Come to the Cross

Scripture
Mark 6:20 - 26
For Herod was afraid of John, knowing that he was a righteous and holy man, and kept him safe.  And then when he heard him, he was very perplexed; but he use to enjoy listening to him. 

Observation
Herod was afraid of John the Baptist because he knew he was a man sent from God (John 1:6).  He was God's messenger.  John preached a baptism of repentance and forgiveness of sins.  All the country of Judea, and all the people of Jerusalem were going out to him and they were being baptized by John in the Jordan River confessing their sins.  Herod kept John safe and was puzzled and uncertain, even bewildered but gladly listened to John.

Application
The Holy Spirit was at work in the heart of Herod.  He was aware of God's presence in John and was drawn to 'hear him' but did nothing to turn his heart to God and repent of his sins.  John was a man sent from God and walked in obedience to God and was righteous and holy.  God was the One who kept John safe - not Herod.  John's life ended because his days were fulfilled and his mission on earth accomplished.   
The Holy Spirit brings conviction that leads us to repentance but if we reject Him, we end up sinning even more.  Herod's adulterous sin with Herodias, his brother Philip's wife, eventually led him to murder the very man he was 'keeping safe,' who had spoken LIFE and TRUTH to him.  

Prayer 
Father, I pray as your Holy Spirit works in my life and convicts me of sins, that I will turn to You quickly, in total surrender and repentance.  Help me come to the cross of Jesus.  I want to be a do-er of the Word and not just a glad hearer of the Word.  I don't want my ears 'tickled' with the Words of Life, but I want to take them to heart and obey You.  Draw me close to You O God and never let me go.  Forgive me of all my sin and cover me with the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ I pray.  
In Jesus Name, A-men.

Storms of Life

Scripture 
Mark 4:35
On that day, when evening came, He said to them, "Let us go over to the other side."  Leaving the crowd, they took Him along with them, just as He was; and other boats were with Him.  and there arose a fierce gale of wind, and the waves were breaking over the boat so much that the boat was already filling up.  Jesus Himself was in the stern, asleep on the cushion; and they woke Him and said to Him, "Teacher, do You not care that we are perishing?"  And He got up and rebuked the wind and said to the sea, "Hush, be still."  And the wind died down it became perfectly calm.  And He said to them, "Why are you afraid?  Do you still have no faith?"  

Observation
Other boats were with Him as well as the one Jesus was in.  The storm caused the waves to swell and the boats were taking in water!  I wonder how the other boats were doing.  Yet Jesus sleeps in the disciples boat.  Doesn't He care?
Sometimes it seems Jesus sleeps through the 'storms' we experience.  Where is He when we are trying to keep the boat afloat and our heads above the water?  Why are we so timid and unbelieving when we are going through times of trouble?  We know Jesus is with us, but nothing is happening and we feel we are sinking!  Isn't it enough to know He is with us?  Does He have to be doing something like 'bailing' us  out of our predicament for us to believe?   

Application
I hear the Lord saying, "Trust, have faith.  Don't be afraid, I Am with you."  Hush, be still O waves and wind!  Hush be still O my soul because I trust in God and have peace, because He is with me. 

Prayer 
Father, thank You for Your Presence.  May I trust and believe and have faith in You in all life's situations.  I know You are with me and fully aware of every detail that concerns me.  I know sometimes I am afraid when the storm is raging around me . . . calm my fears I pray.  I pray for all those experiencing real life storms today - especially those in harms way on the East Coast of our nation.  May they feel Your Presence and Your Peace as they trust in You and have faith knowing You are there.   
In Jesus Name, 
A-men.

No Fear

Scripture  
John 19:38  After these things Joseph of Arimathea, being a disciple of Jesus, but a secret one for fear of the Jews... Mark 15:43  Joseph gathered courage and went to Pilate for the body of Jesus.  

Observation  
Joseph of Arimathea, a prominent member of the council, was a secret follower of Jesus because he was fearful of the Jewish leaders.  Would they try to kill him?  What would they say about him if they knew?  What would they do to him?  His family?  Would he lose his reputation?  Although very much afraid,  Joseph 'gathered courage' and went to Pilate and boldly asked him for the body of Jesus that he might give him a decent burial.  

