Do it for Jesus

 Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and he will establish your plans.~ Proverbs 16:3

This verse above is my seed for this school-year and life in general.  Instead of fretting and worrying about things that are outside of my control, I am giving it all to the Lord.  I am making a vow to do what I do for Him and unto Him.  Knowing that when I do this the rest will follow.  He will make  my path straight and sure.

 So when I am teaching students or collaborating with colleagues I am do it for His glory.  When I am grocery shopping or doing laundry I am doing it for His glory.  When I am listening to a friend or welcoming a stranger I am doing it for His glory.

I am taking each day that He gifts me and dedicating it back to Him.  This focus keeps me focused on the main thing, walking humbly with Jesus.  I will not let the enemy steal my peace or joy.  I will be resolute and I will call upon the name of the Lord when I am weak.  I will praise Him and have the mindset that honors Him.

This determination to commit whatever I do unto the Lord has allowed me to stay stable and self-correct when sandpaper circumstances arise.  Sandpaper smooths the rough edges and allows the shine to come through. It allows the light of Jesus to shine though and I want to be a beacon for the Lord.

Lord, I am yours and I want to do what honors You and brings You glory.  Help me to commit whatever I do to You trusting that You will have it flourish into what You have designed for my life.  I commit this school -year to You.  Bless the children that walk through my door and school.  Bless my family and bless my fellow servants.  In Jesus name. Amen

Encourage Yourself

 Why, my soul, are you downcast? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Savior and my God. ~Psalm 43:5

Encourage Yourself

Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. James 1:2-3

I feel like a storm is coming; a testing of my faith.  At first I felt nothing but apprehension, but God is a comforter.  He reminds me daily and as many times as I need to hear it to put my trust in Him.  I am putting my trust into whom nothing is impossible.  I am putting my trust into the Creator of the heavens and the earth.  I am putting my trust into my God, my Lord, and Savior.  I have nothing to fear for my God is with me and He will strengthen me and uphold me with HIs righteous hand (Isaiah 41:10)

Therefore, when the enemy would have me be downcast and disturbed, I call on Jesus.  I praise Him for His excellence.  I praise Him for His benevolent love towards me.  I will consider it pure joy even though it might not feel good because is producing a faith in me the perseveres. He is making me more into His image every day.  He is teaching me to walk by faith and not by sight.  He is "leading me on" and I can trust that His way is safe. His way is better and when I come out on the other side, I will be better.

Lord, You are my God and You are in control.  I surrender it all to You.  Help me to encourage myself with thy word on those days that may appear dark.  Let me remember that where You are there is light and let hold on to Your unchanging hands.  Let me be a witness to others that might also be going through a test.  Let us all remember that You are able and that You are with us.  You will be and are our peace in the middle of any storm.  You are our stronghold that cannot be shaken.  Forgive me for those times when I may doubt, bring the truth back to the forefront of my mind and heart.  In Jesus name I do pray.  Amen

Bless the Lord anyway!

Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits,~ Psalm 103:2

Transparency,  I'm still going through and I feel as if a storm looms over my head, but in the name of Jesus I won't stay here. I need a praise break.  I need to bless the Lord and thank Him for all of His blessings.  I need to thank Him for His goodness, His forgiveness, and His love.  You see I have to organize my thoughts and adjust my focus.  I have to get my eyes off of my circumstances and onto to Jesus.  

The enemy wants me bound with fear, but my God did not give me the spirit of fear. (2 Timothy 1:7) he enemy would have me so wrapped up in anxiety that I miss the glory of God.  BUT GOD!

 So I will praise my Lord and Savior and recount all of His goodness and mercy.  I  will glorify my Lord.  I will be of good courage and let Him strengthen my heart (Psalm 27:14).  I will draw near to Him (James 4:8) and praise His holy name.  I will adore Him and give Him a sacrifice of praise.

I will say thank You for waking me up this morning. I will say thank You for Your provision.  I will say thank You for covering me  when my body experiences pain.  I will say thank You for answering every prayer and hearing every plea.  I will say thank You for the love of my children, husband, family and friends.  I will thank You for being such a good, good God.  I will thank You for going before me and walking beside me.  I will thank You for being my strength and courage.  I worship You Lord.

Father, I do not know what today or tomorrow holds, but I know that You are in control.  I know that You are good and gracious and kind.  I know that You are Lord.  I know that You sent Your Son Jesus to die for my sins that I can be reconciled to You and forgiven.  I also know that He was raised on the third day and now because I believe the Spirit lives in my heart.  I know that You are mighty and that You are Lord.  I know that You are worthy of every drop of praise.  I stand on Your word. I stand on Your promises.  I call upon the name that is above every name.  Jesus!  I pray that my sacrifice of praise be acceptable in thy sight,  In Jesus name. Amen

He is with us...always

 Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.~ Psalm 23:4

There is a cute and, I feel accurate ,Snoopy meme on Facebook about teachers not being on summer vacation, but rather being in recovery. I have been teaching for thirty years and for the first time I have some trepidation about going back into the classroom.  

