To Hide vs. Being Lost

07/28/05

It would have been better for them not to know the way of righteousness, than to have known it and then to turn their backs on the sacred command that was passed onto them.
2 peter 2:20-22

To hide is worse than beins lost; hiding means disobedience whereas being lost is an unawareness of the truth.

Choosing to hide is deliberately walking off the path that God has laid before me. I know the right path because I know the truth.

Lord, today is a day of change! Help me to come out of hiding Lord, I want to know and experience Your righteousness. Thank You for yet another chance. In Jesus' name. Amen.

In Control & Alert

07/26/05

Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.
1 Peter 5:8

The enemy lurks around, waiting for someone to slip up. I need to be alert and disciplined.

I need to take control of my actions and stay alert to opportunities that Satan may be waiting around a corner.

Lord, I will not be devoured. You have given me the power of self-control. Help me to stay in righteousness. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Letting Go

07/25/05

"Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past."
Isaiah 43:18

Don't hold onto things you cannot change.

Instead of focusing on painful things in the past, use them to turn things into a success in the present. I need to stop getting angry at the past and learn from it.

Lord, help me to move on. Help me to forget and not dwell. I can't do it without You - and I don't want to. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Loving God

07/18/05

...a rich store of salvation and wisdom and knowledge; the fear of the Lord is the key to this treasure.
Isaiah 33:6

Blessing and peace is not limited by our faith and reverence of God, but these things acquire the true treasures of the Lord.

I must get out of this complacency and reverence God as He deserves. By loving my family and friends, as well as my enemies; I in turn love God.

Thank You, Lord, for this revelation. I pray I would stay driven by this and allow You to fulfill the promises You've made. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Know & Act

04-08-05

See that you also excel in this grace of giving.
2 Corinthians 8:7

We give in our time of need. If we do not give, what right do we have to the church?

The amount I give to the church determines how much God can give me.

Lord, thank You for Your clever design of humbling Your servants. To receive is only attainable in our giving, even in our time of need. In Jesus' name. Amen.

No Regrets

04-07-05

Godly sorrow brings repentance that leads to salvation and leaves no regret, but worldly sorrow brings death.
2 Corinthians 7:10

To have sorrow for the sins we've committed is good. God sees repentance and is glad. Mourning because of evil is good; mourning the desires of evil brings death.

Because the past sins are gone, I can have Godly sorrow and no regrets. My desire is for Him alone.

Lord, thank You that the sins of my past are swept away. I celebrate because I am no longer that person. Thank You for You great works and for You love. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Surrogate Parents

04-06-05

Then Naomi took the child, laid him in her lap and cared for him.
Ruth 4:16

We are all "surrogate" parents to our children. We are to train them up in the knowledge of the Lord.

I am to raise Katlyn and my future children up in the Lord so that they may inherit Him kingdom.

Lord, I give you Katlyn daily and I will continue to do so. Be with me, Lord, and give me wisdom in this. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Purity Brings Righteousness

04-05-05

God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.
2 Corinthians 5:21

Through Christ's death we bring glory to God by displaying His righteousness.

Nothing I do will satisfy God more than bringing glory to His name by my faith and deeds.

Lord, I want my lifestyle to be determined by what gives You glory. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Eternal Living

04-04-05

So we fix our eyes, not on what is see, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.
2 Corinthians 4:18

God, our unseen, is our necessary focus.

Life is to be enjoyed but not lived for; focus needs to remain on Jesus Christ. Through Him there is peace in all things.

Lord, thank You for Your blueprint; Your Word is a wonderful guide full of laws to live by, lessons to learn and love to live for. You are most incredible. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Free From Distraction

04-03-05

Now the Lord is the Spirit, and wherethe Spriit of the Lord is, there is freedom.
2 Corinthians 3:17

With Jesus Christ we no longer live in bondage.

The moment I take my focus off of the Lord and put it on problmes, I increase the potential of becoming trapped in sin. Those who live with Jesus, live free.

Lord, thank You for Your opportunity of freedom. I pray You would help me to not get distracted from You. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Smarter Than Satan

04-02-05

In order that Satan might not outwit us. For we are not unaware of his schemes.
2 Corinthians 2:11

God has given us power and with that an awareness of Satan's schemes.

