Let the Celebration Continue

 For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.~Isaiah 9:6

Christmas has come, but it has not gone.  This year the excitement of Christmas was palatable.  I looked forward to spending time with loved ones.  There was a peace and joy that filled me to my core.   Guess what?  The peace and joy and the excitement is still here because Jesus is still here.

We celebrate the birth of Jesus and all that it means.  Life, hope, joy, and peace. Jesus was born and He also died on the Cross that I might be redeemed.  Better yet He arose from the grace conquering death and giving me and all who believe on and in Him eternal life.  Jesus is with me.  He is in my heart, so I still have Christmas.  

I have a Savior who is in control of all things.  I have a Counselor to guide me on this journey.  I serve a mighty God and I have Father who loves me.  I have peace.  So the celebration of Christ’s birth will continue.  The hope He brings will continue to fill my heart with gratitude for Jesus is the reason for every season. 

Father, I thank You for the birth of Your Son and all the benefits that it brings.  Thank You for the overflowing joy and sense of peace.  Thank You for Your light that shines bright.  Father, I pray a special blessing for those who are without loved ones this year.  Comfort them as only You can,  in Jesus name. Amen

He's bigger

 “As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.”

Isaiah 55:9 (NIV)

Today I read something that grabbed my attention in a powerful way.  The author Mark Batterson stated that "In the beginning, God created us in His image (Genesis 1:27). We’ve been creating God in our image ever since. That’s our ancient error. "  Wow!  Have I been trying to fit God into what I can understand?  Have I been making Him like me when He is WAY Bigger?  

I know without a doubt that I serve a good and mighty God.  I serve a powerful God.  I serve  a God that intervened in human existence to make a way for my sins to be forgiven through the birth of Jesus through a virgin Mary(Luke 1:26-38).  A God who would sacrifice His Son on the Cross (John 3:16) so that I might not experience condemnation.  I serve the same God who rose Him on the third day giving us victory over death ( 1 Corinthians 15:55-57) .

My God and your God is bigger than any problem or circumstance.  He is our Wonderful Counselor and Prince of Peace (Isaiah 9:6)  He is the great I AM (Exodus 3:14).  He is biggen than the darkness that shadows this earth because He is the light of the world( John 8:12).  

Lord, I never want to box You in because You are too big for that.  Thank You for being great Lord.  Thank You for being might and strong to save.  Thank You for being God.  I love You.  In Jesus name. Amen

Jesus is the Light

  Again Jesus spoke to them, saying, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” John 8:12 ESV

There are a lot of dark things happening in this world, but there is hope because their is Christ.  Jesus is the light of the world.  He is the way and he shows us the way to live fulfilled lives in Christ.

In my First 5 Study we have been focusing on the light.  It has helped me to keep my focus on Jesus and not the sad things of this world.  The light dispels darkness.  It radiates and illuminates truth.  It uncovers things that are hidden.

I am grateful for the light because I could be stumbling around in the dark, but God lights my pathway.  He shows me which way to go.  He exposes the shackles that would bind me and breaks me free.  He is my hope for tomorrow.  My bright and shinning star.

I want to reflect His light so that others may know Him.   I want to be a transparent vessel for His light to shine through.  I want people to see Jesus in me.

Lord, You rule the world.  You are its light.  You allow us to walk in the light of your truth.  You dispel the darkness and it does not overcome us.  Thank You Jesus.  Help us to shine bright for You. In Jesus name.  Amen

His Grace Is Sufficient

  But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me.  That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong. ~ 2 Corinthians 12:9-10

I am a fragile human being who gets super natural strength from the Father above.  You have heard me talk about my battles with anxiety and depression.  I am not the only one.  The battle is real and the darkness that seeks to overcome me is real, BUT GOD.  There are a couple of things this week that has allowed the power of the Holy Spirit to flow through me and thus grant me victory and bring the Lord glory.  

First, He keeps reminding me to organize my thoughts.  I brings my thoughts into obedience to Christ -2 Corinthians 10:5. "Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ" 
I speak God's word into my life and reject the lies o the enemy.  I am more than my emotions.  I am more than a chemical imbalance in the brain.  I am daughter of the King and "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me-Philippians 4:13

Second, I trust in God and accept His love.  I realize that a lot of the anxiety is the fear of not being in control. Not being able to get all the things that need to get done accomplished.  Not being perfect.  When I let go of my fears and cast them onto to the Lord ( I Peter 5:7) I am trust the ruler of my life and this world.  I can trust that He will take care of me.  I can trust that my vulnerability is a strength as I rely on the Creator of the Universe.  I trust in the Savior who gave His life for me as I was.  I do not have to be perfect because He is.

