How To Pray Better ~

Posted on August 14, 2014 by darla05

Psalms 27-4

 

#12 of the #21 Days of Prayer- notes from Pastor Chris Erwin

How to pray better? Psalms 27 : 1-6

Scholars do not know what season of life King David was in when he wrote this but some believe it is when his son Absalom was trying to take over and kill David.

David did not pray to destroy his enemies. He did not ask for this pain and trial to be removed. He said, ” The one thing I ask of the Lord , the thing I seek most is to live in the house of the Lord all the days of my life.”

In the middle of this battle, this pain, David wanted to get closer to the Lord.

May the theme of our prayer life be to draw closer to Him. As we draw closer this scripture tells us what will happen. The Lord will conceal us in times of trouble. He will hide us in His sanctuary ,His tent, His inner chamber. Just like the executive residence of the White House, it is protected. Guaranteed protection. He will place me out of the reach of the enemy.

We will never get rid of the troubles of this life. BUT, we can be in a place where we are just out of the reach of our enemy. Know God is on our side. IF God is for me, whom shall I fear?

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

He NEVER lets go of us.

Lord, May I never lose the wonder of your mercy. My hope is in you Lord. I want to draw closer to you. Hold my hand. Hold my heart. Just as King David said, I want to live with you forever. Lead me to new depths of the river . New depths with you Lord.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

1 The Lord is my light and my salvation—

whom shall I fear?

The Lord is the stronghold of my life—

of whom shall I be afraid?

2 When the wicked advance against me

to devour[a] me,

it is my enemies and my foes

who will stumble and fall.

3 Though an army besiege me,

my heart will not fear;

though war break out against me,

even then I will be confident.

4 One thing I ask from the Lord,

this only do I seek:

that I may dwell in the house of the Lord

all the days of my life,

to gaze on the beauty of the Lord

and to seek him in his temple.

5 For in the day of trouble

he will keep me safe in his dwelling;

he will hide me in the shelter of his sacred tent

and set me high upon a rock.

6 Then my head will be exalted

above the enemies who surround me;

at his sacred tent I will sacrifice with shouts of joy;

I will sing and make music to the Lord.

 

Posted in Christian Inspiration, Daily Devotion, Encouragment, Mercy, Pray | Tagged , , , | 1 Comment

~May We Seek Boldness Like Never Before ~

Posted on August 9, 2014 by darla05

not to change gods message

Many people today are speaking out about the messages in churches today. They are being watered down so that they will not offend anyone.  The numbers are more important than conviction of sin . They stay away from the hot topics of today because they want to be politically correct.

I have been thinking about  this and the word of God. I found notes from a sermon from Gateway Church in Texas that I took earlier this year. Reading back through them really speaks volumes about what the word of God is and what it is not.

Five hundred years ago Martin Luther posted 95 things he found that he did not agree with in the Catholic church . He nailed it to the church door in Germany. The Pope told him you have to recant what you have done. Luther’s answer,” The church was veering away from scripture. Unless I am convinced by the testimony of the scriptures, I cannot recant my views because my conscience is captive to the word of God.”

My conscience is captive to the word of God ~ Wow~

I wish we all as Christ followers could say that with truth and conviction. I keep saying that there is going to come a time soon in the United State of America where we are going to be  persecuted and mocked like we have never known before just because we are Christians. We have to know the foundation on which we stand.

We must believe that scripture can bind our conscience to God. What else can do that for you? If you doubt God’s love for you , go to scripture and it tells you of His love. The word of God will get inside of you and begin to work. Only something that is alive can get inside you and work. The word of God is living and powerful and sharper than any two-edged sword. It is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.

If we love God’s word, we will let God’s word read us. The word of God can only change us if we read it.

We come to God’s word to be educated and  increase in knowledge . What we love is primary. I Corinthians 8:1 tells us that knowledge puffs up while love builds up. Simply stated knowledge without love will birth arrogance. We will become arrogant about how much we know.

2 Timothy 3:16- All scripture is God breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.

Sometimes scriptures encourages us. Some scripture corrects us and BOTH come from a loving God.

