February 25, 2019
Pondering - The Gathering Place
We attend a small church in San Bernardino, CA. Our physical address is in Victorville, CA. Some may wonder why we travel the 35 miles each week to worship. Sometimes I ask myself the same thing. But after yesterday's service, I KNOW WHY. It is because of the Holy Spirit of God. We are part of the worship team there, led by Qiana and Eric Lee. We have know them since they were teens. Did I tell you that is for over 22 years? They are family. We worship together and are part of each other's lives as we are with most of the family at the Gathering Place. When we started worship practice yesterday, it was a rough start. We practiced the songs to the best of our ability. But when service started, God's Spirit blew life into that worship that we didn't have. HE TOOK OVER! Our pastor, Larry Lee, was so anointed of the Lord in the things that he shared. He is a pastor who shares from his heart. He is not afraid to share his life experiences openly about his life before salvation, so you know that he is a real person who was radically saved! If you are ever in the San Bernardino area, please visit our church. We are a family. There aren't many of us, but the Spirit of God moves mightily among us! Shalom to all who read.
Monday, February 25, 2019
Saturday, August 13, 2016
We Ought Not Judge
I wrote this in 2013, but it is still good today - I am pondering and thinking through some things. If you are not a believer, this doesn't pertain to you. It seems as though when Yahweh is doing a work, there are always those who will be used of the enemy to thwart that work. Most of the people that the enemy uses operate out of hurt. They are hurt, so they lash out. If we dig deep enough into another person's life, we will find dirt. After all we are made from the dirt. Doing life in this dirty body is normal on this planet if we don't operate out of the Spirit Ruach. No one is perfect. We are all walking to know our Father better. We have no room to point fingers at another, because there are many pointing right back at us. Be careful, my brothers and sisters.
Sunday, July 31, 2016
Hope
Where do you find hope? It could be in the words of another person who speaks into your life. It is found in the words written on the pages of your Bible. It may be found in just a hug from a friend.
People in our society are walking through life without hope. If we are the ones who carry the very Spirit of the living God inside of us, we ought to be known as "hope givers." After all who better to give others hope than the ones who have received hope by the Holy Spirit. We are all sinners saved by grace. If you think back, there was a time in your life when you were without hope. Then the Lord sent someone your way to help you to believe that better days were ahead of you. They gave you hope.
One of the definitions of hope is - the feeling that what is wanted can be had or that events will turn out for the best.
I am writing today to encourage you. Whatever your situation is, HAVE HOPE! Believe that as you trust the Lord, He will make your situation better. He is my hope! Pray, read the Word of God, believe, and have hope in the name of Yeshua (Jesus)!
People in our society are walking through life without hope. If we are the ones who carry the very Spirit of the living God inside of us, we ought to be known as "hope givers." After all who better to give others hope than the ones who have received hope by the Holy Spirit. We are all sinners saved by grace. If you think back, there was a time in your life when you were without hope. Then the Lord sent someone your way to help you to believe that better days were ahead of you. They gave you hope.
One of the definitions of hope is - the feeling that what is wanted can be had or that events will turn out for the best.
I am writing today to encourage you. Whatever your situation is, HAVE HOPE! Believe that as you trust the Lord, He will make your situation better. He is my hope! Pray, read the Word of God, believe, and have hope in the name of Yeshua (Jesus)!
Tuesday, June 16, 2015
Have Faith in God
We all know that the earth is not happy right now. It is evident by the natural events that have been occurring almost daily. There has been so much activity surrounding volcanoes that have been dormant for thousands of years. Earthquake activity is also increasing. We have preppers getting ready for living through the tribulation, making it almost impossible to live for today. I do understand that we have to be ready should a cataclysmic event take place. And perhaps the Lord is speaking to people to ready themselves.
More important than all of the physical prepping that is taking place is the preparing of our spirits to live for Him today. The Word of Yahweh is clear when it says, "The just shall live by faith." Faith (emunah in Hebrew) means to securely trust or rely upon. Yahweh has proven himself over and over again. He is the only one that we should put our trust in. He will lead and guide us if we follow him. Hebrews 3:15 says,"Today if you hear his voice, do not harden your hearts as in the rebellion." He speaks to us through His Word and His Holy Spirit. They work hand in hand. God is not a man that he should lie. He is a loving Father who leads his children in all truth.
