Think about ways to give God honor

We have been given another beautiful day. What do you have inside of you, to present honor to our Father God? Think of ways you can give honor to Him. Let's give honor to Him in Praise.

Heavenly Father,

We give you honor because you are our Father God, you are our Holy Heavenly Father who never fails us. You are Eternal and faithful, we will always have you. You are Almighty; for you are everywhere,  there isn't anything that you do not see, and cannot do. You are the Father of Lights, one breath and all darkness becomes exposed. One breath and you give us the insight we need to understand you better as we draw closer to you. It is you who is our Fortress, for you send guardians all around us to safe keep your plans and people. You are the Holy One of Israel! You are the Great I AM, Jehovah, Judge, our Living God, Lord of Hosts, Lord of Lords of the Most High! We give you honor! We Praise you Father! This morning, we empty out our hearts to refill it with your love. We choose to empty any self conceived presumptions and philosophical data  that we have gathered in our minds and refill it all up with your LOVE! We know that when we love one another, we honor you!  We choose to put down anything that would come between us giving you honor in our lives and we shout: "Your will Lord and your way!"  We LOVE you Lord!

In Jesus
amen

Prayer to Open up Your Day

Here it comes! Light! Beautiful glorious LIGHT and all by the Father of Lights! Think about all the goodness that is happening in one single hour! Think about how our Father hears your deepest longings! Sees your inner desires and listens to the requests from your heart. Rejoice this morning! Do not allow anyone or anything to rob you from the JOY He has given to you! Can you still jump? Then jump with JOY and expect good things to come into your life! Think it, believe it and expect it.

Heavenly Father,

You are truly the God who is the Father of Lights. You expose things in our hearts and in our lives, that we still need to deal with. Thank you Father. Thank you for giving us insight and we ask for the wisdom on how to put off anything that is hindering us from drawing closer to you.
We thank you for continually answering our prayers and working behind the scenes working in other's lives, even upon our behalf.
Above all, show us how we can glorify you in our hearts, our minds and meditations. Show us how we can increase your strength and power in your kingdom and magnify your name.
Thank you Lord
amen

"Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows" James 1:17

Prayer for Closing the Day

The day is closing and it has been a victorious day! Men can brag over their mighty accomplishments, but only God can give a sunset like this!

Thank you Father for your precious Holy Spirit! Thank you for revealing your love for us in such tender gentle wondrous moments. Truly you are our Holy Father! Truly you breathe upon those who only wish to magnify and glorify your name. How can we honestly describe your love? We lift up your banner that says King of Kings! We love you Father! We rejoice in You and You only!

Oh Father, I ask that those who yearn to know you, would be touched by your children's love. Draw them in and let them see that you are real and that is where the real living begins. Woo them Father, court them, just like you did me.

We love you Lord! amen

Things Money Cannot Buy

Money cannot buy:

1. Contentedness. 

This means being thankful, happy and satisfied with your lot in life. The things you have, the people in your life. Where you are and who you are. The Bible calls this a gift from God.

2. A hand-written journal or diary by you.

No one will ever be able to take your place in this life and this means; that they cannot write the things in your heart for you. Though we can leave them material things and hand down our prized possessions, why not consider pieces of your heart that will be handed down throughout generations?. Your heart will continue to touch theirs. Yup! They will say; mom was quite a gal in her day! Another thing they would say: "I didn't know she did that!"

3. Love.
Unless you feel that tug of chemistry inside of your heart, there isn't any amount of money, cars or jewelry that will make it flip flop. I have been told “you can always grow to love a person.” That maybe so; however, only to a degree; but not in the full way it was intended.

4. Happiness.

Money can help ease the strain of debt and lighten your load. But, what about next month? Today, if you became a multimillionaire, you would have many “friends” at your doorstep practically overnight. In your heart you would know your friends only want what you have and are not interested in you personally. If money brought happiness; many famous people would still be alive today instead dying before their time.

5. Rain and Sunshine.

Think about it. If money could buy rain, I am sure there would be plenty of places in the world that would beg, borrow or steal the money for their country to get a normal, natural down pour to grow the crops needed and fill up their wells.

6. Healing

Things happen. We use, herbs, minerals, vitamins and try to eat good but our body changes. We reap what others sow and end up getting sick. The Dr gives us medications that science says "will cure the ailment." In the end, we know that it is only God who heals! He may use all of the above if he wishes, but in the end; it is one breath that touches the root of the problem and by our faith we are healed.

7. Salvation

There isn't any amount of money that God would accept to save your soul. He doesn't need the money, but simply wants your heart. In God's eyes, everything is a heart thing. He sees every hurt, every little stain and all those things we wrestle with on a day to day basis. The only thing He asks of you is to call upon Him and surrender your life. Once you make this decision, He will take you the rest of the way. He continues to tell us over and over how He will never forsake us or leave us.

With every paycheck, there are bills to pay, groceries and gas to buy. Then, you have the unexpected heavy duty handouts that almost make you faint at times.
Money is the ways and means to run our economy, but not to be cherished, hoarded or idolized. Should we do these things we’d soon realize that whatever we have, will never be enough.
Money is to be respected, used wisely and given to others in need generously. One of the biggest ways to get out of depression is to: get your eyes off of yourself and start doing things for other people. If they need food and you have it, give them some. If they are trying to make ends meet and are behind in their bills and you have the capability to help them out; go and help them financially asking nothing in return.
We are living in a very self centered, angry world and one of the reasons is because all people can think about is themselves. This wasn't the way God had intended when He created man. When we take the time to care for one another; we will find ourselves in the center of His will.