Teaching is more than just presenting curriculum to students. Besides the professional development and paperwork, the main thing includes building relationships and engaging students  to the point where they can see and reach their fullest potential.  Its also combatting worldly influences everyday.  I battle not flesh and blood, " but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places." (Ephesians 6:12)  

As the summer winds down for me.  I feel myself getting anxious, but God steps in an reminds me that He is with me always, even until the end of the ages. (Matthew 28:20)  While my mind was circling in a dessert of fear, I realized I needed to "turn". (Thanks Pastor Best).  You see the enemy was presenting me with anxiety and wanted me off my mission.   You see the classroom is my mission field and everyday that I work with teens and colleagues I get to be an ambassador for Jesus.  So I need to turn my face towards Jesus.   I need not be discouraged, but encouraged.

God reminded that even though I might walk through some dark valleys, He is with me.  His rod and His staff bring me comfort.  He rod is my protection and His staff guides me.  I am never alone.  I have the Spirit of God living on the inside of me (1 Corinthians 3:16)  He will direct my steps as I trust in Him and lean not to my own understanding (Proverbs 3:5-6).  

Maybe you have something that causes you anxiety and fear.  It could be parenting, relationships, financial stress or anything.  The enemy wants you to fear, but God does not give us a spirit of fear ( 2 Timothy 1:7) so we can turn away from that worry and look to Jesus.  We can pray and seek His face knowing that He will provide what we stand in need of. We can know with confidence that He is with us no matter what.

Lord, thank You for being our Shepherd.  Thank You for Spirit that reminds us that You are with us always.  Help us to cast our anxieties on to You and leave them there. Help us to keep our face turned towards You in every situation and circumstance and let us find peace.  In Jesus name we pray. Amen

Self -examination

 But let a man examine himself, and so let him eat of that bread, and drink of that cup.~1 Corinthians 11:28

 

A few weeks ago, a pastor spoke about three types of men.  The first man had to make a choice to first serve the Lord.  They had to recognize that they needed Jesus.  This man had to confess with their mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in their heart that God raised Him from the dead and be saved (Romans 10:9).  

The second man had to commit to stick with Jesus.  They has to make a choice of whom they were going to serve.  They had to stop trying to serve to masters because this is impossible to do.  They had to decide to follow Jesus now that they know who Jesus is.  They had to declare that only He is Lord and stop being double minded in their ways ( James 1:8)

The third man had chosen to serve the Lord, stuck with Him, and now needs to walk out their faith.  They know the word, but now need to live it out.  They need to do it( James 1:22) They need to be loving their enemies, letting go of bitterness, putting down idols and not drinking from empty cisterns(Jeremiah 2:13).  They need to be planted by living water, God's word, (Psalm 1:3)an eternal spring, so that they may flourish even in times of drought.  This man is not ashamed of the gospel of Jesus Christ(Romans 1:16).  They are guided by the Spirit and know that the word of God is their weapon to battle and defeat the enemy.  They live the word out loud.

I once was that girl who decided to follow Jesus.  I have been that woman that drifted from God and tried to have my foot in both worlds.  That doesn't work.  It leads to misery.  I am not that woman who tries to walk out her faith, to be a doer of God's word.  To live out my faith unapologetically.  Not that I get it all right, but I trust in the Lord as I continue to abide in Him(John 15:4) and let Him have His way.  Let's make the choice today to let our lights shine so that they may see our good deeds and glorify our Father in heaven(Matthew 5:16).  If you do not know Jesus take the first step today.  He is waiting with open arms.

Lord, I thank You for the truth of Your Word.  It is Your truth that sets us free.  May we examine ourselves and find out where we are and make a choice that draws us closer to You.  Forgive us for our sins and let us run to knowing that we will find love and forgiveness.  May we walkm out our faith daily.  In Jesus name. 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

Our land is sick with sin, but its healing begins with us, God's people humbling ourselves and realizing that we are not above it all.  We too fall short of the glory of God (Romans 3:23).  We need to pray and seek His face.  Seek His wisdom,  Seek His ways.  We need to turn from idols of comfort, complacency, financial security, social media, or anything that we would put before our God.  

We need to turn away from division and unforgiveness and seek peace.  When we as God's children come together in love and seek our Father, He will hears us and forgive us.  He will heal our land.  We will be blessed and our children will be blessed.

In my country we celebrate Independence Day tomorrow.  To be honest, I do not always recognize my country.  We have turned away from many things, but I know have to focus on Christ and His will  I have to remember that He is sovereign and I have to pray.  I pray for the unity of the church, God's people.  I pray that we love each other as Christ loves us. I pray that we humble ourselves, look to Him and let Him heal us and our land. I pray for blessing for all God's people and for those who do not know Him.  We have to stand up and be bold for Christ.