Today we hear if there is a loving God then why do bad things happen? We go and acquire what we perceive we are lacking.  We sometimes carry the attitude that says, God, if you love me you will do this_______> God is saying, “Have you not seen what I have done for you? I have given you my only Son that you may have ever lasting life.”

When we can get to the point when we can say , “I don’t know why this is happening, but I do know, He will never leave me or forsake me. He is faithful to me. ” When we get to that point we are getting to what God wants for us.  For the eyes of the Lord range throughout the earth to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to him.

One of the most common mistakes we make is making judgment about God before He is finished with His work. Don’t make a judgment about God. The escape from wrong thinking, the escape from sin is to KNOW God’s promises.  Deuteronomy 11:18-21 tells us to fix these words of mine in your hearts and minds, tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads. Teach them to your children, talking about them when you sit at home and when you get up. Write them down on the door frames of your houses and on your gates, so that your days and the days of your children may be many in the land that the Lord swore to give your forefathers.

I pray for each one of us to have a new desire for God’s words.  May we increase in knowledge and truth so we can demonstrate this new-found knowledge with love. May we fall on our knees and pray like never before. Pray for the brothers and sisters in Christ that are being persecuted for being a Jesus follower. One day, here in America,  we are going to need someone praying for us being persecuted for believing in Christ. Prayer UNITES ~ Prayer is a game changer ~ Prayer is the key ~ Prayer is the answer ~ Prayer is required ~

I pray for courage and BOLDNESS ~ I found this description of boldness.

Boldness is being willing to take risks in the service of what matters. It means being courageous, speaking or acting in the face of possible danger or rebuke. Boldness, does not mean lacking fear or anxiety, rather it means pushing past these to do what is right- or what makes your heart sing.

Boldness helps us to translate our values into tangible actions. When we are bold, we are willing to risk shame and etiquette for what is right.  We dare to publicly fail if needed be and our willingness to risk failure leads at times to exhilarating successes. Clarity about our purpose and passions make us bold.

Jesus, we call upon your name, there is no other name. We ask for courage and boldness to stand firm on your word.  May we put on the armor of God and fight this spiritual battle that is happening in the flesh. I pray for victory for our brothers and sisters in Christ over seas. I pray for the strongholds to be broken and the enemy to flee in Jesus name. Lord, protect these precious warriors. Give them protection, give them refuge, give them provision. You are a mighty fortress. May they find the shelter of you Lord, the Sovereign God.  Most of all give them peace that only comes from you.  We cry out to you, hear their prayers. Hear our prayers.  Lord, make our mission clear. Lord, may we STAND and STAND FIRM in Christ ALONE ~ Amen.

 

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~May We Be A Force To Be Reckoned With ~

Posted on August 7, 2014 by darla05

 

redwood treesThere is something about  the Redwood trees that take my breath away. They can stand thirty to forty feet high. Hovering over all the others, yet their roots are only three feet deep. They stand firm in roots latched onto the other  Redwood trees. Latched together they are a force to be reckoned with. Even the dead Redwoods can be standing because the other  Redwood trees hold them up.

What an awesome picture for the body  of Christ. If we would unite as one, nothing could stand against us. When one of the members is hurting, crippled, distraught  or discouraged we hold them up just like the Redwoods hold up the sick trees or even the dead trees.

I pray for each one of us to ask the Lord to search our hearts. See if there be any ways in us that is hindering the body of Christ from standing united. May we listen to the prompting of the Holy Spirit and may we have the courage to lay  down whatever he brings to the surface. May we lay it down at the foot of the cross.

As I pray this morning, I pray for each one of these request. So many are hurting. For each one of you, fill in the blank. God is saying, I am your ___________. He is not I was. He is not I will be. He is the Great I AM. Whatever your need is, whatever is in the blank. Let us approach the throne of grace with confidence so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.

Good Morning Lord,

DURING THIS 21 DAYS OF PRAYER, I need to say thank you. Thank you that you gave up all your vast riches and glory, came to earth, endured 33 years of human flesh only to die for us….for me.