Trust Him! Trust Him! Trust Him! His Son Yeshua is coming back soon. We are to be about our Father's business and watching for His Son's glorious return. Amen.
More important than all of the physical prepping that is taking place is the preparing of our spirits to live for Him today. The Word of Yahweh is clear when it says, "The just shall live by faith." Faith (emunah in Hebrew) means to securely trust or rely upon. Yahweh has proven himself over and over again. He is the only one that we should put our trust in. He will lead and guide us if we follow him. Hebrews 3:15 says,"Today if you hear his voice, do not harden your hearts as in the rebellion." He speaks to us through His Word and His Holy Spirit. They work hand in hand. God is not a man that he should lie. He is a loving Father who leads his children in all truth.
Trust Him! Trust Him! Trust Him! His Son Yeshua is coming back soon. We are to be about our Father's business and watching for His Son's glorious return. Amen.
Friday, May 29, 2015
Every Person Has a Part in the Vision
While I was watering the grass this evening, some thoughts went through my mind. I work as a secretary in an elementary school. It takes a group of people all doing their part in order to see the vision come to pass. The vision is to educate a community (which is in a very low income area).
We have a wonderful principal who holds the vision before his eyes daily and is compelled to see it come to fruition. He passes on his enthusiasm day in and day out to those who are on his staff. There are several people who have been picked to fulfill this vision. Teachers, counselor, program facilitator, cafeteria workers, office staff, recreational aides, noon duties, library aide, instructional aides, etc. It truly takes a village to raise the children that the Lord has placed in our care for a season.
Sometimes we have substitutes in various positions. We have had subs for our library aide and attendance verifier recently. Substitutes pick up for the position when someone is either absent or there is a vacancy. They are very important to school sites. If they aren't there, others have to pick up the work load and they are put into "survival mode." Instead of being focused on the vision, they have to focus on "making it through the day." If a person commits to a position as a sub, it is really important that they come to work.
Maybe if a person only has three hours in a position, they think they aren't needed. Wrong. The school struggles to run effectively without that person on board. We recently had one of our substitutes not show up to work for a couple of weeks due to them having a job elsewhere that took precedence. It is the end of the school year, and that person had a very important role to play in closing out the school year. But they either didn't know it or didn't care. Without going into any further explanation, all this is to say that every person is crucial in the making of a positive environment.
In the same way, believers in Yeshua, need to know that they are important in the body. It doesn't matter how small the task is that they complete. Whether it is the prayer warrior, pastor/teacher, worship team, sunday school teachers, person who cleans the church, etc. we all have a part to play in seeing the vision come to pass. If one person doesn't pull their weight in the God-given giftings and callings, the task may not get done so well. Other people may try to pick up that part of the load, but it will go back to "survival mode." We want the church to thrive!!! We have a job to do!! That job is to be the Light in a dark world - to find those who are in darkness and give them hope.
This vision will only be realized when the body of Messiah works as a Team. I hope this ministers to someone, somewhere. May the Lord bless and keep you in the palm of His hand.
We have a wonderful principal who holds the vision before his eyes daily and is compelled to see it come to fruition. He passes on his enthusiasm day in and day out to those who are on his staff. There are several people who have been picked to fulfill this vision. Teachers, counselor, program facilitator, cafeteria workers, office staff, recreational aides, noon duties, library aide, instructional aides, etc. It truly takes a village to raise the children that the Lord has placed in our care for a season.
Sometimes we have substitutes in various positions. We have had subs for our library aide and attendance verifier recently. Substitutes pick up for the position when someone is either absent or there is a vacancy. They are very important to school sites. If they aren't there, others have to pick up the work load and they are put into "survival mode." Instead of being focused on the vision, they have to focus on "making it through the day." If a person commits to a position as a sub, it is really important that they come to work.