Third, I take one day, one moment at a time.  Each moment is a gift and I make the most of it.  I remind myself that I am human and that weaknesses only remind of the Greater God.  It keeps me humble.  Pride goes away and now I can be used today for His glory.  James 4:10: "Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up

All of this is possible because of His grace.  His favor towards me, undeserved and unmerited but there none the less because of His love. I have made it through another week, another day because of Him.  To God be all the glory.

Lord thank You for the gift of You.  Thank You for your grace and your mercies that are brand new each and every morning.  I thank You for Your power and Your love.  In Jesus name. Amen

Thanksgiving

 1 Chronicles 16:34: "Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his love endures forever" 

It’s Thanksgiving.  A day where the nation pauses to focus on gratitude.  Family and friends gather together. Memories of loved ones who are no longer with us take up a tender place in our hearts.

 Excitement for the  possibilities that this time of year brings. I feel blessed and grateful, full of hope.  That hope is Jesus and guess what. I have this hope 365 days of the year because Christ is constant.  When I feel like I can't take another step, I have Jesus carrying me.

    I am grateful for God's many blessings.  His protection, love and mercy.  I am grateful to be in my right mind.  I am grateful to know where my blessings come from.  I am grateful for life and thankful for hope.    I give thanks to You Lord for You are good and Your love endures forever.  What a blessing.  

Lord, let me have a heart of gratitude and thankfulness everyday.  Let me remember Your love and goodness even when times are hard.  Bless my friends who are celebrating this day without dear ones.  Let there be peace at the dinner table.  In Jesus name.  Amen

Organize Your Thoughts

Philippians 4:8 says, "Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things"

This past Sunday my pastor preached a message on keeping our  F.O.C.U.S. The letter that stood out to me was O-organizing your thoughts.  This time of the year can be difficult.  Depression and anxiety weigh in.  Stress from the need to meet deadlines on the job.  Trying to do it all for our families and friends. Bills and more bills.  Life happens. Your mind can begin to focus on your circumstances and get into a rut of negative thinking.

Today's verse reminds us how to organize our thoughts and re-focus them on God.  The same God who is able to handle all.  It teaches us to think on what is true.  The truth is that God loves us (John 3:16/ Jeremiah 31:3).  To think on things that are noble.  Set your affections on things above and not on things on this earth (Colossians 3:2).  Think on things that are pure. Think on things that are lovely like the beauty of God's creation and the love of a child.  We train our minds to see the good and excellent things.  Things that are worthy of praise.  

If we are committing our mind to those things we stay away from thoughts of despair and hopelessness. We focus on the goodness of God and all the ways He has come through for us time and time again.  We keep our minds on the truth rather than the lies of the enemy. We stay stay strong through Christ Jesus.

Lord, life can be a struggle, but help us not to lose our focus.  Help us to free ourselves from those things that would entangle us.  Help us to organize our thoughts.  Help us to commit to prayer because it is our communication with You our Savior.  Let us unite to your body, being freshly anointed with Your Spirt and going deeper in relationship with You.  And Lord lets serve You with our whole heart.  Keep us focused.  In Jesus name.  Amen 

Trust God

 But blessed is the one who trusts in the LORD, whose confidence is in him.” 

Jeremiah 17:7 (NIV)

When I wake up, I ask God to help me do this day.  My confidence is placed in Him to see me through.  I dig in deep and hold onto the One who gives me victory.  

I love my husband and my family and friends, but they are not my God.  They are blessings from God that operate as a great support system.  However, my faith is solely in Jesus. My faith and confidence that all is going to be okay even if it doesn’t look like it is in the Father.

When my confidence is in Him, I can’t lose.  I know that in my own strength I lose the battle with anxiety and irritability, but in Christ I am whole.  I am blessed.  I am blessed with grace, perseverance, endurance, and hope.  I see the light, His light, at the end of the tunnel. He is the fire that keeps my candle lit.

Lord, thank You for being my sustainer. Thank You for being my confidence.  Forgive me for those times that I place hope in man instead of You.  In Jesus name. Amen

He gives me joy.

