O GOD,
Time is so valuable, yet I often live as hough I have more than enough. I admit I waste far too much time doing things that aren't important. I let interruptions rule the day. I know I should be more purposeful about how I spend my time, but I'm often unsure how to do that. Help me to remember that you do not ask me to do everything--just everything you have called me to do. And you assure me that there is enough time for that. The more time I invest in discovering the purpose for which you created and in living out that purpose with obedience and responsibility, the more meaningful and significant my time on earth will be. O Lord, I commit to having you as my number one priority. I want to invest in you with the best of my time ad energy.
*** Teach us to realize the brevity of life, so that we may grow in wisdom. Psalm 90:12 ***
Its easy to waste time, its called procrastination or laziness. Often we get so sidetracked with weekly schedules that we loose track of our time and how we spend it. " Wow! Time has really flown by." " Where did the time go?" " I can't believe its so late already". There is also the opposite effect. When our day is so full of things and it seems like it will never end. We become worn down and our mood is changed for us. Take time to focus on The Lord each day, ask Him to help you manage your time as He wants. To do the things that He wants you to focus on. When we take the load off our our shoulders and lay it before Him, asking Him to sort it out and dispose of the unnecessary , we lighten our load the way He sees fit.
Friday, March 14, 2014
Thursday, February 20, 2014
Values
LORD,
Do I value the things that you concider important, useful, and worthy? Sometimes I let the world around me tell me what is important and worth pursuing. It's so easy to go with the cultural flow and even become a fearful slave to the ways of the world. How can I be so blind to the motivations within my own heart? My values are crystal clear to those around me. What I do, where I spend my time and money, and what I talk about shows exactly what I value the most. Lord, I choose to value you most. Let that decision reflect in the words I speak and in how I spend my time, energy, and money. Help me to value what you consider to be most important: loving and worshiping you, obeying you wholeheartedly, making godly choices, and serving others.
*** Wherever your treasure is, there the disires of your heart will also be.
LUKE 12:34***
Oh, how I miss Calvary Kids Bible Club. Hearing all the kids sing and singing with them. " Store up for yourselves treasure in heaven.
Where theives and robbers cannot break in..............
Where your treasure is! There your heart will be also! There your heart will be also!" Even the simplest songs can have a great impact.
Do I value the things that you concider important, useful, and worthy? Sometimes I let the world around me tell me what is important and worth pursuing. It's so easy to go with the cultural flow and even become a fearful slave to the ways of the world. How can I be so blind to the motivations within my own heart? My values are crystal clear to those around me. What I do, where I spend my time and money, and what I talk about shows exactly what I value the most. Lord, I choose to value you most. Let that decision reflect in the words I speak and in how I spend my time, energy, and money. Help me to value what you consider to be most important: loving and worshiping you, obeying you wholeheartedly, making godly choices, and serving others.
*** Wherever your treasure is, there the disires of your heart will also be.
LUKE 12:34***
Oh, how I miss Calvary Kids Bible Club. Hearing all the kids sing and singing with them. " Store up for yourselves treasure in heaven.
Where theives and robbers cannot break in..............
Where your treasure is! There your heart will be also! There your heart will be also!" Even the simplest songs can have a great impact.
Perfection
DEAR GOD,
I can be such a perfectionist! Why do I feel the need to control everyone and everything? I know you love to work through imperfect people and circumstances, and the biggest disasters are often your best opportunities. When I think about it that way, Lord, it's a relief to know that you have everything under control. Help me to trust you.
*** Even perfection has it's limits, but your commands have no limit. PSALM 119:96 ***
Man, does this prayer and verse hit the target! I know I am a perfectionist, Iv'e been medically labeled so OCD. I often struggle with seeking perfection over the smallest things, silly things that matter only to me. Just the other day I had a quick and enlightening conversation with a friend about imperfect and rushed work. As crafters, we want our work to turn out how we had envisioned it. PERFECT! Over the years I had come to learn that often the work that didn't come out exactly how I wanted it had received the most praise. Then I realized, why was I stressing so much about it being perfect as long as it was pleasing. We need to let go perfection and trust that the end result with turn out just as its was meant to.
I can be such a perfectionist! Why do I feel the need to control everyone and everything? I know you love to work through imperfect people and circumstances, and the biggest disasters are often your best opportunities. When I think about it that way, Lord, it's a relief to know that you have everything under control. Help me to trust you.
