Everything New!

Scripture
Revelation 21:5  He who was seated on the throne said, 'I am making everything new!'  Then He said, 'Write this down for these words are trustworthy and true.'

Observation
Last day of the year and a new year begins!  The King is on His throne!  He rules!  He reigns! No matter what is happening in my life or the world around me, God is still on the throne!  He makes all things new.  He gives us a new fresh start - a new beginning - a new perspective, a new attitude, a New Year to embrace.   
Write this down.  Take His word to heart.  Write down what He says, what He's doing, what His word is speaking because His words are trustworthy and true.  

Application
I can reflect on His love and faithfulness as I begin this new season of 'everything new'.  All things are possible with God to the one who believes - and He can do a new thing in me.   A new thing, fresh and different from what He has done before.  The old has passed away . . . the new is just beginning.  Let it begin today.   Don't wait for tomorrow! Write it down.  Journal what He has said.  Remember what He has already spoken and be renewed in the hope that God is still at work in me; to complete in me what He has begun - He hasn't given up on me.  It takes time and is a process - not immediate, but it will happen, it is happening.  
2016 is a new year.  I can look forward with great excitement and anticipation because God has a plan and purpose for me and will perform what He has promised.  

Prayer
Father, You give me hope!  Thank You for new beginnings!   May this New Year prove to be only a beginning for the new things You have planned for me as I walk with You 'Step by Step' led by Your Holy Spirit.  In Jesus Name, A-men.

Love God, Love People, Love Family

Scripture  
3 John 1:4  I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth.

Observation
Walking in the truth of God gives great joy to the Apostle Paul; that those he had taught about God have been faithful followers.  They continue to love and serve even those who are strangers.  They are hospitable and welcoming to other believers.  The things that the Apostle Paul taught are being carried out and implemented in their lives.  They truly are walking in the truth.

Application
I look at this verse and think of my children and grandchildren and how happy it makes me to know their are Christ followers, that they love God and love people.  They are not perfect, but they love Jesus!

Sometimes it's easier to love other people I don't know rather than to have love acceptance and forgiveness towards brothers and sisters and family members who I do know who have hurt or offended me.  Having come from a very large family - 7 brothers and 2 sisters, it's not hard to imagine that there might have been some discord from time to time or hurt feelings.
I can't say I love God and I love my neighbor, but I 'hate' my family, my brother or sister, or parents, or whoever . . . I might even be justified in my own mind for feeling bitter and holding a grudge.  It helps me feel better; or does it?  No.  It doesn't. 
God says to love.  It's a command.  Whoever claims to love God yet hates his brother or sister is a liar.  For whoever does not love their brothers and sister, whom they have seen, cannot love God, whom they have not seen.  And he has given us this command, Anyone who loves God must love their brother and sister. (1 John 4:20-21)

So how do I love the unlovely?  How do I let go of the unforgiveness, the pain, the hurt and bitterness of heart?

Confess to God how I feel.  Ask for His help.  Let it go.  Let God.
Forgiving is a process.  I forgive as the Lord brings to mind family members who have hurt me.  I've asked them to forgive me for the hurts I have caused them.  I don't want to get stuck in my walk with God - I want to cooperate with all He wants to do in me.

LOVE God, LOVE people, and LOVE family. 
Love, Love, Love.

Prayer
Father, Your word is true!  You have given me a Helper, Your Holy Spirit to give me the strength, the help, and power to do the impossible!  As I have been forgiven, I choose to forgive . . so I might do the one thing You require of me - to love.   In Jesus Name, Amen.

Who is it you want?

Scripture 
John 18:4 Jesus, knowing all that was going to happen to him, went out and asked them, "Who is it you want?"
v 7 Again, he asked them, "Who is it you want?

Observation
This is about the betrayal of Jesus by Judas in the olive grove.  Judas guided a detachment of soldiers and some officials from the chief priests and Pharisees to the place Jesus hung out, to betray him.  They carried torches, lanterns, and weapons!  Jesus stepped up to them and asked the question, "Who is it you want? Whom are you seeking?  Who is it you are looking for?"  Jesus fully realized what was going to happen to him.  When they responded, "Jesus of Nazereth", and he said, "I AM He - they all drew back and fell down.  Not once, but twice!  
Jesus did not cower in fear and trembling with knees knocking but stood up to them face to face.  Before this confrontation, Jesus had been in the Garden of Gethsemane praying for 'Not my will, but Your will be done' to God.  This betrayal was not a surprise to Jesus but a part of God's divine will and plan.  Jesus willingly offered Himself; in everything He did, He did it to glorify God.  He submitted to God's will in all that concerns us.  
He is our example!  Not only in service - washing the disciples feet, but also in submission and obedience to God.  

