Doubt ... it is unwelcome encounter, but a often-familiar place to dwell. The dictionary defines the word doubt as "to lack confidence in; to consider unlikely; to fear or suspect."
I have been pondering doubt in relation to my faith and the faith with which I am to pray. The Bible says we are to walk by faith and not by sight; we are to believe even when it doesn't appear to be so; we are to trust that God hears and moves when we ask Him in Jesus' name. I aspire to have all faith, but I often find myself entertaining doubt. That "what if" that slinks uninvited into mind on occasion.
Hebrews 11:1 says "Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen." God tells us, too, that with only faith as a mustard seed ... the tiniest of seeds ... we can move a mountain. Wow, do I even dare to test that theory? Can I move a mountain with the smallest amount of faith? And, then there is that inkling of doubt. I want solid faith every day of my life!
The Lord is so good to remind me of the "mountains" that have been moved, even removed, through my prayer with simply the faith of a mustard seed. And, as each of those mountains disappears from view, my faith grows stronger, my trust becomes more solid and I am assured that the God who created the Universe has inclined His ear to the cry of my heart. He cares so deeply for me that when I ask Him, even with a whisper of faith, He hears and He answers.
Do you struggle with doubt? We all do at one time or another. Why not let the Lord move you from doubt, to mustard-seed faith, to the assurance that your prayers are heard and answered. Invite Him today to strengthen your faith, remove your doubt and enable you to walk in the power and authority that has been given to you as a Daughter of the King of Kings.
Here is what He has to say to you today:
My Precious Daughter,
Doubt is not your portion. No, beloved child, faith and trust are what I desire for your life. You are to believe things are not as they appear; that you are to keep your eyes focused on Me, for I have all the answers. That, dear one, is faith. To believe even when you don't see it - even though it has not yet happened.
Have I not proven Myself a true and faithful Father? Have I not shown My promises to be trustworthy time and time again? The smallest faith - mustard-seed faith - is all I require, beloved. Hold fast to that tiny seed and watch it flourish as I water it with My love, My promise.
Beloved you can have all faith. You must tell doubt to leave - never to return. And, you must say this over and over until doubt no longer clouds your mind.
Trust Me, dear one, for I am who I say and My promises are always "yes and amen." I am here for you, as I have said, holding you faithfully in My arms. I shall not let you go.
Doubt is not your portion. No, beloved child, faith and trust are what I desire for you life.
I love you.
Matt. 17:20 - for assuredly, I say to you, if you have faith as a mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, 'Move from here to there,' and it will move; and nothing will be impossible for you.
Luke 13:19 - "It is like a mustard seed, which a man took and put in his garden; and it grew and became a large tree, and the birds of the air nested in its branches."
2 Chr. 1:20 - For all the promises of God in Him are Yes, and in Him Amen, to the glory of God through us.
Monday, January 31, 2011
Monday, January 24, 2011
Leftovers
I was raised on leftovers ... my mom was a great cook and could turn the second round into another delicious meal. So, as a wife, I often heat up leftovers for my wonderful hubby to enjoy yet again. It's a great way to stretch the food budget of two empty-nesters, and we get to eat great meals!
But, God doesn't want our leftovers. No, He wants our first fruit. It's not just our crops or our tithes - the tenth of our wealth which He provides - He desires first fruit from the bounty of who we are. He wants us to give Him the best of our time, our talents, our treasures ... the best of the best of what we have each day; and He waits patiently for it.
Over the past several weeks, I have noticed that I have been serving God a lot of leftovers. He hasn't complained, but it's not what He has me asked for. And, being that He is the the provider of the feast of my life, I believe He certainly deserves the best - the first fruits - at all times. He hasn't stopped blessing me; He hasn't stopped loving me. I have, however, noticed that I am not experiencing the great peace and joy I have when I put Him first in my day ... when I give Him my first fruits every morning.
Today, as I journaled I said this - "I ask you, Father, to shed light on these dark areas of my life [poor sleep patterns, laziness and the fear that I allow to get in the way of my time with Him] so that I may move them out, change them, get healing. My goal, dear Lord, is to be all that you have called me to be. To be a pillar of righteousness for your sake and to be a perveyor of your love. I ask you, Father, in my weakness to be my strength. To remove the laziness, fear and lethargy that keep me from walking in wholeness with you. I ask you to take me from leftovers to first fruit - for that is what you deserve and what I long to give you."
Are you struggling with giving your first fruit to the Lord? Here is what He says to you today ...