Prayer:
Heavenly Father,
Forgive our selfish hearts. We ask that you would open up our eyes to those who are in need and give us the opportunity and ability to help them. Show us what they need. We ask that you would continue to transform our minds into your son’s mind. We ask for a deeper understanding, more contentment, and insight to move past the nitpicky small things that we allowed in our past to hinder our walk. Forgive us.
Thank you for your never ending faithfulness and hope. Thank you for giving us our faith. We give you all the glory today and honor you and your word in everything we do; in your strength and power in Jesus..amen.

Answers from your prayer

Heavenly Father,

Today we put down any fear, any doubt and any misgivings that is standing in the way of your will for our lives. We trample upon the enemy who willfully lies to us and says "we can't." We can do all things in Christ who gives us the strength to follow through! By faith, we can speak or write when we feel that we have nothing. By faith we can love when we feel we are empty inside. By faith we can see good in others and expect victory in an habitation of evil that appears in the natural; to be getting worse. By faith we stir up our gifts and give them away. By faith we draw closer to Jesus who knew us before the foundation of the world. By faith we choose to believe and trust in Him in all things.

Thank you Lord...amen

If you haven't seen this clip, you should; because these are our boys.

We need to keep praying for our boys!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AgS5MGcOABE

We have the armor of light

I love light! Not the blinding kind that we experience in Drs offices, but the warm sunshine that is felt in the sand, under my toes. When I look closely at the sand in my hand, I see the brilliancy of light! I see millions of small diamonds sparkling back at me. I am reminded how Abraham's children will be as many as the sand upon the shore. We are his children, part of the illuminating particles bathing in His light.

Heavenly Father,

We choose to keep your armor of light circled around us. By choice we dismantle any darkness of words, actions or engagements in our lives. We put down all fretting, worrying or doubt. We put on faith, trust and hope.. We make a choice to honor each other and uphold them in the same love that you have given to us. Thank you Father and we pray in your son's name Jesus. amen.

What would we do without God's Mercy?

Mercy is better than good. Mercy can say no and breathe light into your soul where there was once darkness. Although we become without excuse, we look before us and see God's love who reaches back and hands us mercy.

Heavenly Father,

Thank you for your mercy. I do not like to even think where I would be without your mercy. I want to thank you for reading our hearts, for knowing us better than we do ourselves, for caring and listening to every worry; when we wrestle not to worry! Forgive us for that! We place all of our cares into your hands, all of our frets and regrets and we refuse to take them back. We depend totally upon you to guide and direct our ways and we will continue to lean upon your loving mercy.

In Jesus
amen

Learn to See God's Hand in your LIfe

Everytime I walk the beach, I become completely overwhelmed with God's love. He is such a magnificent Master Artist everything that He touches reflects a purity that we see but cannot match. His love reflects His power and that is what moves the mountains in our lives. Yes, by our faith.

Heavenly Father,
There are days when it is hard to put into words to say thank you Lord for the beauty you have given to us. Thank you for thinking of every little thing that lines up with the other, all for our good and your glory! It is hard to imagine such love that still takes the time keep the atom intact, one that brings in one wave right after the next upon your seashore; that feeds the sandpipers and the crabs. Is there anything that you haven't thought of? Your caring hand is everywhere we look. We see the greatness of your love in men's hearts through the Body of Believers. We do not deserve such love, but you presented us with your present of GRACE. Thank you Father for your goodness, your rich love, for hearing us, for healing us and for setting us free in your Son.

In Jesus amen 

Lets pray

Heavenly Father,

Thank you for your presence, your love and your faithfulness. Thank you for your Holy Spirit that continually feeds our spirit and soul. Thank you for giving us the faith we need to believe for whatever we ask, knowing you have heard and that we already have it. Thank you for this present. Thank you for your truth. Thank you for filling up our life with your love. You have taught us to look past what offends us and to see your will and hand in all of our situations. Because of you, all of our needs are met above everything we expect. We give you all the praise and glory. In your son Jesus we pray..amen

Brokenness

 Toiling in the garden, hoeing and digging up weeds is just up my alley. I love the challenge of transplanting a bush or plant that molds into the colorful design my mind has created. While I am clipping and pruning I cannot help but notice the mixed barrage of odors the shrubbery releases into the atmosphere. One single clip can bring forth a massive amount of challenges for your olfactory skills.

Plants have a way of communicating to us that isn’t too distant from the way we ourselves relate. When they are thriving they bloom and usually smell sweet while waving about in the sunshine. When they are clipped, they seem to rebel while giving off an offensive odor as mentioned previously. Some have said that this is the way the plant cries in relation to the crime. Others have said that the odor itself destroys other plants so many feet away. When the plant such as roses are cut and placed in water, then left by itself, sooner or later the roses become stagnant and give off the stench of death. Yet, roses love to be pruned so they can produce more blossoms. They also gobble up food as quickly as it is given. The rewards can be obvious when we count the numerous buds on one single bush.

Being totally broken is a humbling experience, even in the plant world.  I once had a Pastor friend who I admired and always said: “I never trust a man who doesn’t have a limp.”  I second that!  Many of us can easily say that because we have that storehouse of memories. We find that most of our negative reactions that we are discontent with today can be because of the selfish decisions of yesterday.  

God draws near to the broken and crushed because it is that time when we are open to receive His truth. We cannot truly be humble unless we are broken. Before a stick is broken, it bends. Only then, are we able to look up. Sometimes, a door has to be broken and beat down in order to get inside of the house. For such a time when our wound is open, our ears are open and our spirit is open and we can feel disoriented with emotional pain and the sensitivity of the damage to our souls become heightened. I believe The Holy Spirit opens up our eyes and allows us to see just how far we have fallen. Alike the plant, we give an odor as we cry out from within.

