Life Journal

Lost Sheep

2011-08-21T17:57:00.002-10:00

Jer 23:1-4
1 “Woe to the shepherds who are destroying and scattering the sheep of my pasture!” declares the LORD. 2 Therefore this is what the LORD, the God of Israel, says to the shepherds who tend my people: “Because you have scattered my flock and driven them away and have not bestowed care on them, I will bestow punishment on you for the evil you have done,” declares the LORD. 3 “I myself will gather the remnant of my flock out of all the countries where I have driven them and will bring them back to their pasture, where they will be fruitful and increase in number. 4 I will place shepherds over them who will tend them, and they will no longer be afraid or terrified, nor will any be missing,” declares the LORD.

There are so many "lost sheep" that God wants to bring back to Him. Sometimes, there are people who lead the sheep away, but God is calling us to be shepherds that will lead His sheep back to Him, where there will be fruitful and increase in number.

God has great plans for me, that I know. I want to walk in His ways, and let Him lead me. In obedience, I want to lead sheep, or people, back to know the Lord, so that they may realize who He is in their lives.

Father God, I pray for Your people, I pray for the lost, the hungry, the widowed, the people that don't know who You are. I ask for You to bless them, and lift them up. Let them know who You are in their lives. I pray that You may use me to speak truth into these lives. Allow me to be a light to those in darkness. Allow great things to be done through me by Your hand. Lord, let Your name be glorified and lifted High. I give You all the praise in Jesus name.
Amen.

Don't Come Before God With Sin

2011-08-11T20:14:00.002-10:00

Jerm 7:9-11
9 “‘Will you steal and murder, commit adultery and perjury, burn incense to Baal and follow other gods you have not known, 10 and then come and stand before me in this house, which bears my Name, and say, “We are safe”—safe to do all these detestable things? 11 Has this house, which bears my Name, become a den of robbers to you? But I have been watching! declares the LORD.

God is speaking to His people and convicting them of disobeying Him, yet to go back to Him and worship him. God is warning them to turn away from disobedience or punishment will come to His people.

I have to recognize that God is a Righteous God, and He can not stand sin, so for me to make like my sins are not worth much is to diss God. I need to recognize that sin is neither great nor small, but still separated from God, and that I need to repent of my sins, and turn from the world and allow Jesus to be my Savior.

Father God, You are righteous, and just. I repent of the wrongs that I do, or think, or act, and I turn away from them. Save me Jesus. Make me new by Your blood. Allow me to focus on You. I make You my Lord and my Savior. Reign in my life, Lord. I thank you so much for who You are, and the greatness of the Lord my God. I thank You again. I pray over the missions team that is going to Sri Lanka. Lord, protect them, and use them I pray. I ask that You do great things in them and through them, that many will come to know You. I pray for the worship team, that they may have more of a heart to yearn for You. That Your people may desire You. I thank you for what You are doing, and I pray all these things in Jesus name.
Amen.

So Desperate For You To Reign

2011-07-31T19:46:00.003-10:00

Isaiah 64:8-9
8 Yet you, LORD, are our Father.
We are the clay, you are the potter;
we are all the work of your hand.
9 Do not be angry beyond measure, LORD;
do not remember our sins forever.
Oh, look on us, we pray,
for we are all your people.

This is a cry to the Lord to return to His people. The people have sinned and so God has abandoned His people, but this prayer is a desperate cry to reach out so that He will return to His people.

I don't think we need to fall so far away from God to realize how desperate we need Him. We need to allow Him to reign in our lives. We need to be so desperate for the Lord and allow Him to use us, to mold us as clay, and allow Him to be Lord in our lives.

Father God, I am desperate for You. I need You. I know that without You, I am but yet a man living in sin. I want to remember my first love for You. How I long to be with You every moment. To bask in Your Holy Presence. Lord, I pray that I not sin, but to be so desperate for You and run to You. I pray for a heart to seek after You more and more each day. I thank You so much for my life, and the blessings and family and strength to continue each and everyday in a joyful heart. I give thanks for the praise that I can have to praise You. Lord, reign in my life. Speak to me. I give You all the glory and highest praise in Jesus name.
Amen.

A Righteous God, Salvation For All

2011-07-27T20:49:00.003-10:00

Isiah 51:6-8
6 Lift up your eyes to the heavens,
look at the earth beneath;
the heavens will vanish like smoke,
the earth will wear out like a garment
and its inhabitants die like flies.
But my salvation will last forever,
my righteousness will never fail.

7 “Hear me, you who know what is right,
you people who have taken my instruction to heart:
Do not fear the reproach of mere mortals
or be terrified by their insults.
8 For the moth will eat them up like a garment;
the worm will devour them like wool.
But my righteousness will last forever,
my salvation through all generations.”

God is good and He is good forever. He states here that many things will pass, even the heavens and the earths, but God is righteous and His righteousness is forever. His salvation is forever, and it is for all generations.

This passage reminds me of how great God is and that His righteousness is beyond anything that I can even imagine. He offers salvation to all people and all generations, so that we may be righteous through His son, Jesus Christ. So, I need to focus on God's righteousness.

Father God, who am I to be in awe of how awesome You are. You are so great, and You deserve everything. Your righteousness is beyond my comprehension, and everything in You is forever good. I thank you so much for who You are, a great and righteous God, but also one who shows compassion and grace for even to the likes of mere men. I thank You for the salvation that You died for, so that the lost can come to know You. I give you all the glory and You deserve even more. I declare Your glory to all. In Jesus name.
Amen.

God Will Provide

2011-07-04T19:43:00.003-10:00

2 Kings 15:1-2
1 In the twenty-seventh year of Jeroboam king of Israel, Azariah son of Amaziah king of Judah began to reign. 2 He was sixteen years old when he became king, and he reigned in Jerusalem fifty-two years.

King Azariah became King of Israel at the young age of fifteen. Imagine being the king, ruler, President, at a young age of fifteen. You will definitely need wisdom to rule.

God is a God who provides. Even as He has provided this young king with the ability to rule, He also provides us the wisdom to go forward with our lives, to impact others, to reach the lost, and to preach the gospel of Jesus.

Father God, I thank you so much for all the blessings you have given to me. I know that, more than anything, You are with me. You provide for me in all these things, in the ability to fulfill the plans you have for me life. I give You all the glory and honor in Jesus mighty name.
Amen.

The Lord's Plans Lead To Greater Things

2011-06-09T19:48:00.002-10:00

Ephesians 5:17-20
17 Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is. 18 Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit, 19 speaking to one another with psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit. Sing and make music from your heart to the Lord, 20 always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.

The author of this passage is giving instructions on how to be wise, and what to do when there. The understanding that God has is vastly and infinitely more than what man can know.

I really believe that the Lord knows my ways, and has a plan for me, one that will lead to greater things. I seek to know my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, and understand what He has planned for my life. Through the filling of the Holy Spirit, I seek to follow His ways.

Father God, I thank You so much for the grace of Salvation through Christ Jesus. I give all my thanks, and pray that this life be used for You. I ask that I may seek Your plans for my life, that I may not always understand, but to know that these plans will lead to greater things. I pray over my life in Christ Jesus, that my relationship with You be more and more each day. Allow my spirit to seek You more, and speak gracious words through the Holy Spirit. Let it overflow in me. I pray all these things in Jesus mighty name.
Amen.

Being Gracious

2011-05-31T19:50:00.002-10:00

Proverbs 16:24
24 Gracious words are a honeycomb,
sweet to the soul and healing to the bones.

This is so true. When we are gracious with our words, it can do so much. It speaks wonders to our soul and is healing to our bones, or to our inner selves.

I want to be gracious in my speech. I want to speak gracious words to those around me, and be gracious in my actions and all that I do. I hope and pray that this will allow me to be more Chris-like in my life.

Father God, I thank you for who You are in my life. You are great and wonderful. Your grace on the Cross has redeemed me. Your sacrifice has lifted me from death. I pray that I may also be more like You, to be gracious in my life, to act graciously, to speak graciously. I pray that You use me and I be my gracious in my life. I thank you, and give you all the glory and honor and praise in Jesus name.
Amen.

Overcome Sin Through Jesus

2011-05-26T20:03:00.002-10:00

Romans 7:21-25
21 So I find this law at work: Although I want to do good, evil is right there with me. 22 For in my inner being I delight in God’s law; 23 but I see another law at work in me, waging war against the law of my mind and making me a prisoner of the law of sin at work within me. 24 What a wretched man I am! Who will rescue me from this body that is subject to death? 25 Thanks be to God, who delivers me through Jesus Christ our Lord!

So then, I myself in my mind am a slave to God’s law, but in my sinful nature a slave to the law of sin.

The author of this book is trying to describe the human war waging inside our hearts. This is the war of our flesh vs. our spirit. Our flesh wants to sin and desires what is not good, but our spirits wants to do what is of the Lord.

It is through Christ Jesus that we are free from sin, and it is through the Holy Spirit that gives us strength to continue to overcome our fleshly desires. I know that sometimes, sin is creeping at our doors, but we can overcome sin through Christ who strengthens me.

Father God, I give you all the glory and honor and praise. I know that You are good, and greatly to be praised. I am only man, and sin and spirit keep battling, but only through Jesus may I be able to overcome. Lord, I ask that You be so real in my life. I ask that Your Holy Spirit give me the strength to continue to overcome. I make You first in my life. I honor and praise Your name. I pray this in the mighty name of Jesus Christ.
Amen.

The Words Of My Testimony

2011-05-16T21:14:00.002-10:00

2 Thess 1:8-10
8 He will punish those who do not know God and do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus. 9 They will be punished with everlasting destruction and shut out from the presence of the Lord and from the glory of his might 10 on the day he comes to be glorified in his holy people and to be marveled at among all those who have believed. This includes you, because you believed our testimony to you.

We see here words of the coming days and of the things that God will do, but in here, it also mentions those that believe, and that it is because of the testimony that was spoken.

Never underestimate the power of the testimony of people and how God changed their lives. I know that people can argue and debate about many things, but the testimony of how God changed Your life and my life speaks power. We need to continue to speak from our spirits, and by the words of our testimony, God can be glorified.

Father God, I pray to You and give you thanks for all the good things in life. You have protected me and blessed me so abundantly. I praise Your mighty name. I give You thanks, and I pray that my words, and my testimony, be used by You to give You glory. I ask that the words that I speak, I speak from my spirit, and that the words of my testimony be so life changing, not because of me, but because You are using me. I pray this in Jesus mighty name.
Amen.

Trusting In A Great God

2011-05-15T19:30:00.002-10:00

Psalms 94:8-12
8 Take notice, you senseless ones among the people;
you fools, when will you become wise?
9 Does he who fashioned the ear not hear?
Does he who formed the eye not see?
10 Does he who disciplines nations not punish?
Does he who teaches mankind lack knowledge?
11 The LORD knows all human plans;
he knows that they are futile.

12 Blessed is the one you discipline, LORD,
the one you teach from your law;

The Lord God is great and powerful. Who are we to think that He does not know the our thoughts. He is the one who shaped and formed us. He knows what we are feeling, so we must not doubt. We must trust in the mighty One and put our faith in Him.

Although life can go through tough times and we feel like there is no end, we must keep faith. Although we think He does not hear, He does. He knows the trials of our lives, and His Holy Spirit is with us. I believe we must remember that God is great, and greatly to be praised. Instead of trusting in our own selves, we must trust in Him.

Father God, I thank you and praise Your mighty name. I give you honor and glory and I pray that You may be glorified. You give me strength to move forward. You give me hope to continue the good fight. I ask that I may remember the greatness of God. The One who teaches and disciplines, yet is compassionate. I give my thanks to You, Lord. I give you the highest praise in Jesus name.
Amen.

Taking Pleasure In Praising God

2011-05-13T18:03:00.002-10:00

Psalms 30:11-12
11 You turned my wailing into dancing;
you removed my sackcloth and clothed me with joy,
12 that my heart may sing your praises and not be silent.
LORD my God, I will praise you forever.

The Lord gives us joy and peace, above and beyond everything. When we are sad, or lonely, or down, he gives us joy, and peace, and comfort.

Let us not be burdened by the weight of the word, but let us rejoice and be because we have Jesus as Lord.

Father God, You are so great and greatly to be praised. I give thanks and honor to the most high! You are the glorious One, the Majestic King. You give me strength, and turn my sorrows into the joy that withstands. I take pleasure in praising You. I give glory and honor and praise to Jesus. Let it not be silent. Let it not be dull, but let it be great for a great and mighty God. I praise You forever in Jesus name.
Amen.

May The Lord Bless

2011-05-05T19:46:00.002-10:00

Psalms 20:1-5
1 May the LORD answer you when you are in distress;
may the name of the God of Jacob protect you.
2 May he send you help from the sanctuary
and grant you support from Zion.
3 May he remember all your sacrifices
and accept your burnt offerings.[b]
4 May he give you the desire of your heart
and make all your plans succeed.
5 May we shout for joy over your victory
and lift up our banners in the name of our God.

May the LORD grant all your requests.

This passage speaks on the Lord and His answer when we call, or his providence when we are in need. It states that, may the Lord give and answer, and I believe that He will.

God wants to give us the desires of our hearts. He, like any father, would want to bless his children. I believe God can and will do this; he will answer our prayers and will bless us so much. Even when we have plans to succeed, I believe He is wanting that for us.

Father God, I thank you so much for your Holy word. Let your words speak so soundly to my spirit. I pray over your words. I bless it, and let its righteousness and sacredness be so right. I thank you for Your word of encouragement, for the blessings that you give, for all that You have provided. Lord, let my spirit be at peace knowing that You bless all that we want, all the plans we have, all the desires that we have, You know it, and you want the best for us. I give you all the thanks. I pray this in Jesus mighty name.
Amen.

Jesus Conqurered Death

2011-04-30T09:03:00.003-10:00

Matt 17:22-23
22 When they came together in Galilee, he said to them, “The Son of Man is going to be delivered into the hands of men. 23 They will kill him, and on the third day he will be raised to life.” And the disciples were filled with grief.

Jesus shares with his disciples that he will be given to the people and they will kill him, but he will rise again in three days. At the news of this, the disciples were grieved.