Application
Who am I seeking?  Who am I looking for?  Who do I want?  
Jesus.
Do I want Jesus more than riches and wealth or do I want to serve Him and do His will?  To follow Him means to die to myself and pick my cross and follow Him wherever He leads.  He is the 'I AM', the resurrection and the life.  He is the way, the truth, and the life.  The true vine!  He has given me a HELPER, His Holy Spirit - the Spirit of Truth.  I'm not alone.  He gave His all for me.  Can I give Him anything less?

Prayer
Father, You are my all in all.  You are the Master Gardener who prunes, cuts, nurtures, and causes growth and fruitfulness in my life.   Teach me Your ways O Lord and teach me to do your will, for You are my God.  

Search my heart, make me clean.
It's Your approval I long for.  
Rule my life.  Be my King.
Do what You will, I belong to You.

Make Room for God

Scripture
John 8:37  . . . you have no room for my word.  Psalm 10:4  In his pride the wicked man does not seek him, in all his thoughts there is no room for God.  

Observation  
What!  No room for His word!  Yes.  Even at His birth there was no room for him.  No room.  
There is no room for my word . . . so there is no growth, no progress because I have not made room for God.  

Application
I read my Bible and pray every day.  I thought I was making plenty of room for God . . . but my readings were dry, and I was hurrying through my 'devotions' instead of doing what is necessary.  To sit at His feet and listen.  To praise Him.  To tell Him about my day.  To ready my heart for God to speak to me - for me to listen and receive.  
So I read the text over again.  I listened to it and realized my mind was going a 100 miles an hour, thinking about all the things I needed to do to get ready for Christmas, to check out social media to see all the new posts, to read the news, to turn on the tv, the radio, to get ready for work . . . and then the verse hit me.  'There's no room for my word - no room for Me.'  

Making room for God.

• Get quiet and alone and ask God for a change of heart.
• Confess and acknowledge the clutter in your heart and mind.
• Ask for forgiveness and for His help to bring order to the chaos. 
• Simplify and prioritize your calendar schedule.
• Learn to say no to busyness.
• Delight in the Lord! Love God, love people, and sing praise to Him.
• Get hungry for God - by fasting a bit.  Stay away from too much sugar!     

Prayer
What a profound word Lord.  You cut to my heart! You have awakened my soul with this simple truth - to make room for You in my heart and life.  I've gotten too busy and preoccupied by other things.  The news, politics, Facebook, preparations for Christmas -sidetracked from the important things.  Thank You for Your love and correction.  

A Very Important Assignment

Scripture  

2 Timothy 1:5  I am reminded of your sincere faith which first lived in your grandmother Lois, and in your mother Eunice, and I am persuaded, now lives in you also.

Observation   
The Bible says to 'train up a child in the way he should go, even when he is old, he will not depart from it.'  (Proverbs 22:6).  The influence of a godly Grandmother and believing Mother to Timothy was remarkable.  Though his father was a Greek, both his Grandmother and Mother were believers who took the responsibility of raising up young Timothy to love God as a priority in his life.   They taught him the scriptures and helped him to know  God.  
When we teach our children to grow in the way of the Lord, even when they are old they will remember and continue to walk in the faith that was part of their upbringing.  Timothy became a believer, a Bible teacher, evangelist, and a pastor!
  
Application  
Keep doing the things you know to do to be a godly influence and effect the character, development, and behavior of the next generation and the generations to come - this is a very important assignment!

Prayer
Father I have hope because of Your Word.  Only You can change a life!  Thank You for using me to be an influence in the lives of my children and grandchildren, day care kids, Sunday School kids, and Youth group kids, to help them to know that they are loved by You and have a plan and purpose for them.  What a privilege to serve You in this way!  Thank You!