*** Even perfection has it's limits, but your commands have no limit. PSALM 119:96 ***
Man, does this prayer and verse hit the target! I know I am a perfectionist, Iv'e been medically labeled so OCD. I often struggle with seeking perfection over the smallest things, silly things that matter only to me. Just the other day I had a quick and enlightening conversation with a friend about imperfect and rushed work. As crafters, we want our work to turn out how we had envisioned it. PERFECT! Over the years I had come to learn that often the work that didn't come out exactly how I wanted it had received the most praise. Then I realized, why was I stressing so much about it being perfect as long as it was pleasing. We need to let go perfection and trust that the end result with turn out just as its was meant to.
Commitment
HEAVENLY FATHER,
Help me to get it through my head that commitment involves giving you my whole self- body, soul, emotions, and mind. Though my mind must decide to commit to you,it's my will that allows me to follow through. I know commitment can be costly, but you promise great blessing to those who are faithful. I want to be fully devoted to you- no matter what. This is my fervent prayer today.
*** Give yourself completely to God, for you were dead, but now you have new life. SO use your whole body as an instrument to do what is right for the glory of God. ROMANS 6:13***
Oh, Commitment! What a topic. The biggest thought on anyones mind when the big "C" word comes up is marriage. You mention commitment, and marraige comes in the mix. Now, commitment is not seen the same, you have 90 days to try something out before you are fully charged for it. You can lease a vehicle, cause lots of time people look forward to the trade up. If your not satisfied with something that you purchased from a warehouse store, that you pay to be a member of, you can return it at anytime. And I mean anytime, years down the line even, after you've used it to its make and no longer like it.
Its lack of commitment and lack of respect for it, that creates no need for it. Take for instance, children and marraige. I was once asked by an old schoolmate if all my children were from the same man. I was completly shocked at the question. Then I realized that there are lots of women who have kids with different fathers. But it was when I kindly replied with a giggle " Of course. My husband is the father of all three of our children" , that the next comment really got me. " OH, so youre married or really married like legally?" I couldnt believe what I was hearing. Marraige is now just a word to claim that two people are together. The sacred act of committing yourself to one peorson was no being used as a disrespectful way for people to feel good about their lack of committment. Committment to Christ and a committment to marraige are one in the same. We give ourselves completely, body, soul, emotions, and mind. We can never know true committment and the security that comes with it until we committ ourselves in return. Its not to be taken lightly , but by NO means to be tossed about lightly and disrepectfully either.
" You know my heart as well as the Lord. For that, I praise Him ."
Help me to get it through my head that commitment involves giving you my whole self- body, soul, emotions, and mind. Though my mind must decide to commit to you,it's my will that allows me to follow through. I know commitment can be costly, but you promise great blessing to those who are faithful. I want to be fully devoted to you- no matter what. This is my fervent prayer today.
*** Give yourself completely to God, for you were dead, but now you have new life. SO use your whole body as an instrument to do what is right for the glory of God. ROMANS 6:13***
Oh, Commitment! What a topic. The biggest thought on anyones mind when the big "C" word comes up is marriage. You mention commitment, and marraige comes in the mix. Now, commitment is not seen the same, you have 90 days to try something out before you are fully charged for it. You can lease a vehicle, cause lots of time people look forward to the trade up. If your not satisfied with something that you purchased from a warehouse store, that you pay to be a member of, you can return it at anytime. And I mean anytime, years down the line even, after you've used it to its make and no longer like it.
Its lack of commitment and lack of respect for it, that creates no need for it. Take for instance, children and marraige. I was once asked by an old schoolmate if all my children were from the same man. I was completly shocked at the question. Then I realized that there are lots of women who have kids with different fathers. But it was when I kindly replied with a giggle " Of course. My husband is the father of all three of our children" , that the next comment really got me. " OH, so youre married or really married like legally?" I couldnt believe what I was hearing. Marraige is now just a word to claim that two people are together. The sacred act of committing yourself to one peorson was no being used as a disrespectful way for people to feel good about their lack of committment. Committment to Christ and a committment to marraige are one in the same. We give ourselves completely, body, soul, emotions, and mind. We can never know true committment and the security that comes with it until we committ ourselves in return. Its not to be taken lightly , but by NO means to be tossed about lightly and disrepectfully either.
" You know my heart as well as the Lord. For that, I praise Him ."
Reputation
Dear God,
Sometimes I think that what I do in my personal life does not matter as long as I perform well on the job or look good in public. But you do not make a distinction between the way we should act in public or in private. I know that I will develope a good reputation when I display the same godly integrity alone as I do in front of others. What matters most is not what other people think of me but what you think of me. I want to develop the strong character you want me to have, with characteristics that reflect you- like justice, righteousness, integrity, mercy, honesty, fairness, and faithfulness. Lord, please give me the character to be a person of integrity at all times, not just when others are watching. Only then will I understand what it means to walk with you.
