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.
Thursday, February 17, 2011
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.
Monday, January 31, 2011
Overcoming Doubt
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.
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 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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