"If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, & upbraideth not, it shall be given him." James 1:5 (kjv)
wisdom-thoughtful, a cautious character, intelligence or mental acquirement.
liberally-bountifully=plentiful
upbraideth-defame, chide=to speak disapprovingly of
I'd like to start of by praying,"Lord, will you please give me your wisdom?" Ok, now I feel better because I need it, I asked, & now I'm assured I'll get it!
I noticed that this verse says,"if any man LACK wisdom..." That's interesting to me because I don't think I could ever get to a point where I would know everything & be wise enough to just not ever need wisdom in at least one area of my life. I also need to quit being so spontaneous and impulsive...I need to be more cautious. I've gotten better at that but Lord, help me! (lol) I believe it is implied in the verse that no one on Earth is without need of wisdom. Have you asked for it???
The "Help me..." prayer for today is "Help me be decisive". I have to make many decisions every singe day. From sun up to sun down, I'm deciding all the time. No matter how big or small, I believe that every single one impacts my future in some way. Every one of them sets my day and life into a certain direction. I need to know what GOD wants me to do because Jana doesn't know it all. How important is wisdom? Job 28:16-"It cannot be valued with gold of Ophir, with the precious onyx, or the sapphire." Prov. 8:11-"For wisdom is better than rubies; & all the things that may be desired are not to be compared to it." If wisdom is that valuable, then I believe God is saying,"You can't live without it."
My Prayer-"Lord, here I am once again. Help me to incline my ear unto wisdom, & apply my heart unto understanding (Prov.2:2) Being a single mom, having lost the head of my house, I need your wisdom in every way. Give me wisdom in all financial decisions. Give me wisdom in my parenting, in dating, in EVERYTHING! Thank you for the wisdom you have given me thus far. When you reveal the decision you want me to make, help me to follow through. Forgive me for not doing so in the past. In Jesus' name. Amen.
Wednesday, September 30, 2009
Tuesday, September 29, 2009
Day 15-"Help me be bold." Rom. 1:16
"For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ; for it is the power of God unto salvation to everyone that believeth; the Jew first, & also the Greek." Romans 1:16 (kjv)
What does it mean to not be ashamed? Here Paul demonstrates that he is not ashamed of Jesus Christ by preaching; (vs 15)"So, as much as in me is, I am ready to preach the Gospel..." What I see in verse 16 is that Paul understood the power in the Word. That the gospel brings salvation. I think that is what made him so confident...he knew God's Word would do the work. All he had to do was spread it. So how does being bold co inside with not being ashamed? To answer this, I decided to define the two adverbs:
ashamed-restrained by anticipation of shame
shame-a painful sense of having done something wrong.
boldness-courageous, all out spokeness, bluntness, assurance
So to not be ashamed should be demonstrated by me standing up for what I believe in without reservation or restraint. I should be assured when I speak the Truth because I know the power in the Word. I also understand that if someone does not agree or responds negatively that it is not me they reject but Christ. This study is convicting for me because I stopped sharing the Truth. It's easy for me to testify to someone I know or am comfortable with. But one day God started moving on me to witness to the cashiers at Walmart. I use to do it often. I was always nervous but I felt like a million $$$ after. It took me out of my comfort zone but God always just let the words flow out my mouth...He would say,"Just speak." Now, I go to the self-checkout line...God forgive me; help me be bold again...
There was a time when I was taking college classes that God called me to speak of Him. It was the first day of Public Speaking. We were given a list of topics and two minutes to speak on the topic of our choice. When I saw the topic,"A life changing event", my spirit jumped inside me and I knew immediately what God wanted me to do. Satan was trying everything to keep me from it"You're in a school setting; the teacher may not approve; no one will like you for this." But I got up in front of about 25-30 strangers and shared Jesus & what He did for me on 6-8-03. I went back to my seat and the guy next to me said,"Man, I wish I had your boldness." I'll never forget that day. It was the first time I testified to a group of strangers.
I used to be admired for my Christlike traits. Some thought I was extreme...I was because I extremely loved the Lord. I've got to get back to that place. Lord help me, Lord help me extinguish myself again. Help me be bold.
What does it mean to not be ashamed? Here Paul demonstrates that he is not ashamed of Jesus Christ by preaching; (vs 15)"So, as much as in me is, I am ready to preach the Gospel..." What I see in verse 16 is that Paul understood the power in the Word. That the gospel brings salvation. I think that is what made him so confident...he knew God's Word would do the work. All he had to do was spread it. So how does being bold co inside with not being ashamed? To answer this, I decided to define the two adverbs:
ashamed-restrained by anticipation of shame
shame-a painful sense of having done something wrong.
boldness-courageous, all out spokeness, bluntness, assurance
So to not be ashamed should be demonstrated by me standing up for what I believe in without reservation or restraint. I should be assured when I speak the Truth because I know the power in the Word. I also understand that if someone does not agree or responds negatively that it is not me they reject but Christ. This study is convicting for me because I stopped sharing the Truth. It's easy for me to testify to someone I know or am comfortable with. But one day God started moving on me to witness to the cashiers at Walmart. I use to do it often. I was always nervous but I felt like a million $$$ after. It took me out of my comfort zone but God always just let the words flow out my mouth...He would say,"Just speak." Now, I go to the self-checkout line...God forgive me; help me be bold again...
There was a time when I was taking college classes that God called me to speak of Him. It was the first day of Public Speaking. We were given a list of topics and two minutes to speak on the topic of our choice. When I saw the topic,"A life changing event", my spirit jumped inside me and I knew immediately what God wanted me to do. Satan was trying everything to keep me from it"You're in a school setting; the teacher may not approve; no one will like you for this." But I got up in front of about 25-30 strangers and shared Jesus & what He did for me on 6-8-03. I went back to my seat and the guy next to me said,"Man, I wish I had your boldness." I'll never forget that day. It was the first time I testified to a group of strangers.
I used to be admired for my Christlike traits. Some thought I was extreme...I was because I extremely loved the Lord. I've got to get back to that place. Lord help me, Lord help me extinguish myself again. Help me be bold.
Monday, September 28, 2009
Day 14-"Keep on praying!" 1 Thes. 5:17
"Pray without ceasing." 1 Thes. 5:17 (kjv)
Well, there's not much to this verse but I've come to believe that no word is insignificant in the Bible...none should be taken lightly. I asked myself,"Why would I be told to pray without stopping?" There must be some reason....reading throughout the suggested vereses in the topical index of my Bible under "prayer", I see just how much power we are given in prayer. I'm only selling myself short if I don't pray.
"Ask, & it shall be given you; seek, & ye shall find; knock, & it shall be opened unto you." Mt. 7:7
"Hitherto have ye asked nothing in my name; ask, & ye shall receive, that your joy may be full." Jn 16:24
Wow, don't I need some joy?! Here I'm told that prayer brings about fullness of joy. On day 11 I learned that joy comes with faith. So I must pray with faith! Of course, there is a confirming verse: "I will therefore that men pray every where, lifting up holy hands, WITHOUT wrath & DOUBTING."-1 Timothy 2:3
I'm remembering Treaty. He prayed all the time. Sometimes he fell asleep in the closet praying. I remember that there were times he would pray that God would help his unbelief. He prayed for faith. I believe that maybe if I prayed more, God would move more which would increase my faith. I use to have a faith that blew my mind! I use to think I was strange because I was't moved by anything! But this was a time when I prayed all the time. God has done some amazing things. I'm remembering when we lived in our town home. There were these two guys who left their window open all day long. They smoked and it drove me nuts cuz I had to walk by their window to get to my car. So I asked God to do something about that. I told him I didn't like the smoke nor did I want my kids to have to breath it every time we had to go somewhere. It was 4th of July weekend when I asked. So when the window was shut all weekend I figured the guys had just gone out of town. Well, it stayed shut. I never noticed the window open again after that. The guys always had their blinds open so I could seeone of them at the computer smoking sometimes...the window stayed shut. I'm only mad I didn't ask God sooner. All I did was complain about the smoke to Treaty for months instead of just praying. I finally did pray and God shut the window. Now I see I need to stop complaining and having pitty parties and just PRAY!!! Could it be that I am where I am mentally because I stopped praying? If Jn 16:24 is true, then I know the answer to that. Time to pray!
My Prayer-"Dear Lord, thank you for hearing & answering prayer. Forgive me for shutting my mouth to you. Remind me to pray always & let my prayers not be a long list of desires but also praises. Put on my heart the needs of others so my prayers are not selfish. Remind me not to do all the talking but help to listen for you when I pray. Help me to be patient in my waiting for your answer. Extinguish any doubt that may be in me. Enjoin my faith & prayers that I may have joy once again. Keep me praying in faith. In Jesus' name, amen.
Well, there's not much to this verse but I've come to believe that no word is insignificant in the Bible...none should be taken lightly. I asked myself,"Why would I be told to pray without stopping?" There must be some reason....reading throughout the suggested vereses in the topical index of my Bible under "prayer", I see just how much power we are given in prayer. I'm only selling myself short if I don't pray.
"Ask, & it shall be given you; seek, & ye shall find; knock, & it shall be opened unto you." Mt. 7:7
"Hitherto have ye asked nothing in my name; ask, & ye shall receive, that your joy may be full." Jn 16:24
Wow, don't I need some joy?! Here I'm told that prayer brings about fullness of joy. On day 11 I learned that joy comes with faith. So I must pray with faith! Of course, there is a confirming verse: "I will therefore that men pray every where, lifting up holy hands, WITHOUT wrath & DOUBTING."-1 Timothy 2:3
I'm remembering Treaty. He prayed all the time. Sometimes he fell asleep in the closet praying. I remember that there were times he would pray that God would help his unbelief. He prayed for faith. I believe that maybe if I prayed more, God would move more which would increase my faith. I use to have a faith that blew my mind! I use to think I was strange because I was't moved by anything! But this was a time when I prayed all the time. God has done some amazing things. I'm remembering when we lived in our town home. There were these two guys who left their window open all day long. They smoked and it drove me nuts cuz I had to walk by their window to get to my car. So I asked God to do something about that. I told him I didn't like the smoke nor did I want my kids to have to breath it every time we had to go somewhere. It was 4th of July weekend when I asked. So when the window was shut all weekend I figured the guys had just gone out of town. Well, it stayed shut. I never noticed the window open again after that. The guys always had their blinds open so I could seeone of them at the computer smoking sometimes...the window stayed shut. I'm only mad I didn't ask God sooner. All I did was complain about the smoke to Treaty for months instead of just praying. I finally did pray and God shut the window. Now I see I need to stop complaining and having pitty parties and just PRAY!!! Could it be that I am where I am mentally because I stopped praying? If Jn 16:24 is true, then I know the answer to that. Time to pray!
My Prayer-"Dear Lord, thank you for hearing & answering prayer. Forgive me for shutting my mouth to you. Remind me to pray always & let my prayers not be a long list of desires but also praises. Put on my heart the needs of others so my prayers are not selfish. Remind me not to do all the talking but help to listen for you when I pray. Help me to be patient in my waiting for your answer. Extinguish any doubt that may be in me. Enjoin my faith & prayers that I may have joy once again. Keep me praying in faith. In Jesus' name, amen.