Satan can only outwit me if I allow that to happen. I was made smarter than him when I received power.

Lord, make the red flags obvious for me. Let me see what Satan's schemes are and what actions I am to take. i want to be pure for You, Lord. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Righteous Judge

04-01-05

And the heavens proclaim his righteousness, for God himself is judge.
Psalm 50:6

The judges of the world may disappoint us but in the end, they too will be judged.

My actions will be judged accordingly on the day that the Lord comes; not just the "evil" people.

Lord, thank You for Your righteous judgment. You are an awesome God! Amen!

Keeping Us For Himself

03-31-05

But God will redeem my life from the grave; he will surely take me to Himself.
Psalm 49:15

God saves us from the pits of Hell.

How can I mourn or live in sorrow because of the circumstances in my life with good news like that? I can't!

Thank You Lord, for all that You are; for redeeming me and keeping me; for loving me more than I could ever understand. In Jesus' name, may I bless You! Amen.

I Can!

03-14-05

So I say, live by the Spirit and you will not gratify the desires of the sinful nature.
Galatians 5:16-18

Those led by the Spirit will not sin.

I need to stop using the excuse "I can't." If I rely on the Spirit, I can!

Lord, bring this to my remembrance often. I have no excuse, simple as that. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Opportunity; not Obligation

03-03-05

"For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many."
Mark 10:45

We are to serve others.

I should take it as a blessing when I have the opportunity to serve others. It is my duty to serve and I should seek for more opportunities to do so.

Lord, give me more ways to serve, without wearing me out. I want to bless and be blessed. Help me to be who You want me to be. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Yes, I Believe!

03-02-05

"'If you can'?" said Jesus. "Everything is possible for him who believes." Immediately the boys father exclaimed, "I do believe; help me to overcome my unbelief!"
Mark 9:23-24

Jesus made blessings available to receive even for the man who doubted.

"Help me to overcome my unbelief!" I say this too. As Pastor Jeff said, I need to "Just believe."

Lord, help me to overcome my unbelief, my doubts, and the desire for proof, proof, proof. I believe, I believe, I BELIEVE! make everything available for me, Lord! In Jesus' name. Amen.

As Clear As Crystal

02-27-05

And he was amazed at their lack of faith.
Mark 6:6

It's almost as though Jesus is rolling His eyes at these men in disbelief. Even after the evidence He's given, they're lack of faith was incredible.

No wonder God won't perform miracles in my life that He has for me; He is so busy proving himself to me as He continually did with the Israelites.

Lord, I believe! I BELIEVE! I believe You are real, that You are mighty and that You take care of my needs and wants. Thank You, Lord! In Jesus' name. Amen.

Just Believe

02-26-05

Ignoring what they said, Jesus told the synagogue ruler, "Do not be afraid; just believe."
Mark 5:36

We are to believe that the darkness will become light, ant that Jesus will revive the life back into our hearts.

I am to believe that Jesus has taken the darkness from my life and replaced it with light. I am not longer to live in pain; I need to "just believe."

Lord, I trust that this rut I am in will end. I pray I would just believe; in Your grace and the life You've given me, a life worth sharing. In Jesus' name. Amen.

The Word in My Heart

02-25-05

Otheres... hear the Word and at once receive it with joy. But since they have no root, they last only a short time. When trouble or persecution comes because of the Word, they quickly fall away.
Mark 4:16-17

Those who have roots in the Word have a better fight against Satan.

I have the Word in me. I have roots. I do not need to fear Satan. I have the game plan and God as my coach. I need to hold onto the Word.

Lord, why do I struggle so much with this? I kow Your Word, Lord, Your promises and Your gifts! I pray I would stand on it! In Your precious and beautiful name. Amen.

Don't Presume; Pray

02-24-05

Nevertheless, in their presumption they went up toward the high hill country...
Numbers 12:44a

Instead of consulting God the Israelites presumed they knew what He wanted.

This passage goes to show that we will never succeed if we go our own way. We need to be in God's will and doing all He asks in order to not only give spiritually but in the delight of God's desires.

