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.
Tuesday, June 12, 2012
Sunday, May 13, 2012
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.
Friday, April 13, 2012
Bit O Honey
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.
Thursday, April 5, 2012
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.
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.
Wednesday, March 28, 2012
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.
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.
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!
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