Maybe if a person only has three hours in a position, they think they aren't needed. Wrong. The school struggles to run effectively without that person on board. We recently had one of our substitutes not show up to work for a couple of weeks due to them having a job elsewhere that took precedence. It is the end of the school year, and that person had a very important role to play in closing out the school year. But they either didn't know it or didn't care. Without going into any further explanation, all this is to say that every person is crucial in the making of a positive environment.
In the same way, believers in Yeshua, need to know that they are important in the body. It doesn't matter how small the task is that they complete. Whether it is the prayer warrior, pastor/teacher, worship team, sunday school teachers, person who cleans the church, etc. we all have a part to play in seeing the vision come to pass. If one person doesn't pull their weight in the God-given giftings and callings, the task may not get done so well. Other people may try to pick up that part of the load, but it will go back to "survival mode." We want the church to thrive!!! We have a job to do!! That job is to be the Light in a dark world - to find those who are in darkness and give them hope.
This vision will only be realized when the body of Messiah works as a Team. I hope this ministers to someone, somewhere. May the Lord bless and keep you in the palm of His hand.
Saturday, July 26, 2014
Spiritual/Physical Fitness
Today my family went to the gym. We have been trying to go more frequently after paying for gym memberships that have hardly been used over the past three years. As I was sitting on the stationary bike, I felt like the Ruach (Holy Spirit) gave me a little insight.
I am about 20 lbs. overweight right now. It didn't happen in a day, week, or even a year. It happened little by little throughout my life. Yes, I have delivered six babies, the youngest is 16. So, there that could be an excuse, right??? Not. Bottom line friends, the weight I have put on is due to a lack of discipline and pure laziness. I lack the discipline to put the right foods into my body, which is the temple of the Holy Spirit. The laziness factor comes into the picture because I just don't feel like exercising. Let's all be honest with ourselves, that is the truth.
So while I was sitting on the bike, it occurred to me that as goes the physical, so goes the spiritual. As believers in Yeshua (Jesus), the church has many body parts that are out of shape. Some just a little out of shape and some are way out of shape. The same contributing factors are in the equation for the spiritual as the physical. The body of Messiah is not fit because of a lack of discipline and pure laziness. We are saved through the blood of Yeshua, but God has work for us to do. And we won't be able to do it unless we are physically and spiritually fit. Do you see the word "discipline?" It should remind us all that we are to be disciples of the Lord. Are we reading His Word and praying? Are we in fellowship with other believers? If not, it is time to start. The time is getting short. We have work to do church!!! People living in darkness need to see the light, and we are the light!
I would like to encourage you to get spiritually fit starting today. Just take baby steps! Just like going to the gym. I didn't put the extra weight on all at once and it will take some time to take it off. Getting spiritually fit will take time and work also! So with that being said - shine the Light!!!
I am about 20 lbs. overweight right now. It didn't happen in a day, week, or even a year. It happened little by little throughout my life. Yes, I have delivered six babies, the youngest is 16. So, there that could be an excuse, right??? Not. Bottom line friends, the weight I have put on is due to a lack of discipline and pure laziness. I lack the discipline to put the right foods into my body, which is the temple of the Holy Spirit. The laziness factor comes into the picture because I just don't feel like exercising. Let's all be honest with ourselves, that is the truth.
So while I was sitting on the bike, it occurred to me that as goes the physical, so goes the spiritual. As believers in Yeshua (Jesus), the church has many body parts that are out of shape. Some just a little out of shape and some are way out of shape. The same contributing factors are in the equation for the spiritual as the physical. The body of Messiah is not fit because of a lack of discipline and pure laziness. We are saved through the blood of Yeshua, but God has work for us to do. And we won't be able to do it unless we are physically and spiritually fit. Do you see the word "discipline?" It should remind us all that we are to be disciples of the Lord. Are we reading His Word and praying? Are we in fellowship with other believers? If not, it is time to start. The time is getting short. We have work to do church!!! People living in darkness need to see the light, and we are the light!
I would like to encourage you to get spiritually fit starting today. Just take baby steps! Just like going to the gym. I didn't put the extra weight on all at once and it will take some time to take it off. Getting spiritually fit will take time and work also! So with that being said - shine the Light!!!