Being broken to tears has many scientific health benefits.  When we weep over our heartbreak many things begin to happen in our body, such as the release of those valiant hero’s called “endorphins” that go after the toxins in our body.  Yes, we are purged and cleansed just by our sorrow and grief.

http://www.drjudithorloff.com/Free-Articles/The-Health-Benefits-of-Tears_copy.htm

http://www.pbs.org/thisemotionallife/blogs/7-good-reasons-cry-your-eyes-out

http://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/emotional-freedom/201007/the-health-benefits-tears

When our eyes tear up and physically cleanse us, we can see better.  We see the depth of our actions because we chose to humble ourselves. We chose to be honest in our heart and admit our wrong or perhaps staying in an area of our life that continues to depress and degrade the life we live. We stop lying to ourselves.  When we do this, we are at last; honest with God.

God honors broken vessels!  There are many plants that I snip off and push the stalks right back into the soil where they take root and grow. But, first they must be broken in order to force themselves to take root, be strong and know what they must do!  Yes, even the plant world is broken to be strong.

Without the scars we would not understand the battleground.

Two verses:

The Lord is close to those who are of a broken heart, and saves such as are crushed with sorrow for sin and are humbly and thoroughly penitent.  Psalms 34:18 amp

My sacrifice [the sacrifice acceptable] to God is a broken spirit; a broken and a contrite heart [broken down with sorrow for sin  and humbly and thoroughly penitent] such , O God, You will not despise.  Psalms 51:17 amp

Whatever your need, when we sincerely humble ourselves before God, we experience a divine encounter.  God our Father draws near to you and listens. He hears your heart.  He sees your pain and all the wounds that are involved. He sees the people involved and all their hurts. There isn’t anything that is not uncovered in His presence. The closer you begin to draw to Him, the nearer He comes to you. Your honesty becomes a threshold of truth that will open many doors in your life; doors of forgiveness, healing and much joy.  The joy will create strength; strength to forgive that will free your spirit and you will receive your much desired healing by faith.

Where you once never danced in the Lord, you will twirl! You will sing from your soul as your spirit links with The Holy Spirits. Little do you realize that a choir of angels stand alongside you;  celebrating  your humble heart,  as the handwriting of ordinances that were held against you have been totally blotted out!

Being humbly broken can mean:

1. I was wrong and that God was right.

2. It can be admittance that there is a God after all and that Jesus is Lord.

3. It can mean that your way was not the right way after all.

4. It means a decision.

5.  A surrender.

I appreciated the way a well known Apologetic  Dr. Ravi Zacharias described brokenness.  As I can remember he was saying:

“Have you ever heard Physicians talk about a clean break in the bone? When this happens, given time and properly attended; the bone will knit perfectly back in alignment. A clean break aptly describes the separation from God because of sin. Yet, this clean break can be knit back in perfect alignment once again when perfect attendance is ministered.”  

Today, right where you are at; The Holy Spirit is blowing upon your heart and saying: “Come back child, to that which you know is truth. Give yourself to me this day and I will take you the rest of the way.”

Pray:

Heavenly Father,

Forgive me. I realize that I have made such a mess of my life. I need You and do not know how to pray or what to do. Please forgive me my sins [confess your sins] . I want to be born-again, a new person in Christ.  Show me and help me Lord to walk the straight path. I need to know how to love. Give me strength, I need your strength. Open up my eyes so I can see your truth. Set me free. Send me your messengers to help me grow. I believe and accept that Jesus is Lord. Direct my ways. I choose to walk by faith and not by sight. I choose to trust you with everything that is inside of me. Thank you Lord.  amen.

If you have prayed that prayer, please buy a Bible so you can begin reading and studying. Find a good Bible believing Church to meet those who have walked through this same porthole you just walked through. There are no shortcuts to glory. Jesus said He is the way, the truth and the life…no one comes to the Father except through Him.

God Bless You

Pray for the Body of Christ

I am going to climb into the picture that I have posted and walk in the snow for awhile.

Pray with me?

Heavenly Father,

We praise your name and call you the Holy one of Israel! Blessed is your name. We are thankful we can freely come to you. We ask that you would forgive us for taking things for granted. Thank you for your love that you have so lovingly given to us and our loved ones. Forgive us. Thank you for your mercy that comes to us every new morning. We ask that you would remove all stains from our hearts that we are not aware of and we thank you for that.

We lift up your precious Body of Christ Lord. We ask that your Holy Spirit would touch those who agree with this prayer. We ask that you would intervene where they need healing. You said that healing is ours and that if we pray believing that it is done, it is done. We thank you ahead of time. Comfort those who need consoling and refill them with the faith they need to get through this time of testing. Strengthen your people Lord. Make ready your army to be a bold beautiful Bride that is fearless and one who stands upon your Word in any situation that comes up. We thank you Father for preparing us for this day. Thank you Father for giving us your sword and knowing your angels are all around us and are going before us and making the way.

Thank you for giving us this day! A beautiful day! Thank you for the rain!

In your son we pray..amen

Pray by faith

If we aren't careful, we will step into the season to reason ourselves into a worry caused by assuming. What if this happens or that?

But, what did Jesus say?

"Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own." Matthew 6:34 Also read Mark 11:24, 25

Whatever we pray for we must believe that we have received it, and that it will be ours. Can we believe that our request is already done? Start thanking our Father today and expect to see it in the physical. Expect every minute and hour every day to see the outcome of our prayer. Look for it! Walk around the corner and seek it! Talk to people and listen! Read the word! Speak the word and pray the word! Watch for the entrance of your answer! Things always happen in the spiritual realm first before they are manifested in the physical.

