For freedom Christ has set us free; stand firm therefore, and do not submit again to a yoke of slavery.
(Galatians 5:1 ESV)
I have never made a New Years resolution.
This year i think that memorizing and living this verse is going to be what my goal will be.
Even after I accepted the Spirit of Christ I continued to hold on to the yoke of slavery.
I am so dumb some times. The LORD has saved me and I no longer have to listen to the guilt trips that satan lays against my heart! I have the grace of Christ, by his blood I am found guiltless! I am set free from these bonds.
Why do i want to live by the law even after i have accepted grace? I should live free in grace and the love of Christ.
LORD teach me to be a man that lives free this new year!
Teach me to be a man that pursues grace!
LORD,
Slay my flesh and resurrect my heart,
It is to you alone I live
and to you alone I will do my part!
Let my face show Your grace.
Amen
Saturday, December 31, 2011
Friday, December 30, 2011
You were running well. Who hindered you from obeying the truth? This persuasion is not from him who calls you. A little leaven leavens the whole lump. I have confidence in the Lord that you will take no other view, and the one who is troubling you will bear the penalty, whoever he is.
(Galatians 5:7-10 ESV)
Have you ever stumbled when running?
Have you ever been given wrong improper advice?
Have you ever taken your own advice?
I have.
LORD please give me wisdom! To get up from stumbling.
LORD I need to be restored by your grace.
Tomorrow I am going with my grandfather and cousin to middle Tennessee to solve some sort of dispute.
I pray that we are God's grace as we go. LORD don't let us distract from the truth as we go. I pray that your truth is the means of our trip.
The last day of the year is tomorrow.
Thank you for restoring me before the new year my LORD!
Amen
(Galatians 5:7-10 ESV)
Have you ever stumbled when running?
Have you ever been given wrong improper advice?
Have you ever taken your own advice?
I have.
LORD please give me wisdom! To get up from stumbling.
LORD I need to be restored by your grace.
Tomorrow I am going with my grandfather and cousin to middle Tennessee to solve some sort of dispute.
I pray that we are God's grace as we go. LORD don't let us distract from the truth as we go. I pray that your truth is the means of our trip.
The last day of the year is tomorrow.
Thank you for restoring me before the new year my LORD!
Amen
Thursday, December 29, 2011
Physically Binding
Let not steadfast love and faithfulness forsake you;
bind them around your neck;
write them on the tablet of your heart.
So you will find favor and good success
in the sight of God and man.
(Proverbs 3:3-4 ESV)
Have you ever thought about how hard it is to love some people?
They might have an annoying habit, or be constantly complaining about pointless things.
Today I was finding myself becoming deeply frustrated with some one I have to spend allot of time with.
I love this person, or i profess to them I do. But there are times I become so very annoyed none of my actions show this person love!
I do not want to be patient with the person, I don't want to be joyful or listen to him. I end up just COPING with the person instead of loving him.
Have you ever felt this way?
I know I have and not only with this one person! Their have been multiple people I have trouble loving!
Paul wrote this,
Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; it does not rejoice at wrongdoing, but rejoices with the truth. Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.
(1 Corinthians 13:4-7 ESV)
I think my heart broke every single one of the standards for love to this one person today. I may not have expressed it verbally but my demeanor sure did show it!
I am so very thankful for my Messiah who has loved me so steadfastly!
LORD help me to write these standards of love on my heart, so I will not sin against you!
So that I will be an example in my demeanor, and attitude.
I want so badly to find favor in your sight alone.
Thank you for your love,
Amen
bind them around your neck;
write them on the tablet of your heart.
So you will find favor and good success
in the sight of God and man.
(Proverbs 3:3-4 ESV)
Have you ever thought about how hard it is to love some people?
They might have an annoying habit, or be constantly complaining about pointless things.
Today I was finding myself becoming deeply frustrated with some one I have to spend allot of time with.
I love this person, or i profess to them I do. But there are times I become so very annoyed none of my actions show this person love!
I do not want to be patient with the person, I don't want to be joyful or listen to him. I end up just COPING with the person instead of loving him.
Have you ever felt this way?
I know I have and not only with this one person! Their have been multiple people I have trouble loving!
Paul wrote this,
Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; it does not rejoice at wrongdoing, but rejoices with the truth. Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.
(1 Corinthians 13:4-7 ESV)
I think my heart broke every single one of the standards for love to this one person today. I may not have expressed it verbally but my demeanor sure did show it!
I am so very thankful for my Messiah who has loved me so steadfastly!
LORD help me to write these standards of love on my heart, so I will not sin against you!
So that I will be an example in my demeanor, and attitude.
I want so badly to find favor in your sight alone.
Thank you for your love,
Amen
Wednesday, December 28, 2011
Reformation of my mind
I pray tonight that Christ will reform my mind to His grace.
For all who rely on works of the law are under a curse; for it is written, “Cursed be everyone who does not abide by all things written in the Book of the Law, and do them.” Now it is evident that no one is justified before God by the law, for “The righteous shall live by faith.”
(Galatians 3:10-11 ESV)
I am declared righteous by faith in Christ!
LORD you have saved my from myself!
The demands of the law are over powering to my heart!
I know I can't be perfect even to my own standards!
I am justified by faith in Christ alone.
LORD, if I rely on you wholly then you will do a mighty work for Your name in me!
I can do not one thing correctly in my own plans, God has shown me this multiple times in my own mistakes I have made.
I have trusted God and He has provided all my needs,
It is difficult in my daily life. I have moved to a new city, and i honestly don't like it much. I know beyond a shadow of a doubt this is what God has for me right now though. This is what brings me joy, the knowledge that I can still learn from my redeemer no matter my physical placement!
I know that many of my family and friends are some place else, but God has brought new healing and opportunity for this time I have here.
Because I am not held by the law and by faith know I can trust the LORD then and only then is my heart at ease!
Certainly suffering brings me closer to Christ, and the closer I am to Him the more comfort I have with were He has me at this time.
I don't think He will have me here for long,
Why He has me here I plan on serving faithfully in word and action despite my hearts ways.
I don't live under the judgement of the law but under the grace of Christ! This makes me happy and at ease! :)
Amen
Tuesday, December 27, 2011
Looking back on the day.
This day feels like a failure.
I hate days like this.
I did work on several tasks i needed to do, but in the end I have nothing to show for it.
I interacted with several family members today, I hope I showed them God's love.
It was cloudy but God did bring me sunlight through His grace and by reading His word.
I pray that God will bless the work of my day for His glory. I can only hope in Him on a day were everything else I have done has felt pointless at the time.
Thank you for being my dearest friend my LORD, my father and savior.
Amen
I hate days like this.
I did work on several tasks i needed to do, but in the end I have nothing to show for it.
I interacted with several family members today, I hope I showed them God's love.
It was cloudy but God did bring me sunlight through His grace and by reading His word.
I pray that God will bless the work of my day for His glory. I can only hope in Him on a day were everything else I have done has felt pointless at the time.
Thank you for being my dearest friend my LORD, my father and savior.
Amen
Monday, December 26, 2011
O why are You so foolish! Who has bewitched you? It was before your eyes that Jesus Christ was publicly portrayed as crucified. Let me ask you only this: Did you receive the Spirit by works of the law or by hearing with faith? Are you so foolish? Having begun by the Spirit, are you now being perfected by the flesh? Did you suffer so many things in vain—if indeed it was in vain? Does he who supplies the Spirit to you and works miracles among you do so by works of the law, or by hearing with faith—just as Abraham “believed God, and it was counted to him as righteousness”?
Know then that it is those of faith who are the sons of Abraham. And the Scripture, foreseeing that God would justify the Gentiles by faith, preached the gospel beforehand to Abraham, saying, “In you shall all the nations be blessed.” So then, those who are of faith are blessed along with Abraham, the man of faith.
(Galatians 3:1-9)
I edited Galatians out of the first statement because I felt that this was written to me tonight.
LORD I am sorry for attempting to rectify my sins by my own actions and not by faith.
Bless me with the man Abraham, for I believe as he did without seeing.
Why have I forgotten what Your Spirit has already done in my life so quickly?
I will walk by faith and not by works, the works will fall away but Your Spirit abides forever!
Thank you LORD for working in me.
Amen
Know then that it is those of faith who are the sons of Abraham. And the Scripture, foreseeing that God would justify the Gentiles by faith, preached the gospel beforehand to Abraham, saying, “In you shall all the nations be blessed.” So then, those who are of faith are blessed along with Abraham, the man of faith.
(Galatians 3:1-9)
I edited Galatians out of the first statement because I felt that this was written to me tonight.
LORD I am sorry for attempting to rectify my sins by my own actions and not by faith.
Bless me with the man Abraham, for I believe as he did without seeing.
Why have I forgotten what Your Spirit has already done in my life so quickly?
I will walk by faith and not by works, the works will fall away but Your Spirit abides forever!
Thank you LORD for working in me.
Amen
Sunday, December 25, 2011
I don't regret being taught or for not knowing.
I regret knowing and not taking action.
I was able to meet my cousin's new little baby this morning, she was adorable.
LORD teach me to be a man of example with what you have taught me.
Destroy these demons that plague me with temptations,
Destroy their disgusting hope in my failure!
You are my victory, LORD You are my means!
My hope is in You and by your blood I have hope!
The angel of death passes over, and those demons flee.
I will walk in Your precepts because I love them and I love You.
Thank you for building character into my life this winter my LORD.
Amen
I regret knowing and not taking action.
I was able to meet my cousin's new little baby this morning, she was adorable.
LORD teach me to be a man of example with what you have taught me.
Destroy these demons that plague me with temptations,
Destroy their disgusting hope in my failure!
You are my victory, LORD You are my means!
My hope is in You and by your blood I have hope!
The angel of death passes over, and those demons flee.
I will walk in Your precepts because I love them and I love You.
Thank you for building character into my life this winter my LORD.