'This is what the Lord says, "Restrain your voice from weeping and your eyes from tears, for your work will be rewarded," declares the Lord.   They will return from the land of the enemy.  So there is hope for your descendants," declares the Lord.  Your children will return to their own land"' (Jeremiah 31:16-17)

Attitude Adjustments

Scripture
Romans 12:3  For through the grace given to me I say to everyone among you not to think more highly of himself than he ought to think; but to think so as to have sound judgment, as God has allotted to each a measure of faith.

Observation
Pride is a sin in each one of us; we are given a warning against it.  Everyone who is a Christ follower is a member of the body of Christ, and God gives grace and faith to each one of us to share our gifts and talents humbly with one another.  We are not to compare ourselves with each other, but to use our gifts to encourage, edify, and empower others in love.

Application
We need each other.  We need love and support from each other.  To build others up, encourage, strengthen, love, be filled with faith and mercy.  Reach out in love, acceptance, and forgiveness.  (Thank you Jerry Cook!)  Thank you Jesus!

Prayer
Father, I ask for Your forgiveness for the stench of pride in me.  Let me be one who openly and sincerely, and with a humble heart be a vessel of mercy, love, encouragement, and edification - doing nothing from selfish ambition and conceit, but always regarding others above myself.  Help me have the attitude of Christ this advent season as I prepare for the celebration of Christmas.  Let all my words, actions, and thoughts give glory to Your Name.  In Jesus Name, A-men.

Free Indeed!

Scripture 
Romans 8:1  Therefore there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.

Observation
No condemnation in Christ!  No penalty. No disapproval. No judgment.  When we are in Christ, we belong to Him.  The debt of our sin has been paid to the full!  God's Spirit dwells in all who are in Christ Jesus and have opened their hearts to Him.  The law of the Spirit of life in Christ has set us free from the law of sin and death!

Application
I am free.  I am in Christ.  This means a new beginning - the old is gone and the new has come!  There is no condemnation from my past sins and failings.  God's grace has covered me and I am free to live free under His love, in His grace, and in His wisdom.  This advent season I choose to live in hope, peace, joy, and love because of the person of Advent:  Jesus Christ.

Prayer
Father, thank You that you brought me to a place of realizing my need for a Savior.  You brought me to Jesus, Your beloved Son.  I give You thanks Sovereign LORD, Almighty God, for the kindness You have shown me by setting me free.  May my life bring glory to Your Holy Name.  In Jesus Name, the Name above all names I pray,  A-men.

Pray

Scripture 
2 Corinthians 4:4 The god of this age has blinded the minds of unbelievers, so that they cannot see the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God.

Observation
As I read this verse I was reminded of a recent episode of 'Watter's World' on Fox news re the University of Missouri's racism protests and demonstrations on campus.  Bitter and hateful outbursts reigned among the protesters.  It was ugly - but racism is ugly.  It came across as wild, radical, and violent.  
Incidents such as this, was overshadowed in the news by the horrific attack on Paris.  

The 'god of this age' has blinded the minds of unbelievers so they cannot see the light of the gospel, instead they are allowing themselves to be manipulated by the master deceiver who seeks to kill, steal, and destroy, to divide, stir up trouble, dissension, and feeds on hatred as an expression of what they stand for. 

Application
I am a servant of Jesus Christ and I understand what great love God has for me and for all people.  He has made His light shine in my heart that I might be a light to others as I share the good news of salvation to any who will listen. Jesus came that we might have life to the full.  

Prayer
Let me be a light that shines in the darkness and a bearer of hope to the hopeless.  Only Jesus Christ can open the eyes of the blind and enlighten the mind of a lost soul. 
 ~ I pray for students across this land that there would come an awakening of Your Holy Spirit on campuses and a revival of salvation would begin to emerge.  I bind a spirit of racism and division and release God's Spirit to  bring love and peace. 
~ I pray that You would show Yourself strong in every believer and that they would have boldness to share their story with those who are searching for truth and light.
~ I pray against the terrorist evil infiltrating our world through ISIS and other known hate groups whose only mission is to steal, kill, and destroy.  Bring the enemy's plans to nothing and set people free who have been deceived and entrapped into a web of evil doings and devastation.  
~ Give wisdom I pray, to our leaders that they would be instruments of Your will and purposes.  Raise up godly men and women who will take a stand for righteousness.