Heavenly Father,

Thank you for your promises. We thank you how we can request our deepest desires to you and then know you have answered. We ask, you listen and hear our hearts and nod. Thank you for giving us this faith and for showing us the right way to walk. We choose to follow you above all. We choose to trust in you, your guidance and direction in our lives. Thank you for always listening, always being right here and never leaving us. Thank you for your great love. In Jesus we pray,

Pray for Israel

We pray for the Peace of Jerusalem. We pray for completeness. We pray that peace would be on Israel! Shalom aleikhem! 
We lift up the nation of Israel today and ask that your angels would continue to guard that nation from the east, west, north and south. We ask Oh Father that you would keep your people completely safe. Watch over them, continue to give them your wisdom to do this. I ask that we would heed what their rulers say during this time and follow through upon their instructions. Open up eyes that need to be opened and ears that cannot hear. Thank you for speaking to your people. Thank you Father..in your son's Jesus we pray.

Be thankful and be strong

Hold fast the faith that has been given to you! You are stronger than you think!

Prayer:

Heavenly Father,

Thank you for the freedom of being able to pray to you at anytime, even here on the internet. This morning we thank you for insight, for opening up our eyes continually so we an see the other side, the purpose of your actions. We thank you for strengthening us in those weak spots in our lives.

I ask for continual safety for those who read this and agree with me; for their families and their friends. Keep them sharp and alert while they drive back and forth. Help them renew their minds in your love, your strength and your wisdom. We ask that you would bring the auto-recall in their minds upon the things they have studied, to know what to say and make the right decision in you. We ask that you would place your ideas of blessings in these hearts, so they will be able to bless you and give you glory.

Thank you Lord,
amen

Small praise prayer

Praise prayer

Heavenly Father we praise you because you are the only one true God. We praise you because you first loved us before we even knew you. We praise you because you are holy and we give you honor. We give you praise because you are the only one that is worthy to be praised. We lift up your name in our hearts, our soul, our minds and in our spirits. We praise you and love you Lord. We say, "I will bless the Lord with all my soul, with all my heart and with all my mind. Everything within us will bless the Lord and give praise to him! As we go out and come back in we sing "glory to your name Oh Lord."
Selah

Can you accept correction?

“For whom the Lord loved He correcteth; even as a father the son in whom he delighteth.” Proverbs 3:12”

“Every branch in me that beareth not fruit he taketh away: and every branch that beareth fruit, he purgeth it, that it may bring forth more fruit. John 15:2

The exciting thing about receiving correction is that it is all for our benefit. Every time we accept a word regarding improvement, God gives the nod; opens the door and we are blessed; because we chose to follow it through and be obedient. We are blessed because we accept the correction from our Father. Faith accepts in love. Doubt accepts fear. One keeps you moving, the other will keep you paralyzed.

Nations are corrected but few accept this honor. Being corrected is an honor because when you are corrected you know that God our Father is still moving upon your behalf. Are you listening America? We are as a young spoiled brat unwilling to admit; we will do anything to continue to do things in our way instead of God’s way.  Even dogs are corrected and are blessed. If a nation has become so prideful and spoiled and will not humble itself;  God will humble that nation.

Whether you are young or older, there will always be words of correction given to you. Be open to hear what the Holy Spirit is saying in your life.  Every time we accept His truth, we draw nearer to God's light and see His will clearer.

Morning Prayer:

Precious Heavenly Father,

Thank you for sending those that can see things that we cannot see and hear things that we cannot hear. Thank you for your correction’s today. We thank you for your continual divine link that you have given to your people. You are always here. We can call upon you at any time and know without any doubt; you are listening. We thank you for your deep love and for hearing all of our prayers. We thank you for direction. We thank you that it is your will for us to be in that place of rest and trust in you in every area of our lives. Thank you for the honor of being corrected in every area of our lives. Keep us tightly in the palm of your hands. We speak to our souls this morning and say “Bless the Lord oh my soul and all that is within us! We bless your Holy Name.” Amen. 

We get pictures of the Kingdom of God

I was walking on the beach about a week ago, or was it two weeks ago? Time seems to chase us in some kind of vengeful pursuit from week to week. The sun was shining and the sand was warm and I was thinking once again upon the goodness of God.

Just ahead was the most beautiful Blue Heron standing by the seashore. I have no doubt he was looking for his breakfast. Tall and stately, I would have to pass by him and thought about his options as I neared.  I figured he could fly at me, fly away, walk away or stay put. I prayed he would choose the latter. As I approached him and had the thrill of only being about 3 feet away from him, I marveled over his beauty and his bravery. When I slowly walked about 10 feet away I wanted to jump up and shout with excitement over what had happened. Once again I had the good pleasure of experiencing the goodness of God and His coming kingdom right here on earth.

The heron knew I was there, but he must have sensed I would do him no harm. Can you imagine a world where you will always be able to walk by these gentle giants without them flying away? A place where cats play with squirrels and a dog befriend deer and a small child able to play with a snake? We are given the reality of the new world coming to the earth. Could it be compared to a musical? Our hearts sing. It is easy to continually see the dark side, as we are bombarded with bad news daily.  Why not concentrate on the lighter side? The side that warms your heart and draws you closer to God.  Jesus is Lord!

The seventh angel sounded his trumpet, and there were loud voices in heaven, which said: "The kingdom of the world has become the kingdom of our Lord and of his Messiah, and he will reign for ever and ever." Re. 11:15

Cash, Slow computers and Weak coffee.