Sunday, September 27, 2009
Day 13-"Help me be trusting." Eph. 3:17
This wasn't a typical study...it wasn't even a study. I think God just wanted me to meditate. Treaty would have been 31 today. I was supposed to go to church at 8am with my good friend but I was so sad that I wanted nothing to do with anyone. I just sat in my living room on the floor and cried. Then, I'd get up walk around, sit down somewhere and cry some more. I just packed up my gear and went back out on the Lake to fish and read. Before I left, I wrote down the verse for Day 13. When I read it, I kept reading to verse 19, then I went back up and started at 16. I realized then that God was saying, trust me. He said,"I pulled you out of darkness without you asking nor seeking me. Now you are in the light; believe that I will pull you out of this." I just sat at the Lake crying like a baby. Here I am begging Him to help me and trying so hard to live for Him like I used to so why am I feeling so hopeless? I was so upset Friday night over Treaty that I kicked my windshield about 5 times with my heels on busting the mess out of it. I'm so mad at him for getting on that bike. God is telling me to trust His plan. That was easy when Treaty was alive...now I just want to go Home.
Before I started writing, I reflected on my life before 6-8-03. The drugs, clubs, guys, sleeping all day, in and out of jail....God came and got me out of that life & I didn't ask or was I even looking to change. He just pulled me out...I'm in this situation here crying, praying, BEGGING..surely God Will pull me out of this...surely.
Eph. 3:17-19 "That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith, that ye being rooted & grounded in love (18) may be able to comprehend with all the saints what is is the breadth, & length, & depth, & height; (19)to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge that ye might be filled with all the fullness of God."
I read those verses about 5-6 times before I wrote them down. They hit me hard...then I read verse 16 and really got emotional.
Eph. 3:16 "That He would grant you, according to the riches of His glory, to be strengthened with might by His Spirit in the inner man;"
How God works will never cease to amaze me. I didn't do a study yesterday. If I had, I would have read Eph. 3:17. It would have been a typical study. I needed it today and it led me to read other verses that really encouraged me. I'm crying now because I'm so overwhelmed with God. I get so mad at Him but He still loves me & my heart, mind, and spirit won't allow me to believe anything else.
Once you have experienced God for yourself, I'm learning that if your conversion was real, no matter how mad you get, how confused life seems, how far you backslide, if you really meant it when you surrendered your spirit will not allow you to get away from God. I've learned that about me...now matter what, there is still a hope in me. There is still a desire for God. He keeps reassuring me over and over and over..He does that because I'll remember and be ok, then get upset pitiful. So He will give me another Word, and round and round..but He keeps His Word. He is patient with me. I pray I can be patient with Him...I pray I can trust His plan when I don't even know it.
Lord help me trust you and forgive me for my anger. I just miss my husbnand. Forgive me.
Before I started writing, I reflected on my life before 6-8-03. The drugs, clubs, guys, sleeping all day, in and out of jail....God came and got me out of that life & I didn't ask or was I even looking to change. He just pulled me out...I'm in this situation here crying, praying, BEGGING..surely God Will pull me out of this...surely.
Eph. 3:17-19 "That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith, that ye being rooted & grounded in love (18) may be able to comprehend with all the saints what is is the breadth, & length, & depth, & height; (19)to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge that ye might be filled with all the fullness of God."
I read those verses about 5-6 times before I wrote them down. They hit me hard...then I read verse 16 and really got emotional.
Eph. 3:16 "That He would grant you, according to the riches of His glory, to be strengthened with might by His Spirit in the inner man;"
How God works will never cease to amaze me. I didn't do a study yesterday. If I had, I would have read Eph. 3:17. It would have been a typical study. I needed it today and it led me to read other verses that really encouraged me. I'm crying now because I'm so overwhelmed with God. I get so mad at Him but He still loves me & my heart, mind, and spirit won't allow me to believe anything else.
Once you have experienced God for yourself, I'm learning that if your conversion was real, no matter how mad you get, how confused life seems, how far you backslide, if you really meant it when you surrendered your spirit will not allow you to get away from God. I've learned that about me...now matter what, there is still a hope in me. There is still a desire for God. He keeps reassuring me over and over and over..He does that because I'll remember and be ok, then get upset pitiful. So He will give me another Word, and round and round..but He keeps His Word. He is patient with me. I pray I can be patient with Him...I pray I can trust His plan when I don't even know it.
Lord help me trust you and forgive me for my anger. I just miss my husbnand. Forgive me.
Friday, September 25, 2009
Day 12-"Help me be gentle."
Day 12-"????"
So I'm out here fishing and I before I left, I forgot to see what the program's study was on for Day 12. So I'm just giong to ask God to give me something. (a few minutes later) I'm thinking about the fruits of the Spirit that are listed in Galations 5:22. I believe God wants me to study "gentleness". So the topic; "Help me be gentle." Gal 5:22
"The friut of the Spirit is love, joy, peace,gentless, goodness, faith..."Gal. 5:22 (kjv)
genlteless- usefullnes; moral excellence (in character or demeanor); goodness, kindess
WOW. When I read this definition from my Strongs, I thought,"Man, do I have a lot to work on." I believe a person doesn't always have to be the opposite of these traits outwardly but they can be inwardly. For example. I can be rude and unkind in thought but not act on them. I must get my mind right before I do act on them at some point. My spirit must be fed so those traits can become fruit which is then manifested outwardly. I want to see the results of God's gentleness.
Ps 18:35"Thou has also given me the shield of thy salvation:thy right hand hath holden me; thy gentgles hath made me great." Gal 5:22 (klv)
Jesus said he is the tree of life; whoever abides in him bares much fruit. Having the Spirit of God in me; keeping it fed by daily study, prayer, and church, I should bear the fruit of the genltless of God because not feeding it kills the fruit. Just not like not watering a plant, kills the plant. I'm am watered by the Word. In displaying the fruit of gentless the results from Ps 18:35 should be the same on others....the fruit can make another great in faith, hope. and just an up lifting of spirit and attidude. People should see Christ and not me wich will make them great in spirit.
Paul understood this when he wrote to the church in Corinth. (2 Cor. 10:1) "Now I Paul, myself beseech you by the meekness and gentless of Christ, who in presence am base, but being absent am bold towards you."
I think I can talk about God all day & try & minister all I want but without the fruit of genltless I may hurt or damage another becuase my way can be harsh. It's not what I say but how I say it and that is why I must bare the fruit. Paul got that he was only able to deal with the poeple with the Goldy resluts because he bared the fruits of Christ. My desire & prayer has always been to be a soul winner and minister to those hurting. In studying this, I see that I am not ready because my fruit has not come into it's season. Lord, help me....
My Prayer: "Dear Lord, I recognize that my state of rebellion these past few months has resulted in the death of my fruit. Help my tree to grow and bare fruit once again as I water it daily with communion with you so that I can address your people as Paul did. Thank you for being so gentle with me. I know you are in me Lord. Help be to feed your spirit daily so that those I minister and witness to may eat of the fruit thereof. In Jesus' name, amen
So I'm out here fishing and I before I left, I forgot to see what the program's study was on for Day 12. So I'm just giong to ask God to give me something. (a few minutes later) I'm thinking about the fruits of the Spirit that are listed in Galations 5:22. I believe God wants me to study "gentleness". So the topic; "Help me be gentle." Gal 5:22
"The friut of the Spirit is love, joy, peace,gentless, goodness, faith..."Gal. 5:22 (kjv)
genlteless- usefullnes; moral excellence (in character or demeanor); goodness, kindess
WOW. When I read this definition from my Strongs, I thought,"Man, do I have a lot to work on." I believe a person doesn't always have to be the opposite of these traits outwardly but they can be inwardly. For example. I can be rude and unkind in thought but not act on them. I must get my mind right before I do act on them at some point. My spirit must be fed so those traits can become fruit which is then manifested outwardly. I want to see the results of God's gentleness.
Ps 18:35"Thou has also given me the shield of thy salvation:thy right hand hath holden me; thy gentgles hath made me great." Gal 5:22 (klv)
Jesus said he is the tree of life; whoever abides in him bares much fruit. Having the Spirit of God in me; keeping it fed by daily study, prayer, and church, I should bear the fruit of the genltless of God because not feeding it kills the fruit. Just not like not watering a plant, kills the plant. I'm am watered by the Word. In displaying the fruit of gentless the results from Ps 18:35 should be the same on others....the fruit can make another great in faith, hope. and just an up lifting of spirit and attidude. People should see Christ and not me wich will make them great in spirit.
Paul understood this when he wrote to the church in Corinth. (2 Cor. 10:1) "Now I Paul, myself beseech you by the meekness and gentless of Christ, who in presence am base, but being absent am bold towards you."
I think I can talk about God all day & try & minister all I want but without the fruit of genltless I may hurt or damage another becuase my way can be harsh. It's not what I say but how I say it and that is why I must bare the fruit. Paul got that he was only able to deal with the poeple with the Goldy resluts because he bared the fruits of Christ. My desire & prayer has always been to be a soul winner and minister to those hurting. In studying this, I see that I am not ready because my fruit has not come into it's season. Lord, help me....
My Prayer: "Dear Lord, I recognize that my state of rebellion these past few months has resulted in the death of my fruit. Help my tree to grow and bare fruit once again as I water it daily with communion with you so that I can address your people as Paul did. Thank you for being so gentle with me. I know you are in me Lord. Help be to feed your spirit daily so that those I minister and witness to may eat of the fruit thereof. In Jesus' name, amen
Thursday, September 24, 2009
Day 11-"Help me be joyful." 1 Peter 1:8
"Whom having not seen, ye love; in whom, though now ye see him not, yet believing, ye rejoice, with joy unspeakable & full of glory" 1 Peter 1:8 (kjv)
rejoice- jump for joy, exult=glory
joy-cheerfulness
glory-to render, esteem=to set a high value on
This verse is telling me or showing me that I can be overwhelmingly, out of this world happy over something I have not seen, I should be able to or hold @ an even higher level of appreciation the things I can see. I see lots of good, great, and marvelous things, yet I still complain. I tend to sometimes focus on what's wrong instead of rejoicing & being joyful over what is good & right. Truth be told, I've learned that there is good in everyone and everything...sometimes I just pass things over too quickly without examination or assume the worst.
I'm looking at this verse another way. I see that it is because I believe that I'm able to be joyful. Regardless of what I see, faith=joy. Here, Jesus is the substance not seen, yet I love Him...I try anyway. I can't see Him but I believe with all my heart so I'm full of joy. I think what God wants me to do with this verse is substitute Jesus with something else to help me see if I'm really joyful. For instance, I can't see my future husband but I believe I will be remarried one day so I'm joyful in the hope that I wont be alone. I can't see the deed to the first property I will win @ auction but I believe it is God's will for me to do this line of work so I'm so joyous in the assurance that it will happen! With faith comes joy. I can't have one without the other. I think one can have joy before the substance of that joy is manifested. Take myself for example. I was so joyful over the purchasing of my house while it was in the process of being bought by someone else. The situation looked hopeless, but I believed which brought so much joy...I cried and shouted with tears of joy because I knew the house was mine.
So the two lessons; If I'm able to be joyous over a man I have not seen (jesus) then surely I can learn to be joyous over the things I can see. Just because I cannot see something now, by faith I can see it, which will bring joy in advance. WOW! One verse, two lessons.
Joy should remain always if one has faith in the Lord.
