruler over the works of your hands;
you put everything under his feet:


We live to serve an awesome God. We don't deserve the things that He has given to us. I am nothing compared to the works of God: the heavens in the sky, the beautiful trees, the flocks in the air. He is an awesome God... And He thinks of me.

I know that He is great, and I am nothing in this huge world that ever compares to being good, but He loves me. All my thanksgiving is not enough to compare to how great He is and how much He loves me. I must remember that He did this for me, because He loves me, and that I know I don't deserve it.

Father, I thank you so much. I don't deserve your grace, but Lord, I thank you for dying on the cross. I pray that I continue to know that you are God, a gracious God. I thank you and know that you are good. Let me continue to breath your goodness. I thank you and give you all the glory in Jesus name.
Amen.

Saturday, January 19, 2008

Once You Encounter Jesus

Luke 19:1-6
1Jesus entered Jericho and was passing through. 2A man was there by the name of Zacchaeus; he was a chief tax collector and was wealthy. 3He wanted to see who Jesus was, but being a short man he could not, because of the crowd. 4So he ran ahead and climbed a sycamore-fig tree to see him, since Jesus was coming that way.

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


When someone encounters Jesus, you can change you to be a new person. It is like your old ways are gone and you want to be this new person, one that wants to delight in the Lord. The same was with Zacchaeus. He came down at once when I encountered Jesus and wanted to change because of Him.

The power of Jesus is one that changes lives. We as Christians want to show others the goodness of Jesus, so that they also may encounter Him and be changed.

Lord, I pray that you be a God that encounters lives. I thank you for what you have done in my life and the changes that you are doing. I know that you are still working in me, but I pray that all may encounter you and delight in your Spirit. Lord, I thank you for your word. Let me change and grow more in you. I give you all the praises in Jesus name.
Amen.

Thursday, January 17, 2008

It Can Cause You To Sin

Luke 17:1-3
1Jesus said to his disciples: "Things that cause people to sin are bound to come, but woe to that person through whom they come. 2It would be better for him to be thrown into the sea with a millstone tied around his neck than for him to cause one of these little ones to sin. 3So watch yourselves.


A lot of times we are encouraging each other, building each other up. As a leader, I have to be very careful of what I say and what I do. Sometimes I may not know what I am doing and even to the point where I may cause my fellow brother and sister to sin. That is why I need to talk to God and let Him guide me.

I need to know God's will. I have to follow what He says and use His wisdom and His understanding, because I may screw up and lead others to sin. If it is God's will, then He will not cause others to sin.

Lord, I pray that you be with me and guide me as I talk to others, as I am able to lead others. Use me so that I can follow your will and your way. Lord, I thank you and continue to let me grow in a relationship that is close to you. I pray this in Jesus name.
Amen.

Wednesday, January 16, 2008

T5+: A New Name

Marion Marrison - Is the name familiar to you? The actor's picture probably would be. In early filmmaking, a name change for an actor wasn't unusual. While going to college in Southern California Morrison's motion picture career began with moving props and playing bit parts. When a director gave the student a big break in a western called The Big Trail, the name Marion Morrison just wouldn't do for the marquee, credits, or promo. But John Wayne would.
Then the man said, "Your name will no longer be Jacob, but Israel, because you have struggled with God and with men and have overcome" (Genesis 32:28).

When God changed Jacob's name, it signified a turning point in his life. The name Jacob means "deceiver" or "supplanter." Jacob had lived up to this name by fooling his father, Isaac, and cheating his brother, Esau. But God had other plans for Jacob. No longer would he be called a deceiver. Instead, he would be known for his relationship with God. He was given the name Israel, which means "he struggles with God."

God wants to give you a new identity too. You don't have to be known by the sins and mistakes of your past. You can be called a child of God.

When you live for God, he changes you from the inside to the outside. It is not that you do all of these things like going to church and raising your hand, but he changes your heart so that you want to go to church and serve Him and raise your hand to worship Him. He makes you a new person, one that is more Christ-like.

Father, I know that you are a God that can change lives. Lord, I thank you for how you have changed my life and how you are continue working in my life. I pray that my new life be one that glorifies your name. I thank you and pray this in Jesus name.
Amen.

Tuesday, January 15, 2008

Love Like The Lord

Gen 37:3-4
3 Jacob loved Joseph more than any of his other children because Joseph had been born to him in his old age. So one day Jacob had a special gift made for Joseph—a beautiful robe. 4 But his brothers hated Joseph because their father loved him more than the rest of them. They couldn't say a kind word to him.


I'm glad that our Father in heaven does not find favorites. If He had favorites, I KNOW that I would not be one of his favorites. I thank God that he is loving to everyone equally. He loves me even if there is a person that is better than me in looks, sports, intelligence. He loves me no matter what.