 'We wrestle against principalities and powers, rulers of the darkness of this age and against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places' - but 'at the Name of Jesus Christ every knee will bow and every tongue confess that Jesus is LORD.'  

There is power in the Name of Jesus to defeat the enemy and thwart his plans!  
So I pray in Jesus Name.  A-men.

Old . . . and loving it!

Scripture 
Titus 2:3-5, 7-8
3-5 Older women likewise are to be reverent in their behavior not malicious gossips nor enslaved to much wine, teaching what is good.  So that they may encourage the young women to love their husbands, to love their children.  To be sensible, pure, workers at home, kind, being subject to their own husbands, so the word of God will not be dishonored. 
7-8 In all things show yourself to be an example of good deeds, with purity in doctrine, dignified, sound in speech which is above reproach so that the opponent will be put to shame, having nothing bad to say about us.

Observation 
This scripture exhorts the Titus 2 woman of God and encourages her how to behave, as an example for others to follow that will honor God.

Application and thoughts
With the help of the Holy Spirit and His power and love, 'I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me' as I trust in God and rely on His Holy Spirit in 'becoming' a woman of God.   

If I was in ever in doubt that I am now an 'older' woman, 5 year old granddaughter, Zoe, certainly made it clear to me yesterday that I am indeed 'old'.  After handling what she calls, a 'sneaky' bug, which I believe was a boxelder beetle, I cautioned her that they bite! (I'm living proof because I got bit or stung or whatever it did and it hurt!)   She assured me repeatedly and matter of factly with no malice in her tone, 'No Grammy, they don't bite.  If it bit you, it's because you are so old.  It does not bite me because I am young."  
I couldn't believe what I heard her say.   My jaw dropped and eyes must have been bugged out, because she said it again.  "They don't bite!  If it bit you it's because you are old.  I am young.  They don't bite kids." 

Prayer
So today Lord, I am old, Zoe said so.  I officially qualify as an older woman. As I read Your word, and submit myself to You, may I be the kind of example that will honor You and that will influence those I touch in a positive, God glorifying way.  I may be old now Lord, but compared to Methusaleh (age 969), I'm still a babe!  In Jesus name, A-men.

God's Way! Bullseye!

Scripture
Colossians 4:2,17 
2 Devote yourselves to prayer, keeping alert in it with an attitude of thanksgiving.  
17 Take heed to the ministry which you have received in the Lord that you fulfill it.

Observation
Talk to God often!  Wake up!  Be on the alert, wide eyed, watching, listening, with gratitude in your heart always.  Be careful that nothing prevents you from fulfilling what you've been equipped and called to do.

Application
Do all things God's way!  Pray, listen, talk to Him, and He will direct my steps - my going in and my going out.  Invite the Lord, follow His plan, and pray.  Be watchful.  The enemy does not want me to succeed or prosper - he comes to kill steal and destroy, but the Lord wants me to have life to the full!  

Prayer
Father, sometimes I fall short of what is in my heart and mind to do.  I get distracted so easily especially when I am praying.  I'm glad I can pray in the understanding and in the Holy Spirit!  Help me to stay on task Lord.  I ask that You would fill my heart with thankfulness and Your overflowing joy as I set my mind on You!  Complete what You have begun in me, and may I do today well.  Help me hit the bulls eye!  In Jesus Name, for Your glory, A-men.

No Dark Corners

Scripture
2 Thessalonians 3:5  May the LORD direct your hearts into the love of God and into the steadfastness of Christ.

Observation
This is a prayer that the LORD through His Holy Spirit will lead and guide our hearts into learning to understand and express God's unconditional and abounding love as we walk with Him day by day. The steadfast, unwavering perseverance of Christ leading us as we love God and love people.  

Application
God's love is multifaceted like a gem; redeeming, reassuring, overwhelming, overflowing, overcoming, and amazing.  God is my strength and it is He who establishes and grounds me in His love so I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.  When there is no love in my heart, or at least not enough love, then God will and can love through me when I trust in Him.