Wednesday, June 18, 2014
Walk Out Your Calling
Scripture - I Samuel 3:15 - So Samuel lay down until morning. Then he opened the doors to the house of the Lord, but Samuel was afraid to tell the vision to Eli.
Observation - God had spoken to Samuel regarding Eli's poor parenting skills. Samuel didn't have peace in giving the message to Eli. He actually was full of fear. I don't think it was something he desired to do, yet he was the one the Yahweh chose and called as a prophet.
Application - If God calls you to a ministry, you may have to come out of your comfort zone. You may actually experience fear as you walk out your ministry calling. Yet God will be with you if you start.
Prayer Father, let us walk in your calling even if we are fearful. Be with us as we go and minister. Amen.
Observation - God had spoken to Samuel regarding Eli's poor parenting skills. Samuel didn't have peace in giving the message to Eli. He actually was full of fear. I don't think it was something he desired to do, yet he was the one the Yahweh chose and called as a prophet.
Application - If God calls you to a ministry, you may have to come out of your comfort zone. You may actually experience fear as you walk out your ministry calling. Yet God will be with you if you start.
Prayer Father, let us walk in your calling even if we are fearful. Be with us as we go and minister. Amen.
Overcoming Condemnation & the Enemy
Scripture - Zephaniah 3:15 The Lord has taken away the judgments against you; he has cleared away your enemies. The King of Israel, the Lord is in your midst; you shall never again fear evil.
Observation - When we come to salvation through the blood of Yeshua (Jesus), the judgment or condemnation is taken from our lives. The Lord is the one who removes the enemies from my life. He is in our midst even as he was in Israel's midst; and because His Holy Spirit lives in us, we don't need to fear evil.
Application - My focus must be on God, who is much bigger than anything the enemy could throw at me. As I spend time in his presence in worship and prayer and learning his word, he will take care of everything that rises up against me.
Prayer - Father, let me focus on your greatness. As I live to bring you glory, take care of every detail in my life. In Yeshua's name. Amen.
Observation - When we come to salvation through the blood of Yeshua (Jesus), the judgment or condemnation is taken from our lives. The Lord is the one who removes the enemies from my life. He is in our midst even as he was in Israel's midst; and because His Holy Spirit lives in us, we don't need to fear evil.
Application - My focus must be on God, who is much bigger than anything the enemy could throw at me. As I spend time in his presence in worship and prayer and learning his word, he will take care of everything that rises up against me.
Prayer - Father, let me focus on your greatness. As I live to bring you glory, take care of every detail in my life. In Yeshua's name. Amen.
Saturday, June 7, 2014
Saturday, May 24, 2014
Watermelon Seeds
Have you ever heard someone share God's Word and there are things just don't set right with your spirit? Well, it was once told to me that it is like eating watermelon. Every pastor/teacher is human. Sometimes they say things that are out of the fleshy side rather than the Spirit, and that is understandable. We are all human and many things shared are from our life experiences.
We need to ask the Lord for discernment when we are being taught His Word. As with eating watermelon, seedless is best. But it is ok if there are a few seeds to spit out. But we must beware if every mouthful of watermelon is full of seeds. Maybe this is for someone out there. The thought just came to me a little while ago this afternoon.
Blessings in Yeshua! Pray for wisdom and understanding.
We need to ask the Lord for discernment when we are being taught His Word. As with eating watermelon, seedless is best. But it is ok if there are a few seeds to spit out. But we must beware if every mouthful of watermelon is full of seeds. Maybe this is for someone out there. The thought just came to me a little while ago this afternoon.
Blessings in Yeshua! Pray for wisdom and understanding.
Thursday, May 22, 2014
Shavu'ot (Pentecost), the Torah, and the Holy Spirit
Scripture - The festival of Shavu‘ot arrived, and the believers all gathered together in one place. Acts 2:1
Observation- I was totally blown away when I realized the importance of this scripture. As most of my believing friends may know, the book of Acts has to do with the early church. The second chapter has to do with the giving of the Ruach Hakodesh (Holy Spirit). The festival was Shavu'ot. This festival is when Israel celebrated the giving of the Torah on Mt. Sinai. Torah is sometimes translated as the Law, but what it means is "instructions." How you feel about Torah is all about your perception. Instructions are always good. So, the believers were celebrating the Torah. Then like the sound of a mighty wind, the Holy Spirit entered the room!!! How totally awesome.
