Ask ... ask specifically ... this is what God wants us to do. He actually wants us to tell Him exactly what we want, what we need each day. In Matthew 7:7, Jesus said "Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you." He said ask!
Asking for myself does not come easily when I approach the throne of God. I guess I know to ask for covering and protection and peace, but I typically place myself at the bottom of my list of prayers. I have often felt it was selfish or I was unworthy, and it was better for me to ask for the benefit of others first. Besides, doesn't God already know what I need? The Omnipotent, Omniscient, Omnipresent God ... doesn't He already know? The truth is God does know, but His word clearly says ask.
Last night, in a special class on prayer that Pat and I are taking, this was the topic of discussion. We learned that we must first petition the Lord for our needs and that we must be specific. We learned we could ask, with faith, for anything that is pleasing to God if we are abiding with Him. We were encouraged to ask for every need, boldly and with specificity. We read scripture after scripture that supported this principle ... Ask!
So, this morning, I set out on this new adventure ... I made a list of my specific requests and nestled into my prayer corner. I spent time praising God for all He is and all He has done. I confessed the stumbling blocks in my life and asked Him to replace them with attitudes that glorified Him. Then, I got out my list and boldly prayed specifically for my needs, my desires - specifically for the outcome I was seeking. I then continued on and petitioned for my loved ones and the prayer needs of my many friends. I praised Him again for His faithfulness and ended it all in Jesus' mighty name. Then, as I always do, I sat and waited to hear His voice.
As I wrote His words I was overjoyed with His response. This response is not just for me. No, this is God's heart for each of us. To boldly approach His throne as Esther did in the fifth chapter of the book bearing her name. To ask specifically as Jabez did in 1 Chronicles 4:9-10. Jesus is asking "What do you want Me to do," and we can humbly ask Him for the needs of every part of our day.
Ask ... Jesus is waiting. He wants you to come to Him; to ask. He will hear and He will answer. He loves you.
My Precious Daughter,
I delight in your praises to Me. I am blessed by your desire to tarry with Me, seek My face, pour out your heart in faith knowing I will answer. Stand fast in this new found routine, beloved. For I am faithful. Watch and see how I move in your life. Take note of My mighty hand moving the mountains in front of you. Stand in amazement as your prayers and My will join together and change lives - change your life.
Beloved, I have been waiting for this time. I have been waiting for you to lay your specific requests at My feet. I have been waiting to move faithfully because you ask. I have been waiting to shower you with even more blessing than you can think or dream.
Dear one, do not give up. Pursue Me with your whole heart. I will not hold back My plans, My provision, My love. Keep a list of your petitions and watch the answers I send. Get ready, precious daughter, for the flood gates of heaven are about to be opend, and I shall pour out all of who I am upon you.
Lift your hands, your head, your eyes toward My throne room. Seek My face with abandon. I have waited for this moment in time. Tarry with Me. Ask and you shall receive. Get ready, beloved. Be thankful always and receive My grace, My mercy, My blessing.
I love you.
James 4:2b - Yet you do not have because you do not ask.
John 16:23-24 - 23At that time you won't need to ask me for anything. The truth is, you can go directly to the Father and ask him, and he will grant your request because you use my name. 24You haven't done this before. Ask, using my name, and you will receive, and you will have abundant joy.
Luke 18:41 - Then Jesus asked the man, "What do you want me to do for you?" "Lord," he pleaded, "I want to see!" .
Wednesday, February 23, 2011
Thursday, February 17, 2011
Just Ask
In the midst of this crazy economy, I have had many conversations with people who are facing tough situations including unemployment, income decreases, the closure of their personal businesses ... even the threat of losing the homes they have worked so hard to maintain. It is certainly not easy to walk daily when you feel so uncertain about your living situation, your livelihood, your peace.
I, too, have been through these trials. My husband and I walked through job loss, endless phone calls from bill collectors, the loss of our home and relocation to another part of the state. In the midst of this unnerving set of circumstances and the heartbreaking task of leaving precious family and friends, we knew Jesus was ever present. As I felt the weight of sadness and loss, He especially walked me through this tough time .... even carrying me ... with His peace and amazing grace.