It is natural to be filled with grief at such horrible news, especially if your mentor and Lord says that he's going to die, but I believe it wasn't fully understood the second part of Jesus' message, that He will rise again in three days. We need to declare the victory that Jesus has done, conquering death and giving us the gift of salvation.

Father God, I thank you and praise Your Holy name. You are the majestic one, the blessed Savior. Who on earth compares to Your glory. Thank you for the Cross for it has saved a wretched soul like me. Forever by Your everlasting Love. I give you thanks, and I praise Your name for You conquered death to save man. Let Your glory be known to all those around. I give you honor and thanks in Jesus name.
Amen.

Jesus And The End Of Age

2011-04-26T20:25:00.002-10:00

Matt 13:37-43
37 He answered, “The one who sowed the good seed is the Son of Man. 38 The field is the world, and the good seed stands for the people of the kingdom. The weeds are the people of the evil one, 39 and the enemy who sows them is the devil. The harvest is the end of the age, and the harvesters are angels.

40 “As the weeds are pulled up and burned in the fire, so it will be at the end of the age. 41 The Son of Man will send out his angels, and they will weed out of his kingdom everything that causes sin and all who do evil. 42 They will throw them into the blazing furnace, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth. 43 Then the righteous will shine like the sun in the kingdom of their Father. Whoever has ears, let them hear.

Jesus is explaining the parable of the good sower and the weeds in his fields. He speaks of the coming of age, the time when Jesus returns.

This is so important that God has spoken to me about this passage because sometimes I forget that one day Jesus will come back and in it the time will come when judgment will arrive. It is so important that we continue to share the gospel of Christ to those without.

Father God, I thank you so much for this passage. I bless Your word and allow it to seed an importance in my spirit of the fact that one day You will come and that those without You will perish. I ask that You speak into me and use me to share Your love for people. I ask for strength in Jesus name.
Amen.

Filled With God's Goodness

2011-04-25T20:52:00.002-10:00

Matt 12:33-35
33 “Make a tree good and its fruit will be good, or make a tree bad and its fruit will be bad, for a tree is recognized by its fruit. 34 You brood of vipers, how can you who are evil say anything good? For the mouth speaks what the heart is full of. 35 A good man brings good things out of the good stored up in him, and an evil man brings evil things out of the evil stored up in him.

Jesus is speaking to the Pharisees here about the wicked thought that they have, and the intentions that they possess. He speaks of the heart, and that what is of the heart is what a person will speak or act on.

I believe God wants good to be stored up in our hearts His goodness. It is better to immerse myself in the things that or Godly, righteous, and just, instead of wicked and evil things, because the things that go into me is what will come out.

Father God, I thank you so much for the Holy Spirit that You have given me. I pray for Your glory to reign here on earth. I declare Your righteousness to be so real in the lives of Your people. I pray for the lost, those that do not know Your love. I pray that they may receive Your gift that You have offered, that they may know You and know Your great and mighty ways. I ask that You give me a clean heart, one that is yearning for the goodness of Christ. I pray for the things that I immerse myself in, that it may be good and pleasing to You. I ask this so that I may be filled by goodness, faithfulness, and righteousness. Allow me to draw closer and closer to You each day Lord. I pray this in Jesus mighty name.
Amen.

Fixed On The Most High God

2011-04-23T07:03:00.002-10:00

Psalms 141:8-10
8 But my eyes are fixed on you, Sovereign LORD;
in you I take refuge—do not give me over to death.
9 Keep me safe from the traps set by evildoers,
from the snares they have laid for me.
10 Let the wicked fall into their own nets,
while I pass by in safety.

The prayer here to the Lord is to be safe from the enemy. They ask the Lord to keep them safe, and that they may focus their attention on Him.

I need that to be my prayer as well. I want to keep my eyes fixed on Jesus. I delight in His presence. I know that they enemy is constantly setting traps and trying to make me lose my focus, but I pray against that.

Father God, I give you all the praise because You deserve all the praise. You set the moon and the stars in its place. You are the God of the Universe, and You humbled Yourself as man because You loved me so much. I praise You and glory You. I pray that I may continue to keep my eyes fixed on You. Let no others keep me from my love for You. Give me the strength to continue this race. Allow a protection against the enemy to be set in place, that they many not let me waver from You. I am in awe of the most high God. I give you thanks and praise in Jesus name.
Amen.

Ask For Helpers To Help

2011-04-22T18:57:00.002-10:00

Matt 9:36-38
36 When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. 37 Then he said to his disciples, “The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few. 38 Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field.”

I know that God wants His people to be saved, and that there are few willing to do so. He says here that there is a crowd that does not know God, and that only few are there to share the good news. We must do our part, but also pray for more helpers.

The rhema that God is speaking to me about here is that, sometimes we try to do things all by ourselves. We do things all on our own, but God wants us to pray for others to help, to have others be used by Him.

Father God, I thank you for this passage. It shows me that I am not here for myself, but that You are here for me, and that You want so much more others to be there along side me, that I do not need to do it alone. Lord, I pray for helpers to come. I pray for more to shepherd Your people. Let Your name be glorified in all this. I give you all the honor and glory and thanks in Jesus name.
Amen.

Blessing Others To Be A Blessing

2011-04-19T19:09:00.002-10:00

Matt 6:2-4
2 “So when you give to the needy, do not announce it with trumpets, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and on the streets, to be honored by others. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward in full. 3 But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, 4 so that your giving may be in secret. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.

God is speaking about boasting and pride, and when giving, people can sometimes want the attention that comes with it, but here, it states that we should do it with a humble heart.

We were just talking about giving to the poor tonight in our bible study session. I was sharing my stories about how I've given different things to those in need. I was sharing this not to boast or to brag, but to encourage, and that to be humble when giving, that it may not be for the attention, but to bless others.

Father God, I thank you so much for who You are in my life. I thank you for the opportunity to give, that I may have much so that I can give, and that You were the one who gave so much to be my Savior. I give You thanks, Lord. I pray that I may encourage others to be a blessing to others, not for attention, but to bless, that they may also be blessed by You. I give you all the honor and glory in Jesus mighty name.
Amen.

Praying For The Lost

2011-04-11T20:10:00.002-10:00

1 Sam 12:20-25
20 “Do not be afraid,” Samuel replied. “You have done all this evil; yet do not turn away from the LORD, but serve the LORD with all your heart. 21 Do not turn away after useless idols. They can do you no good, nor can they rescue you, because they are useless. 22 For the sake of his great name the LORD will not reject his people, because the LORD was pleased to make you his own. 23 As for me, far be it from me that I should sin against the LORD by failing to pray for you. And I will teach you the way that is good and right. 24 But be sure to fear the LORD and serve him faithfully with all your heart; consider what great things he has done for you. 25 Yet if you persist in doing evil, both you and your king will perish.”

This is one of Samuel's last words and prayer to the people of Israel. He asks them to seek after the Lord, and not forget Him. He prays that they may obey His words, and not sin against Him. And, Samuel continues to pray for them, that they may obey the Lord.

This is one that that I believe I can do more of, is prayer. Prayer for the lost, prayer for those that may know the Lord, and prayer that His people may obey, and that the enemy may not have a stronghold on us.

Father God, I praise Your Holy name. I give you all the glory and honor and praise, because You deserve it all. I pray for Your name, that it may be known and lifted Higher than any other name. I pray for the people, the people you Love, and the people You died for. I pray that they may know You more, that they may not turn away towards wicked ways, but to obey Your commands and to seek You and find You. I ask for Your Holy Spirit to speak to their spirits. Protect them and cover them with favor. I ask these things that You may be so evident in our lives. Give me strength to continue to pray and intercede for the lost, that great things will happen. I give you all the glory and honor and praise in Jesus mighty name.
Amen.

Rejecting Authority, Rejecting The Lord

2011-04-10T18:34:00.002-10:00

1 Sam 8:1-8
1 When Samuel grew old, he appointed his sons as Israel’s leaders. 2 The name of his firstborn was Joel and the name of his second was Abijah, and they served at Beersheba. 3 But his sons did not follow his ways. They turned aside after dishonest gain and accepted bribes and perverted justice.

4 So all the elders of Israel gathered together and came to Samuel at Ramah. 5 They said to him, “You are old, and your sons do not follow your ways; now appoint a king to lead us, such as all the other nations have.”

6 But when they said, “Give us a king to lead us,” this displeased Samuel; so he prayed to the LORD. 7 And the LORD told him: “Listen to all that the people are saying to you; it is not you they have rejected, but they have rejected me as their king. 8 As they have done from the day I brought them up out of Egypt until this day, forsaking me and serving other gods, so they are doing to you.

Samuel had his two sons lead the people, but the people did not like this and cried out for a new king. God was mad because the people were not rejecting the two leaders, but were rejecting Him who had anointed them to lead.

This ties into what God was revealing to me about authority, and that all authority on earth had been established by God. There is a reason and a purpose that He has for us and for the leaders that are placed before us. If we reject that which He has established, we are rejecting the Lord Himself.

Father God, I pray over this passage and the rhema that You are revealing to me. I ask that you bless these words, and allow it to speak to my spirit. I pray for the ability to recognize You and the things that You have established. I pray over the leaders of the world, and the purpose that You have placed them there for. I ask that You give me the strength and the humility to acknowledge that You have put them there for a purpose, and that I may let You rule. I thank you so much for what You are doing, and I pray that You be so evident here on earth. Let Your kingdom come, Lord. I pray this in the mighty name of Jesus Christ.
Amen.

Remembering God's Blessings

2011-03-30T19:31:00.002-10:00

Judges 8:33-35
33 No sooner had Gideon died than the Israelites again prostituted themselves to the Baals. They set up Baal-Berith as their god 34 and did not remember the LORD their God, who had rescued them from the hands of all their enemies on every side. 35 They also failed to show any loyalty to the family of Jerub-Baal (that is, Gideon) in spite of all the good things he had done for them.

After the life of Gideon, the people of Israel turned again towards wicked ways. They worshiped the idols and forgot about the Lord their God.

Reading this passage, it really gets me reflecting on the thought process of humans, and how we forget good things so easily. Many times we forget the blessings the Lord gives us. My hope is to always remember the blessings that God provides, never lost in thanksgiving.

Father God, I thank you so much for everything that you have blessed me with. I praise Your Holy name, because You deserve it. Lord, I pray that I may not be like human nature, always forgetting, but let me know and remember the good things You have done. Allow my life to reflect that and show that You are My God. I give you thanks, and I give You praise in Jesus name.
Amen.

Sent By God To Save The World

2011-03-29T20:18:00.002-10:00

Judges 6:11-15
11 The angel of the LORD came and sat down under the oak in Ophrah that belonged to Joash the Abiezrite, where his son Gideon was threshing wheat in a winepress to keep it from the Midianites. 12 When the angel of the LORD appeared to Gideon, he said, “The LORD is with you, mighty warrior.”

13 “Pardon me, my lord,” Gideon replied, “but if the LORD is with us, why has all this happened to us? Where are all his wonders that our ancestors told us about when they said, ‘Did not the LORD bring us up out of Egypt?’ But now the LORD has abandoned us and given us into the hand of Midian.”

14 The LORD turned to him and said, “Go in the strength you have and save Israel out of Midian’s hand. Am I not sending you?”

15 “Pardon me, my lord,” Gideon replied, “but how can I save Israel? My clan is the weakest in Manasseh, and I am the least in my family.”

The same question that is asked now was also asked in history, where was God when His people suffered. The answer was as it always was, that sin and disobedience allowed suffering into the word. As Gideon asked this, God told him to save Israel, and his response was one of an excuse.

I believe God is sending me, sending us to save the world for Him. I believe we can either choose to accept this, or reject it, and in doing so, rejecting Him. Many times, we make up excuses and we try and reason our way out of the very thing that we complain about, but it takes boldness, and the Holy Spirit to change the world, to change generations.

Father God, I pray for boldness and wisdom and strength from the Holy Spirit to take on this challenge and be sent by You. I pray for more of You and less of me. I know that You plan all these things, and I pray that in all things, You may be glorified. I ask that you bless and give favor for your works, and that many people may draw closer to You in the result of it. I give you thanks, and give you all the glory and honor in Jesus name.
Amen.

The Importance Of The Past, Looking To The Future

2011-03-27T19:53:00.002-10:00

Judges 2:10-15
10 After that whole generation had been gathered to their ancestors, another generation grew up who knew neither the LORD nor what he had done for Israel. 11 Then the Israelites did evil in the eyes of the LORD and served the Baals. 12 They forsook the LORD, the God of their ancestors, who had brought them out of Egypt. They followed and worshiped various gods of the peoples around them. They aroused the LORD’s anger 13 because they forsook him and served Baal and the Ashtoreths. 14 In his anger against Israel the LORD gave them into the hands of raiders who plundered them. He sold them into the hands of their enemies all around, whom they were no longer able to resist. 15 Whenever Israel went out to fight, the hand of the LORD was against them to defeat them, just as he had sworn to them. They were in great distress.

This passage records the testimony of the people of Israel. As time went on, the next generation had forgotten about the past, and had forgotten about the Lord. They forgotten about the promises that were made, and did not live in it. Because of this, they did things that God did not want, and later were given into the hands of the enemy.

Sometimes, it's important to remember the past, and the importance that it holds, especially the past things that God has done in my life, and the promises he has declared. You don't have to sulk in the past, but just remember the importance it holds in the future to come.

Lord God, You are a righteous God. You hold the heavens and the earth in your hands. Your glory shines from east to west, and all over. I declare praise in Your Holy name. I give thanks for the man that you created me to be. My hope is that it is pleasing to You. I ask that You be glorified in the things that are to come, and that I may reflect on the past that You brought me through, and glorify you in what comes next. I give you so much thanksgiving. I give you all the honor and glory and praise in Jesus mighty name.
Amen.

A New Covenant Through Jesus

2011-03-26T18:29:00.002-10:00

1 Cor 11:25
25 In the same way, after supper he took the cup, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in my blood; do this, whenever you drink it, in remembrance of me.”