Amen
Saturday, December 24, 2011
LORD MY MESSIAH WAS BORN
Jesus forgive me for thinking about myself today.
For getting low because I could not spend today with ones I love.
I spent the day with YOU!
How could I be so stupid?
Did I not see your face when I met with cousins?
Were you not there when I was on a hike in the woods?
LORD how did I miss you when I was spending time with all my grandparents?
Certainly I am stupid.
LORD I am a simple fool, please forgive me.
LORD it is your day let me not do the inviting,
invite who you will to me!
I love you.
For getting low because I could not spend today with ones I love.
I spent the day with YOU!
How could I be so stupid?
Did I not see your face when I met with cousins?
Were you not there when I was on a hike in the woods?
LORD how did I miss you when I was spending time with all my grandparents?
Certainly I am stupid.
LORD I am a simple fool, please forgive me.
LORD it is your day let me not do the inviting,
invite who you will to me!
I love you.
Friday, December 23, 2011
LORD my refuge tonight.
O God, from my youth you have taught me,
and I still proclaim your wondrous deeds.
So even to old age and gray hairs,
O God, do not forsake me,
until I proclaim your might to another generation,
your power to all those to come.
Your righteousness, O God,
reaches the high heavens.
You who have done great things,
O God, who is like you?
You who have made me see many troubles and calamities
will revive me again;
from the depths of the earth
you will bring me up again.
You will increase my greatness
and comfort me again.
(Psalm 71:17-21 ESV)
This is my hearts prayer tonight my LORD.
Revive me my LORD.
Thank you for my comfort.
Amen
and I still proclaim your wondrous deeds.
So even to old age and gray hairs,
O God, do not forsake me,
until I proclaim your might to another generation,
your power to all those to come.
Your righteousness, O God,
reaches the high heavens.
You who have done great things,
O God, who is like you?
You who have made me see many troubles and calamities
will revive me again;
from the depths of the earth
you will bring me up again.
You will increase my greatness
and comfort me again.
(Psalm 71:17-21 ESV)
This is my hearts prayer tonight my LORD.
Revive me my LORD.
Thank you for my comfort.
Amen
Thursday, December 22, 2011
Wednesday, December 21, 2011
I am pretty sick tonight. Maybe it is Satan, I
Know it is due to the fall of man though.
LORD destroy my weakness for your strength.
I am sorry my body is weak.
Please use me despite how weak I am.
Draw men to Your name even though I have no strength.
I might see the victory but I will seek your face
You alone are why I am alive, you have brought me to this point.
Destroy me please.
Amen
Know it is due to the fall of man though.
LORD destroy my weakness for your strength.
I am sorry my body is weak.
Please use me despite how weak I am.
Draw men to Your name even though I have no strength.
I might see the victory but I will seek your face
You alone are why I am alive, you have brought me to this point.
Destroy me please.
Amen
Tuesday, December 20, 2011
Drill into my heart a place open to Your Word LORD.
I am a rock, I am stubborn.
I am a rock, only wanting to move in my own terms.
Shake my foundations!!
LORD I demand my humiliation!
LORD I seek Your face.
Hear my cries, I demand it as You have said; You are listening!
Hear me weeping, my heart is broken.
Be my savior, there is none like you.
Here I stand, I can do no other.
Amen
I am a rock, I am stubborn.
I am a rock, only wanting to move in my own terms.
Shake my foundations!!
LORD I demand my humiliation!
LORD I seek Your face.
Hear my cries, I demand it as You have said; You are listening!
Hear me weeping, my heart is broken.
Be my savior, there is none like you.
Here I stand, I can do no other.
Amen
Monday, December 19, 2011
Letters from old
A good friend once wrote me a letter making an observation of one of my many faults.
My friend wrote in paraphrase:
"I fear you take all the problems on yourself instead of giving them to God like it says to do in 1 Peter 5:7, and that worries me."
Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you, casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you.
(1 Peter 5:6-7 ESV)
Later in the letter my friend wrote:
"When you hold out against God and control your own life, you just DON'T stand a CHANCE."
I am glad to look back at a letter from several years ago and be taught a lesson. This friend has such insight into my life.
LORD help me to continue and cast all my anxieties on You.
Lead me by Your MIGHTY hand, so that at the PROPER time YOU alone will exalt me.
LORD bless my dear friend.
I pray that I will be as good a friend to others as this friend has been to me.
Amen
My friend wrote in paraphrase:
"I fear you take all the problems on yourself instead of giving them to God like it says to do in 1 Peter 5:7, and that worries me."
Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you, casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you.
(1 Peter 5:6-7 ESV)
Later in the letter my friend wrote:
"When you hold out against God and control your own life, you just DON'T stand a CHANCE."
I am glad to look back at a letter from several years ago and be taught a lesson. This friend has such insight into my life.
LORD help me to continue and cast all my anxieties on You.
Lead me by Your MIGHTY hand, so that at the PROPER time YOU alone will exalt me.
LORD bless my dear friend.
I pray that I will be as good a friend to others as this friend has been to me.
Amen
Sunday, December 18, 2011
My Hiding Place
In you, O LORD, do I take refuge;
let me never be put to shame!
In your righteousness deliver me and rescue me;
incline your ear to me, and save me!
Be to me a rock of refuge,
to which I may continually come;
you have given the command to save me,
for you are my rock and my fortress.
(Psalm 71:1-3 ESV)
LORD my heart is at ease tonight.
LORD you are my refuge.
I read Your word and am calmed.
I was having a panic attack and Your word has calmed my heart.
I breathe easy knowing your strength and seeing Your working hand.
Mold me LORD in Your strength.
Amen
let me never be put to shame!
In your righteousness deliver me and rescue me;
incline your ear to me, and save me!
Be to me a rock of refuge,
to which I may continually come;
you have given the command to save me,
for you are my rock and my fortress.
(Psalm 71:1-3 ESV)
LORD my heart is at ease tonight.
LORD you are my refuge.
I read Your word and am calmed.
I was having a panic attack and Your word has calmed my heart.
I breathe easy knowing your strength and seeing Your working hand.
Mold me LORD in Your strength.
Amen
Saturday, December 17, 2011
Learning and allowing
God, my God! Why am I so very SLOW?
Why do I require your attention so much!?
My stomach aches, and my spirit is weak.
I find no comfort apart from your word.
LORD breathe on me!
LORD whisper Your mercy to my heart.
Heart listen! Pay attention!
As David wrote
" May all who seek you rejoice and be glad in You!
May those who love Your salvation say evermore, 'God is great!'
But I am poor and needy; hasten to me, O God!
You are my help and my deliverer, O YHWH, do not delay!"
(Psalm 70:4-5)
Be my hope tonight my savior.
Amen
Why do I require your attention so much!?
My stomach aches, and my spirit is weak.
I find no comfort apart from your word.
LORD breathe on me!
LORD whisper Your mercy to my heart.
Heart listen! Pay attention!
As David wrote
" May all who seek you rejoice and be glad in You!
May those who love Your salvation say evermore, 'God is great!'
But I am poor and needy; hasten to me, O God!
You are my help and my deliverer, O YHWH, do not delay!"
(Psalm 70:4-5)
Be my hope tonight my savior.
Amen
Friday, December 16, 2011
LORD you are my love song
I sing of you all day long
My heart might forget but
My mind has Your word
Teach me patience as I live
By proper fear I survive
I have stretched grace
And still You abound!
Don't let me go
LORD never let me go!
I will hold on to your hem,
And You will be my master!
You bought my soul with Your blood,
Your Spirit is in me and molds me.
I praise you all day long
LORD you are my love song.
Amen
I sing of you all day long
My heart might forget but
My mind has Your word
Teach me patience as I live
By proper fear I survive
I have stretched grace
And still You abound!
Don't let me go
LORD never let me go!
I will hold on to your hem,
And You will be my master!
You bought my soul with Your blood,
Your Spirit is in me and molds me.
I praise you all day long
LORD you are my love song.
Amen
Thursday, December 15, 2011
Tonight at the dinner table the discussion ranged from God's abundant love to topics on TV.
I am staying with my Grandparents for a time and am enjoying learning from their wisdom.
Tonight my grandfather told a story of a poem my uncle wrote when he was in the first grade. The poem went like this.
I like to watch TV,
It makes me go tee-hee
It makes me sad,
it makes me glad
It makes me see things
I wish I had
This was written over 50 years ago and things have not changed.
I am so happy that God has given me everything I need.
Oh, how abundant is your goodness,
which you have stored up for those who fear you
and worked for those who take refuge in you,
in the sight of the children of mankind!
Psalm 31:19
LORD thank you for your goodness and teaching us at all ages from my age to my grandfathers age to the child's age of proper fear and safety in your love.
Amen.
I am staying with my Grandparents for a time and am enjoying learning from their wisdom.
Tonight my grandfather told a story of a poem my uncle wrote when he was in the first grade. The poem went like this.
I like to watch TV,
It makes me go tee-hee
It makes me sad,
it makes me glad
It makes me see things
I wish I had
This was written over 50 years ago and things have not changed.
I am so happy that God has given me everything I need.
Oh, how abundant is your goodness,
which you have stored up for those who fear you
and worked for those who take refuge in you,
in the sight of the children of mankind!
Psalm 31:19
LORD thank you for your goodness and teaching us at all ages from my age to my grandfathers age to the child's age of proper fear and safety in your love.
Amen.
Wednesday, December 14, 2011
I am a Child
Tonight I went to Church. The service was filled with children singing and worshiping the birth of Christ. I thoroughly enjoyed my experience.
All of the kids were such characters! Some were visibly nervous, while others lived to be in the spot light.
I think that when I pray I express both of these qualities.
I know I become nervous because I am standing in front of the creator of the universe.
I also love being in His spotlight! I love for Him to look at me and hear my problems and praises!
