Breathe On Me Lord

Scripture
John 20:22-23 Then he breathed on them and said, “Receive the Holy Spirit.  If you forgive anyone’s sins, they are forgiven. If you do not forgive them, they are not forgiven.”

Observation
After reading these verses this morning, I was reminded of the 'dry bones' in Ezekiel 37:1-14 . . . can these bones live?  Lord, You know.  I love verse Ezekiel 37:14 "I will put My Spirit within you, and you will come to life . . ."  Jesus breathes on His disciples, and they receive the Holy Spirit at His word.  Jesus Christ is Savior, Baptizer with the Holy Spirit, Healer, and the Soon Coming King! Jesus Christ, the same yesterday, today, and forever. Hebrews 13:8  - a Bible verse displayed in Foursquare Churches around the world.  He's the same today - He still breathes on His followers and we can receive His Holy Spirit power!  Power to love, power to forgive!   

Application
I believe that God loves me, forgives me, and wants to empower me and bring life to areas of my life that are dead and lifeless. The breath of God gives hope, extends grace, love, forgiveness, and fruitfulness; and it's is mine for the asking.  Ask and it will be given to you, seek and you will find; knock and it will be opened to you.  

Prayer
Father, I ask that You would breathe on me, I need You.  Revive me, refresh, restore me, I pray.  Help me to forgive and not carry a grudge.  May I live my life in such a way that will bring glory to Your Name.    

The B I B L E

Scriptures 2 Timothy 3:16-17  All scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives.  It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right.  God uses it to prepare and equip his people to do every good work.  

Hebrews 4:12  For the word of God is alive and active.  Sharper than any double edged sword it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow, it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.  

Observation
The word of God, the B I B L E is God breathed, inspired by the Holy Spirit and powerful.  It teaches us the truth, revealing Jesus as the Way, the Truth, and the Life.  Jesus is the true and living God, God's Son.
Reading and meditating on God's word opens our eyes to areas we cannot see otherwise - where we are missing it.  It brings correction and not only corrects, but shows us the right things to do and tells us what is right and what is wrong.
God prepares us and equips us with His word to enable and empower us to do good works - good deeds.  He shows us  how to live life with others in ways that would honor Him.

Application
Read God's Word every day.  There are no substitutes.  Devotionals are ok and can even enhance our readings, but they are but leftovers of what someone else received from God.  Eat fresh manna every day where there are no worms or decay . . . 
Fresh bread!  Cool water!  The Word revives me, restores me, and refreshes me!  It is able to teach me, rebuke me, correct me, and train me in righteousness.  I will be throughly equipped for every good work when I read God's word and am filled with His Holy Spirit!  

Prayer
Father, I thank You for the Bible, Your Word.  When I hunger and thirst, when my heart and flesh cry out to You - fill me O living God, fill me and overflow me with Your love and power.  Ready me for what You have prepared for me today.  May I find Your Word alive and active in my life today.  Adjust my thoughts and attitudes and help me respond to Your corrections quickly without excuses.  In Jesus Name, A-men.

'Those Were The Days My Friend'

Scripture
Job 29:1-7
I long for the years gone by when God took care of me.  When He lit up the way before me and I walked safely through the darkness.  When I was in my prime God's friendship was felt in my home.  The Almighty was still with me . . . those were the days!

Observation
Job comforts himself with visions & memories of the past.  Those were the days!  Reminiscing about the good ole days when God took care of him, when He walked with God and was 'friends' with God.  When his children were around him.  Those were the days . . . Job longs for those days gone by.  The days of former blessings, the days of favor and when everyone looked up to him.  When he helped others and everyone listened to him.  But now . . . things have changed.

Application
Looking back, remembering the former days can bring comfort but only fleeting.  I remember Lot's wife who was warned not to look back.  She did, and turned into a pillar of salt.  I recall the Israelites complaining, wishing they were back in Egypt.  They remembered only 'the fish which we used to eat free in Egypt, the cucumbers and the melons and the leeks and the onions and the garlic', but what they did not remember was the slavery, the bondage, the blood, sweat, & tears, and the horrific murders of their newborn sons.  They had forgotten their miraculous deliverance by God through Moses and only saw themselves as being stuck in the desert with only manna to eat.

