Starting with the First Step

09-30-07

"It is like a mustard seed, which man grew and became a large tree, and the birds of the air nested in its' branches."
Luke 13:18-19 (v. 19)

Taking that first step of faith is crucial to the process of developing into becoming beneficial to anyone else in need. God's timing is perfect.

Yet another step in my journey of faith. There's certainly surprises, obstacles, and blessings along the way - and no matter what, God is guiding me and He knows exactly where His is taking me.

Lord God, I thank You for Your continual presence and provision. Please continue to be clear in Your instructions for me. Continue to be that person I can turn to. It's getting harder Lord, but I am reminded that You are not a confusing God so help me to see clearly. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Light on the Olive Trees

09-29-07

"'Not by might nor by power, but by My Spirit,'" says the Lord of hosts.
Zechariah 4:6

It is not by our strength alone that we accomplish His will, but by God's.

I must continue to rely on and expect God's power for miracles to flow. My life and that of my family depends on it.

Lord, God, eliminate the distractions from my life. Help me to know what to do and how to go about it it so as to glorify You all along the way. Help me to stay confident and firm. I must remain in te Word. I must rely solely on You. You will not lead me astray from the righteous path. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Replace the Dirty with the Clean

09-28-07

"...and the last state of that man is worse than the first."
Luke 11:24-26 (v. 26b)

One must not only remove the sin but replace it with godly character, behavior, prayer, devotions, and all the other godly attributes He would have us place before ourselves and our flesh.

I must replace the items that have been removed with something that brings me closer to and blesses God.

Lord, You warned me, it's here. Take this discouragement and replace it with praise, honor and blessing to You. Replace it with confidence. Take care of my physical body and all its minor and major ailments and other conditions. Heal my body and bless it. In Jesus' name, remain by my side. Amen.

Invitation of Obedience

09-27-07

"I am with you, says the Lord."
Haggai 1:12-15 (v. 13b)

When we are obedient to the call on our lives we sign the covenant and God is faithful in His presence.

I must remember the conditions God has laid before me: stay in My Word; pray; listen; obey; trust; and have faith.

Lord, I still have areas in my life that are alive with disobedience. As I step out in complete obedience, may You develop that as You do faith. Thank You Jesus! In Your holy name. Amen.

Remain Faithful

09-26-07

Then the people of the land tried to discourage the people of Judah. They troubled them in building.
Ezra 4 (spec. verse 4)

These enemies stirred discouragement in the building. They went to great lengths to frustrate them from doing God's works.

The enemy is going to try and come in and discourage the building that was promised to us (refer to devs. 5/30 - 6/06). He is going to try but it is up to me to not allow him.

Lord, I pray 1 John 2:20 over myself, Father God! Through You, Holy Spirit, give me the knowledge and discernment to see the sheep as the wolf it truly is. Thank You God! In Jesus precious name. Amen.

Power of God

09-25-07

But He said to them, "Where is your faith?"
Luke 8:25a

Jesus wanted His disciples to trust Him completely, even during rough and unpredictable times.

Confirmation to our decision to leave all in God's hands. It's an unpopular view - but God will calm the storms to come.

Thank You Lord, for this blessing of freedom that comes when we let go of all and hold onto You! Bless us; reward us with Your joys! Calm the storms and stay with me. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Trust and Patience

09-24-07

I will hear what God the Lord will speak, for He will speak peace to His people and to His saints; but let them not turn back to folly.
Psalm 85:8

We must wait for the word from the Lord. He speaks with our best interest in mind -ultimately the peace He's promised to the Saints (God's people; those who should be devoted to and faithful to God). Let us not return to our past sins that we've been given power over in the name of Jesus so as to not provoke God's displeasure. Avoid wicked practices.

I must pray, listen for, and wait. God is not a confusing God and will not bring me down the way of destruction. In Him I will not fail and in Him the enemy will.

Lord. Reveal Your way to me. I can't do this in my own mind or my own strength. I'm waiting and listening. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Trouble Brings Triumph

09-23-07

Blessed are you poor... who hunger now... who weep when men hate you and when they exclude you and revile you and cast out your name as evil for the Son of Man's sake. Rejoice in that day and leap for joy! For indeed your reward is great in heaven...; When the flood came, the torrent struck that house but could not shake it, because it was well built.
Luke 6:20-23; 46-49 (v. 49)

The adversity in one's life is a testament to the work of God in their life. If the person is not struck down by it, the foundation is sturdy and strong.

I must remember to look at adversity as an opportunity to grow and learn. It is through adversity that complacency is shaken and the stregth of the foundation is determined.