Application  
I am a Christ follower - a disciple of Jesus Christ.  I will shout it from the mountaintops, and sing of His praise quite freely now.  But there were times early on in my walk with Jesus that I was once like Joseph; I was a secret disciple too.  I was afraid of what others would think of me - those who knew the 'old' me.  Why was I afraid to speak up and tell my family, my friends, that 'I'm saved!  I'm forgiven!  I've met Jesus!  I've been baptized with the Holy Spirit of God and He has empowered me to go and tell of all the great things He has done for me!'  But, I was shy, timid, so afraid and hesitant.  Yes, I was a secret disciple too, but no longer. 

So, how do I gather courage?  How do I overcome the horrendous obstacle of fear?  

• I pray.  I ask for courage.  I've learned that God will give me what I need when I need it.  I remember it's ok to be afraid, and I still get a bit scared when I know I'm going to share with someone about Jesus or pray for them.  It's ok to fail too, but I've made a decision to be a life long learner and listener of Jesus and I will obey Him.  
• I recall scripture verses that have helped me when my knees are knocking.  The fear of man is a snare.  God has not given to you a spirit of fear, but of power, and of love, and a sound mind.  Fear not, for I am with you. When I am weak then He is strong.  Choose you this day who you will serve.  Keep pressing on.  Whatever He says, do it.  

That's what I do when I am afraid.  Bottom line, I trust in Him.  

Prayer  
O God, You are my God and I will ever praise You!  You teach me and show me Your ways and help me to find the words that I could not express otherwise.  You give boldness to this unlearned uneducated vessel and I give You thanks.  I'm amazed by Your great love and embrace the adventures You have prepared for me to walk in each day.  May I bring glory to Your awesome Name.  Show Yourself strong and save many.   In Jesus Name, A-men. 

With God - all things are possible!

Scripture

2 Kings 18:2-3, 5, 6  (2 Chronicles 29:1-2)

Hezekiah was 25 years old when he became king, and he reigned 29 years in Jerusalem; and his mother's name was Abi the daughter of Zechariah.  He did right in the sight of the Lord, according to all the his father David had done. v5 He trusted in the Lord, the God of Israel.  

v6 He clung to the Lord and did not depart from following His commandments.  

Observation 

Hezekiah was 25 years old when he became king reigning in Jerusalem for 29 years.  He did right before God - he trusted and clung to the Lord as his 'father' David had done.  His mom, was Abi, daughter of Zechariah.   Hezekiah had good 'influencers' in his life.  His mom, perhaps his grandfather Zechariah, and his 'father', David.  He was trained, instructed, admonished, corrected, and shaped by 'influencers' in his young life preparing him for his reign as King.   Hezekiah learned to trust in God for all things, to cling to Him in all seasons of adversity and of plenty, and to obey God's Word - he took to heart everything that was taught to him.  And so, he did right in the sight of the Lord. 

Application

I want to be a good 'influencer' to my sons & daughters, grandkids, & to all the men, women, youth, & little ones God has blessed me to be around in this season of my life.  

We raised our 4 sons (& my nephew for 5 years), teaching them to love God and listen and obey what He says.  We brought them to church with us, sang songs about Jesus with them, read the Bible to them, & encouraged them to read it when they were old enough to read for themselves.  We tried to be godly examples of what it is to be a Christ follower not just on Sundays but everyday.  We used the BEST 'how to' manual ever written - The Holy Bible.   We loved, trained, taught, corrected our boys the best we knew how including popping them on the 'booty' when they needed it.  We tried to finish our correcting times with love, hugs, and prayers.  Consistency was my biggest challenge, but when you realize parenting is a major responsibility, a gift from God & a huge blessing - then you take it more seriously; and so I worked at being consistent with their upbringing.  It's hard & it takes a lot of work, but well worth it in the end.  Without God, it was impossible, but with God, all things are possible!  

Prayer

Father, there's a whole new generation coming up that need to be loved, trained, & raised to worship You.  I'm available & will do right according to what Your word says in doing my part - leading them to You and helping the parents to raise their offspring to be Christ followers and worshipers.  Thank You for the privilege to serve You in this way.  With You God, all things are possible!  In Jesus Name, A-men.  