There is a time to reflect and remember the past - we all do it.  But what about today?  
Today is the day the Lord has made!  I will rejoice and be glad in it!  Today I will hear His voice!  Today He will give me success!  Today I will pray to the Lord!  Today I will praise His Name!  Give me this day, today, my daily bread . . . Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, TODAY, and forever!  

Prayer
Father, let me see You today.  Let me hear Your voice today.  Let me long for You and not the former days where my memory will play tricks on me about days gone by.  Help me let go of the past and appreciate and be thankful for the great things You have done for me.  Keep my will, my eyes, and my mind set for following You and pressing on to the goal, forgetting what lies behind, and pressing onto to what lies ahead.  In Jesus Name, A-men.  

No Obstacle too Difficult

Scripture
Mark 16:3-4
They were saying to one another, "Who will roll away the stone for us from the entrance of the tomb?" Looking up, they saw that the stone had been rolled away, although it was extremely large.

Observation
On the way to the tomb Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James, and Salome purchased burial spices to anoint the body of their beloved Jesus.  They were talking about what they were going to do, and remembered that the grave was sealed!  A very large and heavy stone had been placed at the entrance of the tomb.  How would they roll away the stone? How would they access the body of Jesus to anoint Him with the spices?
"Uh, Mary, have you been working out and buffing up?  Do you think you will be able to move the stone?  Salome, what about you?  Maybe all 3 of us together will budge it enough to slip into the tomb . . . did anyone bring a torch?  It's probably dark in there.  Oh, what are we going to do?"  

But when  they arrived,  they looked up and saw that the stone had already been rolled aside!  

It's also interesting to me that Mary mother of James, Mary Magdalene, and Salome never did do what they intended to do - to anoint the body of Jesus.  Instead they met an angel wearing a white robe telling them, "Don't be alarmed.  You're looking for Jesus of Nazareth who was crucified.  Well, He isn't here, He is risen from the dead!  Look and see where they laid His body!  Now, go and tell His disciples, including Peter, . . . "  They had a new assignment, a new mission to 'go and tell.' 

Application
Look up!  Look to God!  There is nothing too difficult for Him!  He can remove any obstacle I face!  I must set my heart's direction to seek the Lord no matter what difficulties I may encounter.  Nothing can separate me from the love of God.   

Prayer
Dear God, You know what I have need of even before I ask.  You sometimes answer my prayers before I speak them.  Nothing can keep me from full access to You Lord when I seek You with my whole heart.   Keep me following You Lord, and looking to You.  Thank You that there is no obstacle too great for You.  
In Jesus Name, A-men.  

Romans 8:38-39 And I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from God’s love. Neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither our fears for today nor our worries about tomorrow—not even the powers of hell can separate us from God’s love.  No power in the sky above or in the earth below—indeed, nothing in all creation will ever be able to separate us from the love of God that is revealed in Christ Jesus our Lord.

No Turning Back

Scripture 
Psalm 85:8  I will hear what God the Lord will say; For He will speak peace to His people, to His godly ones; but let them not turn back to folly.

Observation
Hearing and taking to your heart all the words God speaks to those who are His.  He speaks peace to His godly children - but also warns them not to turn back to their twisted ways, 'for it would have been better for them never to have known the way of righteousness than after knowing it, to turn back from the holy commandment delivered to them.'  2 Peter 2:21  It would be like a dog retuning to its own vomit, or a pig after being cleaned, returning to wallow in the mire, filth, and mud.  

Application
Listen to what God is saying.  He speaks peace and lovingkindness to His children but listen also to the caution.  Don't turn back.  Keep moving forward, 'step by step'.  The past is passed! Let it go and walk with God!  Incline your heart to Him and confess your 'if only' or 'what if' thoughts and dreams to Him.  It's folly to look back.  Remember Lot's wife.  Don't get stuck.  God wants me to keep my eyes on Him.  When I look back, I lose momentum and direction to where He is leading me.  I will miss what He has for me today!