Lord, You have given us a wonderful gift, freedom in You. Let us not abuse it.  Let us turn from our sin and humble ourselves.  Let us pray for righteousness-Your righteousness to prevail and Your love to rule.  Cleanse us and heal our land Lord.  Bless the nations of this earth.  In Jesus name.  Amen

It's not over

  I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.~ Philippians 3:14

A message from Dr. Tony Evans was shared with me yesterday-"Be careful in your old age". While I am not in my physical old age yet,  I have been walking with God a long time and his message inspired me and led me to think about some things that I wanted to share.

First, the race is not over.  There is still work to be done and battles to be won.  We must fight complacency and comfort and realize that we still have a calling in Christ Jesus.  We have a prize that calls us heavenward and we have not yet obtained it. There is more to learn and room to grow deeper roots. Therefore, we have to keep our armor on and our shield of righteousness raised high.  Our hearts must be guarded and minds renewed daily so that we can be sensitive to what the Spirit speaks to our heart.

Secondly, we have a legacy that enemy wants to steal.  A legacy of faith.  A few weeks ago, my mother and I were talking about the women in our home church who we were able to pattern our lives after.  Praying women, women of consistency in their faith, and women who served the Lord until they were called home.  It made me think about my walk with the Lord and what I want others to know about this journey with Christ.  I want them to know that it is rewarding and that it is worth it.  I want them to know that it is a daily conversation with the Creator and lover of my soul.  It is not without challenges, but those challenges only serve to strengthen my faith and I am never alone.

A few weeks ago I wrote about my struggles with church attendance.  I realize that was a subtle attack from the enemy to get me to be isolated, "in my old age".  To work in the church at my convenience as if I am doing God a favor.  Wrong attitude and mindset.  Thankfully,  there was a continual call for me to be connected.  I let go of my pride about a couple of things and let grace flow.  I thank God that He has given me the opportunity to do a "shift" in my thinking (shout out to Rev. Stone).  I thank God that there are still women to pattern my life after and that I can be one of them some day if I continue to press my way forward even in "my old age".

Lord, thank You for your word and thank You for strong faithful women of God.  Help us to let go of pride and continue to be teachable and sensitive to Your Spirit.  Help us to run this race and press onward and upward for the prize of eternal fellowship with You.  Help us to fight the good fight of faith.  In Jesus name. Amen 

When you are worried

  Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you. ~ 1 Peter 5:7

There is a lot going on in this world.  Senseless deaths and violence, natural disasters and the devastation that they bring, wars and rumors of wars, disease, financial stress, and a general lack of compassion and empathy are running rampant. Everything seems heightened and intense.  These things, not to mention home life issues, could cause anyone to worry or fret.  How do we deal with it all? Not on our own.  

God tells us  to cast ALL of our anxiety on Him because He cares for us.  We relinquish control to the God who is sovereign and has all power in His hands.  We surrender our fears to the One for whom all things are possible ( Mathew 19:26).  We trust in the Lord with all our heat and lean not to our own understanding (Proverbs 3:5).  We pray.

I Thessalonians 5:17 tells us to pray without ceasing.  This means that we have an heart posture of open communication with God.  Through His Spirit we stay in His presence and receive His comfort and reassurance as we trust Him with our daily lives.  I pray for myself and others; my neighbors known and unknown.  I pray that His Kingdom comes.

Lord, we live in a fallen world and their is chaos all around.  Let us remember that You are Lord and everything is under Your control. It has been sifted by Your hands. Helps us to cast our cares and worries onto You and receive comfort by trusting in You. Help us to wait on You Lord and see You in the midst of it all. In Jesus name I pray. Amen

Praise report:  My eye is much better.

Waiting Seasons

 But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint. ~Isaiah 40:31

I'm in a waiting season.  My eye problem is back and it is taking longer than three days for it to heal.  However, I am trusting in God.  I'm trusting that He is actively working this out for my good according to His purpose (Romans 8:28).  

So what do I do while I wait?  I set my face towards God (2 Chronicles 20:3) and I pray.  I pray to my God who is able to do any and everything ,to heal me again.  I seek His guidance and I put my trust in Him.  I have faith and praise Him for what my human eye does not yet see.  I know deliverance is coming, so I continue to hope and praise Him for all the ways He is helping me.

For example, sunlight really irritates my eye.  I have to wear sunglasses to drive.  I had an errand that needed to be run and was worried about driving. I was going to beg off, but something about that felt lazy.  I wasn't feeling good about that choice, so I opened my front door to see if my eye could bear the light.  I decided it could.  I got prepared to go out, shades on, ready for the "battle", but God.   When I stepped outside the sun was gone, hidden by the clouds.  It was like having two pair of shades.  I called my husband and told him what God had done.  I drove without pain and was able to take care of my business.  God is good and merciful.  Let me note, if you can't see while you are driving -do not do so.  God gives us wisdom.