Prayer
Open my heart LORD.  Do a work in every dark corner - bring the light of Your love so that this heart is yielded and submitted to You for direction, instruction, and correction.  Cleanse my heart so that Your love will flow through me.  May Your Holy Spirit have full access to this heart that I gave to You - that You purchased through the precious blood of Your Son Jesus Christ.  May Your will and purposes be lived out in this life I have offered You.  May I become all You have created me to be for Your glory.  

Luke 11:36 If you are filled with light, with no dark corners, then your whole life will be radiant, as though a floodlight is shining on you.”

I Will Remember!

Scripture
Psalm 106:13 But they soon forgot what He had done and did not wait for His plan to unfold.

Observation
How soon the children of Israel forgot what great things God had done for them.  Not waiting for His plan . . . but making their own plans - giving in to their cravings and desires.  They forgot the God who saved them, who had done great things, miracles, and awesome deeds for them.  But they forgot.  They were impatient.  They did things 'their way'.  They despised the pleasant land, did not believe His promises, grumbled, and disobeyed the LORD.   

Application
Psalm 77:11-12 says, "I will remember! I will remember the deeds of the LORD; yes, I will remember Your miracles of long ago.  I will consider all Your works and meditate on all Your mighty deeds."  
And so, I will remember what a wonderful and faithful GOD I serve and worship.  He saved and rescued me.  In February 1970, Louie and I were at the home of his Uncle Bruce and Aunt Dottie.  They opened the Bible and read the verses out loud for us to hear the good news of salvation and forgiveness, grace and mercy - about God's power and love.  That's a day to remember!  He gave us new life and a new beginning, a future and a hope.  
I will wait for Your plan to unfold, Your will, Your way be done in my life.

Prayer
Father God, You are Holy and Just!  What god is as great as my God?  There is none like You!  You are the GOD of miracles!  You do them every day!  I give You thanks and praise!  Help me never to forget but always remember You.  May I patiently wait for Your glorious plans for me and not give in to my own cravings and wants.  May I rest and trust in You always. 
For Your glory!  A-men.

Open Door - Go for It!

Scripture
1 Corinthians 16:9, 13-14
For a wide door for effective service has opened to me and there are many adversaries.  
Be on the alert, stand firm in the faith, be brave, be strong. 
Let all that you do be done in love.

Observation
When I read these verses early this morning, my first thoughts were that it was referring to an open door or opportunity to share the good news of Jesus Christ with others, but in doing so, there would be some opposition.  So be strong in the Lord and be sure that whatever you do - do it in love.  But after short ride in the car, I realized we don't have to be in conversation with someone about God to be used by God in a meaningful way.  
  
This morning I followed Louie in his car to drop off my car for repair at an auto service.  He took another route than what I was expecting - sort of a back way to the place.  On the way, we passed what appeared to be an accident.  About 7-10 construction workers were gathered around a man lying on the sidewalk; two were kneeling, and one was touching the injured man.  I could hear that emergency vehicles were fast approaching the scene.  Not knowing what had happened, but seeing the desperate situation, I prayed for the helpless man lying there.
God gave me a 'favored moment'  to be able to minister His love and grace - even though I was only driving by - I prayed.  
  
The Bible says 'our adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour; and he comes to kill, steal, and destroy.'  We are to be on the alert, keeping watch, standing steadfastly in the faith, and do all things in love.  There's not much else I could've done to assist the man - but I could pray. Sometimes we think praying isn't enough - but it is.  Praying for others in times of need is a very effectual service to the Lord and to the person we are praying for.

Application
Through what happened this morning and thinking about these verses I feel encouraged by the Lord.  To 'go for it!'   
With those 7-10 construction workers around that man, only 2 were kneeling down to really try to help; like loosening his collar, speaking comfort, encouraging the man - they actually were 'hands on' to help him.  The other guys appeared to be talking to each other, looking at what was happening, and waiting for the emergency vehicles.  But then there was me; just a 'drive by' a 'looky loo.'  For sure there was nothing for me to do -  I would only be in the way!  But God said, 'Pray'.  So I prayed as I drove on by.  God reminded me that an 'opened door for effective service' can come in any number of ways.  Just listen, be open, and be ready.  When I see a 'favorable moment' or chance to be used by God, go for it.

