A Time of Intimacy

04-30-07

"However, this kind does not go out except by prayer and fasting."
Matthew 17:21

Lord, may I take advantage of the outlets that You provide in order fo us to dig deep and discover. Reveal Yourself to me and may I seek You. Prepare for me a time of fasting and prayer. In Jesus' name. Amen.

The Big Picture

04-29-07

And in Your book they all were written, the days fashioned for me, when as yet there were none of them.
Psalm 139:13-16

Lord, You knew me before and know the me to come. Help me to trust You, for You see a greater picture than I'll ever understand... well at least for a while. In Jesus' name I praise You. Amen.

Refined Treasure

04-28-07

"But those things which proceed out of the mouth come from the heart, and they defile a man. For out of the heart proceed evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, fornications, thefts, false witness, blasphemies. These are the things which defile a man..."
Matthew 15:18-20a

Lord, take captive my thoughts - may I overtake them and eliminate the ungodly intentions and negative motives that hinder my growth in You. Cleanse me, Lord. Make me clean. In Jesus' name. Amen.

A Heart's Request

04-27-07

And Peter answered Him and said, "Lord, if it is You, command me to come to You on the water."
Matthew 14:25-31

Lord, if You don't mind, command me to come to You ont he water; above the raging waves and roaring winds. Help me to focus my eyes on You, remain with me when I fail. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Weep For Them

04-26-07

I am distressed for you... you have been very pleasant to me; your love for me was wonderful, surpassing the love of [any].
2 Samuel 1:26

Special words in memory of a dear friend.

Lord, these words cause my heart to ache. Be with my friends; protect them and keep them safe. Cover my heart and be with me. In Jesus' name I trust. Amen.

People Person

4-25-07

'I desire mercy and not sacrifice'
Matthew 12:1-7

We need to remember love. Love is what God is and is all about. Without that - what are we really interested in?

Lord, help me to continue to love people. Only You can help me be the people person that You are. Help me to meet the needs of the person. Help me, keep me, mold me. Thank You Lord. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Lean on God Alone

04-24-07

Then Samuel said, "So why do you ask me, seeing the Lord has departed from you and has become your enemy?"
1 Samuel 28:7-19

Lord, help me to be patient and not to lean on self nor others for an understanding only You can provide. Help me in this walk alongside my family. Guard my heart - keep it soft; protect my heart - allow that which only makes me stronger to endure more of which is to come. Keep providing for us; You are such a wonderful care-taker. Thank You, Lord. In Jesus' name. Amen.

God; Our Life Preserver

04-23-07

Set a guard, O Lord, over my mouth; keep watch over the door of my lips.
Psalm 141:3


O Lord, please keep watch
Help me; Cover me;
Guard my lips.
Guide me; Direct me;
Catch me when I slip.
Soften; Protect;
Cultivate my compassion.
Transparent; Evident
I love with a mission.
Lord, I pray for You to keep me afloat.
Amen.

Praise & Worship

04-22-07

Because Your lovingkindness is better than life, my lips shall praise You.
Psalm 63:3

Shabach - praising and calming. We can be restored to our original "image" by praising God regularly. Praising aloud causes stirring in the spiritual realm, and in turn a sense of joy and satisfaction.

Praise Regularly And In Sacrificial Excitement; Worship Often;

Read Scripture;

Heed Instruction;

Pray.



Lord, I pray that I would praise and worship You all the days ahead of me. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Overcoming Sin

04-21-07

For I acknowledge my transgressions, and my sin is always before me.
Psalm 51:3

Lord, why do I struggle so much in giving up my selfish behaviors? I know what I need to do, but I always allow things to interfere with it; allow myself to get distracted. Help me to focus on You - in all things. You first; neighbor second. The Law is made complete in this. Praise You, Lord. Be glorified and magnified in my inner and outer life. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Friendly Relations

04-20-07

"Therefore whatever you want men to do to you, do also to them, for this is the Law and the Prophets."
Matthew 7:12

The kingdom foundation for all social relationships, God asks us to treat others as we would like to be treated.

At times I don't put myself in people' circumstance and consider how I'd like people to respond to me. I want to be mroe aware all of the time.

Lord, God, I pray You would help me through this. You made me a empathetic person for a reason - use it for Your glory. In Jesus' name. Amen.

True Treasure

04-19-07

For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.
Matthew 6:21

What we are passionate about is what we worship/treasure.

So many times my desires turn to insignificant things. I want my heart to continually be after THE treasure; God.

Lord, forgive me for my stubborn and sometimes foolish ways. Help me to overcome these temptations and do Your will. You are great and I praise You for Your ever-present help. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Taste and See

04-18-07

Oh, taste and see that the Lord is good; blessed is the man you trusts in Him!
Psalm 34:8

One's experience with the Lord will only show that He is good and only go back for more. Those who put their trust in Him will be blessed.