*** Work willingly at whatever you do, as though you were working for the Lord rather tahn for people. Remember that the Lord will give you an inheritanceas your reward, and that Master you are serving is Christ. COLOSSIANS 3:23-24 ***
I have to say that the most difficult thing to do when it comes to our reputation is to keep quiet. While the other person is acting a fool and making a scene it better just to stand silently and not react. Its just what they want and what the enemy wants. " Take care of your behavior and I will take care of your reputation". Its never about who won the arguement, in the end arguing means someone, most often both people end up getting hurt. Words get twisted and lies are told, one side always wants to play the part of the victim. If we have reflected true character that will honor the Lord then he will take care of the rest.
Sometimes I think that what I do in my personal life does not matter as long as I perform well on the job or look good in public. But you do not make a distinction between the way we should act in public or in private. I know that I will develope a good reputation when I display the same godly integrity alone as I do in front of others. What matters most is not what other people think of me but what you think of me. I want to develop the strong character you want me to have, with characteristics that reflect you- like justice, righteousness, integrity, mercy, honesty, fairness, and faithfulness. Lord, please give me the character to be a person of integrity at all times, not just when others are watching. Only then will I understand what it means to walk with you.
*** Work willingly at whatever you do, as though you were working for the Lord rather tahn for people. Remember that the Lord will give you an inheritanceas your reward, and that Master you are serving is Christ. COLOSSIANS 3:23-24 ***
I have to say that the most difficult thing to do when it comes to our reputation is to keep quiet. While the other person is acting a fool and making a scene it better just to stand silently and not react. Its just what they want and what the enemy wants. " Take care of your behavior and I will take care of your reputation". Its never about who won the arguement, in the end arguing means someone, most often both people end up getting hurt. Words get twisted and lies are told, one side always wants to play the part of the victim. If we have reflected true character that will honor the Lord then he will take care of the rest.
Sunday, February 9, 2014
Apathy
LORD GOD,
My faith is lukewarm right now, and my sense of passion and purpose is gone. This apathy is like a parasite that feeds on my motivation and devours the talents and gifts you have given me. Lord, I know one of Satan's greatest lies is that following you is nothing to be excited about. That couldn't be further from the truth. It is only through serving you that my life will have meaning, energy, and purpose. Your spirit is a driving force within me, lighting a passion for service in my heart and encouraging purpose rather than boredom. God, your Word describes the antidote to apathy: purposeful work, a thankful heart, and service to others. These three things can help me fight off feelings of apathy, renew my focus on your purpose for my life, and anticipate with excitement the blessings you have in store for me. Please revive me, Lord!
* God is not unjust. He will not forget how hard you have worked for him and how you have showed your love to him by caring for other believers, as you still do. Our great desire is that you will keep on loving others as long as life lasts, in order to make certain that what you hope for will come true. Then you will not become spiritually dull and indifferent. HEBREWS 6: 10-12 ***
What is it that causes us to lose our excitement for Jesus? When we start out, I know personally and seeing it in my husband, that we are on fire for The Lord. We throw ourselves into service and attenting as often as we can. We are huge sponges that cannot absorb enough. Maybe its circumstances that keep us away from church and fellowship or maybe its the enemy. No matter what it is im sure that everyone at some point feels that fire slowly glow dim. When I have felt this way the only thing I could do was to make no excuses and serve. Serve as much and often as I could. Even when I was told by others that I should be at home resting, I felt that it was better to be at church serving and having fellowship with others. Feeding the fire. Ensuring that when I could not make it that my flames would not glow dim. I'm not saying that service is a way to say " I did this , so I can take off time". Me , personally, I have always felt drawn to serve at church no matter what was going on in my life. Serving others and loving others was a greater impact on me than I could have ever imagined. When I think of becoming spiritually dull I think of a blade. Unused it can become rusty and dull but if we are sharpening that tool it will always be ready whenever we need it.
Don't let your blade become dull and rusty , keep it well oiled and sharp. Ready to help others and by doing so you will be helping yourself.
My faith is lukewarm right now, and my sense of passion and purpose is gone. This apathy is like a parasite that feeds on my motivation and devours the talents and gifts you have given me. Lord, I know one of Satan's greatest lies is that following you is nothing to be excited about. That couldn't be further from the truth. It is only through serving you that my life will have meaning, energy, and purpose. Your spirit is a driving force within me, lighting a passion for service in my heart and encouraging purpose rather than boredom. God, your Word describes the antidote to apathy: purposeful work, a thankful heart, and service to others. These three things can help me fight off feelings of apathy, renew my focus on your purpose for my life, and anticipate with excitement the blessings you have in store for me. Please revive me, Lord!