I thought about Yeshua's words in John where he said, "God is spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth.” The Torah is the truth. He sealed the believers with his Spirit as they celebrated his Truth.
Application - There is a delicate balance between Spirit and Truth. Too much truth without the Spirit leads you into legalism, and too much Spirit without truth leads you into foolishness. As a believer, I must learn the proper balance in my spiritual life. I am very thankful that God is leading my life and will continue to show me His ways.
Prayer - Father, thank you for giving us your Torah and your Spirit. May we learn to walk in a proper balance thereby showing the world the way that believers ought to be. I pray for your church. Please help us to find the way. In Yeshua's name. Amen.
Observation- I was totally blown away when I realized the importance of this scripture. As most of my believing friends may know, the book of Acts has to do with the early church. The second chapter has to do with the giving of the Ruach Hakodesh (Holy Spirit). The festival was Shavu'ot. This festival is when Israel celebrated the giving of the Torah on Mt. Sinai. Torah is sometimes translated as the Law, but what it means is "instructions." How you feel about Torah is all about your perception. Instructions are always good. So, the believers were celebrating the Torah. Then like the sound of a mighty wind, the Holy Spirit entered the room!!! How totally awesome.
I thought about Yeshua's words in John where he said, "God is spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth.” The Torah is the truth. He sealed the believers with his Spirit as they celebrated his Truth.
Application - There is a delicate balance between Spirit and Truth. Too much truth without the Spirit leads you into legalism, and too much Spirit without truth leads you into foolishness. As a believer, I must learn the proper balance in my spiritual life. I am very thankful that God is leading my life and will continue to show me His ways.
Prayer - Father, thank you for giving us your Torah and your Spirit. May we learn to walk in a proper balance thereby showing the world the way that believers ought to be. I pray for your church. Please help us to find the way. In Yeshua's name. Amen.
Wednesday, February 12, 2014
Qualifications of a Good Leader
S - Joshua 1:6, 7 - Be strong and courageous, for you shall give this people possession of the land which I swore to their fathers to give them. Only be strong and very courageous; be careful to do according to all the law which Moses my servant commanded you; do not turn from it to the right or the left, so that you may have success wherever you go.
O - Joshua's success as a leader was determined by three qualifications 1) God had chosen him 2) that he would be strong and courageous 3) that he would not stray from God's law. Focusing on #3 - God gave his law to Moses. Joshua was mentored by Moses. Moses showed him by example how to follow God. Joshua had everything he needed to lead Israel to the promised land. As long as he did things according to God's Torah (instructions), he was promised success.
A - I must focus on the instructions in God's Word to be successful in my life. It is sometimes easy to stray. Like a parent who looks their child in the eye and gently holds their chin steady, so the Father does to us so our focus will be on Him and walking out this life His way. As long as I do things is way, his blessings will come.
P - Father, may I keep my focus on you, and follow your ways, as I read your Word and walk out this life in the power of your Holy Spirit. In Yeshua's name. Amen.
O - Joshua's success as a leader was determined by three qualifications 1) God had chosen him 2) that he would be strong and courageous 3) that he would not stray from God's law. Focusing on #3 - God gave his law to Moses. Joshua was mentored by Moses. Moses showed him by example how to follow God. Joshua had everything he needed to lead Israel to the promised land. As long as he did things according to God's Torah (instructions), he was promised success.
A - I must focus on the instructions in God's Word to be successful in my life. It is sometimes easy to stray. Like a parent who looks their child in the eye and gently holds their chin steady, so the Father does to us so our focus will be on Him and walking out this life His way. As long as I do things is way, his blessings will come.
P - Father, may I keep my focus on you, and follow your ways, as I read your Word and walk out this life in the power of your Holy Spirit. In Yeshua's name. Amen.
Sunday, January 5, 2014
Do You Want to Be Healed?
Scripture - John 5:7 the sick man answered Yeshua, "Sir, I have no man to put me into the pool when the water is stirred up, but while I am coming, another steps down before me."
