Love this song by MW Smith

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jm-apCmWCyQ

All I Want

All I have in this world
Is fire from above
All I have in this world
Is you
And all the journeys I have walked
I know you've walked them too
All I want is to be faithful
All I want is you

All I have is a love
That set my world on fire
Let it fall, let it burn in me
And oh to be a friend of God is all that I desire
All I want is to be faithful
All I want is you

All I want is you
All I want is you
All I want is you
Is you

All I have in this world
Is fire from above
All I have in this world
Is you
And all the journeys I have walked
I know you've walked them too
All I want is to be faithful
All I want is you

All I want is you
All I want is you
Da...oh oh oh
All I want is you
Is you

Christmas Day

It is a great day. The tree is lit, the presents are scattered, and the stockings are full. The best part so far is that my munchkins are still fast asleep and I am drinking my coffee soaking in God's gifts. Thanks God. What a fun day. I anticipate the kiddos any moment running down the stairs as it is getting lighter outside, but this moment of anticipation is actually very peaceful.

I am thankful for this season. It causes me to stop and reflect on the birth of His Son. It is amazing how, although the story never changes, it is more miraculous to me each year. It is a glimpse of heaven on earth. It is like "one day in his courts." Reminds me of this song in some ways that I am listening to ...

"Better is One Day"

How lovely is
Your dwelling place
Oh Lord Almighty,
For my soul longs
And even faints
For You
Oh, here my heart
Is satisfied (is satisfied)
Within Your presence
I see beneath
The shadow of
Your wings

Better is one day in Your courts
Better is one day in Your house
Better is one day in Your courts
Than thousands elsewhere
Better is one day in Your courts
Better is one day in Your house
Better is one day in Your courts
Than thousands elsewhere
(Than thousands elsewhere)

One thing I ask,
And I would seek,
To see Your beauty
To find You in
The place Your glory dwells
(One thing I ask)
One thing I ask
And I would seek,
To see Your beauty
To find You in
The place Your glory dwells

Better is one day in Your courts
Better is one day in Your house
Better is one day in Your courts
Than thousands elsewhere
Better is one day in Your courts
Better is one day in Your house
Better is one day in Your courts
Than thousands elsewhere
(Better is one day)
Better is one day in Your courts
Better is one day in Your house
Better is one day in Your courts
Than thousands elsewhere
Better is one day in Your courts
Better is one day in Your house
Better is one day in Your courts
Than thousands elsewhere

(My heart and flesh cry out)
My heart and flesh cry out
For You, the Living God
Your Spirit's water to my soul
I've tasted, and I've seen
Come once again to me
I will draw near to You
I will draw near to You
To You

Better is one day
Better is one day
Better is one day
Than thousands elsewhere
Better is one day in Your courts
Better is one day in Your house
Better is one day in Your courts
Than thousands elsewhere
(4X)
Yeah, than thousands elsewhere (Yeah)
Oh, than thousands elsewhere

Christmas Eve Worship

Here I Am To Worship Lyrics

Light of the world
You stepped down into darkness.
Opened my eyes, let me see.
Beauty that made this heart adore You
Hope of a life spent with You

Here I am to worship,
Here I am to bow down,
Here I am to say that You're my God
You're altogether lovely
All together worthy,
All together wonderful to me

King of all days
oh, so highly exalted
Glorious in heaven above
Humbly You came
To the earth You created
All for love's sake became poor

Here I am to worship,
Here I am to bow down,
Here I am to say that You're my God
You're altogether lovely
All together worthy,
All together wonderful to me

I'll never know how much it cost
To see my sin upon that cross
I'll never know how much it cost
To see my sin upon that cross
I'll never know how much it cost
To see my sin upon that cross
I'll never know how much it cost




Here I am to worship,
Here I am to bow down,
Here I am to say that You're my God
You're altogether lovely
All together worthy,
All together wonderful to me


Here I am to worship,
Here I am to bow down,
Here I am to say that You're my God
You're altogether lovely
All together worthy,
All together wonderful to me

I'll never know how much it cost
to see my sins upon that cross--

Isaiah 30:15

Today in my quiet time, God spoke a very clear verse to my heart.

Isaiah 30:15 -

"In repentance and rest you shall be saved; in quietness and trust is your strength."

I need to be quiet and trust. This is my strength.

Amidst family situations,
amidst job situations and layoffs,

in quietness and trust, is my strength.
No drama. Quietness and trust.

Help me, God, with this today. Bring this verse to mind often. Thursday is lay-off day at work for Ed. In quietness and trust is my strength...

Jesus Calling by Sarah Young

Love this!

Let thankfulness rule in your heart. As you thank Me for blessings in your life, a marvelous thing happens. It is as if scales fall of of your eyes, enabling you to see more and more of My glorious riches. With your eyes thus opened, you can help yourself to whatever you need from My treasure house. Each time you receive one of My golden gifts, let your thankfulness sing out praises to My Name. Hallelujahs are the language of heaven, and they can become the language of your heart.

O victory in Jesus,
My Savior, forever.
He sought me and bought me
With His redeeming blood;
He loved me ere I knew Him
And all my love is due Him,
He plunged me to victory,
Beneath the cleansing flood.

I heard about His healing,
Of His cleansing pow'r revealing.
How He made the lame to walk again
And caused the blind to see;
And then I cried, "Dear Jesus,
Come and heal my broken spirit,"
And somehow Jesus came and bro't
To me the victory.

Powerful words from people of faith. Sometimes it helps to read the words of others in prayer rather than your own.

God is good all the time. Thank you God for all you give. You are amazing. Your blessings surpass my closed eyes. Open my eyes that I may see the wonderful things that you do! Give me fresh eyes for you! Amen.

Another Amazing Song - says it all!

Sometimes music can identify what you have been feeling more than anything else can.


Only Jesus Lyrics

Performed by- Big Daddy Weave


Who could ever find the words to describe the Indescribable
Limited vocabulary falls so short of depicting You God
Yet I'm distracted, the things of this world threaten to pull me apart But in Your mercy You hear the cry of my heart

(Chorus)
Only Jesus, Only Jesus
Lord, I'm tired of all the rest
When my heart knows You are best
Come and change, Lord, rearrange every part of me
Until You are all that can be seen
Come be seen in me

(Chorus)

Only Jesus, Only Jesus
Son of God and Son of Man who
Came to destroy the work of sin
And its work in me was crushed when
You became the way for me
Help me surrender and stop pretending that I can live on my own
I'll find who I am wrapped up in You alone
(Chorus)

Song Description:
This is a faster tune. The lyric comes from a place of desperation in the Lord, and it ends with the realization that only Jesus satisfies. Some people treat salvation as if it is little more than fire insurance. This song declares that it is also about having abundant life and that satisfaction in this life that only Jesus can bring. (Mike Weaver)

Moving So Fast, I Have Been Missing It

Lord, this song has convicted me. I am moving so fast lately that I am trying to do it on my own and have been too tired. This song hits the mark... Thanks for speaking to me this morning.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X43XXpItGk0

MATTHEW WEST LYRICS – YOU ARE EVERYTHING LYRICS

I’m the one with two left feet
Standing on a lonely street
I can’t even walk a straight line
And every time you look at me
I’m spinning like an autumn leaf
Bound to hit bottom sometime

Where would I be without someone to save me
Someone who won’t let me fall
You are everything that I live for
Everything that I can’t believe is happening
You’re standing right in front of me
With arms wide open
All I know is
Every day is filled with hope
You are everything that I believe for
And I can’t help but breathe you in

Breathe again
Feeling all this life within
Every single beat of my heart
I’m the one with big mistakes
Big regrets and bigger breaks
Than I ever care to confess
Oh but, You’re the one who looks at me
And sees what I was meant to be
More than just a beautiful mess

Where would I be without someone to save me
Someone who won’t let me fall
You are everything that I live for
Everything that I can’t believe is happening
You’re standing right in front of me
With arms wide open
All I know is
Every day is filled with hope
You are everything that I believe for
And I can’t help but breathe you in
Breathe again

Feeling all this life within
Every single beat of my heart
You’re everything good in my life
Everything honest and true
And all of those stars hanging up in the sky
Could never shine brighter than You
You are everything that I live for
Everything that I can’t believe is happening
You’re standing right in front of me
With arms wide open
All I know is
Every day is filled with hope
You are everything that I believe for
And I can’t help but breathe you in
Breathe again
Feeling all this life within
Every single beat of my heart
You are
You are
Jesus, You are
You are everything

The East is to the West

Here I am. Can't sleep at 4:00 am, so decided to get up and clean. Had to put on pandora.com and listen to Christian music.