Prayer
Father, keep my ear tuned to Your voice.  Help me to keep taking steps with You and to walk with You.  Hold me Lord.  Lead me with Your Holy Spirit in the path You have for me today.  
Isaiah 41:10  Do not fear, for I am with you; Do not anxiously look about you, for I am your God.  I will strengthen you and surely I will help you.  Surely, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand."  
"I have decided to follow Jesus, no turning back . . . no turning back."  Thank You Lord.  In Jesus Name, A-men.  

Moody Moose

Scripture

Colossians 3:17, 23, 24b
Whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through Him to God the Father.  
Whatever you do, do your work heartily as for the Lord rather than for men.  
It is the Lord Christ whom you serve.

Observation
No matter what we say to others, or the good things we might do for people, be sure to do it as a representative of Jesus Christ and for His glory.  Say 'thank You' to God our Father, through the One who alone made it possible for us to have relationship with Him.  Live your life with all your heart and soul to please God rather than people.  Always remember, it's the Lord Jesus Christ you are serving, whether it's good or bad, through trials and suffering, loss or gain, it's all for Him - it's all about Him.

Application (from today's Life Journal readings) 1 Kings 20:43, 21:4-5 & 2 Chronicles 17:6, 9
I need to watch my attitude and responses to things that irritate me.  How am I responding to the Lord?  Am I 'sullen and vexed' like King Ahab because things aren't going my way? Am I shut up in my room sulking and despondent, laying on my bed, face turned away, and not even going to eat because of the way I feel?  Or am I joyfully full of thanks and praise to the Lord like King Jehoshaphat?  Am I taking pride in the ways of the Lord and sharing the good news of Jesus Christ?  
Hmmm, I have to say I see myself in both these people of the Old Testament.  I have to remember, that I am the Lord's - and it is the Lord I am serving - I am His representative!  A Christ follower!

Prayer
Father, thank You for times of lovingly correcting me when I need it, and please don't let me become a 'moody moose;' smiling one minute and crying the next.  (Sweet Pickles books).  
May I serve You with joy and thankfulness, ready to do Your will for Your pleasure.   Whatever the circumstances of life and death, may my life reflect Jesus Christ living in and through me.    
In His Glorious Name, I pray.  A-men.

Change Me Lord

Scripture
Philippians 2:3-4  Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility of mind regard one another as more important than yourselves.  Do not merely look out for your own personal interests, but for the interests of others.  

Observation
We need to be humble, loving, kind, unselfish, self-sacrificing, with a servant attitude, considering others above ourselves, having the mind of Christ.

Application
Easier said than done.  But it needs to be said so we can have some sort of measurement as to how we should be.  Is it attainable?  Only with the working of God in my heart and the power of the Holy Spirit can I ever hope to be all God wants me to be. 

After reading 1 Kings 12 and then Philippians 2 in my reading today,  I can really see a contrast in the way King Rehoboam decided to treat people and the way King Jesus wants us to behave towards people.  After being counseled by Jeroboam, and seeking advice not only from his elders, but also from his not so wise peers - Rehoboam decided to take the foolish counsel of his peers.  Jeroboam and the elders advised, 'treat the people kindly, serve them, speak good words to them and you will win their hearts! They will serve you forever!' But instead Rehoboam took the counsel of his friends - to be 'harsh, mean, and threatening, worse than his father ever was - discipline with scorpions!'  The result was a kingdom divided.

I need to have the attitude and mind of Christ Jesus.  To love God and love people.  I know God is working in me to will and work for His good pleasure.  I feel it when I am abrasive or grumbling and argumentative, and I feel the conviction of the Holy Spirit showing me how like Rehoboam I still am.  My heart's cry is 'Oh, to be like Jesus! Help me Lord, I am so wretched sometimes and I can't even stand myself.'  