48 years on the earth for me and I am only beginning to grasp, truly grasp the depth of your love. What kind of love is this? IN YOU, there are no goodbyes, no endings, everlasting love, The scripture comes alive.

Romans 8:38

For I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from your love, not death nor life, neither angels nor demons, our worries about tomorrow, not even the powers of hell can separate us from your love.

Your love ~~~~~~

I want to live today to give you the praise. I want to make  much of you Jesus. I want to make much of your love, your mercy, I give you my life. Much of you Jesus, less of me. Thank you for calling me your child. I am yours and you are mine. You are my Redeemer, You are my Father, My Healer, My Shelter, My Peace, My Protection, My Provider, My Great Physican, My Hope, My Jesus, My God, My Savior . I will enter your gates with thanksgiving and into your courts with praise .Your love endures FOREVER.

Lord, we are your workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works which you have prepared in advance for us to do. Thank you for exchanging your righteousness for our sins. We are now the very righteousness of you because we have been clothed with the garment of salvation. We have been covered with the robe of righteousness.

Lord, we thank you that we can know you and that you know us by name. Lord, your word says in the  morning bring me word of your unfailing love for I have put my trust in you. Show me the way I should go for you. May we see you in all things today. May we hear your whisper. May we feel your spirit within us and beside us holding our hand. Lord, do not let us take a step, say a word, do anything that is not by you, ordained by you Lord.

Thank you for your loving kindness. Lord above all thank you for your grace finding us. I ask this in the name above all names, J_E_S_U_S_ ~ Amen.

Friends, KNOW that God can do anything . Now, to him who is able to do immeasurable more than all we ask or imagine according to His power that is at work within us . To him be the glory in the church, in Christ through out all generations.

Today, be a difference maker. Whose life can you pour encouragement in today? We cannot help everybody BUT we can help someone. It is one step at a time. Step out into the deep waters and watch the Lord begin to work. He made the first move already… The next move is yours ~ Press in to know him for He is faithful ~

 

 

 

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Life Lessons with Bali ~

Posted on August 6, 2014 by darla05

Life Lessons with Bali ~.

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Searching For Unity In The Body Of Christ

Posted on August 2, 2014 by darla05

one accord

My thoughts are about the church this morning . So many people I know have conflicts with people in the church. I have experienced this myself. If I know several conflicts that people have shared with me, what does it say for the church as a whole? How many dread going to church or avoid going because they do not want to handle conflict? How many have quit going all together because someone in the church hurt them or treated them unfairly?

Last night, a  couple that I love dearly was over for dinner. I have to tell you that I KNOW that the Lord brought these two precious people into our lives. The Lord heard my prayers and placed them in our lives and I cherish each moment with them. It is such a gift when you can grow in the Lord and grow with each other. Sharpening each other and throwing ideas on the table is a wonderful thing. So with that being said, one of our discussions was, conflict in the body of Christ and solutions . How do we confront and resolve this matter? It could take pages. What am I talking about, it could be a book. Wait, there are already many books about this subject. Yet, the problems continue.  I like to think there is a way to make complicated things simple. God did not call the wise, He chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise. God did not call the qualified, He qualifies the ones that He calls.

With this is mind,  I believe we are a broken body in the body of Christ. I am not talking about the brokenness that the Lord does to let His light shine through. I am talking about the reality that our churches looks too much like the world.  It looks like broken homes. Broken bones. It is broken by blows of jealousy, competition, gossip, pride, quarrels among us. It is sad when we put on our happy faces, we smile and shake hands or not, we ignore  each other all together. We cannot stand each other and yet we walk in church and put our hands up in the air and praise the Lord.  This is not a picture of a healthy body. How this grieves the Lord. What is really eye opening is we have accepted this behavior as, “It is what it is.”

Unity- The scripture is full of wisdom in this matter. Paul speaks about it. It is essential. It is like the Essential 101 class. We have to have it to advance. I have said many times in writings, without the body of Christ functioning in each one of its gifts, we are insufficient in every way for the body. The church can only be a difference maker when each part is working properly.  Understand this truth…. When there is broken fellowship it not only slows the growth of the church but it slows the growth of us as individuals.