Lord, I pray that every decision that I make I would run it by You first. I pray that I would never go my own way but continue on the path You've laid before me. In Jesus' name. Amen.

God's Desire is My Desire

02-23-05

You have set our iniquities before you, our secret sins in the light of your presence.
Psalm 90:8

Although secret sins are well hidden from men, God brings them out of the shadows and sheds His light on them to show us that they are not hidden from Him.

I need to stop fearing what man will think or say, but instead determine my actions aroudn the pleasure of God.

Lord, forgive me for pleasing man and not You. You are worht so much more than what I've been giving You. I want the desire of my heart to be the same as Yours rather than fearing the sins I've committed and men in reference to them. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Your Face is All I Seek

02-22-05

My heart says of you, "Seek his face!" Your face, Lord, I will seek.
Psalm 27:8

David lived for the glory of the Lord. His cry was to see God's face. Only those who have died can see the face of God, what a wonder it must be.

I want to follow hard after God, knowing that someday, in God's plan, I get to see His face. What a great day that will be.

Lord, thank You for this opportunity to know You today. I wait in excitement for the day I get to know You completely. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Stand Firm in Christ

02-16-05

"You sit there to judge me according to the law, yet you yourself violate the law by commanding that I be struck!" ...Paul replied,"Brothers, I did not realize that he was the high priest; for it is written: 'Do not speak evil about the ruler of your people."
Acts 23:3b-5

Paul, persecuted before a judge, stood up for God and his law, in time humbling himself to apologize for disrespect.

Even in beatings or verbal attacks we are to stand our ground. The Bible does not say we are to be doormats. We must remember to be humble and repent when we do wrong.

Lord, give me courage to stand firm on Your laws: speaking forth truth. Humble me when I disrespect and help me to not be defensive. In Jesus' name. Amen.

There's No Shame

02-15-05

Do not let me be put to shame, nor let my enemies triumph over me. [Those] whose hope is in You will [never ] be put to shame.
Psalm 25:2-3

God covers us so that we have no shame in our failings. In Him we remain triumphant!

I do not need to fret or be ashamed of my past. The sins committed do not have to win. In God there is triumph against temptation.

Praise You Lord! Thank You for the way out. Thank You for taking away the shame of my past. Thank You for making me triumphant. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Living Without Fear

02-14-05

...they urged Paul not to go... we and the people pleaded with Paul not to go... the brothers received us warmly... the people came running from all directiosn. Siezing Paul they dragged him from the temple and immediately the gates were shut.
Acts 21:4b-30

Paul gave everything in the name of Jesus, even knowing the harm to come.

Our faithfulness comes from a love, trust, and sacrificial relationship with God. We are to be willing to fight for the cause of Christ even to our death.

Lord, I don't want to have fear over Your will for my life. I want to say the truth freely without hesitation and without fear of what may come. Protect me, Lord. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Holiness is What I Long For

02-13-05

I am the LORD, who makes them holy.
Leviticus 21:23b

We are not only given an example to live by, loving God makes us holy.

When Jesus died, the potential to become holy became attainable. He not only saved us, He made us holy.

Thank You Lord! You are holy and righteous. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Whom Shall I Fear?

02-12-05

One day the evil sprit answered them, "Jesus I know, and I know about Paul, but who are you?"
Acts 19:15

Jesus and Christians are known of in the spirit realm. They are the only one's the enemy fears.

By the Holy Spirit we're given authority and power over the enemy. They know of us by name. Whom shall I fear?

Thank You Lord for the weapons and armor that You give us to take on the enemy. You are great! In Jesus' name. Amen.

Truth & Life

02-11-05

[he proved] from the scriptures that Jesus was the Christ.
Acts 18:28 (paraphrased)

Paul didn't explaim the possibilities of Jesus being Christ, he proved that He was the Christ.

The Bible is truth; not a belief or an opinion. It's the truth and is life itself.

Thank You Lord, for Your Word and its teachings. Thank You that in You there is no confusion. I pray You would continue to give me understanding. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Consumed With Ignorance

02-10-05

In the past God has overlooked such ignorance, but now he commands all people everywhere to repent.
Acts 17:30

The little leeway God gave us before Jesus when we committed sin was taken away because we now have no excuse for continuing to sin and living in ignorance.

