Do you love enough?

Jude 1: 22-23 “Be merciful to those who doubt; snatch others from the fire and save them; to others show mercy, mixed with fear—hating even the clothing stained by corrupted flesh.”

Sharing the life I live in Christ is no secret, and yet how much do people really know? People all around us have titles. Director, Doctor, Christian, but these are all quite general. Director of what? What kind of Doctor? Christian…what religion? God gave us a mandate to tell the world of His love and how to have a relationship with Him. This is what I was created to do. Being a follow of Christ is the best life I know. I have the awesome opportunity everyday to love someone out of hell. The question is how well am I doing that?

Honestly, I have battled with the balance of gentleness and harshness in regards to telling others about Christ. As a young Christian, I threw peoples sins in their face and demanded repentance. As you can image that didn’t go over so well. Jesus said to be merciful, to appeal to others in love. Then I loved so much I didn’t speak of the consequences as much. God also said “mixed with fear”. Fear is not a bad thing, when you become aware of dangerous consequences to your actions.
Jesus said to love others as you love yourself. If I am to truly love others, I need to be able to speak the truth.

· There is nothing wrong with saying Jesus loves you enough to die for your sins. We are kidding ourselves to think we don’t sin. Sometimes the truth hurts.
· It’s ok to say that rejecting God will one day result in eternal punishment. All decisions in life have a result, this is one of them.

I want to live my life with no regrets. So, if speaking the truth gets people angry at me, or gets me fired its ok. I will love as Jesus loved but not candy coat the truth. It’s my responsibility to pull them out of harm’s way.

Do you love someone enough to tell the truth? Maybe a better question is, what will happen if you don’t?

Compassion

Matthew 14: 13-14 “When Jesus heard what had happened, he withdrew by boat privately to a solitary place. Hearing of this, the crowds followed him on foot from the towns. When Jesus landed and saw a large crowd, he had compassion on them and healed their sick.”

Jesus just heard how His cousin was beheaded. What terrible news. I can’t image the horrible feeling of losing someone you love in this way. Jesus wanting to be alone, understandably, but He can’t even do that. The crowds follow Him. Can I be honest? I would have told the people to leave. I would have probably been angry that they had no consideration for what I was going through. Thank God I am not Jesus. Jesus does the unthinkable. He puts His feelings aside and takes care of their needs.

I am learning that I am self centered. Yup, I said it. Sure I love people and I do many different things. But genuine love for others comes when you are in great need and give anyways. Jesus compassion was not based on convenience. It was based on the great need of the people.

I have been truly blessed and I’m not talking about finances. I have a wonderful family, the best children, and an incredible husband. I have a great God who loves me. Today, I am so thankful that Jesus cares about me and that I can learn to love others the way He did.

Lord, You blow me away with Your huge love and thoughtfulness of others. Teach me how to be more like You. Amen

Savory

Matthew 5:13 "You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled by men.”

We have all heard people say,” I don’t go to church because they are all hypocrites.” It is hard to hear and not completely true. However, there are enough people who claim to be follows of Christ but their actions prove otherwise. Jesus was the real deal and yet we find that Christians have a difficult time doing what is right. We are not perfect, the bad thing is when we try to act like we are and fail. I will be honest; there is not a week that goes by that I do not question my example. I’m not swearing or doing some horrible sin, but I want my actions to glorify God in all things.

Have you ever eaten anything with no flavor? It’s edible, but not good. What about something too salty? When it’s too salty you can’t even eat it. Neither of these is a good. See either people can’t stand you because you are throwing scripture at them and the next minute blowing it. Or you are so neutral that they have no reason to desire Jesus.

Today, I am taking a good look at myself. It my life savory to sinners? Do I cause them to want what I have? What about you?

Lord, I see areas that need more salt in my life. Help me to not be a hearer of the word only but a doer in all things. Amen.

Thank You pt.2

I have being going through 25 days of thankfulness with Isaiah. Today, I asked him to name five people he is thankful for and why.

This was his list.

You Mom: your nice to me
Dad: he is fun
Leia: she is funny
Tino: cuz
Julian: because he's good

This morning I am thankful for Julian Contreras. Julian is twice Isaiah's age but has never devalued him. When Isaiah was four years old, I had to change jobs and Isaiah spent two days a week with the Contreras family. Julian was and continues to be a wonderful example, teacher, and friend. Thank you Julian, you are an awesome young man.

Thank You

2 Corinthians 8:13-15 “Our desire is not that others might be relieved while you are hard pressed, but that there might be equality. At the present time your plenty will supply what they need, so that in turn their plenty will supply what you need. Then there will be equality, as it is written: "He who gathered much did not have too much, and he who gathered little did not have too little."

We received a magazine from World Vision the other day and Isaiah was reading it. He showed me a page that said that $25 could buy chickens for a family in Africa. As he read through the book he became more excited tell me more things that could be bought and there price. He finally looked up and said I have $25, what should we get them?

If there is anyone who should be concerned about the poor it is the people of God. In a time when there is little, God desires that we are all equal. No one should have too little and no one should have too much. I am blessed that I can give of what I have.

I have a responsibility to care not only for my families’ needs but when possible the needs of those around me. Thanksgiving and Christmas should not be the only times when others are important. It needs to be all year round. Getting gifts can be fun, but the joy of helping someone else in true need….priceless.

This year Isaiah will be helping feed people in need on Thanksgiving and blessing a family in Africa. I am thankful for the blessings of God and even more thankful to teach it to my children.
Lord, You are awesome and I thank you for your blessings. I pray that I would be an example of gratefulness and generosity, in Jesus name. Amen

Who Knows Better?

Job 38: 19-21 "What is the way to the abode of light? And where does darkness reside? Can you take them to their places? Do you know the paths to their dwellings? Surely you know, for you were already born! You have lived so many years!

God’s conversation with Job is crazy. It’s like a parent talking to a child. I begin to shake as I read the words. God does not defend Himself in any way as He has no need to but instead questions Job authority to question God. It makes me realize how very small I am.

What causes me to think that I have any authority to question the Almighty?

“Surely you know, for you were already born! You have lived so many years!”

Ouch! These words cut deep into me. What is 33 years compared to eternal? I have created nothing of myself, how could I think that I know better than the Creator of the Universe.
The fact that He even thinks of me is beyond belief. God understands our questioning. He created us with wonder. However, faith is not rational. But faith in an all knowing God is completely rational. Children are trusting, understanding that an adult knows more than them. Sin has caused distrust in our lives. I have no reason not to trust God. He is the only one who has always had the right answers for my life.

Lord, forgive me for trying to do thing my way and questioning when I do not see the results I want. I know You know everything and I trust Your lead. Amen

God's Permission

Galatians 1: 15-16 “But when God, who set me apart from birth and called me by his grace, was pleased to reveal his Son in me so that I might preach him among the Gentiles, I did not consult any man,”

Paul always knew he was created for something special and when he received Jesus Christ as Savior he became a Jesus freak. Let me explain. He went out with a passion and deep conviction to tell everyone. Not from emotion, but with fact and personal experience.

