Day 138: Actions

Titus 1:16 "They claim to know God but by their actions they deny Him."

"Know God": read His word, pray to Him, seek Him, know what is right in the eyes of the Lord.  But don't let your "actions deny Him".  Use what you know about God to do good.  Walk in the light.  Stay away from temptation.  Ask for His strength.  Listen for His advice.  Trust in Him and do His work with all of your heart soul mind and strength.  God knows us each by name--He has the hairs on our heads numbered.  Don't know want to know Him in the same way?  God is love.  He is our Father and will take care of us.  He tells us not to worry, just to love others in His name, to bring glory to Himself.  Know God and show others that you know Him by your actions.  Live by example.  Thank You God for being our light to follow! Amen.

Day 137: Good Fight

2 Timothy 4:7 "I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith." 

I want to be able to says this EVERY DAY!  What an incredible motto to live by.  I have fought the good fight: did you (with God's help) overcome temptation.  I have finished the race: did you keep your focus on God (with the help of the Holy Spirit).  I have kept the kept the faith: did you pray to God for help, thank Him, repent your sins when you didn't overcome temptation or when you didn't keep your focus on God, and trust Him to take care of you.

Day 136: Scripture

2 Timothy 3:16 "All scripture is God-breathed."

Meaning all scripture (in the Bible) is from God.  Pretty incredible when you really thing about it.  It makes me really want to read, memorize, and meditate on the Bible.  How could one not want to know the Bible--literally God's word--when He has given us such an incredible gift.  It's not like He told us that he had to like a godly life and we had to also figure out how to complete such a task.  He gave us instructions, stories, examples, parables, commandments, etc.  And then He even sent His only Son to live as an example for us.  Wow--God really does love us.  He set us up for success not failure.  And yet we still fail.  I want to say thank you to God for my "manual" (the Bible) on how to live a godly life, by reading and using it!  Thank You Father! Amen.

Day 135: Pursue Righteousness

2 Timothy 2:22 "Flee the evil desires of youth, and pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace, along with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart."

Exactly what it says: stay away from temptations (gossiping, lying, selfishness, anger, arguing, non-graciousness, etc.) and focus on what it important in life (faith in God, hope in Jesus Christ, love for one another, and peaceful relationships), with those who believe in God and follow Jesus Christ.

Day 134: God's Purpose

2 Timothy 1:9 "Who has saved us and called us to a holy life--not because of anything we have done but because of His own purpose and grace."

I truly believe that my purpose her on Earth is to live a holy life.  It's a struggle every day.  I know I am not perfect as Jesus was, but I can daily ask for God's help to make me more like Jesus: to love others and share the Good News (Gospel) by words and by example.  I did not earn this life because of anything I have done, but by God's Grace through our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.  It was a gift.  "I'm happy to be in the truth, and I will daily lift my hands; for I will always sing of when Your love came down!"

Day 133: Godlieness

1 Timothy 6:5-6 "...robbed of the truth and who think that godliness is a means of financial gain.  But godliness with contentment is great gain."

Being godly: praying, going to church, tithing, etc. are not going to make you rick.  But they will make you content.  Words to live by:  God will not always give you what you want, but He will always give you what you need.

Day 132: Sisters

1 Timothy 5:2 "Treat younger men as brothers, older women as mothers, and younger women as sisters, with absolute purity."

Little girls (children) are sooooo innocent.  If often scares me to think about the world they have to live in and how tainted they could become.  Once innocent myself, I fell in to all sorts of trouble.  Part of me feels a strong need to reach out and help young girls.  To treat them as my sisters and share my testimony with them.  I can turn those hurtful memories into something good by sharing them with young girls so they make the right decisions and walk in the light instead of walking down a path of darkness and loneliness. 

Day 131: Be Diligent

1 Timothy 4:15-16 "Be diligent in [the reading of scripture, to preaching, and to teaching]; give yourself wholly to them, so that everyone may see your progress.  Watch your life and doctrine closely.  Persevere in them, because if you do, you will save both yourself and your hearers."

Need I say more?  This is a great scripture to live by: live a Godly life, teach others, live by example, share the Good News, be bold, and save others.  Today could be the last.  We don't know when our Lord and Savior is coming back...but when He does, we want to be ready!  Lord help me to help others so that WE may be saved!  Hallelujah Amen.

Day 130: A Deacon

1 Timothy 3:12 "A deacon must be the husband of but one wife and must manage his children and his household well."

This whole chapter is great.  I see this as a goal for my family.  It talks about the deacon's wife v. 11 "their wives are to be women worthy of respect, not malicious talkers but temperate and trustworthy in everything" and a deacon's children v. 4 "he must manage his own family well and see that his children obey him with proper respect."

I believe my husband is called to be this man--a man of God.  As his wife, help me Lord to encourage and support him.  Help me to be respectful and loving--to set the "thermostat" of our household."  Thank You Father. Amen.

Day 129: Women's Dress

1 Timothy 2:9 "I also want women to dress modestly with decency and propriety, not with braided hair or gold or pearls or expensive clothes, but with good deeds appropriate for women who profess to worship God."

It's sad how women dress today in some cultures.  Their bodies being idolized and looked at like sex symbols.  If you are a women of God, you should dress like it--respectfully.  Married or unmarried your body is not yours, it is the temple of the Holy Spirit and one's garb should look it!

Lord God help me to always dress respectfully in public.  I want to be clothed in good deeds rather than expensive clothes or revealing attire.  Thank You. Amen.

Day 128: Unlimited Patience

1 Timothy 1:16 "I was shown mercy so that in me, the worst of sinners, Christ Jesus might display His unlimited patience as an example for those who would believe in Him and receive eternal life."

Your past is your past for a reason.  God wants you to share your testimony with others so that they may see you are far from perfect and yet God still loves you and forgives you.  For me, I feel the need to share my testimony with youth.  So they stay on a righteous path that pleases God not men.  Stay away from alcohol and sexual immorality.  Stay pure and It will pay off in the long run.  The purity code is a great book for this. 

Day 127: The Lord's Counsel

1 Kings 22:5 "First seek the Lord's counsel."

In all things seek the Lord's counsel, not last, but FIRST.  For the Lord will surely speak to you--through people, through His Word, through songs, church, etc.  Just listen and wait.  And don't act until you know what His counsel is.  With most matters, the Holy Spirit is with you (some people refer to it as their conscience or "gut feeling") and decisions can be made quickly.  But when a matter does require some thought and advice, don't seek worldly advice, seek advice from the Lord.  Thank You for Your guidance Lord! Amen.

Day 126: New Self

Colossians 3:10 "Put on the new self with is being renewed in knowledge in the image of its creator."

As Christians we are to "take off" our old selves (our earthly/worldly/fleshly ways) and "put on" Christian principles and morals.  This "new self" is being renewed/restored daily/constantly as we see life through the eyes of our creator.  Going back to Louie Giglio's talk, we are so small compared to the stars and yet we are so intricate.  Not only does God want us to know how BIG He is...He wants us to know how LOVED we are.  This is just our temporary home and we are called to love each other and glorify God.  Pretty simple task when you think about it.  We WAY over-complicate life ;o)

Day 125: The Lord's Fire

1 Kings 18: 38 "Then the fire of the Lord fell and burned up the sacrifice, the wood, the stones, and the soil, and also licked up the water in the trench."

God's power is way beyond our wildest imagination.  He created all the stars in the sky and knows them each by name.  He created each individual person and has the hairs on their head numbered.  Don't ever give in to worldly idols--wealth, food, sex, drugs, etc.  For God is so much greater and can do much more for you than sinful idols ever can.  Trust in the Lord, call upon Him and He will show you His mighty fire.  The Lord is Good.  Thank You Father.  I love You and I thank You.  Amen.

Day 124: The Eyes of the Lord

2 Chronicles 16:9 "For the eyes of the Lord range throughout the earth to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to Him."

It has been said before: I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.  When your heart is for the Lord--He knows and He will give you the strength to do anything that will glorify Him.

When I was in labor with my daughter, I recited the scripture "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me" with each contraction.  I know in my heart the Lord gave me strength, kept me at peace, and gave me/blessed me with a fast labor and delivery. 

Lord may I learn to lean on You always for strength!  Amen.

Day 123: Be Content

Philippians 4:12-13 "I know what is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty.  I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want.  I can do everything through Him who gives me strength."

The secret is this: God may not always give you what you want, but He will ALWAYS give you what you need.  Be happy with everything He has given you.  After all they are His and they are all blessings in some way.  Your body, personality, talents, job, relationships, possessions--they are all His--HE gives them to you.  Be thankful and be happy.  God is so good!  Amen.

Day 122: Our Citizenship

Philippians 3:20 "But our citizenship is in Heaven.  And we eagerly await a savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ."

Yes I am a citizen of the USA, but this is my temporary home.  My real home is in Heaven with God.  Although live here on earth can be a roller coaster, try not to dwell on the ups and the downs.  Instead, focus on the BIG PICTURE: I was created to glorify God here on earth.  I can do this by being a good wife, mother, daughter, sister, and friend.  Remember that I only have control of my own actions and I am called to shine God's light: to love others so that they too may be citizens of Heaven.  Lord give me the strength, courage, patience, and kindness to do this.  Thank you! Amen.

Day 121: Humbled Himself

Philippians 2:8 "And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to death--even death on a cross!"

(4/20/12)
I don't think I will ever fully comprehend this sacrifice for me (for everyone).  That a God so big (big enough to create the "Big Dog" star--whose diameter is comparable to the height of Mt Everest if Earth was a golf ball)  Loves us so much that a Great Exchange of sin was made by His Son on a cross that God made.  Jesus died for our sin...so that we will be forever forgiven and live in a right relationship with the Lord--Wow!