'Christ Attitude'

Scripture
Phil 2:5  Have this attitude in yourselves which was also in Christ Jesus.
Romans 12:3 For through the grace given me, do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment in accordance with the measure of faith God has given you.


Observation
Be like Christ!  Die to your own fleshly desires & comforts, and do not think of yourself more highly than you should, but with sound judgment, in faith, use the gifts God has given you to help others.  Speak encouragement, love all people, be available, show affection, be compassionate, work together with a focused purpose, don't be selfish, & develop a servant heart, and smile more - that's a 'Christ Attitude!' and I want it!


Application
What can I do?  Humble myself.  Love, serve, and forgive, and ask God for the Holy Spirit to empower me to live with a 'Christ Attitude' every day, all my life.


Prayer
Father help me to have a 'Christ Attitude' all the time.  May Your Holy Spirit purge those things in me that just don't belong in a Christ follower.  Give me what I need to accomplish all you want me to do and how you want me to be.  In Jesus Name, A-men.

Mothers Day 2012

Happy Mother's Day and special greetings to all of you.  The Bible says that we should 'honor our father and our mother, which is the first commandment with promise: that it may go well with you and you may live long on the earth'.  (Eph.6:2-3)  

Today is a day we honor our mothers.  

* Spend time with your mother while she is still with you, 

* Forgive your mother, even when  . . . (If we have unforgiveness the Lord will show you; even if she is already gone.  Just let it go.  Bring it to God.)  

* Be a blessing today and receive a blessing from the Lord.  

There are many holy women of God in the Bible that we can read about; women that can influence us even today. They are women of God, just like us, that we are . . . becoming.   They were 'homebuilders'.  I want to be a 'homebuilder'.   My sons are all gone - grown with families of their own, but I still want to be a 'homebuilder' - for my husband, for my sons and daughters, and grandkids, and for extended family & friends that come for a visit. The things I do, the words I speak, my attitudes - all reflect whether I am a 'homebuilder' or foolishly tearing down my home.

I want to be adoring and submissive like Sarah, loving and loyal like Mary of Bethany, available and capable like Abigail, becoming and humble like Elizabeth, responsive and constant like Ruth, respectful and self sacrificing like Esther, virtuous and godly like Mary the Mother of Jesus Christ, full of faith like the Syrophoenician woman, and transformed by the Holy Spirit like Mary Magdalene.  

The Bible is full of wonderful stories of ordinary women who became 'women of God'.  This Mother's Day, I pray blessing, comfort, and strength, for each of us who desire to walk with God and become all He has called you to be as holy women of God.  In Jesus Name, A-men.  

Bit O Honey

Scripture
1 Samuel 14:26-27
When the people entered the forest, behold, there was a flow of honey; but no man put his hand to his mouth for the people feared the oath.  But Jonathan had not heard when his father had put the people under oath.  Therefore, he put out the end of the staff that was in his hand to his mouth and his eyes brightened.


Observation
The men of Israel were hard-pressed, distressed and oppressed, weary, hungry, and weak; for King Saul had put the people under oath, cursing anyone who eats food before evening until he had avenged himself on his enemies. 
But when they entered the forest, honey was dripping everywhere.  No one dared touch it - except Jonathan, Saul's son, who hadn't heard the order.  
Oh how tired, weak, hungry, and blurry-eyed Jonathan was!  And behold, there it was, honey everywhere!  He must've thought, 'Ah, Lord, how good You are to me, providing me 'daily sustenance' for this weary warrior.  Thank You Lord for providing for my needs.'  
He took his staff, dipped it in a 'bit o honey' and ate.   So Jonathan tasted, and his eyes brightened!  He could see clearly now, the fog had lifted, his strength returned.  He felt good, strong, and was ready to keep going!  
Oh how much more will our spiritual eyes be brightened, our countenance changed, our inner man strengthened when we partake of 'our daily bread' - the Word of God.  Our spirit will be revived, refreshed, and illuminated by the presence and power of God through that devotional time at His feet and in His Word!


Application
Reading the Bible every day and spending time with the Savior is of utmost importance in my walk with Him.  Gleaning for myself the  precious words God will speak to me through my reading, journaling, and meditations of Him, will renew and revitalize me physically, emotionally, and spiritually.   Other readings are good, but will not do for me what God's Word will do for my growth and well-being. 


