Renewal

Does it ever feel like there are times in your walk with Christ where you take 2 steps forward and then 1 step back?  Even as Christ followers we are human and fall back into old habits.  Satan is lurking and celebrating when we do.  I feel like when this happens the separation from the Lord seems pretty dramatic. I remember reading about this in the bible study I did this summer but didn't put much thought into at the time.  I have been living and breathing my life for Christ and make one slip up to find my self "alone".

We know that we never are abandoned by the Lord but with sin comes separation from him.  Our actions will put up a road block that keeps us from that connection.  This leaves you with an empty feeling.  I don't know about you but I really dislike feeling alone! I found myself on my knees before the Lord today begging for his presence in my life.  I was so intimately involved with Him that I took that for granted and stop seeking it.   When we stop seeking the Lord we will fall back into old patterns.  I found myself coveting earthly possessions & gossiping.  When we take these steps back we have to humble ourselves before the Lord and beg for his forgiveness! Yes BEG, even if he gives it graciously!  Lets take a look at the Word.

"'Even now', declares the Lord, 'return to me with all your heart, with fasting and weeping and mourning.'  Rend your heart and not your garments.  Return to the Lord your God, for he is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and abounding in love, and he relents from sending calamity."

                                            Joel 2:12-13

"If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness."               1 John 1:9

"Repent and be baptized , every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit."

                                           Acts 2:38

We must repent each and every day.  This is not just a one time deal.  The Lord knows your heart and your sins, confess to him and let him take that burden for you.  He has already paid the price and does not want us as his children to suffer.  As we pray for forgiveness and kick old habits to the curb it leaves and opening for the Lord to connect with you again.  

If you have never had an intimate relationship with the Lord I pray that you seek him out and start this journey with Him! He craves a relationship with you just as you do with him.  

My Prayer Today:  Most Precious Father, I am so grateful that welcome me with open arms even if I screw up and take a step back from you.  I miss our day to day interaction and desperately want that 

back.  Please continue to show me your desires for my life so that I may live according to your will.  Father I pray that you will stir the hearts of anyone that does not have a relationship with you.  I pray that they will run into your arms and bask in your presence.  I love you and am so grateful for everything that you have provided me in my life.  Please help me to be content in what I have so that I will not stumble and covet these earthly possessions that bring no glory to you.

"Teach me to do your will, for you are my God; may your good Spirit lead me on level ground."

                                           Psalm 143:10

Which Are You?

Jesus was known to speak in parables.  Even now when I read some of them I have to go back and try to understand what he is trying to tell us.  The Parable of the Sower is one that he explains clearly to us.

The Parable of the Sower  -  Luke 8:5-8

"A farmer went out to sow his seed.  As he was scattering seed, some fell along the path; it was trampled on, and the birds of the air ate it up.  Some fell on rock, and when it came up, the plants withered because they had no moisture.  Other seed fell among thorns, which grew up with it and choked the plants.  Still other seed fell on good soil.  It came up and yielded crop, a hundred times more that was sown."

Jesus gives us the meaning - Luke 8:11-15

"This is the meaning of the parable: The seed is the word of God.  Those along the path are the ones that hear, and the devil comes and takes away the word from their hearts, so that they may not believe and be saved.  Those on the rock ar the ones who receive the word with joy when they hear it, but they have no root.  They believe for a while, but in time and testing they fall away.  The seed that fell among thorns stands for those who hear, but as as they go on their way they are choked by life's worries, riches, and pleasures, and they do not mature.  But the seed on good soil stands for those with a noble and good heart, who hear the word, retain it, and by persevering produce a crop."

Where do you stand?  Do you hear and know how to act but choose not to?  Do you hear and accept the word as truth but forget what you have learned along the way?  Is your life controlled by the world so that you can't mature into the Christ Follower that the Lord desires?  Have you lost that burning desire to live your life for the Lord?

We all know people who "know" of the Lord but don't really "know" Him.  There are people in my life in this category.  I pray for them everyday! Pray that the Lord will remove the blindfold that satan has put on them.  These people are delicate because one wrong move and they will shut you out so fast.  They don't want to hear it.... because their hearts are hardened!   Continually pray for them.  Also pray for yourself! Pray that you will mature in your relationship with the Lord.   We need to stand firm in the Lord so that we can resist temptations and set a good example for non believers around us.