Prayer
Dear Lord, I won't be afraid or timid, for You are with me.  I will trust in You and not turn away from those divine appointments and life lessons You have prepared for me.  Though the enemy may whisper in my ear and remind me or accuse me of all my shortcomings and failures - I choose to be bold, to be strong in faith believing You have called me to effective service - not to be a spectator.  With the help of Your Holy Spirit power in my life, I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me!

Run to Win the Prize!

Scripture
1 Corinthians 9:24-27  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.  Therefore I do not run like someone running aimlessly; I do not fight like a boxer beating the air.  No, I strike a blow to my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others I myself will not be disqualified for the prize. 

Observation
Paul compares our 'walk' with Jesus to training and running in a race.  Discipline yourself in such a way that you finish the race and win the prize.  Persevere and bring your physical body into subjection so that you won't give into fleshly desires.  It's not enough to begin a race . . . but the goal is to run the race and complete it!  Finish well!

Application
This reminds me of my granddaughter Alyse who is a cross country runner in track events at her high school.   She trains in all weather - when the sun is shining or when it's cold, windy, blustery, and overcast!  She's out there with the other runners, running sprints, warming up, stretching, preparing for the race.  She competes against her own times, setting herself for the long haul.  She paces herself.  She familiarizes herself as much as she can with the terrain, the running course.  Endurance, strengthening, and focus are a part of her every day schedule.  She watches her diet, gets rest, and keeps a positive attitude.  She looks to her instructors for ways to improve and is open to necessary corrections.  She runs and trains with teammates who push her to the limit and encourage her to keep going.  Quitting is not an option.  

I can learn something here.  Spiritual disciplines are God's training program for me!  They will help develop character and endurance, faith, and positive attitude!  By practicing some daily devotional habits everyday, I can run the race to win and not get side lined because of a lack of self - discipline.  Setting aside a morning time at the feet of Jesus is essential, as well as getting necessary rest, eating right, prayer, worship, Bible reading, quiet, journaling, serving, fellowship - these are all a part of my daily 'training' program for the race.  I will stay the course!  Take a day at a time!  And so I will run this race to win the prize of Your high calling in Jesus Christ my Lord!

Prayer
Father, thank You for this reminder.  It's timely.  I give You praise for helping me refocus and to keep moving forward - and for encouraging me through the life of my beloved granddaughter.  She inspires me!  May I continue to run the race to win, with the thought of doing 'today well' in such a way to bring glory and honor to Your Name!  In Jesus Name I pray. A-men.

Groping for God

Scripture
Acts 17:27 'That they would seek God, perhaps they might grope for Him and find Him, though He is not far from each one of us; for in Him we live, and move, and exist, as even some of your poets have said, 'For we also are His children'.

Observation
God's purpose for us is to seek Him and find Him; to repent and turn to Him above all else, and to nurture a loving relationship with God, our Father in Heaven.  The verse says that we might grope for Him, to find Him.  I picture myself in darkened room with arms high and hands open taking small steps so I won't run into anything, but feeling my way around for something to hold onto; reaching out to try to find God, to touch Him.  God is nearer to us than we can imagine.  We are the ones who are distant from Him, separated by sin & darkness.  

Application
If I can just reach out to Him, His light will lead me to Him.  I have purpose in my life when I open my heart to God.  
Psalm 18:28 Lord, You have brought light to my life, my God, You light up my darkness.  
Luke 11:36  If you are filled with light with no dark corners, then your whole life will be radiant as though a floodlight is shining on you.  

Prayer 
Father, thank You for this gentle reminder to continue to seek and find you in the midst of the darkness & doubt that try to 'move in' to the corners of my heart.  I will not fear - for You are with me.  I trust in You!  Shine your light on me and reveal areas of my life not yielded to You.  I need You Lord, I'm groping for You Lord - in You I live, move, and have my being.   In Your Name, A-men.

Don't be afraid, be quiet.

Scripture
Exodus 14:13-14 But Moses said to the people, “ Do not fear! Stand by and see the salvation of the Lord which He will accomplish for you today; for the Egyptians whom you have seen today, you will never see them again forever. The Lord will fight for you while you keep silent."

Observation
Moses encourages and exhorts the people not to be afraid.  Just stand and watch what God will do!  God will fight for you, just keep silent.  Don't open your mouth!  In quietness and in trusting God, you will have the strength you need!  