Then I'm listening and this song is what I feel. My anxiousness outweighs what my life reflects. What is this anxious heart about, God?

Here are the lyrics. I lift this day and my heart to you, God. I don't want to push my own will in things and I feel like I am trying to figure it all out without you. So I lay it at your feet. Including my anxious heart.

I need your east to west. More of you, less of me.

CASTING CROWNS LYRICS


"East To West"

Here I am, Lord, and I'm drowning in your sea of forgetfulness
The chains of yesterday surround me
I yearn for peace and rest
I don't want to end up where You found me
And it echoes in my mind, keeps me awake tonight
I know You've cast my sin as far as the east is from the west
And I stand before You now as though I've never sinned
But today I feel like I'm just one mistake away from You leaving me this way

Jesus, can You show me just how far the east is from the west
'cause I can't bear to see the man I've been come rising up in me again
In the arms of Your mercy I find rest
'cause You know just how far the east is from the west
From one scarred hand to the other

I start the day, the war begins, endless reminding of my sin
Time and time again Your truth is drowned out by the storm I'm in
Today I feel like I'm just one mistake away from You leaving me this way

I know You've washed me white, turned my darkness into light
I need Your peace to get me through, to get me through this night
I can't live by what I feel, but by the truth Your word reveals
I'm not holding on to You, but You're holding on to me
You're holding on to me

Jesus, You know just how far the east is from the west
I don't have to see the man I've been come rising up in me again
In the arms of Your mercy I find rest
'cause You know just how far the east is from the west
From one scarred hand to the other
One scarred hand to the other
From one scarred hand to the other

Matthew 19

Reflections on Matthew 19

Interesting passage about marriage in verses 3-12, especially as I got into quite the heated discussion this week with my 7th and 8th grade Leadership class about homosexuality. Some of the kids said that they think "certain people are born that way." One kid said that some may be born with a female brain and male parts. This same student said his aunt is a lesbian. I told the kids that "ya know what? Some people are born with both body parts. Some of them are born with both and their parents have to choose for them at birth... some people are born with no arms and no legs just like the guy that spoke at our chapel a few weeks ago. BUT whatever way we are born, we are not our own. We are God's. He is our creator, so we are responsible to submit to him and live as he calls us to through his word. Our life is not our own. THAT is where we mess up. We think it is and that we are the center of our world and things aren't fair. But if we look at it that our bodies are truly not our own anyway, then we should follow who created us no matter the cost or no matter what temptation we have to live otherwise. This is our test. We either submit to our creator, or we live in rebellion."

I told the kids that whatever we CHOOSE to do in life, we either live out God's way by the bible or we don't. Whatever our temptations to go another way but God's are sin. We all face different temptations in life. We are either submitting our lives to God or choosing to live in rebellion.

So, point being, here I am this morning reading Matthew 19, and this is what Jesus says as the Pharisees are questioning him about marriage and divorce.

"Not everyone can accept this word (about not marrying), but only those to whom it has been given. For some are eunuchs because they were born that way; others were made that way by men; and others have renounced marriage because of the kingdom of heaven. The one who can accept this should accept it."

Here is an interesting commentary from Gill's Exposition of the Entire Bible regarding this passage:

"Some were so born from their mother's womb; meaning, not such who, through a natural temper and inclination of mind, could easily abstain from marriage, and chose to live single; but such who had such defects in nature that they were impotent, unfit for, and unable to perform the duties of a marriage state; who, as some are born without hands or feet, these were born without proper and perfect organs of generation; and such an one was, by the Jews, frequently called, , "an eunuch of the sun (n)": that is, as their doctors (o) explain it, one that from his mother's womb never saw the sun but as an eunuch; that is, one that is born so; and that such an one is here intended, ought not to be doubted. The signs of such an eunuch, are given by the Jewish (p) writers, which may be consulted by those, that have ability and leisure. This sort is sometimes (q) called "an eunuch by the hands of heaven", or God, in distinction from those who are so by the hands, or means of men, and are next mentioned:

and there are some eunuchs, which were made eunuchs of men: as among the Romans formerly, and which Domitian the emperor forbid by a law (r); and more especially in the eastern countries, and to this day among the Turks, that they may the more safely be entrusted with the custody of their women; and this sort the Jews call , "an eunuch of men", or , "by the hands of men". The distinction between an "eunuch of the sun", and an "eunuch of men", is so frequent with the Jews (s), and so well known to them, that a question need not be made of our Lord's referring to it:

and there be eunuchs which have made themselves eunuchs; not in a literal sense, in which the words are not to be taken, as they were by Origen; who though otherwise too much pursued the allegorical way of interpreting Scripture, here took it literally, and castrated himself (t); as did also a sort of heretics, called Valesians (u), from one Valens an Arabian; and which practice is recommended by Philo the Jew (w), and by Heathen philosophers (x), for the sake of chastity. But here it means such, who having the gift of continency without mutilating their bodies, or indulging any unnatural lusts, can live chastely without the use of women, and choose celibacy:

for the kingdom of heaven's sake; not in order, by their chaste and single life, to merit and obtain the kingdom of glory; but that they might be more at leisure, being free from the incumbrances of a marriage state, to attend the worship and service of God, the ordinances of the Gospel church state, to minister in, and preach the Gospel of Christ, and be a means of spreading it in the world, and of enlarging his kingdom and interest.

He that is able to receive it, let him receive it: whoever is able to receive cordially, and embrace heartily, the above saying concerning the expediency and goodness of a single life, and having the gift of continency, can live according to it; let him take it, and hold it fast, and act up to it; he may have less of worldly trouble, and be more useful for God in the Gospel of Christ, and to the interest of religion; but this should be a voluntary thing: no man should be forced into it; and he that goes into it, ought to consider well whether he is able to contain, or not.

That is a lot to think about in this day and age. This is an interesting passage in reflection of our society and it's political correctness. Once again, our bodies are not our own. However we were born or made by men, we are responsible to God to submit ourselves including our bodies to Him, as He is our Maker. We have no "rights." Our lives are not our own. We may choose, especially in this day and age, to live like they are our own; however, this is sin and placing ourselves and our desires as most important. Whatever we do, by word or by deed, should be done to the glory of God. That is why we are here. That is our purpose. To bring Him glory and to worship Him.

Matthew 18

S -

O - Be like a child. Be humble.

"Their angels in heaven always see the face of my Father in heaven." Does every child have an angel assigned to them?

It is not the will of God that anyone be lost.

"If a brother sins against you, go and show him his fault, just between the two of you."

"I tell you the truth, whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven."

"Where two or three come together in my name, there am I with them."

Parable of the Unforgiving Debtor - be gracious and walk in forgiveness, as God shows constant grace, mercy, and forgiveness of debt toward me.

A - Lots to apply. Wow. I guess what sticks out most is to walk in forgiveness and grace, loving others without being offended. Also, if I am really bothered by something, go to that person directly; don't vent.

Use the power of prayer, bind and loose. PRAY more. PRAY MORE SPECIFICALLY.

p - Lord, I pray to walk in forgiveness and grace. You constantly forgive my debt and sin. I pray to not be offended by others around me. Give me patience, and let me be filled with you. Go before me this day. Strengthen me to be who I know you are calling me to be. Amen.