Prayer
O God, You are my God, teach me, correct me, adjust these attitudes that creep in and surface.  Forgive me I pray.  I want to be like Jesus and only You can complete in me what You have started.  I'm in for the long haul Lord.  Whatever it takes - change me.  Thank You Lord.

God's Faithfulness

Scripture
1 Thessalonians 5:24
Faithful is He who calls you, and He also will bring it to pass.

Observation
God is faithful, reliable, and trustworthy, and He has called us into fellowship with His Son, Jesus Christ.  He will strengthen and protect us and complete the work He has begun in us.
  
Application
Wait for the Lord!  Don't get ahead of God.  Complete the assignment God has given me.  Don't quit or get side tracked.  Keep pressing on and finish well.  Faithful is He who called me, and He ALSO will bring it to pass.

I think about Solomon's call from God, chosen to be King.  In the story, it looks like it's not going to happen.  His half brother Adonijah, exalts himself, gathers a following, and decides he will be King.   Instead of becoming King, it seems Solomon and his mama are going to be 'toast'!  But God's plan, His timing, and His ways are perfect.  Nathan the prophet speaks to Bathsheba and together, they get King David to realize he has a very important promise to fulfill, to make Solomon King after him.  Don't get side tracked with Abishag, David.  You aren't finished yet!  You have a significant task to accomplish - to establish Solomon as King so that he may build the temple of God.  

Prayer
Father, I'm not done until You say I'm done and take me home.  
I love Your Word Lord, I love the stories, the examples, Your 'timeless truths and changeless love' that I can live by.   I love that You love me, and saved me.  I love that You willingly died for me and have forgiven me for every sin, I love that You are patient with me and love me even when I fall.  I love Your faithfulness, that You strengthen, encourage, and watch over me,  I love that You are with me every day and promise never to leave me nor forsake me.  I love that even now You are preparing a place for me to be with You forever, and I love that nothing can ever ever separate me from You.
Thank You Lord.  You are faithful.  I want to be like You.  Please complete in me what You have begun.  In Jesus Name, A-men.

No Disconnect

What makes you feel disconnected from God?  

I was asked that question recently and knew right away what my answer would be.  Two things came to mind.  If I stop singing, and if I don't regularly pray in Spirit.  Then I feel that disconnect.  Yes, I know there are other things that can make us feel disconnected, but those two were the ones for me that most make me feel like there's a disconnect.

Since giving my heart to Jesus over 43 years ago, I love to sing!  Sing to the Lord, sing to my kids, my grandkids, and sing to myself, or whoever is around, doesn't matter . . . I start to sing.  For me it can be difficult to hold the song in, when you just can't help singing.  

There was a time when the singing stopped for a time.  I hadn't realized it, but my son Johnny brought it to my attention.  We were in UCSF in the cancer ward - Johnny was going through chemotherapy and things were not looking good.  Louie (my dear husband), and our other boys were so far away from us in Carson City.  Separated by the miles with schedules of work and school, there were times we just couldn't all be together during this 'regimen of treatment.'  It made me sad.  I quit singing.  And Johnny reminded me, 'Mom, you aren't singing.'  I smiled a weak smile.  I opened my Bible and thought I need to read a Psalm right now.  This is what I read - and after each verse I thought these things:
Psalm 137:1-6 
By the rivers of Babylon, There we sat down and wept, When we remembered Zion.  
O how I weep for my home, my family, my friends. 
Upon the willows in the midst of it We hung our harps. 
I hung up my voice, my music, my song.
 For there our captors demanded of us songs, And our tormentors mirth, saying, “Sing us one of the songs of Zion.”  
I felt that Satan was tormenting me - sing now to the Lord - don't you have a song in your heart now?
How can we sing the LORD’S song In a foreign land?  
How can I NOT sing to the Lord?  He's who is sustaining me - keeping me upright and strong in the midst of this battle!
If I forget you, O Jerusalem, May my right hand forget her skill.  May my tongue cling to the roof of my mouth If I do not remember you, If I do not exalt Jerusalem above my chief joy.  
O Lord, forgive me!  I have quit singing - please don't let me forget You, I do exalt You Lord, You are my joy and my song!  
And I began to sing, but even now if the singing stops, I feel disconnected and I remember, I will sing to the Lord.