I remember my “first love” with God. I was willing to do radical things for Christ. See I was a shy girl with extremely low self esteem, but God changed all that. When it came to Christ I didn’t care about what other people thought about me. I only cared about what God thought. Paul didn’t wait for anyone to tell him it was ok to preach the good news of Jesus salvation. Neither should we.
I’m going to be very transparent. Lately, I have had this longing to go up to people with visible disabilities and pray for healing. It’s not a crazy thing and I know God can heal them. However, I realize that I have become more comfortable doing this in a church setting than on the street. It actually causes sorrow in my soul to even write this. With tears, I confess that I have withheld someone healing for fear of mans response.

God did not call us to church, but to Himself. Healing belongs on the street not hidden within a building and the only permission needed is Gods.

Lord, forgive me for holding back victory from people. Let me be passionately crazy for you once again. Let me care only about what you thing and no one else. Amen

Seek God

Deuteronomy 4:29 “But if from there you seek the Lord your God, you will find him if you look for him with all your heart and with all your soul.”

We are in a season where national people become very focused on money and material things, and yet they call it the holidays. Finances are tight everywhere and giving is low. Strange how only two times a year the communities feel it necessary to provide large meals to the homeless, Thanksgiving and Christmas and yet choose for forget these people the rest of the year. In the book of Acts people heard the word of God and the change within their hearts changed the way they lived. They gave abundantly and everyone’s needs were met.

It can be easy to focus on our own struggles as we enter this season of life; however it should be different for us as children of God. Our focus should be on the Savior and nothing either. Yes, we need to plan and be proactive. But I find too many times we plan and then ask God to move in our plans.

God desires for us to seek Him first, just to know Him. He has it all worked out but we need to get close to Him without any alterior motives. As much as I need direction and answers is how much and how often I must pursue God with all my heart. Not for the answer, but for all that I need in life. Peace, gentleness, wisdom, these things come as a result of being in the presence of God. Seek means to search for and try to discover.

• Pray. To know Him better.


• Read. To Understand Him more.


• Praise. To thank Him for what He has done and is doing in your life.

I need Him more than anything else. He has everything in His hands.

Lord, I need You and only You. I want to walk with You and rest in You. You are my everything. Amen

What are you doing?

Acts 11:17 “So if God gave them the same gift as he gave us, who believed in the Lord Jesus Christ, who was I to think that I could oppose God?"

Peter had just come from ministering to the Gentiles and the Jews questioned him on this. Jewish custom forbid Jews and Gentiles to associate together, let alone be in each other’s house. Peters response is great, “who was I to think that I could oppose God? This got me thinking. Do I put God in a box? Are there boundaries to what I think God should do and how it should be done? The answer is yes, we all do. God’s ways are not our way, nor are His thoughts our thoughts. His ways and thoughts are way beyond what we can comprehend. When things don’t make sense to us we natural discount God’s abilities.

Peter saw and heard the Gentiles speaking in tongues, this was not fake and he couldn’t deny it either. So he accepted it. God does crazy wonderful and unexpected things, so why limit Him. I am on a journey of healing right now and it is nothing that I thought it would be, and that's ok. It’s the best, it's a complete work. Dependency can be scary, but in the Master’s hand I have nothing to fear.

Keep working on my Lord, I know I’m safe.

Matters of the Heart

Acts 5:1-2 “Now a man named Ananias, together with his wife Sapphira, also sold a piece of property. With his wife's full knowledge he kept back part of the money for himself, but brought the rest and put it at the apostles' feet.”

This circumstance is not a matter of money as many think but a matter of the heart. See many people were hearing and accepting the message of Jesus Christ. This new found faith had opened there eyes to the needs of people around them and people began to free give to those in need and share there resources so that more people could hear the message of Jesus. A true act of kindness. Now many had begun to think that this was the evidence of having a new life in Christ. That is an understandable conclusion, because when Jesus comes into your heart there is a change.

Ananias and Sapphira however, did not have a heart change they only had a physical one. Let me explain.

1. Anyone can give an offering and they are customarily given to the priest, not the apostles. By laying the money at the apostles feet Ananias was looking for recognition for his deed and praise from the people.
2. By doing this he was testifying that he had given all he had for the cause of Christ, which was not requested of him.
3. His wife lied when asked directly about the amount.
4. They both died for their hypocrisy.

God is more concerned about the heart than the money. If we given out of a heart that is glad God is pleased and His blessing will be poured out. However, if our motives are incorrect, we cause our own judgment.

Lord, I thank you for those who give out of a good heart. I pray your many blessings on their lives. Amen

The Truth Will Set You Free

Nehemiah 8: 8 “They read from the Book of the Law of God, making it clear and giving the meaning so that the people could understand what was being read.”

Over the last week I have been in awe of the word of God. It is not humanly possible to understand that power of these words and yet I have seen and felt the Living Word in my life. The bible is not like any other book in the entire world, not like a novel or any movie. It reaches down to the heart and exposes even the most heavily guard parts of our lives.

Truth is sometimes hard to face yet the truth does bring freedom. Jesus said, “You shall know the Truth and the Truth shall set you free.” Jesus is all truth and when He comes into your life the burdens of life must release its hold over you. Be encouraged, God wants you to be free through the Truth, not just to know about it.

Lord, thank you for opening my eyes to Your truth and setting me free. I pray that I will not be entangled again by lies but allow Your truth to keep me free. Amen

Secret Place

Luke 21:37,38 Each day Jesus was teaching at the temple, and each evening he went out to spend the night on the hill called the Mount of Olives, and all the people came early in the morning to hear him at the temple.

Everyone needs to have a “secret” place. A place where you can go and rest. A place where you can be alone with God and be yourself. Jesus had a secret place at the Mount of Olives. He went there many times and refreshed Himself.

In life we have many demands placed us on. Whether it is home, work, ministry, the needs of other people, we are surrounded by things that get our energy. Physically and emotionally we need to be recharged by God. In my own life I find that I am more drained when I have spent less time with God, even if I have not given much, because I don’t have much to give.
I love being with God and in His word, it’s like a good time with family. If you know me, you know I love having all my kids over. I don’t ever get tired of the sound of the guitar, Madden, light sabers, basketball (in the house, I miss that hoop), cooking, laundry, the shower going all at the same time. Not to mention, every room and hallway with someone sleeping in it and “catching Him” until 2am. It is my biggest joy. Getting alone with God gives me that same great feeling of security and peace. I highly recommend it.

Lord, I thank you for my secret place where I can just me and You can share Your vision for my life. I am recharged and getting to go. Amen

Be Careful Little Eyes What You See

Luke 11:34 “Your eye is the lamp of your body. When your eyes are good, your whole body also is full of light. But when they are bad, your body also is full of darkness.”