Paul is writing to the church in correction of the Lord's Supper. He corrects the intent and heart that the people have when going through this. In it, he reminds those that take it in remembrance of what Jesus did at the Cross. He speaks of the new covenant that we have the the Lord.

I'm so glad that we have a new covenant with God. It is only through Him that we may be saved. We don't have to go through burnings and sacrifices and priests, but through the new covenant, we are redeemed by Jesus Christ.

Father God, I thank you so much for the Lord Christ Jesus. I know that I am grateful of His death on the Cross. I give this prayer in thanksgiving. I give Jesus all the glory, because now I can receive salvation through the Cross. I am so thankful. I pray this in Jesus name.
Amen.

Being Bold Because You Have The Lord

2011-03-23T19:12:00.002-10:00

Joshua 17:14-18
14 The people of Joseph said to Joshua, “Why have you given us only one allotment and one portion for an inheritance? We are a numerous people, and the LORD has blessed us abundantly.”

15 “If you are so numerous,” Joshua answered, “and if the hill country of Ephraim is too small for you, go up into the forest and clear land for yourselves there in the land of the Perizzites and Rephaites.”

16 The people of Joseph replied, “The hill country is not enough for us, and all the Canaanites who live in the plain have chariots fitted with iron, both those in Beth Shan and its settlements and those in the Valley of Jezreel.”

17 But Joshua said to the tribes of Joseph—to Ephraim and Manasseh—“You are numerous and very powerful. You will have not only one allotment 18 but the forested hill country as well. Clear it, and its farthest limits will be yours; though the Canaanites have chariots fitted with iron and though they are strong, you can drive them out.”

The people of Joseph wanted more land, but they were afraid to take it. Joshua told them that they had the land, and that he believed that they were strong enough to take the land.

I believe God spoke this into place because He wanted to inspire His people to not be afraid, but to bold, to know they they have the Lord on their side. I believe that God doesn't want us to have a spirit of fear, but to be confident in the Lord.

Lord, I pray over these words that You have spoken. I pray that You may be lifted higher and higher, and that Your glory be known. I seek boldness in You, that the Holy Spirit may give me boldness to fight the enemy. I know I can be afraid, but I trust in the Lord. Thank you so much for being on my side, or more like I can be on Your side. I give you all the glory in Jesus name.
Amen.

Promises And Peace

2011-03-22T20:47:00.002-10:00

Joshua 14:3-15
13 Then Joshua blessed Caleb son of Jephunneh and gave him Hebron as his inheritance. 14 So Hebron has belonged to Caleb son of Jephunneh the Kenizzite ever since, because he followed the LORD, the God of Israel, wholeheartedly. 15 (Hebron used to be called Kiriath Arba after Arba, who was the greatest man among the Anakites.)

Then the land had rest from war.

After the Israelite conquered the land, they were given their inheritance that the Lord had promise them, the land was given to them. Then there was no war. This was a time of settlement and of rest.

For so long, the people of Israel were wandering and fighting and surviving, and now after so long, they have a place to call home, and they do not have to fight. The Lord did not just give them land, but also gave them peace. I believe the Lord can still do that for us. The Lord can give us peace from the struggles and battles. I believe in the promises of God.

Father God, I give you honor and glory and praise and I give you all that you deserve. I give thanks for the blessings that you give me, and I pray over the words that You have spoken to me. I know that struggles may be tough, and hardships may come, but I believe that You give peace, and that You fulfill the promises of Your word. I pray for these things, that we can have peace in You. Let this be seeded in my heart. I pray this in Jesus name.
Amen.

A Heart To Bless Others

2011-03-20T19:45:00.002-10:00

Joshua 7:20-21
20 Achan replied, “It is true! I have sinned against the LORD, the God of Israel. This is what I have done: 21 When I saw in the plunder a beautiful robe from Babylonia, two hundred shekels of silver and a bar of gold weighing fifty shekels, I coveted them and took them. They are hidden in the ground inside my tent, with the silver underneath.”

The Lord revealed to the Israelites their sins and of the spirit of coveting. This led the Israelites to fall away from the grace of God.

I believe the Lord speaks to me of truth and to convene truth to myself and to others. It is not needed of me to covet and to want, but God provides, and He gives me the desires of my heart.

Father, I thank you for all that you have blessed me with. You have led me and cared for me, allowing me to lack nothing. I am so thankful for You. I pray for a thanksgiving heart. I give thanks for all these things, and I pray that I may overflow with blessings to those around. I pray not for a coveting heart, but one that will bless others. I give you all the glory in Jesus name.
Amen.

A Faithful Servant To The Lord

2011-03-17T18:48:00.002-10:00

Deu 34:4-10
4 Then the LORD said to him, “This is the land I promised on oath to Abraham, Isaac and Jacob when I said, ‘I will give it to your descendants.’ I have let you see it with your eyes, but you will not cross over into it.”

5 And Moses the servant of the LORD died there in Moab, as the LORD had said. 6 He buried him in Moab, in the valley opposite Beth Peor, but to this day no one knows where his grave is. 7 Moses was a hundred and twenty years old when he died, yet his eyes were not weak nor his strength gone. 8 The Israelites grieved for Moses in the plains of Moab thirty days, until the time of weeping and mourning was over.

9 Now Joshua son of Nun was filled with the spirit of wisdom because Moses had laid his hands on him. So the Israelites listened to him and did what the LORD had commanded Moses.

10 Since then, no prophet has risen in Israel like Moses, whom the LORD knew face to face,

This passage speaks of the last days of Moses, a great Man of God, and faithful servant. He was shown the land that God promised to His people, and he was laid to rest there on the mountain.

After reading what we have about the servant Moses, it really shows the life of a true faithful servant. God praises him in this passage for the faith and works that he has done. In the same way, God uses people to serve like Moses served. Afterwards, He filled Joshua with wisdom to lead. Today, the Holy Spirit leads us to serve.

Father God, I give you all the honor and glory. I praise Your name on high, and lift You up above all. I pray for a servants heart. I pray for a faithful heart to serve my God. I pray, Holy Spirit, that you continue to guide me and strength me. Allow me to be a faithful servant that does good works for the Lord. I pray that I may allow myself to be changed and humbled. Give me strength, because I can't do it alone. I thank you for all that You have blessed me with, encouraged me with, and lifted me up. I give all the glory to Jesus Christ.
Amen.

The Truth Of Life And Death

2011-03-16T19:46:00.002-10:00

Deu 30:15-20
¹⁵ See, I set before you today life and prosperity, death and destruction. ¹⁶ For I command you today to love the LORD your God, to walk in obedience to him, and to keep his commands, decrees and laws; then you will live and increase, and the LORD your God will bless you in the land you are entering to possess.

¹⁷ But if your heart turns away and you are not obedient, and if you are drawn away to bow down to other gods and worship them, ¹⁸ I declare to you this day that you will certainly be destroyed. You will not live long in the land you are crossing the Jordan to enter and possess.

¹⁹ This day I call the heavens and the earth as witnesses against you that I have set before you life and death, blessings and curses. Now choose life, so that you and your children may live ²⁰ and that you may love the LORD your God, listen to his voice, and hold fast to him. For the LORD is your life, and he will give you many years in the land he swore to give to your fathers, Abraham, Isaac and Jacob.

The Lord presents life and death to men, and He wants us to choose life, abundant life with the Lord. He encourages us to keep in the faith and hold on to the promise that was given.

The Lord is really speaking to me about truths, the truth of life and death. The truth of life through Jesus Christ, or a life that leads to death and destruction. There is no in between, there is no obedience half way. I want to choose life, and to choose Jesus.

Father God, I praise you for your word of encouragement here. Lord, blessed be Your name. I praise You and give you everlasting glory. Allow Your truth of life and death be so real in my life, and let Your Holy Spirit overflow with the truth of life through Christ Jesus. I pray for this to resound in my spirit. I pray that it overflow and that this truth be so evident as a testimony to attracts others. I give you all the glory. I pray this in Jesus name.
Amen.

Overflowing Blessings

2011-03-13T20:38:00.002-10:00

Deu 24:19-22
¹⁹ When you are harvesting in your field and you overlook a sheaf, do not go back to get it. Leave it for the foreigner, the fatherless and the widow, so that the LORD your God may bless you in all the work of your hands. ²⁰ When you beat the olives from your trees, do not go over the branches a second time. Leave what remains for the foreigner, the fatherless and the widow. ²¹ When you harvest the grapes in your vineyard, do not go over the vines again. Leave what remains for the foreigner, the fatherless and the widow. ²² Remember that you were slaves in Egypt. That is why I command you to do this.

The Lord God speaks of these laws that were given to the Israelites back in the Old Testament days. He instructs the owner to not go back to get every single harvest, but to let it be, so that those that do not have may take what they need.

God is speaking to me and my spirit of providence. God provides those that are in need, but he also provides us that have been blessed with the things that we have, that we need and want. We are to be content with the blessings that the Lord gives. I am to be happy because the Lord provides everything in my life.

Father God, I am so thankful for everything that has overflowed in blessings in my life. I pray this in a spirit of thanksgiving, that I may give you ultimate praise. I know that I have been so blessed by You, and I thank you so much. Speak into my life your provision, and allow me to be content with the needs that You have fulfilled. I give you the highest praise for the overflowing blessings in my life. I thank my God, my Provider. In Jesus mighty name.
Amen.

Faith and Obedience

2011-03-09T20:58:00.002-10:00

Deu 10:3-5
³ So I made the ark out of acacia wood and chiseled out two stone tablets like the first ones, and I went up on the mountain with the two tablets in my hands. ⁴ The LORD wrote on these tablets what he had written before, the Ten Commandments he had proclaimed to you on the mountain, out of the fire, on the day of the assembly. And the LORD gave them to me. ⁵ Then I came back down the mountain and put the tablets in the ark I had made, as the LORD commanded me, and they are there now.

The Lord commanded Moses to make the tablets and go up the mountain, stay there for forty days, and then go back down the mountain with the words on the tablet. In faith, Moses obeyed the commands.

Just thinking about carrying two huge stone tablets up a big mountain, and staying there for forty days sounds really outrageous to me, but through faith, if God speaks a command, I would act out in faith.

Father God, I thank you for your word. I give you praise and glory because You deserve it. I honor your name with the highest praise. I ask for this word of faith and obedience, that I may know Your word, and that I may hear Your voice. I pray that I have faith to obey, and that through obedience, I may grow in my faith. Thank you for all these things, and I pray this in Jesus name.
Amen.

Jesus Redeems

2011-03-08T19:56:00.002-10:00

Mark 15:27-32
27 They crucified two rebels with him, one on his right and one on his left. 29 Those who passed by hurled insults at him, shaking their heads and saying, “So! You who are going to destroy the temple and build it in three days, 30 come down from the cross and save yourself!” 31 In the same way the chief priests and the teachers of the law mocked him among themselves. “He saved others,” they said, “but he can’t save himself! 32 Let this Messiah, this king of Israel, come down now from the cross, that we may see and believe.” Those crucified with him also heaped insults on him.

It takes a lot of faithfulness and obedience to willingly be crucified. Jesus did this for us. He took the punishment, shame, and abuse so that we may be redeemed.

Jesus could have saved himself, but he chose to be crucified for us. He loved us so much, that God gave His Son to redeem us from out sins. This passage stirs up my spirit, and reminds me of how awesome Jesus is for the things that He had done. The sacrifice that He made, and the humbleness to be God, but be subject to men.

Father God, I thank you for the cross. The Cross that you died on meant that I may be redeemed by Your blood. I thank you so much for being my Savior. I pray for my sins, that disobedience nature, and I pray against it in Jesus name. Wash away my sins, and redeem me. I thank you for all that you have done, and I pray for this thankfulness to resound in my Spirit. I give you praise and glory in Jesus name.
Amen.

God Speaks Love Into Our Lives

2011-03-06T20:46:00.002-10:00

Mark 13:30-31
30 Truly I tell you, this generation will certainly not pass away until all these things have happened. 31 Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away.

Jesus speaks prophetically here in the passage when he speaks of the coming days. His words are everlasting, and will still be here when the time comes. Now, I have read both about Love and about His words. These two things are so important, and they speak parallel to each other.

God's words are words of Love to everyone. He speaks to His children about saving us, redeeming us, and lift us up. In need to receive this, as well as instill His love in my life to others.

Father God, I thank you so much. You are awesome and I praise You for who You are. I pray over your words, that it speaks Love into my Spirit. Overflow with Your anointing, and let Your love also overflow into those that I encounter. I pray for Your word to speak into my life that it may guide me, and direct me. I thank you so much, Lord. I pray this in Jesus name.
Amen.

Love Will Surpass All Things

2011-02-28T20:19:00.003-10:00

1 Cor 13:8-13

^8-10Love never dies. Inspired speech will be over some day; praying in tongues will end; understanding will reach its limit. We know only a portion of the truth, and what we say about God is always incomplete. But when the Complete arrives, our incompletes will be canceled.

¹¹When I was an infant at my mother's breast, I gurgled and cooed like any infant. When I grew up, I left those infant ways for good.

¹²We don't yet see things clearly. We're squinting in a fog, peering through a mist. But it won't be long before the weather clears and the sun shines bright! We'll see it all then, see it all as clearly as God sees us, knowing him directly just as he knows us!

¹³But for right now, until that completeness, we have three things to do to lead us toward that consummation: Trust steadily in God, hope unswervingly, love extravagantly. And the best of the three is love.

God's words here is awesome! He reveals here that Love will surpass all things. When the time comes, after all the preaching and speaking, when all is said and down and the time is complete, Love will still overcome.

Love is such a powerful thing, and God is Love. It is withstanding, and can withstand through all. When Jesus comes, and it has been completed, then Love will still remain. God wants us to love and to continue loving through all things, because it is what should drive us.

Father God, I pray for these words, these brilliant and powerful words of Love. Let your Love be so great in my life. Let the Love of Christ overflow in my life and into those that I encounter. Let the Love of Jesus be so evident, that You may be glorified, and that Your love be reached to all. I pray this be done. I pray that Love be the basis of my reasoning. I give love, show love, and be driven through love. Through Christ Love who strengthens me. In Jesus name.
Amen.