After Johnny went to be with Jesus, I found great comfort and peace when I prayed in the Spirit.  The Bible tells us to build yourselves up, edify yourself, by praying in the Spirit, yes, pray in your understanding but also pray in the Holy Spirit.  I must use and practice my spiritual language that was given when I received the baptism of the Holy Spirit by the laying on of hands.  

No, I may not understand what I may be saying, but inwardly the Holy Spirit is building my faith in Jesus Christ.  I become stronger in what and Who I believe in.  So, never let a day go by, without praying in the Spirit.  The power of the Holy Spirit makes me a bold witness of the great things God is doing in my life, and gives me gifts to give away so that others will know God is REAL, He is ALIVE, and I want to share that with everyone!  So when I get downcast and feel disconnected - I pray in the Spirit.  

Jude 20 But you, beloved, building yourselves up on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Spirit,

Eph 5:19 Speaking to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody with your heart to the Lord;

Look Up!

Scripture
Galatians 6:9
Let us not lose heart in doing good, for in due time we will reap if we do not grow weary.

Observation
Have endurance, patience, be steadfast.  Establish and strengthen your heart.  Do not be fainthearted, because in the right moment, the season of harvesting, we will reap the fruit and good rewards of what we have been sowing into the lives of others.  Don't give up or be too tired - keep at it!

Application
Look up!  When I look down and see what I have been planting, all I see is dirt, weeds, and the unfinished work of my labors, and know there is so much more to do.  I feel tired, and the sweat dripping off my brow, the stinging tears in my eyes.  I see the birds eating what I have just sown - there are thorns and fallow ground not yet turned.  On days like this, I feel like giving up - like it will never happen.  
But God says, 'Look Up!'  Look to Him for my strength.  Don't quit!  Keep sowing!  Keep doing good!  The Bible says I will reap if I don't grow weary.  God is my strength when I am weak.  Look up, and see what GREAT things God is doing!  Remember what He has already done!  Look to Jesus and keep pressing on.  When I am only looking down, I'm focused only on what I can see.  But when I look up to God, I begin to worship and sing, and pray to Him, and my perspective changes and I begin see what God sees.  
Prayer
God, show me what You see.  Show me what You will do.  Help me to keep doing what You have called me to do and not lose heart.  I want to finish well.  
In Jesus Name, A-men.

Marching Orders

Scripture 
Deuteronomy 1:6-8 The Lord our God spoke to us at Horeb, saying, 'You have stayed long enough at this mountain.  Turn and set your journey, and go to the hill country of the Amorites, and to all their neighbors in the Arabah, in the hill country and in the lowland and in the Negev and by the seacoast, the land of the Canaanites, and Lebanon, as far as the great river, the river Euphrates.  See, I have placed the land before you; go in and possess the land which the Lord swore to give to your fathers, to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob, to them and their descendants after them.'

Observation
The Lord says, "OK, it's time to move!  You've stayed long enough in this place!  No more aimless wanderings in circles around the mountain, no more hanging back!  It's time to move forward and possess the promise for you and your children, and your children's children.  You have your marching orders!"

Application
Be equipped, be ready, armed for battle, turn and go!  The Lord has placed the promise before me and it is the promise that is for me and my children!  Obey, trust, have courage, have faith, and follow the Lord.  Love Him with all my heart, and take hold of what He has given me today!  Forward March!

Prayer
O Father God, 'Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.'  I hear You calling me and saying it's time to move forward.  It's time to possess the promises You have given me.  You lead me and guide me in the direction and path I will go.  (Ex. 33:15)  "If Your Presence does not go with me, do not lead me up from here."  
Change is difficult Lord.  Help me to embrace the 'new' and let go of the 'old'.  I'm ready to move forward and follow You.  In Jesus Name,  A-men.