As I look back now, two years later, I can see the way God's mighty hand moved with gentleness and mercy. He has restored to us more than I would have ever imagined. I have a peace and contentment now that I have never known. Lord has provided so much blessing and provision that we are in awe of how He is working in our lives.
I believe strongly the fruit we are experiencing is a direct result of our commitment to seek Him daily. While, I often fall short of being "perfect" in this area, He gently nudges me to remind me He is there waiting, desiring me to come to Him. Each time, I find solace, refreshment, encouragement and the ability to rejoice in every circumstance of my life. He is still perfecting me, still diligently working on me and still loving me .... just as I am.
For those who are struggling with what to do, where to turn, how to get through the next ordeal, seek the Lord. He says you have not, because you ask not. His Word says He is knocking at your door waiting for you to answer. He is a gentleman; He will not barge in. He stands beckoning you to run into His outstretched arms and receive the peace and joy you so desperately desire.
God has all the answers, the provision and the love to get you through this time. Won't you turn to Him today and allow Him to ease your fear, calm the storm and set you on the mountain top.
Hear His words to you ...
My Precious Daughter,
I have inclined my ear to your prayers. I have collected each one and set My plans into action. I have sanctified you and set you apart for such a time as this. I have not forsaken you. No, I have great plans for your life.
Trust in Me, beloved, for I am working and moving in your life each day to perfect you. As you focus on Me, I am able to do great things. When you invite My presence into your life, mighty is the work I can accomplish.
Dear one, no stumbling block or hindrance will impede you from the work of My hands. As you ask, I will remove each one and set you back on the path of righteousness. Ask, my beloved daughter, and I shall move. Diligently seek My face, spend time with Me, study My word. Mountains will crumble before you and victory will be ours.
Lay every care, every burden at My feet. Come to Me, humbly and confess your trespasses. Sing praises to My name - for I am great and greatly to be praised. Come just as you are with thanksgiving and I will be honored. Trust in Me wholly and your faith will be renewed. Take My hand and walk with Me. I will make your path straight. For I am your Lord, your God, your King. I am your loving Father and protector.
Bring everything to Me, lay it down and rest your head. Your life and your heart are in My mighty and gentle hands.
I love you.
James 4:2 - You want what you don't have, so you scheme and kill to get it. You are jealous for what others have, and you can't possess it, so you fight and quarrel to take it away from them. And yet the reason you don't have what you want is that you don't ask God for it.
Psa. 145:3 - Great is the LORD, and greatly to be praised; And His greatness is unsearchable.
Isa. 40:31 - But those who wait on the LORD Shall renew their strength; They shall mount up with wings like eagles, They shall run and not be weary, They shall walk and not faint.
I, too, have been through these trials. My husband and I walked through job loss, endless phone calls from bill collectors, the loss of our home and relocation to another part of the state. In the midst of this unnerving set of circumstances and the heartbreaking task of leaving precious family and friends, we knew Jesus was ever present. As I felt the weight of sadness and loss, He especially walked me through this tough time .... even carrying me ... with His peace and amazing grace.
As I look back now, two years later, I can see the way God's mighty hand moved with gentleness and mercy. He has restored to us more than I would have ever imagined. I have a peace and contentment now that I have never known. Lord has provided so much blessing and provision that we are in awe of how He is working in our lives.
I believe strongly the fruit we are experiencing is a direct result of our commitment to seek Him daily. While, I often fall short of being "perfect" in this area, He gently nudges me to remind me He is there waiting, desiring me to come to Him. Each time, I find solace, refreshment, encouragement and the ability to rejoice in every circumstance of my life. He is still perfecting me, still diligently working on me and still loving me .... just as I am.