 Lamentations 3:22-23: "The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.

Great is Your faithfulness God.  You never fail to surprise me.  Each day You show up in my life.  You give me a reason to be grateful.  You help me to overcome the odds.  You embrace me and shower me with Your mercies and I am thankful.

I write about my life because that is what I know.  It is my faith journey with God.  Lately, the storms have been raging and I have been fighting to stay in the boat with Jesus. I have been praying for Him to tell the winds to cease. I have been fighting to do the things of God (practice) His word in times of difficulty because I want my foundation to be on Christ the rock.  

Being real, there are days when I feel like I can't do it, but He says "I can do all things through Christ that strengthens me"_. Philippians 4:13 He takes my circumstances and makes them work for my good.  He does the impossible because all things are possible for God (Mathew 19:26) and with God.  He makes a way. 

A popular saying is "Won't He do it?!"  The answer is a resounding yes. God gives me joy.  That's mercy.  He sees me barely hanging on and scoops me right up into His arms.  He is a great and faithful God.  He is in control.  He is the ruler of all things and His will, will be done.  I do not always understand everything, but I know without a doubt that He loves me.  He shows it everyday.  I don't deserve it, but I am grateful for it.

My battle may rage on, but my faith in the One true God has been strengthened.  My hope renewed.  God is a good God.  He always has been and always will be.  I am a witness to His goodness and I want the world to know that He brings me joy.  He is my Savior.  He is my defender and friend.  He is my everything.

Jesus I love you.

I will not drown

 Isaiah 43:2: "When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you"

Lately, I feel like I have been drowning, but I recall God's words and rise back up to the surface.  Mind you, I can't swim, but God gives me the ability to float.  It is during these times when I feel overwhelmed, that I stop seeking perfection.  I realize my limitations and I give it all to God.  

I remember that I am not alone and I climb into the boat of my Father who commands the winds, rains, and rivers.  I pray His word and let the panic cease.  I rest in Him and know that He will lead me to safety, to dry ground.  I hold on tight to Him because he is with me.

He is with me in the storm and when the waters flood He will not let them overtake me.  He is my guard, the guardian of my life.  He is my hope.  

Jesus, thank You for being my refuge.  Thank You for Your word that reminds me of your promises to me.  Thank You for the life -preserver of  Your grace and mercy.  In Jesus name.  Amen

Strength for the weary

 but those who trust in the Lord will renew their strength; they will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not become weary, they will walk and not faint. ~Isaiah 40:31 CSB

I'm tired.  I missed a night of sleep and I can't seem to get caught up.  I want to "phone" it in, but I have responsibilities.  How do I get through this weariness? Its physical, but it is impeding on the mental and spiritual.  How do I stay motivated? How do I stay invested so that I can carry my cross? How do I keep my joy?

 I recall where my strength comes from.  My strength comes from the Lord.  As I hope in Him and live in expectation of Him, He will renew my strength.  He will touch my mind and make it strong.  He is my motivation to work as unto the Lord (Colossians 3:23-24).  If I focus on Him and not my circumstance, I overcome through Christ Jesus.

He will allow me to finish the race.  He will breathe air into my lungs. lifting my spirit as I draw nigh to Him.  He will cause me soar.  He will give me the victory.  I just have to trust and believe knowing I will receive what He has promised.  God never fails and He never leaves me wanting.  He is the Good Shepherd and He guides me through the day.  He is my strength.

Lord, thank You for knowing what I need and supplying that need.  Thank You for renewing my strength.  Thank You for being my motivation and compass point when I become weary.  I love you Lord. In Jesus name.  Amen

A soft heart

 As has just been said: “Today, if you hear his voice, do not harden your hearts as you did in the rebellion.” ~Hebrews 3:15

Lord, soften my heart and open my ears to You.  Let me hear You and obey.  In Jesus name. Amen

I started off with a prayer today because this is the intent of my heart.  I want to be steadfast in my faith so that I can enter God's rest(Hebrews 4:10).  I have come to far to turn back now.  I have been on the journey to long and God has been to good to me for me to lay down my tools just yet.

I need to still away with Jesus.  I need to calm my mind and my heart so that I can be in rhythm with His. I want to hear His voice.  I want to go where He wants me to go and do what He wants me to do.  I do not want to be stubborn, prideful, or rebellious because I know He has planned what is best for me.