Just like God, I need to be able to love one another, even though sometimes it is tough to do that. If he can love the worst of sinners, then I can love my brother or sister that annoys me.

Father, I thank you for your love. You sent your one and only Son to die for me, so that I may be saved. I thank you that you don't play favorites like Jacob, that you will love me as much as anyone else. Lord, I thank you and I pray that I be able to do the same. Let me love others who I can't stand. Let me show kindness even though I really dislike them. Lord, let me be more like you. I thank you for your word and I pray this in your Holy name.
Amen.

Monday, January 14, 2008

T5+: Finding Treasure

People dream of finding lost treasure: back in a cave, up in an attic, perhaps even in a garage sale. The television series Antiques Roadshow capitalizes on such dreaming, as people show up with something that's been around the house since Grandfather died. One couple discovered that an Indian blanket once used by a grandmother and an aunt was worth hundreds of thousands of dollars. Apparently no one suspected the blanket was worth more than a few dollars.

A well-known story of an undervalued item is found in the Genesis account of Jacob and Esau.
Jacob gave Esau some bread and some lentil stew. He ate and drank, and then got up and left. So Esau despised his birthright (Genesis 25:34)

Unlike his brother, Jacob had an eye for assets. The birthright meant a larger inheritance, leadership in worship and family matters, and the covenant blessing that God had promised to Abraham and Isaac (we should be reading "Abraham, Isaac, and Esau..."). Jacob's descendants would inherit the Promised Land, and through them the Messiah, Jesus, would be born.

If we believe in Jesus and accept His forgiveness, we are adopted into His family. And we gain an inheritance in God far greater than any earthly treasure.

I can show God how much I value Him by putting His words and His commandments first. To be faithful and follow His commandment. If I disobey God, then that means that I don't put my trust in Him, but If I trust in Him, then I will do what His will is.

Father, I know that you are great among all the Earth. Lord, we give you all of the praises. You are more than any treasure found on the earth. Father, I pray that your greatness be known to all, that all may find salvation in You. Father, I thank you for your grace and your mercy, that is the good news. I thank you and give you all the glory in Jesus name.
Amen.

Sunday, January 13, 2008

Lean On The Holy Spirit

Luke 12:11-12
11 “And when you are brought to trial in the synagogues and before rulers and authorities, don’t worry about how to defend yourself or what to say, 12 for the Holy Spirit will teach you at that time what needs to be said.”


The Holy Spirit gives power and wisdom to say the things that needs to be said. It is not through myself, but through the Holy Spirit that I am able to testify about the goodness of Jesus. If I stand on the Holy Spirit, then I will be able to say what is right.

I can't use my own understanding, and my own wisdom to tell others about Jesus Christ. God is a one who convicts. The Holy Spirit is the one who convicts the hearts of pre-believers. I need to stand on the Holy Spirit when sharing and talking to my friends about God.

Father, I thank you for your Holy Spirit. Thank you for guiding me and giving me wisdom. I pray that you continue to watch over me and to let me stand in your presence so that I may know what to say and what to do when you need me to. Let me be able to do and act out on what you want and what is in Your will. Lord, I pray this in Jesus name.
Amen.

Get The Fear Out

Gen 32:9-11
9 Then Jacob prayed, "O God of my father Abraham, God of my father Isaac, O LORD, who said to me, 'Go back to your country and your relatives, and I will make you prosper,' 10 I am unworthy of all the kindness and faithfulness you have shown your servant. I had only my staff when I crossed this Jordan, but now I have become two groups. 11 Save me, I pray, from the hand of my brother Esau, for I am afraid he will come and attack me, and also the mothers with their children. 12 But you have said, 'I will surely make you prosper and will make your descendants like the sand of the sea, which cannot be counted.' "


As Jacob is going back to see his brother, he is afraid when he hears that his brother is coming to meet him. Even though the lord has promised him to prosper back home, he is still afraid when he hears this news. Many times fear drives us to do things that God does not want us to do. Fear cripples us to listen and to act out what the Lord wants from us.

I need to leave the spirit of fear out from my life. Fear of ministry, fear of commitment, fear of failing. I need to denounce the spirit of fear and take hold of God's promise of Victory.

Father God, I thank you for your Victory that has already been given to us. Lord, I pray that the fear in me be bound up in Jesus name and cast out. Let the fear come out and let me know that you are with me, and when you are with me, who shall be against me. Lord, I thank you for this, and I pray that fruits will start to show and to prosper without this fear dragging me down. Lord, I thank you and give you all the glory in Jesus name.
Amen.

Thursday, January 10, 2008

T5+: A Cutting-Edge God

Have you ever heard of a guy named Orville Redenbacher? For years before his death, he appeared in television commercials wearing his trademark bow and tie and horn-rimmed glasses and talking about his company's popcorn.