The eye is a small but powerful part of the body. It gives us the ability to do many things. Our eyes detect light and send a signal to our brain which interrupts the image. Simply put, our brain tells us what we believe about what we are seeing. If you are taught that white is called black, then when you see white your brain will tell you it is black. You know the saying,” seeing is believing”. Jesus said that if you see good things your whole body will be clean, the opposite is true if you are viewing bad things.

This culture today has so many negative things to see that it can be difficult to keep our minds clean. Violence, sexual content or suggestions, pornography, and that’s just the beginning. We must be intentional about what we view and how we allow it to affect us and our families. We also view things in a negative manner. Many people see life as “the glass half empty”. God is asking us to not only guard what we see with our natural eyes but to change our view of life. This comes through having your mind washed by the word of God. Only God can give us the right outlook on life and circumstances. Reading and apply His word daily is the bath we all need.

Lord, wash my mind today and give me Your eyes. Help me not only to guard what I see but intentionally look for the good in all people and circumstances. In Jesus name. Amen

Jesus Magnet

Luke 8:27-28 When Jesus stepped ashore, he was met by a demon-possessed man from the town. For a long time this man had not worn clothes or lived in a house, but had lived in the tombs. When he saw Jesus, he cried out and fell at his feet, shouting at the top of his voice, "What do you want with me, Jesus, Son of the Most High God? I beg you, don't torture me!"

I have read and journaled on this story before but it seems that I see new things every time. Jesus was not in this town long when this possessed man came running to Him. The presence of God is strong and powerful, it draws the hearts of people and strikes fear in every demon. This man desperately needed God and Jesus did not have to go looking for Him.

So, why as Christians are we looking for the lost and not being a magnet for them instead?

I am in pursuit of a more intimate relationship with the King of Kings and in that pursuit; I should attract people to Him. I work at Cal State East Bay for a scholarship program for former foster youth and I love when a student comes in my office just to be with me. When everything seems to be falling apart, I love that I can be the one to pray with them. God will bring the hurting to us; we just need to be filled with Him.

Lord, thank You for Your presence and Your power. Let me be a blessing in someone’s life today. Amen

Spoiled

Luke 7: 8 For I myself am a man under authority, with soldiers under me. I tell this one, 'Go,' and he goes; and that one, 'Come,' and he comes. I say to my servant, 'Do this,' and he does it."

When I pray with intent God always moves and it’s funny that I am amazed that He answers. It is not that I have a lack of faith; it’s the fact that I am not worthy. God’s blessing has nothing to do with my worthiness though. It is a hindering mindset that needs to change. The soldier understood his worthiness had nothing to do with God’s power.

I have been accused of being spoiled many times by different people and oddly enough I took offense to that. My view of a spoiled person is someone who does not care about others and asks for things all the time. This is not me. However, I do get some great things without asking, that’s favor. I have no problem being called favored. I had a co-work one time call me spoiled and I asked, Why? She said simply, “You’re a princess. Things are given to you and you don’t even have to ask.” I didn’t feel offended this time. She is right. I am a child of God, a princess and I have the God given right to the blessings of heaven. I am favored. I do not need to walk about with uncertainty; I just need to ask my Daddy.

Lord, I thank you for your awesome favor in my life. Your blessings are more than I can count. Thank you.

Follow Me

Luke 5: 11 “So they pulled their boats up on shore, left everything and followed him.”
Peter had just witnessed the biggest catch ever at Jesus advice to cast their nets one more time. Now Peter, James, and John, his business partners just leave everything and follow him. Let me put this in common terms.

These men are like modern day business men, owners of a thriving business that just had its stock go through the roof. No planning, no board meeting, nothing, and they just walk off the job. They understood that Jesus had more in store for them than the material things of life and they wanted it.

As I have mentioned many times, I am a planner. I like to think things through and have an idea of what and where I am going and how it will all work. Yet went it comes to planting the Hawaii church, I just know I have to go. Sure I have done some planning, but the future is truly in God’s hands. We have no place to live or jobs to work, or even a place to hold our services. I just follow Him and I know it will all come in His timing. If we did have all these things we might move in our time and not His. I don’t want to do anything without God’s leading. I am totally at peace leaving it all behind because that is when the true journey begins.

Lord, You are crazy awesome. I give myself and all I have to You. Lead me and I will follow. I give up my plans for You’re in Jesus Name. Amen

Details

Today’s journal reading begins in Ezekiel. Ezekiel is not an easy book to read and the measurements are not very exciting. However, as I read and tried to visualize the temple and the rooms, God just spoke to me. He said “I am concerned about details. I am a God of details, even the details of your life.”

I am a person who likes details. I have been accused of over planning. I am always at least one month ahead of myself, and as the move to Hawaii nears I am finding that my plans and details are getting all messed up. This is a good thing. God has a way of slowing us down when His plan and our plan are not the same. I am so grateful for that. This is the second time in four days that the Lord has told me that He has it all worked out. I truly need to take my hands of the wheel and allow my God to drive. He knows all the details for a successful journey. Someone today is dealing with stress, take God’s advice to me this morning and let it go.

Poor and Needy

Psalm 70: 5 “Yet I am poor and needy; come quickly to me, O God. You are my help and my deliverer; O LORD, do not delay.”

A prayer of the heart is simple and sincere. The psalmist had a heavy heart and needed God’s quick relief. Poor and needy are a condition. A state of being. It is not who he is but what he is going through.

Poor has many definitions. Here are a few. See if you can identify.
· having little or no money, goods, or other means of support
· dependent, inferior
· inadequate, lacking in skill, ability, or training
· small, unfortunate
Needy means:
· marked by want of affection, attention, or emotional support
· reassurance, especially to an excessive degree

The synonym for needy is poor, so they have a connection. The writer was poor enough to need help from others. Poor is not just a physical thing it is an emotional thing that cries out its need for help. How often have you felt this way and not known how to explain your condition? Let me tell you, you are not alone. I have felt this way since last week, but I know who to cry out to. It’s hard to do anything when these emotional weigh you down, but it does not take much to ask God for help. He is my Helper and Deliverer.

Deliverer:
· To bring or transport to the proper place
· To surrender (someone or something) to another; hand over
· To secure something promised or desired
· To set free, as from misery, peril, or evil
· To express in words; declare or utter
· To produce or achieve what is desired or expected; make good

Knowing what My Deliverer does to my feelings of poor and needy makes me feel special and loved. It gives me hope that this will pass. It’s not who I am and I cannot make decisions based on emotions. Only on whom my Lord says I am.
Lord, I need you. Don’t delay; remind me who I am in You. Thank you for being all that I need. Amen

Call Me

Jeremiah 33: 3 Call to Me and I will answer you, and I will tell you great and mighty things, which you do not know.'

The Lord spoke these words to me a year ago and they are alive today as they were then. When the Lord says to “call me” He is not referring to a simple prayer requesting needs and wants. It is a call to get close to God to know what HE has in store.

The definition of call is:
1. get or try to get into communication with someone
2. shout: utter a sudden loud cry

You may wonder why we sometimes yell out during worship, we are simply calling on God. See if I want to talk to Malinda and she is at home and I am at my house I cannot just start talking and expect her to know what I said. No I have to get close to her or pick up the phone. But I have to do something that gets us together to communicate.