Serving

Scripture
Acts 6:3-5,8,10 Therefore, brethren seek out from among you 7 men of good reputation, full of the Holy Spirit and wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business, but we will give ourselves continually to prayer and to the ministry of the word.  And the saying pleased the whole multitude.  And they chose Stephen a man full of faith and the Holy Spirit.  
v8  And Stephen, full of faith and power did great wonders and signs among the people.
v10 And they were not able to resist the wisdom and the Spirit by which he spoke.

Observation
The Church is growing and there are now a multitude of Christ followers, and with the increasing number of disciples comes its challenges and the need for more oversight of areas.  Those selected needed to be qualified for the position, good reputation, full of the Holy Spirit, wisdom, and faith . . . and these were the cafe' workers managing the food pantry, serving tables, and caring for the widows.
The apostles then were free to pray and minister God's word and not have to worry about the business part of ministry.

Application
Serving in this capacity does not limit the Holy Spirit power working through those serving - it enhances what God wants to do.  So I will serve wherever needed!  No matter what we do in service for the Lord and His work, God can use us.  Whether it's food distribution, ushering, cleaning the church, singing on the worship team, teaching Sunday School, office work, serving in Youth Group, or even giving a missions report, or being part of a mission outreach, no matter where I serve, God will be glorified when I give Him my all.  The Holy Spirit working through me will bless the multitudes accompanied with signs, wonders, and miracles.

Prayer
Father, serving You, loving You, loving and serving people is all part of worship. Your Holy Spirit will meet the needs of the people as I avail myself to be used by You.  The Holy Spirit who lives in me, is the same Spirit who worked through Stephen who did signs, wonders, and miracles speaking with such wisdom the people were not able to resist the words that flowed from his mouth; who when people looked on him, they saw the face of an angel.  
Shine Jesus Shine through this yielded vessel I pray and bring glory and honor to Your Holy Name, in Jesus Name, A-men.

Here I Am, Send Me

Scripture

Acts 5:29, 40, 42  But Peter and the apostles answered, "We must obey God rather than men."  ... and after calling the apostles in, they flogged them and ordered them not to speak in the name of Jesus, and then released them.  And everyday, in the temple and from house to house they kept right on teaching and preaching Jesus as the Christ.

Observation  

Standing up before the Council and being questioned by the high priest, the apostles spoke boldly before these religious, learned men who were jealous because of the apostles increasing popularity among the multitudes.  Not only were they jealous, they were also perplexed that these guys were out of prison - 'Didn't we put them in jail - who let them out?  And what are they doing?  Teaching again publicly, out in the open, telling crowds of people about Jesus.  Preaching in that name after we told them not to!'  
Peter and the apostles stated clearly, they must obey God rather than man.  They were beaten and warned not to teach or preach in the name of Jesus.  But they did anyway.  They went every day to the temple and the people would gather to hear them.  They went to private homes, to any who would listen, they proclaimed the good news of Jesus Christ, and were not afraid of what man might do to them.  They instead rejoiced that they were considered worthy to suffer shame for Jesus. 

Application  

I too choose to obey God and proclaim my faith to whoever will listen.  I don't need to be afraid of rejection or even verbal or physical abuse when I am obeying God.  I will trust God for the outcome of the words of life and salvation.  Some of the hearers may even plug their ears when they hear His name, unless it were to be used in a profane way.  I know I can speak boldly for Christ, I can trust in the Him for safety.  

I remember a mission trip to Mexico City back in 1985.  We were doing street drama, singing gospel songs in Spanish, and managing a puppet theater too.  It was exciting in that we were drawing a crowd of spectators - until the tomatoes started to fly and then we ran for cover.  Wow!  We got blasted by tomatoes for sharing about Jesus.  Later two of our high school boys on the team, began playing soccer and it wasn't long before the Hispanic boys that threw the tomatoes at us, joined the game.  After some sweat, great ball handling, and fun - we invited the players to a home meeting to feed them dinner and hear about Jesus.  A couple of them came, and ended up receiving Jesus as their Savior.  What started out to be a bit scarey for us had an interesting outcome.  Thanks to God.