Watching the children tonight really made me appreciate the characteristics that their faith portrays.
LORD much like the worship of these children tonight I pray as the Psalmist wrote,
"Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in your sight, O LORD, my rock and my redeemer." (Psalm 19:14)
I love you LORD, please continue to teach me to be a man, a servant of You.
Amen
All of the kids were such characters! Some were visibly nervous, while others lived to be in the spot light.
I think that when I pray I express both of these qualities.
I know I become nervous because I am standing in front of the creator of the universe.
I also love being in His spotlight! I love for Him to look at me and hear my problems and praises!
Watching the children tonight really made me appreciate the characteristics that their faith portrays.
LORD much like the worship of these children tonight I pray as the Psalmist wrote,
"Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in your sight, O LORD, my rock and my redeemer." (Psalm 19:14)
I love you LORD, please continue to teach me to be a man, a servant of You.
Amen
Tuesday, December 13, 2011
Remember your word to your servant,
in which you have made me hope.
This is my comfort in my affliction,
that your promise gives me life.
The insolent utterly deride me,
but I do not turn away from your law.
When I think of your rules from of old,
I take comfort, O LORD.
Hot indignation seizes me because of the wicked,
who forsake your law.
Your statutes have been my songs
in the house of my sojourning.
I remember your name in the night, O LORD,
and keep your law.
This blessing has fallen to me,
that I have kept your precepts.
(Psalm 119:49-56 ESV)
LORD I am in a new land and need Your blessings. Teach me to follow your precepts and work for your name.
Amen
in which you have made me hope.
This is my comfort in my affliction,
that your promise gives me life.
The insolent utterly deride me,
but I do not turn away from your law.
When I think of your rules from of old,
I take comfort, O LORD.
Hot indignation seizes me because of the wicked,
who forsake your law.
Your statutes have been my songs
in the house of my sojourning.
I remember your name in the night, O LORD,
and keep your law.
This blessing has fallen to me,
that I have kept your precepts.
(Psalm 119:49-56 ESV)
LORD I am in a new land and need Your blessings. Teach me to follow your precepts and work for your name.
Amen
Monday, December 12, 2011
Tonight is my last night in Florida for a while. I love this state. The weather and the people. My family and friends.
I trust my God to supply all my needs as I walk in His guidance.
Lord my God and my Savior, take my heart and lead me to a new land. Prosper the work of my hands for your names sake.
Teach me to be a man. Teach me to solely rely on you for everything.
John Denver sang, "I am leaving' on a jet plane, don't know when I'll be back again." That's the way I feel.
Proverbs 12:14-15
From the fruit of his mouth a man is satisfied with good,
and the work of a man's hand comes back to him.
The way of a fool is right in his own eyes,
but a wise man listens to advice.
LORD bless my work, allow me to work hard for you! Continue to send people my direction with wise advice. Let me be a blessing to those I work for. Be with me because I am scared.
Amen
I trust my God to supply all my needs as I walk in His guidance.
Lord my God and my Savior, take my heart and lead me to a new land. Prosper the work of my hands for your names sake.
Teach me to be a man. Teach me to solely rely on you for everything.
John Denver sang, "I am leaving' on a jet plane, don't know when I'll be back again." That's the way I feel.
Proverbs 12:14-15
From the fruit of his mouth a man is satisfied with good,
and the work of a man's hand comes back to him.
The way of a fool is right in his own eyes,
but a wise man listens to advice.
LORD bless my work, allow me to work hard for you! Continue to send people my direction with wise advice. Let me be a blessing to those I work for. Be with me because I am scared.
Amen
Sunday, December 11, 2011
Once again I am heavy burdened in my heart. My fear is over coming me and I am so low.
LORD how long do I have to wait for your answer?
Please create me to be a man of faithfulness. One who does not worry and is not anxious!
Why are you in such deep pain heart?
LORD hear Your servant!
Psalm 84:8-9
O LORD God of hosts, hear my prayer;
give ear, O God of Jacob! Selah
Behold our shield, O God;
look on the face of your anointed!
I trust in You my savior. Restore my heart.
Amen
LORD how long do I have to wait for your answer?
Please create me to be a man of faithfulness. One who does not worry and is not anxious!
Why are you in such deep pain heart?
LORD hear Your servant!
Psalm 84:8-9
O LORD God of hosts, hear my prayer;
give ear, O God of Jacob! Selah
Behold our shield, O God;
look on the face of your anointed!
I trust in You my savior. Restore my heart.
Amen
Saturday, December 10, 2011
Proverbs 10:28
"The hope of the righteous brings joy,
But the expectation of the wicked will perish."
LORD my hope is fully on you tonight.
Lead my heart in what to pray and what to say!
O LORD, I don't have the desires of a wicked man,
I desire to please You and make your name great!
Continue to lead me in prayer through Your word,
And stretch my faith through Your grace.
Praise God the father! Praise Christ my savior! Praise the Spirit!
Three in one!
Amen
"The hope of the righteous brings joy,
But the expectation of the wicked will perish."
LORD my hope is fully on you tonight.
Lead my heart in what to pray and what to say!
O LORD, I don't have the desires of a wicked man,
I desire to please You and make your name great!
Continue to lead me in prayer through Your word,
And stretch my faith through Your grace.
Praise God the father! Praise Christ my savior! Praise the Spirit!
Three in one!
Amen
Friday, December 9, 2011
Many are the sorrows of the wicked,
but steadfast love surrounds the one who trusts in the LORD.
Be glad in the LORD, and rejoice, O righteous,
and shout for joy, all you upright in heart!
(Psalm 32:10-11)
I do trust in the LORD!
Heart let us rejoice, His love surrounds me and I am overwhelmed.
Thank you for restoring me to an upright heart O, LORD!
Amen
but steadfast love surrounds the one who trusts in the LORD.
Be glad in the LORD, and rejoice, O righteous,
and shout for joy, all you upright in heart!
(Psalm 32:10-11)
I do trust in the LORD!
Heart let us rejoice, His love surrounds me and I am overwhelmed.
Thank you for restoring me to an upright heart O, LORD!
Amen
Thursday, December 8, 2011
What is this I carry?! Why do I lug around this heavy unstable and dangerous object!? Certainly I know better than to allow my heart to carry on this way!
Heart, you are so stupid some times.
I pound my chest in anger and weep in sadness! Why do I have so much unbelief in my heart?
Certainly we have a happy and loving LORD! He shares His everlasting inheritance!
I praise God for wise counsel and for those who give it!
Psalm 30:11-12
You have turned for me my mourning into dancing;
you have loosed my sackcloth
and clothed me with gladness,
that my glory may sing your praise and not be silent.
O LORD my God, I will give thanks to you forever!
I had the pleasure of eating dinner with two of my elders this evening and their wise counsel has lifted my spirit by the grace of God!
I am not built to go through life alone and i am not to go without brothers and sisters to walk with as the path of the LORD is established in my life.
Thank you LORD for joy and genuine counselors.
Heal my heart and my land.
Amen
Heart, you are so stupid some times.
I pound my chest in anger and weep in sadness! Why do I have so much unbelief in my heart?
Certainly we have a happy and loving LORD! He shares His everlasting inheritance!
I praise God for wise counsel and for those who give it!
Psalm 30:11-12
You have turned for me my mourning into dancing;
you have loosed my sackcloth
and clothed me with gladness,
that my glory may sing your praise and not be silent.
O LORD my God, I will give thanks to you forever!
I had the pleasure of eating dinner with two of my elders this evening and their wise counsel has lifted my spirit by the grace of God!
I am not built to go through life alone and i am not to go without brothers and sisters to walk with as the path of the LORD is established in my life.
Thank you LORD for joy and genuine counselors.
Heal my heart and my land.
Amen
Wednesday, December 7, 2011
I Surrender
Psalms 119:67
"Before I was afflicted I went astray
But now I keep Your word"
"All to Jesus I surrender, make me, savior, wholly thine"
From the Hymn 'I Surrender All' by Judson W. DeVenture
I have been thinking this thought allot lately. And I desire my prayer life to reflect it. I desire Christ to make me, to physically tackle me and to place me in His courts. I desire God to work within me in a way that destroys any idolatry or selfish ambition I have.
Christ has claimed me and He has shed His blood for me. I wave the white flag and surrender.
He has victory over my soul.
I cannot fight against my LORD any more!
I have to quit or it will be the eternal death of me.
O LORD you have bought my soul with your blood,
I am unworthy and praise you for your grace!
Keep my daydreaming heart at bay!
Keep me reflecting on honorable lovely and pure thoughts!
Teach my heart humility whatever it costs! Even my life!
I would rather be humbled before you than follow those who STAND apart from your glory.
Don't count me as one of them. I surrender.
I am slave to you alone. I will follow you as you lead me. Direct my steps.
I claim Your peace that I don't Understand or need to understand but am free to express by Your grace!
Thank you for guarding my whole being and for keeping me safe.
Psalm 119:71
"It was good for me that I was afflicted,
That I might learn Your statutes."
Amen
"Before I was afflicted I went astray
But now I keep Your word"
"All to Jesus I surrender, make me, savior, wholly thine"
From the Hymn 'I Surrender All' by Judson W. DeVenture
I have been thinking this thought allot lately. And I desire my prayer life to reflect it. I desire Christ to make me, to physically tackle me and to place me in His courts. I desire God to work within me in a way that destroys any idolatry or selfish ambition I have.
Christ has claimed me and He has shed His blood for me. I wave the white flag and surrender.
He has victory over my soul.
I cannot fight against my LORD any more!
I have to quit or it will be the eternal death of me.
O LORD you have bought my soul with your blood,
I am unworthy and praise you for your grace!
Keep my daydreaming heart at bay!
Keep me reflecting on honorable lovely and pure thoughts!
Teach my heart humility whatever it costs! Even my life!
I would rather be humbled before you than follow those who STAND apart from your glory.