Worship is the connector that allows your prayers to be clearly heard. Don’t miss understand me, God is everywhere and He is not hard of hearing. But He desires for us to want Him near. Worship is not for Sunday mornings. It is for everyday to draw you into the presence of God. It is thanking and praising, crying and petitioning. Where the spirit of the Lord is there is freedom. Draw near unto God and He will draw near unto you. These are awesome promises for the Lord. Get away today and call to God, shout and let Him show you things that you never knew.

Support The Father's

1 John 2: 13-14 "I write to you, fathers, because you have known him who is from the beginning. I write to you, young men, because you have overcome the evil one. I write to you, dear children, because you have known the Father. I write to you, fathers, because you have known him who is from the beginning. I write to you, young men, because you are strong, and the word of God lives in you, and you have overcome the evil one."

The word of God has much to say about roles of father and men in general. As a mother who has a son the first thing that comes to mind is the importance of raising Isaiah in the ways of the Lord. Much responsibility lies on the man and much authority is given to them. As I pondered my role as a mother which I love and take great pride in, I thought about my husband, the father. I will be the first to admit that I have put my children’s needs before my husband 80% of the time. This is a terrible sin and a danger for this awesome man of God. I have said many times that a woman can be a man’s greatest allie or greatest defeat. Look at Delilah and Samson. She could have supported him to greatest, but destroyed him instead. I, as a wife, can both uplift and empower my husband, or I can prey on his weakness and fight against him.

We already know that fathers all across this nation are missing not knowing that they are over comers in Jesus name. Men need as much attention and care as our children. Not that they are babies, but God created me first to be his helpmate, not a mother.

Lord, show me how better to serve and encourage Ant to be all You have called him to be. I pray that you empower him and relieve all stress, in Jesus name. Amen

Take Care Of Yourself

John 21: 20-22 Peter turned and saw that the disciple whom Jesus loved was following them. (This was the one who had leaned back against Jesus at the supper and had said, "Lord, who is going to betray you?") When Peter saw him, he asked, "Lord, what about him?" Jesus answered, "If I want him to remain alive until I return, what is that to you? You must follow me."

After Jesus had risen from the dead He visited his disciples a few times and on this occasion He was having a discussion with Peter about his future. Fun how Jesus is giving Peter instructions on how he will serve God and Peter wants to know what’s up with John. So easily distracted, Peter wants to take the focus off himself and find out what is in store for John. I love Jesus answer, "If I want him to remain alive until I return, what is that to you? You must follow me." In essences Jesus is saying, I can do whatever I want with John take care of yourself.

How often do we lose sight of what God wants to do in our lives because we are focused on something or someone else? It happens to all of us at some point. I will be honest as we get closer to embarking on our journey to Hawaii I do focus on who is coming with us and who is not. I truly feel God saying these words to me this morning, take care of yourself. Focus on what I have called you to do and I will do what I want with everyone else. This is hard for me as someone who likes to plan and if I don’t have all the pieces it makes it difficult. God does not need my plans; He just needs me to walk His.

Lord, I give up my plans for Yours. Help me to stay focused, not on what lies ahead, but on Your face. Lead me and I will follow. Thank you for Your gentle reminder. Amen

Overcome

John 16: 33 "I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world."

This world is full of heartache and troubles. Jesus knew the daily struggles of people’s lives and lived through His own struggles while on the earth. With this understanding He gives what we all need…peace. Times are so uncertain and everywhere you go people are stressed and worried. Peace is the last thing people have but it is what is most desired.

Peace in the Hebrew is Shalom, which means completeness, welfare, and safety. Jesus was not just talking about a state of emotion, but was giving an assurance of safety, welfare, and completeness. In a time of insecurity Jesus tells them why He can give such an assurance, He has overcome the world.

As a child of God, I have placed my life in His hands. These hands are those of a conqueror. Have you ever watched the movie Taken? It is about a young girl who is kidnapped and her father is an ex-military assassin. He tells the kidnapper that he has a very particular set of skills that make him a nightmare for people like him. Wouldn’t you feel safe around him? My God has all the skills that makes demons run in fear. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tzwyww6Nr64 I cannot obtain peace apart from Him. But I have nothing to fear because He fights for me and always wins.

Whatever the circumstance you face today, receive the peace of God. My God has the skills to handle it. He has overcome the world?

Direction?

Jeremiah 10: 23 I know, O LORD, that a man's life is not his own; it is not for man to direct his steps.

Jeremiah’s prayer was heartfelt. God had commissioned him to relay a difficult message to the people of upcoming judgment. Being God’s spokesmen was an incredible honor but he also paid a price for his obedience.

God never promised me that serving Him would be easy or that I would always be liked. I have a great road ahead of me, one that I am excited about. However, there is also much uncertainty. I cannot plan my future I can only prepare and trust God with the rest. I live by faith and not by sight, because I live from God and God alone. I have a promise that He will never leave me nor forsake me. So I may not know what is coming next but I can rest assured that it is all good.

Lord, You are crazy good to me. I look back and You have never failed me and I know my future is secure as long as I don’t get in the way and mess it up. Thank you for Your faithfulness. I give You my life and my future. Amen

Marked

John 12:10,11 So the chief priests made plans to kill Lazarus as well, for on account of him many of the Jews were going over to Jesus and putting their faith in him.

People will want to destroy me just for being a witness of God’s power. Those who are not benefiting from something want to shut it down. This is a sign of selfishness and insecure, people with no direction. Have you ever met someone who was negative about everything? People like that are not the most liked people because there view of life is gray. They kill projects and never produce anything. They know why everything doesn’t work but have no idea how to make it work.

The religious leaders of Jesus day did not want anything that benefited others that did not come from them and make them look good. Yet they had done nothing worthwhile.

I don’t mind being a ladder to elevate others to reach their potential, but don’t try to use me as a step stool to kick back on. I have wasted much time not taking risks for God and for what, to play it safe. No one who wants to wear the mark of God is exempt from hard times. I’m glad I’m not.

Thank you Lord, for blessing me and marking my life with miracles. I want to shine for you no matter the danger. New season here I come.

No Fear

John 7: 1 After this, Jesus went around in Galilee, purposely staying away from Judea because the Jews there were waiting to take his life.

Jesus more than once stayed away from places of danger. He was wise enough to know that timing is critical. Today, as I read this passage of scripture a thought came to mind. Was Jesus scared? Fear is not a sin it is a human emotion and Jesus was human and fully God. Hebrews 2:17-18 says” For this reason he had to be made like his brothers in every way, in order that he might become a merciful and faithful high priest in service to God, and that he might make atonement for the sins of the people. Because he himself suffered when he was tempted, he is able to help those who are being tempted.”

This tells me that Jesus experienced fear just as we do; however, He did not allow it to dictate His next move. When God told Him to do something regardless of fear Jesus moved. Because of His dependence on God and not His human emotions we all benefit.