My Prayer Today:  Most Gracious Father help me to keep true to your word.  I want to live my life according to your will Father.  Continue to use me as your light in this dark world.  Father, I pray that you would soften those hearts that satan has turned hard.  I pray that you will use us to reach your lost children.  I pray that you would draw us close to you and give us direction in our lives.  Please open our eyes and hearts to anything in our life that is not pleasing to you. Set our hearts on fire for you Lord!  I love you and forever grateful for your grace, mercy, & Love!

Praise Him!

Often times we forget to praise the Lord in our prayers.  I wanted to do my blog on Righteousness today but I got so caught up is trying figure out what righteousness really means that I wanted to just give up! I was getting frustrated that God wasn't "helping me out".  I took a step back and went into the Word, besides that is where we are to go for answers.  Clearly Google was not helping me out!   To clear my mind I went to Psalms.  I like to start here first during my alone time with God.  I read Psalm 145 and was overcome.  This praise from David is so beautiful.  

When we spend time with God we are so busy begging him to meet our needs that we forget to just praise and worship Him.  Today is a day for Praise!  You might want to grab some tissue.  Well I had to make a mad dash for tissue after I read through and really thought about the words.  Mascara does burn you know! 

Psalm 145 - A psalm of praise.  Of David.

"I will exalt you, my God the King; I will praise your name for ever and ever.

Every day I will praise you and extol your name for ever and ever.

Great is the Lord and most worthy fo praise; his greatness no one can fathom.

One generation will commend your works to another; they will tell of your mighty acts.

They will speak of the glorious splendor of your majesty, and I will mediate on your wonderful works.

They will tell of the power of your awesome works, and I will proclaim your great deeds.

They will celebrate your abundant goodness and joyfully sing of your righteousness.

The Lord is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and rich in love.

The Lord is Good to all; he has compassion on all he has made.

All you have made will praise you, O Lord; your saints will extol you.

They will tell of the glory of your kingdom and speak of your might, so that all men may know of your     mighty acts and the glorious splendor of your kingdom.

Your kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and you dominion endures through all generations.

The Lord is faithful to all his promises and loving toward all he has made.

The Lord upholds all those who fall and lifts up all who are bowed down.

The eyes of all look to you, and you give them their food at the proper time.

You open your hand and satisfy the desires of every living thing.

The Lord is righteous in all his ways and loving toward all he has made.

The Lord is near to all who call on him in truth.

He fulfills the desires of those who fear him; he hears their cry and saves them.

The Lord watches over all who love him, but all the wicked he will destroy.

My mouth will speak praise of the Lord.

Let every creature praise his holy name for ever and ever."

American Dream

It is so easy to get caught up in the "American Dream".  Make as much money as possible and acquire as much stuff as possible.  I know that I am so guilty of this! I have to make a conscious effort to not be envious & jealous of others.  I have always struggled with not being satisfied with what I have been blessed with.  We need to stop and think about what the rest of the world has.  Some families only eat rice & beans one time a day if they are lucky! And we complain that our filet is not cooked perfectly.  Some children only have the clothes on their back, yet we spend $250 on one pair of jeans.

 I'm not saying you can't splurge every once in a while on that special occasion.  But is it really necessary to only buy designer?  At one time I would have thought... um yes! If I don't have that LV purse what will people think.  If the soles of my shoe are red they will really notice all the nice things I have! Who cares... let me rephrase that...it shouldn't matter what people think.  It should only matter what the Lord thinks!  I went through my closet and was pretty upset as I looked at my special shoes that have that fancy red sole.  I  thought about what that 1300 would have paid for.  I could have fed a child for a whole year if I would have donated that to the food pantry.  I have had to take a step back and really look at my life and what I treasure.  When I get to heaven and the Lord asks me what good I have done.  Wasting money on myself for things that don't last will not be at the top of my list.   Lets take a look at the Word.