Don't count me as one of them. I surrender.
I am slave to you alone. I will follow you as you lead me. Direct my steps.
I claim Your peace that I don't Understand or need to understand but am free to express by Your grace!
Thank you for guarding my whole being and for keeping me safe.
Psalm 119:71
"It was good for me that I was afflicted,
That I might learn Your statutes."
Amen
Tuesday, December 6, 2011
Preserve me, O God, for in you I take refuge.
I say to the LORD, “You are my Lord;
I have no good apart from you.”
(Psalm 16:1-2 ESV)
O LORD i need you so very badly this evening!
My heart cannot take it.
I desire Your arms so very much!
My eyes will not stop watering and my unbelief is ever before me.
I recognize the failings of my flesh and of those around me.
None can stand to your goodness.
With you alone I find comfort and am at peace.
Though I am low I stand and make ready for battle,
I will not let my heart destroy my obedience.
You are my portion and you hold my life, do with it as You will.
Amen
I say to the LORD, “You are my Lord;
I have no good apart from you.”
(Psalm 16:1-2 ESV)
O LORD i need you so very badly this evening!
My heart cannot take it.
I desire Your arms so very much!
My eyes will not stop watering and my unbelief is ever before me.
I recognize the failings of my flesh and of those around me.
None can stand to your goodness.
With you alone I find comfort and am at peace.
Though I am low I stand and make ready for battle,
I will not let my heart destroy my obedience.
You are my portion and you hold my life, do with it as You will.
Amen
Monday, December 5, 2011
There is a voice of wisdom that I often have a hard time hearing! The wise man Solomon writes about wisdom in the book of Proverbs. He reminds the reader that wisdom is crying outbound in the street proclaiming truth!
"How long, O simple ones, will you love being simple?
How long will scoffers delight in their scoffing
And fools hate knowledge?
If you turn at my reproof, behold I will pour
Out my spirit to you; I will make my words known
To you."
Proverbs 1:22-23 ESV
How long Heart will you ignore the wisdom being proclaimed by God's word and by your wise friends and family?
Heart, wisdom leads away from folly and delivers you to peace!
Listen to this O Heart!
"For the simple are killed by their turning away,
And the complacency of fools destroys them;
But whoever listens to me will dwell secure and
will be at ease, without dread of disaster."
Proverbs 1:32-32
Heart, this is a warning!!!!
Complacency is a feeling of quiet pleasure or security, often while unaware of some potential danger, defect, or the like; self-satisfaction or smug satisfaction with an existing situation, condition, etc.
Heart, listen to wisdom! Listen and pray for it earnestly!
Do not be complacent and continue to move towards Christ and plead for guidance!
Amen
"How long, O simple ones, will you love being simple?
How long will scoffers delight in their scoffing
And fools hate knowledge?
If you turn at my reproof, behold I will pour
Out my spirit to you; I will make my words known
To you."
Proverbs 1:22-23 ESV
How long Heart will you ignore the wisdom being proclaimed by God's word and by your wise friends and family?
Heart, wisdom leads away from folly and delivers you to peace!
Listen to this O Heart!
"For the simple are killed by their turning away,
And the complacency of fools destroys them;
But whoever listens to me will dwell secure and
will be at ease, without dread of disaster."
Proverbs 1:32-32
Heart, this is a warning!!!!
Complacency is a feeling of quiet pleasure or security, often while unaware of some potential danger, defect, or the like; self-satisfaction or smug satisfaction with an existing situation, condition, etc.
Heart, listen to wisdom! Listen and pray for it earnestly!
Do not be complacent and continue to move towards Christ and plead for guidance!
Amen
Sunday, December 4, 2011
Patient
Psalms 6 ESV
O Lord, rebuke me not in your anger,
nor discipline me in your wrath.
Be gracious to me, O Lord, for I am languishing;
heal me, O Lord, for my bones are troubled.
My soul also is greatly troubled.
But you, O Lord—how long?
Turn, O Lord, deliver my life;
save me for the sake of your steadfast love.
For in death there is no remembrance of you;
in Sheol who will give you praise?
I am weary with my moaning;
every night I flood my bed with tears;
I drench my couch with my weeping.
My eye wastes away because of grief;
it grows weak because of all my foes.
Depart from me, all you workers of evil,
for the Lord has heard the sound of my weeping.
The Lord has heard my plea;
the Lord accepts my prayer.
All my enemies shall be ashamed and greatly troubled;
they shall turn back and be put to shame in a moment.
I don't know about you but my heart doesn't always feel so weepy. But their are certain times that I just get sooo very low. And I see how many sins I have committed and all my fears overwhelm me.
I am so happy and at peace because my God hears my plea and provides for me. He scatters my fears and demolishes my sins with His grace.
Heart, take time to pray tonight and be intimate with God about your concerns, weep and be joyful. Allow God to mend you and destroy all your enemies.
O Lord, rebuke me not in your anger,
nor discipline me in your wrath.
Be gracious to me, O Lord, for I am languishing;
heal me, O Lord, for my bones are troubled.
My soul also is greatly troubled.
But you, O Lord—how long?
Turn, O Lord, deliver my life;
save me for the sake of your steadfast love.
For in death there is no remembrance of you;
in Sheol who will give you praise?
I am weary with my moaning;
every night I flood my bed with tears;
I drench my couch with my weeping.
My eye wastes away because of grief;
it grows weak because of all my foes.
Depart from me, all you workers of evil,
for the Lord has heard the sound of my weeping.
The Lord has heard my plea;
the Lord accepts my prayer.
All my enemies shall be ashamed and greatly troubled;
they shall turn back and be put to shame in a moment.
I don't know about you but my heart doesn't always feel so weepy. But their are certain times that I just get sooo very low. And I see how many sins I have committed and all my fears overwhelm me.
I am so happy and at peace because my God hears my plea and provides for me. He scatters my fears and demolishes my sins with His grace.
Heart, take time to pray tonight and be intimate with God about your concerns, weep and be joyful. Allow God to mend you and destroy all your enemies.
Saturday, December 3, 2011
Dear Friend and Dear Heart
I met with one of my dearest friends today. These verses came to mind.
I thank my God always when I remember you in my prayers, because I hear of your love and of the faith that you have toward the Lord Jesus and all the saints, and I pray that the sharing of your faith may become effective for the full knowledge of every good thing that is in us for the sake of Christ. For I have derived much JOY and COMFORT from your LOVE, my brother, because the hearts of the saints have been REFRESHED through you.
(ESV Philemon 1:4-7)
I pray that every believer will search out that brother or sister in Christ that speaks gospel truth. A person that replenishes the spirit and lifts the heart by the grace of Christ.
I thank the LORD for my many friends that will in my own life.
Heart, take time tonight and praise God for the blessings of sisters and brothers who genuinely love you!
Amen
I thank my God always when I remember you in my prayers, because I hear of your love and of the faith that you have toward the Lord Jesus and all the saints, and I pray that the sharing of your faith may become effective for the full knowledge of every good thing that is in us for the sake of Christ. For I have derived much JOY and COMFORT from your LOVE, my brother, because the hearts of the saints have been REFRESHED through you.
(ESV Philemon 1:4-7)
I pray that every believer will search out that brother or sister in Christ that speaks gospel truth. A person that replenishes the spirit and lifts the heart by the grace of Christ.
I thank the LORD for my many friends that will in my own life.
Heart, take time tonight and praise God for the blessings of sisters and brothers who genuinely love you!
Amen
Friday, December 2, 2011
When You enlarge my Heart
Daleth
25 My soul clings to the dust;
give me life according to your word!
26When I told of my ways, you answered me;
teach me your statutes!
27 Make me understand the way of your precepts,
and I will meditate on your wondrous works.
28 My soul melts away for sorrow;
strengthen me according to your word!
29Put false ways far from me
and graciously teach me your law!
30I have chosen the way of faithfulness;
I set your rules before me.
31I cling to your testimonies, O LORD;
let me not be put to shame!
32I will run in the way of your commandments
when you enlarge my heart![a]
(ESV Psalm 119:25-32)
Oh Heart!
Amen
25 My soul clings to the dust;
give me life according to your word!
26When I told of my ways, you answered me;
teach me your statutes!
27 Make me understand the way of your precepts,
and I will meditate on your wondrous works.
28 My soul melts away for sorrow;
strengthen me according to your word!
29Put false ways far from me
and graciously teach me your law!
30I have chosen the way of faithfulness;
I set your rules before me.
31I cling to your testimonies, O LORD;
let me not be put to shame!
32I will run in the way of your commandments
when you enlarge my heart![a]
(ESV Psalm 119:25-32)
Oh Heart!
Amen
Thursday, December 1, 2011
Make HASTE!!!!
For I am ready to fall,
and my pain is ever before me.
I confess my iniquity;
I am sorry for my sin.
But my foes are vigorous, they are mighty,
and many are those who hate me wrongfully.
Those who render me evil for good
accuse me because I follow after good.
Do not forsake me, O LORD!
O my God, be not far from me!
Make haste to help me,
O Lord, my salvation!
(Psalm 38:17-22 ESV)
Heart, I look at you and I see your pain, others look at you and see your pain. You cannot hide from anyone. Listen to the Psalm. Though their are times that the LORD rebukes us and His arrows are deep within us,
O LORD, rebuke me not in your anger,
nor discipline me in your wrath!
For your arrows have sunk into me,
and your hand has come down on me.
There is no soundness in my flesh
because of your indignation;
there is no health in my bones
because of my sin.
(Psalm 38:1-3 ESV)
Remember heart the LORD delights in us being truly repentant. And we are glad because of his salvation.
He rebukes us and leads us. It is by Him we know our wrongs and it is by Him we are returned to salvation!
Be at peace heart. Don't let sin hinder you from blessing others!
Do not let others accuse you for following after GOOD!! Being any type of good. Let the grace of God lead your lips by the fruit of the SPIRIT.