So Father, hear the call of my heart to be in Your presence abiding in You.  In Jesus name. Amen

A Big God

 In the year that King Uzziah died, I saw the Lord, high and exalted, seated on a throne; and the train of his robe filled the temple. ~ Isaiah 6:1

Yesterday, something touched me in my devotional reading.  I had to reflect on if I am making God small?  My response is that I serve a big God.  I serve a magnificent Savior.  I serve a God who created the heavens and the earth, yet still knows my name.

I serve a God who walks and talks with me.  A God who grants me favor in all types of circumstances.  A God where nothing and no one can compare. He is high and lifted up.  He fills all existence and I stand in awe of Him.  He is my z lord and my King and I magnify His holy name.

Lord, thank You for being God.  Thank You for being bigger than any storm, problem, or circumstance.  Thank You for being Holy.  I love You Lord.  In Jesus name. Amen

When your happy gets bumped

 Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. ~1 Peter 5;6

My happy has gotten bumped by the cares of this world.  I am grumpy and want to go home and put the covers over my head.  Unfortunately, or maybe fortunately my job does not allow me to do this.  My stubbornness to get through the day helps a bit too.  I search my mind for a word from God that will see me through.  This is what came to mind.  "Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. "

I must stay humble under God's mighty hand.  I have to look for the beauty in the day that He has blessed me with.  I can talk to God about it knowing that He cares (1 Peter 5:7) and I have to let it go.  I need to get happy in Christ.  God will lift me up in due time.  I just need to persevere.  I need to run into His awaiting arms and climb up onto His lap and feel His presence surround me.  I have to let go of the grumpy-give it to God.  Do my job and do it well.  He will work out the rest as I trust in Him.

Lord, You know my my needs; my stress points.  Let me give them all to You and stay humble and grateful for another day.  Let me stand in the center of Your will.  I surrender all.  In Jesus name. Amen

Live Free

 You have been set free from sin and have become slaves to righteousness. ~Romans 6:18

In my First 5 Bible Study we have been studying about exile. One particular exile was when the kingdom of Israel rebel against God so they were taken into captivity by the Assyrians (2 Kings 17:1-23).  The people of God who had been set free from slavery in Egypt were now going back into captivity because they disobeyed God.  They worshipped idols and false Gods.  

This God me thinking.....do I go back into slavery when God has set me free? God has saved me from sin, He has set me free.  So I need to be careful that I am not setting up idols in my life and following the ways of the world.  I can learn from the Israelites and choose blessings over curses.

Another thought was Jesus and His grace and mercy.  The punishment of Israel served the purpose of turning them back to God.  Their are consequences for my sin, but their is also forgiveness because of Jesus.  He paid the price for my sins.  By no means does this mean that I rush into sin, but rather when I fall because I am human I have a Savior who lifts me up and cleans me up.  I want to live in the freedom that Jesus has purchased for me with His life.  I want to walk in obedience and faith with my King.

Lord, thank You for freeing me from sin.  May I be a willing slave to righteousness.  May I be example for others as I follow You.   May I remove any idols that I set up in my life and worship only You.  In Jesus name.  Amen

You can make it

  The Lord said, “Go out and stand on the mountain in the presence of the Lord, for the Lord is about to pass by.”  ~ 1 Kings 19:11

Elijah was a prophet who reached a breaking point ( 1 Kings 19:3-5)  He wanted God to take his life.  He just done battle with the false prophets of Jezebel and with the Lord's help was victorious. Jezebel wanted to take his life so Elijah ran.  He felt depleted and was in despair.  I have felt this way, depleted and in despair.  A gray cloud envelopes me, but God.  Like God did for Elijah, he does for me.  He meets me where I am at and provides nourishment and strength. (1 Kings 19: 5-8).

God does not condemn me or shame me for my feelings of depression or despair.  He does not make me feel bad for being weary.  Rather He loves me and just tends to my needs.  He tells me me to enter into His presence.  A gentle whisper (1 Kings 19:12).  A softness covers me and I know it is the Lord.  It is here that I can tell Him my troubles and He listens, but He does not let me wallow. He gives me the support I need to defeat the enemy.  He lets me know that I am not alone. ( 1 Kings 19:15-19).

God is good and gracious and His compassion fails not (Lamentations 3:22).  When I feel like I might drown, He reminds me that the water s will not overtake me ( Isaiah 43:2)  It is the Lord who is my strength and sunshine on the cloudy days. Being in His presence gives me strength and covers me in love and I am grateful.