Prayer
O taste and see that the Lord is good!  How sweet are Your words to my taste.  Sweeter also than honey and the honeycomb!  Father, thank You for daily bread and the sweetness of Your Word to my soul!  You strengthen me, and brighten my eyes with the 'bit o honey' of Your Word.  I can see and think more clearly when I look to You and draw my sustenance from Your Word.  I love You Lord.  I love Your Word.  In Jesus Name, A-men.


Psalm 19:7-10

7 The law of the LORD is perfect, converting the soul; The testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple;

8 The statutes of the LORD are right, rejoicing the heart; The commandment of the LORD is pure, enlightening the eyes;

9 The fear of the LORD is clean, enduring forever; The judgments of the LORD are true and righteous altogether.

10 More to be desired are they than gold, Yea, than much fine gold; Sweeter also than honey and the honeycomb.

A Treasure to Give Away

Scripture
2 Corinthians 4:7-10
But we have this treasure in earthen vessels so that the surpassing greatness of the power will be of God and not from ourselves; we are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed but not despairing; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed; always carrying about in the body the dying of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our body.


Observation
The message of Jesus Christ is carried around by us; mere clay pots on errand to deliver the good news to anyone who will listen & open their ears to hear us!  The power we have in this clay pot is from God, and He will receive the glory for all that we do with the treasure He has given us.  We should expect hardships, tribulations, and suffering!  But don't lose heart, we have hope in what Jesus has done for us in His suffering, persecution, crucifixion, and dying on the cross.  We have the life of Jesus in us shining through - no matter what comes our way!  


Application
This 'clay pot' though perishing & a bit cracked, is valuable to God and to those He sends me to because I carry the power of His Holy Spirit in me.  I carry HOPE!  I carry the LIFE of Jesus in my body to give away over and over.


Prayer
Father, as I head for the hospital today to pray blessing and comfort over one who will soon be passing from this life, I pray for Your Holy Spirit to shine through me and help me to give You glory in this 'assignment'.  Fill me afresh and anew with Your Holy Spirit power and give me what I need to reach this family for You.  Open their hearts in Jesus Holy and Precious Name.  A-men.


2 Corinthians 5:20
Therefore we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were making an appeal through us; we beg you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God.

Just Do It!

Scripture
Judges 4:8  Then Barak said to her, "If you will go with me, then I will go; but if you will not go with me, I will not go."


Observation
Barak recognized the 'presence of God' upon Deborah the Prophetess, Judge of Israel.  He was willing to face Sisera, the dreaded commander of Jabin's army only if Deborah would go with him.  Barak would be taking 10,000 men with him, but still he was intimidated by Sisera's 900 iron chariots, and his many troops.  Sisera had oppressed Israel severely for 20 years!  And it had left it's mark on Barak.    


God had given the command to 'GO!' and that He would deliver Sisera into their hands.  But Barak trusted more in Deborah than he did in God.  Barak wanted someone who he knew heard from God with him, flesh and blood - God's anointed leader.  He relinquished the honor he would have received by saying he wouldn't go without Deborah.  The honor would go to a woman now, not Barak.  God would see to it.  


Barak fought and pursued the enemy but it was Sisera who was the prize!  Sisera got away (on foot), and ended up in the tent of Heber the Kenite, sipping a cup of warm milk given to him by Jael, Heber's wife.  Sisera was so tired and sleepy after drinking his milk that he lay down and took a 'happy nappy'.  The enemy at her feet, Jael is divinely inspired to take a tent peg and hammer it through Sisera's temple shattering his skull and spattering his grey matter all over the carpet.  Hallelujah! 


Application
When God gives me a command or assignment - Just Do It!  Do it alone, do it without needing 'someone else' to go with me to be my encourager, my support, my mouthpiece, someone to lean on.  Just go and do it.  God will give me what I need, when I need it.  It's when I am weak and feeling totally ill-equipped for what God has said to do, that God will come through!