Cash and dawdling computers can be as hectic and frustrating as weak coffee. I feel hopeless. Am I entranced in a trance? Did I eat the wrong thing?  I am obsessive with saving some of my dearest life’s treasures inside the pages of books or neatly folded into little boxes and then, securing them into a safe place. Never to be found again! Gone!  Where’d they go? As I gaze upon our bookshelves I wonder, what book was it? Better yet, what did I save?   

I refuse to spend the money to get a new computer when this one only takes a couple of hours to warm up.  I can have that cup of weak coffee while I am waiting, right? Maybe the water was too weak. Maybe the water was watered down.  Hey! We are starting the day out good! If weak coffee insults your brain cells, I have nothing to lose.

Outside of all that, I’ve discovered that everyone is looking for the real deal of a lifetime to stretch the dollar. This happened to me! One bright sunny dandy day I was at the right time at the right place! I was ecstatic, this was my day!  This was back in the time before people stopped wearing slips and panty hose. I boldly walked into a factory and bought 12 pairs of panty hose for only a dollar! I was so jubilant I felt the earth had shifted on its axis.  Next Sunday I had one of my prized panty hose on in church and while shaking hands and smiling; I felt a pop in the mesh of the hose, then another pop and another then felt the material widen over my legs.  This was a happy day! What are you going to say in church, but continue to sing; all is well?  

My real deal wasn’t so real after all.

But isn’t that the way life is? We think something is real, but we learn that “nothing is ever as it seems.”  That includes the pot of coffee.

Through it all:  

“For thou wilt light my candle; the Lord my God will enlighten my darkness.” Ps.18:28

We are walking Miracles

I can always tell when it is a full moon, because I toss and turn all night long. During this time, I drag myself up; look at the clock and leap back in bed. Yes I really do leap.  I am an early riser, but draw the line at 3:30! I can get up at 4:30 because I justify it by thinking; “well, it is really 5:30 because of the time change and that means it is almost 6:00. The lines of justifying and stretching the truth can be like a rubber band during a full moon. Like some kind of magic wand the moon light once again sprinkles its hypnotic rays into my bedroom. I lay wide awake with eyes closed, hoping that sleep will overtake me.  My cat Funstable re-snuggles into his comfort zone once again and I begin to replay the past,  dive into the present and reason the future. I pray a little bit and my thoughts lean towards those who are walking in faith and are speaking to the mountains in their lives to be removed.

Every person I know is struggling with something.

In the present I think, “I will sleep by faith!”  But the mysterious Luna activity swirls about the room like a phantom, landing inside of my head. Then, I think; “I will get up and write!” Now, I begin to argue with myself. On it goes.    

We get God’s attention when we step out in faith, even when we fall flat, on our noses.  Although your obedience may not be seen in the physical yet, your actions will be rewarded in His timing; not ours. Listen!  I can almost hear our Father say: “See there! That’s my boy!  That’s my girl!”  We may have stepped out and crashed but our Father honored our obedience, love and faith in Him and smiled and even applauded!  

Think about it for just a minute. When you accepted Jesus as your Savior there was a big celebration because your name was written in the Lamb’s Book of Life.

Be that walking inspiration that can bring hope in the hearts of those around you. Run to encourage! Run to pray for those that hurt! Run to bless! Run to love! Run to give! Be that faith-walking celebration of your yesterdays, today and tomorrow. We are walking miracles!

“But without faith: it is impossible to please Him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek Him.” He. 11:6

Look behind the hello's

I believe we are given, incredible power in our lives when we purposefully look behind the thin layer of "hello's" and see the goodness of God working in the lives around us.

Would you like to pray with me this morning?

Heavenly Father,

We are so thankful you have given us choices: To see goodness or not so good. We can build strong houses or unstable houses. We can cast our cares upon you or we can keep them in our hearts and continue to fret. We can hand pick what we want to believe and live our lives in your love or we can choose to listen to other voices. We can put you first in faith or we can fight it with doubt. We can choose to hear what you say or we can close the book. Because of you, we can choose to live a life of love instead of fear. We ask that you would forgive our hearts of any doubt, any unbelief, wrong words, wrong motives, selfishness, pride, ego, and most important any love that we do not give away. Point us in the directions of those who need your love and give us the understanding and know how to scatter it in ways that will bring glory to you.
Thank you Father, in Your Son.
amen

Your gift is special

As I see it, all colors are neutral. I have yet to see a wrong colored flower that does not go with the adjoining blooms on other plants. The Creator’s hand knew what He was doing when he designed all those gorgeous colors.  Even though we have been hand selected and are privileged to live in this eye candy colored world, the majority of the population chooses to retreat into Sahara beige when they go inside their homes. Beige sofas, walls, curtains, carpets and even beige colored ceramic tile. We get excited when we accessorize with brown, wine or even turquoise.   

Masses of unobtrusive beige and gray cars seem to remind us that we are unable to express ourselves by color.  Inexpensive tones of white, gray, black and beige paint allows their companies to make more money from us, yet; these colors are more dangerous on the highway because they are less likely to be seen. 

Why do we feel we have to be like everyone else, when the truth is; we are not?  Take two flowers of the same kind; they both grow up together side by side. When you closely examine them, you realize that although they both came from the same seeds, no two is completely identical. 

That is the way it is with us.

Not one of us is common place, but unique and original. Yes, they really did throw away the mold when they created you. 