Lord, thank You for examples in Your word that show us how to get through difficult emotions and feelings of weariness.  Thank you for being my strength when I am weak.  Thank You for being my consolation and comfort.  Thank You for being my friend.  In Jesus name Amen.

Grace

 

For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— not by works, so that no one can boast. ~Ephesians 2:8-9

Grace is defined as the free gift of undeserved favor.  "It is a virtue that comes from God and it is a state of sanctification that is achieved through divine assistance."   It is because of God alone that I am saved; that I am set apart through faith.  It is not of my own doing.  There is not enough good works in the world to cleanse me like the blood of Jesus.  I can only boast in the Lord and His goodness.  

It is because of His mercy that I am not condemned.  "Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus,-Romans 8:1.  So when my nerves become irritated by the behaviors of others I have to remember to extend grace.  I am not perfect, just saved by grace.  I have to look at others the way Christ does.  I find that when I do this, I become less irritated and not so easily agitated.  I am walking in the love that Christ lavished on me.  Now I am loving others.  I'm living life Christ's way and not my own.

Lord, I thank You for Your grace and mercy and the gift of salvation.  I thank You that all You require me to do is believe and accept your love.  Your grace and not my works sanctify me.  Help me to remember that when dealing with others.  Help me to continue to extend grace and forgiveness.  Help me to love like You.  In Jesus name.  Amen

No weapon formed

 no weapon forged against you will prevail, and you will refute every tongue that accuses you. This is the heritage of the servants of the LORD, and this is their vindication from me,” declares the LORD.~ Isaiah 54:17

The enemy is always seeking to attack and devour us, but we have a promise from God.  No weapon formed against us will prevail(Isaiah 54:17).  This doesn't mean that attacks will not come, but rather they will not be victorious over us.  What a great assurance it is to know that that weapons of the enemy will ultimately fail. We just have to trust God and lean into His ways.

The word also says that we will refute every tongue that accuses you( Isaiah 54;17).  The enemy lies.  He would have us to believe the worst about ourselves.  Telling ourselves that we will never measure up.  Jesus is the only measure we need.  He would have us believe that we are without hope, but the Lord promises us hope -Jeremiah 29:11.  Jesus is our hope and our redeemer.  There is no condemnation in Jesus Christ(Tomans 8:1).  The Lord will vindicate you.  This is the heritage of being His servant.  The Lord will set it all right.  We just have to trust and obey and be still.

So no matter the circumstance, look up to God and trust that He is their fighting for you.  He will bring you victory.  

Lord, thank You for defeating the enemy for us.  Thank You for making it a fixed fight.  Let us remember this when we are going through trials and tribulations.  Let us remember that we have the victory.  In Jesus name.  Amen

Dealing with conflict

 If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. ~Romans 12:18

According to the King James Bible Dictionary peace can be defined as "an state of tranquility or quiet, free from disturbance or agitation ass well as freedom from quarrels.  The Bible tells us in Romans 12:18 that if it is possible, as far as it depends upon us, to live at peace with everyone.  This includes those sandpaper individuals, you know the ones that just rub us the wrong way.  So how do we go out about living in peace with people who are about the drama, or just clash with our personalities and sensibilities?

First we humble ourselves. Romans 12:3 tells us, "For by the grace given to me I say to everyone among you not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think with sober judgment, each according to the measure of faith that God has assigned. "So we do no go around thinking that we are better then them.  We seek good intentions and  assume the best if possible, letting God handle the rest.

We forgive.  Ephesians 4:32 tells us to "Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you."  We put ourselves in their shoes.  We remember that sometimes we have said the wrong thing or been misperceived/misunderstood.  We love and be kind.  We let pettiness go and pick up our cross.  We walk with God and our fellow man in unity and extend grace.  We treat others as we want to be treated (Luke 6:31).

Father, help us to emulate You and walk in peace.  Let us love and forgive.  Let us remain humble and a servant.  Help us to extend grace as you have extended grace to us, being kind to our neighbors.  Let us be the fragrance of You.  In Jesus name.  Amen

Thorns

 The LORD is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit. ~Psalm 34:18

Depression is a thorn in my side.  I have begged the Lord to remove it, but  the Lord said in 2 Corinthians 12:9 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.