Matthew 17:14-21

S - Matthew 17:14-21

O - Jesus healed the boy that the disciples could not. He pointed at their lack of faith. He said if you have faith as a mustard seed, you could move mountains. Nothing will be impossible to you.

A - The commentary says that "If you are facing a problem that seems as big and immovable as a mountain, turn your eyes from the mountain and look to Christ for more faith. Only then will your work for him become useful and vibrant."

P - God - give us more faith in you and keep our eyes from the mountains and onto you. You are the mover of mountains. Help me this day be focused on you and not on any of the mountains. Forgive me for any complaining. Help me to embrace what you have given and keep my eyes on you in all situations. Amen.

Matthew 17:1-5

S - Matthew 17:1-5

O - "Jesus took Peter, James, and John up a high mountain and was transfigured before them. His face shone like the sun and his clothes became as white as the light. Just then, there appeared before them Moses and Elijah, talking with Jesus.

Peter said to Jesus, 'Lord, it is good for us to be here. If you wish, I will put up three shelters - one for you, one for Moses and one for Elijah.'

While he was still speaking, a bright cloud enveloped them, and a voice from the cloud said, 'This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased. Listen to him!' "

The transfiguration of Jesus. Wow. This would have been an amazing sight. Then him talking to Elijah and Moses... those who had died were right there, plain as day. Then, here impulsive Peter has this great idea and blurts it out. In the middle of speaking, God tells Peter with an exclamation point to "Listen to him!".

A - We will be transformed just like Jesus in the blink of an eye when he comes again or when we go to heaven...

His face shone and all his clothes turned white. Amazing. I am remembering something that CS Lewis said about these being shadowlands and how the Kingdom is what is real. He said that that is why Jesus, upon his return, could walk through walls etc. It was not because he was a ghost, but that nothing on this earth was as real and solid as he had become. This earth and everything in it are but shadows. Shadowlands.

Lastly, I find it interesting that God cut Peter off in the middle of his idea and rebuked him in a sense. He said to "Listen to Him!" Once again, impulsive Peter... but we are just like him. Sometimes we have so many ideas that we really don't stop to listen to whatever purposes it is that God brought us to whatever place we are in. Stop, look, and listen... Simple instructions yet so hard for us to truly do in the Spirit instead of the flesh.

P - God, you are amazing and these lands are but shadows. Help me to stop, look, and listen to what is real and true around me... the purposes, people,and plans you have for me. Stop, look, and listen. Kingdom think... listen to the Holy Spirit... be guided by You as I "Listen!" to you... Help me this day to think of others, to open my eyes to your plans, to take advantage of every opportunity, and to listen to who you might have me minister to today. Let your light in me shine out the darkness in me. Amen.

Matthew 16:21-28

S - Matthew 16:21-28

O - At this point, Jesus explained to his disciples how he would be going to Jerusalem, suffer many things, and that he must be killed and on the third day be raised to life. Peter objected to this and Jesus rebuked him, saying "Get behind me Satan! You are a stumbling block to me; you do not have in mind the things of God, but the things of men."

Then Jesus said to his disciples, "If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for me will find it. What good will it be for a man if he gains the whole world, yet forfeits his sould? Or what can a man give in exchange for his soul? For the Son of Man is going to come in his Father's glory with his angels, and then he will reward each person according to what he has done. I tell you the truth, some who are standing here will not taste death before they see the Son of Man coming in his kingdom."

A - Recognize my stumbling blocks and put them behind me.

Jesus' plans are not the plans of men. Remember to have in mind the things of God, not the things of men, especially when circumstances look like they should not be. His plans are different, are for different purposes, true purposes, and not necessarily part of our own dreams and hopes. Trust in Him no matter what is dictated into my life.

- Deny myself, take up my cross, follow Him. Easier said than done. Die to self. Remember my baptism. New life. As Pastor Art says as he baptizes, "Out with the old, in with the new. You are raised to walk in newness of life."

P - God, help me to remember these principles Jesus taught. Help me to remember this day to die to self. You will come again with your angels and in all your glory to reward each person according to what they have done. Help me to kingdom think as I decide what I put my energy into this day. Amen.

Matthew 16:17-19

S - Matthew 16:17-19

O - Jesus replied to Peter regarding his declaration of who Jesus was. He said that this was revealed to him by God. He also spoke into Peter's life saying that "on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it. I will give you the keys to the kingdom of heaven; whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven."

A - What has God spoken into my life? Have faith in what he has revealed to me. Trust and do not be afraid. Also, I love the "whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven." I know he was talking specifically to Peter here, but I truly believe that can be applied by faith in any believer's life and have witnessed the power of that Word in my own. I need to remember that scripture. How we react to the circumstances in our own life and speak the Word into those circumstances by faith in Christ has an effect in the heavenly realms. Somehow...

Of course, God is sovereign over all things and this is not a name it, claim it type of thing, but again, what we loose in our lives that is according to God's will, God blesses. Whatever we bind that is not of God, he blesses. Our faith, our mindset, our actions, our prayers all have ramifications in the heavenly realm. Someday we will see the magnificance of this.

P - Thank you for another day you have given, Lord. Thank you for these verses that you spoke into Peter's life. Thank you for the example of how you changed his life as he had faith in the words you spoke into his life. Peter was impulsive, emotional, and didn't think before he acted when Jesus was with him. This was the rock you built your church upon. God, Peter had faith in you and walked according to your plan for him. Help me to do this, as well. Use my life. Use my children's lives for you. I pray that they would grow into wise young women of God and that they would hear you speak your words into their lives. I pray they would have faith in those words and follow them. I pray we would loose those things and bind those things on earth that you desire us to, and I pray for your wisdom and more faith. Help me to watch my tongue, help me to not be so impulsive, help me to be discerning and move more slowly as I hear your voice. Amen.

Matthew 16:5-12

S - Matthew 16:5-12

O - Jesus is talking to his disciples to be on their guard against the yeast of the Pharisees and Sadducees. He explained that he was talking about their teaching.

A - Be on guard against any teaching of man. Always discern what they are saying through the testing of the Word. Also, be on guard against the yeast of the world. Yeast spreads through the whole dough and makes it rise. It has a HUGE effect on the dough. Watch how any philosophy affects me. Watch what goes into my mind. Politics, movies, magazines, tv shows, others, etc... More is caught than taught.

P - God, help me to watch what affects my mind. Help me to be on guard and be discerning. Help me to be obedient to you. It is so easy for a stronghold of the mind to form in any area. I pray that if there is yeast, as I know there is, you would help me to quickly dismiss it before it gains control. You know my heart, Lord, and my struggles. Help me to purify it of those things. You are good. Help me to be more like my Lord Jesus. Amen.

Matthew 15:21-39

S - Matthew 15:22-39

O - Jesus did not respond at first to the Canaanite woman regarding her daughter, as he only was sent for "the lost sheep of Israel." Interesting. Because of her persistence and faith, he healed her daughter that very hour.

Jesus went along the Sea of Galilee, and there was a great crowd. People were "amazed when they saw the mutespeaking, the crippled made well, the lame walking, and the blind seeing." That would have been a great sight.

The people stayed with him 3 days, and they had nothing to eat. He said he had great compassion for them and did not want to send them away hungry. Again, he took 7 loaves of bread and 2 fish and gave them to the multitude. There were even leftovers. "The number of those who ate was four thousand, besides women and children. So again, probably more like 10,000 or more. Amazing.

A - Have faith and be persistent in my requests like the Canaanite woman.

God has compassion and supplies our needs. Remember to distinguish between my wants and my needs. I need to be more discerning of that.

P - God, thank you for this beautiful day outside. Go before us in all we do. Protect my Elli at camp. Lord, give her your bread of life and satisfy her soul this week. Help me to have faith and be persistent in my requests to you... even the ones that I have been praying for for years and given up on. I pray that you'd help me to pray anew for them. Amen.

Matt. 15: 1-20

S - Matt. 15:8

O-Jesus said of the Pharisees that "These people honor me with their lips but their hearts are far from me. They worship me in vain; their teachings are but rules taught by men." This was a prophecy actually from Isaiah.

