Behold!

12-31-06

And he that sat upon the throne said, Behold, I make all things new.
Revelation 21:5-7

"Behold" introduces a special pronouncement, in this context, that God will bring a new creation into existence. As Alpha, God is the initiator of creation; the source and origin of all things. As Omega, He is te end of everything, that is, He is the goal or aim of all things.

God assures us that His words are "faithful and true." Because of this I can trust that when the time is appropriate, He will make all things new.

Lord, You are faithful and true! You meet my deepest needs. Surround me in Your presence and set Your grace and mercies upon me. Thank You for all You do, have done and will do in all the future to come. You are truly great. Amen.

His Way is the High Way

12-30-06

Great and marvelous are Your deeds, Lord God Almighty. Just and true are Your ways, King of the Ages.
Revelation 15:3b

Very distinguished characteristics of God: great means high, wide, large, loud, mighty and strong; marvelous expresses admiration; almighty expresses power, omnipotence, sovereignty; just means innocent, holy and perfect in character and act; true means He conceals nothing.

This is just a glimpse of God's glory. The words used to describe Him are so vast and yet still does not quite grasp His awesomeness.

Lord, I am filled with such reverence right now. You are so awesome. I am blessed when I think of how great it will be to finally meet You. I can only imagine. You are my everything! Amen.

Freedom from Fear

12-29-06

You have filled my heart with greater joy.
Psalm 4:7-8

From the heart (the very center of the Spirit) springs emotions, thoughts, motivations, courage, and action. It is "the wellspring of life" (Proverbs 4:23). God provides peaceful rest for these who are anxious in spirit, safety for those in harms way.

From my joy I choose to laugh, love, learn; live. I choose to accept this gift of joy that God promises me. He promises peace without anxiety. He can and does bless with gifts of rest. I am no longer anxious or afraid (Psalm 27:1).

Lord, use me in my insecurities and weaknesses. Help me to become strong through them and lift others up. Lord, be glorified in my every action. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.

Daddy God

12-29-06

...trample... for 42 months... be taken care of for 1,260 days.
Revelation 11:2; 12:6

The general time of spiritual protection which corresponds to the time of persecution.

I can't put a limit on God's plans. I msut endure all things in trust and patience of Him who knows all. There are certain experiences I've gone through because I have refused to listen to God's guidance. This isn't negligence but is in fact the best example of a good parent.

Thank You, God for Your continual guidance; for Your mighty ways and loving nature; for giving me a new perspective of Your character; and for protecting me and teaching me. You are my precious Daddy. Help me to live by Your example as a mother. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Your Renown Endures Forever

12-28-06

And they sang a new song.
Revelation 5:9

A new song celebrates a new act of divine deliverance or blessing. The sacrificial death spoken of in this passage is clearly worthy of a new song.

For my newest experiences of deliverance and blessings, I sing a new song to my God. He most certainly is worthy of all I can give. Praise You, Lord.

Lord, in my time of trouble, You came down.
Laced with life, You gave me a crown.
I won't let go of Your gift, not now, not ever
No, I will love You, forever.
God; what a beautiful pronoun.
Selah.

A Taste of Heaven

12-27-06

They lay their crowns before the throne and [praise the Lord].
Revelation 4:10-11

Laying of crowns is acknowledgement that God alone is worthy of ultimate praise and worship.

I lay down my prized possessions and things that lift me up. He alone is worthy of my praise and attention.

Lord, I realize that I have taken my focus off of You and time after time it happens. Today I make the decision to give You all my focus. Give me a taste of this heavenly glory I will one day experience as I am still on this earth. Lord, You are glorious and matchless! Amen!

Tolerance of Jezebel

12-27-26

I have this against you: you tolerate that woman Jezebel, who calls herself a prophetess... she misleads my servants... she is unwilling [to repent].
Revelation 2:18-21

Jezebel is used here as an epithet for a prominant woman in the congregation who's undermined loyalty to God by promoting tolerance toward pagan practices. She is a spiritual mother to all who pursue antinomian doctrines ( a person who maintains that Christians are freed from the moral law by virtue of grace as set forth in the Gospel).

I am not to tolerate the behavior of those who are compromising the Word of God and His children's faith.

Lord, please keep this in my remembrance, but also help me to forgive. Through You I have strength. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Loving the Law

12-26-06

I gain understanding from your precepts; therefore I hate every wrong path.
Psalm 119:104

Zeal for God's law awakens righteous anger against those who reject it, and it brings abhorrence of all that is contrary to it; but it draws togteher those who honor it.

It is not a sin to experience righteous anger against those who reject the truth.

Lord, thank You for this validation to what I've been experiencing. It gives me peace in knowing I haven't wronged You by having these present emotions. Continue to remain in me, as You have been. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Rewards of Meditation

12-26-06

Oh, how I love Your law! I meditate on it all day long.
Psalm 119:93;97-98

The rewards in the pursuit of a more intimate relationship with God, are beyond what this world could ever offer.