I do not like this cloud that hovers over me seeking to envelop me, but I know that the Lord is close to me because His word tells me so.  During this season I have to cling to the truth of God's word and know that He saves those who are crushed in spirit.  The enemy would have me doubt God and lay down, but God is my strength and my comfort.  

I witness His power every day as my friend reminded me that I get to conquer the difficulties through Christ.  Ebbs of an unknown despair and grief are real, but my soul is anchored in the Lord.  Therefore I will have hope.  I will go back to my "yet".  I will not be defeated, for I am more than a conqueror through Christ Jesus.

Lord, You know my pain and my sorrow and You are near.  You save me moment by moment and give me victory, for that I say thank You.  Help me to rest in your power as You perfect me.  In Jesus name.  Amen

"Yet"

You've Been So Faithful 

Yet this I call to mind and therefore I have hope: Because of the LORD’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. ~Lamentations 3:21-22

I found myself feeling a little melancholy this week.  I could not put my finger on the source, but I found myself playing the song above and my spirits lifted.  God's word says, "yet".  In the midst of my feelings their is a "yet" and "however" because when I think on the Lord I have hope.  

The Lord loves me, in fact He loves me greatly.  The Father is wrapping His arms around me and giving me a fierce hug.  It communicates that I am His.  He sees my need as He looks beyond my faults.  Remember He loves us so much that He sent His one and only Son to die for our sins that we might be saved.  His compassion keeps us from being consumed.

Compassion is defined as taking sympathetic pity  and concern for the sufferings of others.  God cares about what affect us.  He sees our struggles and He keeps us from being consumed by them.  He is my hope.  He is my "yet".

Lord, thank You for being me hope.  Thank You for your compassion and your love.  Bless those who might be feeling down or discouraged and let them look to You.  Let them feel Your compassionate embrace.  In Jesus name.  Amen

Using your talent

“His master replied, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master’s happiness!’ ~ Matthew 25:21

My pastor has been preaching/teaching from Matthew 25:14-30 -the parable of the talents.  The master representing God has given his servants talents according to their ability.  One servant received five, one received two, and one received one talent.  The first two servants took their talents and multiplied them and the master was pleased.  The servant who received one talent hid his and returned to the master what was given to him, the master was not pleased.  These teachings caused me to think about which servant am I?  Am I using what God gave me to bring Him glory and to be an instrument that yields an increase to the body of Christ?  Am I being a good steward?  Or am I hiding and burying my talent?

God's word tells us  in Ephesians 2:10 that we" are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do"   We are created with intentionality  and purpose.  We all have gifts/talents that can be used to advance the Kingdom of God,  we just have to use them.  We don't have to be afraid to use them because God is the one that causes the increase as we trust in Him.  We just have to step out in faith.

Examining my own life, I think I have used  the talents God has given me, but I must continue.  I must be consistent in sharing Him with those in in my sphere of influence.  I must make a difference for God.  I must continue to bring Him glory.  It does not stop until the breath in my body is gone.  I want to share His joy.

Lord, help me to be a faithful servant.  Help me to use what You have given me to share You with the world and advance Your Kingdom. Keep me humble, but intentional.  In Jesus name.  Amen

Surrender

Proverbs 3:5-6, “Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight” (NIV).

Today, in a devotional, I was asked “What is Jesus asking you to release to Him today, trusting that He knows best?”  As I think about this question a couple of things come to mind.  First,  I need to release my youngest son’s future to God.  He starting college in a couple of weeks and I want him to experience success.  A lot of the safety nets that he had in high school are gone.  He is going to have to learn how to navigate a new landscape and become an advocate for himself.  I want to fix everything and remove all barriers, but I can’t.  What I can do is trust God.  Trust that the same promises that God makes for me apply to my son.  He is going to be okay.  God has him.  God is in control.  

The next thing is my vocation of teaching.  It’s my 30 year, but there is always room for growth and change.  I have to trust God with the relationships I build with my students, colleagues, and parents.  I can retire, but I have to trust His timing for that too.  

The key is believing in the truth that God loves me and my family; all those in my sphere of influence.  If I lean not to my own understanding and trust Him with all my heart He will lead me where I should go.  I can trust His wisdom and sovereignty over my life.