Thank you LORD for restoring and hastening to me for healing!
Praise the LORD for His salvation.
and my pain is ever before me.
I confess my iniquity;
I am sorry for my sin.
But my foes are vigorous, they are mighty,
and many are those who hate me wrongfully.
Those who render me evil for good
accuse me because I follow after good.
Do not forsake me, O LORD!
O my God, be not far from me!
Make haste to help me,
O Lord, my salvation!
(Psalm 38:17-22 ESV)
Heart, I look at you and I see your pain, others look at you and see your pain. You cannot hide from anyone. Listen to the Psalm. Though their are times that the LORD rebukes us and His arrows are deep within us,
O LORD, rebuke me not in your anger,
nor discipline me in your wrath!
For your arrows have sunk into me,
and your hand has come down on me.
There is no soundness in my flesh
because of your indignation;
there is no health in my bones
because of my sin.
(Psalm 38:1-3 ESV)
Remember heart the LORD delights in us being truly repentant. And we are glad because of his salvation.
He rebukes us and leads us. It is by Him we know our wrongs and it is by Him we are returned to salvation!
Be at peace heart. Don't let sin hinder you from blessing others!
Do not let others accuse you for following after GOOD!! Being any type of good. Let the grace of God lead your lips by the fruit of the SPIRIT.
Thank you LORD for restoring and hastening to me for healing!
Praise the LORD for His salvation.
Wednesday, November 30, 2011
Heart
Praise the LORD, all nations!
Extol him, all people's!
For great is his steadfast love
Toward us,
and the faithfulness of the
LORD endures forever.
Praise the LORD!
(ESV Psalm 117)
Oh Heart!! Let us rejoice in the LORD always! His mercy is ever before Him!
He has provided and given so much grace. He has protected you and used His staff to discipline you, to lead you back to His flock.
Rejoice! Rejoice always be glad and merry in spirit for He is faithful and steadfast!
Be calm and ponder these things as we sleep O Heart.
Extol him, all people's!
For great is his steadfast love
Toward us,
and the faithfulness of the
LORD endures forever.
Praise the LORD!
(ESV Psalm 117)
Oh Heart!! Let us rejoice in the LORD always! His mercy is ever before Him!
He has provided and given so much grace. He has protected you and used His staff to discipline you, to lead you back to His flock.
Rejoice! Rejoice always be glad and merry in spirit for He is faithful and steadfast!
Be calm and ponder these things as we sleep O Heart.
Tuesday, November 29, 2011
6Blessed be the LORD!
For he has heard the voice of my pleas for mercy.
7The LORD is my strength and my shield;
in him my heart trusts, and I am helped;
my heart exults,
and with my song I give thanks to him
(ESV Psalm 28:6-7)
The LORD will go before me and be my shield.
Heart, set the LORD before you to protect you.
Thank you God for protecting me.
For he has heard the voice of my pleas for mercy.
7The LORD is my strength and my shield;
in him my heart trusts, and I am helped;
my heart exults,
and with my song I give thanks to him
(ESV Psalm 28:6-7)
The LORD will go before me and be my shield.
Heart, set the LORD before you to protect you.
Thank you God for protecting me.
Monday, November 28, 2011
Ponder in your own heart
Be angry, and do not sin;
ponder in your own hearts on your beds, and be silent. Selah
Offer right sacrifices,
and put your trust in the LORD.
(Psalm 4:4-5 ESV)
For you will not delight in sacrifice, or I would give it;
you will not be pleased with a burnt offering.
The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit;
a broken and contrite heart, O God, you will not despise.
(Psalm 51:16-17 ESV)
Heart, let us take our lessons slowly and ponder together.
Heart, be remorseful, and broken. God does not delight in our gifts but our sincerity of feeling grieved for our sin.
Heart, let us pause and ponder our sins against our LORD and seek His salvation.
In peace I will both lie down and sleep;
for you alone, O LORD, make me dwell in safety.
(Psalm 4:8 ESV)
I pray this tonight.
ponder in your own hearts on your beds, and be silent. Selah
Offer right sacrifices,
and put your trust in the LORD.
(Psalm 4:4-5 ESV)
For you will not delight in sacrifice, or I would give it;
you will not be pleased with a burnt offering.
The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit;
a broken and contrite heart, O God, you will not despise.
(Psalm 51:16-17 ESV)
Heart, let us take our lessons slowly and ponder together.
Heart, be remorseful, and broken. God does not delight in our gifts but our sincerity of feeling grieved for our sin.
Heart, let us pause and ponder our sins against our LORD and seek His salvation.
In peace I will both lie down and sleep;
for you alone, O LORD, make me dwell in safety.
(Psalm 4:8 ESV)
I pray this tonight.
Sunday, November 27, 2011
God of My Salvation.
Hear, O LORD, when I cry aloud;
be gracious to me and answer me!
You have said, “Seek my face.”
My heart says to you,
“Your face, LORD, do I seek.”
Hide not your face from me.
Turn not your servant away in anger,
O you who have been my help.
Cast me not off; forsake me not,
O God of my salvation!
For my father and my mother have forsaken me,
but the LORD will take me in.
(Psalm 27:7-10 ESV)
Do I not forget to quickly the quest of my heart?
Seek your face O LORD? Why do I forget.
Heart. LOOK. Strain to see the face of God. He has been your help, the LORD will take you in when even the most intimate of your life forget you.
Heart, you will be forgotten by the flesh. The LORD will never forget.
Heart, depend on the LORD. Learn to pray and cry out to God through the Psalms! Learn to worship correctly.
He says seek His face. I will seek your face O LORD. My eyes weep and my heart in anguish but your face is my shelter. Restore me LORD.
Teach me to share your grace with others. Tell my heart how he needs to be less and you are to be more!
Teach me to cherish my brothers, and sisters in the faith. To be genuine with them. Humble me. Shelter me. Be my shield.
I believe that I shall look upon the goodness of the LORD
in the land of the living!
Wait for the LORD;
be strong, and let your heart take courage;
wait for the LORD!
(Psalm 27:13-14 ESV)
-Amen
be gracious to me and answer me!
You have said, “Seek my face.”
My heart says to you,
“Your face, LORD, do I seek.”
Hide not your face from me.
Turn not your servant away in anger,
O you who have been my help.
Cast me not off; forsake me not,
O God of my salvation!
For my father and my mother have forsaken me,
but the LORD will take me in.
(Psalm 27:7-10 ESV)
Do I not forget to quickly the quest of my heart?
Seek your face O LORD? Why do I forget.
Heart. LOOK. Strain to see the face of God. He has been your help, the LORD will take you in when even the most intimate of your life forget you.
Heart, you will be forgotten by the flesh. The LORD will never forget.
Heart, depend on the LORD. Learn to pray and cry out to God through the Psalms! Learn to worship correctly.
He says seek His face. I will seek your face O LORD. My eyes weep and my heart in anguish but your face is my shelter. Restore me LORD.
Teach me to share your grace with others. Tell my heart how he needs to be less and you are to be more!
Teach me to cherish my brothers, and sisters in the faith. To be genuine with them. Humble me. Shelter me. Be my shield.
I believe that I shall look upon the goodness of the LORD
in the land of the living!
Wait for the LORD;
be strong, and let your heart take courage;
wait for the LORD!
(Psalm 27:13-14 ESV)
-Amen
Saturday, November 26, 2011
Be Gracious
Turn to me and be gracious to me,
for I am lonely and afflicted.
The troubles of my heart are enlarged;
bring me out of my distresses.
Consider my affliction and my trouble,
and forgive all my sins.
(Psalm 25:16-18 ESV)
Oh Heart! Why do you feel so heavy? What stress do you have that our LORD cannot lead you through?
Why does reason not work with you? Heart! Listen, be calm. Breathe...
LORD, lead me. Talk to my heart. Console me! I am low, you are high!
Heart... Do you hear the LORD? Are you being patient?
Be gracious to me LORD, I am broken. You are healer. My heart is stubborn, forgive me.
for I am lonely and afflicted.
The troubles of my heart are enlarged;
bring me out of my distresses.
Consider my affliction and my trouble,
and forgive all my sins.
(Psalm 25:16-18 ESV)
Oh Heart! Why do you feel so heavy? What stress do you have that our LORD cannot lead you through?
Why does reason not work with you? Heart! Listen, be calm. Breathe...
LORD, lead me. Talk to my heart. Console me! I am low, you are high!
Heart... Do you hear the LORD? Are you being patient?
Be gracious to me LORD, I am broken. You are healer. My heart is stubborn, forgive me.
Friday, November 25, 2011
SLOW TO SPEAK
Know this, my beloved brothers: let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger; for the anger of man does not produce the righteousness of God. Therefore put away all filthiness and rampant wickedness and receive with meekness the implanted word, which is able to save your souls.
(James 1:19-21 ESV)
Quick to hear, quick to have ears ready to listen to the word of God.
Heart, slow down take time to read the Word and slow down. Reread and understand.
Mouth, don't speak without reason, or allowing the brain to think.
Slow to speak? This does not mean slow in speech. It means contemplate before you respond.
I think that when I become angry my mouth listens to my heart before he listens to my mind and the Word of God.
So quick I have something wicked to say in response.
Heart, remember that 'meekness' does not mean 'weakness'. Meekness is becoming humble to the Word of God our father.
I pray that our LORD will teach me to be slow in speaking, and quick to listen to His Word.
Good and upright is the LORD;
therefore he instructs sinners in the way.
He leads the humble in what is right,
and teaches the humble his way.
All the paths of the LORD are steadfast love and faithfulness,
for those who keep his covenant and his testimonies.
(Psalm 25:8-10 ESV)
(James 1:19-21 ESV)
Quick to hear, quick to have ears ready to listen to the word of God.
Heart, slow down take time to read the Word and slow down. Reread and understand.