My husband and I just finished watching Louie Giglio's passion series.  One word--incredible!  Not to mention that at the center of that "Big Dog" star is a black hole which the Hubble space telescope took a picture of--there in the center was a cross (so big!).  Also our intricate one of a kind human bodies are "held together"/connected by a protein molecule called Laminin--also in the shape of a cross (so small!).  Jesus is all around us.  How can we not believe???  Thank heavens one day "every knee will bow and every tongue will confess that Jesus is Lord" Phil 2:10-11.

Thank you Father for creating and loving something so small yet so intricate.  You know us each by name--the number of hairs on our heads.  May we live out our days on this tiny Earth praising and loving You.  It's the least we can do for ALL that You have done, are doing, and will do for us! Amen.  

Day 120: Marital Love

Songs of Solomon 8:7 "Many waters cannot quench Love; rivers cannot wash it away.  If one were to give all the wealth of his house for Love, it would be utterly scorned."

God is love and if you believe and have faith in God, the love for your spouse can never be quenched--you always need more love.  Also if you believe and have faith in God, nothing can wash/take away the love for your spouse.  The love you have for your spouse can never be bought--it has unsurpassed worth.  God is Love and God gives Love.  Protect, nurture, and cherish the love you have for your spouse, it is a Gift from God.  Lord thank You for the love I have for my spouse.  Help it only to grow everyday and to cherish it as a Gift from You.  Amen.

Day 119: Bring them up in the Lord

Ephesians 6:4 "Fathers, do not exasperate your children; instead, bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord."

Fathers (parents) must surrender any right they may feel they have to act unreasonably toward their children.  Remember they are and will always be a blessing from God.  Cherish them and seek God's guidance and council to help raise them in His ways.  Parents that "exasperate" their children, push them into rebellion; however, children that are loved and respected will listen to their parents even if it doesn't seem like they do.  Lord help my husband and I be the best parents that we can be.  To follow Your Fatherly example and to ask for Your help in raising the children You have blessed us with!  Amen.

Day 118: No idleness

Ecclesiastes 11:6 "Sow your seeds in the morning, and at evening let not your hands be idle, for you do not know which will succeed, whether this or that, or whether both will do equally well."

Give you 100%.  Don't put all your eggs in one basket and say okay the joy only requires 80% so I'm only going to give 80%.  Instead use the extra 20% elsewhere!  When time and opportunities are gone, they're gone.  You don't get them back.  So when you have extra time, use it!

Lord help me to use my "extra time" for your glory.  Help me to stay motivated and not be idle.  Thank You! Amen.

Day 117: Enjoy Life

Ecclesiastes 9:9-10 "Enjoy life with your wife, whom you love, all the days of this meaningless life that God has given you under the sun...Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with all your might for the grave, where you are going, there is neither working nor planning nor knowledge nor wisdom."


Your life on earth (under the sun) may seem meaningless, and compared to eternity with God, it is.  But appreciate all the gifts God has given us now: our spouses, children (relationships), opportunities for working, planning, knowledge, and wisdom.  Live live to its fullest for the Glory of God, because on judgement day, that is it, you will be judged by what you did on this earth.  So enjoy you life now!  Do it for God, after all He gave it to you!  Thank You Father for all the gifts You've given us "under the sun". Amen.

Day 116: Three Fold Cord

Ecclesiastes 4: 9-12 "For although two are better than one, a threefold cord is not quickly broken."

In every relationship, if you place God at the center, it will not be easily/quickly broken.  God did not create man to live alone--so He made man a wife.  And God also did not create man to live independently from Himself.  Therefore man has God and his wife...the threefold cord.

Perhaps the third (most important) link--God--is why so many worldly relationships "expire", fall apart, and ultimately end.  Those who pray together, stay together.  God help me to build my relationships with my family and friends around You!  Thank You for Your strength and durability.  Amen.

Day 115: Please God

Ecclesiastes 2:26 "To the man who pleases Him, God gives wisdom, knowledge, and happiness, but to the sinner He gives the task of gathering and storing up wealth to hand it over to the one who pleases God."

If you please God, by living a life that Glorifies Him--living as an example of Christ, not only are you rewarded with wisdom, knowledge, and happiness, but wealth, gathered by sinners, is also given to you.  Don't focus on the things that will be rewarded to you.  Think about what already has been rewarded to you (your salvation, your faith in Jesus, the hope of eternity with God, peace, joy, the truth, etc. etc.).  Think about pleasing God and He will worry about your heavenly rewards.

Father, help me to always keep my focus on You.  To follow You, love You, please You.  Help me to "walk in the light" so I may please You.  Amen.

Day 114: Daily Bread

Proverbs 30:8 "Keep falsehood and lies far from me; give me neither poverty nor riches, but give me only my daily bread."

To waste one's time is to be involved in falsehood and lies.  Instead, spend your time doing good.  Don't strive for riches, instead be good stewards of all that is given to you, and let the Father give you what you need--your daily bread.  God may not always give you what you want, but He will always give you what you need!

Father thank you for always taking care of me and my family.  May I always live a life in obedience to you so I can show you how grateful I am for you care, protection, and guidance.  Help keep me from temptation--from falsehood and lies.  Help me be strong and to do good always.  In Jesus name, Amen.

Day 113: Eager for wealth

Proverbs 28:30 "A faithful man will be richly blessed, but one eager to get rich will not go unpunished."

Be faithful in all things business.  Don't cheat other people, the government, yourself, and most importantly God.

In being landlords, my family and I need to be honest and fair to our tenants, the government, ourselves, and especially God.  Rent houses that are safe and livable, charge fair rent, "write off" only what is actually tax deductible, make a profit that meets our needs not exceeds them, do what is righteous for God.

Thank you Father for the opportunity for such a business.  Help my family use it to greater Your kingdom and Bless us with a successful business.  Thank You! Amen.

Day 112: Gossip

Proverbs 26:22 "The words of gossip are like choice morsels; they go down to a man's inmost parts."

When you speak the truth, you are at peace.  But when you tell lies and spread rumors--waste your time and energy gossiping, it eats you up.  Bad things you say stay with you almost like you remember the flavor of something rich and sweet.

Not to mention judgement.  If the way you are feeling about someone or something is in a healing/helping/loving way, than ask God if you are supposed to help the situation.  If the way you are feeling about something or someone is in a bitter/envious/hateful way, than you probably would be best "venting" or gossiping to God instead of spreading rumors. 

Day 111: The Living and the Dead

Romans 14: 8-9 "If we live, we live to the Lord, and if we die, we die to the Lord.  So, whether we live or die, we belong to the Lord.  For this reason, Christ died and returned to life so that He might me the Lord of both the dead and the living."

Live only for the Lord, so when you die, you will also belong to the Lord.  Don't be afraid to live for Jesus.  There are worse things for a Christian than death.  Be with God here on earth so you may live with Him for all eternity in Heaven and on the new earth He will create.  Never let ANYTHING come between you and God--nothing is worth your eternal relationship with the Lord.  Thank you Father for being the Lord of our Lives.  I love belonging to You! Amen

Day 110: Boy who cried wolf

Proverbs 21:13 "If a man shuts his ears to the cry of the poor, he too will cry out and not be answered."

Romans 13:12 "...let us put aside the deeds of darkness and put on the armor of light."

Do not shut out the Holy Spirit.  When you see a need, fulfill it.  The Holy Spirit will tell you the best choices to make if you listen.  If you listen and are obedient when you don't necessarily ask for advice--surely advice will be there when you don't necessarily ask for it.  Don't let fear and pride take over--these are the deeds of darkness.  Instead be more like Jesus and wear the armor of light. 

Day 109: Our Course and Our Steps

Proverbs 16:9 "In his heart a man plans his course, but the Lord determines his steps."

At first this scripture seemed odd to me: as if instead God plans our course and we determine our steps, but really when you think about it, God knows all the small details of our lives and sometimes we only can see the big picture.  Thank you God for all Your perfect steps in our lives.  Your plan is so wonderful!  May we only live a life that Glorifies your Holy name.  Amen.

Day 108: Wise Woman

Proverbs 14:1 "The wise woman builds her house, but with her own hands the foolish one tears hers down."

She is a source of strength and an example of diligence for her family.  See Proverbs 31:10-31.  A woman's role is to be a support network for her family and to honor her husband.  Her husband and her children need her.  If this support network goes away, a woman can tear her house down.  Women don't always outwardly/obviously get recognition for the work that they do, but God knows, He sees and behind every good man is a good wife.

Day 107: Advice

Proverbs 12:15-16 "The way of a fool seems right to him, but a wise man listens to advice.  A fool shows his annoyance at once, but a prudent man overlooks an insult."

Ask God about everything you do.  Then LISTEN to what He says.  Do not do your will do God's will on God's timing.  If you're not sure what to do--WAIT!  God will make clear your purpose and your path if you ask Him to.  Also, do not be annoyed by the ways of men.  Look at them through God's eyes and remember, God is there on judgement day, not men.  The Holy Spirit will tell you what is right if you let it.  This is all easier said than done on your own--so ask for God's help!  Thank you Father for Your perfect advice, Amen

Day 106: Instruct and Teach

Proverbs 9:9 "Instruct a wise man and he will be wiser still, teach a righteous man and he will add to his learning."

One can never have enough wisdom (godly wisdom that is) and be perfectly righteous.  After all only God is all knowing and perfect.  If we were all knowing and perfect we wouldn't need Him--this is why He created us with weakness.  Learn from other believers, from the Word, from the Holy Spirit.  Do not be prideful--you are not ALL knowing.  Seek to be more and more righteous and holy.  Follow the example of Jesus Christ.  He loved everyone, followed God's will, humbled Himself, and didn't worry.  Thank you for godly wisdom Father.  Challenge us and teach us more everyday!  Amen

Day 105: Love of God

Romans 8:38 "For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present not the future, no any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord."