A - Watch how I honor God. With my tongue? or with my heart?

S - Matt. 15:16-20

O - Jesus explained to the disciples that what comes out of a man's mouth comes from the heart and that is what makes a man "unclean". He said, "For out of the heart come evil thoughts, murder, adultery, sexual immorality, theft, false testimony, slander."

A - As I pay attention to what comes out of my mouth, I will know better what my sin is...

P - Lord, help me to have a pure heart. Purify my heart. Help me to be in tune with my heart and repent as I sense my flesh controlling me. Our hearts are wicked, God, in your sight without the blood of Jesus. Thank you for cleansing them with his blood. Help me to know what's in my heart God, and submit it unto you. You are pure. You are righteous. You are holy. You are sinless. You are only good. Amen.

Matthew 14:22-36

S - Matt. 14:22-36

O - Jesus spent all day, until evening, by himself on a hillside praying. He sent his disciples off in a boat.

Peter had faith to walk out on the water to Jesus, but when he saw the wind, he was afraid, and started to sink.

Jesus rebuked him saying "You of little faith, why do you doubt?"

When he reached the other side, word of him spread, and people who needed healing came to him. ALL WHO TOUCHED HIM WERE HEALED. (EVEN WHEN THEY TOUCHED THE EDGE OF HIS CLOAK). Amazing.

A - Spend time alone with God. Significant time. Uninterrupted time. Time in quiet.

When the winds come, and Jesus calls, keep going. Don't doubt him in the circumstances around me.

Jesus healed even those who touched his cloak. He has the power. Do not doubt. Believe he has the power to heal if he chooses.

P - God, You are great. Help me to have more faith in you. Help me to believe in you and do not doubt your hand, your leading, despite circumstances (wind). Help me to get away and have uninterrupted time with you, to be filled with you and be confident in you. Help me to have faith as I pray for those who need your healing touch... Emma, Nico, Grandma, Gram, Papa... Lord, I believe you can heal. Be with me this day. Strengthen me and help me to stay at rest in you. Amen.

Matthew 14:1-21 - JB's Death; Feeding of 5,000 (families)

S - Matthew 14:1-21 - JB's Death; Feeding of 5,000

O - John the Baptist was beheaded because of Herodias' daughter's request after dancing at a party (egged on by mom). Herodias was his brother Philip's wife with whom he was sleeping. John's disciples got his body and buried it. Jesus was distressed over this. Got away in a boat. Large crowds came.

He ministered to them, healed, and met there needs. He did not send them away when his disciples told him to. Even in his distress he found energy to see others' needs and when they did not go hom, he fed them. 5,000 peple were fed only with 5 loaves of bread and 2 fish. They all "ate and were satisfied, and the disciples picked up twelves basketfuls of broken pieces that were left over. The humber of those who ate was about 5,000 men, BESIDES WOMEN AND CHILDREN." Wow. You know it was at least 15,000 then probably. The "5,000" was more symbolic of 5,000 families. That is intense. It would be very cool to get live footage of what that whole scene looked like, from beginning to end.

A - Jesus found energy even in his distress to give to others. He did not set a boundary for himself here. It would have been easy to send the poeple away. He did not. He did as the Spirit led, not as he felt.

God's economy is not ours. He provides when people are in need even though it seems impossible when we turn to Him. Have faith in His economy. That is part of Kingdom Thinking. "Give me your eyes for just one second. Give me your eyes so I can see. Everythingthat I keep missing. Give me your love for humanity."...

P - Lord, forgive my fleshly thoughts...my sinful nature to lean upon myself. I turn to you today. I pray for your hand. I pray for eyes to see your economy... all I have is yours. Help me to live that way. Help me to be filled with the Holy Spirit and die to self today. Give me the strength and energy I need to do the tasks you have for me this day. Amen.

Matthew 13:44 - 58

S - Matthew 13:44

O - The Parables of the Hidden Treasure and the Pearl

The Kingdom of Heaven is like a treasure hidden in a field. When the man found it, he hid it again, AND IN HIS JOY, sold all he had and bought that field.

The Kingdom of Heaven is like a merchant looking for fine pearls. When he found one of great value, he went away and sold all he had and bought it.

A - Am I willing to trade all I have for more of the kingdom? Tough question. I don't think God expects this by any means, but he does want us to discard all we have for the kingdom 1st. Nothing else should have priority in our hearts but Kingdom Thinking.

S - Matthew 13:53-58

0 - Jesus went to his hometown and people questioned him. BECAUSE OF THEIR LACK OF FAITH, he did not do many miracles there.

A - Always have faith that Jesus can do whatever he pleases.

P - God, I am especially praying for Nico today and that you would work a HUGE miracle for him and clear all cancer as he gets his MRI today. I know that if you will it, it will be done. We trust in your sovereign hand and have faith in your healing power! Amen

Matthew 13:24-34 Parables - Weeds, Harvest, Mustard Seed, Yeast

S - Matthew 13:24-34

0- Parable of the Weeds is an interesting picture of the Harvest and how God views it and how he views his creation. Quite a picture from beginning to end. Powerful.

Parable of the Mustard seed and the Yeast - small seed grows into the largest tree in the garden; a little yeast spreads through the whole dough... The Word of God is powerful... a double-edged sword. His Kingdom WILL come. It is not a prayer. It is a fact.

It is interesting how Jesus used parables to "utter things hidden since the creation of the world." Things hidden since the creation of the world. Wow.

A & P- Lord, the little seeds that have been planted for your kingdom - grow them God. The little bit of yeast, spread through the whole dough. KEEP THE ENEMY OUT AND ALL THE WEEDS THAT HE PLANTS. Shield my children from those things that will keep them from a real relationship with you. I pray the weeds OUT of their lives, Lord, and I pray your seed, your tree, would flourish in each of them. I pray they would affect the kingdom for you, God. Each of them.

Let your kingdom come, Lord. I pray that your kingdom would spread in our home, our family, to our community, through Cascade, to my nieces and nephews, to my neighbordhood. Open doors to minister. Help me to lean on the Holy Spirit and be aware of your presence and leading IN ALL THINGS. Keep a guard on my tongue. Give me self-control and spirit-control, Lord.

YOU ARE GOOD. Bless this day, I pray, for your glory, not mine. Amen.

Matthew 13:10-17

S - Matthew 13:10-17

O - Jesus explains why he speaks in parables. I find it interesting what he says about people's hearts. "You will be ever hearing but never understanding; you will be ever seeing but never perceiving. For this people's heart has become calloused; they hardly hear with their ears and they have closed their eyes. Otherwise they might see with their eyes, hear with their ears, understand with their hearts, and turn, and I would heal them." (This was a prophecy Jesus quoted from Isaiah). The interesting part is the next two verses, 16 and 17. "But blessed are your eyes because they see, and your ears because they hear. FOR I TELL YOU THE TRUTH, MANY PROPHETS AND RIGHTEOUS MEN LONGED TO SEE WHAT YOU SEE BUT DID NOT SEE IT, AND TO HEAR WHAT YOU EAR BUT DID NOT HEAR IT." (Caps mine). The interesting part is that there were so many PROPHETS and RIGHTEOUS MEN (wow!) who longed to see and hear what we do, yet they never did. We are very blessed to understand what we do understand, see what we see, and hear what we hear. Most in this world that have lived have not; many who so wanted to, never did. We have the beautiful knowledge of God's WHOLE BOOK as a vantage point, whereas they did not. We see the bigger picture from sin in the garden, animal sacrifices, the fulfillment of Christ, his death and resurrection, and his final and second coming. Amazing what he has given us to see. It truly all fits together so well. Only God could write it. His hand is so intricately woven into history.

A - What will I do with all that God has shown me? Live how I want, or truly live as he has called me?

P - God, thank you that you have opened my eyes and ears and given me understanding. Forgive me for not doing all that you've called me to do and going my own way time and again. Help me to become strong to trust you; help me to become stronger in my faith and strengthened to be more like Christ each day. Like one of my favorite songs...