Sheeps Follow, Follow Jesus

2011-02-27T20:28:00.004-10:00

Mark 6:32-34
³² So they went away by themselves in a boat to a solitary place. ³³ But many who saw them leaving recognized them and ran on foot from all the towns and got there ahead of them. ³⁴ When Jesus landed and saw a large crowd, he had compassion on them, because they were like sheep without a shepherd. So he began teaching them many things.

Jesus saw the people here, needing something, like sheep without a shepherd. I learned that sheep are designed to be followers. If the did not follow Jesus, then they would follow other things. Jesus had compassion on them, and began to teach them the Truth.

That is one Truth, that sheep follow, and that we are like sheep, that man tends to follow. Jesus shares here the Truths, and that men will follow His words instead of the enemy's. So, in all that I say and do, I do so that others may follow Jesus.

Father God, You are alpha and omega, the beginning and the end. You are the great One. I give you praise and glory in all things. I pray for the word that You have instilled in my spirit. Give breath to it, and let it flourish in my life. Allow me to teach others the Truth that You have given, and that sheep that follow may be followers on Christ Jesus. I pray for all that hear to believe in Christ Jesus. I declare this and give you thanks for what is to come. In Jesus Mighty name.
Amen.

Forget About What They Say, Trust Jesus

2011-02-26T11:10:00.002-10:00

Mark 5:35-36

³⁵While he was still talking, some people came from the leader's house and told him, "Your daughter is dead. Why bother the Teacher any more?"

³⁶Jesus overheard what they were talking about and said to the leader, "Don't listen to them; just trust me."

Jesus goes to Jairus' house to heal his daughter. When word came of her dead, their faith was lost, but Jesus said to trust in Him.

There is always times when I trust in Jesus, but I need to discount the enemy's attack and not listen to them. I need to put all my faith in Him.

Father God, I pray for your word, your glorious word. Let it speak to my spirit and touch it. Allow your words to lift me up and give me Your breath. Give me hope and faith in You. Lord, I pray against outside discouragement, but I know Your plans for me. I pray for Your Holy Spirit to continue to guide me. Let me put my trust in You. I give thanks and pray this in Jesus name.
Amen.

How Wonderful Is His Words

2011-02-23T18:42:00.002-10:00

Mark 2:13
13 Once again Jesus went out beside the lake. A large crowd came to him, and he began to teach them.

Jesus went and taught many times to many people. They knew who He was and were hungry for His words.

I could imagine, just being there, listening to Jesus speak. How wonderful would that be. I would imagine so much wisdom being revealed, and would be so hungry for more of his "sermon". I think it needs to always be like that, to always want more of Him, and of His words. That is the Bible. I need to continue to have that desire to seek His words everyday.

Father God, You are magnificent. You are so wonderful. Your words are spoken in truth and in light of all things. I thank you so much for who you are. I pray over your words, that it may speak life into me. Give me that desire to want You more. I want to continue to read more of You, and have Your Holy Spirit speak into mines. Thank you so much Lord. I give thanks and praise in Jesus name.
Amen.

I Take Comfort In The Lord

2011-02-20T17:10:00.002-10:00

Psalms 23:1-6
¹ The LORD is my shepherd, I lack nothing.
² He makes me lie down in green pastures,
he leads me beside quiet waters,
³ he refreshes my soul.
He guides me along the right paths
for his name’s sake.
⁴ Even though I walk
through the darkest valley,
I will fear no evil,
for you are with me;
your rod and your staff,
they comfort me.

⁵ You prepare a table before me
in the presence of my enemies.
You anoint my head with oil;
my cup overflows.
⁶ Surely your goodness and love will follow me
all the days of my life,
and I will dwell in the house of the LORD
forever.

David writes this passage to express his feelings and emotions on how comforting and protected he feels as the Lord is part of his life. He expresses the peace that he has knowing that the Lord is at his side.

When I read this, I also feel safe, and peaceful. I know that the Lord is with me, and that I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me, and that I can overcome the enemy through the blood of Jesus Christ. This passage gives me hope, peace, and confidence in the Lord.

Father God, I pray over these words that You have spoken over my life. I pray for your anointing just be overflowed into my life. I take comfort in You, Lord, and I praise Your name in all things. Take the glory, because You above all deserve it. thank you for all that you have done for me, and continue to guide me, and direct me according to Your will. I pray a hedge of protection over my life, that I be under cover by Your grace. Thank you so much, and I pray this in Jesus mighty name.
Amen.

I Take Shelter In The Lord

2011-02-15T21:08:00.002-10:00

Psalms 25:20-21
²⁰ Guard my life and rescue me;
do not let me be put to shame,
for I take refuge in you.
²¹ May integrity and uprightness protect me,
because my hope, LORD, is in you.

David's plea here is to cry out to God to cover him and protect him. This passage shares a word of crying out to God to be over your life and to take refuge under Him.

A lot of times, I can take pride in myself and find that I can do things on my own, but what God is revealing to me is to always be under His refuge. I need to put my hope not in myself, but to put my trust in the Lord.

God, You are so great and Your name deserves more and more praise, more than anyone can ever give. You loved me so much, that You came and died for me. You lifted me up above the penalty that I owe, and You rescued me from the enemy. Lord, thank you so much for everything. I pray that I always put my hope and my trust in You. I want to be under Your refuge and shelter. I pray that You take me in, and cover me with Your Holy Spirit. I thank you so much, Lord. I give you all the thanks, even though I know nothing can ever surmount the blessings that You have given to me. I give you all the praise and glory in Jesus mighty name.
Amen.

Thank God For Empathizing

2011-02-14T22:19:00.002-10:00

Acts 25:16-18
¹⁶ Turn to me and be gracious to me,
for I am lonely and afflicted.
¹⁷ Relieve the troubles of my heart
and free me from my anguish.
¹⁸ Look on my affliction and my distress
and take away all my sins.

When I read this passage, the Lord speaks to me about emotions, and the emotions that we have when we are down and are in trouble. These feelings are natural, but God speaks for being able to relate and empathize with us. He speaks of lifting us up and protecting and saving us.

I am human and I also feel at times when I am in anguish and distress. I read this passage and the Holy Spirit overcomes me with His Spirit and I know that He knows how I feel. I am so glad that we have a God that knows us.

Father God, I thank you so much for everything that you have done for me. I pray over these words, that it may be blessed. I ask that Your Holy Spirit be my comforter. Comfort my heart when I need You. I thank you much. I pray a prayer of Thanksgiving for who You are to me. Continue to guide me and encourage me, Lord. I need it. I love You for all these things and I pray this in Jesus name.
Amen.

A Eagerness To Be Fed By His Word

2011-02-10T21:05:00.002-10:00

Acts 17:10-12
¹⁰ As soon as it was night, the believers sent Paul and Silas away to Berea. On arriving there, they went to the Jewish synagogue. ¹¹ Now the Berean Jews were of more noble character than those in Thessalonica, for they received the message with great eagerness and examined the Scriptures every day to see if what Paul said was true. ¹² As a result, many of them believed, as did also a number of prominent Greek women and many Greek men.

The people of Berea studied the Word that Paul and the others preached. They decided to evaluate what they said, and found it to be true. They intensely sought the Word of the Lord.

Although I may not be in a Berean class, I also desire to dive into the Word of God. I want to learn more and know more of Him. I need to be eager to be fed by Him.

Father God, I thank you for this passage, that it may encourage me to seek You more and learn more about You. I pray over your words, that it may speak into my Spirit, and feed me. I pray that I may continue to desire You and seek You and Your Word each day. Speak me to Lord. I pray for more of You. Thank you for all you have done. Thank you for Your Holy Spirit, that You may continue to be here with me. I pray this in Jesus name.
Amen.

Obedience Is To Be Led By The Lord

2011-02-09T16:14:00.003-10:00

Acts 16:6-10
⁶ Paul and his companions traveled throughout the region of Phrygia and Galatia, having been kept by the Holy Spirit from preaching the word in the province of Asia. ⁷ When they came to the border of Mysia, they tried to enter Bithynia, but the Spirit of Jesus would not allow them to. ⁸ So they passed by Mysia and went down to Troas. ⁹ During the night Paul had a vision of a man of Macedonia standing and begging him, “Come over to Macedonia and help us.” ¹⁰ After Paul had seen the vision, we got ready at once to leave for Macedonia, concluding that God had called us to preach the gospel to them.

Paul was going all over to preach the gospel. The Holy Spirit was stopping them from preaching in Asia, so he went on to other places as the Lord led.

Sometimes, it's not what I want or what someone else wants, but it is as the Lord leads, according to His timing. Although God wants all to hear the gospel, it is according to His will, and Paul was able to obey the Lord as to preach where He wanted him to preach.

Father God, I praise Your Holy name. I thank you God for everything I am. My heart belongs to You Lord. Again, lead me into a spirit of obedience, that I may be led by Your Holy Spirit. Allow my heart to be moved by You and You alone, Lord. I thank you so much, Lord. I praise Your name. Let me grow closer to You. I pray this in Jesus Mighty name.
Amen.

Grace Saves

2011-02-08T21:27:00.002-10:00

Acts 15:8-11
⁸ God, who knows the heart, showed that he accepted them by giving the Holy Spirit to them, just as he did to us. ⁹ He did not discriminate between us and them, for he purified their hearts by faith. ¹⁰ Now then, why do you try to test God by putting on the necks of Gentiles a yoke that neither we nor our ancestors have been able to bear? ¹¹ No! We believe it is through the grace of our Lord Jesus that we are saved, just as they are.”

Peter addresses the issue here to not put more restrictions and burdens to the non-Jews who accepted Christ. He reminds the people that it is by grace that we are saved.

God saved us by grace through the works of Jesus Christ. It is not by what we know, or who we are, or what we do, but by grace. So then, we do not need to put a burden on ourselves, but just know that grace saved us.

Father God, you are so Holy and Majestic. You are awesome and great and deserve all the praises that I give to you. I give thanks for who You are in my life. I thank you for a undeserving life, that I may be saved by You. Thank you so much, for not what I do, but by Your grace for me. Thank you for reminding me of the Love that You have for me. I pray for the blood of Jesus to be so powerful in my life. Allow your Spirit to take hold of my life and guide me. I thank you and praise you in Jesus name.
Amen.

Awake For The Holy Spirit

2011-02-05T20:18:00.002-10:00

Acts 12:6-7
⁶ The night before Herod was to bring him to trial, Peter was sleeping between two soldiers, bound with two chains, and sentries stood guard at the entrance. ⁷ Suddenly an angel of the Lord appeared and a light shone in the cell. He struck Peter on the side and woke him up. “Quick, get up!” he said, and the chains fell off Peter’s wrists.

Peter was "out of the moment" and was unaware of what was going on when the angel came. The angel hit him on his side to wake him up. When he woke up, the chains fell off of him.

I find that sometimes, God has to "wake us up" because we are sleeping. He gets our attention and shows us the way and guides us. I need to be ready for whatever happens as God leads.

Lord Jesus, Holy is Your name. I give you glory and honor and praise. I pray for Your name to be lifted higher than anything else. I give you praise that is pleasing to you. I thank you for the blessings that you have provided for me. I pray for a ready spirit, that I may not be unaware of Your presence, but be wake to be led by You. Lord, keep me ever listening to Your Holy Spirit. I pray this in Jesus name.
Amen.

A Godly Mindset

2011-02-03T20:29:00.002-10:00

Acts 10:44-46
⁴⁴ While Peter was still speaking these words, the Holy Spirit came on all who heard the message. ⁴⁵ The circumcised believers who had come with Peter were astonished that the gift of the Holy Spirit had been poured out even on Gentiles. ⁴⁶ For they heard them speaking in tongues and praising God.

God is showing me here that no one, not anyone, is perfect, and we judge others even though we try not to. We have a mindset, because we are human, but we need to take up a Godly mindset. These people were "astonished" because they only believed that their people can do this certain thing, but God is opening up our minds and our hearts to believe in others to also take up His spirit.

I need to change my mindset to be of the Lord. I know sometimes I judge and I think a certain way, but I need to think in God's ways.

Father God, I love you so much. You are my Abba Father, my Lord and my Savior. I pray for Your anointing over my life. Pour out your spirit in and through me, that I may know you more. Change my mindset to think in Godly ways. Change my nature to not judge, but to believe in You. I give you thanks for these things, and I pray this in Jesus name.
Amen.

Obedient Leads To Generations Changed

2011-02-01T22:03:00.002-10:00

Acts 9:11-19
¹¹ The Lord told him, “Go to the house of Judas on Straight Street and ask for a man from Tarsus named Saul, for he is praying. ¹² In a vision he has seen a man named Ananias come and place his hands on him to restore his sight.”

¹³ “Lord,” Ananias answered, “I have heard many reports about this man and all the harm he has done to your holy people in Jerusalem. ¹⁴ And he has come here with authority from the chief priests to arrest all who call on your name.”

¹⁵ But the Lord said to Ananias, “Go! This man is my chosen instrument to proclaim my name to the Gentiles and their kings and to the people of Israel. ¹⁶ I will show him how much he must suffer for my name.”

¹⁷ Then Ananias went to the house and entered it. Placing his hands on Saul, he said, “Brother Saul, the Lord—Jesus, who appeared to you on the road as you were coming here—has sent me so that you may see again and be filled with the Holy Spirit.” ¹⁸ Immediately, something like scales fell from Saul’s eyes, and he could see again. He got up and was baptized, ¹⁹ and after taking some food, he regained his strength.

Imagine the courage that Ananias had to obey the Lord. This Saul person was there to put him to jail, and even kill him, but yet the Lord tells him to go and heal him. That takes courage and boldness, and only through the Holy Spirit can it be done.

This is a perfect example of how good God is. With faith like this, generations can be changed. By the Holy Spirit, we may be obedient to the Lord, and only then can he use us to change generations.

Father God, I thank you so much. You are so Holy and Righteous. You are so beautiful and majestic. I praise Your name because You deserve it. I pray over these words that you gave me, and allow it to sink into my spirit. Lord, let me be obedient to You. I pray that I may fight my own desires and make you more in my life. Only then can change happen, can people come to know You, that generations be saved. I declare this in Jesus name, that it will come. Thank you, Lord. I pray this in Your Holy and Mighty name.
Amen.