Lord, I thank You for Your word.  I thank You for being God, sovereignty ruling this world and me.  I surrender all to You Lord.  Help me to trust You in every way.  In Jesus name.  Amen

One Step at a Time

I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.~ Psalm 139:14

Two weeks ago, the Sisterhood Ministry of my church sponsored a wellness walk.  At 6:00 am in the morning, women and men of all ages met at the walking track.  Though I dreaded getting up before dawn on a Saturday morning, I thought surely I could walk a mile.  Well, I was humbled that day.  I could only do a half of a mile before my body said no more.  I went to the sidelines as I watched the elders of my church continue to walk with vigor.  I was encouraged by them, but I was also saddened by the way I have let myself go over the years.

About a week later I had a dream that I was exercising. I was just moving my feet, but I was moving. In fact I woke up and started moving my arms in anticipation of the work ahead.  I have been on a journey this week to regain traction, to regain my health, and and loving attitude towards myself.  I'm doing it with the Lord's help.  I am proud to say that I have got my heart pumping and limbs moving everyday this week. I am encouraged and I feel good. I thank God for it because He formed me and I want to take care of this body He gave me and honor Him.

As I think of the physical journey I am on I think of the spiritual one as well.  I have been walking with God for a long time and I can't allow myself to become stagnant spiritually.  I have to continue to move and have my being in Him.  I have to work my faith muscles. I have to steady my mind  and renew my thoughts as I trust in Him.  I can not let it go now.  Like my parents and elders of my church I have to remain active in my faith so I can do the work He has planned for me. The race is not over.  There is work to be done.

Lord, thank You for spurring me to make a change in my physical body so that I can be spiritually fit to bring You glory. I thank You for the inspiration of others. I thank You for your grace and thank You for your strength.  I thank You for You.  In Jesus name.  Amen

With God

  For with God nothing shall be impossible. ~Luke 1:37

The return to school is fast approaching and with each day I think of all of things that I will need to do. Getting my son to and from campus because he does not drive yet.  Working with a whole new department of teachers and being a teacher leader for them and my peers.  Getting students prepared for end of the year high stakes test and graduation.  Getting the "chores" done to keep my household running smooth. The list goes on and on.  The work seems endless.  

Transparently, I already feel overwhelmed, but then I think of God.  I think of God and know that it is all going to be okay because what is impossible in my own strength is possible with God.  I am not alone.  He is with me and I am going to take one day at a time. As I write this, I also think about the armor of God ( Ephesians 6:10-18) because I will need to be equipped spiritually.  There will be battles and I will need to be prepared.  I will need to put on the belt of truth so that I can gird my self to walk daily in His word and in His will.  To be obedient to the wisdom He gives me to navigate the days and season.  I will need the breastplate of righteousness to guard my heart.  The shoes of the gospel to spread the word to others. To be an influencer for God where He has placed me. To usher in peace. The shield of faith as I walk by faith and not by sight.  My defense against the lies of the enemy. The helmet of salvation to guard my mind and my peace.  The sword of the Spirit , His word to guide me, encourage me and crush the enemy.

I need all these things and through prayer I communicate to God and He to me.  I do noy have to be afraid or overwhelmed.  I just need to trust God and know that He never fails.

Father, thank you for being with me.  Thank You for being God.  Help me to take one day at a time with You knowing you got me and You have my situations.  Help me to be at peace.  In Jesus name.  Amen

Pressing upward

 Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead,  I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.~Philippians 3:13-14

I have been on this Christian journey for most of my life, but I still have more to learn.  More roots to be forged in faith. The prize is not being a good Christian, the prize is Christ. So I continue to press my way through the twists and turns of this life, trusting in God to see me through.  

I continue to seek to deepen my relationship with Him.  To understand Him and His amazing love for me and my fellow brethren.  I seek to let go of those things that hinder me so that I can continue to walk in His will and do it in His way.

It’s not always easy, but He helps me.  His grace sustains me and His love guides me. In order to grow I have to continue to till my soil and pluck out the weeds.  I have to not rely on my past obedience, but look at today’s yes to God.  It’s a daily pursuit and each day is a blessing.  I just don’t want to survive, I want to thrive.  So I press, stretch and reach, knowing that He is with me. 

Lord,  I thank You for the journey.  I thank You for the times that You have carried me when I could not walk.  Help me not to rest on my past, but to continue to press for prize of You Jesus.  In Jesus name I do pray. Amen

Heal our land

 if my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land. ~2 Chronicles 7:14

Yesterday we celebrated America's "birthday".  The day we declared freedom from what believed was tyranny and oppression from the mother country.  Our declaration to be free inspired many other nations to set up governments where the voice of the people can be heard. The Fourth of July is a day of celebration.  Time spent with family, friends, and loved ones.  