Think about the gifts that God has given to you. Now, think about the one gift that is the strongest gateway to your heart.  Every time you are obedient and use that gift, you are touching a soul. Because we are a people who tend to label everything and measure importance by size, it could be easy to mistakenly think: “the only thing I am good at is being a mother, or all I can do right is clean my home, I get along with animals, I garden well and on it goes. “  

Let’s take a look at those comments:

Gifting as a mother means that you are raising godly troopers that will grow up to carry others over the finish line. This also means that they may never know just how many people they affect for Christ. I hope you are seeing this most important godly link in your life.

Gifting towards animals means that you understand them supernaturally; when they communicate; you know what they are saying.  Because of this, you understand their moods and if they feel sick. Due to natural understanding, training is easy.

Gifting as cleaning means that this has become easy for you, as you know where to begin, what to throw out, have a place for everything and will know the exact time you complete your job.

Gifting with gardening is understanding the soil, the different plants, seeds and knowing when a plant is unhappy and why. This type of gardening involves an unusual empathy as the gardener delights to see the bees pollinating, the herbs growing and making sure everything is run in the natural way that God intended. Happy plants mean happy and  healthy people.

Not everyone has these gifts.

Not everyone can teach, preach, play drums or blow a saxophone, trumpet or flute. One has the grace of a swan and is a ballerina. The other is fixing pipes in the basement so when she dances; it won’t flood. Which is most important?

We all work together.

The only gift that is above ours is the gift that God gave us of Grace for our salvation. Find your Bible and read Ephesians chapter 2.

No matter what your gifting is, you are admired for it. In fact, people will identify you according to your gifting. Do you love color? Wear it with a big splashy sloppy smile!  

I challenge you today to step out of your safety net and accessorize with beige! J

Be that city!

What is it about November that I love! I seem to be able to meditate better. That is, before I moved back to the sunny south. Gray dismal days with damp leaves squeaking at every step. So much beauty! So gray, yet so beautiful. A time to kick back and think about the greatness of what God our Creator has given to us.

Do you realize just how blessed we really are?

The things in our lives that seem so big, are really small and the small things we ignore are big things waiting to happen so we can be a blessing to those around us.

I was visiting with a good friend today and she is a very strong believer and had her job for a little over 20 years and the "powers that be" are trying to push her out of her job in a very nasty way. She is an excellent worker, faithful, devoted and professional. She was crying as she confided in me.

My response was:

Darkness never could get along with light, because light exposes. Darkness has an assignment, just like light. She is part of their assignment. We all have assignments while we are living in this life time. She is to remember that it is all a spiritual problem.

As the old saying goes "hold your friends close and your enemies closer."

Those that are serious about the Lord will always have an enemy. Mt. 10:22

I prayed for exposure. That all the deeds of this darkness would be exposed publicly. (political situation)

We are indeed light, like the city upon a hill that cannot be hid.

Be that city!

Good News

http://www.charismamag.com/spirit/evangelism-missions/14442-when-musiims-see-jesus

Why Revival is Exploding Among Muslims

Thousands of Muslims are converting to Christianity after reportedly encountering Jesus in dreams or visions. Charisma digs deeper into this global phenomenon.It started with a dream. In A.D. 610, a man named Muhammad retreated alone to a

CHARISMAMAG.COM|BY AUDREY LEE

Stir up your faith

Good Morning Friends,

When I see the squeeze from the enemy forces begin to close in around us I read Psalm 91. Stir up your faith and try to encourage those around you. Pray for the church, that their faith will not fail them. Pray for our nation and pray for Israel!

Here is a prayer for this am..

Heavenly Father,

We are thankful we know without a doubt we can call you The Holy One. We can bow before you and say thank you for your deep love, for always being with us and putting your angels guard over us.

We stir up the faith that you have given to us this morning, we deliberately choose to stand upon your truth and depend upon your leading, not our own. We trust upon you with everything we ask to hear your voice clearer. Speak in ways for each of us to know your voice. Guard Israel Father, watch over that Holy city. We ask that all enemies would see the miraculous movement of your arm upon that land and upon our land. Touch our families and draw them closer to you Father. Keep them safe, give us all wisdom and put a clamp on our mouths as we continue to learn when to speak up and when to remain silent.

We ask in Jesus amen.

God is not done with me yet

I do not always have the right thing to say! I definitely came from the earth, the mire and it isn't just a "positive" that I was born again; it was a miracle! I haven't been perfected except only the Holy Spirit that dwells in me...that is it!

I do not want to come across as a religiously-nut-judging person. I believe I give only what the Holy Spirit gives me. I won't judge men's hearts. I can only say one other thing: I am so thankful that, I am a work in progress. God is not done with me yet.

A few questions for you all

I am curious and I have a few questions for all of the free thinkers out there. Please humor me a little bit. 


If you lost everything tomorrow, whose arms would you run into to make it ok? And, does this person know how much you mean to them? When was the last time you told them? 

Do I have any willing people out there that will participate ?

Light

"When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, "I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have light." John 8:12

His light is your light. Your light is within, yet can be seen everywhere. Where there is light, there is love and forgiveness that embraces the next mile that you must walk.

Heavenly Father,

We thank you for always being there, never leaving us and always directing us. We ask that your light would abound that darkness would not be able to stay. Light up the world Father, with your truth and love. Bring those closer to the light and set them free from their old habits, old ways and from themselves. Thank you Father, amen. 

My Friend, My Comforter, My Teacher!