Nothing God created (and He created All things) will be able to separate us from Him.  He may challenge and test our Hearts, but He will never tempt us (only the Devil does that), and His love and direction is always there for us.  Why would God create anything that could separate us from His love when that's all He wants to do--Love us and for us to Love Him.  If you ever feel far from God's love, cry out to Him and He will always be there--we are His children!  Thank you Father for you everpresent LOVE!  Amen

Day 104: Discipline

Proverbs 3:11-12 "My son, do not despise the Lord's discipline and do not resent His rebuke, because the Lord disciplines those He loves, as a father the son he delights in."

Go breaks you so you come back to Him.  He does this because He loves you.  He wants you to realize you need Him.  He wants you to share your heart with Him and to be in relationship with Him.  Do not become selfrighteous, follow your own will and think you are independent of Him.  If you seek first the Kingdom of God, He will not discipline and rebuke you.  For you are doing His will for you.

God I thank You that You do not let me stray too far before you break me.  I need You and I love You!  Amen.  

Day 103: By Body Parts

Romans 6:13 "Do not offer the parts of your body to sin, as instruments of wickedness, but rather offer yourselves to God, as those who have been brought from death to life, ad offer the parts of your body to Him as instruments of righteousness."

Use your Body for God and God alone.  If He blessed you with a body to travel and do missionary work, do so!  If He blessed you with a body to bore children (and the patience to go with it), be a parent!  If He blessed you with a heart of compassion, help others!  If He blessed you with the tongue to speak, share the Gospel! Ears to listen, be a refuge for others! Arms to hold, hug others!  Knees to pray, bow down and worship the Lord!  Eyes to see, look as the world through God's eyes!  Thank you for our wonderfully made bodies Father, Amen.

Day 102: Hope for us

Romans 5:3-5 "...we also rejoice in our sufferings because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope.  And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out His love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whop He has given us." 

With suffering comes perseverence
With perseverance comes character
With character hope

God breaks us to test our hearts so we never give up on Him
When we never give up on Him and learn from our brokenness we are made into who God wants us to be
When we are the people God wants us to be we will live forever with Him for all eternity

Day 101: Forgive Sin and Heal Land

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

Although this scripture is from the OT, God still wants us to do this today!  In fact not only does He want to forgive our sin and heal our land, but He has provided His one and only Son to die for our sins and live as a perfect example of how we are to live our lives.  All we have to do is confess that God's Son, Jesus Christ, is our Lord and Savior.  Ask Him into our heart and our lives and thank Him for the eternal sacrifice that He made because He loves us that much!  Follow Him and worship Him and Him alone.  Share this Good News with others so that they too may have the peace that He gives.  Thank you heavenly Father, Amen.

Day 100! Wholeheartedly

1 Kings 8:23 "O Lord, God of Israel, there is no God like you in heaven above or on earth below--You who keep Your covenant of love with your servants who continue wholeheartedly in your way."

The same God yesterday, today, and tomorrow.  Our hope is in You Lord, for You will always love us.  Thank You for Your mighty hand: for all You have planned and for Your power and promise of fulfilling Your perfect plans.  We love you so much and want to wholeheartedly follow You and only You!  Thank you Father, Amen.

Day 99: By Persistence

Romans 2:7 "To those who by persistence in doing good seek glory, honor and immorality, He will give eternal life."

Be persistent.  Endure this life.  Seek to be more like Him.  And when you fall, ask for forgiveness and get back on the horse and try it again.  The more obedient you are, the more opportunities there will be to Go!

Don't give up Jenna!  Yes you have qualities that you want to "write off" but they will always be there unless I ask for God's help to change and be more like Jesus.

Day 98: He Guards

Psalm 97:10-11 "...for He guards the lives of His faithful ones and delivers them from the hand of the wicked.  Light is shed upon the righteous and joy on the upright in heart."

God can work miracles if you believe He can.  He will protect us and love us.  Blessings will come upon those who trust and love God with all of their heart soul, mind, and strength.  True joy is being in the arms of the Lord.

Lord help me always to seek You in this wicked chaotic world.  I want to see Your light and feel Your joy.
Thank you Father, Amen.

Day 97: Earn Your Bread

1 Thessalonians 3:11-12 "We heart that some among you are idle.  They are not busy; they are busybodies (interfering with the affairs of others).  Such people we command and urge in the Lord Jesus Christ to settle down and earn the bread they eat."

Do not take other people's inventory.  Instead, worry about you own life and the free will choices that you make.  Earn "your bread" by being an example of Christ and by listening and praying and worshiping God.

I need to mind my own business sometimes.  God has a plan for everyone and they're different ;o)

Day 96: Ask Well

2 Chronicles 1:11-12 "God said to Solomon, 'since this is your hearts desire and you have not asked for wealth, riches or honor, nor for the death of your enemies, and since you have not asked for a long life but for wisdom and knowledge to govern my people over whom I have made you king, therefore wisdom and knowledge will be given to you.  And I will also give you wealth, riches, and honor'."

Ask with the right motives and for the things that will help you do God's will and He will provide.

Day 95: From You

1 Chronicles 29:12 "Wealth and honor came from You; You are the ruler of all things.  In Your hands are strength and power to exalt and give strength to all."

Everything we have is God's.  Our talents, our wealth, our lives.  Sometimes we are so greedy and don't want to give back to God what is already His (pretty ironic actually).  If God gives you the characteristic of being compassionate or a good teacher or wealthy, etc, use those to help God's children or you will not be giving back to Him.

Lord help me to always remember that everything I have is Yours.  I give it all to You.  I love You, I want You, I NEED You Father.  Thank You! Amen

Day 94: Joyful Always

1 Thessalonians 5:16 "Be joyful always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus."

Thank God for the good and the bad--they both happen for a reason--they are part of His magnificent and perfect plan for your life...to help make you more like His precious son, Jesus...to strengthen and encourage you.  Find joy and peace in God's plan for you--that we are not alone.  He is with us always!  And we don't have to live this life on our own but can be in constant conversation with Him through prayer thanks to Jesus who washed away all our sins so that we may be in relationship with His Father, our Lord.  Give control to God (He has it anyways ;o)

Lord help me to embrace every circumstance--Good and Bad--for they are part of Your plan for my life and I trust You and You alone.  Thank you Father! Amen

Day 93: Control Your Body

1 Thessalonians 4:4 "that each of you should learn to control his own body in a way that is holy and honorable not in passionate lust like the heathen, who do not know God."

Just like wealth and honor are not ours but God's--so are our bodies.  In fact, our bodies are temples of the holy spirit and therefore should be respected and treated that way.  For we know God--that His Holy Spirit dwells within us--so we are not to act like those who do not know the Gospel.

Lord help me to be strong; to not put myself in tempting situations--but when I do find myself being tempted to respect your Holy Temple--my Body.  It is yours, not mine to give. Amen

Day 92: Love Overflow

1 Thessalonians 3:12 "May the Lord make your love increase and overflow for each other and for everyone else."

Love everyone--this means giving the same treatment to all God's children--the one's that make you happy and the one's that make you mad.  Have patience and try to look at people from God's eyes.  If anything, the people that make you mad probably need MORE love--because they are far from God.

Lord help me to see the world through your eyes--give me the patience to help those who anger me.  Melt my hardened heart and let me be more like Jesus...

Day 91: Please God

1 Thessalonians 2:5 "We are not trying to please men but God, who tests our hearts."

Don't try to please men.  For they will ALWAYS disappoint you.  Do everything for God.  Respect your elders, love your enemies, work, fellowship, love yourself, EVERYTHING for Him--He's always watching.  Don't worry about being accepted or applauded by others--they don't love you like He does.  And no matter how hard you try, the world will never understand you because you are not of the world but of God!  Thank you Father, Amen.

Day 90: Imitators

1 Thessolonians 1:6 "You became imitators of us and of the Lord, in spite of severe suffering, you welcomed the message with joy given by the Holy Spirit."

1 Thessolonians 1:3 "Your work produced by faith, your labor prompted by love, and your endurance inspired by hope in our Lord Jesus Christ."

In good times and bad, always have faith in Jesus.  This is our temporary home--so endure it all.  Don't become overwhelmed by the bad things that happen--after all, they're not that bad if they're for a reason.  Do everything for Him--live your life for Him.  Thank you for this Life Father! Amen.

Day 89: I am with you...

Matthew 28:20 "I am with you always to the very end of the age."

God is always with us.  In fact, it's not a matter of is He with us, but ARE WE WITH HIM?  It's talking to God and feeling His presence as natural as breathing?  Be in constant communication with God.  He has GREAT plans for everyone's life.  God will be with you in good times, bad times, and neutral times.  Always be with Him too!  He wants to know you.  To have a relationship with your heart, soul, mind--open up and let Him in.  The result will be incredible!

Day 88: Light of your Life

 Psalm 55:13 "For You have delivered me from death and my feet from stumbling, that I may walk before God in the light of life."

Follow the Holy Spirit in the Light.  Don't let the pressures of society or the natural human desires have the best of me.  Instead, follow the Spirit and He will guide me down the right path.

Lord help me always seek first the Kingdom of God in everything I do.  Your way is the right way.  You are refining me like silver and you will test me like gold.  I want to be like you Lord!  Thank you, Amen.

P.S.  Sorry I was on vacation for 10 days and I am a little behind....

Day 87: Lightning

Matthew 24:27 "For as lightning that comes from the east is visible even in the west, so will be the coming of the Son of man."

We WILL know when Jesus returns.  Be in constant relationship with Him and He will show you sure signs of His return. 

Lord help me to always be aware of your presence.  Help me learn the signs of your return, and to be in constant relationship with you so I may anticipate Your coming.  I can't wait!  I can only imagine, what it will be like, when I walk by Your side...Thank You Father for the Hope you have given the world.  You are so good and merciful! Amen

Day 86: See Me

Matthew 23: 39 "For I tell you, you will not see Me again until you say, 'Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord'".