Now, through the wonders of computer technology, Orville is back from the dead and back in business. Three actors helped recreate the deceased spokesman's voice and body for a recent commercial. His features and characteristic movements were added digitally.

"Grandpa would go for it," his grandson Gary told USA Today. "He was a cutting-edge guy".
After my skin has been destroyed, yet in my flesh I will see God (Job 19:26)

Job wasn't looking to make an encore appearance through digital artistry. His trust was in God alone. He knew that God is greater than death and had faith that He would not abandon him to the grave.

God doesn't need camera tricks to perform miracles. Just as Jesus rose from the dead, all who trust in Him will be raised up to everlasting life. Throughout eternity, we will be living advertisements of God's grace and resurrection power.

We have comfort knowing that our lives is in Jesus Christ, because only through Him do we have salvation and everlasting life. God is a God of salvation, but also a God that we can trust in. He will never leave us. We hold to His promise that we will be with Him in heaven.

Father God, I thank you for your grace that you have given us. Lord, I thank you for this gift of salvation through your Son Christ Jesus, that whomever shall trust in Him shall have ever lasting life. Lord, we hold on to your promise. We are living testimonies for your goodness and your grace. I thank you in all my heart and pray this in Jesus name.
Amen.

Sunday, January 06, 2008

An Overflowing Heart

Luke 6:43-45
43"No good tree bears bad fruit, nor does a bad tree bear good fruit. 44Each tree is recognized by its own fruit. People do not pick figs from thornbushes, or grapes from briers. 45The good man brings good things out of the good stored up in his heart, and the evil man brings evil things out of the evil stored up in his heart. For out of the overflow of his heart his mouth speaks.


This scripture talks about the outward flow of what is in our hearts. If you have good in your heart, then good will flow out from you, but if you have evil in your heart, then evil will flow out from you.

Lets examine our hearts and see if we have any evil sins within us. Let us fill our hearts with the desires of the Lord that is good. Let our hearts be filled with what is good, so that when we are filled with what is Holy, our outward flows out things that God desires.

Father God, I thank you for this word. Lord, I pray that my heart be holy in your name. Lord, I know that it first starts in the heart. Let my heart be filled with what you desire and Holy in your name so that it will overflow with the worship and the praises and the glory that you want. I thank you for this word. Let me continue to walk in your presence in Jesus name.
Amen.

Saturday, January 05, 2008

Away From the Crowd In Prayer

Luke 5:14-15
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 going around healing people left and right. Everyone heard what he was doing and wanted to see him. Jesus did heal many more, but at times, he knows when to still keep time for the Lord God. He would take time away from the crowd and spend that time alone praying to God.

I need to spend more time in my life praying to my God. He is the awesome creator and savior of my life. He deserves more time in my life. I need to make a DELIBERATE attempt to spend more time in prayer and in His presence.

Father God, I pray that I be like you. You know that there is a time to witness and be doing things for the church, and you know when to spend time in prayer. Lord, let me be committed to prayer with you daily. Lord, let my lifestyle change so that I make time to spend that time in prayer. Lord, I thank you and I give you all the glory in Jesus name.
Amen.

T5+: Into The Unknown

When the pilgrims boarded the Mayflower to set sail for America in the seventeenth century, they were probably filled with both expectation and fear. They were going to a new land, a place filled with promise and opportunity. But they also understood that the journey would be filled with peril. They would face storms and illness on the open sea. The possibility of shipwreck was real. If they made their destination, there would be new struggles as they learned to survive in a strange place.

But many of the pilgrims shared a desire to worship God freely. This motivation helped spur them on toward the unknown.
The Lord had said to Abram, "Leave your country, your people and your father's household and go to the land I will show you" (Genesis 12:1)

Abram left everything familiar out of a sincere desire to serve God. Because of Abram's faith and obedience, God made him the father of a great nation, Israel.

Trusting God sometimes means stepping out into the unknown. We don't have to know what's ahead as long as we know God is leading the way. We can confidently follow Him, assured that He loves us and wants what's best for us.

I know that I can trust the Lord my God with my future because He is the one that desires me to have a full life. I know the Lord will provide like how He has provided me with all the blessings that He has blessed me with already. I have food, shelter, good health, family, friends, opportunity for education, work, and to worship God freely. The good Lord has blessed me so much with all that I need and more. I know that He will provide for me in the future.

Father God, I thank you for all the blessings that you have provided for me. Lord, I thank you for the great things that you have blessed me with, and I know Lord that I can trust in you for all things. You said that I should not need to worry about tomorrow if I trust in you with all my heart. Lord, I take that promise in Jesus name, that you will provide for me. Lord, I thank you and let me continue to trust in you. I give you all the glory in Jesus name.
Amen.