Fear is an emotion that we give way too much credit and power to. I thank God for this look into His life and how He knows what I deal with and will give me the strength to move beyond it.

Lord, You are awesome. Thank You for showing me how real and powerful You are. I pray that I will honor You and the sacrifice You made by going beyond my fears. Amen

Selfless

John 5: 43-44 "I have come in My Father's name, and you do not receive Me; if another comes in his own name, you will receive him. "How can you believe, when you receive glory from one another and you do not see the glory that is from the one and only God?

I work at a University and I seen this scene every day. People are only out to get glory for themselves. It’s all about who you know and what they can do for you. People are confused went you lift someone else up instead of putting them down. Jesus was not about SELF He was all about the Father. He wasn’t going around proclaiming His greatness. Can you picture it?

Jesus: people gather around as I make this lame man walk. Watch as I blink three times and make him jump.

Nope, not my Lord’s style, but certainly the worlds. He simply asked him if He wanted to be well. Jesus wanted to help this man and not use Him to help Himself. Every day we have a chance to help the people around us and we don’t need a pat on the back or some reward. Just to be a reflection of Jesus and give him glory.

Lord, thank you for the greatness example of selflessness. I pray that I would cease every opportunity to lift You up through my actions. Amen

Mother of Many

Isaiah 54: 1 "Sing, O barren woman, you who never bore a child; burst into song, shout for joy, you who were never in labor; because more are the children of the desolate woman than of her who has a husband," says the LORD.”

I love this verse because it reminds me of a defining moment in my life. About three years ago Pastor Dan was preaching a series on this portion of scripture. I was holding on to a promise that had been given to me multiple times, that I would be “a mother of many.” Isaiah was already four so it might not make sense that I would identify with a verse about a barren woman.
Barren means not able to reproduce. This is not just a physical reproduction but a spiritual one as well. I was in a heart healing process. Trusting others has never been a strong attribute of mine. However, to affectively encourage others you have to be vulnerable. (I just messed up a bunch of people with that one.) I wanted to get back in the game so to speak in ministry but was scared to death of getting hurt. This verse was a reminder in the physical that God can be trusted in all things and He would restore joy and let a new song come out of me.

Isaiah, my first born, was a miracle. I have (had) a condition that causes infertility and can develop into cancer. I prayed, like Hannah, (I Samuel 1) for a son, and God in His mercy blessed us. Isaiah almost died at birth, but again God proved Himself and we brought him home healthy in 5 days. Five years later, this sermon was preached and I prayed Lord, if you don’t mind let me give birth one more time. I didn’t want to seem ungrateful for Zai, but I longed for one more. Little did I know God had it all in motion. Leia was already in my womb.

At that time in my life I need some physical, solid, touchable, signs from God and He has been faithful to meet me at my need. Today, I have two birth children and many spiritual children. I love them all the same and they know it. I love being a mom to those who need it and I can lift my head proudly and say, I produce greatness and they will take this world for Jesus.

Say It Loud

Isaiah 50:4 “The Sovereign LORD has given me an instructed tongue, to know the word that sustains the weary. He wakens me morning by morning, wakens my ear to listen like one being taught.”

Isaiah was the spoke men of God in his area. The people had turned away from God and He used Isaiah to communicate with them.

Today, I had the awesome privilege to speak before 59 high school graduates entering a 5 week academic program that is to prepare them for college here at Cal State University East Bay. I am not an academic counselor and normally would not be given this opportunity, but God opens doors that no man can shut. I changed what I was going to teach on for a week. See this is a University not a church and there are rules and limitations to what I can say and do. I struggled because I can only teach what I know and what they need to here. So, I preached God's word.

I walked through the room praying over ever chairs when I read this verse and knew what I had to do. God has put words in my mouth that encourage those who have no hope or direction and I cannot keep it to myself. This word is not just for this group of students, it’s to everyone I come in contact with. I love to hear Him whisper His secrets to me and teach me new things. Now it’s time to give it away.

Lord, You are so wonderful to me. All I have ever wanted was to share You with the world. Let me not be silent when You have put words in my mouth and help me to know the difference. Amen

Carry Me

Psalm 73: 26 My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.

The psalmist was going through some stuff when he wrote this. He struggled with the injustice that he witnessed. He began to feel overwhelmed and wanted to give up until He sought the Lord. In God’s presence he understood what a privilege he had living for God. In the end, the ungodly have consequences that would ruin them, while he would see the glory of God.

Today as I reflect on my childhood and my families past, I am sad. There has been much abuse and pain that we have endured. But God has always been my strength. I can clearly look back and see the hand of God protecting me, surrounding me, warning me to pray for others through visions and dreams. Often as a youngster I wondered why I was born. Today, I know my purpose and birth was not in vain, but a wonderful masterpiece. We don’t always have the answers to the whys of life, but God sees the end result and it is always better for us.

My pain is now my victory and a weapon of healing. A knife in the hands of a murderer is destruction, but in the hands of a doctor…healing, relief, a new start. I have allowed God to do surgery on the wounds and infections Satan has poured on my life. Yes, I have a few scars but they are only reminders of battles won. It didn’t happen overnight, but it happen when I surrendered my thinking and my plans for His.

Lord, thank you for never leaving me even when I felt all alone. You are my everything and I am complete because of You. You make my heart light and happy and I know that I have a future in You. Amen.

Word of Truth

1 King 22: 8 The king of Israel answered Jehoshaphat, "There is still one man through whom we can inquire of the LORD, but I hate him because he never prophesies anything good about me, but always bad. He is Micaiah son of Imlah." "The king should not say that," Jehoshaphat replied.

The king of Israel had prophets that told him what he wanted to hear. but Jehoshaphat understood the value of a true word, pleasing or not. He wanted to hear instruction from the man of God. The king of Israel’s perception of the man of God was incorrect. Yet he did not doubt that he was from God. This leaves many people hurt and confused about who God is.

* he believed in God and his prophet
* the kings plan and God’s never matched
* he hated the man of God and probably God

What was the king of Israel’s down fall? An incorrect perception of God and a lack of submission. He could not take instruction, or counsel from anyone. If things didn’t go the way he thought they should then it was someone else’s fault, even God’s.

Many people today are living in this situation. Disconnected from God and His blessings because there perception of who God is and what He does is incorrect. Furthermore, when His word or direction does not line up with theirs, they blame Him and accuse God of not being there for them. If you bite into sushi expecting steak, it can be disappointing. However, if you find out it was sushi and not steak; you will understand why it didn’t taste right.

I encourage you today, stop running and blaming God for what you do not understand. Instead, search for Him with all your heart and find out who He is and His plan to bless you not harm you.

Wisdom vs. Weapon

Ecclesiastes 9:18 “Wisdom is better than weapons of war, but one sinner destroys much good.”