Observation - Yeshua healed this man who had been ill for 38 years. The man was helpless in his situation. The only hope he had was to try to get into the pool when the angel stirred up the waters, but someone always got in before him due to his condition. He still had hope for his healing or he wouldn't have even bothered to sit by the water. He was waiting for his turn for a miracle. Looking in the natural, there was no hope for him. Then Yeshua came by. When the King of Glory entered the scene, the man was healed. All the others at the pool had some sense of self-sufficiency, but this man could not help himself until he met Yeshua, Yeshua stepped in and did for him what he couldn't do for himself.
Application - There are circumstances and situations in people's live that can only change when Jesus (Yeshua) comes into their life. Yeshua asked, "Do you want to get well?" There are many people who need to answer, "Yes" like the man at the pool. The circumstances say it is impossible, but when Yeshua arrives on the scene, the situations change. WE must allow Yeshua into our helpless situations to bring healing.
Prayer - Lord, help me. I am helpless. I have hope and faith in you. I can not change the people around me who need you and seem to not even be looking for you. But I know when they are helpless in their situations, if they ask you, you will heal them. I pray for my children who don't serve you. Lord, please make them helpless if necessary, that they will look to you. Amen.
Observation - Yeshua healed this man who had been ill for 38 years. The man was helpless in his situation. The only hope he had was to try to get into the pool when the angel stirred up the waters, but someone always got in before him due to his condition. He still had hope for his healing or he wouldn't have even bothered to sit by the water. He was waiting for his turn for a miracle. Looking in the natural, there was no hope for him. Then Yeshua came by. When the King of Glory entered the scene, the man was healed. All the others at the pool had some sense of self-sufficiency, but this man could not help himself until he met Yeshua, Yeshua stepped in and did for him what he couldn't do for himself.
Application - There are circumstances and situations in people's live that can only change when Jesus (Yeshua) comes into their life. Yeshua asked, "Do you want to get well?" There are many people who need to answer, "Yes" like the man at the pool. The circumstances say it is impossible, but when Yeshua arrives on the scene, the situations change. WE must allow Yeshua into our helpless situations to bring healing.
Prayer - Lord, help me. I am helpless. I have hope and faith in you. I can not change the people around me who need you and seem to not even be looking for you. But I know when they are helpless in their situations, if they ask you, you will heal them. I pray for my children who don't serve you. Lord, please make them helpless if necessary, that they will look to you. Amen.
Saturday, January 4, 2014
Worship Him in Spirit and Truth
Scripture - John 4:23-24 But an hour is coming, and now is, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth; for such people the Father seeks to be his worshiper. God is spirit and those who worship him must worship in spirit and truth.
Observation - God is seeking to meet with those who truly worship him. The place of worship is not important, it is the spirit of worship. God is not limited to one place. He is everywhere all the time. We are called to be his worshipers.
Application - I will bless the Lord at all times, his praise shall continually be in my mouth. We are called to worship him in spirit and in truth. No matter what I may be going through - I am called to worship Him. He will work out all of the details in my life.
Prayer - Lord, help me to truly worship you. Bring me to new levels as a worshiper. Bring me higher in the Holy Spirit. I seek to worship you. Amen.
Observation - God is seeking to meet with those who truly worship him. The place of worship is not important, it is the spirit of worship. God is not limited to one place. He is everywhere all the time. We are called to be his worshipers.
Application - I will bless the Lord at all times, his praise shall continually be in my mouth. We are called to worship him in spirit and in truth. No matter what I may be going through - I am called to worship Him. He will work out all of the details in my life.
Prayer - Lord, help me to truly worship you. Bring me to new levels as a worshiper. Bring me higher in the Holy Spirit. I seek to worship you. Amen.
Thursday, January 2, 2014
The Light Came Into the World
Scripture - John 3:19 This is the judgment, that the light has come into the world, and men loved the darkness rather than the light, for their deeds were evil. For everyone who does evil hates the light, and does not come to the light for fear that his deeds will be exposed.