Make me strong to trust you,
Make me strong within,
Make me willing to suffer,
change these bonds of sin.

I can count the times
I have seen your hand,
I will mount this trial,
and with your strength

I believe
You will show
Your grace in my need
You are faithful
MAKE ME STRONG
I believe.

Lord, truly strengthen me within. It is so easy to wander. Keep my eyes focused on you this day and to be blessed that you have shown me so much of you! Thank you for your graces. Amen.

Matthew 13:1-8

S - Matthew 13:1-8

O and A - The Parable of the Sower - our job is to SCATTER SEED. That is what God has called us to. It is not in our hands whether the birds eat it, it falls among thorns, the sun scorches it, or it "falls on good soil where it produces a crop - a hundred, sixty, or thirty times what was sown." SCATTER SEED.

P - Lord, help me to remember to SCATTER SEED. What happens with it is up to you, so I rest in that. Amen.

Matthew 12:38-45

Scripture - Matthew 12:38-45

Observation and Application - The Pharisees asked for a miraculous sign. Jesus said "a wicked and adulterous generation asks for a sign. But none will be given it except the sign of the prophet Jonah." He also compares Jonah and the whale and the 3 days/3 nights he was there to the "Son of Man" in the heart of the earth for 3 days/3 nights." (So is hell actually in the heart of the earth?) Is it wicked to ask God for a sign? I need to be leary of desiring a miraculous sign from God... Question my motives, I guess.

Another weird part of this passage is that Jesus states that the "Queen of the South" (in caps) will rise at the judgment and condemn that generation. Who is this Queen of the South??? Strange.

Another interesting part of this passage:

"When an evil spirit comes out of a man, it goes through arid places seeking rest and does not find it. Then it says, 'I will return to the house I left.' When it arrives, it finds the house unoccupied, swept clean and put in order. Then it goes and takes with it seven other spirits more wicked than itself,and they go and live there. And the final condition of that man is worse than the first. That is how it will be with this wicked generation."

The above passage reminds me of a friend who told me about a pastor who said if you quit drinking/doing drugs and don't close all the doors and windows to your "house", you are leaving yourself vulnerable. You close all the doors and windows by carefully securing your house (screws, nails, locks). These screws, nails, locks are the tools you consistently use/secure it with (i.e. - the word, prayer, friends, accountability, consistent help, etc.). I like the house analogy. That makes a lot of sense to me. Obviously the Holy Spirit and the Word would be a way to keep the house clean. I know, too, that demons cannot possess those who are Christians, but the above could even relate to strongholds in our lives. If we don't replace the old with the NEW, the old will come back and usually with greater force.

"I am a new creation. The old has gone; the new has come." So we are to live like the saved and not like the unsaved. We are to fill ourselves with the Holy Spirit, and not with wine. The time is short. We are to, as it says in 1 Corinthians 7, live in a right way in undivided devotion to the Lord. (Of course, Paul is talking about those who are unmarried here, but the heart of it applies to us all).

Prayer - Lord, these passages are interesting. Jesus obviously has a mind much greater than our own and comprehended/comprehends so much more than we do. His words are always so deep. I pray, though, Lord, that I will be protective of my "house" and use the tools you give me, dependent upon you day to day, to keep evil away. I know that I am as vulnerable as anyone, but I lean upon you, and I pray for undivided devotion. I pray to reject the old and allow my new habits in you to stay rooted in my life... to abide in the vine of your strength and let your power flow in my life. I pray your Spirit would bring about fruit as I am connected to you. I pray that my children would be nourished by your fruit. Lord, I give you this day. I pray I would see all that happens in my life as your divine appointments and that I would be a listener of your Holy Spirit. Let my mind and heart today stay calm and focused in you. Help me to do the tasks you have for me today with a right heart. Let me be a servant to others who need it. Amen.

Matthew 12:22-37

S - Matthew 12:22-37

O - "He who is not with me is against me; he who does not gather with me scatters."

"Make a tree good and its fruit will be good, or make a tree bad and its fruit will be bad, for a tree is recognized by its fruit... for out of the overflow of the heart the mouth speaks. The good man brings good things out of the good stored up in him, and the evil man brings evil things out of the evil stored up in him. But I tell you that men will have to give account on the day of judgment for every careless word they have spoken. For by your words you will be acquitted, and by your words you will be condemned."

A - Put good things into my children and their fruit will be good. Make my goal to store up good in them.

Watch my mouth. Store up good in me. Memorize more scripture to fill my mind with good. Rebuke the bad from my life so good will overflow to others. Be accountable now for my words.

I will eventually give an account to the Lord for every careless word. Watch my careless words. Bite my tongue. Don't be a gossip or slanderer. Use my words careFULLY not carelessly.

Be a gatherer with Jesus not a scatterer.

P - Lord, thank you for another day you have given me. Help me to learn quickly to use my words careFULLY. Help me to fill my mind and my childrens' with good so our fruit will be good. Help me to use my tongue to glorify you. Convict me when I am not using it with your Lordship in mind. Bless this day. Help me to use it wisely. Amen.

Matthew 12:9-21 - Conforming to Him

S - Matthew 12:9 - 21

O - Jesus healed on the Sabbath and was criticized by the Pharisees, yet he answered them in a common sense way. God is not a God of rules, but of relationship and common sense. He is a big picture God. He did not conform to their image of religion. Jesus was not religious.

This is when they began to plot how they might kill Jesus.

Jesus was aware of their plot. He withdrew from that place, and healed more.

Isaiah prophesied of this in the Old Testament. Isaiah 42:1-4 says, "Here is my servant whom I have chosen, the one I love, in whom I delight; I will put my Spirit on him, and he will proclaim justice to the nations. He will not quarrel or cry out; no one will hear his voice in the streets. A bruised reed he will not break, and a smoldering wick he will not snuff out, till he leads justice to victory. In his name the nations will put their hope."

A - The people expected one "sort" of king to be sent by God. Jesus was a humble, quiet, yet strong man. He did bring justice to the nations through his death, and many world-wide now follow him.

We often want Jesus to bring visible victories into our lives. But often his work is quiet, and it happens according to his perfect timing, not ours. The more we know Jesus, the more we will trust Him and His will in our lives, and not try to conform his image into what we desire (idolatry). He was not conformed into what the Pharisees wanted, and they fought this. When he does not conform to what we want, we fight. This is idolatry and rebelliousness. Again, I must remember that this life I live is his, not mine. I must trust, submit, and conform to him rather than try to get him to conform to my will.

P - Lord, Your will be done. Forgive me for wanting to conform you into my will and not trusting you to be Lord in all the details. Forgive my fears. I see this now. Help me to wholly conform to you, to love and follow you, and not desire the "American Dream" so much. But instead, desire more of You in my life and in my family. Help me to trust you more with everything. You are fully worthy. Amen.

Matthew 12:1-7 - Mercy, not Sacrifice

S - Matthew 12:1-7

O- Jesus did not follow man's rules (what was unlawful on the Sabbath - to pick grain) according to what was "righteous" in man's eyes. He gave his disciples food because they were hungry. He said to the Pharisees, "I tell you that one greater than the temple is here. If you had known what these words mean, 'I desire mercy, not sacrifice', you would not have condemned the innocent."

Hosea 6:6 is quoted by Jesus here. The full text in Hosea says, "Come, let us return to the Lord. He has torn us to pieces but he will heal us; he has injured us but he will bind up our wounds. After two days he will revive us; on the third day he will restore us, that we may live in his presence. Let us acknowledge the Lord; Let us press on to acknowledge him. As surely as the sun rises, he will appeaar; he will come to us like the winter rains, like the spring rains that water the earth. 'What can I do with you, Ephraim? What can I do with you, Judah? Your love is like the morning mist, like the early dew that disappears.Therefore I cut you in pieces with my prophets, I killed you with the words of my mouth; my judgments flashed like lightning upon you. For I desire mercy, not sacrifice, and acknowledgment of God rather than burnt offerings. Like Adam, they have broken the covenant - they were unfaithful to me there.'"