Lord, thank You for this reminder. It is not the trouble but the lesson. Keep talking to me Lord. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Brought Out

09-22-07

Seventy weeks are determined for your people and for your holy city, to finish transgression, to make an end of sins, to make reconciliation for iniquity, to bring an everlasting righteousness, to seal up vision and prophecy, and to anoint the Most Holy.
Daniel 9:24

All to be fulfilled by the Messiah will occur in "70 weeks." Symbolic to the perfect amount of time needed to make an end to the sins! Restoration and reconciliation occurs at the end of sins.

May 8, 2005 - January 13, 2007 according to the Jewish calandar (which eliminates July and August) is the 70 weeks in my life that brought an end to sins and brought the prayer for completeness (perfection) and surrender to His will.

Wow. Father, You know all things. Thank You for bringing me on this journey to perfection - no matter how hard it gets, I pray I'd remain in Your embrace - looking neither left or right, but straight at You. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Perfect Timing

09-21-07

Then Jesus, being filled with the Holy Spirit, returned fromt he Jordan and was led by the Spirit into the wilderness.
Luke 4:1

It is clear that we need the filling of the Holy Spirit before taking on the wilderness - which is crucial to our growth.

It is the Holy Spirit that will get me through the times ahead of me. The end results are the value of how the journey starts. I must remain humble and patient.

Father God, You have big things planned for my family. Continue to keep me moving at Your pace; at Your speed. I know that if I go ahead of Your plan, than I'm only going to regret it. Thank You for bringing John 7:6 to my remembrance - for You the right time has not yet come. I will follow Your timeline and not my own. In Jesus' name. Amen.

**He will speak against the Most High and oppress his saints and try to change the set times and the laws. The saints will be handed over to him for a time, times and half a time. Daniel 7:25**

Lord, keep us out of his hands - bring things back to it's order and time. In Jesus' name! Amen.

Laboring for a Purpose

09-20-07

"Your God, whom you serve continually, He will deliver you.
Daniel 6:16b

Stand firm; let nothing move us; always give selves fully to the work of God -- because our labor is not in vain (1 Corinthians 15:58)

I must trust that all the work I'm doing will accomplish what God has planned -- my labor is not in vain.

Thank You, Lord, for this gentle and loving reminder. I must keep on -- no matter what the adversity. Please stay with me and help me stand firm! In Jesus' name. Amen.

Growing Up God's Way

09-19-07

Then he [Jesus] went down to Nazareth with them [his parents] and was obedient to them... And he grew in wisdom and stature and in favor with God and men.
Luke 2:51a & 52

Jesus was obedient and grew in all wisdom, stature and favor with God.

It is during these years in my children's lives that these things are formed. I am placed in their lives to help them to grow in them.

Again, Lord, thank You for staying by me and talking me through every step. Thank You that You've always been perfect and the perfect example. Lavish Your goodness on this family; help us to grow in wisdom, stature, and favor with You and with men. In Jesus' name. Amen.

From Mouths of Babes

09-19-07

his mother treasured all these things in her heart.
Luke 2:51b

Mary learned from her child in the midst of training.

This is "out of the mouth of babes," Jesus style. I want to remember to listen to my children - and cherish lessons learned in my heart.

Lord, I pray for your continual guidance during this crucial time in my life. It is not just about how I'll raise my children to live for you but the growing and maturing of myself while under Your training. Just as I expect obedience from my children, so also must I expect that of myself for You. Help me to be the woman You've designed me to be and to fulfill the calling to its fullest, and thank you. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Prepare the Heart

09-18-07

So the child grew and became strong in the spirit, and was in the deserts till the day of his manifestation to Israel.
Luke 1:80

Yet another important example of Jesus to implement into our lives; our children can be led to do the great works that Jesus did and greater (John 14:12). We are to portray Jesus and in this we give our children the foundation they need to live a life wholly devoted to God.

As a child, Jesus, in time grew to become strong in the Spirit; prepared for all the days in the desert. I must prepare my children, help them to grow and become strong in the Spirit to be ready for what God has prepared for them.

Lord, I pray for your continual guidance during this crucial time in my children's lives. It is not just about how they'll go about this world with the people they'll meet or how productive they'll be according to the standards of the world, but it is also how they'll live for you. Help me to be the mother You've designed me to be and to fulfill the calling to its fullest. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Come Soon

09-17-07

He who testifies to these things says, "Surely I am coming quickly." Amen. Even so, come Lord Jesus!
Revelation 22:20

Tender words, to remind us that though there is much in His Word we need to attend to, we are not to let His hope be overshadowed because He is coming soon!

I say, with John, "Even so, come Lord Jesus!"

Lord God, I thank You for your wonderful love. Seeing these words, I can almost hear you saying "Don't worry hun, it is just for a short time, then I'll be there!" Thank you! Have compassion on your children and those who are separated from their families due to work, war, and other uncontrollable situations - afterall you understand what that is like more than any of us. Thank You for Your amazing love! In Jesus name. Amen.