My Prayer-"Dear Lord, help me be joyful in what I can see and joyful in what I can't. Give me a faith that causes me to be joyful in any given situation that seems hopeless and/or impossible. For without faith, you said in your Word, that it is impossible to please you. Without joy, I am not pleased. Happiness is based on a moment of saticfaction; joy is based on a lifetime of assurances...help me be joyful In Jesus' name. Amen.
rejoice- jump for joy, exult=glory
joy-cheerfulness
glory-to render, esteem=to set a high value on
This verse is telling me or showing me that I can be overwhelmingly, out of this world happy over something I have not seen, I should be able to or hold @ an even higher level of appreciation the things I can see. I see lots of good, great, and marvelous things, yet I still complain. I tend to sometimes focus on what's wrong instead of rejoicing & being joyful over what is good & right. Truth be told, I've learned that there is good in everyone and everything...sometimes I just pass things over too quickly without examination or assume the worst.
I'm looking at this verse another way. I see that it is because I believe that I'm able to be joyful. Regardless of what I see, faith=joy. Here, Jesus is the substance not seen, yet I love Him...I try anyway. I can't see Him but I believe with all my heart so I'm full of joy. I think what God wants me to do with this verse is substitute Jesus with something else to help me see if I'm really joyful. For instance, I can't see my future husband but I believe I will be remarried one day so I'm joyful in the hope that I wont be alone. I can't see the deed to the first property I will win @ auction but I believe it is God's will for me to do this line of work so I'm so joyous in the assurance that it will happen! With faith comes joy. I can't have one without the other. I think one can have joy before the substance of that joy is manifested. Take myself for example. I was so joyful over the purchasing of my house while it was in the process of being bought by someone else. The situation looked hopeless, but I believed which brought so much joy...I cried and shouted with tears of joy because I knew the house was mine.
So the two lessons; If I'm able to be joyous over a man I have not seen (jesus) then surely I can learn to be joyous over the things I can see. Just because I cannot see something now, by faith I can see it, which will bring joy in advance. WOW! One verse, two lessons.
Joy should remain always if one has faith in the Lord.
My Prayer-"Dear Lord, help me be joyful in what I can see and joyful in what I can't. Give me a faith that causes me to be joyful in any given situation that seems hopeless and/or impossible. For without faith, you said in your Word, that it is impossible to please you. Without joy, I am not pleased. Happiness is based on a moment of saticfaction; joy is based on a lifetime of assurances...help me be joyful In Jesus' name. Amen.
Wednesday, September 23, 2009
Day 10-"Help me be confident." Titus 3:7
"That being justified by His grace, we should be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life." Titus 3:7 (kjv)
heirs-a posesser
After I read this verse, I just kinda sat..not knowing how the word "confident" played into it. Then God asked me,"Do you know who you are?" Confidence and self esteem have been trouble areas for me; especially since Treaty was killed. I know the Lord is trying to get me to grasp just how special I am to Him & how much power and authority I have in Him. OMG! The longer I think on this, more verses keep coming to mind answering His question!
"You are fearfully and wonderfully made." Psalm 139:14
fearfully-reverence=honor, respect
wonderfully-put a difference (unique), show marvelous, set apart
"He hath made everything beautiful..." Ecc 3:11
"...in confidence shall be your strength." Is. 30:15
Going back to Titus 3:7, & focusing on the word "heirs", I can't help but meditate on what I inherited on 6-8-03; the day I repented, surrendered, was baptized, and saved. One thing for sure is eternal life (heaven). What else? I believe it is the right to God's Word. I now have the authority to use it and lay hold of God's promises. I once heard on the radio that a man counted over 30,000 promises in the Word! Now that I have a right to claim them and all that is in the Word, I must understand just how powerful it is. I've used it many times against the Devil . Treaty & I used it to attack a demon in our room. (that was awesome!) I also used it to get my house. I used it to get out of debt. I used it to heal Elyza from night terrors. The Word=POWER!
"For the Word of God is quick and powerful, & sharper than any two edeged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder (seperate pieces) of soul & spirit, & of the joints and marrow, & is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart." Heb. 4:12
"..the sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God."Eph.6:17
"So then faith come by hearing, and hearing by the Word of God." Romans 10:17
I just thought about something...God spoke, and there was light. He spoke, and created the world...I'd rather use His Words than mine!
So what I've learned: God made me without error. He made me beautiful & one of a kind. He wants me to be confident in this truth as strength when I don't believe in myself. He wants me to be assured of my salvation. He wants me to take hold of His Word by claiming His promises & using it as a weapon. When I have fully grasped this, it is then I am confident, not only in myself but in Jesus.
My Prayer"Dear Lord, the world can be so cruel & the enemy never ceases in his attempts to plant dount and fear in my mind. He knows that I'm useless with doubt, fear, and without power &/or knowledge of the Word. If I don't use your my inheretance, I'm just as lost as I was before I gave my life to you. I'd be a sad & hopeless person & a weak, useless Christian. With everyday that I study, let it be to my spirit as weight lifting and exercise is to my body. Having confidence in you, knowing you are in me, I'm unstoppable and untouchable. Don't allow me to believe I'm ugly. Don't allow me to ever say,"I can't." Help me be confident. Not just confident in one area but in every realm of my life! In Jesus name, amen.
heirs-a posesser
After I read this verse, I just kinda sat..not knowing how the word "confident" played into it. Then God asked me,"Do you know who you are?" Confidence and self esteem have been trouble areas for me; especially since Treaty was killed. I know the Lord is trying to get me to grasp just how special I am to Him & how much power and authority I have in Him. OMG! The longer I think on this, more verses keep coming to mind answering His question!
"You are fearfully and wonderfully made." Psalm 139:14
fearfully-reverence=honor, respect
wonderfully-put a difference (unique), show marvelous, set apart
"He hath made everything beautiful..." Ecc 3:11
"...in confidence shall be your strength." Is. 30:15
Going back to Titus 3:7, & focusing on the word "heirs", I can't help but meditate on what I inherited on 6-8-03; the day I repented, surrendered, was baptized, and saved. One thing for sure is eternal life (heaven). What else? I believe it is the right to God's Word. I now have the authority to use it and lay hold of God's promises. I once heard on the radio that a man counted over 30,000 promises in the Word! Now that I have a right to claim them and all that is in the Word, I must understand just how powerful it is. I've used it many times against the Devil . Treaty & I used it to attack a demon in our room. (that was awesome!) I also used it to get my house. I used it to get out of debt. I used it to heal Elyza from night terrors. The Word=POWER!
"For the Word of God is quick and powerful, & sharper than any two edeged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder (seperate pieces) of soul & spirit, & of the joints and marrow, & is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart." Heb. 4:12
"..the sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God."Eph.6:17
"So then faith come by hearing, and hearing by the Word of God." Romans 10:17
I just thought about something...God spoke, and there was light. He spoke, and created the world...I'd rather use His Words than mine!
So what I've learned: God made me without error. He made me beautiful & one of a kind. He wants me to be confident in this truth as strength when I don't believe in myself. He wants me to be assured of my salvation. He wants me to take hold of His Word by claiming His promises & using it as a weapon. When I have fully grasped this, it is then I am confident, not only in myself but in Jesus.
My Prayer"Dear Lord, the world can be so cruel & the enemy never ceases in his attempts to plant dount and fear in my mind. He knows that I'm useless with doubt, fear, and without power &/or knowledge of the Word. If I don't use your my inheretance, I'm just as lost as I was before I gave my life to you. I'd be a sad & hopeless person & a weak, useless Christian. With everyday that I study, let it be to my spirit as weight lifting and exercise is to my body. Having confidence in you, knowing you are in me, I'm unstoppable and untouchable. Don't allow me to believe I'm ugly. Don't allow me to ever say,"I can't." Help me be confident. Not just confident in one area but in every realm of my life! In Jesus name, amen.
Tuesday, September 22, 2009
Day 9-"Help me be considerate." Phil.2:4
"Look not every man on his own things but every man also on the things of others." Phil 2:4 (the cause)
Look-regard, consider, take heed.
man-every (man, one, woman)
things-to all in their inflections=change in number, (sometimes to be supplied)
own-myself, thyself, ourselves, yourself, etc.
others-another, else, next (day), some
Basically I'm not to be selfish. It's saying to be to not me so close minded and stuck on my own self & it's desires and needs. I need to be considerate of others and not just putting others before me but also taking in consideration how my words and actions my affect another...like living a life of respect. Examples that come to my mind are being considerate of another's feelings before I speak. Or giving up a need to help someone else. Like money, food, time, or even something as simple as sacrificing where I want to go out to eat to please the other person who may not want to eat there.( The effect) Sacrifice for the salvation of others. That will make more sense if you keep you reading.
1 Corinthians 10:33-"Even as I please all men in all things, not seeking my own (charity, unselfishness) profit, but the profit of many , that they may be saved."
profit-advantage
saved-deliver, protect, heal, preserve, to do well, make whole.
So what I got from sacrifice for the salvation of others is that in my being considerate, I may save someone from disappointment. Sacrificing my time to help someone (listening to them, praying with them, assist in a job etc) my save them by healing a broken spirit, by making them not feel so overwhelmed....there are many ways my consideration can save someone. I'm understanding now, just how considerate Jesus was. These behaviors are making me a better and more effective Christian because they are Christ like acts. He is the ultimate example of consideration. He prayed that God would spare Him from the cross but he also said,"Thy will be done." He, being able with all power to save himself disregarded that ability, regarded us, & now the salvation of our souls in our profit. His profit was the defeating of Satan which we get the victory through. Jesus did not live to please Himself. He put the world first.I believe that what another profits can be either tangible, emotional, physical, or spiritual through my consideration and disregard for my own self. "Do unto others as you'd have them do unto you","If you sow sparingly you reap sparingly." Basically the more unselfish and considerate I am, the more I profit as well. It's not about what I give up for another, but I do it with the assurance that the other will be saved in some way. That, in the end, is a great profit!
My Prayer-"Dear Lord, you said that you'd supply all my needs according to your riches and glory & that if I delight myself in you, you'd give me the desires of my heart. Help me to put others first with the comfort that no matter what I give up(time, money, clothes, a desire, etc) that it bring a soul to you by using me to reveal your glory in my behavior. Don't let me hesitate knowing that my loss will be returned. Phil. 3:8 says,"Yea DOUBLES & I count ALL THINGS but loss for the excellency of Jesus Christ my Lord; for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, & I do count them dung, that I may win Christ." You are it! All things I hold dear or worth giving up for you so that I & others may win You in ALL you are. Help me consider this in all do. After all, it's not about me. It's about you & those that my be lost & the wounded Christians. Remind me that my ultimate profit is in heaven, not here. In Jesus' name. Amen.
Look-regard, consider, take heed.
man-every (man, one, woman)
things-to all in their inflections=change in number, (sometimes to be supplied)
own-myself, thyself, ourselves, yourself, etc.
others-another, else, next (day), some
Basically I'm not to be selfish. It's saying to be to not me so close minded and stuck on my own self & it's desires and needs. I need to be considerate of others and not just putting others before me but also taking in consideration how my words and actions my affect another...like living a life of respect. Examples that come to my mind are being considerate of another's feelings before I speak. Or giving up a need to help someone else. Like money, food, time, or even something as simple as sacrificing where I want to go out to eat to please the other person who may not want to eat there.( The effect) Sacrifice for the salvation of others. That will make more sense if you keep you reading.