Never Resisting The Holy Spirit

2011-01-31T20:39:00.002-10:00

Acts 7:51-53
⁵¹ “You stiff-necked people! Your hearts and ears are still uncircumcised. You are just like your ancestors: You always resist the Holy Spirit! ⁵² Was there ever a prophet your ancestors did not persecute? They even killed those who predicted the coming of the Righteous One. And now you have betrayed and murdered him— ⁵³ you who have received the law that was given through angels but have not obeyed it.”

The norm is to resist the Holy Spirit and not listen to the Lord. It is easy to live by the world and to just live our life, but the Holy Spirit speaks if we allow.

This passages speaks to never resist the Holy Spirit. There will be times when I just want to give in to my flesh, but I need to allow Him to work through me.

Holy is Your name, Lord. I praise you with all that I have. I give you my thanks for your grace and your mercy. Thank you for who You are in my life. I pray for more and more of You each day, Lord. I ask that my heart and my spirit not ever resist You, but to desire You each day. Let your Glory overflow into my life. Thank you Lord. I pray this in Your Mighty name.
Amen.

The Peace Of God Even When It Goes Against You

2011-01-30T21:21:00.002-10:00

Acts 6:12-15
¹² And they stirred up the people, the elders, and the scribes; and they came upon him, seized him, and brought him to the council. ¹³ They also set up false witnesses who said, “This man does not cease to speak blasphemous words against this holy place and the law; ¹⁴ for we have heard him say that this Jesus of Nazareth will destroy this place and change the customs which Moses delivered to us.” ¹⁵ And all who sat in the council, looking steadfastly at him, saw his face as the face of an angel.

After reading this passage, it was so angry because that's soo not fair. These people plotted against Stephen and produced false testimonies against him. The rhema that God impressed against my spirit is when it states that they saw his face as the face of an angel. A lot of times, people may get from this that it looked innocent, but my rhema was the fact that, Stephen was able to have peace and joy even when they falsely accused him. If i was falsely accused like that, I definitely would not have a face of an angel.

God gives me joy, and it may be tested. I may not be so nice, but the Holy Spirit gives me guidance to have peace and joy in the Lord. When adversaries come against, then I need to Lord more and more.

Father God, I thank you so much for the grace that you have given to man. It is so awesome. You did a beautiful exchange for my soul. Your love for me is so great, I love you. I pray for a spirit of peace and joy, even when things goes against me. I pray for Your Holy Spirit, that it may guide me. I give you all the glory and honor, because you are deserving. In Jesus name.
Amen.

A Fallen World Needs A Savior

2011-01-27T22:32:00.002-10:00

Psalms 12:7-8
⁷ You, LORD, will keep the needy safe
and will protect us forever from the wicked,
⁸ who freely strut about
when what is vile is honored by the human race.

The world is bad. The people in the world are bad. There is evil and vile in this world. We live in a fallen world, and that's reality, but the Lord is with us.

You realize how sinful our world is, and even more so, we need the Lord to protect us, to give us strength, to guide us, to deliver us, to save us. I need the Lord, and it's a constant reminder of who He is to me, and what He has planned for me in this world.

Father God, I know who You are in my life, and I thank you so much. Be my God, my Savior, and my Lord. I pray for this fallen world that we live in. I pray for a change in it, a change in culture, a change in the people, a change in their spirits. Let your name be known to all. I pray for a braking of chains, and protection from the enemy. I pray for your Holy Spirit to be so real. I know great things are happening and are to come. I thank you so much, and I pray this in Jesus name.
Amen.

Pleading For This Generation

2011-01-26T21:32:00.003-10:00

Acts 2:40-41
⁴⁰ With many other words he warned them; and he pleaded with them, “Save yourselves from this corrupt generation.” ⁴¹ Those who accepted his message were baptized, and about three thousand were added to their number that day.

What spoke out to me here was kind of amusing because it really stuck out that it says here that "with many words" peter pleaded for them to save themselves from this corrupt generation. With many words. I wondered why this phrase was used to describe this passage, and it hit me that it wasn't easy. Peter's address urged them, pleaded to them, and used many words.

It's the same before, and it's the same today, where it is so hard to urge and plead for this generation. Sometimes we may have to use many words, sometimes we may have to use actions, but this generation is in dire need of a Savior.

Father God, let your name be lifted higher than any other name. I give you all the glory and the honor and thanksgiving. Thank you for who you are in my life, and continue to do great things in me and through me. I pray for this generation, for the people young and old, that you may change culture, you may change perspectives, you may change the very nature of our lives. Speak to us through your mighty words, and I pray that the enemy release his hold on this generation. I declare you Holy Spirit to do a great work in the lives of these people. I pray this in Jesus name.
Amen.

God Leads And Protects

2011-01-25T22:01:00.002-10:00

Exodus 14:19-20
¹⁹ Then the angel of God, who had been traveling in front of Israel’s army, withdrew and went behind them. The pillar of cloud also moved from in front and stood behind them, ²⁰ coming between the armies of Egypt and Israel. Throughout the night the cloud brought darkness to the one side and light to the other side; so neither went near the other all night long.

When the Egyptians were getting new Israel, He went in between them, and protected Israel from the enemy. In the same way, God is always leading us and protecting us.

In my prayer, I draw rhema to who God is. He is my guide, leading the way, and he is also my protector, because I know the enemy tries to get at me, and that I thank God for protecting me.

Father God, I thank you so much for who you are in my life. Holy Spirit, continue to guide me and protect me. Lead me into this season of my life, and take charge of my life. Speak to me, so that I may know you. Guide me in my decisions, that it be according to Your plans. Protect me from the enemy, because the name of the Jesus is power. I thank you so much. I give you all the honor and glory in Jesus mighty name.
Amen.

Even After The Storm

2011-01-24T21:42:00.003-10:00

Exodus 9:33-35
³³ Then Moses left Pharaoh and went out of the city. He spread out his hands toward the LORD; the thunder and hail stopped, and the rain no longer poured down on the land. ³⁴ When Pharaoh saw that the rain and hail and thunder had stopped, he sinned again: He and his officials hardened their hearts. ³⁵ So Pharaoh’s heart was hard and he would not let the Israelites go, just as the LORD had said through Moses.

Let's look at the perspective of the Pharaoh. In the storm, he is frightened and seeks Moses to get the Lord to stop the storm. Once the storm stops, Pharaoh continues to sin again. I don't blame Pharaoh, because we are all like him, because when we are in the storm, we cry out to the Lord, but when we are not in the storm, we sin again.

I want to be able to be obedient even when a storm is not around. I want to be able to praise God through the good and the bad. I can't do it alone, but I need God to help me get through storms AND continue to live life for him.

Father God, I thank you so much for all the great things you have done for me. I pray for a blessing and a hedge of protection from the enemy. Allow my heart to be changed by You and for You, so that I may be steadfast for You. I give you glory and honor when times are good and when times are bad. Let me continue to focus on You. I pray this in Jesus name.
Amen.

Fath And Obedient To The Lord

2011-01-22T13:18:00.002-10:00

Exodus 3:10-14
¹⁰ So now, go. I am sending you to Pharaoh to bring my people the Israelites out of Egypt.”

¹¹ But Moses said to God, “Who am I that I should go to Pharaoh and bring the Israelites out of Egypt?”

¹² And God said, “I will be with you. And this will be the sign to you that it is I who have sent you: When you have brought the people out of Egypt, you will worship God on this mountain.”

¹³ Moses said to God, “Suppose I go to the Israelites and say to them, ‘The God of your fathers has sent me to you,’ and they ask me, ‘What is his name?’ Then what shall I tell them?”

¹⁴ God said to Moses, “I AM WHO I AM. This is what you are to say to the Israelites: ‘I AM has sent me to you.’"

In many ways we see Moses as one of the closest to God, but even through his times, he struggled with discipline and obeying the Lord. In this passage, when he first encounters the Lord, he questions Him, and tries to give excuse to the Lord's plans.

In many ways, we are like Moses, because we question Him and we try to get out of what He wants for us. I hope that my trust and my faith in God doesn't allow me to do this, but that I may put my whole faith in Him, that He has great plans for me and that I may be obedient to Him.

Father God, I give you thanks. I give you praise because you deserve it. Lord, I pray that You be glorified and that everyone may know that You are Lord. I put my faith in You and to be obedient to the plans you have for me. Give me strength, Holy Spirit, and guide me to be do what You want for my life. You have been with me for so long and I thank you for the favors and blessings you have for me. Continue to do a work in me. I need You, Lord. I give you all the glory in Jesus name.
Amen.

A Humbling Experience

2011-01-12T21:23:00.002-10:00

Phil 2:5-8
⁵ In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus:

⁶ Who, being in very nature God,
did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage;
⁷ rather, he made himself nothing
by taking the very nature of a servant,
being made in human likeness.
⁸ And being found in appearance as a man,
he humbled himself
by becoming obedient to death—
even death on a cross!

I think one of the toughest thing to do is to humble yourself to others. I see it all the time, that the pride of people take over. Jesus showed us the most humble act of being man. Against pride, we must humble ourselves to others and especially to God Himself.

I need to constantly and proactively remember to humble myself. I know that sometimes I can get prideful of myself, and I need God's help in humbling myself. I allow God to have His way with me, and to lead me instead of taking lead myself.

Father God, I thank you so much for being the Lord of my life. It is so important that I know who you are, and that I hear you, and know the plans that you have for me. I humble myself to you, that you may have your way. I take no credit, but know that I am blessed by You, and that You have granted me favor in all that I am. I thank you so much, Lord. Continue to use me and show me the plans you have for me. I give you all the glory in Jesus mighty name.
Amen.

How God Wants You To Do Things

2010-12-24T11:20:00.002-10:00

Phil 1:12-14
¹² I am sending him—who is my very heart—back to you. ¹³ I would have liked to keep him with me so that he could take your place in helping me while I am in chains for the gospel. ¹⁴ But I did not want to do anything without your consent, so that any favor you do would not seem forced but would be voluntary.

While Paul is in prison, we was speaking here of a brother named Onesimus. The rhema here is not what Paul was asking, but how he went about doing it, the method behind the action. He asked for blessings for his request, but he may be granted favor in doing this. Through this, the spirit of the people may not be divided, but will be as one.

A lot of times we have to ask ourselves not what we are doing, but is it the right way of doing things. So many times I find myself questioning my methods of how I am doing things, and I continue to seek wisdom from the Lord. I ask myself if this is not just what God wants for me, but in his plan, is it the method that He wants it done in.

Father God, I thank you so much for who you are. You are so great. You are magnificent, and glorious, and I thank you for the grace that you have given to me. I pray for your words, that you may speak into my spirit and that You may allow this to change me, Lord. I ask that you give me wisdom when i do all things, that it may be pleasing in what I do, but also in how I do it. I want to give you all the glory. I thank you again, and I pray this in the mighty name of Jesus Christ.
Amen.

The Kindness Of God

2010-12-02T07:07:00.002-10:00

Titus 3:4-7
⁴ But when the kindness and the love of God our Savior toward man appeared, ⁵ not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy He saved us, through the washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Spirit, ⁶ whom He poured out on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Savior, ⁷ that having been justified by His grace we should become heirs according to the hope of eternal life.

Kindness and grace something that I feel man is foreign to. It takes an outside prospective to realize that we are naturally not gracious. That is why it is so awesome that Jesus was kind and gracious to us, and the love that He has for us is so great.

I am reminded of God's love for me. He is loving in every way, wanting life for me, and giving His son, Jesus, so that grace may be in my life.

Father God, I thank you so much for this word that you have spoken into my life. I am so thankful for your grace and kindness. I appreciate all that you have done for me. I pray that I instill your love in my life, that I may show love, kindness, and grace to others. I pray for all these things, that Jesus be glorified.
Amen.

Spoken Into A Man Of God

2010-11-19T17:04:00.002-10:00

Titus 2:6-8
⁶ Likewise, exhort the young men to be sober-minded, ⁷ in all things showing yourself to be a pattern of good works; in doctrine showing integrity, reverence, incorruptibility,⁸ sound speech that cannot be condemned, that one who is an opponent may be ashamed, having nothing evil to say of you.

Wow, when reading through these words, it brings me such awe to a person who would be described as something like this, but that is what God has in store for us. He is speaking these things into our lives. He wants us to be a pattern of good works, he wants no opponent of ours to be able to speak evil of us. And, He is lifting us up to be these things.

I know that through Christ, I can be one who He has called me to be. I can achieve the integrity and be beyond reproach because He is with me, and all these things can be done through Christ Jesus.

Father God, I pray for these words that you have spoken and given to me. I pray over them, that I may act in according to Your words. I don't want my own actions be driven by my human emotions, but I pray that Your words lead me to be pure, and holy, and a man of God. I give you all these things, I by Your blood, allow me to follow through. Give me the strength Holy Spirit. I pray this in Jesus mighty name.
Amen.

The Words Out Of Our Mouths

2010-11-07T20:38:00.002-10:00

Titus 1 :10-11
¹⁰ For there are many insubordinate, both idle talkers and deceivers, especially those of the circumcision, ¹¹ whose mouths must be stopped, who subvert whole households, teaching things which they ought not, for the sake of dishonest gain.

The mouth is a very powerful part of ourselves. The tongue that speaks things speak into the lives of those around us, leading, guiding, influencing. This can be used for both uplifting, and deceiving. It is more common to use the tongue and our mouths with the things we say to mislead, to cut down, to deceive, to bring negative outcomes, but that is not what we are called to do.

I need to commit myself to uplifting others, to encourage others, to guide in the way of Jesus, to bring His words to those without, and to speak the truth of the Lord through myself. I need to commit my words as those that are from the Lord.

Father God, I thank you so much for who you are and all that you have blessed me with. I pray that I be cognitive of the things that I say, that it be uplifting to your kingdom. Let the words that I speak be spoken in truth of who You are. I give you all the glory with the words that should and will come out of myself. Keep my spirit clean, pure, and holy, because what comes out of my mouth spawns from within. I pray this that You may be exalted high. In Jesus mighty name.
Amen.