I have no excuse to sin. Jesus came to inform us and show us how to live. I am not longer consumed with ignorance.

Lord, I pray again, that no sin would rule over me. Remind me, Lord, of how I am to live and prepare for You kingdom. Show me You ways, in Jesus' name. Amen.

An Example to Live By

02-09-05

"therefore be holy, because I am holy."
Leviticus 11:45b

God gave us Jesus as an example of holiness and we are to strive to live as He did.

I pray again, "Let no sin rule over me!" I want to be holy and bring joy to the Lord and glorify His name!

Lord, I love Your law, make it clear to me Father! I live only to please You, in Jesus' name. Amen.

No Distinction

02-08-05

He made no distinction between us and them, for he purified our hearts by faith.
Acts 15:9

Until Jesus came the Gentiles did not have a chance. God purified their hearts by faith that they would use His power for the good of the Lord.

What an awesome blessing! No matter who we are, our bloodline or gender, He wants me; he wants all of us, just the way we are.

Use me Lord! In every way I would benefit Your great plan, use me. In Jesus' precious name. Amen.

I Walk By Faith

02-07-05

"Stand up on your feet!" At that, the man jumped up and began to walk.
Acts 14:10b

Faith that Jesus can heal us is all we need for it to happen.

I have faith in the power of Jesus to heal all pain, disabilities, anger, and bitterness. I need to live in that faith and stand up on my feet!

Lord, I stand up! Thank You for Your love and healing power. In Jesus' name. Amen.

In My Father's Eyes

02-06-05

and all who were appointed for eternal life believed.
Acts 13:48b

Those appointed believed and they received salvation.

I am unworthy in regards to anything I've done or been but in God's eyes I am worthy because He loves me.

What an awesome love You have for me, Lord God! Thank You for seeing me as worthy to be with You. Help me to stay humble, knowing it's not because of me or anything I've done to earn this. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Puffed Up; Struck Down

02-05-05

Immediately, because Herod did not give praise to God, an angel of the Lord struck him down, and he was eaten by worms and died.
Acts 12:23

Those who do not give glory to God will be judged accordingly; struck down to the death. Whether physical or spiritual, their relationship with the Lord is separated.

I never want to raise myself up in any circumstance. May the Lord obtain all of my favor and all the glory from my lips.

Lord, I pray taht every word from my mouth would be edifying to You. I want all the glory to be given to You. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Repentance Granted

02-04-05

So then, God has granted even the Gentiles repentance unto life.
Acts 11:18b

Repentance is for all and God welcomes us all into His arms. He wans every last one of us.

Those who choose God and fear Him, the Lord has made pure; white as snow. Jesus died for all of us.

Lord, thank You for Your sacrifice and for this clean slate. I pray You'd keep me from impurities that my flesh longs for. In Jesus' name. Amen.

God's Increase

02-03-05

And so the people were restrained from bringing more, because what they already had was more than enough to do all the work.
Exodus 36:6b-7

God will increase the income so much that we won't know what to do with all of it, as long as we offer it all to Him. We must not steal a penny of what belongs to Him.

Our tenth must go out to God. If we don't we not only won't get the abundant blessing, we curse ourselves to barely not getting by.

Father, Your guidelines are clear. Thank You for reminding me that to have nothing equals increase. In Jesus' name. Amen.

A Great Turnout

02-02-05

All those who lived in Lydda and Sharon saw him and turned to the Lord
Acts 9:35

All that lived in Lydda and Sharon turned to the Lord! ALL!

God's glory is great. I want to participate in leading large numbers of people to Christ. What a testimony!

Lord, I pray that You would use me to turn at least one person to You, and even many. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Idol Worship

02-01-05

"Turn from your fierce anger; relent and do not bring disaster on your people.
Exodus 32:12b & 14

The Lord is angry when He doesn't receive the love and worship He deserves. After investing so much into the Israelites, their turning to idols was the ultimate frustration. We are to pray that God be blessed as well as ourselves ~ continuing our turning to Him alone.