For those who are struggling with what to do, where to turn, how to get through the next ordeal, seek the Lord. He says you have not, because you ask not. His Word says He is knocking at your door waiting for you to answer. He is a gentleman; He will not barge in. He stands beckoning you to run into His outstretched arms and receive the peace and joy you so desperately desire.
God has all the answers, the provision and the love to get you through this time. Won't you turn to Him today and allow Him to ease your fear, calm the storm and set you on the mountain top.
Hear His words to you ...
My Precious Daughter,
I have inclined my ear to your prayers. I have collected each one and set My plans into action. I have sanctified you and set you apart for such a time as this. I have not forsaken you. No, I have great plans for your life.
Trust in Me, beloved, for I am working and moving in your life each day to perfect you. As you focus on Me, I am able to do great things. When you invite My presence into your life, mighty is the work I can accomplish.
Dear one, no stumbling block or hindrance will impede you from the work of My hands. As you ask, I will remove each one and set you back on the path of righteousness. Ask, my beloved daughter, and I shall move. Diligently seek My face, spend time with Me, study My word. Mountains will crumble before you and victory will be ours.
Lay every care, every burden at My feet. Come to Me, humbly and confess your trespasses. Sing praises to My name - for I am great and greatly to be praised. Come just as you are with thanksgiving and I will be honored. Trust in Me wholly and your faith will be renewed. Take My hand and walk with Me. I will make your path straight. For I am your Lord, your God, your King. I am your loving Father and protector.
Bring everything to Me, lay it down and rest your head. Your life and your heart are in My mighty and gentle hands.
I love you.
James 4:2 - You want what you don't have, so you scheme and kill to get it. You are jealous for what others have, and you can't possess it, so you fight and quarrel to take it away from them. And yet the reason you don't have what you want is that you don't ask God for it.
Psa. 145:3 - Great is the LORD, and greatly to be praised; And His greatness is unsearchable.
Isa. 40:31 - But those who wait on the LORD Shall renew their strength; They shall mount up with wings like eagles, They shall run and not be weary, They shall walk and not faint.
Tuesday, February 8, 2011
The High Road
There are times in my life when I just want to run ... to escape from the garbage that is pouring down around me. I don't mean to sound negative, depressing or hopeless. It's just that there are those times when words, situations or troubles begin to feel like they are rising like a flood around my ankles and I just want to disappear, flee, take the high road.
The Bible has stories of men just like that - Gideon, Jonah and David, just to name a few. These men, in the middle of their circumstances, chose to run, flee, take the high road. Away from their troubles, away from their fears, away from the world. But, God, who loved them so much brought them back, girded them up and set them back on a path of righteousness.
When we are in the midst of life, joyfully set on being about our Father's business, the enemy of our soul is displeased. So, he sets his sights on us and plots to bring us down. He is crafty and sly. Often we don't see it coming until we're smack dab in the middle of his evil barrage. His plan is to steal our joy, rob us of our purpose and render us useless for God. He uses tactics that hit us where we are most vulnerable and often without out our immediate notice. He uses situations, finances and even loved ones to carry out his schemes.
Recently, I have felt that way. My mind is set on doing my Father's work and loving every minute of it. I have a joy that is overflowing and a purpose to serve with abandon. But, Satan has other plans. I didn't see it coming, but then there it was. It took me backward for a moment. But, God, who loves me so much brought me back, girded me up and set me on the path of righteousness. I stand with my arms open wide ready and willing to do His will - sheltered by His wings - His banner over me, which is love - this is "High Road" I am choosing to take.
Your Heavenly Father, the Creator and your God is calling you to take His high road today. In the midst of the attack, stand your ground, raise your eyes to the heavens and call out to the Lord. He will rescue you ... He promises that .... His word is our guide and His answers are our proof of His love.
If you are feeling like taking the high road today, choose the one that is narrow and built upon the Rock of Jesus. You will not be left alone. You will be rescued, girded up and put back on the path of righteousness.
Hear His words to you today -
My Precious Daughter,
Fear not, for I am with you always. There are no words, no actions, no struggles that can shake you from the protection of My hand. Yes, beloved, you can choose to walk away from Me, but nothing has the power to snatch you from My loving grasp.