You are the hope that others long for. Your Word does not return void. Those who put their trust in You, will be blessed beyond imagination. You were not just "another nice guy." You are God. Help me know how to spread Your Word that would be inviting and desirable - in a way that they would just have to taste! Thank You, Lord! Amen.

At the Start of the Day

04-17-07

Yes, I will sing aloud of Your mercy in the morning.
Psalm 59:16-17

Beginning the day with worship for God - a commitment to walk in God's presence from the moment one wakes up ensures them to be clothed in power and strength.

The benefits of praising God are amazing - I want to give Him due honor for the purpose of bringing due glory. And I look forward to getting closer.

Lord, You are all powerful. My God, my friend. I don't know where I'd be if I didn't know You. You are my everything; You've changed my life in so many ways. Bless me and keep me. In Jesus' powerful name! Amen.

The Choice is Yours

04-16-07

In those days John the Baptist came preaching... and saying, "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand!"
Matthew 3:1-2

We are given the opportunity to choose: 1)Repent and experience salvation; or 2)Reject the gospel and be damned. Our responsibility as a Christian is to present the gospel to everyone through our words and actions.

I must share God with all allowing them the opportunity to choose.

Lord, be with me. Give me words to speak and continue showing me Your ways in order to walk in Your truth. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Not in Vain

04-15-07

For the needy shall not always be forgotten
Psalm 9:18

Our trust in the Lord is not in vain.

I know from God's character and through the times He's revealed Himself to me that He hears my cries and He is ever-helpful. He does not abandon His babes.

Thank You Lord, for being so devoted to those who love You. Thank You for Your compassiona and wonderful character. Continue to be with me and my family. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Ignorant Bliss?

04-14-07

"For the Lord does not see as man sees; for man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart."
1 Samuel 16:7b

God wants us to do the same - to look at the heart of the person. To do this we need to learn to think God's thoughts, place high value on the things He values and despise the things He despises.

I must refuse to make judgments based on outward appearance. If I ask, God will reveal what lies beneath the surface - He will give His wisdom to me, then making me able to make wise judgments and decisions.

Praise You, Lord! Thank You! You truly cover those who have a heart after Yours. Transform me into Your likeness. Be glorified. Help me as I take this unknown journey before me. You will keep me safe as I trust. Thank You for removing my ignorance and giving me bliss! In Jesus' name. Amen.

Exam Time

04-13-07

Examine yourselves as to whether you are in the faith. Test yourselves...
2 corinthians 13:5

It is when our faith rests on Jesus Christ that we accomplish the feat for maturity, accountability, integrity, and a thorough knowledge of the Word; we experience spiritual fruitfulness.

As I get closer to God, I must examine myself; using the admonishing of those around me to build me up in Him. There are no "lone rangers" in Christ.

Lord, I pray that I would continue to listen to Your voice - removing the ungdoly and replacing it with the righteous. I long to be like You. In Jesus' name. Amen.

The Greatest Strength

04-12-07

And He said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness." Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.
2 corinthians 12:9

It is when we cannot do it and lean on god that He can e glorified - our greatest strength is His greatest weakness.

When I realize I can't do it on my own and trust God; giving Him the reins of my life that I see the works He can do and appreciate His greatness.

Lord, I pray You would be my strength in all things and not just as I need You. You are so great Lord! Be glorified in both my strengths and weakness. In Jesus' precious name I ask. Amen.

Spiritual Discernment

04-11-07

For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into apostles of Christ. And no wonder! For Satan himself transformed himself into an angel of light.
2 corinthians 11:13-14

Some people will even appear as a Christian, proclaiming the name of Christ, but are working only to distort the truth. Others are simply in error. It is important not to falsely accuse a legitimate Christian ministry of being in error just becuase you don't agree with it ~ that is heresy and can be as dangerous as spiritual deception because it undermines the work of God and creates confusion.

Ultimately, we must know the Word of God for ourselves, so that when someone says something that doesn't line up with the Word of God, we can see what is false. We must also use Holy Spirit discernment, and not our own to determine whether it is in error or if the person is a false profit.

Lord, help me to discern as if my eyes were Yours. I do not want to falsely accuse, nor do I want spiritual guidance from a false prophet. Thank You for Your protection. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Constructive Authority

04-10-07

For even if I boast somewhat freely about the authority the Lord gave us for building you up rather than pulling you down, I will not be ashamed of it.
2 Corinthians 10:8

Paul's primary focus was constructive authority, for building up and not to destroy. We should prepare so as to make way for edification and avoid the need for severe action.

In the authority given to me, through the power of the Holy Spirit, I pray only to be constructive - using it to build up and edify as necessary. Only as God asks me to bring down, shall I do so. May I listen to the voice of God.

