Philippians 2:12-15 (msg)
What I'm getting at, friends, is that you should simply keep on doing what you've done from the beginning. When I was living among you, you lived in responsive obedience. Now that I'm separated from you, keep it up. Better yet, redouble your efforts. Be energetic in your life of salvation, reverent and sensitive before God. That energy is God's energy, an energy deep within you, God himself willing and working at what will give him the most pleasure. Do everything readily and cheerfully--no bickering, no second-guessing allowed! Go out into the world uncorrupted, a breath of fresh air in this squalid and polluted society. Provide people with a glimpse of good living and of the living God. Carry the light-giving Message into the night
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Jesus, fill me up anew with Your spirit- continue to make me more like You. As I become more like You, increase my opportunities to share Your grace and Your love with those around me. Help me to be a breath of fresh air to Your children. I love You, O Lord my hope- my God, my Rock- my shield, my fortress and my deliverer!
Monday, April 27, 2009
Thursday, March 19, 2009
Leap of faith
Romans 4:20 -The Message Bible-
He (Abraham) didn't tiptoe around God's promise asking cautiously skeptical questions. He plunged into the promise and came up strong, ready for God...
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I have recently felt overwhelmed by a number of BIG decisions that are looming and need to be made. There is a certain degree of investigation and planning that needs to be completed to make a wise and informed choice. But... we are called to have faith like a child- when faced with tough forks in the road, our faith is the biggest deciding factor. Our Father in heaven is watching, and we need to believe the promise: that when we step out in faith, into the promises He has impressed on our hearts, He is going to bless us and provide along the journey.
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Father, as I step out in faith, I will trust in Your unfailing love. You have always taken care of me. Even though the signs are unclear, the path seems dark, I believe with all my heart that You will guide and direct my footsteps. I pray for new, amazing revelation- show me the way I should go...
He (Abraham) didn't tiptoe around God's promise asking cautiously skeptical questions. He plunged into the promise and came up strong, ready for God...
---
I have recently felt overwhelmed by a number of BIG decisions that are looming and need to be made. There is a certain degree of investigation and planning that needs to be completed to make a wise and informed choice. But... we are called to have faith like a child- when faced with tough forks in the road, our faith is the biggest deciding factor. Our Father in heaven is watching, and we need to believe the promise: that when we step out in faith, into the promises He has impressed on our hearts, He is going to bless us and provide along the journey.
---
Father, as I step out in faith, I will trust in Your unfailing love. You have always taken care of me. Even though the signs are unclear, the path seems dark, I believe with all my heart that You will guide and direct my footsteps. I pray for new, amazing revelation- show me the way I should go...
Friday, February 13, 2009
Turn the light on!
Ephesians 5:8-11
For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of the light. 9 (for the fruit of the light consists in all goodness, righteousness and truth.) 10 And find out what pleases the Lord. 11 Have nothing to do with the fruitless deeds of darkness, but rather, expose them.
John 8:12
When Jesus spoke again to the people, He said: "I am the light of the world. He who follows ME shall not walk in darkness, but have the light of life."
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Sometimes, in a darkened world, we can get confused as to which way is forward. To find our way, we need Jesus- the light that pierces the darkest places. Don't fumble in the darkness anymore- quit stubbing your toe and banging into walls... turn the light on!
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Lord, be my light. In the darkness, sometimes I cannot see the beauty of who You created me to be. Shine on me and through me. Help me to be a reflection of Your glorious light. Strengthen me to reap a harvest of the fruit of the light. May goodness, righteousness and truth be my principal products. Help me- for the glory of Your Kingdom and Your Name... amen.
For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of the light. 9 (for the fruit of the light consists in all goodness, righteousness and truth.) 10 And find out what pleases the Lord. 11 Have nothing to do with the fruitless deeds of darkness, but rather, expose them.
John 8:12
When Jesus spoke again to the people, He said: "I am the light of the world. He who follows ME shall not walk in darkness, but have the light of life."
---
Sometimes, in a darkened world, we can get confused as to which way is forward. To find our way, we need Jesus- the light that pierces the darkest places. Don't fumble in the darkness anymore- quit stubbing your toe and banging into walls... turn the light on!