Be Ready For Your Purpose

2010-11-03T06:49:00.002-10:00

2 Tim 4:2-5
² Preach the word! Be ready in season and out of season. Convince, rebuke, exhort, with all longsuffering and teaching. ³ For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine, but according to their own desires, because they have itching ears, they will heap up for themselves teachers; ⁴ and they will turn their ears away from the truth, and be turned aside to fables. ⁵ But you be watchful in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry.

God is charging us with instructions and encouragement to go and be bold and to fulfill the commission that was given to us.

He advises to be ready, prepared, and to look out for those against, but to speak truth to those without. I desire to have a purpose, God's purpose, in my life, and I pray that I may be ready and able to fulfill the commission that was given.

Father, I give thanks to your name. It is great and you deserve all the glory and honor and praise, to be lifted higher and higher. You have given us a purpose, and I pray for that purpose, not just the general purpose, but my individual purpose, that I may fight towards that goal. I know that it will be tough, to be bold, to change and speak the truth, but I know that you are with me, that Your Holy Spirit gives me strength and boldness. I thank you so much Lord. I give you and look to You for guidance. I give you praise in Jesus mighty name.
Amen.

The Perfect Word Of God

2010-10-26T20:01:00.002-10:00

2 Tim 3:16-17
¹⁶ All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, ¹⁷ that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.

God's words is complete. It is the inspired word of God, fully and complete, not without any holes, but whole, so that it may instruct, guide, and correct our very ways.

This is a declaration of the truth of God's words, written by His inspiration, and given to us to live out. These passages really stress the importance of His words, the authenticity and perfection that is His words, and the practicality of His words. I need to live, breath, and consume His words so that it may be instilled in my Spirit.

Father God, I thank you so much for Your perfect word that You have given to us. I pray over it, that its truth and complete truth may be instilled into my Spirit. Help me read it and reveal into my life through you magnificent words. I pray this that I may draw closer to You, and that You may be revealed in my life. I ask that Your words continue to correct, instruct, and guide me in my life. I give you all the glory and honor in Jesus mighty name.
Amen.

God's Words Unchained

2010-10-25T20:48:00.002-10:00

2 Tim 2:8-10
⁸ Remember that Jesus Christ, of the seed of David, was raised from the dead according to my gospel, ⁹ for which I suffer trouble as an evildoer, even to the point of chains; but the word of God is not chained. ¹⁰ Therefore I endure all things for the sake of the elect, that they also may obtain the salvation which is in Christ Jesus with eternal glory.

I realize the power of God's words. Nothing in this place can stop the word of God from spreading, to be chained down, to be shut up.

It is my hope to take the word of God so that others may have Salvation through Christ Jesus. His words are not chained down, and we are not chained down as well. It is through this faith in God that I am able to share His words.

Father God, I thank you for your magnificence, your glory, your power, and your words. I speak your truth over the words you have given to me, and that you may let it overflow. I pray over the words that You have given, that I may take it outside, and share it. Let your words be so genuine, so truthful, so gracious. I thank you for your words. I bless it, and let it speak into the hearts of those that hear. I give you all the thanks and glory, and I pray this in Jesus mighty name.
Amen.

The Patterns Of His Words In My Life

2010-10-17T17:47:00.002-10:00

2 Tim 1:13-14
¹³ Hold fast the pattern of sound words which you have heard from me, in faith and love which are in Christ Jesus. ¹⁴ That good thing which was committed to you, keep by the Holy Spirit who dwells in us.

The Word of God is precious and guides us and teaches us. This passage shows the "patterns" of His words that are good for me, and to keep it in my heart, guided by His Spirit.

The passage displays the importance of His Words in my life. Sometimes I have gone without instilling His Words in my life, but I need to make it a pattern in my life to life by His Words.

Father God, I thank you so much for my life that you have graciously given. I am in awe of such a gracious God who loves someone like me. I pray over this word, that it may be instilled in my Spirit, and I pray that I continuously seek Your Holy Spirit and Your Words to speak truth into my life. I give you so much thanks Lord. I give you my life. I pray this in Jesus mighty name.
Amen.

God Is So Generous

2010-09-26T07:34:00.002-10:00

1 Tim 6:17-18
¹⁷Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment. ¹⁸Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share.

God seeks to lead us closer to Him and this passage tells the same thing. It shows us that money is not the answer, that it can lead you towards a path not taken, but to put our hope in Christ.

What I got out of this passage is that that God is speaking about our faith. Whether it be faith in money, or people, or other things, God wants us to leave our focus on those things, because it can never be the answer, but to put our faith and hope in Him, who provides us all things, over and abundant.

Father God, I thank you so much for all the things that you have blessed me with. I give you all the thanks because you are so generous. Let me put my faith and hope in You and You alone. I can not thank you enough, but allow me to continue to thank you each and every day. Let my focus be on You, Lord. Allow me to be generous and caring and loving as You have loved me. I pray this all in Jesus mighty name.
Amen.

The World's Standards, Or God's Grace

2010-09-18T07:13:00.002-10:00

1 Tim 5:8
⁸If anyone does not provide for his relatives, and especially for his immediate family, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever.

This passage gives instructions on how to live, and this passage speaks of providing for relatives, but it speaks more than that. Beyond providing for family, it shows that followers of Christ are held to a higher standard because we are held to God's standards. We need to be beyond reproach in providing for family and everything else in life.

What makes me stand out in my world? How do people see Christ in me? My standard should not be like that of the world, but should be like that of Christ. Not just should I provide for my family, but even beyond that that shows God's love.

Father God, I honor You and praise You because You deserve all the praise and glory. Let these words sink into my spirit and instill in me a desire to live life that shows God's grace to others. I pray for Your Holy Spirit to guide me and strengthen me. I need more and more of You. I give you all the thanks, and I pray this in Jesus name.
Amen.

Thoughtful Of My Words And Actions

2010-09-15T20:25:00.002-10:00

1 Tim 4:16
¹⁶Watch your life and doctrine closely. Persevere in them, because if you do, you will save both yourself and your hearers.

It is great to reflect on yourself and asking if what you are doing is the same as what we say, what we believe, and what we put our faith in.

I put my faith in Christ, and with that, I need to compose myself and act accordingly. I will reflect on myself and be conscious of myself in the way I conduct speech, life, love, faith, and purity.

Father God, You are so good and I love You so much. You are the awesome One, the Savior of my life. I thank you so much for who You are. I pray for this word over my life. Let it be instilled in my spirit to conduct myself in such a way that is pleasing to You. Allow me to be thoughtful of the things I say and do. Let it be rooted in Your words for me. I give it all to You and I pray this in Jesus mighty name.
Amen.

God's Standards For Influence

2010-09-14T20:52:00.002-10:00

1 Tim 3:2-3
²Now the overseer must be above reproach, the husband of but one wife, temperate, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach, ³not given to drunkenness, not violent but gentle, not quarrelsome, not a lover of money.

God speaks to the people here on how to act, to be someone with influence means that you are held to a higher standard since influence can lead others. God gives some instructions on how to conduct oneself, both internal and external concerns.

This is definitely something that speaks near and dear to my heart. Pastor Brian and Andy from Fairwood Church were just teaching on this during the Youth Leaders meeting, to be held to a higher standard since they are leading, shepherding, and influencing the Youth. I need to be cognitive of my own actions, and controlled about my approach as God leads me into relationships and influences of others.

Father God, I thank you for this word that speaks so strongly to my Spirit. I pray that You guide me through your grand wisdom on how to conduct myself in all ways. I pray for a discerning spirit to approach myself in the way that You want. You are awesome and I thank you for redirecting me in this. I give you all the glory, and let it be known that You are my God. I pray this in Jesus name.
Amen.

To Pray More

2010-09-09T21:39:00.002-10:00

1 Tim 2:1
¹I urge, then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone

Some can read this as requests and prayers be open to everyone, but God's words over this shows me that, I am blessed to have a full open communication to the Lord, and that I should make requests, pray prayers, prayers of intercession and thanksgiving.

I may not have the greatest prayer life, but I want to converse more with my Lord and Savior. In Christ, I can pray prayers of intercession and thanksgiving. I need to do that more often.

Father God, I thank you for a reminder that You are always wanting me to talk to You. I accept your words into my spirit, and I pray this in declaration to pray and ask and seek you more through prayer. I give you thanks, and I bless You in all the grace that you have given to me. Thank you and I pray this in Jesus Mighty name.
Amen.

Loving With A Pure Heart

2010-09-08T22:08:00.002-10:00

1 Tim 1:5-7
⁵The goal of this command is love, which comes from a pure heart and a good conscience and a sincere faith. ⁶Some have wandered away from these and turned to meaningless talk. ⁷They want to be teachers of the law, but they do not know what they are talking about or what they so confidently affirm.

God is speaking and putting things in pain terms. Instead of thinking, analyzing, debating, having meaningless talk, His command is to love, and love with a pure heart.

It's not that talking is not a bad thing, but when it gets too much and to lose focus on what God is, the goal is to love, and I think I am guilty of thinking too much, and needing to just love more with a pure heart.

Father God, I pray for the love that I do not have in me, and to reach out to have Your love. I thank you for your words that speak to me, and I pray that you may show your love through me. Give me the ability to love when I may not. Let your spirit overflow with a pure heart to love others. I pray all these things in Your Mighty name.
Amen.

Being Established In God's Love

2010-07-13T19:53:00.002-10:00

2 Thess 3:3-5
³ But the Lord is faithful, who will establish you and guard you from the evil one. ⁴ And we have confidence in the Lord concerning you, both that you do and will do the things we command you.
⁵ Now may the Lord direct your hearts into the love of God and into the patience of Christ.

The Lord is not one to leave you on your own. As His words promise, He will not let you alone, but will establish you and guard you from the enemy. We need God to be with us. We can not do it on our own, but that the Lord be with us.

The more I read this passage, the more my heart responds to the need of the Lord. I want Him to establish myself in His love, and that I may have confidence not in myself, but in God.

Father God, I thank you so much. You are so awesome. Your words give life to my spirit, and that Your name be blessed and lifted so high. It delights my heart that You may be glorified. I pray for this word that stirs up my spirit, and I pray that You may establish me in Your love. I need it. I am so blessed by You, and I pray that I may continue to be in Your love. Strengthen my Spirit through Your words I pray.
Amen.

Comfort Of The Heart

2010-07-04T19:48:00.002-10:00

2 Thess 2:15-17
¹⁵ Therefore, brethren, stand fast and hold the traditions which you were taught, whether by word or our epistle.
¹⁶ Now may our Lord Jesus Christ Himself, and our God and Father, who has loved us and given us everlasting consolation and good hope by grace, ¹⁷ comfort your hearts and establish you in every good word and work.

Paul writes a theme in this book of encouragement to the people, strengthening them in their faith.

God has called me to do his good works. I think the reason why God is revealing these words of faith to me is because I know that I need the encouragement. God is everlasting and is everlasting consoling me by His grace, comforting my heart.

Father, I thank you. You are wonderful beyond anything. You are marvelous above all things. I praise your name higher than any mountain can reach. I receive your grace and your words of consolation. I pray that my heart be encouraged by your faith. I give you thanks. I pray this that it may lift me up through Christ Jesus. I pray this in Your great name.
Amen.

Worthy Of This Calling

2010-07-03T18:31:00.002-10:00

2 Thess 1:11-12
11 Therefore we also pray always for you that our God would count you worthy of this calling, and fulfill all the good pleasure of His goodness and the work of faith with power, 12 that the name of our Lord Jesus Christ may be glorified in you, and you in Him, according to the grace of our God and the Lord Jesus Christ.

The people of Thessalonian receive a letter by Paul that encourages them and gives them boldness of the faith in Christ Jesus. He reassures them to continue to glorify God and to do His work of faith.

There are times when I have doubts about God's calling for me, that the journey is very difficult, but to continue to put my faith in Jesus. This passage encourages me that this is my calling by Christ, to move forward in faith, to be rooted in His word, and to pray and spend time in His presence.

Father God, I thank you for your words. I thank you for giving me my calling and that You find me worthy to do so. I put my faith in You. Allow me to continue on in grace. I pray that Your glory and honor be known, and that I not lose faith in You. I thank you so much for all that you have blessed me with. I give you all the praise in Jesus mighty name.
Amen.

Intentionally Keeping The Holy Spirit In Me

2010-06-23T19:14:00.002-10:00

1 Thess 5:19-22
19Do not put out the Spirit's fire; 20do not treat prophecies with contempt. 21Test everything. Hold on to the good. 22Avoid every kind of evil.

The writer is encouraging the followers of Christ to continue to keep in the faith. It says here to not put out the Spirit's fire, meaning to keep in God's faith and to seek Him and His Holy Spirit.

What was revealed to me here is that we are the ones that take the action and puts out the Spirit's fire. A lot of times we complain and or say that we are losing our relationship with Christ, but it is not a passive thing, we are intently putting out the Holy Spirit's fire. I need to seek the Holy Spirit more, and to fast and pray and digest God's words more and more.

Father God, I love You so much. You are the the Holy and Mighty. Your blood redeemed me. Your compassion for me is so great. Thank you for everything. Thank you for the blessings and favor you have for me. I thank you for this word of encouragement. I pray and seek that I may keep Your flame in my Spirit going. Not wanting to let it die. Allow me to spark the Holy Spirit in me. I pray this in all things in Jesus name.
Amen.

God's Blessing Bares Witness

2010-06-20T19:11:00.003-10:00

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

The Lord speaks of living a life that is pleasing to Him. One that works hard and does due diligence to the Lord. In all these things, God will bless, and no one can take credit for that. All may see that the Lord grants favor.

Even in my life, it is not by my own strength or my own will and hard work, but by the favor and blessing of the Lord Jesus Christ, I am blessed. All may see the blessings that He has provided in my life.

Father God, I thank you so much for all the blessings that You gave me. You are so awesome. All this could not be by my own strength, but by your favor. I give you all the honor and glory. Let my life be a witness to the great God of the Universe. I thank you. I love you. In Jesus Mighty name.
Amen.