* God is not unjust. He will not forget how hard you have worked for him and how you have showed your love to him by caring for other believers, as you still do. Our great desire is that you will keep on loving others as long as life lasts, in order to make certain that what you hope for will come true. Then you will not become spiritually dull and indifferent. HEBREWS 6: 10-12 ***
What is it that causes us to lose our excitement for Jesus? When we start out, I know personally and seeing it in my husband, that we are on fire for The Lord. We throw ourselves into service and attenting as often as we can. We are huge sponges that cannot absorb enough. Maybe its circumstances that keep us away from church and fellowship or maybe its the enemy. No matter what it is im sure that everyone at some point feels that fire slowly glow dim. When I have felt this way the only thing I could do was to make no excuses and serve. Serve as much and often as I could. Even when I was told by others that I should be at home resting, I felt that it was better to be at church serving and having fellowship with others. Feeding the fire. Ensuring that when I could not make it that my flames would not glow dim. I'm not saying that service is a way to say " I did this , so I can take off time". Me , personally, I have always felt drawn to serve at church no matter what was going on in my life. Serving others and loving others was a greater impact on me than I could have ever imagined. When I think of becoming spiritually dull I think of a blade. Unused it can become rusty and dull but if we are sharpening that tool it will always be ready whenever we need it.
Don't let your blade become dull and rusty , keep it well oiled and sharp. Ready to help others and by doing so you will be helping yourself.
Saturday, February 8, 2014
Words
DEAR JESUS,
I've never really considered the impact of my words. But the things I say and even the meaning behind them have enormous impact on those who hear. In a sense, my words are gifts that I can give. My words can be a gift of praise to you or a gift of encouragement to a friend. I know that I have often spoken words that are annoying, complaining, insulting, demeaning, or simply useless. I'm sorry I have been so irresponsible with my tongue. I want to make my words count. Help me to be thoughtful in my prayers to you and my speech to others. Perhaps the greatest gift I can give others is not in a box covered with paper and bows but in the words I use to encourage, inspire, comfort, or challenge them .
*** Let everything you say be good and helpful, so that your words will be an encouragement to those who hear them. EPHESIANS 4:29 ***
Words are very powerful. They have a great effect when use correctly and can create a great damage as well if used for the wrong reasons. The two most obvious things I can think of are building up or breaking down. As a mother, I see that my words toward my children mean a whole lot more now at such a young age. These words now are buliding blocks for my relationship with my children. Bulding a good foundation is going to be very important later on for our communication when they get older and are changing from children to growing adults. I know that there is the flip side to this as well if I am not buliding then I am breaking. My words can have the effect of a sledge hammer on bricks. Ill be destroying the bricks and creating an uneven surface. You cant stand on an uneven surface without having to constantly keep balance and worry about falling and getting hurt.
This image is the same for us towards our Father. Are we using the correct words in our prayers toward Him to build a strong foundation or are we constantly slamming the bricks with that sledge hammer? I encourage you to take time in your prayers and ask the Lord to help you with your words and become a better brick layer instead of a demolition laborer.
I've never really considered the impact of my words. But the things I say and even the meaning behind them have enormous impact on those who hear. In a sense, my words are gifts that I can give. My words can be a gift of praise to you or a gift of encouragement to a friend. I know that I have often spoken words that are annoying, complaining, insulting, demeaning, or simply useless. I'm sorry I have been so irresponsible with my tongue. I want to make my words count. Help me to be thoughtful in my prayers to you and my speech to others. Perhaps the greatest gift I can give others is not in a box covered with paper and bows but in the words I use to encourage, inspire, comfort, or challenge them .
*** Let everything you say be good and helpful, so that your words will be an encouragement to those who hear them. EPHESIANS 4:29 ***
Words are very powerful. They have a great effect when use correctly and can create a great damage as well if used for the wrong reasons. The two most obvious things I can think of are building up or breaking down. As a mother, I see that my words toward my children mean a whole lot more now at such a young age. These words now are buliding blocks for my relationship with my children. Bulding a good foundation is going to be very important later on for our communication when they get older and are changing from children to growing adults. I know that there is the flip side to this as well if I am not buliding then I am breaking. My words can have the effect of a sledge hammer on bricks. Ill be destroying the bricks and creating an uneven surface. You cant stand on an uneven surface without having to constantly keep balance and worry about falling and getting hurt.
This image is the same for us towards our Father. Are we using the correct words in our prayers toward Him to build a strong foundation or are we constantly slamming the bricks with that sledge hammer? I encourage you to take time in your prayers and ask the Lord to help you with your words and become a better brick layer instead of a demolition laborer.
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