I never want to make an idol and cause anger and pain in God. I want Him to continue to feel loved by me and blessed by me.

Lord, bless You. Thank You for being the Judge that You are. May all Your children be a blessing to You. In Jesus' name. Amen.

The Living Message

01-31-05

"and he received living words to pass on to us."
Acts 7:38c

God gave Moses a message not only for that era, but a message that lives on and never dies; a message that is for all generations to come.

I want the Word to be alive inside of me. I want it to apply to my life.

Lord, Your Word is alive, as it always has been and will be, so Lord, I pray that You would take this flame within me, and turn it into a raging fire for You. I want Your Word alive in me. I want to hear You speak to me. You have promised to fulfill a request made in Jesus' name by those who love You, so Lord I pray this now in Jesus' name! Amen!

Spirit Guide

01-30-05

but they could not stand up against his wisdom or the Spirit by whom he spoke.
Acts 6:10

As long as we lean on the Spirit to guide us, we will be able to defend ourselves in the argument with the people who try to "trap us." They do this to try to get us to say things that contadict.

I want to use the guidance of the Spirit which God has given me, on all occasions. I do not want to lean on my own knowledge for He gives me the sword to use in arguments; the words to say.

Lord, I pray that You would continue to guide me and that I would always look to You for guidance in everything. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Continual Worship

01-29-05

Worship the Lord your God, and his blessing will be on your food and water.
Genesis 23:25-26

God loves our worship so much that He showers His blessings on us in promise - satisfying hunger and thirst; healed sickness; healthy babies; long and full lives.

I want to worship God in everything I do, not for the blessings but because of the joy it gives the Lord.

I worship You, Lord! Rain Your continual blessings on me. I remind You of Your promises, Lord. I want to make You smile. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Our Advocate

01-28-05

Do not take advantage of a widow or an orphan. If you do... my anger will be aroused, and I will kill you with the sword...
Exodus 22:21-24

Our God takes care of those hwo have no one to take care of them. He hears their cries, he feels for them and works on their behalf.

God hears the cry of the weak. he delivers them and takes out the wolves. His anger is aroused at them and what they do.

Lord, thank You for loving me and hearing me. I pray that You'd continue listening to those who have no one on their side. Deliver and judge accordingly. I cry out for them! In Jesus' name. Amen.

Immediate Results

01-27-05

Taking him by the right hand, he helped him up, and instantly the man's feet and ankles became strong.
Acts 3:7

Not only did God heal this man so that he could walk, but He did it instantly without therapy, pain, or problems.

I want to have that kind of faith that God could heal me of my depression with no extra experiences, therapy, pain or any other problems.

Lord, You are a mighty God. Heal me completely today. Take away my depression. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Eternal Matters

01-26-05

"Save yourselves from the corrupt generation."
Acts 2:40b

This was the warning and plea of Peter to the people who witnessed the Holy Spirit coming upon them. We need to believe because it was and is serious.

Unbelievers need to be warned and pleaded with because it's not just a matter of just life or death, it's eternal.

Lord, I pray, that I would not judge those who fall into the pattern of sin. I pray that You would use me as a reminder that their soul depends on repentance. Show me how to reach out without condemning or repelling. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Earthly Gain is No Gain

01-25-05

he was one of our number, and shared in this ministry.
Acts 1:17

After all Judas witnessed of Jesus, he still betrayed Him.

I never want to betray Jesus, no amount of wealth or gifts of this world is worth losing Jesus.

Lord, I pray that You would guard my heart; protect me from the evil one so that I may serve You completely. In Jesus' name, I love You. Amen.

Desire New Birth Intimacy

01-24-05

Then he opened their minds so they could understand the scriptures.
Luke 24:45

God is the only way we can understand the message of the Bible. Our minds must be opened.

God allowed me to experience and get closer to Him when He saw my desire for it.

Lord, thank You for opening my mind so that I can know You more. I want to learn everything about You. Thank You, Lord! Amen.

In Paradise

01-23-05

Then he said, "Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom." Jesus answered him. "I tell you the truth, today you will be with me in paradise."
Luke 23:42-43

The thief asked Jesus, not to save his flesh, but his spirit. He wanted to join His kingdom. And Jesus granted this for him.