Fear + Faith = Family

09-16-07

The Lord bless you out of Zion, and may you see the good of Jerusalem all the days of your life.
Psalm 128

This chapter is my prayer over my family -- that I would be fruitful in every way, our children be a blessing and Chris live a long a joyfully blessed life.

Lord, I pray for happiness, blessing, and peace on my most wonderful treasure - my family. Thank You, in Jesus' name. Amen.

Live Righteously

09-15-07

One generation shall praise Your works to another, and shall declare Your mighty acts.
Psalm 145:4

We must pass on to the younger generation what our relationship with God means to us.

It is my responsibility to pass on the great miracles of God to my children. I must provide spiritual substance so that their faith may be built up.

My prayer, Lord, is to speak only of righteous things and in a righteous manner. You are worthy of all things and complete surrender on my part is the least that I can do for all that You are, have been and will be and do. Thank you for being the greatest things in my life -- and for helping me fall in love with my family like never before. In Jesus' name. Amen.

God is in Control

09-14-07

"I will put My Spirit in you, and you shall live, and I will place you in your own land. Then you will know that I, the Lord, have spoken it and performed it," says the Lord.'"
Ezekiel 37:14

God doesn't confuse us. Wait for His timing and all else will fall into place.

I know what God is asking of me so I just need to wait for His perfect timing.

God, prepare and soften hearts. Give me strength and confidence in this time where adverse opinions are around every corner. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Mama & Daddy

09-13-07

'But if the watchman sees the sword coming and doesn not blow the trumpet, and the people are not warned, and the sword comes and takes any person from among them, he is taken away in his iniquity... at the watchman's hand.'
Ezekiel 33:6

We have a responsibility for the hearts of those placed under our care and authority.

I am the watchman of my home and family -- I am/will be held accountable for the heart and soul of my children.

Lord God, continue bringing to my remembrance, the the tools you've given me to fulfill this important role in my life. Help me to see and to protect in what You would have me. In Jesus' blessed name. Amen.

Peer Pressure

09-12-07

"O king, have not paid due regard to you. They do not serve you or worship the gold image which you have set up."
Daniel 3:12

Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego refuse to bow to the threats of the king but stood firm in following after the one true God.

No matter what pressures come, I must continue to rely on the purpose set before me to guide my decisions. The Holy Spirit will not lead me astray nor confuse me. No matter what anyone says -- follow and worship God alone.

Father, continue to show me Your ways. I long only to bless You and fulfill the call You have on my life. Your will be done. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Whispered Secrets

09-11-07

“Blessed be the name of God forever and ever, for wisdom and might are His. And He changes the times and the seasons; He removes kings and raises up kings; He gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to those who have understanding. He reveals deep and secret things; He knows what is in the darkness, and light dwells with Him.

“I thank You and praise You, O God of my fathers; You have given me wisdom and might, and have now made known to me what we asked of You, for You have made known to us the king’s demand.”
Daniel 2:20-23

A prayer we should always be praying.

Filling me with praise, God truly follows through on His end. He has power and might and is wise beyond our understanding. I want might, wisdom, knowledge and understanding - I long for our relationship to be deeper, I just want more of Him.

Praise Your mighty and holy name. You hold us in Your hands and care for all of us who love You. I pray for intimacy - Lord reveal the deep secrets to me, let me be close to You. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Look Within Yourself

09-10-07

Let us search out and examine our ways, and turn back to the Lord; let us lift our hearts and hands to God in heaven.
Lamentations 3:40-41

When we face trouble we must ask ourselves these questions: What's the cause? Is it circumstantial? An attack of the enemy? Due to my ignorance? Or sins of my own heart? It is wise (and necessary!). In doing so we may find things that aren't right in us. If we listen and change these things we can find healing, restoration, and deliverance.

I continue to search within myself to correct what God would have me do. I'll praise and worship Him in all circumstances.

Lord God - I PRAISE YOU! You've done so much in my life there is no way I can imagine who I'd be if You hadn't come into my life. All that is lost doesn't compare to all that's been found nor will it ever. Thank You. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Blessed and Favored

09-09-07

... 'Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord from now on.'" "Yes," says the Spirit, "that they may rest from their labors, and thier works follow them."
Revelation 14:13b

"Blessed" is being much more than "happy," and describes a favorable circumstance God has put one in.

No matter what seemingly troubled times come - it is dying in Christ that sets us free.

Lord, may I seek the iron You command to sharpen my character. The beatitudes give a clear idea of what blesses You, and in return blesses me. Help me to be that blessing for You!! In Jesus' name. Amen.