Once the truth is known (the Good News/Gospel is revealed) one must take up their cross and follow Jesus Christ.  He will knock on your door, but you have to be listening for the knock, you have to open the door, and you have to let Him in.  He will not just barge in, but when you do choose to open the door, beware of the peaceful flood that will come over you--it's called GRACE and it pools into the deepest parts of your heart, soul, mind, and strength--that is if you let it!

Lord, please don't ever stop knocking on our doors--we will answer them in our own time (in the time you have planned for us).  Thank You for Your patience and Your endurance!  Amen

Day 85: Desires of the Heart

Psalm 20: 4 "May He give you the desire of your heart and make all your plans succeed."

Ideas and passions in one's heart and mind aren't just there for no good reason, if they could further His kingdom, then God implanted them in us.  These ideas and passions are from the Holy Spirit telling us God's purpose for our lives.  If you feel an idea tugging at your heart and knocking at your door.  Pray to God about it and ask Him for guidance.  If you begin to follow through with the idea and the puzzle pieces fit together, then it was all part of His plan for you!

Thank you Father for giving us each a purpose and providing us with direction and guidance.  Also for your strength and encouragement.  You are so good to us and we love You! Amen

Day 84: Repent and Believe

Matthew 21:32 "John came to you to show you the way of righteousness, and you did not believe him, but the tax collectors and the prostitutes did.  And even after you saw this, you did not repent and believe."

God doesn't care about your past before you discovered Him.  But when someone teaches you the way and shows you the life, He wants you to take up your cross and follow Him.  Leave behind your old ways and live a life that is Holy and pleasing to God.

I didn't learn about God until I was a sophomore in college, however, I didn't take up my cross and give my life to God until four years later.  Instead I only let the Lord into some 'rooms' of 'my house'.  Now I have decided to unlock all the doors and trow away the keys.

Lord I don't ever want to go back.  I want to have You in my life always and to have my life-song sing to You!  Amen

Day 83: Give Your Life

Matthew 20:28 "Just as the Son of man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for many."

Although Jesus could have done anything He wanted to, He chose to follow God's will for His life and to not only serve others, but to sacrifice Himself so that others may know God the way He did.

I want to be a servant of the Lord--to follow God's plan for my life and to lay down my life and pick up the cross for His glory--so others may know the Love of God like I do.  Thank You for Your love and Your plan for my life Lord.  I love you!  Amen

Day 82: One Flesh

Matthew 19:5-6 "...a man will leave his father and mother to be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh.  So they are no longer two, but one.  Therefore, what God has joined together, let man not separate."

God does not want you to divorce your husband or wife.  He made marriage a lifetime commitment, not just a piece of paper or a mutual agreement, but a promise to support and love one another through this journey we call life...so closely that you live it as one flesh.

I want to be eternally committed to my husband: to be there for him no matter what and to realize that without God at the center, our marriage would not survive.  Thank you Father for blessing us! Amen.

Day 81: It will be done...

Matthew 18:19-20 "If two of you on earth agree about anything you ask for, it will be done for you by My Father in heaven.  For where two or three come together in My name, there am I with them."

God does not want us to live alone.  He wants us to worship and pray and cry to Him TOGETHER.  Have solitary time with God as well, but don't make big, rash decisions about anything without praying with someone else about it.

I have a tendency to isolate myself a lot when life gets out of control.  Instead, I need to pray with someone else to find answers.  Don't be afraid to be vulnerable.

God give me the courage to ask for help from my fellow brothers and sisters in Christ.  To pray with them in Your glorious name.  Thank you Father. Amen.

Day 79: In Hiding

Psalm 39:7 "Where can I go from your spirit?  Where can I flee from your presence?"

God will never leave you or forsake you.  He is there when you're saintly and when you're sinful.

I struggled (and still struggle) with this concept a lot (especially in college).  I learned about God--that He is always there for us, we are never alone--as much as I loved this, I also hated it!  I hated that God was watching when I "participated in" sinful activities.  I'm getting better, but I do still sin (we all fall short).  At least now I recognize it and repent.

Lord help me to enjoy every single moment you are with me--the good and the bad!

Day 80: His Coming

Matthew 16:27 "For the son of man is going to come in His Father's glory with His angels, and then He will reward each person according to what he has done."

What have you done?  Have you gone through the motions for 30 years, lived in fear, had selfish motives, hated more than loved?  Christ WILL come again.  And He WILL reward each person based on what they've done.  I wand to live my life for God--my life song--sing Him a song of love, selflessness, forgiveness, patience, kindness, joy, and obedience.

Lord God prepare me for when your Beloved Son comes to take me home.  Let me be always ready for His return.  Living for You I want to be as thoughtless as breathing.  Thank you Father! Amen

P.S. Thank you to my 3 faithful readers!  I don't know who you are but I know 3 people read my blog.  Hope you enjoy reading as much as I enjoy writing ;o) Post comments if there's anything you want me to write about, etc...

Day 78: The Mouth

Matthew 15:11 "What goes into a man's mouth does not make him unclean, but what comes out of his mouth, that is what makes him unclean."

Although the people/environment you're around can influence your heart, they don't have to.  Instead, be patient, pray, and ask God to give you the words to say, and don't speak until He does. 

Day 77: Take Courage

Matthew 14:27 "Take courage! It is I. Don't be afraid."

Trust.  Sometimes when the Lord speaks to us, it is in very bold ways.  Bold to the point of being very obvious it's almost scary.  But the Lord tells us to be strong, to not be afraid of His signs and miracles but to push forward and do His will.  Jesus trusted in God enough to take steps on WATER, knowing God wouldn't let Him fall.  Can we do that?

Sometimes the messages I get from the Holy Spirit are so obvious and answering to my prayers it's scary!

Lord help me to take courage and not only trust what you have to say, but follow through with what you tell me to do.

Ironically I am reading and writing this just as I am getting a clear sign that I am supposed to do today's devotional at our town's H.S. lunch (50+ kids) on God's Love for us.  Wish me good luck ;o) 

Day 76: Why Parables

Matthew 13:14 "You will be ever hearing but never understanding, you will be ever seeing but never perceiving."

One can read the Bible, go to church, listen to K Love all they can, but it they don't understand and/or perceive God's love, they will never be truly blessed.

I often do this: I am very disciplined so I read my Bible, go to church, but I don't always make the effort to understand and perceive God's love.  Although I have to admit, not that I am a parent I understand God's love more fully.  My husband asked me last night how much money someone would have to give me to trade our daughter...there is no amount of anything that would make me give her up (in fact even the thought of it sent me into a complete panic with my stomach in knots, etc.)  God loves us (each and every one of us) like this: He wouldn't trade us for the world!  Try to comprehend that ;o) Very humbling I must say!

Day 75: Good Fruit

Matthew 12:33 "Make a tree good and its fruit will be good, or make a tree bad and its fruit will be bad, for a tree is recognized by its fruit."

The characteristics of a person can be categorized and compared to good and bad fruit.  Not only is fruit the most recognizable part of a tree, but it's what the tree leaves behind.  The growing of fruit starts with its roots.  If a tree has strong/good roots (being rooted in God--the tree of life), it will produce fresh/good fruit (godly qualities).  The seeds from the good fruit will be dispersed to grow more good trees!

Day 74: God's Yoke

Matthew 11:29 "Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls."

Immerse yourself in God's love--be coated in His love--and you will see the would through His eyes.  Giving your life to God--letting Him be in control will provide peace for your otherwise overwhelmed soul. 

I want to be "coated" by God.  "Yoked" by Him, so I can find peace and see the world through His eyes.  Lord life is so much easier--it makes so much more sense with you in it.  Help me be "yoked" everyday so I can see Your way and do Your will!  Amen

Day 73: Compassion

Matthew 9:36 "When He saw the crowds, He had compassion on them, because they were harassed and helpless like sheep without a shepherd."

Don't judge people who don't yet know there is an easier way to live life than living your own will--it's living God's will.  Giving your life to God.  If someone seems lost, usually they are.  Don't isolate yourself from the lost, instead teach them about Jesus Christ.  If they still have no faith, at least you shared the Good News, what they do with the Gospel is up to them. 

I was once a sheep without a shepherd.  Then someone had compassion for me--a servant of Jesus Christ--and I was found.  Now Jesus is my Shepherd and I am doing the best I can to be a servant to Him.  To help other lost sheep like I once was.

Day 72: Take Up Your Cross

Matthew 10:38 "...anyone who does not take his cross and follow me is not worthy of me.  Whoever finds his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life for My sake will find it."

What could be more rewarding than living for life for God?  To me "finding a life" means going through the motions--doing your will and not God's.  Instead I wand to lose my life--give it all to God.  Worship Him, pray to Him, listen to Him, and obey Him.

Lord give me the courage to take up my cross and follow You wherever You guide me to.  For where You guide, You also provide.  I love you Lord with all my heart, all my soul, and all my mind.  Thank You Father! Amen

Day 71: Go!

Matthew 8:13 "...Go! It will be done just as you believed it would."

If God has called you to do something, do it and Go!  Have faith in Him because he will be right there with you, holding your hand while you honor Him with your obedience.

God has been telling me for sometime now to share my testimony and my love with Youth.  All of the opportunities are open now.  So Lord please help me to be the best leader that I can be!  Take away my fears and give me courage to do Your will for the sake of Your name.  Thank you God for such a wonderful purpose! Amen

Day 70: Ask, seek, knock

Matthew 7:8 "For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks, finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened."

Stop worrying about what's important to society.  What's important to you--what's going to get you closer to God?  Ask for those things.

Right now I am asking for the Lord's courage to be a good Youth leader.  I am seeking for the right words to share with Youth so that they may grow to know the Lord.  I am knocking on the door of Godly wisdom to share with those in need.