My Precious Daughter,
How I look forward to our time together. How I long to hold your attention and speak to you of your life, your longings. How I love to hear your praises to Me. And, beloved, how I long for you to lay every burden, every care, every situation at My feet. When you tarry with Me, My ear is inclined to you. When you ask in Jesus' name the battle for righteousness is launched in each situation. When you pour out your heart, your longings, your desires I am pleased and long to fulfill your dreams. When you sit and talk with Me, I can begin to do all the work that is needed, set the armies of angels in motion, pour out My blessings and cover you with My love.
Beloved, I do not want your leftovers. No, dear one, I want your first fruits, your best, the abundance of your day. I wait patiently each moment for you. I am always here awaiting your audience. I am always here awaiting your invitation for My presence in your day. Make Me your main course, your first fruit for each day and watch how your world - your life - becomes more full.
First fruit - not leftovers - you are My desire. Make Me yours, too.
I love you.
Psalm 119:1147 - I rise early, before the sun is up; I cry out for help and put my hope in your words.
Neh. 10:35 - We promise always to bring the first part of every harvest to the LORD's Temple--whether it be a crop from the soil or from our fruit trees.
John 15:16 - You did not choose Me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit, and that your fruit should remain, that whatever you ask the Father in My name He may give you.
But, God doesn't want our leftovers. No, He wants our first fruit. It's not just our crops or our tithes - the tenth of our wealth which He provides - He desires first fruit from the bounty of who we are. He wants us to give Him the best of our time, our talents, our treasures ... the best of the best of what we have each day; and He waits patiently for it.
Over the past several weeks, I have noticed that I have been serving God a lot of leftovers. He hasn't complained, but it's not what He has me asked for. And, being that He is the the provider of the feast of my life, I believe He certainly deserves the best - the first fruits - at all times. He hasn't stopped blessing me; He hasn't stopped loving me. I have, however, noticed that I am not experiencing the great peace and joy I have when I put Him first in my day ... when I give Him my first fruits every morning.
Today, as I journaled I said this - "I ask you, Father, to shed light on these dark areas of my life [poor sleep patterns, laziness and the fear that I allow to get in the way of my time with Him] so that I may move them out, change them, get healing. My goal, dear Lord, is to be all that you have called me to be. To be a pillar of righteousness for your sake and to be a perveyor of your love. I ask you, Father, in my weakness to be my strength. To remove the laziness, fear and lethargy that keep me from walking in wholeness with you. I ask you to take me from leftovers to first fruit - for that is what you deserve and what I long to give you."
Are you struggling with giving your first fruit to the Lord? Here is what He says to you today ...
My Precious Daughter,
How I look forward to our time together. How I long to hold your attention and speak to you of your life, your longings. How I love to hear your praises to Me. And, beloved, how I long for you to lay every burden, every care, every situation at My feet. When you tarry with Me, My ear is inclined to you. When you ask in Jesus' name the battle for righteousness is launched in each situation. When you pour out your heart, your longings, your desires I am pleased and long to fulfill your dreams. When you sit and talk with Me, I can begin to do all the work that is needed, set the armies of angels in motion, pour out My blessings and cover you with My love.
Beloved, I do not want your leftovers. No, dear one, I want your first fruits, your best, the abundance of your day. I wait patiently each moment for you. I am always here awaiting your audience. I am always here awaiting your invitation for My presence in your day. Make Me your main course, your first fruit for each day and watch how your world - your life - becomes more full.
First fruit - not leftovers - you are My desire. Make Me yours, too.
I love you.
Psalm 119:1147 - I rise early, before the sun is up; I cry out for help and put my hope in your words.
Neh. 10:35 - We promise always to bring the first part of every harvest to the LORD's Temple--whether it be a crop from the soil or from our fruit trees.
John 15:16 - You did not choose Me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit, and that your fruit should remain, that whatever you ask the Father in My name He may give you.
Thursday, January 6, 2011
He Puts Away Our Former Sins
We serve a Great God. He promises to put away our former sins and remember them no more. How blessed are we that our past has been removed, never to be brought to His mind again.
And, then He does a new thing in us! What a gracious and merciful God He is to allow us to walk in His righteousness. How lovely that He would even make a road in the wilderness and rivers in the desert for us. We must be ever grateful that He blots out our transgressions and does not remember our sins.
Ask Him to help you walk in that righteousness daily; to allow Him to be your light. As He makes your path straight, others will see the light of His glory, His promise and His love shine through you.
My Precious Daughter,
There is nothing which you have done that cannot be forgiven. You are always in My heart, loved by a perfect God. When you come to Me broken and contrite, I forgive you; your sin to be remembered no more.