God wants our continual acknowledgement. He wants us to LIVE IN HIS PRESENCE. He does not want us to love him like a morning mist or early dew that disappears. Amazing word picture here, God! Wow.



A - If we become more concerned with the means of worship than with the One we worship, we will miss God even as we think we are worshipping Him. Keep my eyes steadfast on my Creator, and don't feel guilty about what I "should" be doing. Instead, worship the One who Is. The Great "I AM". Because He Is. I am not.

P - Lord, help me not to focus on what I should be doing to worship you, but to just sit in AWE of you. You are CREATOR and LORD. Let me just BE in worship mode, acknowledging you in all I say and do. Forgive me when my flesh is not in check with that. Forgive my selfish, sinful nature. Forgive my impulsiveness to express frustration not in line with your will for me. Forgive my tendency to satisfy self. Help me to keep in alliance with you this day. Give me strength Lord, and help me to be an example to my girls and to my husband, as well. Bless this day. I lift it up to you. Amen.

6/27 - Parable of the Tenants - Mark 12

S - Matthew 12: 1-12 (oops Mark)

O - Interesting parable of the tenants. God gave us a vineyard and rented it to us farmers. All the prophets he sent, we treated badly. Then he sent his son. This son was killed by the tenants (us).

"The stone the builders rejected has become the captone; the Lord has done this, and it is marvelous in our eyes." Prophecy of the rejection of Jesus. He quoted this in Mark 12.

This is when they looked for a way to arrest him. They knew he was talking about them.

A - Recognize all that God has done. All those He sent to bring us to Him. Especially Jesus who is still rejected today. That has to be spiritual warfare. His name brings FEAR to people. It stirs up feelings unlike no other name.

P - Jesus, you are real! You came to bring us closer to God, and we rejected you. We still reject you today in our lives. I welcome you this day to be the center. You are to be worshipped and revered, and we spit on you. Forgive us O God, for not recognizing your mercies to us. You have rented this place to us. We are your tenants. You are the landowner. Help me to remember that none of it belongs to me. It all belongs to you. Help me to be faithful and welcome your will. Our selfishness pushes you away. We want to take possession of our land, but it is a facade. It is your land. It is your world. Help me to be a faithful tenant, welcoming others as you would have me, keeping things in the order you would have me, and knowing it truly all belongs to you. Thank you God for entrusting it to me. Let me be marked by faithfulness.

6/1

S - Matt 11:16 - end

O - Jesus called the people a complaining generation. They asked yet did not receive.

Jesus said the people were wrong about John the Baptist. Wisdom is proved right by her actions.

He denounced the cities in which most of his miracles had been performed because they did not repent.

Jesus thanked God that he revealed Himself to those who were as little children and not to the wise and learned.

"Come to me all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light."

A - We want, we ask, sometimes we receive, but we do not change our ways/repent.

Remember that wisdom is proved right by her actions, not by words.

Do not complain. Ask, receive, and change my ways as God reveals to me.

Give the Lord my burdens. Learn from him. His yoke is easy. His burden is light. Observe Jesus' ways on earth. Copy.

P - God, help me to recognize when you speak to me. Help me to listen and repent when you want me to change my ways. Help me to take note of Jesus' ways on earth and copy. His burden was easy. Help me to give you mine in exchange for yours. Help me to learn from you. Help me to set that example with my girls. Amen.

Interesting excerpt from Mark Driscoll... my college friend.

To help you grow as a worshiper with wealth rather than as a worshiper of wealth, five principles are helpful.

Jesus is your treasure.
As Christians, we cannot too often or too deeply consider that God has given himself to us as a gift to receive and enjoy. As we see and savor Jesus as our treasure, our hearts are guarded against the idolatrous pursuit of lesser created things, and we are satisfied in the wonder of God’s loving generosity.

More stuff won’t make you happier.
Ecclesiastes 5:10 says, “He who loves money will not be satisfied with money, nor he who loves wealth with his income; this also is vanity.” Despite all the advertising and marketing to the contrary, true, deep enduring joy does not come from what we possess. Why? Because our idols fail us by falling apart, becoming outdated, underperforming, and ultimately revealing themselves as liars.

There’s a reason Scrooge was miserable.
Jesus said, “It is more blessed to give than to receive” (Acts 20:35). Indeed, if you reflect on the most joy you have had from your wealth, you will surely realize that your best memories are connected to your generous giving to others rather than to your receiving of generous gifts. This explains why generous people are more joyful than greedy, stingy people and also why God, who is the most generous, is also the happiest.

Generosity comes out of maturity.
We should aspire to grow in our financial giving to our church, as well as to other ministries, as part of our spiritual maturation. Second Corinthians 8:7 says, “But as you excel in everything—in faith, in speech, in knowledge, in all earnestness, and in our love for you—see that you excel in this act of grace also.” Too often the church is guilty of encouraging growth in all the spiritual disciplines and gifts other than giving. Of course, some churches emphasize giving at the expense of being Christ-centered, but it is vital nonetheless that Christians be exhorted and instructed in everything from biblical preaching to budgeting and investment training on how to seek to increase their giving every year and grow as godly financial stewards.

We give time, talent, and treasure.
Indeed, Jesus was correct to say that where our treasure is, our heart ultimately is (Mt 6:19–21). Therefore, those who struggle to be generously wise stewards would be well served to simply start being obedient with their finances. As they are, their heart will follow their treasure. Such people will soon find not only their money going to their church but also their time, prayer, and service. They will stop treating their church like a hotel and start treating it like their home.

6/1

S - Matt 11:1-15

O - In talking of John the Baptist, he said "Among those born of women there has not risen anyone greater than John the Baptist." Interesting part... "yet he who is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he." Are we, in heaven, given position? leadership?

"From the days of John the Baptist until now, the kingdom of heaven has been forcefully advancing, and forceful men lay hold of it." Forceful men lay hold of it. Does that mean those who are pursuiing after godliness? Interesting that the kingdom of heaven began forcefully advancing once John the Baptist began his ministry.

A - Keep my eyes upon the fact that the kingdom of heaven is why we are here. Forcefully lay hold of the kingdom of heaven in my life and for others.

P - Lord, I pray for my agenda to be yours. I pray to be a "kingdom thinker" as I am here on earth. I pray to forcefully lay hold of what you have for me to take hold of and forcefully lay hold of what you have for my girls. Help me to understand what "forceful men lay hold of it" means in terms of the kingdom of heaven. Your will, not mine. Amen.

5/30

S - Matt 10:32 to end

O - "Whoever acknowledges me before men, I will acknowledge him before my Father in heaven. But whoever disowns me before men, I will disown him before my Father in heaven."

He did not come to bring peace, but a sword. If we love anyone more than Him, including father, mother, daughter, husband, we are not worthy of him.

Anyone who does not take his cross and follow him is not worthy of him.

"Whoever finds his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life for my sake will find it."

"And if anyone gives even a cup of cold water to one of these little ones because he is my disciple, I tell you the truth, he will certainly not lose his reward."


A - Love Jesus first. Sometimes that might bring a sword instead of peace. That is okay. Trust him. Take up my cross. Pleasing God not others is my first aim. BECAUSE I AM HIS DISCIPLE, identify the needs of others and be willing to help.

P - God, help me to be willing to take up my cross and follow you. Help me to LOVE YOU before my family. Help me to bring cold water to those who thirst because I am your disciple. Help me to be aware of the needs of others and be available. Amen.

5-25

S - Matt. 10:11 to end

O- told disciples to shake the dust off their feet if rejected... not to let it bother them; told disciples to be as shrewd as serpents and as innocent as doves; he was sending them off as sheep among wolves. Many would try to destroy them. He also told them to be on their guard against men as they would hand them over to be flogged. Jesus said that he who stands to the end will be saved.