It just so happens that a lady from my church, an intercessor that had been praying for me, told me about her eye and the instructions that the doctor gave her.  This was  a day before my eye decided to be a pain again.  She said you just have to let it rest and heal.  So that is what I'm doing waiting on God and His timing.  Letting Him renew me as I go through this storm.  I know that He will lead me to victory and allow me to run on.

Lord, You know my circumstance and I ask for patience while I wait for your healing.  Give me wisdom in dealing with my eye and help me to trust in Your way and Your timing.  I pray for others that might be in a holding pattern.  Let them see Your might.  Renew their strength.  In Jesus name.  Amen

Beauty from ashes

 and provide for those who grieve in Zion— to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of joy instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair. They will be called oaks of righteousness, a planting of the LORD for the display of his splendor.~ Isaiah 61:3

Jesus is the reason why I have beauty from my ashes.  He is the reason why I wear a garment of praise instead of despair.  He has planted me allowed me to flourish to the praise of His glory.  This girl, as one of my friends often says, this God's girl has come a long way and it because of Jesus. Its because of what He did on the Cross.  He died for my sins and redeemed me with His blood so that I could be free.  So that I would no longer be oppressed by sin and the enemy.

I once wandered from God.  I was dressed in self-pity and shame.  I would come home from work and welcome the darkness.  I was trying to hide.  I was a believer who had lost her way because I believed the lies of the enemy.  I was in the mud and I hated myself, but God.  He continued to love on me and put people in my path that gave me purpose ( His purpose).  He pulled me out of miry clay and placed my feet on the firm rock (Psalm 40:2-4).  He took the ashes of my life and made something beautiful.

He opened His arms wide to His prodigal daughter and kissed my forehead.  He loved me and forgave me.  He restored me and every day I live in His grace and mercy.  As David said in Psalm 23, my cup runneth over. Thank You Jesus.

Lord Yo took the worse moments in my life and transformed them and me.  You took what I had lit am match to because of sin and rebuilt it  to something even better.  You are a great God and worship You.  Thank you for redemptive love.  In Jesus name, Amen

What has God done for you?

  “Return home and tell how much God has done for you.” So the man went away and told all over town how much Jesus had done for him. ~Luke 8:39

'Praise God from whom all blessing flow.  Praise Him. all creatures here below. Praise Him, above ye heavenly host.  Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost."

I remember singing this hymn in church and it is so fitting for the overwhelming gratitude that I have for God.  As the scriptures says ..tell how how much God has done for you and that's what I'm going to do today.

First, He saved my life by dying on a cross and rising again.  He gave me a new name and a new identity that is found in him alone.  He allows me to be in relationship with Him and He is a friend like no other.

Second, He heals me.  I put that in present tense because I have an autoimmune disease that creates issues of various kinds, but every time I ask for a healing and relief, my God comes through.  Just this weekend, my eye was red and in pain.  Light aggravated the pain.  I prayed and asked for prayers from the intercessors in my church.  On the third day, I was healed.  Praise God.   He heals me from my anxiety and allows me to function and work.  I made to the end of another school year.  Year 30 for me.  Isn't God good.

Third, He has blessed me grace and favor.  Not just me, but my family. He has proven to me over and over again that His promises are "Yes and Amen".  He does this daily.  He is with me at all times, good or challenging.  He sees me through and He takes care of my family, nuclear and extended.

There are more than a million things that God does for me. From helping me locate crucial documentation that I thought was lost to letting me receive confirmation that I'm doing the right thing. He is a gracious Father and I love Him.  I just wanted someone to know.

Lord, thank You for blessing me and keeping me.  Thank You for love.  May I testify of your goodness.  In Jesus name.  Amen

Who owes who?

 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

Yesterday, I was reminded of something very powerful.  God can never and will never be indebted to me.  Hearing these words took me back to a point in my life where I turned away from God because I unknowingly had this mindset.  

I looked at my life and saw personal relationships crumbling and blamed God.  I thought that since I was doing things "the right way" that it somehow would exempt me from hardships.  I thought God owed me when the reality is that I owed Him everything.  I still do.

Christ died on the Cross for me while I was yet a sinner.  He loved me before I loved Him.  He loves me even when I go the wrong way.  He loves me enough to correct me and bring me back to Himself restoring the relationship that we have.

The "work" I do and the holy life I tried to lead is my reasonable service to God.  It is my duty that I do in response to His great love for me.  It is not done for recognition or praise.  I can't earn my salvation.  I can't earn my freedom.  That is a gift given freely by God because of His grace and mercy.  The blessings I receive are a bonus and I am grateful.