Before dying for us, Jesus prayed this for us…

John 17:22-23- I have given them the glory that you gave me, that they may be one as we are one. I in them and you in me. May they be brought to complete UNITY to let the world  see that you sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me.

Go back and read that again.  He has already given us this power of unity.  

I believe we have allowed ourselves to be deceived. We say it is too hard. Jesus just told us in the above scripture that we can. We are deceiving ourselves if we think we can win the lost when we are at war in the church. We are being  a stumbling  block  to the gospel. Harsh but true.

How do we devote ourselves to unity? Pray first, Act Second.  Tap into the power that he has placed within us already according to the scripture above. Let go of pride. James speaks about this. He tells us many fights are due to not getting our own way.  He also warns us for our sake and the sake of our church, avoid people who break down rather than build up.  He did not say ignore  them when you see them. We can still be genuinely kind and courteous and be respectful. Despite our difference we must glorify God. We must forgive. Sometimes even after you have gone to the person that has offended you , your words might fall on deaf ears. Scripture does not say forgiveness always brings reconciliation. In these times we must dust off our shoes and move on. STILL be kind. STILL be respectful when we see these people.

It is living out… Less of me and more of you God.

Our 21 days of prayer is about to start at our church. I challenge you for the next three weeks, join us. Pray for the Lord to reveal in all of us thoughts and ways that do not line up with His will .

This morning I turned to this prayer in my Bible.  I wrote this  in my Bible years ago, it is worth sharing.

Lord,

How awesome you are !

Teach me your ways, Not my thoughts but your thoughts. Reveal to me the power you have placed within me. Strip away all of my selfishness and clothe me with more of you. I want to be the servant of yours. I want to be the wife and Mother that is pleasing unto you. See if there be anything in me that keeps me from following you. My heart has deceived me many times before and I have walked in my own desires. Lord, you have searched me and know me well and yet you invite me to come to the the mountain you dwell on in holiness, where my heart and yours can be one.

This prayer is as real today as when I wrote it. Folks, the pull of sin is great. We must battle it daily with putting on the armor of God DAILY. Be devoted to the word. Make time for it during your day. The days we fall flat know that tomorrow is a new day. We have a clean slate.

To be the change we need to make. To be the change we desire, we have to be more in love with Him than our own desires.  Sometimes, it is hard but we are more than conquerors through Christ Jesus. He can and will do what we can never do on our own. He can make us the body of Christ that is fit for the Sovereign God of the universe. He can restore the Master’s plan.

It is our choice. He gave us this beautiful gift called freedom. If we will choose to tap into the power he has already given us, if we devote ourselves to the things he loves, transformation will happen in us. Transformation will happen in the body of Christ.

God will heal ~

God will restore-

God will do more than we ever hoped for or dream.

He will do this so that we can be a light to this dark world. So that we can encourage and edify the body of Christ. So that we can live in freedom every day. May each one of us choose to take the steps today in this journey to live this life and live it to the fullness that our Savior wanted for each one of us.

Pray first…. Act Second…. I have always heard that it takes 3 weeks doing something daily to create a habit. For the next 21 days,  will you journey with me on this 21 days of prayer? So that we can make the ultimate habit of seeking the will of our Father daily.

~ So that we can be a difference maker for Him ~ United for Christ ~

 

 

 

 

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~May We Let His Light Shine Through ~

Posted on July 30, 2014 by darla05

 

hemmingway

 

Profound~

Profound…… It is the first word that comes to mind when I see this quote. This is a perfect example of the Potter and the clay.

God is the master designer. He is the master healer. Nothing is to hard for Him. God doesn’t throw us away because we are chipped or cracked or broken. He takes our broken hearts and makes them whole again. He can take the shattered pieces of our lives and renews us. Most of us want the results. We do not want the process. God loves the process. It is where the restoration takes place. It is where a new mindset is formed. It is where the beautiful transformation starts to happen. It is where His light starts shining through. It is up to God to mold, transform, and sanctify us as we journey through this earthly life. It is a journey. Enjoy the journey.