Lord help me not only to ask, seek, and knock with courage, but to be thankful when you answer my prayers and provide.

Day 69: Worry

Matthew 6:34 "Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself.  Each day has enough trouble of its own."

The majority of people think about the past and the future, but we spend very little time in the present.  Perhaps that's why time seems to fly by so fast!

Lord help me to live in the moment.  To see the opportunities around me now!  To stop dwelling on past mistakes and be happy in my present circumstances.

Day 68: Brokenhearted

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

Song: Close to the Brokenhearted

 

With no place to rest his head
And no one to call him friend
He sleeps tonight on a park bench

How did I ever fall this far?
Why is the world so cold and dark?
When will I ever know my part in all this tragedy?

The Lord is close to the brokenhearted in their pain and suffering
The Lord weeps for the brokenhearted and the lost who don’t know his name

With no place to take the kids
She endures his drunken fits
He says I love you and I’ll quit

Sometimes the bruises and the hurt
Get so bad she misses work
When will it all stop getting worse in all this tragedy?

The Lord is close to the brokenhearted in their pain and suffering
The Lord weeps for the brokenhearted and the lost who don’t know his name

The power of His name
Is the promise to be saved
Never on your own
Never all alone

Never all alone

With no place to rest his head
And betrayed by all his friends
He prays tonight for a pardon

Father take this cup from me
Unless there is no other way
I will lay my life in the hands of men to end this tragedy

 from Sorrow, Grace and Glory, released 22 April 2011

Day 67: Bread Alone

Matthew 4:4 "Jesus answered 'man does not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God."

Man needs to be fed not only physically, but more so mentally.  Worshipping the Lord, praying to God, listening to God, obeying God, and being blessed by God--being grateful to Him are all ways of being "fed" mentally.

There is a distinct difference between being fed physically and being fed mentally.  When you eat too much--you get FULL and don't feel very good.  When you are constantly being fed by the mouth of God (through reading, listening, watching, and doing) you never get FULL!  In fact, the opposite happens: the more full you are, the better you feel.  So fill me up God! I am ready...

Day 66: With him

1 Samuel 18:14 "In everything he did he had great success, because the Lord was with him."

Trust!  The Lord is always with you in everything you do.  Pray to Him, listen to Him, He will never leave you or forsake you. If you believe this and you know all things are possible with God, then you will have great success.

Day 65: Our Stronghold

Psalm 9:9-10 "The Lord is a refuge for the oppressed, a stronghold in times of trouble.  Those who know your name will trust in You, for You, Lord, have never forsaken those who seek you."

AMEN! Trust in the Lord--He will always be there for you. Through good times and bad.  Turn to the Lord always. Once you do, and realize you're never alone, there will be no going back.  The more practice you have of trusting in the Lord, the easier it will become--to the point of breathing.  If you thing about it, God often "takes away" (versus "gives") when you aren't turning to Him but instead to yourself.  He has to "break us" so we put our trust in Him again.  We NEED Him.

Lord I need you always--in good times and in bad, to celebrate with and to cry with.

Day 64: The Heart

1 Samuel 16:7 "..The Lord does not look at the things man looks at.  Man looks at the outward appearance, bu the Lord looks at the heart."

It's what's inside one's heart that matters in the end.  If a person is beautiful and godly o the outside, but ugly and evil on the inside, they will not have a place in Heaven.  One's words and actions are an overflow of the heart.

Ask the Lord to purify your heart and to cleanse you from all unrighteousness DAILY.  He will help you become more like Jesus so you are beautiful from the inside out!

Day 63: The Prayer of Jabez

1 Chronicles 4:10 "Jabez cried out to the God of Israel, 'Oh that you would bless me and enlarge my territory!  Let your hand be with me and keep me from harm so that I will be free from pain.' And God granted his request."

Jabez asked and he received.  He wanted more opportunity to do God's will.  He know he couldn't do it alone so he asked for God's guidance and Jabez asked God to keep him from temptation so that he may always do good.

Lord help me to not be afraid, but instead to ask for more opportunity, for Your hand, and for You to help keep me from temptation.  When the opportunity is given to GO--be obedient to Your will.  When You hold Your hand out, I pray that I will take it.  When your Holy Spirit tells me something will be tempting, give me the strength to stay away!  Thank you for Your guidance and Your power and Your MANY blessings Father! Amen.

Day 62: My Weakness

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

God makes us weak for a reason: so we may find our strength in Him.  He wants us to be dependent on Him and not on ourselves. 

Lord help me to not wallow in my weaknesses, instead, let me rejoice that I don't need to be perfect because in Your eyes, You will love me when I am weak and when I am strong.  I am made perfect through the Grace of Jesus Christ, who died for MY sins--my weakness.  Thank You Father! Amen

Day 61: So Wise

2 Corinthians 11:9 "You gladly put up with fools since you are so wise! In fact you put up with anyone who enslaves you or exploits you or takes advantage of you or pushes himself forward or slaps you in the face."

As Christians we are called to live a life like Christ lived.  No we will not live it perfectly as He did, but likewise we may be persecuted and ridiculed for our belief in the Heavenly Father.  God never said this life was going to be easy.  But if we can endure this life here on earth, we will enjoy eternity in paradise!  So be wise, and look at the big picture.

Day 60: Words vs. Actions

2 Corinthians 10:11 "...what we are in our letters when we are absent, will be in our actions when we are present."

Don't be "all talk" and "no action".  Don't be a hypocrite.  Don't be a liar.  Instead, do as you say you do.  Learn what a righteous life looks like and learn how to live that way.  Study our example--Jesus Christ--and do as He did.  Speak confidently about what is good and do that.  If you ask for God's help, He will guide you in living a pure and holy life.  Thank you Father! Amen

Day 59: Ready

2 Corinthians 9:3 "I am sending the brothers in order that our boasting about you in this matter (eagerness to help/give) should not prove hollow, but that you may be ready as I said you would be."

Let the Gospel and God's commandment to help/give to others inspire you.  Let others see this light, to talk/boast about this light, and let it not be superficial--a light that will but out--so that at any moment, when someone is in darkness, you are READY to shine God's light into their life.  Keep your light always on and strong by being "plugged in" to God's word and by being "connected" to His believers.

Day 58: Welled Up

2 Corinthians 8:2 "Out of the most severe trial, their overflowing joy and their extreme poverty welled up in rich generosity."

I truly believe it is the trials in this life that make us, without a doubt, put our total faith in God.  It is because He meets our needs and helps us through these storms that we are filled with joy and share the gifts God gives us with others, so they too may experience His love and His joy.

Day 57: My Soul

1 Samuel 1:15 "...I was pouring out my soul to the Lord."

Instead of "venting" and gossiping to others, pour out your soul to the Lord.  He is always there to listen and He won't spread gossip.  Ask Him to forgive you for having negative thoughts, to take those from you, and to see the world through His eyes.  Thank Him for giving you free will and ask God to make you more like Jesus.

Day 56: Servant of God

2 Corinthians 6:4,10 "As servants of God we commend ourselves in every way...sorrowful, yet always rejoicing; poor, yet making many rich; having nothing, and yet possessing everything."

This world is tough--especially enduring temptations in trying to live a Christian life; but God has bigger plans for us so we can rejoice and be glad.  Everything is part of His perfect plan.  I may never be rich with money, but I can be rich in love--God's love.  And I can show others how to be rich in His love.  I may never have everything I want, but God will always provide me with what I need--in this I will possess EVERYTHING!

Day 55: The Rock

Psalm 61:2 "From the ends of the EArth I call to you, I call as my heart grows faint lead me to the rock that is higher than I."

There is coming a time when it is going to be downright difficult to be a Christian living on this Earth--but call from the ends of it anyways and God WILL lead you to the rock of salvation!

Day 54: The Unseen

2 Corinthians 4:18 "So we fix our eyes not on what is seen but on what is unseen.  For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal."

Focus not on the fruits of this world (i.e. success, self-image, independence, etc.) but on godly fruits (kindness, patience, love, faithfulness, etc.).  this life on earth is temporary so don't get caught up in the treasures of this world, instead ask God (the unseen) to give you godly fruits so you may have godly treasures in heaven someday--for all eternity.

Day 53: Letter from Christ

2 Corinthians 3:3 "You show that you are a letter from Christ, the result of our ministry written not with ink but with the Spirit of the Living God, not on tablets of stone but on tablets of human hearts."

Share your testimony with others so that you may show others how the Father's love has changed you.  Live each day in this new changed life showing others God's love so that their hearts may forever be en-scripted just as yours is. 

Day 52: Fovgive the Sinner

2 Corinthians 2:5-8 "If anyone has caused grief, he has not so much grieved Me as he has grieved all of you, to some extent--not to put it to severely.  The punishment inflicted on him by the majority is sufficient for him.  Now instead you ought to forgive and comfort him, so that he will not be overwhelmed by excessive sorrow.  I urge you, therefore, to reaffirm for love for him."

We are not to judge others for their sins.  For we ALL fall short of the Glory of God.  Instead, we are called to forgive and to comfort others for their sins.

Day 51: Oue Comfort

2 Corinthians 1:3-4 "Praise be to God and Father our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God."

God doesn't give us such peace and joy to just store it up and save it for ourselves.  In fact, when you share this joy and peace with others, He only multiplies our joy further--so share, and the more comfort you will have!

Day 50: Tithe

1 Corinthians 16:2 "On the first day of every week, each on e of you should set aside a sum of money in keeping with his income, saving it up, so that when I come no collections will have to be made."

Jesus once said in references to taxes "give to Caesar what is Caesar's", so why not give to God what is God's?  Our money is not ours--God gave us our gifts and talents that got us our jobs, that earned us a paycheck.  So tithe to God in saying thanks for providing you with money.