Lord, keep my feet on the right path. Keep me from straying to easier roads that lead nowhere. Help me to be constructive and do Your will. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Well-Endowed

04-09-07

Endow the king with your justice, the royal son with your righteousness.
Psalm 72:1

A prayer we all should pray - to be given the character qualities to reflect our Lord for all to see and be saved.

I want nothing to be expressed except the characteristics of God - I want to have all inward righteousness; to be clean. I want to be a blessing to Him every day.

Lord, "endow [Your daughter] with Your justice... with Your righteousness." In Jesus' name I pray! Mold me, refine me; make me pure. Amen.

Know & Act!

04-08-07

Now the Lord came and stood and called as at other times, "Samuel! Samuel!" And Samuel answered, "Speak, for Your servant hears."
1 Samuel 3:10

We must respond to the present call for God to continue us onto the next. Obedience is necessary.

It is not enough to hear and know. I must DO!

Lord, forgive my procrastination. Help me to DO - help me to overcome my laziness and procrastination. Help me to maintain it so that I can be a vessel usable by You. In Jesus' name. Amen.

From Negative to Positive

04-07-07

"The Lord kills and makes alive; He brings down to the grave and brings up. The Lord makes poor and makes rich; He brings low and lifts up..."
1 Samuel 2:5-8

Through our circumstances; as we pray, God takes the negative and makes it positive.

My God is not a "stingy" God. He has the poewr to turn around the worst of situations.

Lord, I pray that You would continue taking the negative in my life and making it positive. You know my heart's desire, and You know my needs. Bless me in a way I could never imagine. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Staying True

04-06-07

But in all things we commend ourselves as ministers of God: in much...; as having nothing, and yet possessing all things.
2 Corinthians 6:1-10

Through thick and thin we must stay true to God. As Paul, we are not to allow the success or difficulty of the ministry to get to us. Paul walked with Christ through whatever happened.

No circumstance - positive or negative - should be allowed effect my walk. Whether I make mistakes, people reject, or I never have to opportunity to see the result of my ministry, I must still continue on in the wisdom of God.

Father God, I thank You for finding me worthy in Your sight to complete the tasks that You set before me. I know it is purely through Your grace. Help me to fulfill Your will. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Walk By Faith

04-05-07

For we walk by faith, not by sight.
2 Corinthians 5:7

We cannot allow ourselves to be swayed by anyone who gives a report that contradicts what God says. We must never allow ourselves to accept distortions of the truth of God's Word.

My focus is in blessing God, only then can God use me as completely as He desires. Right now, as I depend on myself in certain areas of my life, I am left disabled, missing vital limbs and organs necessary for the full plan God has for my life. It is when I lean on Him that He restores areas and I can be used by my awesome Father and His awesome plan.

USE ME! Use me Lord, in every way. In Jesus' precious name. Amen!!!

Perfection in Christ

04-04-07

In those days there was no king in Israel; everyone did what was right in his own eyes.
Judges 21:25

The "feelings" approach to decision making will lead to self-destruction. This kind of life-style and heart attitude doesn't work.

I must not allow my feelings to direct me on my path of life, but I must allow only God's instruction to lead me.

Lord, I want nothing more than to experience all of You and to lean on You. Though at times I fail at this (most often because I take back the reins of my life) I know with You, perfection is made complete. I want to bless You Lord. Help me to do so. In Jesus' name. Amen.

All I have is Yours!

04-03-07

Not that we are sufficient of ourselves... but our sufficiency is from God...
2 Corinthians 3:6-8

God provides inward power to live the Christian life by His Spirit. We must allow the Holy Spirit to live it through us - relying on God's power and not our own.

The idea of walking fully with God and sinless is an attainable feat through God as we allow ourselves to depend on Him and life completely for Him.

Lord, I lean on You as I take this challenge in faith. I know, as You've promised, that my step of faith will be blessed and You will carry me. Work through me Lord, God. All I have is Yours. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Don't Sell Out

04-02-07

...and he tore the lion apart... though he had nothing in his hand.
Judges 13:6; 14:6, 19; 15:14

God gives us supernatural gifts in order to use us for His glory - not our own. We must maintain them as such and remember when we accomplish things that it is by His power and not our own.

Too easily I can forget the focus and put it on me instead of God. I don't want to compromise my relationship with Him by talking about things He's shown me with those that don't benefit.

Lord, help me to do Your will. There really isn't any greater prayer I could pray. Bless me in my task at hand and in my walk with You. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Glory

04-01-07

"Call upon Me in the day of trouble; I will deliver you, and you shall glorify Me."
Psalm 50:15

Bringing it back to God ALWAYS brings glory to His name.

No matter what I go through; as long as I rely on God, trust in, and give Him; I can know He'll be glorified.

Deliver me that I may glorify You! Thank You for being at my side. May the words of my mouth; the meditations of my heart, be pleasing to You O, Lord! In Jesus' name. Amen.