Observation - Those who walk in the darkness of their evil ways do not want to walk in the Lord's light for fear of their deeds being exposed. That is judgment. The light is shining, but people choose darkness.
Application - As believers, we must walk in the light. Jesus is the light. His sacrifice is sufficient for my salvation. His Hebrew name "Yeshua" means "salvation." As a believer, I must choose to continue to walk in the light, not in the darkness of evil.
Prayer - Lord, help me to be a person who radiates your light. Help me to search my life and see if there is darkness. Amen.
Observation - Those who walk in the darkness of their evil ways do not want to walk in the Lord's light for fear of their deeds being exposed. That is judgment. The light is shining, but people choose darkness.
Application - As believers, we must walk in the light. Jesus is the light. His sacrifice is sufficient for my salvation. His Hebrew name "Yeshua" means "salvation." As a believer, I must choose to continue to walk in the light, not in the darkness of evil.
Prayer - Lord, help me to be a person who radiates your light. Help me to search my life and see if there is darkness. Amen.
Wednesday, January 1, 2014
Inner Circle Relationships
Scripture - John 2:25 Jesus did not need anyone to tell him about people, because he knew what was in people's minds.
Observation - Jesus did miracles at the Passover feast and many believed. After doing the miracles, Jesus said he did not trust himself to them because he knew them all. He knew people's characters Jesus had a small group of 12 disciples that he had close relationship with (and even one of those betrayed him). Jesus walked with Father Yahweh and carefully chose the men in his inner circle of fellowship. They were the ones he trusted. Jesus knew the character of the people. Perhaps they were seeking after miracles, not really wanting an intimate relationship with God.
Application - We need to be careful who we allow in our inner circle of friends. There are those whose characters are so flawed that they will make us lose site of the important things in life like knowing God. We must surround ourselves with others who are learning God's heart.
Prayer - Lord, help me to discern my inner circle of friends. Let your work through me manifest miracles to those in need. Feed me by your Word and love. Give me discernment and wisdom. Amen.
Observation - Jesus did miracles at the Passover feast and many believed. After doing the miracles, Jesus said he did not trust himself to them because he knew them all. He knew people's characters Jesus had a small group of 12 disciples that he had close relationship with (and even one of those betrayed him). Jesus walked with Father Yahweh and carefully chose the men in his inner circle of fellowship. They were the ones he trusted. Jesus knew the character of the people. Perhaps they were seeking after miracles, not really wanting an intimate relationship with God.
Application - We need to be careful who we allow in our inner circle of friends. There are those whose characters are so flawed that they will make us lose site of the important things in life like knowing God. We must surround ourselves with others who are learning God's heart.
Prayer - Lord, help me to discern my inner circle of friends. Let your work through me manifest miracles to those in need. Feed me by your Word and love. Give me discernment and wisdom. Amen.
Sunday, December 29, 2013
His Love Continues to Our Grandchildren
Scripture - Psalm 103:17 But the Lord's love for those who respect him continues forever and ever, and his goodness continues to their grandchildren.
Observation - My respect and love for God and his great love for me will have an impact on and change the lives of future generations. God has promised to pour out his goodness to my children (Steve, Tim, Andy, Jenny, Chris, and Bekah) and my grandchildren (Sandie, Abigail, Tyler, Hailey, Timmy, Bradley, Kaitlyn, Stevie, Eddie, Caleab, Cadence, Jaiden, and Avery).
Application - I will live in the Lord's love and continue to respect him.
Prayer - Lord, thank you for loving me. Thank you for loving my children and grandchildren. Thank you for your promise. Thank you for your goodness. I pray that you will put your angels around my family, keep them safe from harm, and bring them all home to you. Amen.
Observation - My respect and love for God and his great love for me will have an impact on and change the lives of future generations. God has promised to pour out his goodness to my children (Steve, Tim, Andy, Jenny, Chris, and Bekah) and my grandchildren (Sandie, Abigail, Tyler, Hailey, Timmy, Bradley, Kaitlyn, Stevie, Eddie, Caleab, Cadence, Jaiden, and Avery).
Application - I will live in the Lord's love and continue to respect him.