Lord, thank You for Your word and Your truth.  Help me to have the right heart posture and mindset towards You and the work I do in Your Kingdom.  Keep me humble and bowed before You.  May You alone receive the glory. In Jesus name.  Amen.

Give Thanks

 "I will give thanks to the Lord with my whole heart; I will recount all of your wonderful deeds." ~Psalm 9:1-2

This week I got a letter from my future me.  It was a email I wrote in December to be delivered in 

May.  It said  "Look at God.  Give thanks.  The Lord has brought you this far. 

With all your imperfections, God loves you. You have made an impact.  Don't give up. "

As my school year winds down I can look back and see all the ways the God has kept me and my 

students.  As the psalmist says, I recount all His wonderful deeds.  I remember His faithfulness and

His promise to never leave me.  I recount His promise to give me rest.  I remember His grace and

His mercy.  I remember the opportunities He gave me to be a witness to my students and 

colleagues.

God is great and greatly to be praised.  He is to be worshipped with a whole heart.  He is deserving

of my thanks and gratitude.  Thank You Jesus.  Thank You Lord.

Father, I thank You for your covering.  I thank You for blessings and goodness You have shown

to me.  I give You thanks and I give You praise.  In the holy name of Jesus. Amen

Confessions

 not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.  ~Hebrews 10:25

Today's blog is a big ouch for me as I am convicted of this very thing.  I am a believer who loves the Lord and His people, but I find myself avoiding the attendance of church.   I have my reasons, but God is clear, we are to meet up and assemble.  We do this to encourage one another.  I know this to be true because when I do go I am encouraged by  seeing my sisters in Christ worship the Lord.  The sweet aroma of Jesus is all around and it nourishes my soul.

I know this to be true, yet I still have little desire outside my want to please God to go. While I am actively involved in ministries at my church, something is missing.   There is a disconnect.  I love the Lord and I know that He is good. I watch sermons from other pastors.  Guess what they talk about the assembling of the saints too.  So I know God is talking to me.  Yet I stay stubborn. What does this say about me?  My mind can go down a rabbit hole, but I know that I am loved by God.  He is working on my heart and my mind.  He's not letting me get comfortable with this sin.

Why am I sharing a dark corner of my soul?  I am  sharing it because I need to walk in the light of God's truth. I need to expose it so I can come to a point or repentance.  I want to be with like minded hearts so that I can be strengthened in the battle.  

Lord, I know better, yet week after week I fail.  I know its only hurting me so I pray for forgiveness.  Help me to not isolate, but rather insulate myself with my fellow brother's and sisters.  Help me to honor Your word.  In Jesus name. Amen

Run the race

 Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, ~Hebrews 12:1

This past weekend my church celebrated Women's Empowerment.  The theme was "Women Running to Win".  Our background scripture was 1 Corinthians 9:24-27.  We had two dynamic guest speakers and there were some things that stood out to me.  One was the admonishment to get in position.  When I think about position, I think about posture.  In a race where runners sprint,  they often get into starting blocks to set their feet right into a position where they can spring into action.  Whereas in a long distance race, the runners angle their body with one forward, again ready to spring into action.  So what is the position of a believer who is running the Christian race?  I believe its one of prayer as our hearts are yielding to God and getting the strength to spring into action.  To put one foot in one of another.

In 1 Corinthians 9:24 it tells us to run in such a way as to get the prize.  You can get the prize if you do not finish the race.  The race we run as believers is not a sprint, but a marathon.  Legs get tired, breathing can become labored, but that's why we train.  We stay in the word so we can get our second wind.  We stay connected to the Spirit so that we can receive strength and power to endure.  We keep our eyes fixed on Jesus.  We remember the those that have come before use and finished the race in faith.  They encourage us to stay strong, to keep moving.  I might be the tortoise, but I will finish the race.

I have been waking up feeling absolutely physically and mentally drained.  I wanted to quit today, but I pressed on and prayed for energy.  I can tell you that walking in the will of God energizes you and reminds you to stay in the race.  As one pastor noted, you have to start the race to run it and as the elders have said "I think I am going to run on to see what the end will be".  I'm laying down fatigue and breathing in Jesus.  I am laying down the lies of the enemy saying I can't do it.  I'm laying down any sin that would add unnecessary weight to me.  I am in position; seeking God's face and wisdom.  I am springing into action.  I aiming to win the prize.   

Lord, I thank You for Your Word that reminds me to run the race and finish strong.  I pray for those that have not yet begun the race, may they enter in relationship with You and gain the best coach ever.  May those of us running the race endure until the end.  May we win the prize.  May our running making an impact on the lives of others.  In Jesus name I do pray.  Amen

Guard Your Heart

 Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it. ~Proverbs 4:23

Lord, help me is thought the roars through my mind as I write today.  Help me to say the words that You want me to say.  Help me to convey a message that speaks to the hearts of others.  Help me to be true and steadfast. Help me to give You the glory as I seek to be a partner in building Your Kingdom.