It is a day to count our many blessings, but it is a day of somber contemplation as I look at the sickness in our land.  A sickness that pervades our world-sin.  We have teenagers killing each other.  Disasters and devastation all around. Politics run a muck and people hurting.

Just this past Sunday a guest pastor spoke to the men of our church for Men's Day, but his word resonated with me.  Point 1-  it begins with the believers.  We are the people called by HIs name.  We have to be accountable  as the church universal and stand up.  Point 2- We must stand up and humble ourselves unto God.  We must remember that we are solely reliant upon Him.  It is HIs shed blood on Calvary that cleanses us and sets us free.  We must submit to Him.  Point 3- We must pray and seek His face.  His word tells us to in Mathew 6:33 to first seek the Kingdom of God and His righteous and He will take care of the rest.  He will supply all that we need.  Point 4-  We then must repent. We must turn from or wicked ways.  We must turn from unforgiveness, a haughty spirit, a critical spirit, self-righteousness, pride and thing that would block our relationship with God and others.  We must turn away from all of that and turn to God.

For doing this, He will forgive our sins and heal our land.  Our land, for all its blessing in spite of us, needs healing.  Our world needs healing.  We need God.

Lord,  I thank You for allowing me to live in this country.  I thank You for the blessing that flow, but I confess that as  your child I need to humble myself and seek You more.  Not the blessings, but You. I need to repent and turn away from the sin that so easily trips me up.  I need to do this individually and collectively as member of the body of Christ.  Hear my prayer Lord and heal our land.  In Jesus name. Amen

He has a plan

 For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.~Jeremiah 29:11

Being a mom, I want the best for my children.  I want them to know God personally and to succeed in life.  When they were younger I could, as much as I was allowed, protect them.  I could look ahead and point out dangers they could not yet see.

Now, they are older and having to be independent.  They have to navigate the world.  My youngest is just now beginning to embark on this journey and I get scared sometimes.  He is on the Spectrum and struggles in some areas.  When I start to panic and worry about all the unknowns, Jesus steps in.  He provides me comfort and reminds me that His plans for my both of my sons is good.  Just as He has a plan for my life, He has a plan for my son.  He is not alone. I am not alone.

My “baby” boy is going to be okay.  God is behind the scenes orchestrating everything(Romans 8:28). Just as God protects my eldest, He will protect my youngest.  He will guide His steps and perfect that which concerns him(Psalm 138:8)I do not have to fret because God cares.  He is Father, Savior and King.  

Lord, thank You for being my comfort.  Thank You for the love that you lavish on Your children.  The enemy would have me spiral, but You Lord bring me peace.  You give me wisdom and tell me what steps to take.  You tell me when to back off and surrender control.  You are God.  You are merciful.  You are good. My family is in good hands, we are in good hands.  In Jesus name. Amen

Praise Break

 

That's My King

We praise you, God, we praise you, for your Name is near; people tell of your wonderful deeds. ~Psalm 75:1

Weekly, I search for scriptures that will encourage others as well as myself.  Scriptures that reminds us of the faithfulness and goodness of God.  Scriptures that encourage us to endure during hard seasons of life and to have hope.  I share the truth of His Word because it is the bread of life.  It is good to be encouraged, but today I want to praise.

I want to praise God for all that He is.  As CeCe Winans sings in her song linked above ...He is "wonderful and beautiful and glorious and holy. He is merciful and powerful."  

God is kind and compassionate.  He is a good Father.  The only wise Savior and He has done good things. He keeps me and holds me close.  He is a provider and a strong tower.  He protects me from the evil one. He safeguards my family and I am grateful.  There are not enough words to express my gratitude, but I thank You Lord and I praise Your Holy Name.

Each and every day their is cause to celebrate God.  When we open our eyes, that's a praise.  When we think of His Son and our Savior Jesus, that reason to praise.  To know that He is near is reason to praise.

Father, we bless your Holy Name.  Thank You for being God.  Thank You for saving us from ourselves.  Thank You for waling with us on our journey. Thank You for encouraging us and giving us the words we need to take the next step.  Thank You for being our strength.  Thank You for being our King.  Forgive us for those times when we withhold praise from You.  In Jesus name.  Amen