We have been watching a new show called Deadliest Warrior. This show takes two different style warriors and five of their weapons and tests them against each other technically. Last night we watched the Mari from New Zealand and the Shaolin monk. Isaiah like me has this deep respect and longing for the Chinese culture and martial arts so of course we choose the Shaolin monk. While Ant loves the force of the Mari warrior. Not to mention the facial tattoos the stick out of their tongues, and the Haka. No matter who you side with you really don’t want to be up against either.

Both warriors are highly trained from a young age and taught in the ways of war. The one thing that both Isaiah and I liked was that the Shaolin only fight in defense when reason is no longer an option.

Society and even those in the church are easily offended and quick to fight. We need to get back to the wisdom of God. It does not take much to react, but it does take discipline to stop and think of the proper way to approach a matter. In the last year I have learned how powerful wisdom and submission truly are. There is a time to fight, however, without wisdom there are far more casualties then necessary.

Lord, I thank you for your wisdom that you so generously give to us. Continue to open my eyes and heart to your ways and may I walk in your gentle guidance. Amen

You da Man!!

I have the most awesome husband. As I have stated before the past month has be challenging. This past weekend was no different. I caught my daughter’s cold in the middle of us moving.

See, back in January I began looking for ways to decrease our debit and raise a substantial amount of money for our church and personal Hawaii funds. It is great to have church fundraisers and month support from family and friends, however, I felt the need to make a personal change. So, we sold almost everything and moved in with my parents to put the money we are savings towards Hawaii. It was not a struggle for me to sell everything. The hardest thing is not having a place of my own to open up to my kids (you know who you all are) and friends. Many of them expressed sadness as well.

This is not easy for Anthony either. However, he has done so much to make everything, more us. He went and bought new wooden blinds for our room and put them up. He took the time to look for a space saver desk for the kid’s room and hooked it up. He took the kids out to eat so my parents could have some quiet while I worked late. He has been incredible and he still has a sermon to study for this Sunday. I know this is hard for him and yet he knows that we are closer to the dream now more than ever before. I believe in Anthony and the vision for the pacific islanders that God has given us. We have sacrificed our comforts, personal space, Isaiah’s fabulous school, and yes our money and I am so excited.

Ant, I love running this race with you. Thank you for all your hard work.

Never give up!

2 Corinthians 4:8 “We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed.”

I can’t believe it has been a month since I posted. This month has been a very tough one for me. Two precious Aunties have gone to be with the Lord. Another Aunt diagnosed with cancer, my own personal health problem, and we are moving at the end of this week.
We all face obstacles in life but it does not mean that things are bad. We can make the most of every opportunity given to us. This verse has been my inspiration this month. It has been a great month. Confused?

I have also had the privilege to stand in the gap with a young woman fasting for change in her marriage and family. I have watched as God has brought a crowd of new people to our Milpitas campus, hunger for answers from God. I have witnessed the team rise above challenges while making it look easy. I have been blessed to spend some time with Ohana and count my blessings. My awesome husband has made me slow down and enjoy my children, thank you.

No matter what comes my way, I have a God who is bigger than any obstacle and He is the reason I live. I can’t stop; too many people do not have this unbelievable peace that only God gives. I am compelled to share it. I encourage you to move forward and when times get tough, just say this verse.

Ask?

1 Chron. 14: 10 so David inquired of God: "Shall I go and attack the Philistines? Will you hand them over to me?" The LORD answered him, "Go, I will hand them over to you."

When I read about David it is common to see these words,” So David inquired of God”. So many times in life I quickly make decisions based on my own knowledge without thinking to inquire of God. Sure I probably don’t need to pray and ask God what I should eat for breakfast, but it couldn’t hurt. David did not take matters into his own hands when the result would have an effect on many.

Let me break it down. Who and what has God put you in authority over? With great power comes great responsibility. David understood this and took his authority seriously. We have all been given a measure of authority.

Husband/Wife- home, financiers, job, marriage, friends, co-workers
Dad/Mother- all of the above and kids. Parents have the best and most influential opportunity in the world.
Student- classmates, teachers, friends, co-workers
Teacher/nursery worker- students, babies

These are a few examples of where your decisions affect people. We have the God given power and authority to make our atmosphere align with God’s will and blessing. Bring blessing everywhere you go by asking of God. The overcome is a direct result of what you are basing your decisions on. Yourself or God.

Have you inquired of God today?

Touch The Healer

Matthew 14:36 “and begged him to let the sick just touch the edge of his cloak, and all who touched him were healed.”

Jesus had healing overflowing out of Him. So much so that, touching His clothes was enough to cure all diseases. The key was they had to touch Him. See many people go to church, hear the word, even believe it, but nothing happens. The scripture says “and all who touched him were healed”. Well, have you touched Him?

Touching Jesus requires effort from you. The people had to get near Jesus and stretch out there hands and grab a hold of Him or His clothes. Jesus had many people crowding around Him all needing something. It was not any easy task to get close to Him. They had to keep up with the movement of the crowd and not fall. They had to keep their eyes on where He was so that they knew where to go. They had to fight their way through the crowd and stretch. I don’t know about you, but I don’t like big crowds. It is a struggle and it takes energy and determination.

We need to do the same if were desire healing.

1. Chase Him: In prayer, worship, in understanding scripture
2. See him: Look for where His presence is and go after it
3. Fight: fight disappointment, discouragement, fatigue, past failures
4. Stretch: push yourself, persevere, continue with end in mind

How badly do you want healing today?
Life is a struggle, might as well struggle for victory. Don’t give up, touch the Healer.

Unfinished Business

1 Samuel 27:9 "Whenever David attacked an area, he did not leave a man or woman alive, but took sheep and cattle, donkeys and camels, and clothes. Then he returned to Achish."

David was a man of many talents. He knew how to work in the fields and he knew the ways of war. David was intelligent, wise, and careful. David often prayed and inquired of the Lord before making any decision. He following instructing to the letter and left nothing undone.

How careful am I in finishing? I finish the audio book, IT and I loved it. But to be truthful it is the first book in a long time that I have finished. I am a great starter, not so good at finishing. David understood the value of finishing. Finishing is more important than starting. Starting says you have good intentions. Finishing says you have accomplished something. No one takes business advice from those who never ran a business. We have all heard the saying, “there all talk”.

Action is necessary for change to take place. It is great to discuss things, but only when things are put into act can new life begin. David had the end in mind when he went on a raid. We to need to have the end result as our fuel.

I am more excited about life and ministry than ever before. I have the end in mind and it is beautiful. The work is hard when it’s the focus, but the beauty of living life with Jesus and giving it away... there is nothing more freeing.

What end result are you working toward?

In His Hands

Isaiah 55: 8 "For My thoughts are not your thoughts, Nor are your ways My ways," declares the LORD."For as the heavens are higher than the earth, So are My ways higher than your ways And My thoughts than your thoughts."

Understanding why thing happen in this life is not an easy thing. Most everyone has questioned God with the Why? question. Throughout my life this has probably been my number one question. This is what I have discovered.