---
Lord, be my light. In the darkness, sometimes I cannot see the beauty of who You created me to be. Shine on me and through me. Help me to be a reflection of Your glorious light. Strengthen me to reap a harvest of the fruit of the light. May goodness, righteousness and truth be my principal products. Help me- for the glory of Your Kingdom and Your Name... amen.
Friday, February 6, 2009
Don't get burned while being refined
Isiah 1:25 I will take action against you. I will purify you the way metal is refined, and will remove all your impurity.
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For those who don't spend much time working with molten metal...
The purification process is a critical step in making any kind of metal useable for everyday practice. Whether it be gold for jewelery, or steel for a bridge, the same method is used: extreme heat and fire. So, while walking with God, we may experience some painful heat- it's not because He is punishing us for something we did wrong, but we are being refined, sanctified- we are being transformed. It doesn't end there- the next step is huge: once we've been thoroughly heated up and melted down, all the "yuck", the dross, the impurities float to the surface! Don't beat yourself up, you are not "backsliding". This is the most important part- the opportunity to give these things to your Lord so He can remove them. From personal, repeated experience, I recommend taking the chance the first time you've been reduced to molten metal... There is much more room in your heart for His beauty than there is for re-dried, crusty dross.
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Father, as our pride, doubt, fear and sin come to the surface while You are refining us, bless us with MORE GRACE so we can recognize the process. As we realize the work You are doing in us, help us to give these things to You, so You can remove them.
Your word says to "lay our burdens down" and "take MY yoke upon you, for MY yoke is easy, my burden is light"... Jesus, we long for the complete joy that You give- transform us today by your mercy! I love You Lord with all my heart, mind, soul and strength- amen.
---
For those who don't spend much time working with molten metal...
The purification process is a critical step in making any kind of metal useable for everyday practice. Whether it be gold for jewelery, or steel for a bridge, the same method is used: extreme heat and fire. So, while walking with God, we may experience some painful heat- it's not because He is punishing us for something we did wrong, but we are being refined, sanctified- we are being transformed. It doesn't end there- the next step is huge: once we've been thoroughly heated up and melted down, all the "yuck", the dross, the impurities float to the surface! Don't beat yourself up, you are not "backsliding". This is the most important part- the opportunity to give these things to your Lord so He can remove them. From personal, repeated experience, I recommend taking the chance the first time you've been reduced to molten metal... There is much more room in your heart for His beauty than there is for re-dried, crusty dross.
---
Father, as our pride, doubt, fear and sin come to the surface while You are refining us, bless us with MORE GRACE so we can recognize the process. As we realize the work You are doing in us, help us to give these things to You, so You can remove them.
Your word says to "lay our burdens down" and "take MY yoke upon you, for MY yoke is easy, my burden is light"... Jesus, we long for the complete joy that You give- transform us today by your mercy! I love You Lord with all my heart, mind, soul and strength- amen.
Sunday, February 1, 2009
The baker's dozen blessing
Luke 6:38
Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.
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I remember baking cookies with my mom when I was just old enough to understand how to use a measuring cup. My favorite part was always measuring the brown sugar. You could keep adding more and squishing it down, until it was totally compacted. When I read this verse, I always think of brown sugar. Our day is like the measuring cup- 24 hours. What we have to give is the brown sugar. One scoop, and it appears full- but if we press it down, much more can be added! I am not saying our days need to be full of activity. But our days do need to include time with Him! Are we cutting God out of our "busy" schedules? How much blessing will we recieve...? If we offer Him our prime time, (when we are at our best) He returns the favor!
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Lord, I don't want to miss out on Your best! Please, give me wisdon to eliminate the time-wasting activities from my life. I don't ever want to give "just-enough". You went above and beyond for me- help me to give my all for You! Thank You for all the blessings You've poured into my life. By Your spirit, give me strength to bless You! amen
Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.