"Do not store up yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal.  But store yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not break in and steal.  For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also."
                                               Matthew 6:19-21

"No one can serve two masters.  Either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other.  You cannot serve both God and Money."
                                              Matthew 6:24

"Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said, 'Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.'"
                                               Hebrews 13:5

"Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where christ is seated at the right hand of God.  Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.  For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God."
                                             Colossians 3:1-3

"Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward.  It is the Lord Christ you are serving."
                                             Colossians 3:23-24

It is pretty clear that the Lord does not value treasures of this world.  I am not saying that money is bad.  Money is good it is what feeds & clothes us.  But when everything in your life is centered around money, status, and stuff it becomes sin.  And sin keeps us from walking closely with the Lord. For many people earthly treasures have become idols that they put before that Lord!  I encourage you to take a step back and really look at your life and what you spend your money on.  Then look at what that extra money could really be used for that would bring the Lord joy! We are called to glorify the Lord in all that we do.  Are you?

My Prayer Today:  Most gracious Father.. I pray that you will open peoples eyes to those in need around us.  We are so "Me, Me, Me" centered that often cast your desires to the side Lord.  Help us to be more conscious of our choices and to treasure what is most important Father, YOU! Help us to let go of greed & envy so that we can cherish the things that really matter in life.  Help us to be a light in the dark world so we can glorify you in all that we do!  Thank you for loving me with my flaws and all  & for your most gracious mercy.
     

Compassion

When I try and picture the Lord and what I think he will be like the first things that come to mind are kind, gentle, loving & compassionate.  You always hear that you are supposed to compassionate.  But what does that really mean or look like? Basically compassion is a desire to free others from their suffering.   We are supposed to feel this for everyone.  Yes, even that person you think is "getting what they deserve" in life.  It's hard to let go sometimes and not want someone who has hurt us in some way to hurt too.  What is it people always talk about...KARMA.  News flash... we weren't put in this world to judge others or decide how they should be punished for something they did.  We are called to love them and have compassion for them.  

As I was reading through Matthew I kept coming across the words "he was filled with compassion".  Speaking of Jesus whom we are supposed to mirror in our lives.  I am so grateful that he was filled with compassion for us or we might have the "get out of hell free" card that he has given us.  If we can't stop thinking about ourselves for one minute how are we going to think about how we can help others? If the Lord had so much compassion for me that he was willing to die for me the least I can do is want the best for others, take a risk for others, or share His grace with others.  Lets take a look at the Word.

"Jesus went through all the towns and villages, teaching in their synagogues, preaching the good news of the kingdom and healing every disease and sickness.  When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd."

                                                 Matthew 9:35-36

"When Jesus landed and saw a large crowd, he had compassion on them and healed their sick."

                                                Matthew 14:14

"Jesus had compassion on them and touched their eyes.  Immediately they received their sight and followed him."

                                                Matthew 20:34

"A man with leprosy came to him and begged him on his knees. 'If you are willing, you can make me clean'.  Filled with compassion,  Jesus reached out his hand and touched the man. 'I am willing' he said. 'Be clean!'  Immediately the leprosy left him and he was cured."

                                                Mark 1:40-42

Time and time again Jesus was filled with compassion and he acted.  His compassion always led to an action.  How amazing would it be if we had his compassion for the world around us and acted on it?  I think the world change! I challenge you to be filled with compassion as our Lord & I challenge you to do something about it! You would be surprised how much your compassion will rub off on those around you.  

"Finally all of you, live in harmony with one another; be sympathetic, love as brothers, be compassionate and humble."                          1 Peter 3:8

My Prayer Today:  Heavenly Father I pray that you will open everyones hearts and eyes to those who are lost & hurting around us.  I pray that you will use us to change the way people view the world.  Let us be your light shining so brightly in this dark world. Let us feel the compassion that you are so familiar with Father.  I am so grateful that you had compassion on us and have given us another chance at life ... a life to live for you Father! 

Don't Give Up!

We all have times in our lives where it seems like nothing is going our way.  It usually isn't just one thing, it it is a ton of things all at once.  You know what they say: "When it rains it pours".  It is easy to get discouraged during these difficult times & it is much easier to throw in the towel and have a pity party.  We often wonder why me? Why now? What did I ever do to deserve this?  I don't have any of the answers to these questions but I do know where you can go to get peace about them  Lets take a look at the Word.