1 Corinthians 10:33-"Even as I please all men in all things, not seeking my own (charity, unselfishness) profit, but the profit of many , that they may be saved."
profit-advantage
saved-deliver, protect, heal, preserve, to do well, make whole.
So what I got from sacrifice for the salvation of others is that in my being considerate, I may save someone from disappointment. Sacrificing my time to help someone (listening to them, praying with them, assist in a job etc) my save them by healing a broken spirit, by making them not feel so overwhelmed....there are many ways my consideration can save someone. I'm understanding now, just how considerate Jesus was. These behaviors are making me a better and more effective Christian because they are Christ like acts. He is the ultimate example of consideration. He prayed that God would spare Him from the cross but he also said,"Thy will be done." He, being able with all power to save himself disregarded that ability, regarded us, & now the salvation of our souls in our profit. His profit was the defeating of Satan which we get the victory through. Jesus did not live to please Himself. He put the world first.I believe that what another profits can be either tangible, emotional, physical, or spiritual through my consideration and disregard for my own self. "Do unto others as you'd have them do unto you","If you sow sparingly you reap sparingly." Basically the more unselfish and considerate I am, the more I profit as well. It's not about what I give up for another, but I do it with the assurance that the other will be saved in some way. That, in the end, is a great profit!
My Prayer-"Dear Lord, you said that you'd supply all my needs according to your riches and glory & that if I delight myself in you, you'd give me the desires of my heart. Help me to put others first with the comfort that no matter what I give up(time, money, clothes, a desire, etc) that it bring a soul to you by using me to reveal your glory in my behavior. Don't let me hesitate knowing that my loss will be returned. Phil. 3:8 says,"Yea DOUBLES & I count ALL THINGS but loss for the excellency of Jesus Christ my Lord; for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, & I do count them dung, that I may win Christ." You are it! All things I hold dear or worth giving up for you so that I & others may win You in ALL you are. Help me consider this in all do. After all, it's not about me. It's about you & those that my be lost & the wounded Christians. Remind me that my ultimate profit is in heaven, not here. In Jesus' name. Amen.
Monday, September 21, 2009
Day 8-"Help me be relaxed." Phil. 4:6,7
"Be careful for nothing; but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be known to God.(7) & the peace of God which passeth all understanding shall keep your hearts & minds through Christ Jesus." Phil 4:6,7 (kjv)
prayer-a petition=earnest request
supplication-" "
peace-quietness, rest, set @ one again, one.
keep-to be a watcher in advance, protect
I don't know about you but this life of mine has my peace disrupted lately but this verse is telling me that it is my fault my peace is disrupted. My peace is not determined on what does or doesn't happen to me. My peace is based on prayer. God is telling me not to try and control everything and do it all on my own (be carefull for nothing) but to pray & be thankful in doing so because He hears me. That assurance through Him will keep my mind @ ease and at a level that is so high it isn't understandable by carnal minds. But I have to pray. No matter what the issue prayer=peace. I recall a time when I prayed that God would help me decorate my house; that I wouldn't overspend & get impulsive. I almost bought a $600 rug from Pottery Barn..it must have sat in my cart online for about 3-4 months...God just kept telling me to wait. Every time I'd go to check out, I wasn't peaceful about it. So I didn't. In the end, I ended up buying a rug from them that goes better with my home and was on clearance for $300.00. The same thing happened with my tv, my entertainment center, my patio furniture, and my outdoor fans among other things. I've had peace over bigger issues because He showed concern for an issue so small. Notice I said the word HAD. The variable has been my prayer life, not my situation. I took my mind off Christ & quit talking to Him.
Romans 8:6"For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life & peace." I believe that what dies is a positive mind-set equalling depression.
carnally-human, relating to or given to sensual pleasures & appetites
spiritually-vital principal, mental disposition or superhuman, divine.
I think Phil. 4:6,7 & Romans 8:6 tie in with the study I did on day 6; "Help me be focused." The bottom line, I have to pray. Prayer=peace.
1 Thessalonians. 5:17 "Pray without ceasing." If all it takes to have peace is prayer then I'm in luck because I can do that!!! Because I stopped praying & started seeking peace in temporal things my supernatural, God given peace diminished. The peace I once had I received through daily communion with God. The peace I had cannot be found here & it doesn't take medication or cost me a dime! Excuse me but I have to go pray.
My Prayer-Dear Lord, I recall the peace I had when Treaty died & the scripture you gave me before I got to the hospital. I found myself comforting everyone else. I had a peace that blew my mind. I recall when I was pregnant & Treaty came home & said,"You are going to be upset." He handed me a letter stating that his worker's comp had ended. I was so at ease. I wasn't moved by any circumstance. I had peace through you that you would take care of everything...you did. My dad told me one time that it seemed that I didn't care about anything. I remember saying,"No, it's just that I know God is in control." Those were times when I walked with you with every fiber of my being. I prayed all the time about EVERYTHING. I remember when I needed a hand mirror and asked you for one because mine broke. Daddy came over a little later so we could go out to eat and he said,"Look what I found in my yard." You gave me a hand mirror God. My dad had lived in his house for 6 years & all of a sudden found a perfectly good hand mirror in his grass the day I needed one & asked you for it. Remembering those times makes me cry. I'm sad because I stopped praying. I stopped walking with you after all you had done for me. Forgive me Lord. I just got angry over losing Treaty. Treaty alive or dead still can't erase your goodness and how far you have brought me. Truth be told, you did enough for me on the cross. I want that supernatural peace back so bad I'm starving for it. Keep me on my knees, keep me praying. Keep me thankful...be my peace again. In Jesus' name, amen.
prayer-a petition=earnest request
supplication-" "
peace-quietness, rest, set @ one again, one.
keep-to be a watcher in advance, protect
I don't know about you but this life of mine has my peace disrupted lately but this verse is telling me that it is my fault my peace is disrupted. My peace is not determined on what does or doesn't happen to me. My peace is based on prayer. God is telling me not to try and control everything and do it all on my own (be carefull for nothing) but to pray & be thankful in doing so because He hears me. That assurance through Him will keep my mind @ ease and at a level that is so high it isn't understandable by carnal minds. But I have to pray. No matter what the issue prayer=peace. I recall a time when I prayed that God would help me decorate my house; that I wouldn't overspend & get impulsive. I almost bought a $600 rug from Pottery Barn..it must have sat in my cart online for about 3-4 months...God just kept telling me to wait. Every time I'd go to check out, I wasn't peaceful about it. So I didn't. In the end, I ended up buying a rug from them that goes better with my home and was on clearance for $300.00. The same thing happened with my tv, my entertainment center, my patio furniture, and my outdoor fans among other things. I've had peace over bigger issues because He showed concern for an issue so small. Notice I said the word HAD. The variable has been my prayer life, not my situation. I took my mind off Christ & quit talking to Him.
Romans 8:6"For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life & peace." I believe that what dies is a positive mind-set equalling depression.
carnally-human, relating to or given to sensual pleasures & appetites
spiritually-vital principal, mental disposition or superhuman, divine.
I think Phil. 4:6,7 & Romans 8:6 tie in with the study I did on day 6; "Help me be focused." The bottom line, I have to pray. Prayer=peace.
1 Thessalonians. 5:17 "Pray without ceasing." If all it takes to have peace is prayer then I'm in luck because I can do that!!! Because I stopped praying & started seeking peace in temporal things my supernatural, God given peace diminished. The peace I once had I received through daily communion with God. The peace I had cannot be found here & it doesn't take medication or cost me a dime! Excuse me but I have to go pray.
My Prayer-Dear Lord, I recall the peace I had when Treaty died & the scripture you gave me before I got to the hospital. I found myself comforting everyone else. I had a peace that blew my mind. I recall when I was pregnant & Treaty came home & said,"You are going to be upset." He handed me a letter stating that his worker's comp had ended. I was so at ease. I wasn't moved by any circumstance. I had peace through you that you would take care of everything...you did. My dad told me one time that it seemed that I didn't care about anything. I remember saying,"No, it's just that I know God is in control." Those were times when I walked with you with every fiber of my being. I prayed all the time about EVERYTHING. I remember when I needed a hand mirror and asked you for one because mine broke. Daddy came over a little later so we could go out to eat and he said,"Look what I found in my yard." You gave me a hand mirror God. My dad had lived in his house for 6 years & all of a sudden found a perfectly good hand mirror in his grass the day I needed one & asked you for it. Remembering those times makes me cry. I'm sad because I stopped praying. I stopped walking with you after all you had done for me. Forgive me Lord. I just got angry over losing Treaty. Treaty alive or dead still can't erase your goodness and how far you have brought me. Truth be told, you did enough for me on the cross. I want that supernatural peace back so bad I'm starving for it. Keep me on my knees, keep me praying. Keep me thankful...be my peace again. In Jesus' name, amen.
Sunday, September 20, 2009
Day 7-"Help me be discerning" Romans 12:2
"And be not conformed to this world; but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, & acceptable, & perfect will of God." Romans 12:2 (kjv)
conformed- to fashion alike, resemblance, similar applications
transformed-metamorphose= a change of substance esp. by supernatural means, a striking alteration; transfigure.
renewing-renovation
will-specifically purpose, desire
WOW! This verse is offering me lots of assistance! The Lord is saying that in order for me to live out my purpose, I must change the way I think...I need to stop thinking like the "world". He is saying not to follow what man (friends, family, tv, media) says unless it lines up with His Word. I have to know what His Word says so I can discern if it is of God or not. I'm sure that friends and family mean well but I have to think spiritually by renovating it..making it free from "reality" & filling it with the supernatural. Kinda like if a person has a goal and they share that desire with a friend. The friend may think it is crazy & unlikely because the odds based on statistics that studies have shown suggest that. If the goal seeker has the mind of Christ, they believe all things are possible. They think & believe that God is able according to His Word; and even if it isn't God's will, the Word comforts them in the assurance that God has a good reason & a better will. However, the "world" aka "those that don't know God for oneself" says that the goal seeker should never have tried in the first place and they should be upset and mad at God for not making it happen. The spiritual mind always sees their glass as full and about to run over. The carnal mind accepts and deals with an almost empty glass and doesn't believe it will ever fill up and overflow because it just isn't likely.
2 Corinthians 4:16"For which cause we faint not; though our outward man perish, the inward man is renewed day by day." The inward man is my spirit & as long as I stay in the Word, my mind will change to think more in the supernatural which will in affect change my attitude, my response to situations, and my behavior in general.
Eph. 4:23 gives the order & Col. 3:10 gives the way to do it.
Eph 4:23-"Be renewed in the spirit of your mind." Col.3:10 says to put on the new man (transformation) which is renewed in the knowledge after the image of Him that created him.
The what of Romans 12:2 is to live out God's will for me. The how is to transform the way I think. The way to do so is to seek the Lord in His knowledge.(Col.3:10) He is saying I need to seek Him by praying, studying, and hearing the Word at church. The only way I can live out God's purpose for me, (not my will, but his) is to not think like those who don't know Him and to daily renew my mind with His knowledge by seeking Him. I need to be able to discern what is of God and what isn't...is it Satan's plan, or God's? That is my assistance in fulfilling my purpose in life. Thank you Jesus for your help!