---
I remember baking cookies with my mom when I was just old enough to understand how to use a measuring cup. My favorite part was always measuring the brown sugar. You could keep adding more and squishing it down, until it was totally compacted. When I read this verse, I always think of brown sugar. Our day is like the measuring cup- 24 hours. What we have to give is the brown sugar. One scoop, and it appears full- but if we press it down, much more can be added! I am not saying our days need to be full of activity. But our days do need to include time with Him! Are we cutting God out of our "busy" schedules? How much blessing will we recieve...? If we offer Him our prime time, (when we are at our best) He returns the favor!
---
Lord, I don't want to miss out on Your best! Please, give me wisdon to eliminate the time-wasting activities from my life. I don't ever want to give "just-enough". You went above and beyond for me- help me to give my all for You! Thank You for all the blessings You've poured into my life. By Your spirit, give me strength to bless You! amen
Tuesday, January 27, 2009
Our Father
1 John 3:1
How great is the love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God!
And that is what we are!
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He is our Father, and we our His kids! When a child asks their earthly father for something that he has already promised, doesn't he give without a second thought, and with great joy?
How much more, then, does He delight is giving spiritual blessing and favor to those who cry out to Him? Cry out to Him today- delight yourself in his promises, and He will surely give you the desires of Your heart.
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Father, You formed each one of us in our mothers' womb- You knitted us together by Your Spirit! Thank You for Your intricate design. Thank You for adopting me into Your family.
I feel such worth, because You- the maker of the universe- are my Father.
As my Father, You have said that You desire to bless me~ and what beautiful blessings a Father gives his children. I receive the goodness and favor that You are offering- Thank You for Your loving kindness... it causes my heart to WANT to worship You!
How great is the love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God!
And that is what we are!
---
He is our Father, and we our His kids! When a child asks their earthly father for something that he has already promised, doesn't he give without a second thought, and with great joy?
How much more, then, does He delight is giving spiritual blessing and favor to those who cry out to Him? Cry out to Him today- delight yourself in his promises, and He will surely give you the desires of Your heart.
---
Father, You formed each one of us in our mothers' womb- You knitted us together by Your Spirit! Thank You for Your intricate design. Thank You for adopting me into Your family.
I feel such worth, because You- the maker of the universe- are my Father.
As my Father, You have said that You desire to bless me~ and what beautiful blessings a Father gives his children. I receive the goodness and favor that You are offering- Thank You for Your loving kindness... it causes my heart to WANT to worship You!
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
Newness
Isa 43:18-19 (GNB)
But the LORD says, "Do not cling to events of the past or dwell on what happened long ago.
19 Watch for the new thing I am going to do. It is happening already- you can see it now! I will make a road through the wilderness and give you streams of water there.
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Sometimes it is so hard to forget the way we used to be. Thoughts of past defeats and failures sometimes cripple us when we seek to step into newness- into our destiny.
God is constantly at work- He is molding and shaping us (if we let Him). We need to ask Him to show us the "new us"- and seek Him to help us to believe in ourselves.
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God, help us to let go of who we were in the past. Show us the "new thing" that You are doing! Encourage us, guide us to grasp what is happening in us and around us.
I lay down the man I used to be-
Please raise me up in newness-
Infuse me with Your Holy Spirit-
Help me to believe in what You have made me!
Father, You make all things new- Thank You for Your amazing power! Bless me indeed and help me to share Your love and Your word. Shine through me today. AMEN
But the LORD says, "Do not cling to events of the past or dwell on what happened long ago.
19 Watch for the new thing I am going to do. It is happening already- you can see it now! I will make a road through the wilderness and give you streams of water there.
---
Sometimes it is so hard to forget the way we used to be. Thoughts of past defeats and failures sometimes cripple us when we seek to step into newness- into our destiny.
God is constantly at work- He is molding and shaping us (if we let Him). We need to ask Him to show us the "new us"- and seek Him to help us to believe in ourselves.
---
God, help us to let go of who we were in the past. Show us the "new thing" that You are doing! Encourage us, guide us to grasp what is happening in us and around us.
I lay down the man I used to be-
Please raise me up in newness-
Infuse me with Your Holy Spirit-
Help me to believe in what You have made me!
Father, You make all things new- Thank You for Your amazing power! Bless me indeed and help me to share Your love and Your word. Shine through me today. AMEN
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