God Allows Others To Encourage You In Your Faith

2010-06-08T20:21:00.002-10:00

1 Thess 3:2
2 and sent Timothy, our brother and minister of God, and our fellow laborer in the gospel of Christ, to establish you and encourage you concerning your faith,

When Paul left the Thessalonians, he sent Timothy to encourage them in their faith. This passage is perfect for a situation like mines where I believe brothers and sisters in Christ really do encourage me in my faith. Everyone needs accountability, and without others to be accountable, I believe my faith in Christ will be lacking.

I need to keep brothers and sisters in Christ in my life to help me be accountable, to encourage me in my faith, and to be led through the Holy Spirit to guide me in the Lord.

Father God, I pray for your words to speak so clearly in my life. I honor you and praise Your name, and through this, I give thanks for all that you have done in my life. I know that You are God, and to strengthen my faith in You. I pray for brothers and sisters in Christ to encourage me, to help me in my walk with you, and to lead me closer to a relationship with You. I thank you for Your love and grace. I give You all the glory and honor and praise in Jesus name.
Amen.

Allow God's Words To Be God Breath

2010-05-28T07:51:00.002-10:00

1 Thess 2:13
¹³And we also thank God continually because, when you received the word of God, which you heard from us, you accepted it not as the word of men, but as it actually is, the word of God, which is at work in you who believe.

The words that we read and hear from the Lord can sometime come at us so humanly, and losing its rhema and the breath that makes it the word of God.

My devotional life and my seeking of God's words has not been so disciplined lately, and many times it also lacks God's breath and rhema, but this passage reminds me that God's words speak life in me. I need to allow God's words to not be so material, but to be God breathed.

Father God, I thank you again for your wonderful words, because you speak life into me. Your blessings and grace are so great. I know I am blessed, because You are such a great God. I thank you for this reminder and to speaking rhema into my life. Change me from the inside out. Give me a passion for your words and to seek you more and more each day. Allow me to be disciplined in my devotion to You. I honor you, I give thanks, I give you praise, in Jesus name.
Amen.

God Loves Us, Even In The Little Things

2010-05-10T19:23:00.002-10:00

1 Thess 1:4-5
4For we know, brothers loved by God, that he has chosen you, 5because our gospel came to you not simply with words, but also with power, with the Holy Spirit and with deep conviction. You know how we lived among you for your sake.

Paul is writing to the Thessalonians about how they are doing, and encouraging them in their faith.

I like how Paul chooses simple words that speak so much truth. That these brothers were loved by God, not "brothers who love God", but showing that God loves us. We often times lose sight of God's love for us, and how he chose us first.

Father God, You are holy and majestic in all that You are. This world can not glorify you enough than you deserve, because You deserve all things and all praises. You, who are so great, love me who does not deserve, but Lord I thank you for having grace and mercy on me. I thank You so much for Your love. Even the little things that you show me. I pray that the little things, the subtle words, the tones of voice, the small actions that I portray, may it be pleasing to You. I give you all the honor and glory in Jesus mighty name.
Amen.

Let Your Words Be Full Of Grace

2010-05-07T06:52:00.002-10:00

Col 4:4-6
4Pray that I may proclaim it clearly, as I should. 5Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity. 6Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.

Paul gives guidance on how to reach out to others that do not know Christ. He states it in a gracious way, to speak the truth with grace with every opportunity.

This is a passage of reaching out to others. It is a great reminder to me that God's words are words of grace, that we don't need to push it down the throats of those who don't believe, but to be full of grace and to speak the truth in every opportunity.

Father God, I thank you for your words. These words speak your glory and how great You really are. I pray over the words that come out of my mouth, that they ever be gracious and abounding in Your truth. Allow me to be wise and be full of grace. I thank you so much, Lord. I pray over your saints in Seattle, that we may all be a light to those without Your light. I pray over the spirit in this area, that you may open up hearts. Allow Your spirit to move. I pray this in Jesus name.
Amen.

Be Loved And Put On Love

2010-05-03T06:37:00.002-10:00

Col 3:12-14
12Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. 13Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. 14And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.

Paul is speaking in this letter how to live your life in Christ. This part talks about forgiveness and character and love.

I like how this passage starts off with love, and ends with love. To be dearly loved, and to put on love. Love is such an important character of God, since God is Love, and shall be instilled into our hearts.

Father God, I thank you so much for who You are. You are the alpha and the omega, the first and the last. Let your name be so glorified. I thank you for speaking to me about love. Allow me to realized that I am so loved by You. Let me put on love such that You are Love. I pray that through love, all these things may be shown in my life. I thank you so much, Lord. I give you all the honor and glory in Jesus name.
Amen.

Not To Lose Focus Of Jesus

2010-04-29T19:54:00.002-10:00

Col 2:16-19
16 So let no one judge you in food or in drink, or regarding a festival or a new moon or sabbaths, 17 which are a shadow of things to come, but the substance is of Christ. 18 Let no one cheat you of your reward, taking delight in false humility and worship of angels, intruding into those things which he has not seen, vainly puffed up by his fleshly mind, 19 and not holding fast to the Head, from whom all the body, nourished and knit together by joints and ligaments, grows with the increase that is from God.

Paul writes here of the importance of Christ as the head, and not letting these distractions drive us to lose focus on Him.

In the first part of this passage, it state to not let anyone judge you. This is merely stating to not let other opinion sway you in your focus of God. Continue to focus on the Lord, for He is the head of the church, the body of Christ.

Father God, blessed is Your name. I honor you and give you glory. Let me not lose focus on You and the plans that You have for me. I pray for the people that I will encounter, and to be used to connect with others and connect others to You. Let your will be done, Lord. I pray this in Your Holy and Mighty name.
Amen.

The Gospel Is Powerful In And Of Itself

2010-04-26T19:30:00.003-10:00

Col 1:3-6
3We always thank God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, when we pray for you, 4because we have heard of your faith in Christ Jesus and of the love you have for all the saints— 5the faith and love that spring from the hope that is stored up for you in heaven and that you have already heard about in the word of truth, the gospel 6that has come to you. All over the world this gospel is bearing fruit and growing, just as it has been doing among you since the day you heard it and understood God's grace in all its truth.

Paul is revealing the glory of the gospel, and how simple, yet amazing it is to receive it in faith.

The gospel is so great. What Jesus did and the receiving of that through faith is a miracle. So wonderful. It needs no introduction, it needs no help in declaring its glory, it is truth and perfect as is. It will continue growing and bearing fruit. I don't need to stress over it.

Father God, You are so awesome. You deserve all the glory. Your words that are spoken through your gospel is so extraordinary. It is in and of itself glorified through all things. This passage just reveals the glory that you have spoken, and to declare it as grace in all its truth. I thank you for your words, for your good news, for the gospel that grows through the world and that it may be fruitful. Allow it to be fruitful through me, not that it needs me, but that I may do you the honor through grace. Holy be your name, Lord. I pray this in Jesus name.
Amen.

God Opens Up So We Can Have Relationship

2010-04-18T18:16:00.002-10:00

Exodus 40:34-35
34 Then the cloud covered the Tent of Meeting, and the glory of the LORD filled the tabernacle. 35 Moses could not enter the Tent of Meeting because the cloud had settled upon it, and the glory of the LORD filled the tabernacle.

The people of Israel had finished building the tabernacle that the Lord and Moses had instructed them. They put it all together and suddenly the Lord came as a cloud and filled it.

Imagine this awe struck scene, as everything is put into place, and the thickness of God's glory as seen as a cloud, comes and covers everything. I would think that God's presence is so dense, that you can't enter it. This God scene is related to the Old Testament and that of the hidden curtain. As Jesus came and died and rose again, we are open up to our relationship to God through Christ Jesus, and now he does not need to come as a think cloud that we can't see through, but as the Holy Spirit as something we can relate to and communicate to.

Father God, Abba Father, You are the Holy and anointed one. You blessed and are blessed and be blessed. I pray that Your glory be known and be shown through all the people. I pray that You be lifted up High. Let your glory not be so dense like the cloud that can't be seen through, but through the glory of Christ Jesus that is so magnificent and glorious, that we are able to commune with You. Thank you so much for how much you love me. I give you all the glory in Your mighty name.
Amen.

Be Blessed And Work For The Lord

2010-04-12T20:26:00.002-10:00

Exodus 39:42-43
42 The Israelites had done all the work just as the LORD had commanded Moses. 43 Moses inspected the work and saw that they had done it just as the LORD had commanded. So Moses blessed them.

Here, the Israelites finished building the Tent of Meeting and everything that God had told them to build. Everything was done, down to the very task.

The people must be very proud to have completed all these things that God had instructed them to build. God gave them all very specific instructions, and they had completed all of it. Moses in the end blessed them. It is a blessing to do the work of the Lord.

Sometimes it is hard to appreciate the work that God has presented to us. It may feel difficult during the task and burdensome going through it, but in the end, God will bless us. There will be a feeling of accomplishment and of joy.

Father God, I thank you for this passage that you have spoken to me about. I know that these words are words of encouragement. I praise your name for all that You have blessed me with, even the work that you set before me. I ask that I may work with a joyful heart and a healthy spirit. I give you all the glory in Jesus name.
Amen.

Wanting Nothing More Than God

2010-04-08T10:10:00.002-10:00

Exodus 38:24
24 The total amount of the gold from the wave offering used for all the work on the sanctuary was 29 talents and 730 shekels, according to the sanctuary shekel.

Wow, the amount of gold recorded here weighs more than one ton used in the making of the sanctuary.

Imagine all that gold in one place. Something like this would likely make someone want to covet it and steal it. I know if all that gold was in front of me, I would have a hard time wanting some of it. God provides so abundantly, that people didn't really want to steal from God. They feared and revered the Lord, and gave abundantly.

Father, I pray that you be so glorified just like how You were when You had your sanctuary made. I pray that nothing in the world would make me want to steal from You, but to give you all that you deserve. You are some awesome and I thank you so much. I pray this in Jesus name.
Amen.

The Best Of All These Things

2010-04-07T10:35:00.002-10:00

Exodus 37:1-9
1 Bezalel made the ark of acacia wood—two and a half cubits long, a cubit and a half wide, and a cubit and a half high. 2 He overlaid it with pure gold, both inside and out, and made a gold molding around it. 3 He cast four gold rings for it and fastened them to its four feet, with two rings on one side and two rings on the other. 4 Then he made poles of acacia wood and overlaid them with gold. 5 And he inserted the poles into the rings on the sides of the ark to carry it.

6 He made the atonement cover of pure gold—two and a half cubits long and a cubit and a half wide. 7 Then he made two cherubim out of hammered gold at the ends of the cover. 8 He made one cherub on one end and the second cherub on the other; at the two ends he made them of one piece with the cover. 9 The cherubim had their wings spread upward, overshadowing the cover with them. The cherubim faced each other, looking toward the cover.

It is recorded here how they made the ark of the covenant. It was lavished with fine gold and created with very nice wood. It was decorated and created with splendor.

God spent nothing less than the best to create all these different items. They had pure gold, fine cloths, nice wood, all of the best. All the best for the Lord. Is our lives all the best for the Lord as well?

Father God, I thank you for who You are. You are the God of this Universe and You love me. I want to give You the best in my life. You have given me all things and I want to show my appreciation by giving You my best. I want to give you the best in my talents, my time, my energy, my finances, my works. Lord, You deserve it. I want to thank You for all these things in Jesus Mighty name.
Amen.

Giving With A Grateful Heart

2010-04-06T19:51:00.002-10:00

Exodus 36:6-7
6 Then Moses gave an order and they sent this word throughout the camp: "No man or woman is to make anything else as an offering for the sanctuary." And so the people were restrained from bringing more, 7 because what they already had was more than enough to do all the work.

God had blessed the people and inspired the people to give to build the sanctuary that Moses and the Israelite were building. They were giving so much to God, that it was more than enough.

Imagine the mentality that the people had when giving to God. What if I had that same mentality and gave without thinking of self needs, but trusting and knowing that God will provide every need that I have.

Lord, I want to thank you so much for blessing me and providing more than enough for me. You are such an awesome God, more abundant, more Salvation, more than enough. Change my mentality to be less self needing, but to allow You to speak into my life and give with a grateful heart. I thank you so much for favor. I give you all the honor and glory in Jesus name.
Amen.

It's OK To Not Have Every Gift

2010-03-29T10:52:00.003-10:00

Exodus 35:30-35
30 Then Moses said to the Israelites, "See, the LORD has chosen Bezalel son of Uri, the son of Hur, of the tribe of Judah, 31 and he has filled him with the Spirit of God, with skill, ability and knowledge in all kinds of crafts- 32 to make artistic designs for work in gold, silver and bronze, 33 to cut and set stones, to work in wood and to engage in all kinds of artistic craftsmanship. 34 And he has given both him and Oholiab son of Ahisamach, of the tribe of Dan, the ability to teach others. 35 He has filled them with skill to do all kinds of work as craftsmen, designers, embroiderers in blue, purple and scarlet yarn and fine linen, and weavers—all of them master craftsmen and designers.

God gave these men skill and knowledge to be creative and to create creative crafts and items to give to the Lord. These men were the best and, through the Spirit, was able to lead others to give to God in this way.

When reading through this passage, it hit me that God gives good gifts to people for specific things. And although I am not very creative and I suck and making crafts and designing art and stuff, I don't have to be. I don't have the gift of creativity and craftsmanship, but that's OK.

Thank You Father, because You are good. You love me so much, and I realized that it's OK not to have every gift in the world. You have set me apart and have plans for me and through those plans I know that You will be glorified. I pray for the gifts that I DO need, so that I may do all the good works in Christ Jesus. Give me strength and be with me Lord. I need You. I pray this in Jesus name.
Amen.

Can't Contain God's Glory

2010-03-27T16:23:00.002-10:00

Exodus 34:33-35
33 When Moses finished speaking to them, he put a veil over his face. 34 But whenever he entered the LORD's presence to speak with him, he removed the veil until he came out. And when he came out and told the Israelites what he had been commanded, 35 they saw that his face was radiant. Then Moses would put the veil back over his face until he went in to speak with the LORD.