My Prayer-"Dear Lord, thank you for your Word which transforms! Thank you for having a perfect plan for me. Don't let me become lazy in seeking your knowledge. When I obtain any knowledge, let it assist me in knowing the truth from lie, what is for me and what isn't that I may stay in your will for me and live it out. Allow that new Godly knowledge flush out all unholy, vain knowledge and negative thinking. Help me to think on your promises daily so that Satan cannot convince me that I can't or that you won't. Renew my mind by keeping me in your Word. Don't let me leave you again. Don't let me leave my purpose. Don't let me out of your perfect will. Give me discernment to know what will help keep my mind stayed and filled with you and what won't. Change my mind into that of Jesus so that on the last day I will hear,"Well done, my good and faithful servant."
conformed- to fashion alike, resemblance, similar applications
transformed-metamorphose= a change of substance esp. by supernatural means, a striking alteration; transfigure.
renewing-renovation
will-specifically purpose, desire
WOW! This verse is offering me lots of assistance! The Lord is saying that in order for me to live out my purpose, I must change the way I think...I need to stop thinking like the "world". He is saying not to follow what man (friends, family, tv, media) says unless it lines up with His Word. I have to know what His Word says so I can discern if it is of God or not. I'm sure that friends and family mean well but I have to think spiritually by renovating it..making it free from "reality" & filling it with the supernatural. Kinda like if a person has a goal and they share that desire with a friend. The friend may think it is crazy & unlikely because the odds based on statistics that studies have shown suggest that. If the goal seeker has the mind of Christ, they believe all things are possible. They think & believe that God is able according to His Word; and even if it isn't God's will, the Word comforts them in the assurance that God has a good reason & a better will. However, the "world" aka "those that don't know God for oneself" says that the goal seeker should never have tried in the first place and they should be upset and mad at God for not making it happen. The spiritual mind always sees their glass as full and about to run over. The carnal mind accepts and deals with an almost empty glass and doesn't believe it will ever fill up and overflow because it just isn't likely.
2 Corinthians 4:16"For which cause we faint not; though our outward man perish, the inward man is renewed day by day." The inward man is my spirit & as long as I stay in the Word, my mind will change to think more in the supernatural which will in affect change my attitude, my response to situations, and my behavior in general.
Eph. 4:23 gives the order & Col. 3:10 gives the way to do it.
Eph 4:23-"Be renewed in the spirit of your mind." Col.3:10 says to put on the new man (transformation) which is renewed in the knowledge after the image of Him that created him.
The what of Romans 12:2 is to live out God's will for me. The how is to transform the way I think. The way to do so is to seek the Lord in His knowledge.(Col.3:10) He is saying I need to seek Him by praying, studying, and hearing the Word at church. The only way I can live out God's purpose for me, (not my will, but his) is to not think like those who don't know Him and to daily renew my mind with His knowledge by seeking Him. I need to be able to discern what is of God and what isn't...is it Satan's plan, or God's? That is my assistance in fulfilling my purpose in life. Thank you Jesus for your help!
My Prayer-"Dear Lord, thank you for your Word which transforms! Thank you for having a perfect plan for me. Don't let me become lazy in seeking your knowledge. When I obtain any knowledge, let it assist me in knowing the truth from lie, what is for me and what isn't that I may stay in your will for me and live it out. Allow that new Godly knowledge flush out all unholy, vain knowledge and negative thinking. Help me to think on your promises daily so that Satan cannot convince me that I can't or that you won't. Renew my mind by keeping me in your Word. Don't let me leave you again. Don't let me leave my purpose. Don't let me out of your perfect will. Give me discernment to know what will help keep my mind stayed and filled with you and what won't. Change my mind into that of Jesus so that on the last day I will hear,"Well done, my good and faithful servant."
Day 7-amazed!
So tomorrow will be one week since I started my 30 day quest to renewal. I have shed many many tears over this last week. I've come to many conclusions about myself and my life. I have always prayed that God would reveal me to myself...that He would open me up and my eyes to see me for who I really am so that I could change things, improve, and even remove some things. Things meaning thoughts, behaviors, habits, and relationships. The Word has so much power. It reaches to the very depths of a person. Since I've been doing the studies in the morning, I've noticed that the topic of the day is on my mind all day long. It has caused me to measure myself up to it. That has been painful, encouraging, but most of all empowering. Somethings I'm sad to change but my heart is overwhelmed with joy because it is for Jesus...the one who will never leave me, let me down, cheat me, hurt me...the one who ALWAYS has my best interest at heart, the one who gives me every smile on my face, the one who will strengthen me in every trial, the one who will supply all my needs and give me the desires of my heart because I delight myself in Him. I feel like a woman who is getting a tummy tuck, lol. She has lots of excess skin that has to be removed. She wouldn't have all that extra skin had she taken better care of herself. She has decided to remove it. The surgery is painful, recovery is painful, there is a scar, and now she has to take better care of herself to prevent that from happening again. But when it is all said and done, she looks so much better and no longer has to live with that unsightly exra skin.That's how I feel spiritually right now. I'm in recovery. My pain medication is Jesus and His Word. My scars are my testimonies. My responsibiliy is to care better for my spirit...I only pray I don't have to have too many more "tummy tucks".
Saturday, September 19, 2009
Day 6-"Help me be focused." Phil. 4:8
"Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, & if there be any praise, THINK ON THESE THINGS." Phil4:8 (kjv)
honest-devout, honorable, grave
grave-important
just-innocent, holy, right, righteous
pure-innocent, modest, perfect, clean, chaste
chaste-innocent of unlawful sexual intercourse, celibate, pure in thought
lovely-friendly towards, acceptable
report-well spoken of, reputable
virtue-valor, praise
valor-worth, bravery
praise-laudation: concretely, a commendable thing
think-impute, conclude
I noticed that all of these nouns and adjectives are very positive. When I thought a little deeper, I saw that the verse is saying focus on Christ, think only on the things of the Lord and His Word. I spend a lot of time thinking on my problems or on things that are contrary to the Word of God, like lustful desires, revenge...etc. I think the reason why we are told to think on the things listed is because God has already taken care of our problems. He has already worked our issues out so what's the point of filling my head with ANYTHING negative of contrary to Him?
Like I said in an earlier post, God promises rewards for obedience. Look at 1 Timothy 4:15-16"Meditate upon these things and give thyself wholly to them; that thy PROFITING may appear to all. Take heed to thyself, unto the doctrine; continue in them; for in doing this shalt both save thyself & them that hear thee." Now I just learned how powerful thoughts are! Meditation=obedience=profit! Not just for my profiting but for the winning of souls to Christ &/or the refreshing of those already saved. Now I'm asking God,"How shall I profit? What do you mean that I'll profit?" Then I came across Joshua 1:8 "This book of law shall not depart out of thy mouth, but thou shalt MEDITATE therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do (obedience) according to all that is written therein; for then thou shalt make thy way PROSPEROUS & thou shalt HAVE GOOD SUCCESS." I just noticed a pattern. If I think upon Christ and His WORD, those meditations will birth an act of obedience to Him which will bring about blessings of prosperity, good success, and the saving of myself. (the saving of my state of mind) In my own self examination, when I've meditated upon the desires of my flesh, that birthed sin eventually which resulted in the wrath of God upon me (chastisement)(Col.3:5-6)(James 1:15) My spirit was so weakened as a result;My peace was disturbed, my problems became overwhelming, depression set in...because sin separates us from God. That's why I think Jesus said,"My GOD my GOD why has thou forsaken me?" He took on sin and as he hung there with the sins of the world on Him, he felt disconnected from God. I think sometimes that God has left me when in truth, my sin has put a gap between us...my fault! Praise God He never left. Kinda like when I go to the store. I may leave my house but my house stays put and is there when I return...just like GOD! Time to get my mind right!!!
My Prayer-"Dear Lord, let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in thy sight. Help me to cast down every high thought and imagination that exalt itself against you. Help me to take heed to your word as I think on you. Help me to meditate on it so that I may not sin against you. Cleanse my mind, Lord. When negative and/or evil thoughts come it, put Phil 4:8 to my remembrance. Let not my thoughts hinder my blessings. I've learned that thoughts have power to bring forth action. Let mine be acceptable & pure so that they cause me to obey you and then I'll have obtained my profits as you promise. In Jesus' name, AMEN!
honest-devout, honorable, grave
grave-important
just-innocent, holy, right, righteous
pure-innocent, modest, perfect, clean, chaste
chaste-innocent of unlawful sexual intercourse, celibate, pure in thought
lovely-friendly towards, acceptable
report-well spoken of, reputable
virtue-valor, praise
valor-worth, bravery
praise-laudation: concretely, a commendable thing
think-impute, conclude
I noticed that all of these nouns and adjectives are very positive. When I thought a little deeper, I saw that the verse is saying focus on Christ, think only on the things of the Lord and His Word. I spend a lot of time thinking on my problems or on things that are contrary to the Word of God, like lustful desires, revenge...etc. I think the reason why we are told to think on the things listed is because God has already taken care of our problems. He has already worked our issues out so what's the point of filling my head with ANYTHING negative of contrary to Him?
Like I said in an earlier post, God promises rewards for obedience. Look at 1 Timothy 4:15-16"Meditate upon these things and give thyself wholly to them; that thy PROFITING may appear to all. Take heed to thyself, unto the doctrine; continue in them; for in doing this shalt both save thyself & them that hear thee." Now I just learned how powerful thoughts are! Meditation=obedience=profit! Not just for my profiting but for the winning of souls to Christ &/or the refreshing of those already saved. Now I'm asking God,"How shall I profit? What do you mean that I'll profit?" Then I came across Joshua 1:8 "This book of law shall not depart out of thy mouth, but thou shalt MEDITATE therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do (obedience) according to all that is written therein; for then thou shalt make thy way PROSPEROUS & thou shalt HAVE GOOD SUCCESS." I just noticed a pattern. If I think upon Christ and His WORD, those meditations will birth an act of obedience to Him which will bring about blessings of prosperity, good success, and the saving of myself. (the saving of my state of mind) In my own self examination, when I've meditated upon the desires of my flesh, that birthed sin eventually which resulted in the wrath of God upon me (chastisement)(Col.3:5-6)(James 1:15) My spirit was so weakened as a result;My peace was disturbed, my problems became overwhelming, depression set in...because sin separates us from God. That's why I think Jesus said,"My GOD my GOD why has thou forsaken me?" He took on sin and as he hung there with the sins of the world on Him, he felt disconnected from God. I think sometimes that God has left me when in truth, my sin has put a gap between us...my fault! Praise God He never left. Kinda like when I go to the store. I may leave my house but my house stays put and is there when I return...just like GOD! Time to get my mind right!!!
My Prayer-"Dear Lord, let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in thy sight. Help me to cast down every high thought and imagination that exalt itself against you. Help me to take heed to your word as I think on you. Help me to meditate on it so that I may not sin against you. Cleanse my mind, Lord. When negative and/or evil thoughts come it, put Phil 4:8 to my remembrance. Let not my thoughts hinder my blessings. I've learned that thoughts have power to bring forth action. Let mine be acceptable & pure so that they cause me to obey you and then I'll have obtained my profits as you promise. In Jesus' name, AMEN!
