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.
Wednesday, March 28, 2012
Saturday, February 25, 2012
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.
Wednesday, February 22, 2012
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!
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!
Friday, January 27, 2012
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.
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.
Thursday, January 26, 2012
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.
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.
Sunday, January 1, 2012
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.
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.
Saturday, December 31, 2011
"Embrace the New"
Scripture
Revelation 21:5
And He who sits on the throne said, "Behold, I am making all things new." And He said, "Write, for these words are faithful and true."
Observation
Jesus Christ, King of kings, Lord of lords, sits on the throne of God and says, "Look! See! Behold! I am making all things NEW!
2 Corinthians 5:17 says, 'Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a NEW creature: old things are passed away; behold all things are become NEW!'
Write down what I am saying - for these words are faithful and true. Everything God says in His word is true - write it down, journal it, so you remember when things get tough - when situations come up that you don't understand, you can take God's word to heart. I can believe what God says because He is trustworthy.
Application
God says to me, "Embrace the New"
Isaiah 43:18-19 says, 'Do not call to mind the former things, or ponder things of the past. Behold, I will do something NEW. Now it will spring forth, will you not be aware of it? I will even make a roadway in the wilderness, rivers in the desert.
Embrace the New. I am a new creature in Christ. Old things are gone. Don't look back at past failures or heartaches, mourning or grief - look forward. It's a NEW time, a NEW season. Embrace the New with joy and rejoicing, with faith and anticipation.
Prayer
"Father, I believe You
Jesus, I receive You
Holy Spirit, I now free You to create in me NEW life." A new way of thinking, a new way of loving You through prayer and praise, a new way of loving people by giving of myself and letting Your glory and power flow through me. I yield myself to You for this New Year of 2012. Help me to embrace all of the new and move forward knowing that what You have begun in me, You will complete. In Jesus Name, A-men.
Revelation 21:5
And He who sits on the throne said, "Behold, I am making all things new." And He said, "Write, for these words are faithful and true."
Observation
Jesus Christ, King of kings, Lord of lords, sits on the throne of God and says, "Look! See! Behold! I am making all things NEW!
2 Corinthians 5:17 says, 'Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a NEW creature: old things are passed away; behold all things are become NEW!'
Write down what I am saying - for these words are faithful and true. Everything God says in His word is true - write it down, journal it, so you remember when things get tough - when situations come up that you don't understand, you can take God's word to heart. I can believe what God says because He is trustworthy.
Application
God says to me, "Embrace the New"
Isaiah 43:18-19 says, 'Do not call to mind the former things, or ponder things of the past. Behold, I will do something NEW. Now it will spring forth, will you not be aware of it? I will even make a roadway in the wilderness, rivers in the desert.
Embrace the New. I am a new creature in Christ. Old things are gone. Don't look back at past failures or heartaches, mourning or grief - look forward. It's a NEW time, a NEW season. Embrace the New with joy and rejoicing, with faith and anticipation.
Prayer
"Father, I believe You
Jesus, I receive You
Holy Spirit, I now free You to create in me NEW life." A new way of thinking, a new way of loving You through prayer and praise, a new way of loving people by giving of myself and letting Your glory and power flow through me. I yield myself to You for this New Year of 2012. Help me to embrace all of the new and move forward knowing that what You have begun in me, You will complete. In Jesus Name, A-men.
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