Mouth, don't speak without reason, or allowing the brain to think.
Slow to speak? This does not mean slow in speech. It means contemplate before you respond.
I think that when I become angry my mouth listens to my heart before he listens to my mind and the Word of God.
So quick I have something wicked to say in response.
Heart, remember that 'meekness' does not mean 'weakness'. Meekness is becoming humble to the Word of God our father.
I pray that our LORD will teach me to be slow in speaking, and quick to listen to His Word.
Good and upright is the LORD;
therefore he instructs sinners in the way.
He leads the humble in what is right,
and teaches the humble his way.
All the paths of the LORD are steadfast love and faithfulness,
for those who keep his covenant and his testimonies.
(Psalm 25:8-10 ESV)
Thursday, November 24, 2011
Without Works
James Writes,
Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. (James 1:2 ESV)
James also writes later in the same letter,
What good is it, my brothers, if someone says he has faith but does not have works? Can that faith save him? If a brother or sister is poorly clothed and lacking in daily food, and one of you says to them, “Go in peace, be warmed and filled,” without giving them the things needed for the body, what good is that? So also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead.
(James 2:14-17 ESV)
I recognized something today in myself while praying about this passage.
My trials are testing my faith. If these trials are testing my faith they should also be testing my works.
I recently was in need of my Christian brothers. The trial in my own life was to much for me to bear and the LORD provided my brothers.
Looking back I see how in as much as God was teaching me steadfastness in my personal struggles my friends proved their faith through the works they showed me.
Their character was being tested by a fellow brother (me) and through God's grace they struck like strong anchors of the faith through their actions in my life.
James is reminding me that faith is not invisible. Faith is not something that CAN be hidden. When i was being helped along towards the face of God by my friends their works by faith stood as a testament to me. LORD willing you have people in your own life that will be the same to you. If you do not then SEEK THEM. This is apart of the wisdom that James is talking about.
I pray that my faith will be seen by my works towards the name of God. Less me more HIM.
Heart, please remember that faith isn't lofty, or high thinking thoughts. Faith is practical. Faith by wisdom recognizes needs and discovers ways to fulfill them. Heart!!! LISTEN TO ME!! LISTEN TO THE WORD OF GOD!!!
FAITH IS PRACTICAL ACTIONS TAKEN BY THE FRUITS OF THE SPIRIT.
Heart, show love and be genuine
Heart, be joyful and know it is okay to express this both at times inwardly and outwardly.
Heart, be at peace. The LORD is going before you, be at peace
Heart, be patient... seriously... be patient. Show this by having self-control! That is right, CONTROL.
Heart, don't be bitter! >:( ... Be kind :).
Heart, show kindness and goodness to all without being partial. Don't judge outward appearance.
Heart, be gentle. Don't be harsh, rash and crazy. Be gentle.
Heart, will you be faithful to these? Will you allow the Holy Spirit convict you when you are not showing these fruits? I won't let you forget.
I have been learning not to let my heart get away with so much.
James has been reminding me of my friend's actions by faith, and my tested actions leading to steadfastness.
James has been reminding me that I need to be constantly filtering God's truths through my heart. My heart is so dumb. So dumb...
I pray the LORD restore me constantly for His names sake. :) I have faith He will and Does.
Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. (James 1:2 ESV)
James also writes later in the same letter,
What good is it, my brothers, if someone says he has faith but does not have works? Can that faith save him? If a brother or sister is poorly clothed and lacking in daily food, and one of you says to them, “Go in peace, be warmed and filled,” without giving them the things needed for the body, what good is that? So also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead.
(James 2:14-17 ESV)
I recognized something today in myself while praying about this passage.
My trials are testing my faith. If these trials are testing my faith they should also be testing my works.
I recently was in need of my Christian brothers. The trial in my own life was to much for me to bear and the LORD provided my brothers.
Looking back I see how in as much as God was teaching me steadfastness in my personal struggles my friends proved their faith through the works they showed me.
Their character was being tested by a fellow brother (me) and through God's grace they struck like strong anchors of the faith through their actions in my life.
James is reminding me that faith is not invisible. Faith is not something that CAN be hidden. When i was being helped along towards the face of God by my friends their works by faith stood as a testament to me. LORD willing you have people in your own life that will be the same to you. If you do not then SEEK THEM. This is apart of the wisdom that James is talking about.
I pray that my faith will be seen by my works towards the name of God. Less me more HIM.
Heart, please remember that faith isn't lofty, or high thinking thoughts. Faith is practical. Faith by wisdom recognizes needs and discovers ways to fulfill them. Heart!!! LISTEN TO ME!! LISTEN TO THE WORD OF GOD!!!
FAITH IS PRACTICAL ACTIONS TAKEN BY THE FRUITS OF THE SPIRIT.
Heart, show love and be genuine
Heart, be joyful and know it is okay to express this both at times inwardly and outwardly.
Heart, be at peace. The LORD is going before you, be at peace
Heart, be patient... seriously... be patient. Show this by having self-control! That is right, CONTROL.
Heart, don't be bitter! >:( ... Be kind :).
Heart, show kindness and goodness to all without being partial. Don't judge outward appearance.
Heart, be gentle. Don't be harsh, rash and crazy. Be gentle.
Heart, will you be faithful to these? Will you allow the Holy Spirit convict you when you are not showing these fruits? I won't let you forget.
I have been learning not to let my heart get away with so much.
James has been reminding me of my friend's actions by faith, and my tested actions leading to steadfastness.
James has been reminding me that I need to be constantly filtering God's truths through my heart. My heart is so dumb. So dumb...
I pray the LORD restore me constantly for His names sake. :) I have faith He will and Does.
Wednesday, November 23, 2011
Steadfast
Did you know that James wrote this in his letter to the tribes?
Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him. Let no one say when he is tempted, “I am being tempted by God,” for God cannot be tempted with evil, and he himself tempts no one. But each person is tempted when he is lured and enticed by his own desire. Then desire when it has conceived gives birth to sin, and sin when it is fully grown brings forth death.
(James 1:12-15 ESV)
Remember that steadfastness is the product of our tested faith through the various trials we face. James 1:2-3
Day in and day out I am a forgetful man.
God, why do i forget so quickly even hourly the works of your mighty hand?
God you don't tempt me.
When my heart is encouraged to do wrong the desires stem from sin, not from the words You have taught me in Your word.
Every time I act out selfishly I think that the actions will produce a situation that will benefit me in the long run.
I see a product that is so very temporal. MY HEART is so STUPID. Every time I feel frail and listen to myself the actions lead to death!
A good friend asked that I spend some time today reflecting on Psalm 23. This verse stuck out to me as I prayed through the Psalm
He restores my soul.
He leads me in paths of righteousness
for his name's sake.
(Psalm 23:3 ESV)
When I am in a time of trial, whether or not it is of my own making, if I follow my LORD He will lead me and restore my strength. He leads me to righteousness. All of this He does for His names sake!
The LORD does not tempt, He leads. The LORD does not produce death. He leads to me to life.
I pray that the LORD will give me a steadfastness for the glory of HIS NAME.
I was thinking about these things today.
Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him. Let no one say when he is tempted, “I am being tempted by God,” for God cannot be tempted with evil, and he himself tempts no one. But each person is tempted when he is lured and enticed by his own desire. Then desire when it has conceived gives birth to sin, and sin when it is fully grown brings forth death.
(James 1:12-15 ESV)
Remember that steadfastness is the product of our tested faith through the various trials we face. James 1:2-3
Day in and day out I am a forgetful man.
God, why do i forget so quickly even hourly the works of your mighty hand?
God you don't tempt me.
When my heart is encouraged to do wrong the desires stem from sin, not from the words You have taught me in Your word.
Every time I act out selfishly I think that the actions will produce a situation that will benefit me in the long run.
I see a product that is so very temporal. MY HEART is so STUPID. Every time I feel frail and listen to myself the actions lead to death!
A good friend asked that I spend some time today reflecting on Psalm 23. This verse stuck out to me as I prayed through the Psalm
He restores my soul.
He leads me in paths of righteousness
for his name's sake.
(Psalm 23:3 ESV)
When I am in a time of trial, whether or not it is of my own making, if I follow my LORD He will lead me and restore my strength. He leads me to righteousness. All of this He does for His names sake!
The LORD does not tempt, He leads. The LORD does not produce death. He leads to me to life.
I pray that the LORD will give me a steadfastness for the glory of HIS NAME.
I was thinking about these things today.
Tuesday, November 22, 2011
Still on Wisdom
James is so intent on expressing the importance of Godly wisdom that he uses so much of his precious paper writing more on the subject.
Who is wise and understanding among you? By his good conduct let him show his works in the meekness of wisdom. But if you have bitter jealousy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast and be false to the truth. This is not the wisdom that comes down from above, but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic. For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there will be disorder and every vile practice. But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial and sincere. And a harvest of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace.
(James 3:13-18 ESV)
How do I know my actions are wise?
Are my acts selfish? Do I make choices that only serve to build myself up, my own reputation? Do all my actions stem from wanting others to think highly of me? Do I tell little white lies about my own accomplishments?
How wretched my own heart is! James reminded us that God gives wisdom to those who ask. God not only gives us wisdom, He gives it generously!
I know now that this wisdom is to think deeply about my own hearts intentions.
Heart, are you acting and speaking like this in order to build me up or to build Christ up?
Heart, is this choice going to cause others heartbreak?
Heart, are you making this choice out of worldly wisdom or Christlike wisdom?
I forget to talk to myself and rethink about the truth in Scripture when I make choices.
Heart, be open to reason. Talk to your family and sisters and brothers in Christ. What do they think?
Heart, has the Holy Spirit given you peace? Are you going to be convicted if you make this choice?
I am not sure how often I consistently ask myself these questions.
Notice what James says,
"But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial and sincere. And a harvest of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace."