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

"Do not be afraid, Just believe."  Mark 5:36b

"Do not throw away your confidence; it will be richly rewarded.  You need to preserver so that when you have done the will of God, you will received what he has promised."
                                               Hebrews 10:35-36

"But those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength.  They will soar on wings like eagles;  they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint."
                                               Isaiah 40:31

"Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. "
                                              Romans 5:3-4

I know sometimes it seems impossible to remove yourself from a situation long enough to take a look at what is really going on.  Remove the emotions & just see the details.  You know how it is easy to look at somebody else's issues and see what needs to be done.  That's because you don't have all the other factors that they do surrounding the issue.  It's easy to say you WILL get through this or The Lord doesn't give you more than you can handle.

We need to work on less reacting and more seeking.  We choose how we react to a situation.  It can blow up and get out of hand or we can hand it over to God and let him work things out.  There is a reason that we must go through rough patches in our lives but we might not know the answers till me meet with the Lord one day.  

I can't think of a single hardship that I have overcome in my life that I didn't learn something! Can you?  It's just part of life! Sure some of us get it easier that others.  Stop complaining about it and seek the answers from the Lord.  It all comes back to: Let Go & Let God!   Get on your hands and knees and spend some quality time with the Lord.  He is the only one who will get you through. PERIOD.

My Prayer Today:  Heavenly Father, I have so many questions for you and wish that I had all the answers right now.  I know that I will have hardships in my life but I also know that you will be right there with me Father.  Help me to remember you during these times.  Help me to stay strong so that I will continue to praise You even when it feels like my life is falling apart. I Love You and am so grateful of your unconditional love for me Father.

Need Some Wisdom?

When I think of gaining wisdom the first picture that comes to mind is talking with an elderly person about things they have learned throughout life.  We often look back on our lives and think: Man I would have made different choices in my life if I knew then what I know now!  I think at any age you have some wisdom built up from your life experiences that you can share with others. I know I have had my share.  If anyone was going to learn the hard way it was going to be me.  Wouldn't it be nice if you could learn from other's mistakes? I mentored a girl once and tried to use my mistakes to guide her in life.  Epic Fail! Sometimes we have to fall flat on our faces to get the point.  Sadly I can't think of may times in my old life that I went to Lord for wisdom.  I thought I could handle it all on my own...also, epic fail! The Lord and the Word are there waiting for us to tap into the wisdom we all need for our lives.  Let's take a look at  some examples in the Word.

"For the Lord Gives skillful and Godly wisdom, from his mouth come knowledge and understanding."
                                                  Proverbs 2:6

"Get skillful and Godly wisdom, get understanding; do not forget and do not turn back from the words of my mouth."                           Proverbs 4:5

"He who leans on, trusts in, and is confident on his own mind and heart is a fool, but he who seeks in skillful and Godly wisdom shall be delivered."
                                                  Proverbs 23:4

"Those who are wise will shine like the brightness of the heavens."
                                                  Daniel 12:3

"If any of you is deficient in wisdom, let him ask of the giving God who gives to everyone liberally and ungrudgingly, without reproaching or fault finding, and it will be given."
                                                  James 1:5

We are all lacking wisdom in out lives. Everyday we have to make choices, some basic and some life altering.  Don't you want the confidence that you are making the right choice...God's choice?  All you have to do is ask.  He wants us to ask and he is more than willing to give you the answers.  Just to be clear he won't just tell you what you want to hear! The direction you receive might just make more questions.  But are you willing to accept His wisdom and follow His direction for your life?  I promise that if you do it will change your life & hopefully other lives around you!

I like to journal the old fashion kind... I keep it by my bed and a selection of pens to choose from. I am a pen addict! For some reason when I write down my prayer requests and questions to the Lord I can think more clearly and it opens my heart more.  After I spill my heart onto the pages I go to the Word and look for answers.  First I pray that the Lord will open my mind and heart to receive his message.  Then I dive in! I hope that you will try and seek out wisdom from the Lord for your life.

My Prayer Today:  Father you are all-knowing, everlasting, and full of wisdom.  I am so grateful that you have given us all another chance at the life you desire for us to have! Please fill me with your wisdom as I make choices in my life Father.  I want to be in your likeness and to that I must make choices that mirror you.  I pray that others will desire to live through your wisdom.  I can only imagine what the world would be like if we all were to seek out your advice before we made a move.  I love you and hope to glorify you in all that I do.  Use me to fulfill your will!