In order to do these things I must be plugged in to God, His Spirit and I must guard with all sacredly (if that's a word) what He has poured into my heart.  I must guard the "seat" of my emotions and thoughts. For from my heart flows my actions and decisions. I must monitor what I allow to influence my thoughts from the shows I watch, to what I listen to on the radio and especially my conversations and those around me.

 This is why I need the belt of truth and  breastplate of righteousness (Ephesians 6:10-14).  I have to gird myself with His word (the truth)  and put on the righteousness that Christ has imparted to me so that I can cast down those thoughts that would try to rival God and His will( 2 Corinthians 10:5). I must sit still with God and guard the treasure that He has entrusted to me.  

Everyday is a gift, but I do battle with my heart and mind.  The Lord instructs me when to speak and how to react to the children I teach.  He tells me when to intervene and when to let go and let God.  It is He who fills me when I am empty so that I reach and teach. It is he who keeps me shielded from the things of this world,  It is He who keeps me.  It is He who helps me and hears my cry before it is ushered on my lips(Isaiah 65:24).

Lord, thank You for the gospel and Your Holy Spirit.  Help me to guard what You pour into me so that I can walk this Christian journey.  So that I can take up my cross daily and follow You.  Help me to put on Your amor daily.  Help me to love.  Forgive me of my sins and transgressions.  In Jesus name I pray.  Amen

Self-examination

 John 3:16 states: "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life."

This week is considered Holy Week.  A week where the crowds were saying Hosanna one minute and crucify Him the next. It’s the week where we remember where Christ gave His life freely for us because He loved us.

He loved us even though He knew we would betray Him, deny Him and wonder off.  He laid down His life so that these things would not be end of our stone cause of His amazing grace.  His sacrifice washes us clean and gives us new chapters.  His death made it possible.

Jesus’ story does not end on the Cross or in grave because on the third day He got up.  He defeated death bringing us life, hope, and peace.This week celebrates the triumphant work of Jesus.  His death and resurrection.

Transparently, I find myself asking how holy am I?  Am I living out the life the Christ gave His life for? Am I conquering sin?  Am I saying Hosanna with my mouth, but crucifying Him in my heart?  Being a disciple is serious business, so am I taking up my cross daily?  Am I dying to self?  Holy Week is about self- examination for me as I take in again the enormity of what Christ did for me, what He does for me! Jesus loved and so must I.

Father, thank You for sending Your Son Jesus.  Thank You for loving us that much.  Thank You for dying for me Jesus.  Thank You for getting back up.  May I live a life that reflects Your love.  May I lay down my will for Yours daily.  In Jesus name.  Amen

Are you ready?

 and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace.~ Ephesians 6:15

Ephesians 6:10-12 tells us that we are in a battle and we must be battle ready by putting on the armor of God.  We battle not against flesh and blood, "but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms"(Ephesians 6:12).  One peace of that armor is the shoes that come from the gospel of peace.

Something stood out to me today as I read about this peace or armor.  It says that our feet are "fitted with the readiness".  This tells me that we are ready for the battle.  Our position and stance is steady.  I see a boxer in the ring and their stance is ready to go.  We are ready to go into battle or deal with the attacks of the enemy because we have the gospel of peace.  We have the truth.

Jesus came to this earth, walked among us.  He dies for our sins, He himself did no wrong.  He rose again defeating death because He loves us.  He did this to reconcile us, to bring us into right standing with the Father.  The cost He paid for me was the gift of eternal life with Him and the Father.  So when I move, I move in peace.  I move in the assurance of God.  I am ready.

I am ready because of what Jesus did on the Cross.  The plan the Father had for my and your salvation from the beginning.  Giving His life for us.  So the enemy is already defeated and I can walk in that.  I can step to the side when the enemies arrows come. I can stand firm when the blows come.  I will not be moved because I have the right shoes on.  I can respond with a with peace and gentleness because of Jesus.  I am ready.

Lord, I thank You for Your armor and I thank You for Your truth.  Thank you for having me be ready to face the enemy because of what You did on Calvary.  I love You Lord.  In  Jesus name. Amen

A Certain God

 Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever. ~Hebrews 13:8

A reminder about the truth of God was shared with me yesterday.  God is constant.  He doesn't shift and change like the shadows.  The same God who walked with me in times past is the same God who walks with me in my present, and will be there in my future. He is a certain God.

 He is the God of the universe yesterday, today, and tomorrow.  He is same God who gave His life for me on Calvary so that I can be whole and forgiven.  The same God that forgives me today.  He is the same God who intercedes for me and prays for me.

So as the world around me changes, I can remain confidant in God.  My circumstances will come and go.  Leaders will come and go.  Wars and rumors of wars will be present, but my God remains the same.  His love is unchanging.  His sovereignty is unmoving.  He is Lord.  He is constant and His consistent nature is my comfort.