There is nothing concealed that will not be disclosed. No secrets in the end. Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannoto kill the soul. Rather, be afraid of the One who can destroy both soul and body in hell. Wow.

"Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground apart from the will of your Father. And even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Do don't be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows."

A - Walk in trust and fear of the one who made me. He is in control. Do not fear man, what they say, or what they can do. Shake the dust off my feet. Do not fear rejection. Be on my guard. Be shrewd. Be innocent. All secrets will be revealed. Live above reproach.

P - Thank you God that you know every hair on my head. Thank you God that there is nothing to fear but you in this life. Only you. You are the one who made me and controls all things. Help me to live shrewdly. Help me to live innocently. Forgive me for my wrongdoings.

5/18

S - Matthew 9 & 10

O- the faith of the friends of the paralytic healed the friend. Jesus saw "their" faith and healed him.

Jesus disciples, here Matthew, after being called, immediately rose and followed Him.

Again, Jesus says, "I desire mercy and not sacrifice." He says to go and learn what that means. It was a response to their judgments of him and the tax collector.

Matthew 10:
Jesus gave power to his disciples to heal, power over unclean spirits, power to cast them out. The 12 were - Simon Peter, Andrew (peter's brother), James and John (sons of Zebedee),philip, bartholomew, thomas and matthew the tax collectors, James Thaddaeus, Simon, and Judas. He sent them to the lost sheep of the house of Israel, rather than the Gentiles and Samaritans. He told them that freely have they received, freely give.

A - Have faith for others as I pray for them. It affects them.

Follow Him as he calls.

Jesus desires mercy, not sacrifice.

Freely have I received; freely give.

P- Lord, help me today to follow you, to be merciful to others, to give freely, and to be full of faith. Amen.

5/13

S-Matthew 9

O- Jesus said he desired mercy, not sacrifice.

"No one sews a patch of unshrunk cloth on an old garment. For the patch will pull away from the garment, making the tear worse. Neither do men pour new wine into old wineskins. If they do, the skins will burst, the wine will run out and the wineskins will be ruined. No , they pour new wine into new wineskins, and both are preserved."

Again and again, Jesus heals with his touch through faith. Have faith in God's hand. Again and again, Jesus said, "According to your faith will it be done to you." Having faith changes circumstances. Place faith in Christ.

Jesus said, "The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore to send out workers into his harvest field."

A - I am a new creation in Christ. "The old is gone; the new has come." Let the wine of Christ be poured into me by my maker. Do not put old stuff into the new. The old and the new do not go together. Be made afresh in Christ. Remember that the body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, and follow accordingly.

-Pray for God to send out workers into his harvest field. Be willing to be a worker myself in the harvest field.

P - God, help me to be a willing worker. Help me to have faith in you and your hand. Help me to not put old stuff into the new wineskins you have made for me. Forgive my sin. Show me the way this day. Amen.

5/12

S - Matthew 8

O - The centurion understood the authority of Jesus in healing his servant. He had faith that Jesus did not even need to come to see him, but could just say the word. Jesus rebuked the winds and wave in the storm, and it was completely calm.

A - Have faith in the authority of Jesus in my life. Have faith that he has power to calm the storm.

P- (reminds me of song by casting crowns)

I was sure by now
God you would have reached down
And wiped our tears away
Stepped in and saved the day
But once again, I say “Amen”, and it’s still raining

As the thunder rolls
I barely hear Your whisper through the rain
“I’m with you”
And as Your mercy falls
I raise my hands and praise the God who gives
And takes away

I’ll praise You in this storm
And I will lift my hands
For You are who You are
No matter where I am
Every tear I’ve cried
You hold in Your hand
You never left my side
And though my heart is torn
I will praise You in this storm

I remember when
I stumbled in the wind
You heard my cry
You raised me up again
My strength is almost gone
How can I carry on
If I can’t find You

As the thunder rolls
I barely hear You whisper through the rain
“I’m with you”
And as Your mercy falls
I raise my hands and praise the God who gives
And takes away

I lift my eyes unto the hills
Where does my help come from?
My help comes from the Lord
The Maker of Heaven and Earth

Thanks God that you are the God who hears us. You hear us in the storm. You hold us in the storm. Amen.

5/11

S - Matthew 7

O - Do not judge others. Do not look at the speck in my brother's eye when a plank is in my own. Examine my own life. Do not give dogs what is sacred. Do not throw pearls to pigs. They may trample them under their feet. Ask, seek, knock. My father in heaven wants to give good things to me. Do unto others as I would have them do unto me. Enter through the narrow gate. Do the will of my Father in heaven. Not everyone will go to heaven who cries "Lord, Lord." Put into practice God's word. Build my house upon the rock of God. It is foolish not to do what God desires. It is like building my house upon sand. Jesus taught as one who had authority.

A - Examine my own life. Am I building it upon the rock. Don't worry about those around me who may not be following; be concerned with how i am following God. Be careful who I entrust my heart to. Put into practice God's word. Build my house upon the stable Rock of God.

P - Lord, help me to be faithful in following you. Give me discernment with others. Help me to love others as myself. Help me not to foolishly build my life on sand, but to build it upon your foundation. Help me to do your will.

5/10

S - Matthew 6

O - Do not do your righteous acts to be seen. There is no reward in this. When you pray, go into a room and shut the door. When you give, do it without an audience. Do all privately and modestly. Humbly. Forgive others. Live in forgiveness. When you fast, do it privately. DO NOT STORE UP FOR YOURSELVES TREASURES ON EARTH, BUT IN HEAVEN. WHERE YOUR TREASURE IS, THERE WILL YOUR HEART BE ALSO. The eye is the lamp of the body. Let your eyes be full of light; set no evil in front of them. If your eyes are bad, your whole body will be full of darkness. You cannot serve both God and money. Do not worry about your life... what you will eat, drink, wear... Look at the birds and how they are clothed. Do not run after things of this world. Do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.

A - Wow! Lots to apply here. Walk after the Lord. Set my eyes upon heaven. Let my heart be set upon heavenly things and do not run after things of this world. Do not worry. Trust in the Lord's provision. Follow after God in works and do it privately. Fast and pray in private.

P - Lord, so much to apply. Bring to my mind your word as I go through my day. Let your Holy Spirit guide me, and help me not to worry or run after those things that are not your will. Convict me when I do. Then, I will have less to worry about. Help me to place my energy only upon the tasks you have for me. Help me not to use my energy thinking about things that you will provide. You provide enough. I pray to rest my mind and heart upon you and your will for me this day. Amen.

5/4

Beth Moore's book Get Out of that Pit is amazing! I did not even realize some of the pits that I am in! I am determined to set my mind on things above, set my face like a flint, make up my mind beforehand to be whoever it is God wants me to be. I rest in you, Lord. You are my maker. You are my director. Help me especially be the mom of my 4 girls you are calling me to be. I pray for each of them and ask for your direction upon their lives, your hand upon their hearts. Guide and direct them. Help them to desire godliness and not worldliness. Help me to shape their hearts as much as I am able. Help me to be an example and not a hinderance. I delight in you, Lord.

4/28

S- Matthew 5:27-43

O- Let my yes be yes and my no be no. Do not make promises, but be true to my word.

Give to the one who asks you, and do not turn away from the one who wants to borrow from you. If someone wants you to go one mile with them, go two. Someone slaps one cheek, give him the other.

Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you. If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? And if you greet only your brothers, what are you doing more than others?

A - In other words, don't be so sensitive to my "boundaries", but be completely trusting in the Lord. Be extravagant in giving and go the extra mile. Greet all people as if it were a divine appointment... not just friends/family.

P - Lord, help me to be a giver to others. Help me to keep my word. Help me to be faithful to you. Amen

4/27

Scripture - Matthew 5:13-26

Observation - Let the light of Jesus shine within me. Place the lamp on a lampstand.
"Don't let Satan snuff it out."