As long as we call on Jesus, we will be remembered and will be with him when this life ends. Beggin, I will call on Him to remember me, that I may join Him in Paradise.

Lord, remember me so that I can join You in Your kingdom, even though I deserve nothing more than to go to the place set aside for the sinners. Thank You for the bridge, Jesus! Thank You that the option of being with You has become available. In Jesus' name, may I be a blessing to You! Amen.

Satan's Request

01-22-05

"Simon, Simon, Satan has asked to sift you as wheat."
Luke 22:31

Although the world sees Satan as the equal enemy of God, he had to ask to tempt Simon. Therefore, wouldn't the amount of temptation be in His control as well? We can assume that just as Satan has to ask to tempt us, he must also ask how much presenting his case to a loving God who knows what we can bear.

The trials I endure are allowed and supervised by the God who knows and loves me more than any other.

Thank You, Lord, for the opportunities to reject Satan and stan up for You. All is accomplished by You. Thank You for Your protection. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Stand By Me

01-21-05

All men will hate you because of me. But not a hair of your head will perish. By standing firm you will gain life.
Luke 21:17-18

It is true, people say, "Thank God," "God saved me," or "God watches over me," but on account of Jesus, men curl their lips and get offended. We are going to be persecuted. It is inevitable because we, as Jesus did, tell the world that what it does is wicked.

I will stand firm! Although I am scared of the inevitable, I will stand with Jesus He is the only one who has always stood by me.

Lord, I pray that You would continue to remind me of what truly matters. Thank You, in Jesus' name. Amen.

Prideful Defense

01-20-05

[they] looked for a way to arrest him immediately, because they knew he had spoken this parable against them.
Luke 20:19

Jesus never used names in this parable and yet they felt the conviction in their hearts and reacted in anger and in defense rather than being humbled and repenting.

I never want to sin in my anger and not repent because of pride. I want to always look to God for His forgiveness for what I've done.

Lord, slap me with my pride, causing me pain if I get caught up in it. I pray I would see it coming and repent. Forgive me Lord, for my foolish behaviors. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Kingdom Gifts

01-19-05

"He replied, 'I tell you that everyone who has, more will be given, but as for the one who has nothing, even what he has will be taken away.'"
Luke 19:26

God entrusts us with gifts and if by these gifts we enhance His kingdom, we will be given more gifts. But, if we do not use our gifts for Him, what little we have will be taken away.

I want to use all of me to help God's kingdom grow. I don't want to keep anything from that ministry.

Lord, entrust me with gifts; use them to enlarge Your kingdom. Thank You, Lord! Amen.

Troubled Spirit

01-18-05

But when they told him everything Joseph had said to them, and when he saw the carts Joseph had sent to carry him back, the spirit of their father Jacob revived. And Israel said, "I'm convinced! My son Joseph is still alive. I will go and see him before I die."
Genesis 45:27-28

When Jacob though he lost his son Joseph, he lost his spirit. His spirit though, was revived when he learned Joseph still lived.

Although important people in my life may come and go, I want my spirit to stay alive and know that it is in God's will for it to happen.

Lord, I pray that I stay focused on You, even through all the disappointments in my life. For Your plan for me on earth is a great one! In Jesus' holy name. Amen.

Passionate Prayers

01-17-05

"And may God Almighty grant you mercy before the man so that he will let your other brother and Benjamin come back with you. As for me, if I am bereaved, I am bereaved."
Genesis 43:14

Jacob prayed that God would have mercy on his sons, that they would be returned to him, also accepting the fath that they may not.

I want to pray passionately to God but also pray that His will be done because he knows the greater picture in our lives.

Lord, in all my passionate prayers, I pray my desires would be given to me. As for the ones that hinder Your will for my life, keep. I want to do good by You. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Stubborn Hearts

01-16-05

"He said to him, "If they do not listen to Moses and the Prophets, they will not be convinced even if someone rises from the dead.'"
Luke 16:31

Too many times, we ask God to reveal Himself. He will and yet it does not satisfy. One must have a small desire for the truth to hear it. It won't take the dead being raised.