Lord thank You for being true and real.  Thank You for being consistent in Your goodness and faithfulness.  Thank You for being God.  In Jesus name I do pray.  Amen.

Transparency

 fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.~Hebrews 12:2

In full transparency I have been on the struggle bus this week.  My conversations with God have had a hint of desperation as I pray for strength to do my day; to do the work.  The beautiful thing about God is His truth, the knowledge that He will never leave me.  It helps as helped me to fix my eyes on Jesus and not the the struggle.

I was reminded today of just how valuable we are to Jesus  because He made a choice to ensure the cross for us. Knowing this helps me to keep going as I look to the One who finished it all.  He is seated at the right hand of the Father interceding for us.

The struggle won’t last forever and I have a Champion on my side.  This fuels my hope.  This strengthens me and I am grateful.

Lord thank You for making the choice.  Thank You for hearing my pleas.  Thank You for the victory.  In Jesus name. Amen

God is near

  Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. ~Philippians 4:5

Today is one of those days. My world is a little off kilter.  My routine has been altered and I feel rushed and panicky, but God.  I hear God telling me that He is near.  I see that He is near as He is moving pieces into place. 

I also hear God telling me to not let the disruptions and distractions to the flow of my day, disrupt who I am in Christ.  To not let it disrupt my character.  I am not to be narly and irritated , but gentle and this gentleness should be evident to all.  Gentleness is described by the dictionary as having or showing a mild, kind, or tender temperament or  character. 

 Its not lashing out because you are frustrated or stressed.  Its remembering just how blessed you are.  How loved you are by Jesus.

I have to breath God in and trust in His process.  These sandpaper moments are building my character. They are opportunities for me to be a witness for God.  They are strengthening my faith as I lean on Him who is always near.  He won't let me down or leave me alone.

Father, I trust You and I love You.  Let the fruit of peace, joy, and gentleness rise up in me especially today.  May I find rest in You.  In Jesus Name I pray.  Amen.

Walking in your purpose

 "For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them"~ Ephesians 2:10

There is nothing more fulfilling than to walk in the purpose that God created for me.  For when I am walking in my purpose I know that I am being equipped by God to do the work that He has planned for me from the very beginning.  I am full of joy because I know that I am doing His work.  I am pleasing Him and helping my fellow man.

However, the enemy does not want me to walk in my purpose.  He does not want me to do my part for the Kingdom.  He wants me weary, frustrated, and filled with fear.  But the enemy is defeated because of God's word and faithfulness.  Jesus tells me that I can come to Him when I am weary(Matthew 11:28-30) and that I can cast my cares onto God( 1 Peter 5:7).  He also tells me that He did give me the spirit of fear, but rather of power,  love, and sound mind ( 2 Timothy 1:7).

Yesterday, I lost my temper with a student.  I kicked him out of my classroom.  It could have ended there, but God allowed me the opportunity for reconciliation. I told the student that  he was one my best students.  I told him that the behavior he exhibited was not like him.  He said he was having a bad week, mind you it was only Tuesday.  I gave the kid a hug and told him it was going to be okay and then I apologized for loosing my temper.  I tell you I was blessed by the situation and joy filled my soul because I walked in my purpose to encourage rather than destroy.  At the time I wasn't concerned about who was watching, but someone was.  They thanked me.  I brushed it off, but it reminded me that others are watching.  I want to be found doing His work.  I give all the glory to God.  The student came back into my classroom focused and weights lifted.

 For me, His work is teaching and encouraging.  It is loving and forgiving.  It's sharing the gospel of Jesus Christ.  We all have a purpose and each day is a gift to walk in the works that God has planned for us.  Whether that be encouraging a child, spouse, or co-worker.  Or caring for sick, needy, and lost.  It might even be being an intercessor for someone, our nation's leaders, or world leaders.  Our purpose maybe standing in the gap.  Whatever it is, when you walk in it you will be filled by the Spirit.  You will be empowered and God will get the glory.

Lord, thank You for the opportunity to participate and align my will to Yours.  Thank You for opportunity to walk in my calling, my purpose.  Bless my brothers and sisters in Christ and let us be united in doing Your work.  For those who do not know their purpose, reveal it to them.  Help us to remain humble and give You all the glory.  In Jesus name.  Amen

It's personal

 "Lord, You are my God; I will exalt You, I will give thanks to Your name; For You have worked wonders, Plans formed long ago, with perfect faithfulness" -Isaiah 25: (NASB)

You've Been So Faithful

When I look back over my life, I see the faithfulness of God.  As I battle with the enemy, God is their granting me victory and success.  I proclaim loudly and proudly that the Lord is my God.  I will lift His name up for He mighty and worthy of all the praise.  There is no one and nothing that compares to Him.  