Day 49: Bad Company

1 Corinthians 15:33 "...Bad company corrupts good character.  Come back to your senses as you ought, and stop sinning for there are some who are ignorant of God..."

It is true that the "environment" we live in will have and impact on our character: if you entertain yourself (music, tv, movies, books, magazines, etc.) with things of "worldly" value (sex, drugs, success, independence, self image, etc.) and hang around with people who do the likes, your character will likely be tainted as well.

Even when trying to place yourself in a Good environment, we live in a world of temptation and life is STILL hard--so why not try to make it easier on yourself by changing the environmental factors you can control (i.e. your entertainment and friends etc.)?

Day 48: Make God your Stronghold

Psalm 52:7 "Here now is the man who did not make God his stronghold but trusted in his great wealth and grew strong by destroying others!"

Worldly wealth, especially when gained by sinful behavior, will never compare to the heavenly treasures our Father has for us for living a righteous life that honors Him alone.

Wealth is not a bad thing if righteously earned.  God just wants us to be good stewards of the money He provides us with.

Day 47: The Weak

Psalm 41:1 "Blessed is he who has regard for the weak."

The fact of the matter is, we all have our weaknesses.  But we must use our strengths to help others in their weaknesses.  And likewise, we must accept our weaknesses and let others help us strengthen those areas of our lives.

Recently someone very close to me has been having some doubts in her faith (an area where I feel very strong).  However just yesterday she really inspired  me to not talk poorly about others (an area where I feel very weak).  She is helping to strengthen my weakness of gossip and I hope and pray I may help strengthen her weakness in faith.  Hear my prayer Father God, Amen.

Day 46: Division

1 Corinthians 12:25-26 "So that there should be no division in the body, but that its parts should have equal concern for each other.  If one part suffers, every part suffers with it; if one part is honored every part rejoices with it."

As believers in Christ we have become one body.  It is out duty to love and support one another.  If one part is weak, the other parts must work harder (with God's help) to strengthen the weakest parts--further creating an even stronger body overall.

It seems to me the times in my life when God has challenged me to help strengthen others in their faith--He strengthens mine! Hallelujah Amen ;o) 

Day 45: Man vs. Woman

1 Corinthians 11:11-12 "...woman is not independent of man, nor is man independent of woman.  For as woman came from nan, so also man is born of woman.  But everything comes from God."

2013
Men and women, especially married couples, need to realize that they need each other.  God created both men and women to be dependent on each other: to love each other, support each other, challenge each other, etc. etc.  Just like I am dependent on God, I also need to be dependent on my husband for his love and respect.  Just remember, that although we need our husbands/wives, they are not perfect like our Heavenly Father is, and will often disappoint us (this is when forgiveness comes in ;o)

It makes me so sad to see what has become of our country.  It tells us right in the Bible (supposedly the Book of Principles our country was founded on) that God created men and women to be dependent on each other, and yet we want to allow civil unions where men don't have to depend on women and women don't have to depend on men.  In the long run, are these "unions" really going to work?  Not a chance...because it is not part of God's perfect plan.

Day 44: Bearing Temptation

1 Corinthians 10: 13 "No temptation will seize you except what is common to man.  And God is faithful; He will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear.  But when you are tempted He will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it."

2013
The Assurance of Victory scripture.  God will never give you more than you can handle.  He does not temp you, but He will allow you to be tempted.  He also will provide a way out, so that you can overcome that temptation.  Just think: Jesus walked this same planet and has fleshly desires just like us.  But He resisted temptation with the help of God, lived a sinless life, and died on the cross (as if He was a sinner) so that our sins may be forgiven.  Someone to Idolize?  I think so!

Day 43: Run for the Prize

1 Corinthians 9:24-25 "Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize?  Run in such a way as to get the prize.  Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training.  They do it to get a crown that will not last; but we do it to get a crown that will last forever."

God some days I feel as if I am not running the race OR even training for the race.  In fact, I don't even have my running shoes on some days.  Help me not get distracted by myself or the worries of this world.  I need to lace up my shoes and start training.  I want to win the race, win the crown that will last into eternity--eternity spent with You!

Day 42: Knowledge vs. Love

1 Corinthians 8:1-3 "...We know that we all possess knowledge.  Knowledge puffs up but love builds up.  The man who thinks he knows something does not yet know as he ought to know.  But the man who loves God is known by God."

I repeat: The man who loves God is known by God.  Do you want to be known by God?  Because I sure do.  But how do you love God?  I think you love God by Praying to Him, Listening to Him, Doing His will, and Thanking/Praising/Worshiping Him for your life.  Loving God means loving His children.  Loving nothing else more than you love Him.  Give up everything to serve Him.  Submitting your life to God.  Oh God how I love you so.  Please give me the heart, soul, mind, and strength to do so!

Day 41: Burn with Passion

1 Corinthians 7:9 "But if they cannot control themselves, they should marry, for it is better to marry than to burn with passion."

2013
What happens to this passion after one marries?  Is it simply because love is work and takes sacrifice that passion is gone to the wind? Or is it because after you marry, showing this passion to your spouse is finally allowed, so one's flesh (being sinful) wants something else instead?

Lord I pray that your children who fall in love and are passionate about each other are wise enough to marry and live a life of purity.  I also pray that those who do marry with this passion keep this passion and let their flesh not take control of their life.  Live by the spirit.  Let your spirit be willing and strong and your flesh weak!

Day 40: Sin of the Body

1 Corinthians 6:18-21 "Flee from sexual immorality.  All other sins a man commits are outside his body, but he who sins sexually sins against his own body.  Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God?  You are not your own; you were bought at a price.  Therefore honor God with your body."

Lord help me to forgive myself of the sins in my past, and not to forget them but to use them for the Glory of God.  To show that I was lost and now am found.  I need to share my testimony with others so I can be an example for them.  If they haven't started sinning sexually, DON'T START.  And if they have and are--STOP NOW.  God love's us and our bodies are the temple of the Holy Spirit.  That "price" He was talking about in this scripture was the death of Jesus on the cross, shamed and ridiculed, so that we may have a relationship with God above.  Truly, if you want to love God, honor him with the body that His Spirit lives in!

Day 39: New Yeast

1 Corinthians 5:6-7 "...a little yeast works through the whole batch of dough.  Get rid of the old yeast that you me be a new batch without yeast--as you really are."

Yeast = Sin
If you have even a little sin in your life, it works through your WHOLE life.  Get rid of your old sin and turn t your new life in Christ Jesus--as He intended your life to be.

I have a hard time at forgiving myself of past mistakes.  I will be fine for a while, but as soon as I am feeling down they always seem to seep through the cracks.  I need to forgive myself and spend my energy instead on doing Good for God!

Day 38: No not Judge

1 Corinthians 4:5 "Therefore judge nothing before the appointed time; wait til the Lord comes.  He will bring to light what is hidden in darkness and will expose the motives of mens hearts."

Focus on your own heart.  Model it like Jesus' heart. Work on your own battles and challenges instead of focusing on other people's.

Being a Christian is hard.  It's definitely not the easiest path, but it is the most rewarding.  Ever since coming to Christ and giving my heart to Him, I've been forced to take my own inventory and magnify my own heart.  What I have found?  I am a lot like Paul: I want to do good and I know what is right, but I keep doing wrong.  Lately I have been very impatient, judgmental, fearful, and unloving.  Especially around my own family. 

Lord please help me to have more patience in times when I don't have control (...always ;o), help me to take my own inventory instead of judging the one's I love, help me to trust in You and not fear but rather paint others in the best light, and last but not least, help me to have a heart like Jesus: to be loving and self-sacrificing.  Thank you Lord, I have faith that You will help me change.  Amen.

Day 37: Firm Steps

Psalm 37: 23-24 "If the Lord delights in a man's way, He makes his steps firm.  Though he may stumble, he will not fall, for the Lord upholds him with His hand."

Where God guides, He provides.  Listen to the Holy Spirit.  Do God's will and walk in the light.  His hand will be right there, ready to hold.  If the road you're on is part of God's plan for your life, you will know it because your decisions will feel right and things will "come together".  This is not to say God won't still challenge you, but He will be right there to help you through it all.

God help me to walk in the light and to do Your will.  Help me to delight in the path You take me on and make my steps firm.

Day 36: Choose Life

Deuteronomy 30:19-20 "...Now choose life, so that you and your children may live and that you may love the Lord your God, listen to His voice and hold fast to Him.  For the Lord is your Life..."

Lord help me to be a good parent as your are a good Father to your Son.  To tell my children the truth, love them and forgive them, but mostly to set a good example for them by loving you with all of my heart, soul, mind, and strength.  I will do this so they may do the same.  So we can all live for your Glory.  Father God we love you!

Lord Jesus, You are my Life!

Day 35: Spirit Taught

1 Corinthians 2:13 "This is what we speak, not in words taught to us by human wisdom, but in words taught by the spirit, expressing spiritual truths in spiritual words."

Human wisdom and spiritual wisdom are not the same thing.  Human wisdom or human nature is not perfect.  Instead it is lustful, greedy, prideful, deceitful, unforgiving, and independent.  Spiritual wisdom comes from the Holy Spirit of God and therefore it is perfect.  It is righteous, holy, humble, loving, faithful, loyal, patient, and kind.

Lord help me to not only seek spiritual wisdom, but to block out human wisdom.

Day 34: Own Actions

Galatians 6:4 "Each one should test his own actions.  Then he can take pride in himself, without comparing himself to somebody else, for each one should carry his own load."

Be grateful to God for making you who you are.  He planned you perfectly, He loves you, and He has a perfect plan for your life.  Do not be self-righteous or envy other people--for God loves and has a plan for them too.  The only person you have control of is yourself.  Ask God to show you the way, listen for His direction and walk in the Light.