HE MAKES ALL THINGS NEW. He takes a broken and contrite heart and restores the JOY of our salvation.

Yet you, Lord, are our Father.
We are the clay, you are the potter;
we are all the work of your hand.
(Isaiah 64:8)

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He Is Our Rock

Posted on July 28, 2014 by darla05

he alone is my rock

Fortress. It is strong. Merriam Webster defines it as a place that is protected against attack. A fortified place.  It protects the people who seek refuge inside its walls.

It is such a wonderful picture of our Lord and His ways. Why we can seek refuge in Him is no enemy can breech His walls. We know that our God is greater and stronger than any fortress built by human hands. As Chris Tomlin’s song says….Our God is greater, our God is stronger, God, you are higher than any other….. And if our God is for us, than who can ever stop us? And if our God is with us, than what can stand against?

We will face pain in our life. It will not defeat us. We will be discouraged and disappointed, it does not define who we are.  We will come face to face with frightening situations, we will not lose our courage. BECAUSE God will provide the strength we need. He will never leave us or forsake us. He will NEVER make us face it alone. So my friends, my dear brothers and sisters, May we stand FIRM. May nothing move us.  We have confidence in approaching God. Know that if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us. Anything. But how do we know if we are asking something in His will? The more we grow in His image, the more we become like our Savior. The ultimate goal is… His will becomes our will. We do this by each day seeking ways to have more of HIM and less of us. Lord, show us your ways today in every way.

May we know that we know…. HE IS LISTENING ~

 

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This Very Same God…

Posted on July 27, 2014 by darla05

Isaiah 41-!3Why are so many Christians silent when it comes to speaking out for Israel or supporting Israel? Is it out of fear? Is it out of lack of knowledge? God’s word commands us to study to show thyself approved. (2 Timothy 2:15)

God’s word is so clear to those who have eyes to see. The Lord tells us in Jeremiah 29:12-14, Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. 13 You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. 14 I will be found by you,” declares the Lord, “and will bring you back from captivity.[a] I will gather you from all the nations and places where I have banished you,” declares the Lord, “and will bring you back to the place from which I carried you into exile.”

The Lord and His characteristics have never changed. He is the same God in the Bible. His eye is on Israel.

Isaiah 41:8-13New International Version (NIV)

8 “But you, Israel, my servant,
Jacob, whom I have chosen,
you descendants of Abraham my friend,
9 I took you from the ends of the earth,
from its farthest corners I called you.
I said, ‘You are my servant’;
I have chosen you and have not rejected you.
10 So do not fear, for I am with you;
do not be dismayed, for I am your God.
I will strengthen you and help you;
I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.
11 “All who rage against you
will surely be ashamed and disgraced;
those who oppose you
will be as nothing and perish.
12 Though you search for your enemies,
you will not find them.
Those who wage war against you
will be as nothing at all.
13 For I am the Lord your God
who takes hold of your right hand
and says to you, Do not fear;
I will help you.

To be Christ like is to take on the characteristics of our Lord and Savior. It is to love what he loves.  Honor and obey His precepts and His laws.

I am studying more each day to show myself approved. The conflict in Israel is a discussion in our home daily. The Lord has place Israel on our hearts. I am diving in deeper to understand more of the Jewish culture. The bloodline that my Savior is from and lived throughout His life here on earth. We cannot turn our heads and look the other way at what is going on in this  country. It is the Holy Land. It is the land that our Savior is coming back to establish His kingdom here on Earth. It is the apple of His eye.

Lord, open our eyes. Teach us what you want us to know about this mighty nation. YOU and you alone are the keeper Of Israel. Give us a desire for knowledge and understanding. Show us how we are to love what you love. I hold onto your promises, You, Oh God, will bless those who bless Israel, and him who dishonors, you will curse, and in you (Israel) all the families of the earth shall be blessed.”

I invite you to thoughtfully and prayerfully think on the following reasons for the Christian’s support for Israel.

1. The Bible is a predominant Jewish text.

The Bible was written in Hebrew, by Hebrew writers, for Hebrew people, who were living in a Hebraic culture and abiding by Hebraic laws and customs.