Follow Through

09-08-07

If you will still remain in this land, then I will build you and not pull you down, and I will plant you and not pluck you up. ... Do not be afraid... do not be afraid. ...for I am with you, to save you and deliver you... and I will show you mercy, that [they] may have mercy on you and cause you to return to your own land.
Jeremiah 42:10-12

Follow His plan no matter what the opposition. It's better to experience trouble while you are in the will of God than to be out of the will of God and face disaster.

I must stand firm in the call and push past the fear. I need to PRAY!

Lord, establish this family and keep us strong. Help us to not be afraid of authority in our lives. It is You we choose to follow! In Jesus' name. Amen.

Should I stay, or Should I go now?

09-07-07

And now look, I free you this day from the chains that were on your hand. If it seems good to you to come with me... come, and I will look after you. But if it seems wrong for you to come with me... remain here... wherever it seems good and convenient for you to go, go there."
Jeremiah 40:4

Freedom granted. One can be released from all forms of spiritual bondage through the power of the anointed one.

Today, my shackles have been broken. God is giving me a choice to stay or go according to convenience (according to what is suitable or agreeable tot he purpose at hand). What choice should I make?

Lord, give me the wisdom to know what is the greater choice to make. Lord, help me. This is tough but I know you'll guide me. In Jesus' precious and holy name. Amen.

Special Olive Trees

09-06-07

These are the two olive trees and the two lampstands standing before the God of the earth.
Revelation 11:4

When two or three go out in His name power is there - God (the fire) is all we need to take down our enemy. We must keep the Word and put it on our hearts and minds.

My children are the olive plants of our home; the witnesses who know their father's business. They give light to the reality of our family - just as we, God's children, do for Him.

Again, Lord, the prime example of life - is in Your Word. You are great. Help us to be blessings to these precious blessings You've given us - let us do Your will and may they portray Your love for all Your children. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Love "The One" - Love All

09-05-07

"'"And they shall dwell safely there, build houses, and plant vineyards; yes, they will dwell securely, when I execute judgments on all those around them who despise them. Then they shall know that I am the LORD their God."'"
Ezekiel 28:26

God will care for those whom He loves and those who love Him back. He is patient and waits for hearts to turn to Him.

I must continue to pray for all around me. God's so much bigger than I can wrap my mind around.

Lord, I pray for all of Your children and those who do not know You yet. You have helped my heart soften and have kept me protected - thank You. Continue to bless me and to use these blessings to glorify You. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Don't Judge by Its Cover

09-04-07

And they did not repent...
Revelation 9:20-21

No matter what appears we must continue to evangelize, pray, and intercede.

I cannot judge people from the outside. I am learning that more and more as I take these steps back that I've been called according to. I must pray the prayers of interceding even as we are called to cleave.

Lord, help me!! Help me to stand for what You've called me for. Help me to stand for what is right, what is good and what You are directing me towards. Stay by me and be with those around me. I don't want to be a stumbling block - I want to bless You. Help me. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Wisdom and Understanding

09-03-07

The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom; a good understanding have all those who do His commandments. His praise endures forever.
Psalm 111

Fear is wisdom; following God gives understanding; and praises of God endures forever.

Fearing God, following His law, brings praise to my lips. I now do His great works because of my adoration, appreciation and respect for Him - because my initial fear has brought me to this place.

May I be sour in the sights of others but only if it's in order to be a blessing in Yours. Help me to live this life You've called me to live. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Humbly Exalted

09-02-07

"And all the trees of the field shall know that I, the Lord, have brought down the high tree and exalted the low tree, dried up the gree tree and made the dry tree flourish; I, the Lord, have spoken and have done it."
Ezekiel 17:24

God can take young twigs, tender and solitaire and plant it to become a majestic cedar. It will be the cover and comfort for many birds. The humble will be exalted.

It is not always the more experienced that God chooses to cover and comfort those in need, but also the vulnerable and tenderhearted caring for the weak. Compassion is crucial to be used in this respect.

Lord, use me. Make me the tender twig in which to bless with. Soften my heart and protect it, make it stronger and able to endure more so to use it for your glory. In Jesus' name. Amen.

God - Worthy of Love

09-01-07

And they sang a new song...
Revelation 5:9

Freedom, confidence, assurance, passion, trust, hope - in Christ. All are examples worthy of singing a new song for Him.

This new, personal, intimate relationship with God ahs brought for me new love, new joy, new faith, and new hopes for my present and future. I am so blessed!

Lord, in this present moment of peace, I know what to do.
You've come into my life, and when I least expected it, proven Yourself true.
You've given me a lot; much more than I can describe.
You've given me the greatest gift - one of which I could never buy.
A Guide, a Father, a Friend, it's true,
So thanks for all You are, have been and do.
I love You, daddy.