Jesus was the fulfillment of the law of Moses.
Practice and teach the commands of Jesus. "Anyone who breaks one of the least of these commandments and teaches others to do the same will be called least in the kingdom of heaven, but whoever practices and teaches these commands will be called great in the kingdom of heaven."

5:27 - "Therefore, if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother has something against you, leave your gift there in front of the altar. First go and be reconciled to your brother; then come and offer your gift."

Application - Let the light of Jesus fill me. Don't let Satan quench it. "Do not put out the Spirit's fire."

Always listen to my conscience. Always reconcile with my brother even if it is him who holds something against me, try to make it right.

Prayer - Jesus - you are light. Shine in my soul. Every crack and corner, please permeate. Help me to keep my conscience clear, help me to keep short accounts with you and others. Help me, Lord, to practice what I preach to others so I may not be disqualified from the race. Help me to run with my eyes on you, God. Help me to be aware of the enemy that wants to quench your fire within me... to defeat me. I pray for protection against the enemy and a clear, sound mind. Give me grace, Lord, to do your will today. Give me strength to walk in your ways and to find my delight in you alone, Lord. You alone, are my strength, my shield. To you alone may my spirit yield. You alone are my heart's desire, and I long to worship thee.

4/25

Scripture: Matt. 5:1-10

Observation: Sermon on the Mount - focuses on conduct

Blessed are the poor in spirit / theirs is the kingdom of heaven - attribute of humility. As we humble ourselves, we surrender to the sovereignty of God.

Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted - attribute of sensitivity and empathy to the heart of others.

Blessed are the meek - an action of gentleness- learning to keep one's power under control.

Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled. - an appetite for righteousness - a desire to make every truth of the Word of God a daily practice in my life; revering the thought patterns of my mind with the principles of God's word. not being a hypocrite.

Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy.. Practical involvement - this inclues having a ready spirit to genuinely forgive others for wronging you.

Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God. - purity in motive.

Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God. - work hard to settle quarrells; peaceful in pursuits; desiring to make peace whenever possible.

Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

Application: the ones that apply most to me right now are - to be meek, gentle, learning to keep my "power" or abilities God has given me under control, especially w/my kids. Also, to be poor in spirit and humble self under God's sovereign hand. Another that speaks clearly to me is purity in motive. Watch my thoughts and wash them with God's. Lastly, to be peaceful in all my pursuits. Not defensive. Not making others aware of my boundaries, but to be merciful and peaceful. Convicting.

Prayer: Help me God to conduct myself in the manner you would have me. Wash me with the water of your word and constantly be submitting my thoughts to you, as they are always needing check. I give you this day. I pray to be more faithful in reading your word daily.

4/21 last 4 days

1. Beth Moore's Get Out of that Pit

Chapter 6 - Great excerpts

* His refusal to bend to our will may at first seem uncompassionate in light of all we've endured, but He's pushing for the best thing that will ever happen to us. God will never be condependent with you. He will never pat your broken back and say, "Who could blame you for all of this?" He wants you up on your feet, living abudantly, profoundly, effectively.

*Sometimes our tears flow from our desperation for God to change and our frustration that He won't. Nothing weeps more copiously than a chunk of ice. Sentimentality is no indication of a warm heart.

* Remember to get out of any pit, we must
Cry out, Confess, Consent...

*Consent to the process, wait upon God as he begins shifting, shoving, and rearranging things for your release.

*Use God's word as the Sword of the Spirit, to make the enemy flee.

4/17 SOAP

Scripture - Matthew 4 (Satan tempts Jesus in the desert)

Observation - He was led BY THE SPIRIT TO BE TEMPTED BY THE DEVIL. Interesting. It was like he had to be in a situation where he was severely tempted to strengthen his faith before his ministry. He had to face the devil in his weakest moments with no food for 40 days/nights and win. Jesus combatted every temptation with scripture. The devil also used scripture to try to confuse Jesus. Once the devil left him, angels came and attended him. (So much in the spiritual realm we don't see. It's such a battle for our souls, distracting us from our purposes here).

James, John (brothers), Peter & Andrew (brothers) were all fisherman and were the first 4 of the 12 disciples. They left their own agendas (nets) and followed Him immediately. These guys were from Galilee, Jesus' hometown.

The first place of Jesus' ministry where he healed the sick and preached was Galilee. "News about him spread all over Syria."


Application - Scripture is our sword to fight off the temptations of the devil. I need to know it to use it. Face the distractions of the devil and resist them with my full will.

Do I follow when Jesus calls me?

Prayer- God, help me to know the details of your word more. There is so much I don't know or pay attention to. Help me to discern when I am distracted, face the devil, and use scripture to turn my heart back to you. Help me lay aside my will for my life, and when you call, follow your leading.

4/16 SOAP

Lord, speak to me today as I read your Word. Let your Holy Spirit open my eyes so I may see.

S - Matthew 3 "Produce fruit in keeping with repentance." Matt. 3:8

O -
*It is amazing how God fulfills prophecy directly from the Old Testament. It is so clear and unmistakable that He FULFILLS his promises and He CONTROLS time. John baptized with water for repentance. Jesus baptizes with the Holy Spirit and with fire. "His winnowing fork is in his hand, and he will clear his threshing floor, gathering his wheat into the barn and burning up the chaff with unquenchable fire." Matt. 3: 11-12 Wow!

*The Pharisees were only concerned with appearing to be good. But they were rebuked by John.

*When Jesus was baptized, heaven was opened and he saw the Spirit of God, descending like a dove and lighting on him. Wow! Amazing Scene! :17 "And a voice from heaven said, 'This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased.'" That would have been an amazing sight to witness.

A -
*Jesus is God, and He will come back as the one who judges and sifts. This is a clear picture of who he is in the future. May I be a faithful servant.

*Don't desire appearances... to appear to be good. Make my aim to please God and to have FAITH in Him... to follow Him and not look around at others or be concerned with what others think of me.

*The baptism of Christ was obviously exceptional; however, he calls us to be baptized and follow Him. There must be a heavenly dynamic involved even in our baptisms.

P- God, thank you for your word. There is so much to devour. Forgive me for neglecting it. Thank you for this time with you. May I learn and grow and be a more devout follower of you. I don't want to be lukewarm, Lord, and have you spit me from your mouth. When you sift, I want to be your wheat and not chaff. Help my life count for you, Lord. Amen

4/15 SOAP

Scripture: Matthew Ch. 2 - Herod's tries to kill Jesus

Observation: God constantly intervened to make his will happen and not man's. No one can prevent God's plans from being carried out.

Application: Trust in the Lord. He is sovereign over details.

Prayer: Help me God to constantly trust in your hand upon my life. Nothing is out of your control.

4/14 SOAP

Scripture -Matthew 1 - birth and preparation of Jesus
"When Joseph woke up, he did what the angel of the Lord had commanded him and took Mary home as his wife." Matt. 1:24

Observation - We may make our plans, but God has the final say (Proverbs). Man may cast his lots, but his every decision is from the Lord (Psalms). I am sure Joseph and Mary had different plans for their lives, but God's decisions were sovereign, and they willingly and joyfully submitted once they heard God's voice.

Application - Thank you, God, that you know the plans you have for us. Every decision made by others is from you. I trust in your DIVINE PLAN.

Prayer -When I hear your voice, God, and see your decisions made through the vessels of others, I pray to willingly and joyfully submit to you, trusting you.

Why I am starting this blog

I am in need of some accountability for quiet times and a fresh new way to record what God is teaching me. This is my new outlet. It is definitely more for my own accountability purposes than for sharing my thoughts with others, but it also allows me a way to record my REFLECTIONS. I need to reflect more. I want to be in the moment more... with God, with my family, with my friends, in my ministry. Life soars by quickly. I want to live today for God and be more aware of Him in my life and of the blessings of His presence and be content in all He has given. I want to hear his voice and do as he asks. Sometimes now I am just too busy. I neither take time to listen nor to follow through on what he asks of me. If I am not aware of the moment, I rush too quickly into the future. I dedicate this to you, Lord. And I pray that you would speak to me in a fresh new way on our journey together.