Wisdom is a practice.
Have you ever planted anything, watered it and taken care of it. You can sit and watch it. Day in and day out take care of it and it will grow.
Wisdom is a seed that God has given generously, and time and care is necessary to see the fruits.
I am working on wisdom. I mean I am practicing wisdom through the fruits in labor.
How sincere is my heart to the grace I have received? How prone to wonder is my heart from the grace i am given?
Such is my prayer tonight from the hymn "Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing"
Who is wise and understanding among you? By his good conduct let him show his works in the meekness of wisdom. But if you have bitter jealousy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast and be false to the truth. This is not the wisdom that comes down from above, but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic. For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there will be disorder and every vile practice. But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial and sincere. And a harvest of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace.
(James 3:13-18 ESV)
How do I know my actions are wise?
Are my acts selfish? Do I make choices that only serve to build myself up, my own reputation? Do all my actions stem from wanting others to think highly of me? Do I tell little white lies about my own accomplishments?
How wretched my own heart is! James reminded us that God gives wisdom to those who ask. God not only gives us wisdom, He gives it generously!
I know now that this wisdom is to think deeply about my own hearts intentions.
Heart, are you acting and speaking like this in order to build me up or to build Christ up?
Heart, is this choice going to cause others heartbreak?
Heart, are you making this choice out of worldly wisdom or Christlike wisdom?
I forget to talk to myself and rethink about the truth in Scripture when I make choices.
Heart, be open to reason. Talk to your family and sisters and brothers in Christ. What do they think?
Heart, has the Holy Spirit given you peace? Are you going to be convicted if you make this choice?
I am not sure how often I consistently ask myself these questions.
Notice what James says,
"But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial and sincere. And a harvest of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace."
Wisdom is a practice.
Have you ever planted anything, watered it and taken care of it. You can sit and watch it. Day in and day out take care of it and it will grow.
Wisdom is a seed that God has given generously, and time and care is necessary to see the fruits.
I am working on wisdom. I mean I am practicing wisdom through the fruits in labor.
How sincere is my heart to the grace I have received? How prone to wonder is my heart from the grace i am given?
Such is my prayer tonight from the hymn "Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing"
O to grace how great a debtor daily I'm constrained to be! Let thy goodness, like a fetter, bind my wandering heart to thee. Prone to wander, Lord, I feel it, prone to leave the God I love; here's my heart, O take and seal it, seal it for thy courts above!
Monday, November 21, 2011
He Gives Wisdom
If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him. But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea that is driven and tossed by the wind. For that person must not suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord; he is a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways.
(James 1:5-8 ESV)
There has been a problem that I have been having and I cannot find the solution anywhere in myself or anything I own! Needless to say if I am to be completely honest this problem has allot to do with me and what I have done to get here.
I know that my steps in the future need to be wise. I have made far to many bad and unwise choices in the past to even take any step until I know what to do next.
So here I am set in a new location. I admit I am a little scared. James earlier already reminded us that when we face various trials we should count it all as joy! That this is producing a steadfastness, a patience, a long-suffering that will lead to us being perfect and complete.
Now that I am in this point of patience, and long-suffering above all else I need wisdom!!! I am at the point of pulling my hair out! God I need that wisdom that you give so much!
I don't know if you have ever read Psalm 39, but if you have not you might feel like this writer when you are in a various trial of your own making.
“And now, O Lord, for what do I wait?
My hope is in you.
Deliver me from all my transgressions.
Do not make me the scorn of the fool!
I am mute; I do not open my mouth,
for it is you who have done it.
Remove your stroke from me;
I am spent by the hostility of your hand.
When you discipline a man
with rebukes for sin,
you consume like a moth what is dear to him;
surely all mankind is a mere breath! Selah
“Hear my prayer, O LORD,
and give ear to my cry;
hold not your peace at my tears!
For I am a sojourner with you,
a guest, like all my fathers.
Look away from me, that I may smile again,
before I depart and am no more!”
(Psalm 39:7-13 ESV)
The very wisdom God has given me generously has revealed my own transgressions! OH MY!!
I don't know about you but when I ask for a gift from God I hardly expect it to come in the form of a rebuke.
Let me remind myself of this. When I open my mouth let it not be haughty and especially let me not think I can explain to God my situation better than He already knows.
I am still a little bit scared of where I am and upset at how I ended up here. I am however not worried, let God give more generously of His wisdom, but much much more of His grace.
I am so much like that psalmist, do i actually want the LORD to stare at me for to long? How long can I hold His attention without feeling devolved of my being?
I am pondering these things today.
(James 1:5-8 ESV)
There has been a problem that I have been having and I cannot find the solution anywhere in myself or anything I own! Needless to say if I am to be completely honest this problem has allot to do with me and what I have done to get here.
I know that my steps in the future need to be wise. I have made far to many bad and unwise choices in the past to even take any step until I know what to do next.
So here I am set in a new location. I admit I am a little scared. James earlier already reminded us that when we face various trials we should count it all as joy! That this is producing a steadfastness, a patience, a long-suffering that will lead to us being perfect and complete.
Now that I am in this point of patience, and long-suffering above all else I need wisdom!!! I am at the point of pulling my hair out! God I need that wisdom that you give so much!
I don't know if you have ever read Psalm 39, but if you have not you might feel like this writer when you are in a various trial of your own making.
“And now, O Lord, for what do I wait?
My hope is in you.
Deliver me from all my transgressions.
Do not make me the scorn of the fool!
I am mute; I do not open my mouth,
for it is you who have done it.
Remove your stroke from me;
I am spent by the hostility of your hand.
When you discipline a man
with rebukes for sin,
you consume like a moth what is dear to him;
surely all mankind is a mere breath! Selah
“Hear my prayer, O LORD,
and give ear to my cry;
hold not your peace at my tears!
For I am a sojourner with you,
a guest, like all my fathers.
Look away from me, that I may smile again,
before I depart and am no more!”
(Psalm 39:7-13 ESV)
The very wisdom God has given me generously has revealed my own transgressions! OH MY!!
I don't know about you but when I ask for a gift from God I hardly expect it to come in the form of a rebuke.
Let me remind myself of this. When I open my mouth let it not be haughty and especially let me not think I can explain to God my situation better than He already knows.
I am still a little bit scared of where I am and upset at how I ended up here. I am however not worried, let God give more generously of His wisdom, but much much more of His grace.
I am so much like that psalmist, do i actually want the LORD to stare at me for to long? How long can I hold His attention without feeling devolved of my being?
I am pondering these things today.
Sunday, November 20, 2011
Heal My Land
The fact that weeping has ceased does not mean ones heart is finished praying.
The tension of the heart directly after a sin is revealed is great. Vision is blurred and breathing even becomes a chore. You might not know what your next steps should be. Did you know that Christ said that;
15“If your brother sins against you, go and tell him his fault, between you and him alone. If he listens to you, you have gained your brother. 16But if he does not listen, take one or two others along with you, that every charge may be established by the evidence of two or three witnesses. 17If he refuses to listen to them, tell it to the church. And if he refuses to listen even to the church, let him be to you as a Gentile and a tax collector. 18Truly, I say to you, whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven. 19Again I say to you, if two of you agree on earth about anything they ask, it will be done for them by my Father in heaven. 20For where two or three are gathered in my name, there am I among them.” (Matthew 18:15-20)
You are given scripture and your friends to help guide you in what actions you should take.
(Craig, to his friend) "I was truly hurt when I found out you stole my five dollars yesterday. Will you give back the money?"
(Justin, to his friend) "George I don't think it was right for you to not write out your insurance information on that parked car you bumped into the other day, it has been weighing on my conscience these past few days. You need to find out who that was."
The church exists in order to keep itself pure for Christ. When a person who is saved sins they are outside of the working order of the church and make it sick. James writes this about coming over the sick and the sinful in the church.
James 5:15-18
"15And the prayer of faith will save the one who is sick, and the Lord will raise him up. And if he has committed sins, he will be forgiven. 16Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working. 17Elijah was a man with a nature like ours, and he prayed fervently that it might not rain, and for three years and six months it did not rain on the earth. 18Then he prayed again, and heaven gave rain, and the earth bore its fruit."
In 2 Chronicles 7:14 the LORD says this, "if my people who are called by my name humble themselves, and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and heal their land."
As a sinner I find such great comfort that God will be glorified in saving me from my sins. When I confess and turn from what actions I have taken in the past and pray fervently fruit will sprout and others will be blessed by the grace God has shown me. He alone will heal my land.
The tension of the heart directly after a sin is revealed is great. Vision is blurred and breathing even becomes a chore. You might not know what your next steps should be. Did you know that Christ said that;
15“If your brother sins against you, go and tell him his fault, between you and him alone. If he listens to you, you have gained your brother. 16But if he does not listen, take one or two others along with you, that every charge may be established by the evidence of two or three witnesses. 17If he refuses to listen to them, tell it to the church. And if he refuses to listen even to the church, let him be to you as a Gentile and a tax collector. 18Truly, I say to you, whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven. 19Again I say to you, if two of you agree on earth about anything they ask, it will be done for them by my Father in heaven. 20For where two or three are gathered in my name, there am I among them.” (Matthew 18:15-20)
You are given scripture and your friends to help guide you in what actions you should take.
(Craig, to his friend) "I was truly hurt when I found out you stole my five dollars yesterday. Will you give back the money?"
(Justin, to his friend) "George I don't think it was right for you to not write out your insurance information on that parked car you bumped into the other day, it has been weighing on my conscience these past few days. You need to find out who that was."
The church exists in order to keep itself pure for Christ. When a person who is saved sins they are outside of the working order of the church and make it sick. James writes this about coming over the sick and the sinful in the church.