The day that Eve chose to accept sin was the day that everything changed. God gave choice to every human; however, our choices are not limited to affecting only us. You have heard the statement, “it’s my life and I’m not hurting anyone.” Wrong one person’s choice affects many. God has given the choice to choose good or evil. We also have a choice to invite God into our situation, whether it is a situation we chose or someone else chose for us. The evil choices of others can cause anger and fear. Or I can CHOSE to invite God in to my life and rule it.

As a mother and one who has witnessed various abuses first hand, I struggle with trust. I am extremely protective of my children, but I refuse to allow Satan to have them or rule me with fear. Psalm 56:3 “When I am afraid, I will trust in you.” I continually put them in God’s hands. He can protect better than I can. I can pray like crazy, be watchful, wise, and know that God’s ways are not my ways, there better. I am secure in Him to know that His promise of protection over my children will not fail.

You know God loves you when in the delivery room of you’re first born the Lord speaks directly to your fears,” Your son will not go through your pains, or the sins of your fathers.” When you are blessed with two children, when you are suppose to be barren. God has never failed me. Yes, I have gone through some terrible times but God has delivered me for both my bad choices and the results of others.

Be encouraged, put it all in God’s hands and He will make it better.

Traffic Ticket

Have you ever been pulled over for speeding? There I was just coasting along listening to Focus on the Family (I should have been focusing on my speed) and then all of a sudden I heard the siren and saw those red and blue lights flashing behind me. The police always ask you for three things: driver’s license, registration, and proof of insurance. This got me thinking, which is something I do too much.

What do these three things represent?

· Driver’s License: My identity
· Registration: Who is responsible for this vehicle?
· Proof of Insurance: Who is protecting the vehicle and the occupancies?

All of the answers point to me. Though at that moment I wish it was someone else. I am responsible for my actions, payment, and protection of what I do and the choices I make. No one will pay the price for my ticket for me, but I do have a Savior who helps me with the rest.
Lord, thanks for slowing me down in more ways than one. Thank you for paying off my debt of sin and guiding me to make better choices.

Anyone know how much speeding tickets cost?

Calgon...Take Me Away!

Have you ever had a day when you just wanted to get away from it all? I am sure we have all been there at one time or another. I am reminded of a commercial that use to run when I was just a little girl. The wife was overwhelmed and all these different things were calling her, the dishes, her boss, the kids, and her husband. Finally, she screams, “Calgon, take me away. Then you see her relaxing in a bubble bath. Bubble bath? Wow, I wish I could say that bubble bath can take all of life’s stresses away. The reality is that life can be difficult.
Last night, out of no where, I was hit with this overwhelming anxiousness and worry. It was like a wave had hit me. I praise God for Anthony and Isaiah who continued to encourage me as I fought through it.
I always come back to three things in times of distress. Worship, prayer, and God’s word. Sounds simple, but when you are feeling this way you must be intentional about getting into these three.

• Anthony began speaking truth to me. “Worry and anxiety don’t come from God.” So, began to seek God’s truth.
• Isaiah prayed for me. “God help my mom, and Satan get your hands off her. She does not belong to you. She is a child of God.” He didn’t even end with an Amen, but it was powerful.
• I began to sing a love song to my Lord, in my head and my heart.

Life is full of ups and downs, but when you know the Master of all things you can shout, Jesus…take it away! No bubble bath required.

Face to Face

Deut. 34: 10 “Since then, no prophet has risen in Israel like Moses, whom the LORD knew face to face,”

Face to face. What a description. You don’t get any closer than that. There is a song that Phoenix Master sang years ago on The Vault and it says” I have been face to face in the presence of my Master, words are not enough they cannot express the state of my soul.” These words still stir me up from the inside out. I want to live in this place. Face to face with my Master, “with my head face down and my heart lifted up.”

See, nothing is more secure, more comforting, more powerful than being with my Creator and letting Him love on me. Moses understood than nothing was more important than being intimate with God. Moses didn’t do great things because he was a great leader. He did great things because he knew how to sit in the presence of God.

Where are you sitting this morning? Are you as Mary at the feet of Jesus? Or like Peter warming yourself at a distance? Let me encourage you to get face to face with Your God and experience something life changing.

Character Issue

I am constantly listening and reading on family and parenting issues. Yesterday, I received an email Newsletter from Homeword and this article stirred me. I had to stop and think about how I was raising my children. As a parent, I take my responsibility very serious. Am I raising disciples or am just disciplining behavior?

Growing up I was raised with the behavior control method. This is how many people my age were raised and the generations before them. It got the results parents wanted, compliance. However, it also stirred up a resentful and angry generation of adults who do not know how to submit to authority. In short, it has breed rebellion.

I vowed that no one would ever control me and I would never raise my children this way. I had good intentions. However, I battle with proper submission and I do struggle with raising my children with control. It is so easy to pass on what you have learned without thinking. You have to be intentional about raising children in the ways of the Lord. So, I asked myself, how do you build character in a child? A better question came back to me, how can you change your character?

Children learn more by how we act and interact with them than by what we say. So, I am on a quest to change and build character in myself and my children. My children will reach more people for Christ than Anthony and I combined, but what I instill in them today will affect the level of their success.

What is your child raising method producting?

Discipline versus Discipleship

Goal: Nice Kids Goal: Mature influencers
Punitive, Corrective Model and pass on self-control
Controls behavior Promotes growth and learning
Focus: Child’s behavior Focus: Child’s learning and preparation
External Internal
Personality Character
Maintain peace in the family Integrate personal virtues
Behavior and thinking Feeling; thinking; deciding and behaving
Child changes behavior Child and Parent mature

Little Bird

So many changes have taken place in the last two weeks. The whole family was sick with flu and it wiped us out, but God is good and the blessings that have followed have been huge.

The things I have learned.

• God always prepared you beforehand


• He walks you through the process


• He celebrates with you as He blesses you


• My identity becomes clearer the closer I am to Him


• God always completes what He has started

The other day as I dropped off Isaiah at school. I heard this bird singing a song. It was not an annoying chirp, but tones of highs and lows, and rhythms. I stopped and wonder what he was saying. I thought about my life and with every up and down, I have a song in my heart for the God who loves me. I sang my own song on the way to work and praised God for His goodness. Stop and listen to the small blessing of life and let God deal with the others.

Lord, you are awesome. I pray your blessings on everyone reading this blog. Encourage, uplift, and refresh them. Amen

Are you moldy?

Leviticus 14:39-42 “On the seventh day the priest shall return to inspect the house. If the mildew has spread on the walls, he is to order that the contaminated stones be torn out and thrown into an unclean place outside the town. He must have all the inside walls of the house scraped and the material that is scraped off dumped into an unclean place outside the town. Then they are to take other stones to replace these and take new clay and plaster the house.”

We have all seen mildew, or commonly referred to as mold, on something before. It might have been bread or in the shower, wherever it was it didn’t belong there. Mildew is mold or fungus that is growing in a place with a moisture management problem. Plainly stated there is not enough fresh air flowing.

Okay, so you might be wondering why the science lesson this morning. Well, I was asking God the same question, when He responded, “A bad attitude is like mildew.” Chew on that for a second.