You are stronger, more grounded in My love and who I am. Let that strength wash over you like a healing balm. Let My love lift you above your circumstances and hold you up as the storm passes beneath you. The enemy has no chance, no hold, no hope. Your hope lies in Me and I will not fail you. For I am the Lord your God, Jehovah Shalom - The God of Peace. I am El Shaddai - Almighty God.
Speak strongly against the words of accusation that seek to pull you down. Do not wear them like sack cloth and ashes, but put on the full armor that I have given you. Stand firm on the rock of My word. The shield you hold protects you from the darts of lies which proceed from the mouth of the accuser. Walk confidently knowing that armor that protects you and the hedge of My love which surrounds you will keep you safe in every circumstance. Fix your eyes on My face and your path will be made straight. Your journey will end in victory, because I am your protection. I am the banner over you.
You are My child, My creation, My delight. There is no need to run, no need to flee. Hide beneath the shadow of My wings and find your peace. Take My hand, choose My high road, the narrow path and be free.
I love you.
Judges 6:13-16 - 13Gideo6n said to Him, "O my lord, if the LORD is with us, why then has all this happened to us? And where are all His miracles which our fathers told us about, saying, 'Did not the LORD bring us up from Egypt?' But now the LORD has forsaken us and delivered us into the hands of the Midianites."14Then the LORD turned to him and said, "Go in this might of yours, and you shall save Israel from the hand of the Midianites. Have I not sent you?"15So he said to Him, "O my Lord, how can I save Israel? Indeed my clan is the weakest in Manasseh, and I am the least in my father's house."16And the LORD said to him, "Surely I will be with you, and you shall defeat the Midianites as one man."
Jonah 1:13 - 13But Jonah arose to flee to Tarshish from the presence of the LORD. He went down to Joppa, and found a ship going to Tarshish; so he paid the fare, and went down into it, to go with them to Tarshish from the presence of the LORD.
Judges 6:24 - So Gideon built an altar there to the LORD, and called it The-LORD-Is-Peace. To this day it is still in Ophrah of the Abiezrites.
Genesis 17:1 - When Abram was ninety-nine years old, the LORD appeared to Abram and said to him, "I am Almighty God; walk before Me and be blameless.
Psalm 62:7 - In God is my salvation and my glory; The rock of my strength, And my refuge, is in God.
The Bible has stories of men just like that - Gideon, Jonah and David, just to name a few. These men, in the middle of their circumstances, chose to run, flee, take the high road. Away from their troubles, away from their fears, away from the world. But, God, who loved them so much brought them back, girded them up and set them back on a path of righteousness.
When we are in the midst of life, joyfully set on being about our Father's business, the enemy of our soul is displeased. So, he sets his sights on us and plots to bring us down. He is crafty and sly. Often we don't see it coming until we're smack dab in the middle of his evil barrage. His plan is to steal our joy, rob us of our purpose and render us useless for God. He uses tactics that hit us where we are most vulnerable and often without out our immediate notice. He uses situations, finances and even loved ones to carry out his schemes.
Recently, I have felt that way. My mind is set on doing my Father's work and loving every minute of it. I have a joy that is overflowing and a purpose to serve with abandon. But, Satan has other plans. I didn't see it coming, but then there it was. It took me backward for a moment. But, God, who loves me so much brought me back, girded me up and set me on the path of righteousness. I stand with my arms open wide ready and willing to do His will - sheltered by His wings - His banner over me, which is love - this is "High Road" I am choosing to take.
Your Heavenly Father, the Creator and your God is calling you to take His high road today. In the midst of the attack, stand your ground, raise your eyes to the heavens and call out to the Lord. He will rescue you ... He promises that .... His word is our guide and His answers are our proof of His love.
If you are feeling like taking the high road today, choose the one that is narrow and built upon the Rock of Jesus. You will not be left alone. You will be rescued, girded up and put back on the path of righteousness.