The Magnificence and Glorification of the Holy Spirit

“Jesus answered, If a person (really) loves Me, he will keep My word – obey My teachings; and My Father will love him, and We will come to him and make Our home (abode, special dwelling place) with him. Anyone who does not [really] love Me does not observe and obey My teaching. And the teaching which you hear and heed is not Mine, but [comes] from the Father Who sent me. I have told you these things while I am still with you. But the Comforter (Counselor, Helper, Intercessor, Advocate, Strengthener, Standby), the Holy Spirit, Whom the Father will send in My name [in My place, to represent Me and act on My behalf], He will teach you all things. And He will cause you to recall – will remind you of, bring to your remembrance – everything I have told you. “  John 14:23-26 amp.

Give Him Honor and Praise!

Every time I think about the Holy Spirit I cannot help but smile because He is my friend. He stirs up my heart and gives me an indescribable joy. The precious Holy Spirit is more real than anything we can see, touch or taste and it is He who Comforts us when we are in pain. He leads us where we should go and what we should do every single day when we first acknowledge His Spirit of Truth before the day begins. The Holy Spirit breathes upon a longing soul that seeks help and awakens a troubled heart. The Holy Spirit represents and presents Agape Love that we have never before experienced in our lifetime.

The incredible impact of such a Holy Agape Love has always defined the sacrificial blood of Jesus Christ, as a profound singular assignment; hand ordered, dispatched and commissioned by God the Father throughout the ages and this one single obedient execution, has delivered millions of men and women from the pits of hell.

This is why The Holy Spirit is my friend. He is the Spirit of Truth and teaches me all things I need to learn. He speaks and I listen. He has restored my soul and renewed my life. By His Love and Grace I have been made whole. You can be too.

Time is short. There are possibilities that some of us may someday be restricted from posting these truths on the internet in the future. I urge you not to waste anymore time in your life. You can know this same Jesus as your Savior too.  Jesus said that anyone who believes in Him will be saved. We are saved by faith. Take one step toward God and He promises to take you the rest of the way.

Please pray:

Heavenly Father,

I choose to believe that your son Jesus is Lord. I believe that He laid His life down willingly in obedience, so that we would have forgiveness and a new life. (confess your sins). I repent and I ask to be born-again. Come into my life Oh, Holy Spirit and teach me, lead me and guide me in your way. In your son Jesus I ask. Amen.

Now, go to a good Christian bookstore and buy a Bible or used consignment stores always have used Bibles. Please start at the book of John. Find a good Bible believing church and make some new friends. Prayers will be going with you! 

A Prayer for Strength

We lift up your name Father and choose to honor you this morning. You are a Holy God. One who created the stars, the heavens and all of the Universes. It is because of you that a small seed reaches upward and out of the earth towards the Light. Your Light Father. Thank you for Your Holy Spirit that shines your truth on all those seeking hearts.

We thank you for your strength. You told us that those who hope in you will have renewed strength. You said that we can do everything in your strength. You said that our strength increases when we get weary, for we are learning that when we are weak; then we are strong. Thank you for your refuge and strength!

We know that your grace is more than sufficient, therefore; we lean on your Word and ask this morning that you would strengthen us according to your Word.  We ask that your strength inside of us be the example of faith and inspiration that others need to be drawn closer to you.

Thank you, Lord...amen

October 20,2014 prayer

Heavenly Father,

Thank you for another day. We thank for all your mercies and how they endure forever. We thank you for being our help in times of trouble. We thank you for always speaking to us, because you said that your sheep will know your voice. We thank you for your son Jesus Christ and adopting us into the branch. We thank you that we can gladly call Him King of Kings and Lord of Lords! And, we recognize we can say  "Aba Aba Father" by your Holy Spirit only; our comforter, peacemaker and friend.

We ask that your Holy Spirit would put creative ideas into the hearts of your people, so that we can reflect your ways, your love and your will all around us.

We choose to be bold. We choose to be strong. We choose you and by your Spirit we will not be turned to the left or to the right but keep focused upon your sanctifying grace that takes us one step at a time. Give us the understanding and wisdom we need Father to move in the faith, and complete the assignments you have given to us. Thank you Lord.

Persecution 2

19“If you were of the world, the world would love its own; but because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, because of this the world hates you. 20“Remember the word that I said to you, ‘A slave is not greater than his master.’ If they persecuted Me, they will also persecute you; if they kept My word, they will keep yours also. 21“But all these things they will do to you for My name’s sake, because they do not know the One who sent Me. 22“If I had not come and spoken to them, they would not have sin, but now they have no excuse for their sin. 23“He who hates Me hates My Father also. 24“If I had not done among them the works which no one else did, they would not have sin; but now they have both seen and hated Me and My Father as well. 25“But they have done this to fulfill the word that is written in their Law, ‘THEY HATED ME WITHOUT A CAUSE.’  John 15:19-25

We are living in a time when the majority of people actually do not know right from wrong. Acceptance and permissiveness is the order of the day.

Woe to those who call evil good and good evil, who put darkness for light and light for darkness, who put bitter for sweet and sweet for bitter. Is. 5:20

I will not sit in a home where the two year old rules the family and gets its own way by treating the parents with disrespect. The child will never respect the parents because of the permissiveness given to the child. I have heard parents say, “don’t do this junior; ok?”  They ask permission to correct or for the child to stop misbehaving and of course that never works. The child will keep rebelling, wanting the parents to care enough to sit on him if that is what it takes to correct him and when that still does not happen; he winds up in the hands of the law finally getting the correction and discipline he craved from the beginning.

Any Christian that points out these unhealthy traits to someone who cannot see what they are doing will be told off in no uncertain terms!  

Hollywood uses the by-words “not to judge.”  I do not believe in judging either, because I believe what people do is their business, to a point.