God has worked wonders in my life.  He has brought healing, forgiveness, and restoration.  As David proclaimed in Psalm 23, my cup runneth over.  I was recently reading a devotional and it talked about the shift of " have to" to "get to".  Work can be difficult, but I "get to" go to work and provide for my family.  I struggle with anxiety and depression, but " I get to" see how God works in the midst of it all ushering in peace.  I 'get to" to know that Jesus intercedes on my behalf.

I am right where I need to be because God has ordered my steps.  He has a plan for my life and circumstances cannot circumvent His plans.  He accomplishes the things in my life because He is faithful.  He is perfect and cannot fail.  I "get to" witness this.  What a beautiful thing.

Lord, thank You for being my God.  Thank You for Your perfect faithfulness.   I praise your name and lift You up that all men may be drawn unto You.  In Jesus name I pray. Amen

Moment by Moment

 Then the Lord God formed a man from the dust of the ground and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life, and the man became a living being. ~Genesis 2:7

A dear friend of mine when grieving the death of her mother told me she was taking it moment by moment, for day by day was too much to bear at the time.  Her words have stayed with me and I share it with others who are experiencing grief and hardships.  I say these words to myself when life feels too big.

I relate these words to the scripture above where it tells us that God formed man and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life, and the man became a living being ( some translations use the word soul.)  I think about these words and remember that God breathed life into me and so when life gets hard or scary I breathe His breath.  I breathe God's strength and grace. 

Each breathe is but a moment and I make that best of that moment by breathing in His peace.  I breathe in His love.  I allow the Spirit of God to minister to me.  I take one moment at a time.  What I found to happen is that those moments chained together create a beautify tapestry of His amazing grace.  

I also can't help but think about the last moment that Jesus breathed(Luke 23:46) so that I might be forgiven of my sins and how He took His breathe again on the third day( 1 Corinthians 15:3-4) conquering death for me and you. That's love -that is enough air to sustain me through troubled times.

Lord, I thank You for the breath of life.  Thank You for reminding me to take thing one step at at time, one breath at a time, as I trust in You.   For You are my strength and hope Lord.  Your Spirit allows me to persevere. Thank You for Your goodness and mercy.  In Jesus name.  Amen

He sees us

 She gave this name to the LORD who spoke to her: “You are the God who sees me,” for she said, “I have now seen the One who sees me.”  ~Genesis 16:13

Trials come and the world can seem like its bearing down on us.  It may make want to run away or end it all, but God is our comfort.  We are not alone.  We are not insignificant to God.  He sees us and His presence is with us.  His Spirit resides in us (1 Corinthians 3:16) and because of that we can walk in victory.  We can come out on the other side.

There are a lot of people who suffer from depression and anxiety.  In transparency, I happen to be one them.  I have been surrounded by the darkness and have felt defeated, but God has always provided a reason to keep moving.  He has always let me feel the gentle whisper of His love (1 Kings 19:4:13).  

His love is not conditioned on what I do or what I feel in the moments of the storms.  His love is pure and steadfast because He is love.  He is God.  It is character and He loves me as I am.  I am aware of people battling in the deep right now.  They are wrestling.  I encourage you to keep fighting, know that the Lord will bless you as He blessed Jacob( Genesis 32:22-32).  The enemy is already defeated.  The weapons that are formed against us will not prosper. (Isaiah 54:17)

The enemy does not want you to think that you are worth it, but you are.  You are more than a conquer in Christ Jesus. ( Romans 8:37).  He sees you and you can be a witness to His goodness , just as I am.  He will put you out of the miry clay and place your feet on solid ground. ( Psalm 40:1-3).  Just hold on and trust Him.

Lord You are bigger than any struggle or storm.  We entrust our lives to You.  Help us to see your light when the darkness threatens to creep in.  Lets us remember that You are with us in the valleys of shadows and death and that it is You that leads us through.  We love You Lord and thank You for seeing us.  In Jesus name we pray.  Amen

A Praise on my lips

1 Praise the Lord, my soul;
    all my inmost being, praise his holy name.
2 Praise the Lord, my soul,
    and forget not all his benefits—Psalm 103:1-2

I’m approaching another birthday and as I consider all the ways the God has shown up and shown out, I can’t help but be grateful.  I am humbled by His goodness to me.  His faithfulness to be with me each and every day.  

He is with me in the sun and clouds.  He does not let the storms overtake me.  He settles my soul.  He provides for me and wipes every tear.  I am precious to Him, little ol’ me.  He sent His Son to die for me and then live again so that I can too.

God is great!  So I praise Him with everything I have.  I thank Him for being absolutely magnificent!  I love You Father.  I love You Jesus.  I love You Holy Spirit. 

Father, thank You for teaching me what real love is.  Thank You for all Your benefits.  Thank You for life.  In Jesus name. Amen