Prayer
Father, show yourself strong in my life.  There are times I feel intimidated by the enemy, and reluctant to step out to do what You want me to do.  Instead of looking around for someone more spiritual, more able to do it better, give ME courage, boldness, and faith to obey Your will.  I'm available.  I lean upon You and ask strength from You!  Fill me with Your Holy Spirit Power and may Your Presence be with me, to obey You to the full.  
In Jesus Name,  A-men.

Sacred Echo – the Black Watch tartan

This morning, my husband reminded me of a wonderful affirmation from God. 

The story:  

I had a glorious opportunity to be able to ‘hang out’ and walk with, and have devotions with renowned author and speaker, Margaret Feinberg while hiking 50 miles in the Scottish Highlands.  The trip would be a trip of a lifetime.  It came together for my husband, a Scotsman by heritage, to come along and be one of the drivers that would take our luggage to each nightly destination.  I would hike with Margaret and 5 other ladies from all parts of the nation. 

My trip had another purpose for me as well.  I was on a prayer mission and warring against cancer.  Every step I would take would be a tribute to my friends who were battling cancer, and for my friend who had recently passed away from her heroic battle, and for my son Johnny, who had fought valiantly in his fight against lymphoma.  I carried in my backpack, a signed handkerchief with all their names and their favorite scripture verses, to remember to pray for each one who was still struggling for their lives against this dreadful disease.

After the 3-day trek across the highlands with my beloved companions and our devoted drivers, we visited the Royal Mile and toured Edinburgh for several days.  Many memorable and cherished moments were spent together as a ‘group’ and then alone with my dear husband Louie. 

The trip for us was nearing an end and still we hadn’t found the gift Louie wanted to buy for me.  I wanted a Black Watch tartan shawl – the colors are a darkish blend of black, blue, and green.  I would use it for warmth in the morning to wrap around my shoulders while having my devotions with the Lord. 

We finally found the perfect tartan shawl!  It was beautiful Merlino lambswool, soft and warm – exquisite.

It was only later that we learned the significance of the  ‘Black Watch’ tartan pattern worn by a regiment of Scottish highlanders.  They were actually infantryman or FOOT soldiers of the highlands!  Foot soldier!  50-mile hike in the highlands!  That’s me Lord!

Warring spiritually with every step I took on this journey, this was an affirming ‘sacred echo’ from the Lord; that He was with me and has heard my cry for my friends in the fight against cancer!  I am an official ‘foot soldier’ and prayer warrior in the service of the Lord!  I have the foot soldier tartan!

Whether it’s the highlands of Scotland or the streets and high hills of Carson City, or wherever it may be, may God continue to give me grace and strength to fulfill what He has called me to do for the glory of ‘His Great Name’. 

In Jesus Name, A-men.

A Place for Everyone

Scripture
Numbers 10:29-32
Then Moses said to Hobab the son of Reuel the Midianite, Moses' father-in-law, "We are setting out to the place of which the Lord said, 'I will give it to you'; come with us and we will do you good, for the Lord has promised good concerning Israel."  But he said to him, "I will not come, but rather will go to my own land and relatives."  Then he said, "Please do not leave us, inasmuch as you know where we should camp in the wilderness, and you will be as eyes for us.  So it will be, if you go with us, that whatever good the Lord does for us, we will do for you."  This they set out from the mount of the Lord . . . 


Observation
Moses invites 'family' to come with him to the promised land.  He assures Hobab 'it will be good.'  But Hobab declines Moses' invitation and says he will go home to his own land and relatives - to the familiar, the comfortable safe place he calls 'home'.  But Moses doesn't give up!  He pleads with Hobab to 'come with us - you know all about the wilderness and you will be a help to us!  You have a place with us Hobab!   Come on Hobab, you won't regret it; whatever good the Lord does, we will do for you!'  So they go together . . . 


Application
Oh the blessed assurance of knowing Jesus is leading us and loves us so much!  He says, 'Come, and follow me' - but we must not forget to invite our family and friends!  Go and tell them about Jesus, share with them about the goodness of God!  There's a place for everyone!  God has a plan and a future for each one, a life with purpose!  So, reach out to those hesitant to come, and keep asking! 


Prayer
Father, what a great reminder to invite our unsaved family and friends to come join us in our walk with You.  Adventure, blessings, and promises, with a good eternal outcome awaits all those who come to Jesus!  There's a place for everyone in the family of God!  