However, if you saw someone that was heading for a train wreck, would you care enough to warn him? I ask you, is it not a kindness to tell someone where they are going wrong and what they can do about it? I wish someone had cared enough to sit me down when I was foolish, young and brainless while sowing a bunch of wild oats to tell me I was headed in the wrong direction. It is a kindness to correct someone. That isn’t judgment but common sense to try to prevent another from destruction.

Jesus taught all of these values because he cared for those who he was speaking to. He saw where their hearts were leading them and said something about it. Because of that, he was persecuted and crucified.  

Today, we call that judging. In fact, if we say the slightest thing it is termed as judging.

Because of this, there are those who are ruining their lives because of the acceptance of perversities that are termed as normal. Should a Christian speak up, they are called to the carpet to be quiet, sued or be put in prison! 

That is persecution and it is only beginning.

Strong's Concordance

diógmos: persecution

Original Word: διωγμός, οῦ, ὁ
Part of Speech: Noun, Masculine
Transliteration: diógmos
Phonetic Spelling: (dee-ogue-mos')
Short Definition: persecution
Definition: chase, pursuit; persecution.

HELPS Word-studies

Cognate: 1375 diōgmós (from 1377 /diṓkō, "follow, pursue") – properly, pursuit (chase); persecution – literally, "the hunt to bring someone down like an animal," trying to suppress (punish) their convictions. See 1377 (diōkō).

1375 /diōgmós ("religious persecution") literally refers to those seeking to punish God's messengers with a vengeance – like ahunter trying to conquer (obliterate) someone as their "catch."

[1375 (diōgmós) is used in ancient and biblical Greek forpersecution (hostility) shown by confused, spiritual "leaders." For example, it applies to the Roman Emperor, Decius (ad 250-251). He killed thousands of Christians who refused tooffer sacrifices in his name.]

If I live in the forest, I will get used to all the trees around me and because of that I will not necessarily see how fast they grow. In fact, I may not even notice the ant hill between a few trees or some new shrubs over in the pasture; simply because I live there. I’ve gotten used to the familiarity of my surroundings in my comfort zone.

Could this be a similar effect of what is happening to some of us today? Since the world says that living together before marriage is alright and there are scores of movies about this lifestyle, it must be ok. In reality, doesn’t Hollywood have the final say in our nation? Have we not watched these movies and become accustomed to it, thus; giving our own stamp of approval, while staining our hearts at the same time?

And, if there are filthy words in the movie or nudity, if we watch a little bit; it won’t hurt us right? I thought we were supposed to guard what we put into our hearts because it is a wellspring of life.

But, if we speak against it, we get responses such as: “Grow up!  We are in the 2000’s now and anything goes! Besides, we have our rights.” Or, “don’t judge.”

What does the God of the Bible say?

“Or do you not know that wrongdoers will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: Neither the sexually immoral nor idolaters nor adulterers nor men who have sex with men.”

Flee from sexual immorality. All other sins a person commits are outside the body, but whoever sins sexually, sins against their own body. 1Co 6:9, 18.

I believe Christians are to stand up for the righteousness of Christ. The works of darkness stand up for their rights. This doesn’t mean we go around pointing fingers or casting stones.

I am simply quoting the Bible.

 1Brethren, even if anyone is caught in any trespass, you who are spiritual, restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness; each one looking to yourself, so that you too will not be tempted. 2Bear one another’s burdens, and thereby fulfill the law of Christ. Ga. 6:1,2

If we can help someone come back into the Body of Believers, in the spirit of gentleness we will have fulfilled the law of Christ. But, we are to help them, because we care and love them. We are to have compassion and empathy when we see a person that has been caught up in any kind of bondage. If of course, they want help.  We are to remember how far the Lord Himself has brought us out of the muddy pit.

Many Christians are persecuted, not because of their holiness but because of their religiosity. Some have a form of holiness but have never really been born again. The pride of that comes from their own self-righteousness will overpower any well meaning intentions.

In the end, everyone must examine themselves, our own hearts and where we honestly stand with the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. We must ask ourselves if we honestly believe in the shedding of the blood of Christ who was the perfect sacrifice, taking away our sins. Believers must ask themselves how much they believe and how would they respond if physical persecution upon the church happened right here in our own nation over night ?

Are you ready?

Will you care enough to warn others? Will you care enough to pull someone from the pit? Will you care enough to give answers to those who are thirsty?

But if the watchman sees the sword coming and does not blow the trumpet to warn the people and the sword comes and takes someone's life, that person's life will be taken because of their sin, but I will hold the watchman accountable for their blood.' Ezekiel 33:6

 I have tried not to think about that above verse, but we cannot take it away. I exhort those who have cared enough to read this, to speak up and be that trumpet blower. Our lives are like a simple blink of the eye. Today, you have been forewarned.

Choose who you will serve today.

Jesus Christ gave his life so that you could have one. He took your place upon the cross to set you free from the curse. There was a covenant of Grace given to all those who believe that He is Lord. His blood was shed for the remission of our sins. The Bible says that all have sinned and come short of the glory of God. Not one of us can come to the altar without the sprinkling of blood upon us. When we accept Jesus as Lord and Savior we have that blood sprinkled all over us! We confess our sins and repent and choose to be born again. Time is short. Jesus will be coming back and the Bible further says that every knee will bow and confess that Jesus is Lord. If we do not do it now, we will later and then, it will be too late.

Lets pray:

Heavenly Father,

Forgive me for my sins (name them). I am so sorry for running from you. I ask that your son Jesus would come into my life and make me a new person. I choose to repent and ask for your help. Steer me in the right direction and send me your people to guide me with my growth. Thank you Lord. Amen.