When Moses went up to speak with God, he would come back down reflecting the glory from his face. The people would see this, and Moses would put a veil around his face so that the people could not be able to see the glory shine.

Unlike the old covenant with Christ, we are able, and we are wanting to see God's glory. It is our desire to allow God be gloried. We don't want to have Him be concealed behind a veil, and that's why the veil was torn, but to allow Christ as Lord be gloried.

Father God, I want to glory You because You deserve all of the glory. I pray that You be known in all things. I pray that You not be contained, because who can contain You, but that You let your glory shine so that all can see. I want to desire that glory that it may shine through me. Give me strength Lord. I pray for your strength. I need You. I pray this in Jesus name.
Amen.

Can't Contain The Glory Of The Lord

2010-03-23T17:24:00.002-10:00

Exodus 33:18-20
18 Then Moses said, "Now show me your glory."

19 And the LORD said, "I will cause all my goodness to pass in front of you, and I will proclaim my name, the LORD, in your presence. I will have mercy on whom I will have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I will have compassion. 20 But," he said, "you cannot see my face, for no one may see me and live."

Here, Moses asks God to show himself in a tangle form so that he may know God. God then shows him a form, but not His entirety, since that would be too much.

We can not contain what God is. We can not put a form to His image. He is beyond what we can understand and what we can know. God is great. Doing so really degrades the true nature of the Lord.

Father God, I honor You and I worship You. You are so awesome. Your glory is so great. There is none that can contain who You are. I pray that Your glory not be contained, but that You may be known. Let Your Holy Spirit reign. I thank you for all that You have done. You are so great. You have shown me favor and have blessed me. This attests even further of How great You are. I give you all the honor and glory and praise in Jesus Mighty name.
Amen.

Faith That Doesn't Need To See

2010-03-21T18:58:00.002-10:00

Exodus 32:1-6
1 When the people saw that Moses was so long in coming down from the mountain, they gathered around Aaron and said, "Come, make us gods who will go before us. As for this fellow Moses who brought us up out of Egypt, we don't know what has happened to him."

2 Aaron answered them, "Take off the gold earrings that your wives, your sons and your daughters are wearing, and bring them to me." 3 So all the people took off their earrings and brought them to Aaron. 4 He took what they handed him and made it into an idol cast in the shape of a calf, fashioning it with a tool. Then they said, "These are your gods, O Israel, who brought you up out of Egypt."

5 When Aaron saw this, he built an altar in front of the calf and announced, "Tomorrow there will be a festival to the LORD." 6 So the next day the people rose early and sacrificed burnt offerings and presented fellowship offerings. Afterward they sat down to eat and drink and got up to indulge in revelry.

When the Israelites saw that Moses had gone up the mountain and was gone for such a long time, they lost faith in God and Moses, so they needed to have something tangible to worship, so they had Aaron make an idol for them.

O ye of little faith. It takes so little to lose faith in God. Things like not being able to see things. Sight is the foremost of our faith when we see things, but we need to put our faith in Christ who we can not see.

Father God I pray for faith that goes beyond seeing. Allow me to have more faith in You. You have put me through many trials and tasks, but I believe that You are with me. You have plans for me and I put my faith in You. Allow me to continue to step each step in faith in You. I give you all the glory in Jesus name.
Amen.

A Lasting Relationship With God

2010-03-18T16:25:00.002-10:00

Exodus 31:14-17
14 " 'Observe the Sabbath, because it is holy to you. Anyone who desecrates it must be put to death; whoever does any work on that day must be cut off from his people. 15 For six days, work is to be done, but the seventh day is a Sabbath of rest, holy to the LORD. Whoever does any work on the Sabbath day must be put to death. 16 The Israelites are to observe the Sabbath, celebrating it for the generations to come as a lasting covenant. 17 It will be a sign between me and the Israelites forever, for in six days the LORD made the heavens and the earth, and on the seventh day he abstained from work and rested.' "

God gave the Israelites the law to observe the sabbath, to not do any work on that day, to rest in remembrance and as a lasting ordinance of their relationship with the Lord.

The rhema that i had from reading this passage is that no other god has a relationship with His people than God alone. He even has a relationship where He wants us to rest from work. That is so awesome!

Father God, You are so awesome. You are the great and mighty one who created all things and set us apart from all creation. You are amazing. You have a lasting relationship with me and all men. You have set things in place to keep that relationship. I pray that I may keep my relationship with you so close. I pray that Your Holy Spirit help me in doing so. I love You and pray this in Jesus name.
Amen.

These Rules Give God Glory

2010-03-15T16:40:00.002-10:00

Exodus 30:30-33
30 "Anoint Aaron and his sons and consecrate them so they may serve me as priests. 31 Say to the Israelites, 'This is to be my sacred anointing oil for the generations to come. 32 Do not pour it on men's bodies and do not make any oil with the same formula. It is sacred, and you are to consider it sacred. 33 Whoever makes perfume like it and whoever puts it on anyone other than a priest must be cut off from his people.' "

Here, God is speaking to Moses to make a special kind of anointing oil to be used to anoint the holy places and the priest.

When I read this passage, and this example of using the special oil only for the priests, I was thinking why so harsh and why so strict with the rules. But, I realized through the Holy Spirit that these are laws given to the people of the time as a way for them to follow and obey in worship to Him.

Father God, I pray that Your words may not return void. Allow your awesome words to speak life into me. I pray for your anointing, that You may bless me and bless those around me. Use me for Your purpose. Even with laws and rules, allow these things to be used to give you glory. I pray this in Jesus name.
Amen.

To Know He Is God

2010-03-12T18:38:00.002-10:00

Exodus 29:44-46
44 "So I will consecrate the Tent of Meeting and the altar and will consecrate Aaron and his sons to serve me as priests. 45 Then I will dwell among the Israelites and be their God. 46 They will know that I am the LORD their God, who brought them out of Egypt so that I might dwell among them. I am the LORD their God.

God gave Moses and the Israelites all these instructions on how to make sacrifices, how to prepare for things, what to do here and there. All this is in representation of consecrating themselves and the offerings to the Lord.

It says here that we will know that He is God. A lot of times we go through our own motions and we forget to realize why we do what we do. Do we hear Him, do we Know that He is Lord. I need to remember that He is my God, and that I know that in all that I do.

Father God, I thank you for who You are. You are my God, the great and mighty King of kings and Lord of lords. I give you all the glory. Allow me to remember You in all that I do. I want to praise you. In Jesus name I pray.
Amen.

Being Distinguished For The Lord

2010-03-11T18:01:00.002-10:00

Exodus 28:2-3
2 Make sacred garments for your brother Aaron, to give him dignity and honor. 3 Tell all the skilled men to whom I have given wisdom in such matters that they are to make garments for Aaron, for his consecration, so he may serve me as priest.

God told Moses to make clothes, special clothing for Aaron the priest to wear. These clothes not only distinguished Aaron and the priests, but also separated them to honor the Lord.

Just like priests wearing special clothing to distinguish themselves, I think to myself if I am distinguished for the Lord? What kind of things distinguish me from everyone else. Is it just clothes, no, I think it's the Christ like faith and character that God has instilled in me.

Father God, I thank you so much for who You are and that You are so Holy. I honor you, and I do so through my life. Allow your glory to be shown through me. Let me "wear" You, so that You may be glorified. I pray that You give me courage and strength through the Holy Spirit. I pray this in the name of Jesus.
Amen.

An Obedience To The Lord

2010-03-08T21:05:00.003-10:00

Exodus 27:20-21
20 "Command the Israelites to bring you clear oil of pressed olives for the light so that the lamps may be kept burning. 21 In the Tent of Meeting, outside the curtain that is in front of the Testimony, Aaron and his sons are to keep the lamps burning before the LORD from evening till morning. This is to be a lasting ordinance among the Israelites for the generations to come.

The Lord commanded Moses to have lights burning and shining in front of the Tent of Meeting all night long.

This is another custom and tradition that was passed down from God to follow, and even though it may mean very little, it represents the obedience and the presence of the Lord in this holy place.

Father God, I thank you for all the awesome blessings that you have given to me. You are so great and You are so awesome. You gave me the ability to do these works. I thank you so much. I pray for obedience, that I may follow You. Allow me to focus on You and to remember You. I ask that Your Holy Spirit give me strength. I pray this in Jesus name.
Amen.

Set Aside For God

2010-03-05T20:22:00.002-10:00

Exodus 26:33
33 Hang the curtain from the clasps and place the ark of the Testimony behind the curtain. The curtain will separate the Holy Place from the Most Holy Place.

The curtain here separated these two areas that was set before God as holy and everything else. This was later then broken in half when Jesus died on the cross for us, so that we may be able to come to Him.

God still wants us to separate ourselves and be holy. In this way, we can consecrate ourselves for the glory of God. I need to separate myself from the world, and be holy through Christ Jesus.

Father God, I pray for your awesome and Holy and wonderful anointing to come down and fill this place. I want to be giving you glory. I pray that I may separate myself to being righteous. I can only do this with your help, so I pray for your Holy Spirit, Lord. In Jesus name, that Your name be glorified.
Amen.

A Heart To Give

2010-03-04T09:53:00.002-10:00

Exodus 25:1-9
1-9 God spoke to Moses: "Tell the Israelites that they are to set aside offerings for me. Receive the offerings from everyone who is willing to give. These are the offerings I want you to receive from them: gold, silver, bronze; blue, purple, and scarlet material; fine linen; goats' hair; tanned rams' skins; dolphin skins; acacia wood; lamp oil; spices for anointing oils and for fragrant incense; onyx stones and other stones for setting in the Ephod and the Breastpiece. Let them construct a Sanctuary for me so that I can live among them. You are to construct it following the plans I've given you, the design for The Dwelling and the design for all its furnishings.

God spoke to Moses to ask the people to bring offerings and to build Him a place where he can dwell among the people.

I like how God showed here asking all who are willing to give. Then, He specified the different items to be used to make the sanctuary. When you ask something, one would not seem sure about receiving because people may or may not do so accordingly, but God asked and proceeded to go on trusting in us to be willing to give to Him.

Father God, you love me so much, and you trust in me and it shows it here in this passage. I know that You have great plans for me and want the best for me. I pray for more of you. I ask that my heart be changed from the inside out to be more giving, to have more to give, to have a heart to give, and to glorify you in all things. I pray this in Jesus mighty name.
Amen.

Not Letting Your Worries Get The Best Of You

2010-03-01T19:13:00.002-10:00

Exodus 24:15-18
15 When Moses went up on the mountain, the cloud covered it, 16 and the glory of the LORD settled on Mount Sinai. For six days the cloud covered the mountain, and on the seventh day the LORD called to Moses from within the cloud. 17 To the Israelites the glory of the LORD looked like a consuming fire on top of the mountain. 18 Then Moses entered the cloud as he went on up the mountain. And he stayed on the mountain forty days and forty nights.

This is an account of when God calls Moses up the mountain to receive the ten commandments. Moses went up there and stayed there for a very long time, more than forty days and forty nights.

It says in the beginning of this passage that the Lord called Moses on the seventh day, meaning Moses was waiting up there for seven days. I would probably be anxious and worried and lots of emotions and thoughts would run through my head. In this situation, God gave Moses patients and to just focus on Him.

Father God, you are so good. This is a great reminder of who You are and the glory that you deserve. This passage shows me that I need to have patients and to wait on You, to trust you in all that I do. Allow me not to be anxious and to have worrying thoughts run wild, but to keep my focus on You and to trust You, because you have set a path for me. Thank you Jesus. I pray this in Your mighty name.
Amen.

Swayed By Words Of Men

2010-02-28T20:46:00.002-10:00

Exodus 23:2-3
2 "Do not follow the crowd in doing wrong. When you give testimony in a lawsuit, do not pervert justice by siding with the crowd, 3 and do not show favoritism to a poor man in his lawsuit.

These are laws that were given to Moses and the people of Israel from God. These laws were to guide the people and to have them follow it. One of these laws was to be honest and not give into the peer pressure.

So often we are swayed by the opinions and thoughts of what others think of us. We are so consumed by judgment and pressure, that we fail to focus our attention on the One who matters.

Father God, I pray for these words to bring rhema to my life. I pray for your Holy Spirit to speak to me and to guide me. Let me not be swayed by the words of men, but to focus on You. I pray for honesty and Your discernment. Thank you for being with me and blessing me. I give you honor and praise and glory in Jesus name.
Amen.

A Culture Changed By God

2010-02-27T09:35:00.002-10:00

Exodus 22:16
16 "If a man seduces a virgin who is not pledged to be married and sleeps with her, he must pay the bride-price, and she shall be his wife. 17 If her father absolutely refuses to give her to him, he must still pay the bride-price for virgins.

As part of the law, a man should have to pay the father fines and take the daughter in marriage as the father sees fit. This was in accordance with the law.

Imagine how it would be like in these days where, if we sleep with ones who are not our wife, we would HAVE TO marry them and take them as your bride. If people see things in a different light, one that the Lord has planned for us, we may not do the things we do today. People would not sleep around. They would certainly know the consequences of the law.

Father, You are awesome and perfect. Your love for your people so so exceedingly abundant. I pray for your people, and I pray for the spirit that has overtaken our culture that we are not committed to one another, but instead we sleep around and not take account for our own actions. I pray for a spirit of commitment and a culture that see's things through Your eyes. I pray that You may be glorified in Jesus name.
Amen.

God's Laws As Guidance

2010-02-24T15:01:00.002-10:00

Exodus 21:1
1 "These are the laws you are to set before them:

In this passage, God speaks to Moses and lets the people know what the laws are in terms for marriage, and murder, and servant hood, among other things.

Although it seems like these are all outdated, God mentioned these laws as a guidance to our living in accordance with what He wants. Although the law is good, it is not everything, and more importantly to follow God's spiritual guidance.

Father God, I thank you for your laws and I pray for an understanding that You have given to your people to follow these laws. I pray even more for spiritual laws, and to follow You in these things as well. I ask that You give me guidance. Allow me to hear from You. I pray for your word to speak mightily. You are so great, Lord. I pray this in Jesus name.
Amen.