Friday, September 18, 2009
Day 5-"Help me be patient." James 5:8
"Be ye also patient; stablish your hearts; for the coming of the Lord draweth nigh." James 5:8 (kjv)
patient-to be long-spirited, patiently endure
stablish-to set fast, to turn resolutely in a certain direction, to confirm; steadfast
The focus of today is patience. Taking that into account, I believe this verse is saying,"Keep the faith & stand firm on it no matter what comes your way because the end will come." 1 Corinthians 15:58 encourages me to keep keep keepn on! I'm starting to think of a boxer. His goal is to win the fight...that's his purpose and mission. In order to that, he has to prepare before the fight, & fight until the end when the fight comes until it comes. My goal is to do the work of God. The fight of a boxer symbolizes my trials, battles within my flesh, and the testing of my faith. The preparation for those times comes in studying the Word, prayer, and the hearing of the Word through my Pastor. The boxer will finish a round & get a break. I complete a trial & then experience rest which allows me to restore. But the boxer doesn't stop at the end of a round
...he must keep fighting & endure the fight until the end. He fights with the assurance that @ some point it will come to an end...it is inevitable and at the end of every round, he gets closer and closer to the end of his fight. He has faith that his training and preparation will result in victory. So for me, I know that the time will come when time as I know it will cease. The Lord will rapture me, along with others who are saved, or I will come to my physical death. Which ever comes first, I am assured that with every passing day I'm coming closer and closer just like a boxer who knows that with every passing round his fight is closer to ending. A boxer doesn't know if he will win or lose...praise God for me, I am assured through Christ that the victory is mine! (1 Corinthians 15:57-But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.)
"In your patience, possess your souls." Luke 21:19
possess-an acquirement.
This verse tells me that quiting (suicide) will result in the loss of my soul. I must consider that my soul is at stake when times get so hard and the pain is so bad that I just want to end it all. I'm not afraid to admit that I've had thoughts of suicide and I'd be shocked if anyone on earth can say that it hasn't crossed their mind at some point because life is like that sometimes. But I've always considered my soul in those times of which I was forced to be patient with life and roll with the punches. Romans 12:11-12 says not be slothful in business; fervent in spirit; serving the Lord; rejoicing in hope; PATIENT IN TRIBULATION; continuing instant in prayer.
"But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect & entire, wanting nothing." James 1:4
WOW! Who knew that there was power in patience? Patience=perfection, completion, & full. I can either cling to the promise that the last day is coming & keep the faith or I can give up, quit, & lose at the highest of costs. With patience, I will complete my mission for the Lord and be better than I was before! (Ec.7:8 "Better is the end of a thing than the beginning thereof; & the patient in spirit is better than the proud in spirit.) After all, I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me." (phil 4:13)
My Prayer-"Dear Lord, you didn't say the fight of life would be easy but you did promise me the victory if I endure & keep the faith til the end. Whether the end for me comes in death or the end of the world, whichever comes first, help me be patient. When I'm in the ring, help me to stay fixed in the faith & endure the fight so that I may be complete, wanting nothing. Help me to be assured and reminded during my fights that the power of my patience & all my preparations will help me reach the unavoidable end & that the victory is mine. In Jesus' name, AMEN!"
patient-to be long-spirited, patiently endure
stablish-to set fast, to turn resolutely in a certain direction, to confirm; steadfast
The focus of today is patience. Taking that into account, I believe this verse is saying,"Keep the faith & stand firm on it no matter what comes your way because the end will come." 1 Corinthians 15:58 encourages me to keep keep keepn on! I'm starting to think of a boxer. His goal is to win the fight...that's his purpose and mission. In order to that, he has to prepare before the fight, & fight until the end when the fight comes until it comes. My goal is to do the work of God. The fight of a boxer symbolizes my trials, battles within my flesh, and the testing of my faith. The preparation for those times comes in studying the Word, prayer, and the hearing of the Word through my Pastor. The boxer will finish a round & get a break. I complete a trial & then experience rest which allows me to restore. But the boxer doesn't stop at the end of a round
...he must keep fighting & endure the fight until the end. He fights with the assurance that @ some point it will come to an end...it is inevitable and at the end of every round, he gets closer and closer to the end of his fight. He has faith that his training and preparation will result in victory. So for me, I know that the time will come when time as I know it will cease. The Lord will rapture me, along with others who are saved, or I will come to my physical death. Which ever comes first, I am assured that with every passing day I'm coming closer and closer just like a boxer who knows that with every passing round his fight is closer to ending. A boxer doesn't know if he will win or lose...praise God for me, I am assured through Christ that the victory is mine! (1 Corinthians 15:57-But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.)
"In your patience, possess your souls." Luke 21:19
possess-an acquirement.
This verse tells me that quiting (suicide) will result in the loss of my soul. I must consider that my soul is at stake when times get so hard and the pain is so bad that I just want to end it all. I'm not afraid to admit that I've had thoughts of suicide and I'd be shocked if anyone on earth can say that it hasn't crossed their mind at some point because life is like that sometimes. But I've always considered my soul in those times of which I was forced to be patient with life and roll with the punches. Romans 12:11-12 says not be slothful in business; fervent in spirit; serving the Lord; rejoicing in hope; PATIENT IN TRIBULATION; continuing instant in prayer.
"But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect & entire, wanting nothing." James 1:4
WOW! Who knew that there was power in patience? Patience=perfection, completion, & full. I can either cling to the promise that the last day is coming & keep the faith or I can give up, quit, & lose at the highest of costs. With patience, I will complete my mission for the Lord and be better than I was before! (Ec.7:8 "Better is the end of a thing than the beginning thereof; & the patient in spirit is better than the proud in spirit.) After all, I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me." (phil 4:13)
My Prayer-"Dear Lord, you didn't say the fight of life would be easy but you did promise me the victory if I endure & keep the faith til the end. Whether the end for me comes in death or the end of the world, whichever comes first, help me be patient. When I'm in the ring, help me to stay fixed in the faith & endure the fight so that I may be complete, wanting nothing. Help me to be assured and reminded during my fights that the power of my patience & all my preparations will help me reach the unavoidable end & that the victory is mine. In Jesus' name, AMEN!"
Thursday, September 17, 2009
Day 4-"Help me be compassionate."-Matthew5:7
"Blessed are the merciful; for they shall obtain mercy."-Matthew 5:7 (kjv)
blessed-fortunate, well-off, happy, happier
merciful-compassionate=sympathetic feeling; pity
obtain-specifically by divine grace, receive
mercy-have compassion(pity on) human or divine, especially active; tender mercy
In short, you reap what you sow. (Gal.6:7-9) Or you get back what you put put...the world calls this Karma...kinda like what I studied on day 2. For me, I don't believe that having mercy on someone or being merciful is a choice but more like a duty or responsibility to Christ:"While we were yet sinners, Christ died for us."(Romans 5:8) That was a priceless act of mercy that humbles me to the core...if you knew me before I knew the Lord, you can see why. Who am I to withhold mercy towards those He died for considering all the sins I committed? Not only that, but I believe Jesus is saying that if one behaves merciful, one will receive mercy....by Him and/or by another person. Until I can walk on water, I will always fall short (Rom. 3:23) & need mercy again and again & the promise is that I will be fortunate, happy, & happier I am merciful. WOW; I just was just led to Luke 6:36 (a confirmation of what God spoke to me in Matthew) "Be ye therefore merciful, as your Father also is merciful." Funny being led here after saying all you just read...I love when God does that! (fyi :-) )Jesus always said that we should follow Him. Being that He was merciful, in following Him (doing as He did) we SHOULD be. What I love is that following Him comes promises of blessings. Like when my kids obey a command, they receive a reward! Same with the Lord! Praise God we get more than just a sticker or a lollipop! I just came across Proverbs 3:3-"Let not mercy & truth forsake thee; bind them upon they neck; write them upon the table of thy heart." I would say," Tattoo MERCY in your heart." Let it become a part of you like a tattoo that can be seen and that is always a part of you!-At least that is the analogy God is given me considering I do have 7 tattoos. LOL. But for real, I think Proverbs is saying that we don't exercise mercy & make it a part our nature, we are dimming the Light of Christ in us...others cannot see Christ as well through us. When we show that kind of mercy, that act has the power to not only bless us but it draws or reveals Christ to whom the person it was shown....especially if, like me, they didn't deserve it...none of us did but it was so powerful that it has saved millions and counting. (Lam.3:23 & Titus 3:5) The formula:mercy=blessings=mercy obtained on you.
My Prayer-"Dear Lord, thank you for your compassion towards me. Without that great mercy, I'd probably be dead, still in the streets and on drugs, in prison, & miserable. Your pity saved me. Let me have so great a mercy upon others that they see you & not me. Make it a part of my character so that when I need it, I'll have obtained it. Thank you again. Help me to be compassionate & sympathetic to those less fortunate as well as to those who are lost or have done me wrong. In Jesus' name, AMEN.
blessed-fortunate, well-off, happy, happier
merciful-compassionate=sympathetic feeling; pity
obtain-specifically by divine grace, receive
mercy-have compassion(pity on) human or divine, especially active; tender mercy
In short, you reap what you sow. (Gal.6:7-9) Or you get back what you put put...the world calls this Karma...kinda like what I studied on day 2. For me, I don't believe that having mercy on someone or being merciful is a choice but more like a duty or responsibility to Christ:"While we were yet sinners, Christ died for us."(Romans 5:8) That was a priceless act of mercy that humbles me to the core...if you knew me before I knew the Lord, you can see why. Who am I to withhold mercy towards those He died for considering all the sins I committed? Not only that, but I believe Jesus is saying that if one behaves merciful, one will receive mercy....by Him and/or by another person. Until I can walk on water, I will always fall short (Rom. 3:23) & need mercy again and again & the promise is that I will be fortunate, happy, & happier I am merciful. WOW; I just was just led to Luke 6:36 (a confirmation of what God spoke to me in Matthew) "Be ye therefore merciful, as your Father also is merciful." Funny being led here after saying all you just read...I love when God does that! (fyi :-) )Jesus always said that we should follow Him. Being that He was merciful, in following Him (doing as He did) we SHOULD be. What I love is that following Him comes promises of blessings. Like when my kids obey a command, they receive a reward! Same with the Lord! Praise God we get more than just a sticker or a lollipop! I just came across Proverbs 3:3-"Let not mercy & truth forsake thee; bind them upon they neck; write them upon the table of thy heart." I would say," Tattoo MERCY in your heart." Let it become a part of you like a tattoo that can be seen and that is always a part of you!-At least that is the analogy God is given me considering I do have 7 tattoos. LOL. But for real, I think Proverbs is saying that we don't exercise mercy & make it a part our nature, we are dimming the Light of Christ in us...others cannot see Christ as well through us. When we show that kind of mercy, that act has the power to not only bless us but it draws or reveals Christ to whom the person it was shown....especially if, like me, they didn't deserve it...none of us did but it was so powerful that it has saved millions and counting. (Lam.3:23 & Titus 3:5) The formula:mercy=blessings=mercy obtained on you.
My Prayer-"Dear Lord, thank you for your compassion towards me. Without that great mercy, I'd probably be dead, still in the streets and on drugs, in prison, & miserable. Your pity saved me. Let me have so great a mercy upon others that they see you & not me. Make it a part of my character so that when I need it, I'll have obtained it. Thank you again. Help me to be compassionate & sympathetic to those less fortunate as well as to those who are lost or have done me wrong. In Jesus' name, AMEN.