Prayer - Lord, thank you for loving me. Thank you for loving my children and grandchildren. Thank you for your promise. Thank you for your goodness. I pray that you will put your angels around my family, keep them safe from harm, and bring them all home to you. Amen.
Saturday, December 28, 2013
The Wisdom of God
Scripture - Isaiah 55:8,9 The Lord says, "My thoughts are not like your thoughts. Your ways are not like my ways. Just as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts higher than your thoughts."
Observation - I can trust the Lord in every situation in my life. God is so wise and our thoughts miss the mark quite frequently. I must stay connected to the Lord so he can share his thoughts with me. He does that through His word and prayer. He shares his thoughts and ways with us by His Holy Spirit.
Application - I must stay connected to the Lord. I must live in His word, so I will know his thoughts and ways. Left on my own, my thoughts and ways are wrong. My mind is in constant need of reprogramming. I need Him and His Spirit.
Prayer - Lord, thank you that I can trust you with every detail in my life. You hold all wisdom and knowledge. I place every detail of my life in your hands. As I continue to look to you, you share the thoughts I need through your Holy Spirit enlightening your Word. Amen.
Observation - I can trust the Lord in every situation in my life. God is so wise and our thoughts miss the mark quite frequently. I must stay connected to the Lord so he can share his thoughts with me. He does that through His word and prayer. He shares his thoughts and ways with us by His Holy Spirit.
Application - I must stay connected to the Lord. I must live in His word, so I will know his thoughts and ways. Left on my own, my thoughts and ways are wrong. My mind is in constant need of reprogramming. I need Him and His Spirit.
Prayer - Lord, thank you that I can trust you with every detail in my life. You hold all wisdom and knowledge. I place every detail of my life in your hands. As I continue to look to you, you share the thoughts I need through your Holy Spirit enlightening your Word. Amen.
Thursday, December 26, 2013
Light of the Lord vs. Man-made Light
Scripture - Isaiah 50:11 But instead, some of you want to light your own fires and make your own light. So, go, walk in the light of your fires and trust in your own light to guide you. But this is what you will receive from me: You will lie down in a place of pain.
Observation - We can either walk in God's way or light or in our own way or light. When we walk with God, we will have peace; but when we walk in our own light (understanding), we will have pain. I must walk in the light of God's fire.
Application - I must not make my own fires or light. I must walk in the light of the Lord. I must stay on the path He chooses for me.
Prayer - Father, help me to walk in your light for my life. Help me to not seek my own will or way for my life. Help me not to push doors open that may be closed for a reason. Let me walk in your way. Amen.
Observation - We can either walk in God's way or light or in our own way or light. When we walk with God, we will have peace; but when we walk in our own light (understanding), we will have pain. I must walk in the light of God's fire.
Application - I must not make my own fires or light. I must walk in the light of the Lord. I must stay on the path He chooses for me.
Prayer - Father, help me to walk in your light for my life. Help me to not seek my own will or way for my life. Help me not to push doors open that may be closed for a reason. Let me walk in your way. Amen.
Thursday, December 19, 2013
Changed by His Word
Scripture - James 1:21 Therefore lay aside all filthiness and overflow of wickedness, and receive with meekness the implanted word, which is able to save your souls.
Observation - As believers, it is imperative that we keep ourselves in check. We must not let our carnal nature rule us. In order to live a life of faith and walk according to the Spirit of God, we must take His word and plant it in our hearts. It is so easy to walk according to the flesh - it comes naturally. But to walk by the Spirit takes work. There is that word that no one likes to hear - WORK. Oh, some may be saying right now - but salvation is free and is by grace. True. And if you only want to go as far as receiving salvation, then you can stop right there. But....if you want to live your life by the Holy Spirit of the Living God, it will take much work.
Application - So today, if you hear his voice, heed the call. Plant the Word of God inside your heart that you might not sin against Him. Learn (by the Word) what manner of person you ought to be, and pursue Him with all of your heart. It is all right there - written in His book.
Prayer - Father, help me to keep my flesh in check and follow after you. Be with me as I journey to know you more and seek your will for my life. May your Word be a light unto my path and may your Holy Spirit illuminate so that I can see. In Yeshua's name. Amen.
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