His law has taught me (and teaches me) the way of life. Meditating on the laws give me a godly wisdom and removes arrogance (being law to oneself, placing confidence in worldly wisdom - v.10:2-11). Pursue knowing Jesus more and rewards are eternal (and internal).

Lord, help me to eliminate my arrogance. I pray that I would focus on You and not get sucked back into arrogance. Guide me and keep me. In Jesus' name. Amen.

The Living Jesus

12-25-06

The life appeared; we have seen it and testify to it, and we proclaim to you the eternal life, which was with the Father and appeared to us.
1 John 1:2

Christ is called "the life." He is living; one with life in Himself (John 11:25; 14:6). He is the source of life and supreme ruler over life (1 John 5:11) He is our eternal life.

Jesus (the beginning and the end; lasing forever; always existing) is "the life" I need in order to walk outside of the darkness. In the light I am purified.

Lord, thank You for allowing me to see in order to walk away from a wicked lifestyle full of error and sin, and into "life" that is Holy and True. Thank You for Your many chances. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Christmas-Time is Here

12-24-06

Here they crucified him, and with him two others - one on each side and Jesus in the middle.
John 19:18

Crucifixion, a means of execution for only the slaves, basest of criminals, and offenders of foreign citizenship, was a horrible (to say the least) experience. So despicable that none of the Gospel writers dwell on the physical sufferings of Jesus.

During the Christmas season, a time of celebration, I want also to remember Jesus' life, death and resurrection. He came to save, bear all sins, heal the lame, bring hope and peace, and to die a death set apart for only the lowest of beings. For me?? A self-centered; selfish; self-righteous and self-guided human being. All this, for me?? That is love.

Today, Lord, I marvel at Your love. All that You've been and done and continue to be and do is worth celebrating. I do not deserve such love. Thank You for You eternal gifts. Christmas is truly a time to rejoice! Amen!

No Greater Love

12-23-06

Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends.
John 15:13

Love is the essence of Christ.

Through Christ's death I'm given life because Christ is life.

I've been seeing a lot of "remaining in You" the last few days, Lord. Bring this to my remembrance when I start to stray. I strive to first please You because all else depends on that. Thank You for being so involved in the lives of those You love love. I remain in You today! In Jesus' name. Amen.

(K)no(w) Jesus, (K)no(w) Peace

12-22-06

Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give as the world gives.
John 14:27

Jesus' peace is real and present.

I know that I can only truly lean on God in times of trouble and anxiety. If I don't, I am a useless branch.

Lord, remain in me; without You there is nothing. Your promise preserves my life, for You give me hope. I find comfort in the Psalms. I find in You my refuge. You are my Sustainer; Preserver; my very life. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Out of the Shadows

12-22-06

I did not come to judge the world, but to save it. There is a judge for one who rejects me and does not accept my words...
John 12:47-48

It is not the sun's purpose to cast shadows, but when the sun shines, shadows are inevitable.

I will not allow myself to lose the light by grasping at the shadows; I will not focus on my shadows but instead will turn to the light.

Lord, use me; be glorified through my life. Help me to know Your words apart from my own so that I may not speak on my own accord, but by which You have commanded (like Jesus in v. 49). You are a merciful and just God! In Jesus' name. Amen.

In-Security

12-21-06

"...no one can snatch them [the sheep] out of my hand."
John 10:28-30

The sheep's security is in the power of the shepherd. No enemy can overcome the Good Shepherd.

I choose to sit and enjoy God's loving security more than I have been. All too often I let the busy-ness of life interfere with taking the time to praise God for keeping me safe no matter what tries to steal me from Him.

Lord, You are truly Holy; set apart from all else. Please continue to protect me and Your other beloved sheep. I pray that my life would result in being only a blessing for You. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Free Will

12-20-06

Therefore Jesus told them, "The right time for me has not yet come; for you anytime is right.
John 7:6

Jesus moved in accordance with the will of God (v.24). He came and moved inevitably toward His destiny: His death. After His resurrection, Jesus' time had come.

We have the ability to choose, as Jesus did, to follow in the will of God or our won will of our flesh. I want to move in accordance to the will of God and no longer by my own.

Lord, thank You for free will, for giving me the control to hand over my control. I want to be, do, go in Your will. I want to be justified by Your grace. You are awesome! In Jesus' name. Amen.

Expect the Unexpected

12-19-06

At once the man was cured; he picked up his mat and walked...
John 5:8-9

God is not hinged on our faith or lack thereof.

No matter what my actions, God is glorified. God doesn't need me. God doesn't "expect" anything of me to earn His love. Even after much abuse He will still prove true for those He loves.

I want to love You with at least a portion of the love You have for me. You are my greatest strength, friend, and refuge. May I never stray from Your path! In Jesus' name. Amen.

Gifts From God

12-18-06

"A man can receive only what is given him from Heaven."
John 3:27

We have no room for envy when our gifts are determined by the all knowing.

I have been blessed with gifts. I should remain humble so as to not cause others to stumble with envy. With the gifts I don't have, I must not be tempted to envy those who have them. God forms us all with a plan and purpose.