Lord help me to love myself like You love me.  To be ever grateful for the person You've made me and for Your plan for my life.  In whatever I do, help me to do it for Your Glory.  Amen

Day 33: Life by Spirit

Galatians 5:16 "So I say, live in the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the sinful nature."

Galatians 5:22 "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self control."

Listen to the Holy Spirit.  And when it tells you to do/to not do something rely on the strength of God to help you through--take His hand, use His words, walk in His light.  By listening to the Spirit you will receive many blessings.  The more you listen, the easier it will be to hear.  The more you trust the Lord, the easier it will be to do His will.  The more obedient you are, the more tasks you will be given.  The more tasks you accomplish for the Glory of god, the more fruits of the Spirit you will see!

Day 32: My Guilt

Psalm 38:4 "My guilt has overwhelmed me like a burden too heavy to bear."

Guilt is certainly overwhelming.  Even to the point of being too heavy to bear sometimes.  The good part is, God will never give us more than we can handle.  The other good part is, we are not meant to do it all on our own:  God is always with you, call out to Him and hold His hand, and there are people in this world who can help, don't bottle emotions up.

Lord help me to not get to the point of having overwhelming guilt..."lead me not into temptation and deliver me from evil."

Day 31: Do not yield

Deuteronomy 13:6-8 "If your very own brother, or your son or daughter, or the wife you love, or your closest friend secretly entices you, say 'let us go and worship other gods,...' do not yield to him or listen to him.  Show him no pity.  Do not spare him or shield him. 

2013
Christians are like sheep among wolves.  We do not live in a majority world.  For the rest of our lives here on earth, people will question and test our faith.  Even our closest friends and family members.  Stay grounded in your faith and what you believe in and know is true.  Don't waste precious time trying to understand false gods.  If someone knows the truth about the one and only God, then show them no pity.  And most of all, do not spare someone or shield them of your beliefs and the truth because it's not what they believe.  

Day 30: God of gods

Deuteronomy 10:17-18 "For the Lord your God is God of gods and Lord of lords, the great God, mighty and awesome, who shows no partiality and accepts no bribes.  He defends the cause of the fatherless and the widow, and loves the alien, giving them food and clothing."

God truly is the God of gods, Lord of lords, King of kings.  He is awesome beyond words and we need to be grateful everyday for how lucky we are to be His.

Lord thank you for being the one constant, consistent, everlasting characteristic of our lives.  We owe you EVERYTHING!

Day 29: Jesus the Bread of Life

Deuteronomy 8:3 "..man does not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of the Lord."

We need God's word just like we need food.  God's word is food for the soul and bread is food for the body.  To function one needs to be fed spiritually and physically.

I'm really good about feeding myself physically (my stomach runs my life), but I need to be more in tune and obedient to my spiritual hunger.

Lord help my spiritual hunger run my life as much (if not more) than my physical hunger does!

Day 28: God's Commandments

Deuteronomy 6:6-9 "These commandments that I give you today are to be upon your hearts.  Impress them on your children.  Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up.  Tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads.  Write them on the doorframes of your houses and on your gates."

Having the Lord in your life should be as consistent as breathing.  He should be the foundation of all our thoughts, the things we say and do.

Lord help me to realize you are as important to me as breathing. You are my life!

2013
Again, like many others, this scripture holds more meaning to me now that I am a mother.  We are given our children as a GIFT from the Lord--but only for a short time.  So it is our duty to raise them up in the Lord and teach them God's commandments.  Most importantly, teach them about His love by loving them!  Whiting God's commandments on one's doorframes reminds me of the new Bible series on the History channel when the Israelites mark their doorframes with lamb's blood to show their faith.  As Americans, we are allowed to outwardly show our faith with crosses, bumper stickers, Bibles, etc...so do so!

Day 27: Your Love

Psalm 36: 5-6 "Your Love, O Lord reaches to the heavens, your faithfulness to the skies.  Your righteousness is like the mighty mountains, your justice like the great deep."

Nothing can compare to the Love of the Lord--not money, time, beauty, lust, or luck.  Love, Faithfulness, Righteousness are all gifts from God.  Never take them for granted and always remember these gifts were made possible through the death of God's one and only Son Jesus--BE GRATEFUL.

Lord Jesus help me to be grateful and optimistic everyday.  You have given me more than I ever deserve--Your unfailing Love, Mercy, and Grace.  Thank You! Amen

Day 26: Love the Lord

Mark12: 30 "Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength."

It's the least we can do for all He did, is doing, and will do for us.  Be grateful everyday.  By trying to be just like Jesus--enduring temptation, loving people, and teaching people the Gospel--is the way one can show their love for God the most.

My utmost for His Highest.  I want to be more like Jesus.  To live my life for God--for His purpose--and to be an example for God's children.

Lord always be on my mind and when I'm doing something ungodly, give me the strength to change my heart.

Day 25: Forgive Him

Mark 11:24-25 "...whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it and it will be yours...if you hold anything against anyone, forgive him, so that your Father in heaven may forgive you your sins."

Our Father can't forgive us unless we have forgiven ourselves and others first.  Life is too short to be angry at imperfect people like ourselves.

I need to swallow my pride more, admit I was wrong, and forgive others and myself more quickly--only God is perfect and won't disappoint us.

Lord help me to be strong--to be more like Jesus and less like me.  To not be so sensitive and defensive.  To let go of any resentments and live a peaceful forgiving life.

2013
My husband and I just saw Chris August in concert.  I love his song 7 x 70.  This is how many times (not literally) we are to forgive our brothers and sisters--EVERY TIME.  Ask God to help you have a heart like Jesus so you can be patient and forgiving and He will.

Day 24: Follow Me

Mark 10: 21 "Go sell everything you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven.  Then come, follow me."

Mark 10: 29 "No one who has left home or brothers or sisters or mother or father or children or fields for Me and the Gospel will fail to receive a 100 x as much in his present age (homes, brothers, sisters, mothers, children, and fields--and with them, persecutions) and in the age to come, eternal life."

Don't get caught up in the priorities of society.  Instead get caught up in the priorities of the Lord--helping His children, doing His will.

Lord help me to be brave and take a leap of faith to do what you tell me to do--love people. 

Day 23: Everything possible

Mark 9:23 "Everything is possible for him who believes...I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief!"

If you truly believe God can make things possible, if they are part of His will, they will happen.  Just pray and believe; have no doubt but also have no expectations.  God does things according to His will and His time--He will take care of us.  He knows what's best for us.

Lord God hear my prayers.  I trust in you and your will for my life.  Help me to be patient and to listen and do what you tell me, when you tell me to do it ;o)

Day 22: Lose it

Mark 8:35 "For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for Me and for the Gospel will save it."

Being born again = Giving God control of your life.  He has control no matter what but if you do His will rather than your own, life will be much easier and make more sense.  This entails praying and listening.  God speaks to me through the Holy Spirit, through people, His word, etc., etc.  If He has something to say to you, and you're listening, trust me, you will hear Him.

Day 21: Love is...

1 Corinthians 13:4-..."Love is patient, love is kind.  It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud.  It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs.  Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth.  It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always preserves.  Love never fails."

2013
If everyone loved this way we would live in a would that would be like...well, heaven.  God is Love and Jesus loved this way when He was here on earth.  May we do our very best to love each other in this very manner. 

Day 20: Setting Aside

Mark 7:9 "You have a fine way of setting aside the commands of God in order to observe your own traditions."

One cannot check in and out of having God in their life.  They can't decide which of God's commands he likes and dislikes, which ones he will follow never, seldom, sometimes, or always.  No excuses--no if, ands, or buts about it.  Give God your all or nothing.

2013
Being a carnal Christian (living a luke warm life--half in the world half in Jesus) is much much harder than being a true believer.  In fact it might even be harder than not being a believer at all.  The bad news (or good news rather) is that once you know the truth, there's no going back in your conscience.  Once the Holy Spirit lives in you, the truth will always follow you...even if you become a "non-believer" again.  The world is a tempting place to be in.  Thank heaven it is our temporary home.  We are like sheep among wolves.  But do this one thing: follow ALL of God's commands and you will lead a much happier, peaceful life.  Learning God's commands...this involves picking up your Bible and Learning them ;o)

Day 19: Healer

Mark 5:34 "Daughter, your faith has healed you.  Go in peace and be freed from your suffering."

2010
Put your faith in God and Him alone and He will bring peace in your life.

When I put my faith in God and know that He is the only one that knows what's best for me and is in control of my life, an enormous pressure is lifted from my shoulders.  He will take care of me no matter what, but there will be peace in my life if I put my faith in Him. 

Lord help me put all my faith in you so I may be freed from my suffering.

2013
Recently, my daughter has been suffering from some red bumps on her face.  They first started under her eye around Christmas.  The first doctor told us it was an infection and prescribed us an antibiotic.  After her eye was not getting better we decided to see another doctor.  He thought is was just dry skin and gave us some cream.  After the bumps started spreading to other parts of her face and on her back and chest I decided it was time to stop all the medications and start praying for God's healing.  It has only been a week thus far, but her bumps are starting to clear up and she is happy not to be medicated all the time.  Thank you heavenly Father for your incredible healing!

Day 18: Your Best

Numbers 18:29 "You must present as the Lord's portion the BEST and holiest part of everything given to you."

The Lord gave His best to us--His one and only son, who lived as a model for our lives and died on the cross for our sins, so we may have a loving and intimate relationship with our Father.  The least we can give Him is our BEST.  It will never compare to His love for us, but our best is sufficient for Him.  Do it out of love for your God, not out of guilt or the pressures of society.  My utmost for His Highest.  Show God how much you Love Him--more than ANY THING--by giving Him everything you have!

Day 17: House

Mark 3:25 "If a house is divided against itself, that house cannot stand."