James 5:15-18
"15And the prayer of faith will save the one who is sick, and the Lord will raise him up. And if he has committed sins, he will be forgiven. 16Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working. 17Elijah was a man with a nature like ours, and he prayed fervently that it might not rain, and for three years and six months it did not rain on the earth. 18Then he prayed again, and heaven gave rain, and the earth bore its fruit."
In 2 Chronicles 7:14 the LORD says this, "if my people who are called by my name humble themselves, and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and heal their land."
As a sinner I find such great comfort that God will be glorified in saving me from my sins. When I confess and turn from what actions I have taken in the past and pray fervently fruit will sprout and others will be blessed by the grace God has shown me. He alone will heal my land.
Saturday, November 19, 2011
Count It All Joy
(Me, ten minutes ago) "OUCH! I Stubbed my toe!"
(Daughter, to her husband) "My father just called... He was diagnosed with lung cancer..."
(Sue to her parents) "Mom and Dad, I am sorry. I guess I didn't think that the lie would affect you this
much."
(Judge giving a verdict) "The State of Tennessee finds you guilty of three counts of man-slaughter while
under the influence of alcohol. We sentence you to life in prison without the possibility of parole."
James writes,
"James, a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ,
To the twelve tribes in the Dispersion:
Greetings.
Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing."
(James 1:1-4 ESV)
The human experience is vast, and not two people will have the same personal story to tell. The intensity of trials might come from something as simple as an ache in your shoulder, to the sentence from a Judge in a court room from breaking the law.
What all trials have in common is they are the product of living in a sinful world. In these our faith in Christ is being tested. But thanks be to God because we are born again to a living hope! Jesus Christ! Peter writes about our trials,
"In this you rejoice, though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been grieved by various trials, so that the tested genuineness of your faith—more precious than gold that perishes though it is tested by fire—may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ. Though you have not seen him, you love him. Though you do not now see him, you believe in him and rejoice with joy that is inexpressible and filled with glory, obtaining the outcome of your faith, the salvation of your souls."
(1 Peter 1:6-9 ESV)
Our faces our humbled by sin, and our pride broken and we are freed to faith in steadfastness! We REJOICE WITH JOY THAT IS INEXPRESSIBLE AND FILLED WITH GLORY!
I praise God for my trials, though many are ones that I bring upon myself. Our God is the salvation of my soul. :)
Friday, November 18, 2011
What Will Tomorrow Bring?
Come now, you who say, “Today or tomorrow we will go into such and such a town and spend a year there and trade and make a profit”—yet you do not know what tomorrow will bring. What is your life? For you are a mist that appears for a little time and then vanishes. Instead you ought to say, “If the Lord wills, we will live and do this or that.” As it is, you boast in your arrogance. All such boasting is evil. So whoever knows the right thing to do and fails to do it, for him it is sin.
(James 4:13-17 ESV)
Today I am packing to move to a new place. I had no plans of doing this less than a week ago. Little did i know that the LORD would be using these events to tear my own expectations to align myself with Him in such a way. Earlier in this very same chapter James wrote.
But he gives more grace. Therefore it says, “God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble.”
(James 4:6 ESV)
Now know this, James is not reminding us that it is wrong to make future plans and pursue them with gusto! What James is saying is pursue with a humble gusto! Knowing that the LORD is the one that directs our steps, it is not our own doing. I know that i need to be seeking the face of the LORD and in so doing He will go before me and prepare my way.
The LORD teaches us in each aspects of our lives. He even cares about what we might consider tiny parts of our lives. Be humbled by not making your own plans of your heart, lest God humble you. Take an active precaution to be at peace knowing that we have the LORD of the UNIVERSE going before us!
I am taking some time today to consider these things.
(James 4:13-17 ESV)
Today I am packing to move to a new place. I had no plans of doing this less than a week ago. Little did i know that the LORD would be using these events to tear my own expectations to align myself with Him in such a way. Earlier in this very same chapter James wrote.
But he gives more grace. Therefore it says, “God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble.”
(James 4:6 ESV)
Now know this, James is not reminding us that it is wrong to make future plans and pursue them with gusto! What James is saying is pursue with a humble gusto! Knowing that the LORD is the one that directs our steps, it is not our own doing. I know that i need to be seeking the face of the LORD and in so doing He will go before me and prepare my way.
The LORD teaches us in each aspects of our lives. He even cares about what we might consider tiny parts of our lives. Be humbled by not making your own plans of your heart, lest God humble you. Take an active precaution to be at peace knowing that we have the LORD of the UNIVERSE going before us!
I am taking some time today to consider these things.
Thursday, November 17, 2011
Face Down Worship
What does that mean? To be face down in worship? I believe that we have a God that wants a face to face relationship with us. I also believe that our God is so mighty and awe inspiring that He demands our adoration to be expressed in the humility of face down worship and tears of relief. The Psalmist writes in Psalm 27
27:1 The LORD is my light and my salvation;
whom shall I fear?
The LORD is the stronghold[64] of my life;
of whom shall I be afraid?
2When evildoers assail me
to eat up my flesh,
my adversaries and foes,
it is they who stumble and fall.
3Though an army encamp against me,
my heart shall not fear;
though war arise against me,
yet[65] I will be confident
4One thing have I asked of the LORD,
that will I seek after:
that I may dwell in the house of the LORD
all the days of my life,
to gaze upon the beauty of the LORD
and to inquire[66] in his temple.
5For he will hide me in his shelter
in the day of trouble;
he will conceal me under the cover of his tent;
he will lift me high upon a rock.
6And now my head shall be lifted up
above my enemies all around me,
and I will offer in his tent
sacrifices with shouts of joy;
I will sing and make melody to the LORD.
7Hear, O LORD, when I cry aloud;
be gracious to me and answer me!
8You have said, “Seek[67] my face.”
My heart says to you,
“Your face, LORD, do I seek.”[68]
9Hide not your face from me.
Turn not your servant away in anger,
O you who have been my help.
Cast me not off; forsake me not,
O God of my salvation!
10For my father and my mother have forsaken me,
but the LORD will take me in.
11Teach me your way, O LORD,
and lead me on a level path
because of my enemies.
12Give me not up to the will of my adversaries;
for false witnesses have risen against me,
and they breathe out violence.
13I believe[69] that I shall look upon the goodness of the LORD
in the land of the living!
14Wait for the LORD;
be strong, and let your heart take courage;
wait for the LORD!
The Power of God is our refuge, and our sin shrinks when we are lifted by His grace. Our goal is to actively seek the face of God. Reveal our sin and confess it with our faces down,let the Lord by His Grace lift our faces towards Himself in our humility.
Now I know it now I am responsible for allowing the Holy Spirit to convict me towards it.
27:1 The LORD is my light and my salvation;
whom shall I fear?
The LORD is the stronghold[64] of my life;
of whom shall I be afraid?
2When evildoers assail me
to eat up my flesh,
my adversaries and foes,
it is they who stumble and fall.
3Though an army encamp against me,
my heart shall not fear;
though war arise against me,
yet[65] I will be confident
4One thing have I asked of the LORD,
that will I seek after:
that I may dwell in the house of the LORD
all the days of my life,
to gaze upon the beauty of the LORD
and to inquire[66] in his temple.
5For he will hide me in his shelter
in the day of trouble;
he will conceal me under the cover of his tent;
he will lift me high upon a rock.
6And now my head shall be lifted up
above my enemies all around me,
and I will offer in his tent
sacrifices with shouts of joy;
I will sing and make melody to the LORD.
7Hear, O LORD, when I cry aloud;
be gracious to me and answer me!
8You have said, “Seek[67] my face.”
My heart says to you,
“Your face, LORD, do I seek.”[68]
9Hide not your face from me.
Turn not your servant away in anger,
O you who have been my help.
Cast me not off; forsake me not,
O God of my salvation!
10For my father and my mother have forsaken me,
but the LORD will take me in.
11Teach me your way, O LORD,
and lead me on a level path
because of my enemies.
12Give me not up to the will of my adversaries;
for false witnesses have risen against me,
and they breathe out violence.
13I believe[69] that I shall look upon the goodness of the LORD
in the land of the living!
14Wait for the LORD;
be strong, and let your heart take courage;
wait for the LORD!
The Power of God is our refuge, and our sin shrinks when we are lifted by His grace. Our goal is to actively seek the face of God. Reveal our sin and confess it with our faces down,let the Lord by His Grace lift our faces towards Himself in our humility.
Now I know it now I am responsible for allowing the Holy Spirit to convict me towards it.
Wednesday, November 16, 2011
No Condemnation for the Humbled
Romans 8:1-8 (NIV)
1 Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, 2 because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit who gives life has set you[a] free from the law of sin and death. 3 For what the law was powerless to do because it was weakened by the flesh,[b] God did by sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh to be a sin offering.[c] And so he condemned sin in the flesh, 4 in order that the righteous requirement of the law might be fully met in us, who do not live according to the flesh but according to the Spirit.
5 Those who live according to the flesh have their minds set on what the flesh desires; but those who live in accordance with the Spirit have their minds set on what the Spirit desires. 6 The mind governed by the flesh is death, but the mind governed by the Spirit is life and peace. 7 The mind governed by the flesh is hostile to God; it does not submit to God’s law, nor can it do so. 8 Those who are in the realm of the flesh cannot please God.
1 Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, 2 because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit who gives life has set you[a] free from the law of sin and death. 3 For what the law was powerless to do because it was weakened by the flesh,[b] God did by sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh to be a sin offering.[c] And so he condemned sin in the flesh, 4 in order that the righteous requirement of the law might be fully met in us, who do not live according to the flesh but according to the Spirit.
5 Those who live according to the flesh have their minds set on what the flesh desires; but those who live in accordance with the Spirit have their minds set on what the Spirit desires. 6 The mind governed by the flesh is death, but the mind governed by the Spirit is life and peace. 7 The mind governed by the flesh is hostile to God; it does not submit to God’s law, nor can it do so. 8 Those who are in the realm of the flesh cannot please God.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)