Like mildew, a bad attitude:
· Spreads
· Changes the original appearance of what it is on(or who it is on)
· Smells
· Don’t come off easily
· You must remove all of it for lasting results

The best way to not get a bad attitude in the first place is stay in the right environment. Get a dose of fresh air in God’s presence. Stuffy people are no fun. I know, I can get way too serious. But when I get out, purposely scrap off my bad attitude and throw it away, God can once again declare me clean.

Lord, give me a clean heart and attitude. Show me where I need to let fresh air in and breath on me. Amen.

Be Confident

Acts 13:11 "Now the hand of the Lord is against you. You are going to be blind, and for a time you will be unable to see the light of the sun."

Paul boldly rebuked and cursed Elymas a false prophet who was trying to discourage another man from hearing God’s word. Paul was confident in his position in Christ. He knew who he was and had no doubt. This made it possible for him to say this and for it to take place.

I find at least once a month I have a down time where I doubt my authority in some areas. This is quiet silly, because my position does not change from month to month so why does my perception? The harder the week, the harder I must press into my time with God. Just like a car, the more you drive, the more gas is required. I am not running on empty, but I have not been on a full tank this week either. This is the time when Satan hits me the hardest. When my schedule is busy, I’m tired, felling a bit sick, and work is emotionally draining.

So, what do I do?

1. Stop and recognize the situation.
2. Pray and pray often.
3. Press into the word until my vision is clear.
4. Worship, worship, worship

Confidence is a state of being certain. I am not always sure of myself, but I am confident that my God is never wrong and His promises are true. Therefore, I can be confident that my authority is based on who God is and not me.

Lord, thank you for Your word and for reminding me that You are the same, yesterday, today, and forever. I can be confident in You in all things. Amen

Follow the Plan

Acts 6:3-4 Brothers, choose seven men from among you who are known to be full of the Spirit and wisdom. We will turn this responsibility over to them and will give our attention to prayer and the ministry of the word."
The disciplines understood the importance of delegation and that they could not handle doing everything, something would suffer and it would most likely be the spread of the word of God.
Two things must take place if any ministry is going to be successful.
1. Team work: Two are better than one. More can get done with more invovled.
2. Detailed plans: God is a god of order. Every time He has given instruction there has always been details.
3. Follow through: A plan is only good when put into practice.
This week has been crazy but I keep looking at the plan and working it. I have a responsibility and it will not happen by itself.
Lord, thank you for the plan and for focus and determination. I love you. Amen

Don't get in my mind!

Exodus 1: 10 Come, we must deal shrewdly with them or they will become even more numerous and, if war breaks out, will join our enemies, fight against us and leave the country." 11 So they put slave masters over them to oppress them with forced labor, and they built Pithom and Rameses as store cities for Pharaoh.

How is it possible that a strong and numerous people would just one day be slaves? The new Pharaoh was wise when he said, “we must deal shrewdly with them”. Shrew does not just mean hard and abusive, but cunning as well. If you get someone to think a certain way you can manipulate him into anything. Abusers have mental control over their victims and even if that person has the means to be free physically will stay a prisoner, because of the emotional bondage. The Hebrews could have easily over took the Egyptians but they didn’t know there power.

Satan only has control over areas that I think I am not strong or helpless in. I am not helpless in anything. I have a Father like no other and He never leaves me. Psalm 18 has become my chapter for the year. I can picture my Lord, zooming down on a cloud to rescue me. Dressing me in the weapons of warfare and guiding me through the battle plan. I must be the one to engage. He will help me, but it is my duty to make it happen.

I refuse to give territory to the enemy. This is my house, my family, my husband, my children and I will fight to the death for them. On my knees, with prayer that does not cease, declaring who God says I am and not giving an ear to negativity, guilty, weakness, or shame. I am a child of the Most High God and I am victorious.

Lord, I thank you for what you are stirring up in me. Continue to give me Your battle plans and the courage to make them a reality. Amen

The Rock

Psalm 18:2.The LORD is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer; my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge. He is my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold.

The Lord is so good. This verse came to me in the early morning and as I read the full chapter of Psalm 18 I focused in on the descriptive words used.

Rock: stability, firmness, or dependability.
Fortress: A place of defense or security.
Deliverer: To set free, as from misery, peril, or evil.
Refuge: A source of help, relief, or comfort in times of trouble.
Shield: A person or thing that provides protection, guards, covers.
Horn: symbolizes strength, the horn was also used in the war cry to encourage the soldiers and strike fear into the enemy.
Stronghold: An area dominated or occupied by a special group or distinguished by a special quality.

These are amazing things and in my hour of questioning, He so wonderfully reminded me of this truth. I do not know where your heart is at today, but I pray that the realization of who God is will raise your heart. I know that just the breakdown of this one verse lets me know that I am not alone and I will accomplish much through Him. I am encouraged that my God is swooping down to my rescue and equipping me to win the war in my life. Be encouraged He is ready to do the same for you.

On the Mountain

Genesis 22:14 So Abraham called that place The LORD Will Provide. And to this day it is said, "On the mountain of the LORD it will be provided."

Abraham was asked to sacrifice his son to the Lord on the mountain. Abraham obeyed completely without question, and God provided another way. Mountain top experiences are not always a high joyful time. It takes work to get to the mountain and once you are there sacrifice is required. It comes at a cost. Even Isaac knew that sacrifice and worship was about to take place. It is on the mountain that God provides the answer and direction.

· Getting to the mountain, I need to make a deliberate effort and preparation.
· I should expect to give sacrifice and worship when I get there.
· The provision comes when I surrender.

Whenever I need today, I know this, it does not just happen. But the struggle is worth it.

Lord, I thank you for your provision and the work it takes to see it happen. I surrender my will and look forward to seeing You on the mountain.

There are no throw away children!

Luke 12:6-7"Are not five sparrows sold for two cents? Yet not one of them is forgotten before God. Indeed, the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Do not fear; you are more valuable than many sparrows.

Monday evening I had a dream and when I woke up this phrase kept repeating in my head, “there are no throw away children.” I won’t share all the details, but in my dream I had found a baby in an alley struggling to live in a pile of other babies who were not so fortunate.

As I ran around with this baby asking for help, the response was shocking. I heard “that is just a throw away baby”, “put it back”, “it won’t make it”. Something powerful rose up from the inside out and I began crying out, “there are no throw away children”.

Maybe someone has given up on you, maybe people told you that you can’t make it. Maybe you have been forgotten. Maybe you have given up on someone. Jesus says to you today, there are no throw away children. God can turn every circumstance around. He created you to LIVE life, not struggle through it. God creates all things for good and whether anyone else ever sees the gold within you, He does. Philippians 1:6 “being confident of this that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.”

The baby girl in my dream lived, but she bore scars on her face. Scars are the evidence of healing and a reminder of what God has brought you out of. Hold on, what God has started He will complete. Just don’t give up. Run to Him and He will do His part. You are not forgotten, you are destined for greatest.