Application  
Do not fear!  Don't be afraid of the enemy or his plans - be quiet, be strong, the Lord your God is with you!  He will fight for me, just don't speak out of fear by making negative comments or by saying, 'but what if' - it's in quietness and trust that will be my strength.  (Isaiah 30:15)  

Prayer
Father, may the words of my mouth and the meditations of my heart be acceptable in Your sight.  You are my Rock and my redeemer!  (Psalm 19:14).  If I open my mouth to say anything, may it be a good report that comes from my lips; may it be faith filled, and full of praise and exaltations of Your greatness, faithfulness, and amazing grace!  Otherwise seal my lips from negative or critical words that I would speak out of fear or my own insecurities.  Thank You Lord. In Jesus Name, A-men.  

When Jesus asks - just do it!

Scripture
Luke 19:28b-34  Jesus went on toward Jerusalem, walking ahead of his disciples. As he came to the towns of Bethphage and Bethany on the Mount of Olives, he sent two disciples ahead. “Go into that village over there,” he told them. “As you enter it, you will see a young donkey tied there that no one has ever ridden. Untie it and bring it here. If anyone asks, ‘Why are you untying that colt? ’ just say, ‘The Lord needs it. ’”
 So they went and found the colt, just as Jesus had said. And sure enough, as they were untying it, the owners asked them, “Why are you untying that colt?”
 And the disciples simply replied, “The Lord needs it.” So they brought the colt to Jesus and threw their garments over it for him to ride on.

Observation 
Zechariah 9:9 Rejoice, O people of Zion!  Shout in triumph, O people of Jerusalem! Look, your King is coming to you. He is righteous and victorious, yet he is humble, riding on a donkey—riding on a donkey’s colt.

This verse in Zechariah is prophetic in proclaiming the coming Messiah, riding on a donkey!  Jesus fulfilled this scripture when He rode the donkey the two disciples got for Him for His ride into Jerusalem.

When Jesus asked his disciples to get him a donkey, they could have thought, "What kind of meaningless assignment is the Master giving us!"  They could have said, "We would rather hang out with You Jesus, sit at Your feet, and listen to the gracious words that stream from Your lips.  If we go get a donkey for You, we are going to miss something!"  
Jesus tells them what to say if anyone asks them about what they are doing.  Just tell them, "The Lord needs it."

Application
No job is meaningless, insignificant, menial, or without purpose when Jesus is asking me to do it.  It may be a lonely assignment, going off by myself, separated from others, even involve doing something a bit crazy.  But I hear The Lord saying to me -  to do what He asks.  If there are questions about it, He will tell me how to answer.  I don't need to try and explain or add to what He says.  In doing so, I may be a part of much bigger picture that He's going to let me participate in fulfilling.  Don't despise the day of small things!  If Jesus has a hand in it, it is divine.  

Prayer
Father thank You for Your word!  Nothing You ask me to do is without purpose!  My response, no matter how I view things, is to obey You.  To follow Jesus, to serve You my Lord, is my joy! 
In Jesus Name,  A-men.

2015 - A New Year!

Scripture 

Luke 2:40 The Child continued to grow and become strong, increasing in wisdom; and the grace of God was upon Him.

Observation

Jesus, the Holy Son of God, born in Bethlehem, grew to become strong in stature, and God's wisdom and grace was evident in His life.  God was with him.  

Application

Ask for wisdom and grace, and it's ok to ask for more. Seek Him first and His righteousness - everything else will fall into place.  Knock, and the door will open.  Then take a step of faith.  

Prayer

As I read and study Your Word O Lord in this new time, I pray that I would increase in Your godly wisdom and that I would continue to grow in grace as I walk with You.   May this new year be filled with love, joy, hope, and the peace that passes all understanding.

May I listen and hear Your voice, and may I walk the path You have prepared for me.  Teach me Your way and help me to lean into You and embrace the great and mighty things You have promised.  In Jesus Name, A-men.

‘ Call to Me and I will answer you, and I will tell you great and mighty things, which you do not know. ’ ~ Jeremiah 33:3
Now to Him who is able to do far more abundantly beyond all that we ask or think, according to the power that works within us, to Him be the glory in the church and in Christ Jesus to all generations forever and ever. Amen. ~ Ephesians 3:20-21