2010
Everyone must be on the same page for things to go right.  If most everyone is working together towards a similar goal, things will go mostly right but sometimes wrong.  If the hands don't do what the brain says they should, the puzzle pieces will not come together.

Do what God tells you to do.  If everyone does what God tells them to do, we will live in Harmony.

God help me to hear you, so I may know your will.  Also help me to go forth with your will and hold my hand while I do your will. 

2013
I have to admit these words hold much more meaning for me today.  Now that I actually have a house and a family, I am quickly learning this lesson ;o)  On a broader view, if you think of the U.S. as a house, we also must be on the same page.  I have to admit, I used to not care about politics and our countries future.  But now that I have a "house" or family of my own, our countries future is very important to me.  Right now more than ever, I believe we need to pray that politicians and people in power would hear the word of God and come to know Him.  So that our country may, once again, be a nation of God. 

Day 16: Unfailing Love

Psalm 90:14 "Satisfy us in the morning with your unfailing love, that we may sing for joy and be glad all our days."

May all of God's Children wake each day with the peace and joy of His love for them.  If we all did this, we would be good examples for the lost and it would take the suffering from our lives.

I worry too much about the cares of life.  I need to wake every morning with gratitude and joy that God loves me more than anyone and He will take the reigns--just let Him!  Let go and let God ;o)

Day 15: My Light

Psalm 27: 1 "The Lord is my Light and my Salvation--whom shall I fear?  The Lord is the Stronghold of my life--of whom shall I be afraid?

Why do we let the complications of life get the best of us?  Why do we fear time, money, weight, what others think of us, etc, etc?  Let the Lord be your Rock.  If you build every aspect of life on Him and the way His very Son modeled a Life for us...then there is nothing to fear.

The cares of this world hold too much power and fear in my life.  Believe in God's plan for me and fear no more.

Lord help me to give it all up to you.  The way it should and is the easiest to be!

Day 14: Open Your Eyes and Ears

Acts 28: 26-27 "You will be ever hearing, but never understanding, you will be ever seeing, but never perceiving.  For this people's heart has become calloused; they hardly hear with their ears, and they have closed their eyes.  Otherwise they might see with their eyes, hear with their ears, understand with their hearts and turn, and I would heal them."

Listen and see and you will understand and you will be healed.

Listen and look for God speaking to me.  He will not only reveal truth--shed light in my life--but He will heal me of all unrighteousness.

Oh heavenly Father don't let me become calloused; let me hear and see you always!

2013
Just this morning I heard on the news that the state of Colorado wants to abolish the law that cheating on your spouse is illegal.  Why do we live in such a calloused country?  We live in a free country where we don't get persecuted for reading the Bible and believing in God, and yet we close our eyes and ears and fight against God and the ways He says to live our lives.  As if our fight is really making a difference.  A friend once told me an analogy that I like: God is like a gigantic boulder that Christians and Non-Christians are trying to push back and forth with small toothpicks.  We don't have to fight His fight...although I would like to take a Q-tip to their ears and a magnify glass to their eyes sometimes ;o)

Day 13: My Resorer

Psalm 23: 3 "He restores my soul, He guides me in paths of righteousness for His name's sake."

HE RESTORES MY SOUL--never ever forget this.  Nothing else in this world can do the same.

When I am lost confused, sad, angry, happy, excited, or questioning, CALL OUT to the Lord--He always restores my soul.  Do not turn to other things first.  FIRST go to the Lord--His Word (the Bible), worship songs to Him.  These help put life back into perspective and doing His will.

Lord thank you for always restoring my soul when I call out to You!

2013
This scripture holds an entirely different meaning for me today.  Psalm 23 just happened to by my (by marriage) Great Grandpa Leon's favorite scripture.  We read it to him on the day he went to heaven just over a month ago.  Grandpa Leon was full of wisdom.  An almost 94 year old man, he loved the Lord more than anything and he was the happiest man I have ever met.  Probably because the Lord restored his soul DAILY.  Lord may I live a life like Grandpa Leon did: calling on you DAILY, and being restored DAILY, so I may take those righteous paths you guide me on, ALL for Your Glory! Amen

Day 12: Repent

Day 12: Repent

Acts 26: 20 " I preached that they should repent and turn to God and prove their repentance by their deeds."

One can repent over and over again for the same sin.  But if he does not prove his repentance by trying to make better choices--his repentance is not meaningful.

I know the sins that I repent often--pride, gossip, selfishness, independence, and patience to name a few.  I need not only to ask the Lord for His forgiveness for these sins, but I also must do my best to not commit these sins again and again.

2013
It is true.  We are all human and we ALL fall short of the glory of God.  Sin is inevitable in our lives.  No I do not believe one should prove their love and thankfulness for the Lord.  But if you are truly thankful and Love the Lord, you should want to be a better person.

Day 11: Dispute

Day 11: Dispute

Acts 25: 19 "Instead they had some points of dispute with him about a dead man named Jesus."

Why do they never believe?  What will it take for them to stop worshiping idols and start putting their faith in God and His son Jesus Christ?  They talk about Jesus as if he was just a man down the street who made false claims and performed magic.

May I never question the Father, Son, and the Holy Spirit.  Have FAITH.  Trust in the Lord and He will bless you!

Father God help me to not be swayed by society or to have doubt in your word.

Day 10: I admit

Day 10: I admit
Numbers 1, 2; Acts 24

Acts 24: 14-15 "However, I admit that I worship the God of our fathers as a follower of the way, which they call a sect. I believe everything that agrees with the Law and that is written in the Prophets, and I have the same hope in God as these men, that there will be a resurrection of both righteous and the wicked. So I strive always to keep my conscience clear before God and man."

Paul wants to be honest and true with God and man.  Honesty will set you free!

If I am honest with myself and with God (He already knows my heart anyways ;-) it will be much easier to be honest with man.

Lord give me the courage to be honest with you and with man.  My conscience will then be clear!

Day 9: Stubbord Pride

Day 9: Stubborn Pride
Leviticus 26, 27; Acts 23

Leviticus 26:19 "I will break down your stubborn pride and make the sky above you like iron and the ground beneath you like bronze."

God will continue to break you until you give you all to Him.  He doesn't want us to be prideful and independent.  He wants us to be dependent only on Him. 

May I continue to be a living sacrifice for the Lord.  When he breaks me of my pride, it is because I have become too dependent on myself.

Lord may I always listen to you.  If I am dependent only on you, your wake up calls, when I go slightly astray, won't have to involve BREAKING my pride.  Just the same help me to remember I am human and imperfect.

Day 8: Youth sins

Day 8: Youth sins
Leviticus 25; Psalms 25-26; Acts 22

Ps 25:7 "Remember no the sins of my youth and my rebellious ways; according to your love remember me for you are Good, O Lord."

2010
The Lord does not hold grudges for your mistakes.  If you repent of your sins, ask for His forgiveness, and forgive yourself, you can move on and focus on doing God's will for your life.

I like everyone have a story--a testimony.  No I am not proud of every decision I have ever made in my past, but these are the decisions have made me who I am today.

Lord help me to love myself as you are Good and Love me.  Help me to be happy for the lessons I've learned because they have brought me closer to you.  Help me also not to make the same mistakes twice.

2013
Lord thank you for the person that you have made me.  I didn't come to know you until I was in college and because of that, I was very sinful and rebellious.  I lived a very lonely and sad life until I met you.  Not that I am thrilled with the fact that I feel part of my purpose you have given me is sharing my testimony with youth; frankly the thought scares and embarrasses me.  But I am very passionate sharing my story because I know how lonely a life of sin and rebellion can be.  I want kids to know they don't have to live that life.  They don't have to make those same mistakes.  They can choose a life with God now and save a lot of heartache and pain.  No, a life doing God's will isn't always easier, I imagine especially in junior high and high school it can be very difficult with all the peer pressure and temptations.  But delayed gratification should be one's key focus.  Junior high and high school are a temporary part of life, Jesus is forever.

Day 7: Pure Heart

Day 7: Pure Heart
Leviticus 23, 24; Psalm 24; Acts 21

Ps 24: 4-5 "He who has clean hands and a pure heart, who does not lift up his soul to an idol or swear by what is false. He will receive blessing from the Lord."

2010
Clean hands = guiltless actions
Pure heart = right attitudes and motives

2013
Live a righteous life and you will be blessed by God.  Don't let the temptations of this world take your focus from what is good and what is right.  Keep your eyes in the light and stay away from darkness.  Light will lead to more light but darkness will lead to more darkness. 

I want to keep my hands clean of any wrong actions and my heart pure of any wrong motives and sour attitudes.  Do things as Jesus would.

Lord help me to have clean hands and a pure heart for you--to show you my love and gratitude for all that you have done for me.  Amen

Day 6: My Task

Day 6: My Task
Leviticus 20-22; Acts 20

Acts 20:24 "I consider my life worth nothing to me if only I may finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me--the task of testifying to the Gospel of God's grace"

2013
God has given every creature of this earth a purpose.  To go along with that purpose gifts and talents to complete that purpose...to run life's race.  Unless you fulfill God's purpose for your life, something will feel missing.  You are who you are and you have the testimony you have for a reason.  Use your gifts and your testimony to share the Good News with others...so you may show them love.  By loving others you will love God.

Recently Eric and I have been asked to be youth leaders of our church in Wheatland.  Today we are meeting with the pastor to find out more about the position and pray for an answer.  It's funny because not only has God been telling me to start a blog, but He has also been tugging at me to share my testimony with youth.  This could definitely be part of my purpose.

Father God I have felt pretty clear signs from you about leading youth group at our church.  From pastor's message on leaving your comfort zone, feeling the need to share my story with young people, being specifically asked by the church to do so, and reading this very scripture today.  Please Lord if this is your will for my family, let it be known and give us the gifts and talents to run this race worthy of You.  Thank you! Amen