Prayer 

Father God, Isaiah 6:8 says, 'Also I heard the voice of the Lord, saying: “Whom shall I send, And who will go for Us?” Then I said, “Here am I! Send me.”  I love that verse Lord -  because I hear You asking that question even now.  So my response is, 'Here I am Lord, send me' - I'm not afraid.  I'm trusting You for the outcome.  Give me the confidence and boldness, wisdom, and the saving words to speak at the right moment.  Fill my mouth and I will speak in Jesus' Holy Name.  Thank You for the privilege to serve You.  A-men.

Vows

Scripture 

Genesis 31:13,18, 20 

“I am the God of Bethel, where you anointed a pillar, where you made a vow to Me.  Now arise, leave this land, and return to the land of your birth.”

Now Jacob came safely to the city of Shechem, which is in the land of Canaan

Then he erected there an altar and called it El-Elohe-Israel (The Mighty God of Israel).

Observation  

Jacob’s name was changed to Israel after he wrestled all night with the angel of God – face to face with God.  Jacob’s vow to God, when he had the dream in Bethel: Genesis 28:20  “If God will be with me and will keep me on this journey that I take and will give me food to eat and garments to wear and I return to my father’s house in safety, then the Lord will be my God.”

Jacob – ‘Israel’ erects an altar and fulfills his vow to God, the Mighty God of Israel.  Proclaiming, that God is now His God – the God of “Israel”. 

Application  

God’s faithfulness, blessing and mercy is evident through 20 years of working for Laban, (his uncle and father-in-law).   Even though Laban was unfair and deceitful to Jacob, God prospered Jacob, and showed Himself strong in his life. 

I too, remember God’s faithfulness to me, and I remember the vows and promises I have made to Him.  And Lord, I will fulfill my vows.  Psalm 76:11 Make vows to the Lord your God and fulfill them.

Prayer 

Father God, You have said You are with me and that You will never leave me nor forsake me.  You have brought me to an open place where there is peace.  You have blessed me abundantly with a relationship with You, and blessed me with a family, and many friends.  You have led me and guided me and have given me hope, purpose, and a destiny I know I will fulfill.  You are my God, the Mighty God who always does great and wonderful things!  I pray you continue to show Yourself strong in my life as I follow you and obey you all the days of my life – this is my vow.   For Your glory.  In Jesus Name, Your maidservant.  A-men.

PS  Release me Lord I pray, from vows made mindlessly and foolishly and help me to fulfill the vows that lead me to a closer walk with You.  A-men.

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Living 'Under the Influence'

Scripture: Luke 4:1  Jesus, full of the Holy Spirit, returned from the Jordan and was led around by the Spirit in the wilderness.

Observation:  Jesus lived His earthly life led around, 'under the influence' of the Holy Spirit.  He was full of the Holy Spirit and withstood temptations, attacks from the enemy, He taught with eloquence, power, and authority.  He cast out devils, healed the sick, eluded hostile crowds, and the news spread of Him! Everyone was talking about Him!  And yet, Jesus found time to go to secluded, desolate places, or mountains, to be alone with God and pray.  

Application:  I want to live my life 'under the influence' of the Holy Spirit of God.  Totally trusting in Him, empowered to spread the good news; praying for those in need of healing or deliverance from the grips of evil.  Like Jesus, I need to be alone with God and pray.  It seems to be the most important thing I can ever do.  Praying and solitude, being filled to the full with the power of God to then go among the people, to be a yielded vessel for my Master's use; that He might be glorified in the great things He has done through my obedience to His will.

Prayer:  You are God in Heaven O Father!  There is none like You.  May I make those times with You my #1 priority.  To sit at Your feet and learn of You.  To cast all my care on You and that You would breakdown every barrier, and reveal anything in me that is not pleasing to You.  
I hear You say, 'come away', be filled, be refreshed, press in, go deeper still . . .  listen and obey.  This is my desire Lord, this is my prayer.  In Jesus Name, A-men.