Lord, may I take every opportunity to reveal Your glory through the gifts You've given me. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Glory + Goodness = God

12-17-06

Through these [glory and goodness] he has given us very great and precious promises.
2 Peter 1:3-4

God has made all available in which we need. "Glory" expresses excellence of God's being; his attributes and essence. "Goodness" depicts excellence expressed in deeds; virtue of action. It is by nothing else by which we can succeed.

God's companionship is enough for me.

Thank You Lord, that You are my ever-present help in time of need, and my available comfort in time of want. Thank You for Your agape love nd for being there - whenever. You truly are: GREAT. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Hope: A Firm Conviction

12-16-06

In his [God] great mercy he ahs given us new birth into living hope throuhg Jesus Christ...
1 Peter 1:3

Hope, the key thought of this letter, is not "wishful thinking" but a firm conviction, much like faith directed toward the future.

My hope should remain during all experiences. I am to persevere and continue on in faith and trust. My hope is no longer "wishful thinking" but a firm conviction.

Thank You, Lord, for the hope on the cross. The closer I get to You, the more I fall in love with You. Please continue to rain Your blessings on me and my family. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Mature & Complete; Lack Nothing

12-15-06

Consider it pure joy, my brothers, when-ever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish it's work so that you may be mature and complete; not lacking anything.
James 1:2-4

God's ultimate plan is to perfect us and uses our experiences to develp perseverance, which in turn leads to knowledge; and subsequently, growth.

It is in every experience I strive to find pure joy because God is forming me into His likeness!

Thank You, Lord, for the victories in my past (and over my past), and those to come. Your love is constant! In Jesus' name I praise Your blessed being. Amen.

Discipline for Perseverance

12-14-06

Endure hardship as discipline; God is treating you as sons. For what son is not disciplined by his father?
Hebrews 12:7

Although His discipline isn't pleasant at the time (particularly quite painful), it is far from being a reason for despair. On the contrary, discipline is a basis for encouragement and perseverance.

I need to remain positive in all trials that I am in because it shows that God is shaping me into His likeness.

Lord, help me to remain focused on You and not on the circumstance around me. Make me aware of each lesson from every experience. I want to be a pleasing sight to Your eyes. Thank You for Your blessings. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Faith and Deeds

07-18-06

...faith without deeds is dead.
James 2:26

One without the other is useless.

I don't want to be lukewarm, standing with one foot in the world.

Lord, I repent to You this moment. I know where I've gone wrong and I have put off what I knowingly need to change. Forgive me Lord. Amen.

My Cornerstone

07-11-06

...he will be a stone...
Isaiah 8:14

In the structure of a building, the cornerstone is the most significant stone. Jesus is to be the most significant in the structure of the believer.

I choose to have Jesus be my cornerstone. I need to be in constant trust of what God is doing. In my everyday efforts, hardships, relationships; life, I strive for this to glorify Him. he will keep me from shame.

Lord, I claim this blessing! I trust in and lean on You. I want to be Your reflection; to be complete in Your will. I pray for the guidance only You can provide. Thank You for these things in Jesus' name. Amen.

Can I Get a Witness?

06-18-06

Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity. Let your conversations be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.
Colossians 4:5-6

We are to have wholesome and tasteful conversations; edifying and building up others; benefitting all it involves; deepening the walk of the Christian.

I must control my tongue and be helpful to the specific needs fo those You send to me.

Lord, continue to be with me. Help me to rid all anger, rage, malice, slander, and profanities from my mouth. May only Your Words adorn these lips. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Living "The" Life

06-01-06

Love does no harm to its neighbor. Therefore love is the fulfillment of te law.
Romans 13:10

God is love, therefore He is the fulfillment of the law; follow after His ways and everything else will fall into place.

I must focus on God and love with a cheerful heart.

Lord, may the things that break Your heart, break mine as well; things taht make You smile - make me smile; Your thoughts become my thoughts. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Staying Spiritually Fed

05-31-06

Better a dry crust with peace and quiet than a house full of feasting with strife.
Proverbs 17:1

It isn't material possessions that make life great - but the people you spend it with and the time you spend with the Lord.

I forget at times that it is better to be spiritually nourished than physically satisfied. Physical satisfaction comes when I am spiritually fed.

Lord I am grateful for Your continued provision over my family. Thank You Lord! Amen.

You Can't Mold Hard Clay

05/30/06

Pride only breeds quarrels, but wisdom is found in those who take advice.
Proverbs 13:10

It is when we take down our defensive barrier that God can truly mold us. This life isn't about being the best, but being His best.

By listening to advice doesn't mean I am inadequate, uneducated, or insignificant; it means I want to grow into who Jesus would have me be. That is wisdom.

Lord, I pray that I would hear and know Your advice. Humble me; help me to be in Your likeness. In Jesus' name. Amen.

The Ultimate Defender

01/17/06

You defend them.
Psalm 5:11-12

We can rejoice because we have a defender.

As I have claimed deliverance, God will follow through, fulfilling His promise to defend against the enemy on my behalf.

Lord, continue to defend me as You have. Be my protector always. In Jesus' name. Amen.