Hear His words to you today -
My Precious Daughter,
Fear not, for I am with you always. There are no words, no actions, no struggles that can shake you from the protection of My hand. Yes, beloved, you can choose to walk away from Me, but nothing has the power to snatch you from My loving grasp.
You are stronger, more grounded in My love and who I am. Let that strength wash over you like a healing balm. Let My love lift you above your circumstances and hold you up as the storm passes beneath you. The enemy has no chance, no hold, no hope. Your hope lies in Me and I will not fail you. For I am the Lord your God, Jehovah Shalom - The God of Peace. I am El Shaddai - Almighty God.
Speak strongly against the words of accusation that seek to pull you down. Do not wear them like sack cloth and ashes, but put on the full armor that I have given you. Stand firm on the rock of My word. The shield you hold protects you from the darts of lies which proceed from the mouth of the accuser. Walk confidently knowing that armor that protects you and the hedge of My love which surrounds you will keep you safe in every circumstance. Fix your eyes on My face and your path will be made straight. Your journey will end in victory, because I am your protection. I am the banner over you.
You are My child, My creation, My delight. There is no need to run, no need to flee. Hide beneath the shadow of My wings and find your peace. Take My hand, choose My high road, the narrow path and be free.
I love you.
Judges 6:13-16 - 13Gideo6n said to Him, "O my lord, if the LORD is with us, why then has all this happened to us? And where are all His miracles which our fathers told us about, saying, 'Did not the LORD bring us up from Egypt?' But now the LORD has forsaken us and delivered us into the hands of the Midianites."14Then the LORD turned to him and said, "Go in this might of yours, and you shall save Israel from the hand of the Midianites. Have I not sent you?"15So he said to Him, "O my Lord, how can I save Israel? Indeed my clan is the weakest in Manasseh, and I am the least in my father's house."16And the LORD said to him, "Surely I will be with you, and you shall defeat the Midianites as one man."
Jonah 1:13 - 13But Jonah arose to flee to Tarshish from the presence of the LORD. He went down to Joppa, and found a ship going to Tarshish; so he paid the fare, and went down into it, to go with them to Tarshish from the presence of the LORD.
Judges 6:24 - So Gideon built an altar there to the LORD, and called it The-LORD-Is-Peace. To this day it is still in Ophrah of the Abiezrites.
Genesis 17:1 - When Abram was ninety-nine years old, the LORD appeared to Abram and said to him, "I am Almighty God; walk before Me and be blameless.
Psalm 62:7 - In God is my salvation and my glory; The rock of my strength, And my refuge, is in God.
Thursday, February 3, 2011
A Plan of Escape
Have you ever had one of those awkward dreams where you find yourself standing naked in a crowd? Wow, I hope I'm not alone ... I'm sure I'm not.
The truth is that we often feel that way ... standing naked in a crowd although we are fully clothed ... vulnerable, clumsy, uneasy. I can remember times when a situation I was in would make me that uncomfortable. I wanted to run away, but there was no where to run and no excuse to leave.
I can remember seasons in my life when I felt the same way. I wanted to hide until the storm passed, until the embarrassment was long forgotten, until I didn't feel alone amid the throngs of people around me. Could I please sleep through this and wake up when it's over?
But, God! God was there ... He's everywhere. Why didn't I think to call on Him? Why did I allow the circumstances of my life to cloud my mind so much that I didn't even stop, cry out His name and call Him to my rescue? How could I possibly forget even for a moment that He sent His son to die a sinner's death so that I would never have to be alone again?
God's Word, the Bible, is full of "plans for escape" in these moments. He has laid out all the ways that we can walk calmly from the crowd when we are naked into His arms of love. He has shown us how to clothe ourselves in His righteousness, with His armor, so that we are never left "uncovered" in any situation.
Let the Lord's words speak to you today so that you can walk through the storms, the situations and the everyday "darts" that are flying at us continually. He has the answer ... He IS our answer.