Wednesday, September 16, 2009
Day 3 "Help me be loving." 1 Cor 13:4-7
"Charity suffereth long, & is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up. Doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil, rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth in the truth; (vs7) beareth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things." (kjv)
charity-love, affection, benevolence
suffereth-to be long-spirited, patient
vaunteth- to boast
puffed-proud, haughty
unseemly-to be unbecoming or improper, indecent
truth-true, as not concealing, verity or honesty
beareth-to cover with silence, to roof over, to suffer, endure patiently.
I'm stuck with just saying, WOW! After studying these 4 verses one can't help but measure oneself next to them posing the question,"Do I really love ____?" Of course, no one is perfect but I think the root of real charity is the striving of perfecting these verses while praying the receptor is patient or has charity back towards the other. In reading this definition for love, I can't help but also believe that one NEVER falls out of love. If one says that then they never loved at all. Examine vs7-it says 3 times ALL THINGS. I'm also getting, as it relates to couples, that until both parties feel this way, they shouldn't attempt to be married & if they do, divorce is not an option. Of course the Lord does give permission in the case of adultery (Matthew 19:4-9, 1Cor.7:27). If the couple is true to the BIBLICAL definition of charity then the love is indeed real. I'm also reminded that the Bible says,"For with God, all things are possible." Don't give up...with Him, a relationship will survive, a marriage can be restored...just believe! God hates divorce anyway (Mal.2:16)
Now in dealing with each other as sisters and brothers in Christ, I'm led to 1 Peter 4:8-"Above all things have fervent charity among yourselves; for charity shall cover the multitude of sins." That verse ties in with 1 John 2:10-"He that loveth his brother abideth in the light, & there is none occasion of stumbling in him." I'm getting that one cannot have true charity outside of a relationship, a deep intimate personal walk, with Christ.("He that loveth his brother abideth in the light") The light is Christ (John 1:1-9, 8:12) & I think that Peter is saying that when the body of Christ has passionate (fervent) love among each other as a result of walking (abiding) with Christ, one is less likely to presumptuously sin (stumble). 1 John 4:8-"He that loveth not, knoweth not God, for God is love." Who is it that washes away our sins? Who is that covers our sins with His blood? God the Christ. That kind of love bestowed upon each other acts as a covering because the sinner sees Christ in that behavior, thus drawing them to the Lord who then washes and covers their sins...that is what I believe Peter is saying. It is extremely important for Christians to behave in such a way towards each other as well as towards the lost because those that are lost, who don't know the Lord for themselves and knowing you are a Christian, if treated ill will likely have a bad perception of the Lord. We truly are ambassadors of Christ & we must behave as such. After all, we are the light of the world.
My Prayer"Dear Lord, outside of you I cannot have true charity. Help me to abide in you daily. Not only for the nourishment of the Body of Christ but for the saving of souls. You saved us by this love. I cannot bring souls to you without this love. Create in my a clean heart, oh God & renew a right spirit within me, cast me not away from thy presence, & take not thy Holy Spirit from me. Restore unto me the joy of thy salvation; and up hold me with thy free spirit. THEN will I teach transgressors thy ways, & sinners shall be converted unto the (psalm 51:10). After all, it's not about me. Help me to endure patiently with people as you dealt so patiently with me. Help me to cling to the hope that my love for someone will win in the end so that you may be glorified. Just help to love...not as the world who loves on and off but help me to have godly love. The love that NEVER fails...in Jesus' name, AMEN.
charity-love, affection, benevolence
suffereth-to be long-spirited, patient
vaunteth- to boast
puffed-proud, haughty
unseemly-to be unbecoming or improper, indecent
truth-true, as not concealing, verity or honesty
beareth-to cover with silence, to roof over, to suffer, endure patiently.
I'm stuck with just saying, WOW! After studying these 4 verses one can't help but measure oneself next to them posing the question,"Do I really love ____?" Of course, no one is perfect but I think the root of real charity is the striving of perfecting these verses while praying the receptor is patient or has charity back towards the other. In reading this definition for love, I can't help but also believe that one NEVER falls out of love. If one says that then they never loved at all. Examine vs7-it says 3 times ALL THINGS. I'm also getting, as it relates to couples, that until both parties feel this way, they shouldn't attempt to be married & if they do, divorce is not an option. Of course the Lord does give permission in the case of adultery (Matthew 19:4-9, 1Cor.7:27). If the couple is true to the BIBLICAL definition of charity then the love is indeed real. I'm also reminded that the Bible says,"For with God, all things are possible." Don't give up...with Him, a relationship will survive, a marriage can be restored...just believe! God hates divorce anyway (Mal.2:16)
Now in dealing with each other as sisters and brothers in Christ, I'm led to 1 Peter 4:8-"Above all things have fervent charity among yourselves; for charity shall cover the multitude of sins." That verse ties in with 1 John 2:10-"He that loveth his brother abideth in the light, & there is none occasion of stumbling in him." I'm getting that one cannot have true charity outside of a relationship, a deep intimate personal walk, with Christ.("He that loveth his brother abideth in the light") The light is Christ (John 1:1-9, 8:12) & I think that Peter is saying that when the body of Christ has passionate (fervent) love among each other as a result of walking (abiding) with Christ, one is less likely to presumptuously sin (stumble). 1 John 4:8-"He that loveth not, knoweth not God, for God is love." Who is it that washes away our sins? Who is that covers our sins with His blood? God the Christ. That kind of love bestowed upon each other acts as a covering because the sinner sees Christ in that behavior, thus drawing them to the Lord who then washes and covers their sins...that is what I believe Peter is saying. It is extremely important for Christians to behave in such a way towards each other as well as towards the lost because those that are lost, who don't know the Lord for themselves and knowing you are a Christian, if treated ill will likely have a bad perception of the Lord. We truly are ambassadors of Christ & we must behave as such. After all, we are the light of the world.
My Prayer"Dear Lord, outside of you I cannot have true charity. Help me to abide in you daily. Not only for the nourishment of the Body of Christ but for the saving of souls. You saved us by this love. I cannot bring souls to you without this love. Create in my a clean heart, oh God & renew a right spirit within me, cast me not away from thy presence, & take not thy Holy Spirit from me. Restore unto me the joy of thy salvation; and up hold me with thy free spirit. THEN will I teach transgressors thy ways, & sinners shall be converted unto the (psalm 51:10). After all, it's not about me. Help me to endure patiently with people as you dealt so patiently with me. Help me to cling to the hope that my love for someone will win in the end so that you may be glorified. Just help to love...not as the world who loves on and off but help me to have godly love. The love that NEVER fails...in Jesus' name, AMEN.
Tuesday, September 15, 2009
Day 2-"Help me be generous." Luke 6:38
"Give & it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, & shaken together, & running over, shall men give into your bosom. For with the same measure that ye mete withal it shall be measured to you again." Luke 6:38 (kjv)
Give-deliver up, grant, have power, yield.
measure- limited portion, degree
pressed-pack
shaken-stir up
bosom-a bay, creek
mete-ascertain in size by a fixed standard
What a promise! I think one should also keep in mind that God loves a cheerful giver (2 Cor. 9:7) & that He is not to be tempted (Luke 4:12). Basically, one should give from a pure heart, not giving in an attempt to earn a blessing. One should also be careful to give without ostentation (Matthew 6:3).
I'm getting that Jesus is saying that whatever one grants to another (give without charge) the granter will receive no less than that in return. That stirs up an unseen power. When one yields to this verse God will use others to not only return what one gave but one will have blessings abundantly stored in one's "bay"-figuratively: one's building (Webster's dictionary for "bay").
FYI-I study from a Thompson's Chain King James Reference Bible. Along side ever verse there are topics with numbers referred to that topic. In the topic index of the Bible, you look up that number & there is a list of verses and even sub topics with other verses linked to your particular area of study.
Upon looking up the topic of giving in reference to Luke 6:38, I was lead to De 16:17 & Matthew 5:42.
De 16:17 "Every man shall give as he is able, according to the bless of the Lord thy God which He hath given thee."
Matthew 5:42 "Give to him that asketh thee, & from him that would borrow of thee, turn not thou away."
I'm getting that if one truly stands on Luke 6:38, & believes it without a doubt, then one's heart shouldn't be hesitant to give. In the past, though I was able, I've turned people down not believing they would pay me back though they said they would but taking into account De. 16:17, Matthew 5:42 & tying those up with Luke 6:38, I should have never turned them away. Notice De. says "as he is able". Even one isn't in a position to give the full request, a portion is acceptable to God. I don't believe it is the amount that is important. It is the state of one's heart & just the mere fact that one delivered up a need. After all, all giving is the passing on & transfer of one blessing to another person and so on and so on. I say transfer of blessing because all we have came from God anyway.
My Prayer: "Dear Lord, help me to be generous. Help me to give from a pure heart & without ostentation so that pride doesn't seep into my spirit. Giving has power & I thank you for the blessings you have given me which has enabled me with the power to give...activating Luke 6:38 to manifest back to me. Your WORD truly is alive; don't led greed and or stinginess to kill it in my life. Forgive me for turning those that have asked of me away. I pray you put in me a greater passion to give because you have given so much to me. In Jesus' name...Amen.
Personal Testimony: I was convicted in doing this study because I was reminded of a time when I was pregnant with Michael & in such a state of reliance to God that I knew without a doubt God would take care of us. Treaty and I had saved all of Elyza's things for Michael. All we had for Elyza was given...we didn't purchase one thing for her until she was about 4 months old. Being that I was so sold out to God, it no thing to give all we had saved to Michael to a couple in need. I knew that if God provided before for Elyza, he would do the same with Michael. Treaty and I spent the majority of our marriage struggling financially but I was so at peace about giving up the items. Sure enough, God brought people into our lives who just happened to have all we had given away and not just the minimum but better! I wanted a convertible crib..a crib that I could change into a full size bed. Treaty wanted a Pooh Bear theme for Michael. I met a lady at work who said,"Do you need a crib? My grandson never sleeps in his bed. It is sitting in the garage." Of course we needed one. So when she brought the crib over it was a convertible crib and she just happened to have an entire set of Pooh Bear decorations for the wall, Pooh bed set and even a Pooh mobile! God also provided us with a new swing, bathtub...everything we had given away was given right back! Just telling this story has me tearing up...I feel so guilty for being so stingy. I feel so guilty for doubting God EVER! I'm reminded of what David said in the book of Psalms. "My testimonies are my counselors." When you are in doubt or fearful, remember what God has done for you! (I'm talking to myself too!) Be blessed!
Give-deliver up, grant, have power, yield.
measure- limited portion, degree
pressed-pack
shaken-stir up
bosom-a bay, creek
mete-ascertain in size by a fixed standard
What a promise! I think one should also keep in mind that God loves a cheerful giver (2 Cor. 9:7) & that He is not to be tempted (Luke 4:12). Basically, one should give from a pure heart, not giving in an attempt to earn a blessing. One should also be careful to give without ostentation (Matthew 6:3).
I'm getting that Jesus is saying that whatever one grants to another (give without charge) the granter will receive no less than that in return. That stirs up an unseen power. When one yields to this verse God will use others to not only return what one gave but one will have blessings abundantly stored in one's "bay"-figuratively: one's building (Webster's dictionary for "bay").
FYI-I study from a Thompson's Chain King James Reference Bible. Along side ever verse there are topics with numbers referred to that topic. In the topic index of the Bible, you look up that number & there is a list of verses and even sub topics with other verses linked to your particular area of study.