I need to remember the miracles in my life are of God and that He is who He says He is, out of faith.

Lor, I will continue to praise You in every area of my life. I have a large desire for You. Fill me up Lord. FILL ME UP! In Jesus' name. Amen.

When Dreams Come True

01-15-05

"Here comes that dreamer!" they said to each other. "come now let's kill him and throw him into one of these cisterns and say that a ferocious animal devoured him, then we'll see what comes of his dream.
Genesis 37:19-20

Joseph's brother's mocked and hated him. They chose to kill him because of their envy and arrogance. They were used in the fulfillment of his dream (just like people in the prophecy of Jesus' death).

God's children are often persecuted and mocked about our faith in God. We are to stand firm like Joseph (and Jesus) did, knowing that God will fulfill his promises to us.

Lord, I do love Your wonderful ways. I ask that You would tell me of the blessings You have for me so that I can claim it and wait on them. I pray that all of the people around me would be tools (as I am) for your great purpose. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Humble Position

01-14-05

For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted."
Luke 14:11

We who say we need the Lord and love the Lord are blessed. Those who say they are well off without, choose to live without Him and the blessing He has for them.

I need to remember my place and not exalt myself but exalt God.

Lord, remind me of my place. I want to exalt You all the days of my life and forevermore. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Bear Fruit

01-13-05

"I tell you, no! But unless you repent, you too will all perish."
Luke 13:5

Before repentance we are a tree bearing no fruit. We must repent and then we will bear fruit. When we do we will not perish and be cut down.

I want to conintue to grow in Jesus everyday. When I see others who are barren of fruit, I'll pray that God would give them more time before cutting them away from the vine, giving them the opportunity to repent and bear fruit.

Lord, I pray, I would not stray from Your ways. That I would continue to bear good fruit, great fruit even, Lord. Have patience with those who turn from You, and continue to have patience with me. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Worth So Much More

01-12-05

"Watch out! Be on Your guard against all kinds of greed; a man's life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions."
Luke 12:15

Although the Lord blesses us in this life, we are not supposed to get caught up in earthly treasures. Instead we are to remind ourselves that our posessions are a gift and do not define our lives.

I need to concern myself less with the materialistic part of my life and focus more on the people, my personal spirit, and God's purpose.

Lord, I pray that I would not be greedy with my earthly gifts, but I would be content with what I have. Also to know that they're not the important part of my life. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Godly Desires

01-11-05

For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened.
Luke 11:10

God wants to bless all those who have a desire after Him. All we need to do is to let Him know we want it, then we'll get it.

I always want to ask for more, getting closer to God, felling His blessing over me at all times.

Lord, I want to receive, find, and be able to enter. Open my doors, Lord, give me a new revelation today, tomorrow, and each day for the rest of my earthly life. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Good and Faithful Servant

01-10-05

Then he said to them all: "If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me."
Luke 9:23

We are to be willing to endure the pain and struggles and follow Jesus, only then do we allow Him to be blessed.

Every day I need to give my sufferings to Him and endure because it doesn't compare with that of Jesus and what He went through on the cross for us.

Lord, thank You for sending Your Son to save us. What more do You deserve than all of me and for me to suffer for You out of the same love You have for me. Praise You, Lord. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Compassion for the Lost

01-09-05

When the disciples James and John saw this, they asked, "Lord, do you want us to call fire down from heaven to destroy them?" But Jesus turned and rebuked them.
Luke 9:54-55

Jesus does not want us to destroy, but to save. We need to be sensitive when reaching for the lost.

I want to have more compassion on those who do not rely on the Savior, for they do not know they are in the darkness. I am to continue to try to lead them to Christ with love.

Lord, help me to be a compassionate person, but guard me against becoming so involved that I lose sense of who You want me to be. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Faithful Blessings

01-08-05

"because you have done this and have not withheld your son, your only son, I will surely bless you..."
Genesis 22:16-17

In every command God gives us, if we have faith that He would not bring us harm, then every act of obedience will be a blessing to Him, and to us in return.

I need to live more by faith than by understanding, knowing that I may lose, but whatever is lost I will be blessed for.