My Precious Daughter,
Come rest at My feet. Come hide beneath the shadow of My wings. Come lay your head on My lap. Let Me stroke your hair and whisper My words of love to you. Let me give you rest from the storm that is raging in your life. Let Me sing over you and restore your peace. Let Me dance with you and restore your joy.
Beloved, as the battle ensues just outside your door, never forget to seek Me first. Before you step out into the fray, clothe yourself with My armor, from head to toe. And, dear one, as you walk fully-equipped with my armor do not forget to invite My Holy spirit to fill you, go with you and comfort you.
Cover yourself with My love and protection for I am Jehovah Nissi, the banner over you. I am Jehovah Tsidkkenu, the God of righteousness. I am Jehovah Shaloam, the God of peace.
Now, precious child, step out into your day knowing you are covered in power, strength and love. Know you are able to safely walk through this moment, without a hint of the sting of the enemy's darts hitting you.
You are My child. I am your loving Father, your King, Your Jehovah. I AM!
I love you.
Eph. 6:11 - Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes.
Ex. 17:15 - And Moses built an altar and called its name, The-LORD-Is-My-Banner;
Jer. 23:6 - In His days Judah will be saved, And Israel will dwell safely; Now this is His name by which He will be called: THE LORD OUR RIGHTEOUSNESS.
Judges 6:24 - So Gideon built an altar to the LORD there and called it The LORD is Peace. To this day it stands in Ophrah of the Abiezrites.
The truth is that we often feel that way ... standing naked in a crowd although we are fully clothed ... vulnerable, clumsy, uneasy. I can remember times when a situation I was in would make me that uncomfortable. I wanted to run away, but there was no where to run and no excuse to leave.
I can remember seasons in my life when I felt the same way. I wanted to hide until the storm passed, until the embarrassment was long forgotten, until I didn't feel alone amid the throngs of people around me. Could I please sleep through this and wake up when it's over?
But, God! God was there ... He's everywhere. Why didn't I think to call on Him? Why did I allow the circumstances of my life to cloud my mind so much that I didn't even stop, cry out His name and call Him to my rescue? How could I possibly forget even for a moment that He sent His son to die a sinner's death so that I would never have to be alone again?
God's Word, the Bible, is full of "plans for escape" in these moments. He has laid out all the ways that we can walk calmly from the crowd when we are naked into His arms of love. He has shown us how to clothe ourselves in His righteousness, with His armor, so that we are never left "uncovered" in any situation.
Let the Lord's words speak to you today so that you can walk through the storms, the situations and the everyday "darts" that are flying at us continually. He has the answer ... He IS our answer.
My Precious Daughter,
Come rest at My feet. Come hide beneath the shadow of My wings. Come lay your head on My lap. Let Me stroke your hair and whisper My words of love to you. Let me give you rest from the storm that is raging in your life. Let Me sing over you and restore your peace. Let Me dance with you and restore your joy.
Beloved, as the battle ensues just outside your door, never forget to seek Me first. Before you step out into the fray, clothe yourself with My armor, from head to toe. And, dear one, as you walk fully-equipped with my armor do not forget to invite My Holy spirit to fill you, go with you and comfort you.
Cover yourself with My love and protection for I am Jehovah Nissi, the banner over you. I am Jehovah Tsidkkenu, the God of righteousness. I am Jehovah Shaloam, the God of peace.
Now, precious child, step out into your day knowing you are covered in power, strength and love. Know you are able to safely walk through this moment, without a hint of the sting of the enemy's darts hitting you.
You are My child. I am your loving Father, your King, Your Jehovah. I AM!
I love you.
Eph. 6:11 - Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes.
Ex. 17:15 - And Moses built an altar and called its name, The-LORD-Is-My-Banner;
Jer. 23:6 - In His days Judah will be saved, And Israel will dwell safely; Now this is His name by which He will be called: THE LORD OUR RIGHTEOUSNESS.
Judges 6:24 - So Gideon built an altar to the LORD there and called it The LORD is Peace. To this day it stands in Ophrah of the Abiezrites.
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