Upon looking up the topic of giving in reference to Luke 6:38, I was lead to De 16:17 & Matthew 5:42.
De 16:17 "Every man shall give as he is able, according to the bless of the Lord thy God which He hath given thee."
Matthew 5:42 "Give to him that asketh thee, & from him that would borrow of thee, turn not thou away."
I'm getting that if one truly stands on Luke 6:38, & believes it without a doubt, then one's heart shouldn't be hesitant to give. In the past, though I was able, I've turned people down not believing they would pay me back though they said they would but taking into account De. 16:17, Matthew 5:42 & tying those up with Luke 6:38, I should have never turned them away. Notice De. says "as he is able". Even one isn't in a position to give the full request, a portion is acceptable to God. I don't believe it is the amount that is important. It is the state of one's heart & just the mere fact that one delivered up a need. After all, all giving is the passing on & transfer of one blessing to another person and so on and so on. I say transfer of blessing because all we have came from God anyway.
My Prayer: "Dear Lord, help me to be generous. Help me to give from a pure heart & without ostentation so that pride doesn't seep into my spirit. Giving has power & I thank you for the blessings you have given me which has enabled me with the power to give...activating Luke 6:38 to manifest back to me. Your WORD truly is alive; don't led greed and or stinginess to kill it in my life. Forgive me for turning those that have asked of me away. I pray you put in me a greater passion to give because you have given so much to me. In Jesus' name...Amen.
Personal Testimony: I was convicted in doing this study because I was reminded of a time when I was pregnant with Michael & in such a state of reliance to God that I knew without a doubt God would take care of us. Treaty and I had saved all of Elyza's things for Michael. All we had for Elyza was given...we didn't purchase one thing for her until she was about 4 months old. Being that I was so sold out to God, it no thing to give all we had saved to Michael to a couple in need. I knew that if God provided before for Elyza, he would do the same with Michael. Treaty and I spent the majority of our marriage struggling financially but I was so at peace about giving up the items. Sure enough, God brought people into our lives who just happened to have all we had given away and not just the minimum but better! I wanted a convertible crib..a crib that I could change into a full size bed. Treaty wanted a Pooh Bear theme for Michael. I met a lady at work who said,"Do you need a crib? My grandson never sleeps in his bed. It is sitting in the garage." Of course we needed one. So when she brought the crib over it was a convertible crib and she just happened to have an entire set of Pooh Bear decorations for the wall, Pooh bed set and even a Pooh mobile! God also provided us with a new swing, bathtub...everything we had given away was given right back! Just telling this story has me tearing up...I feel so guilty for being so stingy. I feel so guilty for doubting God EVER! I'm reminded of what David said in the book of Psalms. "My testimonies are my counselors." When you are in doubt or fearful, remember what God has done for you! (I'm talking to myself too!) Be blessed!
Monday, September 14, 2009
Day 1-OVERWHELMED!
While in the middle of Day 1's study, a woman standing at the door of Starbucks, where I do all my work, spoke to me. She said,"Are you reading something good today?" I had my Bible out, my journal, and Strong's so it it was obvious what she was refering to. I replied by saying,"I really am and boy do I need it! I've been through so much. My husband was killed a year ago and it's time for me to get back on my feet spiritually." She said,"God will fill you." That's all she said...not another word. Next, her friend came back with her drink and as they were walking out of the door, she tapped me and said,"God bless you." I just teared up...think about it. "God will fill you." I've spoken to many about what happend and I've never received that kind of response. EVER. I usually get this long drawn out mini speach about how is looking down on me. To me, it was more of a prophecy spoken over me because the next verse I read out of the Bible was Titus 3:5!
Then, I had just typed up the last few sentences of Day1's blog. If you go back and read it, you'll see that I wrote about no more pain, anger....etc. Well, I was packing up all my stuff and I heard a song playing. "There will be a day" by Jeremy Camp. The words to that song went right along with what I had just typed! A girl had left her cell phone in the seat next to me while she was buying her drink. She came back and I just said to myself,"Wow, of all the cell phone ringers and she has that one. Of all the places to sit and she sat next to me and left her phone in her seat and it rang for the first time since she had first sat down" I am so overwhelmed right now...it took everything in me not to burst out crying with joy right there in Starbucks. Why does God love me so much?
"
Then, I had just typed up the last few sentences of Day1's blog. If you go back and read it, you'll see that I wrote about no more pain, anger....etc. Well, I was packing up all my stuff and I heard a song playing. "There will be a day" by Jeremy Camp. The words to that song went right along with what I had just typed! A girl had left her cell phone in the seat next to me while she was buying her drink. She came back and I just said to myself,"Wow, of all the cell phone ringers and she has that one. Of all the places to sit and she sat next to me and left her phone in her seat and it rang for the first time since she had first sat down" I am so overwhelmed right now...it took everything in me not to burst out crying with joy right there in Starbucks. Why does God love me so much?
"
Day 1-"Help me be renewed" Phil 2:13
"For it is God which worketh in you, both to will, & to do of His good pleasure." KJV Phil 2:13
One thing I do when I study is pick out key words & look up the meaning in my Strong's Exaustive Concordance of the Bible. What this book does is give you them meaning of a word pertaining to that verse. There are many words in the Bible that mean something different from one verse to the next...anyway, that was just a little FYI.
So reading this verse and looking up the bold faced words above, here is my conclusion:
To me, this verse is saying that it is by the Lord's power, not ours, that one is driven to please Him & to do it gladly. His powerful, effectual, & operative (worketh)work performed in a true Christian is what decreases sin in one's life because one knows it displeases Him thus being inclined (will) to delight and please Him (pleasure) so one is less likely to behave as one once did before one surrendered to Him. In contrast, when one decides, like I did, to supress the work or ignore it and turn from that work, backslidding occurs. Amazingly, that mighty (worketh) work that God started never ceases & one is pulled back to Him. CONFIRMATION here! Hence, the reason I'm desiring to get back on the purpose of pleasing God. The work that God began on June 8th, 2003 in me is so powerful that even though I've cursed Him, shamed His name by becoming the hypocrit of the century, & defiled my body with sin, that work-this scripture- is being manifested! Among many other verses that I'm sure I'll come across.....Lets see, shall we??
PS.51:10, IS.40:31, Rom.12:2, 2 Cor4:16, Col.3:10 & Titus 3:5
"Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy, He saved us, by the washing of regeneration, & renewing of the Holy Ghost."
I chose to study Titus 3:5 because it really seemed to be the applicable to me right now in conjunction with what I learned from Phil.2:13. I also read from vs 3-5. For me, my life is 100% accurate to verse 3. I've been foolish in my choices, very disobedient to the Word, deceived in believing that I was ok, feeding my flesh in immoral ways, living with anger towards God, & being envious of married couples, hatefull towards people @ time...BUT GOD still loves and has appeared to me in countless ways! Even in my mess...I can't count the things He has done to tell me,"I love you & will not forsake you." But back to Titus-There is nothing I have done to deserve His love & will to renew me. It is because of His assured (according) compassion (mercy) Phil.2:13 says His power working in me will in turn cause Titus 3:5 to manifest! The word saved in this verse means deliver, protect, heal, preserve, do well, make whole. He is saving me again (regeration) by renovating (renewing) the Holy Ghost in me. I received the baptism of the Holy Ghost almost 6.5 years ago but because I have neglected it (1 Tim4:14) & grieved it (Eph4:30) it must and WILL BE built up again..saving me from all my pain, anger, & self destruction. PRAISE GOD! I cannot wait!
One thing I do when I study is pick out key words & look up the meaning in my Strong's Exaustive Concordance of the Bible. What this book does is give you them meaning of a word pertaining to that verse. There are many words in the Bible that mean something different from one verse to the next...anyway, that was just a little FYI.
So reading this verse and looking up the bold faced words above, here is my conclusion:
To me, this verse is saying that it is by the Lord's power, not ours, that one is driven to please Him & to do it gladly. His powerful, effectual, & operative (worketh)work performed in a true Christian is what decreases sin in one's life because one knows it displeases Him thus being inclined (will) to delight and please Him (pleasure) so one is less likely to behave as one once did before one surrendered to Him. In contrast, when one decides, like I did, to supress the work or ignore it and turn from that work, backslidding occurs. Amazingly, that mighty (worketh) work that God started never ceases & one is pulled back to Him. CONFIRMATION here! Hence, the reason I'm desiring to get back on the purpose of pleasing God. The work that God began on June 8th, 2003 in me is so powerful that even though I've cursed Him, shamed His name by becoming the hypocrit of the century, & defiled my body with sin, that work-this scripture- is being manifested! Among many other verses that I'm sure I'll come across.....Lets see, shall we??
PS.51:10, IS.40:31, Rom.12:2, 2 Cor4:16, Col.3:10 & Titus 3:5
"Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy, He saved us, by the washing of regeneration, & renewing of the Holy Ghost."
I chose to study Titus 3:5 because it really seemed to be the applicable to me right now in conjunction with what I learned from Phil.2:13. I also read from vs 3-5. For me, my life is 100% accurate to verse 3. I've been foolish in my choices, very disobedient to the Word, deceived in believing that I was ok, feeding my flesh in immoral ways, living with anger towards God, & being envious of married couples, hatefull towards people @ time...BUT GOD still loves and has appeared to me in countless ways! Even in my mess...I can't count the things He has done to tell me,"I love you & will not forsake you." But back to Titus-There is nothing I have done to deserve His love & will to renew me. It is because of His assured (according) compassion (mercy) Phil.2:13 says His power working in me will in turn cause Titus 3:5 to manifest! The word saved in this verse means deliver, protect, heal, preserve, do well, make whole. He is saving me again (regeration) by renovating (renewing) the Holy Ghost in me. I received the baptism of the Holy Ghost almost 6.5 years ago but because I have neglected it (1 Tim4:14) & grieved it (Eph4:30) it must and WILL BE built up again..saving me from all my pain, anger, & self destruction. PRAISE GOD! I cannot wait!
My Purpose
My husband was killed in a motorcycle accident on August 12, 2008. For 7 months after, I was doing well. I was staying in the Word, attending church regularly and even hosting a weekly Bible study at my home. Some time in Feb. of 09...things changed dramaticaly. Extreme anxiety, depression, extreme weightloss, heavy partying, and countless sins. All of which began when I allowed anger and bitterness towards God to take over my life. I was in and out of the Dr.'s office and on 5 different Rxs. Slowly but surely, I've improved. My weight is back to normal and I'm not taking any more medication. However, I need my relationship with the Lord to improve and to improve greatly! So here I am...the last real Bible study I did was in April. You are reading the words of someone who use to study a minimum of one hour a day and who now barely cracks the Bible open. I'm starting over again. I've called myself starting over dozens of times this past year. I feel keeping up the blog will hold me accountable to my words. I'm also praying for support from the Body. Even if you never respond to my blog, just having a follower would greatly encourage me. Another to note is that God delivered me from alcohol on day 3 of a revival at my church. However, I DECIDED, even though I had no desire or temptation to drink, I drank anyway...just to be social. I made that choice to "undeliver" myself and now I'm drinking again...a lot. So I also need to be held accountable to stop. So this is not only day one of my quest for renewal, but day one on a quest of sobriety. Everyday, I will post my updates and keep a counter of how many days since I last drank. I drank last night so I can't say this is day one since day one isn't over. lol. Anyway, until the study ends...I'll ttyl! Jana
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