Place all your trust in Me, dear one, for I am your source of help, provision and peace. Look not to your past, but forward to My promise for all will be well with you.
I love you.
Isa. 43:18-19 - Do not remember the former things, Nor consider the things of old. Behold, I will do a new thing, Now it shall spring forth; Shall you not know it? I will even make a road in the wilderness And rivers in the desert.
Isa. 43:25 - I, even I, am He who blots out your transgressions for My own sake; And I will not remember your sins.
Psa. 34:18 - The LORD is near to those who have a broken heart, And saves such as have a contrite spirit.
And, then He does a new thing in us! What a gracious and merciful God He is to allow us to walk in His righteousness. How lovely that He would even make a road in the wilderness and rivers in the desert for us. We must be ever grateful that He blots out our transgressions and does not remember our sins.
Ask Him to help you walk in that righteousness daily; to allow Him to be your light. As He makes your path straight, others will see the light of His glory, His promise and His love shine through you.
My Precious Daughter,
There is nothing which you have done that cannot be forgiven. You are always in My heart, loved by a perfect God. When you come to Me broken and contrite, I forgive you; your sin to be remembered no more.
Place all your trust in Me, dear one, for I am your source of help, provision and peace. Look not to your past, but forward to My promise for all will be well with you.
I love you.
Isa. 43:18-19 - Do not remember the former things, Nor consider the things of old. Behold, I will do a new thing, Now it shall spring forth; Shall you not know it? I will even make a road in the wilderness And rivers in the desert.
Isa. 43:25 - I, even I, am He who blots out your transgressions for My own sake; And I will not remember your sins.
Psa. 34:18 - The LORD is near to those who have a broken heart, And saves such as have a contrite spirit.
Monday, January 3, 2011
New Year; New Mercies Each Day
Over the past several days in posts and sermons I have heard how we have a God of second chances; new year - new beginnings. We can make resolutions and fresh starts to our lives as this year unfolds.
But, what I am reminded of is that His mercies are new EVERY morning. That is amazing! It means that we have a fresh start each day, another chance to do better, walk taller, keep our feet on the path of our destiny; and most especially grow closer to God.
Each time we stumble, falter, even fail, it is not the end. No, because tomorrow and the next day and the next and the next we get a fresh start, a new beginning, another "second chance" to be all that the Lord has called us to become.
My Precious Daughter,
Each day I give you new mercies. My grace abounds over you, and you are never far from My heart, My hand. I love you perfectly and work to see that perfection completed in you.
As you walk daily, you may stumble and fall, but I am always there to set you back on your feet. When the direction you choose takes you headlong into the storms, I am there to protect you and steer you back on course. When the circumstances of life fill your heart with frustration, defeat or helplessness, I send My Holy Spirit to fill you up, bring you peace and give you hope for the plans and future I have designed for you.
Beloved child, yes, a new year is ahead - new adventure, new growth, new opportunity. And, dear one, each day brings the same. For My mercies are new each morning bringing fresh hope, unending peace and My abiding love.
I love you.
Lam. 3:22, 23 - Through the LORD's mercies we are not consumed, Because His compassions fail not. They are new every morning; Great is Your faithfulness.
Psalm 103:8 - The LORD is merciful and gracious, Slow to anger, and abounding in mercy.
But, what I am reminded of is that His mercies are new EVERY morning. That is amazing! It means that we have a fresh start each day, another chance to do better, walk taller, keep our feet on the path of our destiny; and most especially grow closer to God.
Each time we stumble, falter, even fail, it is not the end. No, because tomorrow and the next day and the next and the next we get a fresh start, a new beginning, another "second chance" to be all that the Lord has called us to become.
My Precious Daughter,
Each day I give you new mercies. My grace abounds over you, and you are never far from My heart, My hand. I love you perfectly and work to see that perfection completed in you.
As you walk daily, you may stumble and fall, but I am always there to set you back on your feet. When the direction you choose takes you headlong into the storms, I am there to protect you and steer you back on course. When the circumstances of life fill your heart with frustration, defeat or helplessness, I send My Holy Spirit to fill you up, bring you peace and give you hope for the plans and future I have designed for you.
Beloved child, yes, a new year is ahead - new adventure, new growth, new opportunity. And, dear one, each day brings the same. For My mercies are new each morning bringing fresh hope, unending peace and My abiding love.
I love you.
Lam. 3:22, 23 - Through the LORD's mercies we are not consumed, Because His compassions fail not. They are new every morning; Great is Your faithfulness.
Psalm 103:8 - The LORD is merciful and gracious, Slow to anger, and abounding in mercy.
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