Lord, I pray that, as Abram did, I would have faith that You would test, only to save the loss in my life. In Jesus' name. Amen.

An Intimate Friendship

01-07-05

"Far be it from You! Will not the Judge of the earth do right?"
Genesis 18:22-33

Instead of rebuking Abraham for coming out of his place of servant, God allowed him to speak to Him as he would a friend. In turn God gave him the very thing he wanted: not to destroy the righteous for the acts of the wicked.

I want to remain friends with God, telling Him what I do and do not like. He is waiting to bless me and others I protect but can't unless I let it be known to Him.

Lord, I want a closer, more intimate friendship with You. I want to fight with You and make up with You. I want to love on You and You do love on me. Thank You for Your love for me. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Loving the Unlovable

01-06-05

"If you love those who love you, what credit is that to you? Even 'sinners' love those who love them."
Luke 6:32

We are to love the most unlovable of the unlovable. For what differentiates us from the world but our love for those who don't deserve it. For God so loved the world (including the unlovable) so much He sent Jesus so as to save it (John 3:16).

I want to love everyone. I don't want anyone I know to have a place in my heart with a speck of dislike.

Lord, give me contentment and love, compassion and grace, for all those I come into contact with. Through me, may You soften the hearts of the cold when they feel loved. In Jesus' name. Amen.

No Questions Asked

01-05-05

So Abram left, as the Lord had told him.
Genesis 12:4a

Without knowing anything about shelter, food, money, or what they may come across, Abram trusted in the Lord and listened to His request. No questions asked.

I need to walk by faith. I need to stop trying to understand why and know that He will take care of me.

I pray Lord, that even as things may not make sense, that I will continue on the path You've laid before me. In Jesus' name. Amen.

A Rainbow in the Clouds

01-04-05

"Whenever the rainbow appears in the clouds, I will see it and remember the everlasting covenant between God and all living creatures of every kind on earth."
Genesis 9:16

God wants us to remind Him and ourselves of the promises He's made. He wants us to communicate with Him as a friend and say, "Hey God, remember this promise You made...?" Not because He'll forget but as part of our relationship with Him. This type of relationship brings closeness and God loves to be close to us.

I want to communicate with God as I would a friend. I don't want to stand idly by, but if I don't agree or get angy, I want to appreciate His care and talk to Him about it. He takes care of me.

Lord, I pray that I would talk to You every moment and tell You what I'm thinking and not just think what I should say. In Jesus' name. Amen.

A Blessing in Disuise

01-03-05

Then the Lord said, "My Spirit will not contend with man forever, for he is mortal; his days will be 120 years."
Genesis 6:3

To decrease the potential for corruption of man, God reduced the amount of years we would be on earth.

I need to remind myself of how much it is a wonderful blessing to know that I will not have to endure the wicked things of the world for hundreds of years. God has been merciful and great, we will be with Him sooner.

Thank You Lord for having compassion on us. I pray that I would remember the blessing of a short life as well as a long life with purposes fulfilled. In Jesus' name. Amen.

A Restless Wanderer

01-02-05

"You will be a restless wanderer on the earth."
Genesis 4:12b

Those who do not do things God's way will wander aimlessly and with all their efforts through life. We must continue to focus on Him and His ways, being obedient, so as to have a goal that we're living for.

I never want to go back to the life before knowing Christ. He has given me direction and something worth living for. Living without God was living in an empty world with lots of pain and loneliness.

Lord, You are a just ruler over Your people. Thank You for disciplining those who go against Your demands. You are so great. I pray that, if I slip, that You would catch me and discipline me also, Lord. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Expressions of Love

01-01-05

Then God said, "Let us make man in our image, in our likeness, and let him rule over the animals." So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female He created them.
Genesis 1:26-27

God made us in order to express His love. He loved man so much that He gave us authority over the earth and He gave us others so we would nto be lonely.

God has given all the things in my life to me as gifts; "placed them in my authority." I am to take care of all He's put in my care. God has given me others that I would not have to be lonely.

Lord, bless You for all Your wonderful ways. I pray I would take good care of the things and people You place in my life. Amen.