L.I.F.E.

Scripture
Exodus 3:2-3  The angel of the Lord appeared to him in a blazing fire from the midst of the bush, and he looked, and behold, the bush was burning with fire, yet the bush was not consumed.  So Moses said, "I must turn aside now and see this marvelous sight, why the bush is not burned up."


Observation
The Lord got Moses' attention when he saw the bush on fire but not burning up.  Moses had to go and see this marvelous sight.  It was then that God spoke to Moses. . . 


Application
When one of the little ones I was watching recently decided to throw toys at a younger sibling, I gently placed my hand on their shoulder and said, 'You must not throw toys, someone will get hurt.'  A few minutes later, another toy flew across the room.  Eye contact, both hands on the shoulders, and a firm voice, 'Do not throw toys, someone could get hurt' - and a pop in the diaper area - commanded a response from the surprised little one that was testing boundaries, 'Yes Grammy, ok.  No more toy throwing.'  I got the little one's attention.


What does it take for God to get my attention?  God wants to speak to me and in the busyness of my day to day stuff, I have found myself deaf to the Holy Spirit promptings to 'Come away, stop what you are doing, listen, I want to talk with you.  Come and see what great and marvelous things I want to show you.'  
I must remember to 'Listen - to what God is saying to me,  Inquire - to ask Him to speak and teach me, Faith - to have faith and believe that He has a plan and purpose for me, and Experience - to live out what He says, and just do it.


Prayer
Father, I don't want to miss it! Help me stay focused and stay on course by nurturing my relationship with You by sitting at Your feet with eyes that are open to see You, ears that are open to hear You, and my heart open to love You more and more.  You have my attention Lord.  In Jesus Name, A-men.

The Lord Will Fight For You

Scripture
Exodus 15:9  The enemy said, "I will pursue, I will overtake, I will divide the spoil.  My desire shall be gratified against them; I will draw out my sword, my hand will destroy them."
Exodus 14:14 The Lord will fight for you while you keep silent.  
v 25 He caused their chariot wheels to swerve, He made them drive with difficulty . . . 


Observation
The enemy comes to kill, steal, and destroy; and he is relentless.  BUT, the Lord will fight for us - we need not say a word!  
The Lord caused their chariot wheels to literally come off!  The walls of water came crashing down on the enemy while God's people went through the sea on dry ground!  We are NOT defeated!  God is on our side!  The enemy was totally wiped out and God was honored and glorified!  The people feared the Lord that day, and put their trust in Him and in Moses.  


Application
Don't quit or give up in the midst of the assaults from the enemy.  Trust in God.  He sees (Ex. 14:24) and will bring the enemy into confusion.  He saves me and He's the One who will reign forever and ever!  


Prayer
Father, thank You for Your strength when I am weak, and for Your great power when I am powerless.  I can trust in You when the enemy pursues and wants to bring me down.  
I lift up my eyes unto Thee Almighty God, my help comes from You.  May I honor and glorify Your Name, You who reigns forever and ever.  In Jesus Name, A-men.

Believe - Have Faith

Scripture
Luke 1:19-20, 45
The angel answered and said to him, "I am Gabriel, who stands in the presence of God, and I have been sent to speak to you and to bring you this good news.  And behold, you shall be silent and unable to speak until the day when these things take place, because you did not believe my words, which will be fulfilled in their proper time."  
45 And blessed is she who believed that there would be a fulfillment of what had been spoken to her by the Lord. 


Observation
There are consequences to not believing in what God speaks to us.  Doubting limits us from receiving God's promises - faith and belief draw us closer.  Blessing comes when we believe that God will fulfill, complete, & finish what He says He will do.  His promise is a seal that binds our hearts to His.  If He says it, He will do it.


Application
Have faith!  Believe His words.  The things He has spoken will come to pass.  Put all doubting aside and trust in God and believe.


Prayer
Father, help my unbelief.  I do have faith and I believe.  The enemy of my soul tries to place seeds of doubt in my mind.  I draw near to You O God and place my whole being in Your loving care.  I trust You.  I love You.  In the midst of every life situation, let faith in You arise!  Crowd out every seed of doubt and let faith have the victory!  In Jesus Name, A-men.