Scholars have identified that the New Testament is written in better Hebrew grammar than the Greek language.

2. Christian Covenants were established in Judaism.

The covenant of Salvation was revealed with Abraham. (Genesis 15).
The covenant of Sanctification was revealed with Moses. (Exodus 19: 5-8; Deuteronomy 28)
Jesus even stated in John 4:22, “…salvation is of the Jews.”
3. The earliest Founding Fathers of the Christian Faith were Jewish (Judeo-Christian).

Abraham, Isaac and Jacob were the Hebrew speaking Patriarchs of our Faith.
David, Solomon, Ezekiel, Isaiah and Daniel were all Jewish men who laid the foundation of our faith and knowledge in God, our Heavenly Father.
Because of this undeniable Jewish foundation, the faith of Christianity is more properly termed ‘Judeo-Christian.’

4. The Land of our faith is Israel.

Israel is known as the ‘Land of the Bible’ – the birthplace and homeland of Jesus and the Judeo-Christian faith.

5. Jesus was a Jew.

Jesus’ mother, Mary, was a young Jewish girl who lived in a Galilee city called Nazareth and was related to Zechariah (Luke 1) who was a Levite of the Tribe of Israel and served in the Temple.

Jesus’ earthly father’s lineage (Joseph) traces back to Bethlehem – the birthplace of Jesus.The Bible records that Jesus celebrated Passover (Matthew 26:18), as well as the minor festivals of Dedication, or Hanukkah (John 10:22), and possibly Purim (John 5).

Jesus was wearing a tallit (prayer shawl) when the woman touched the hem or fringes of His garment and was healed.
The Christian’s Messiah grew up as a Jew, practiced His faith as a Jew, was recognized as a Jewish Rabbi (John 1:49; 3:2), died and was buried in Jewish custom, and will return as our Jewish Messiah!

6. Christians have been given opportunity to share in the Spiritual heritage of the Jews.

In Romans 11, Paul states that Christians are ‘wild branches’ that have been grafted into the same Tree to which the Jews are connected.
Christians have NOT replaced Israel or the Jews in God’s design, but we have been graciously given invitation and access to their spiritual supply and heritage.
7. God blesses those who choose to bless Israel.

In Genesis 12:1-3, God declared His intended greatness for the Hebrew people/nation and further decreed either blessings or curses upon others in direct response to their treatment of the Hebrew people.
8. ‘Peace,’ ‘tranquility’ and ‘prosperity’ are all connected to praying for and loving Jerusalem.

Psalm 122:6 instructs us to “Pray for the peace of Jerusalem: they shall prosper that love thee.”
9. The Jews are the ‘apple’ of God’s eye.

Zechariah 2:8 informs us of God’s mindset concerning the Jews when He stated, “…for he that toucheth you toucheth the apple of his eye.”

10. The New Testament commands us to financially bless and support the Jews.

Romans 15:27 states, “They (non-Jews) were pleased to do it, and indeed they owe it to them (Jews). For if the Gentiles have shared in the Jews’ spiritual blessings, they (non-Jews) owe it to the Jews to share with them their material blessings.” NIV
Paul’s admonition to the followers of Jesus was to care for and support the Jews in response to the debt of heartfelt gratitude we have for the spiritual heritage and foundations of our faith made available through Judaism.

( Ten reasons information is  gathered from a website that Scott Thomas, the Sr. Pastor of Without Walls Central in Lakeland, Fl. Passionate teacher of Torah and Hebraic Studies (which makes the Bible and Life make a little more sense). Strong advocate for Israel and the Jewish people)

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The Basics Of Reaping and Sowing

Posted on July 23, 2014 by darla05

 

give what you want to give

I found this picture on Google. It so fits in with what has been stirring in my heart. We have all heard the phrase we reap what we sow.  The principle is actually based on ancient farming principles that were found in Biblical scripture. The basic principle of reaping what you sow is a person gets what they deserve. EVERYTHING we do has consequences or repercussions. It is a Godly principle that what we do in this life effects us now and the afterlife.

Galatians  6:7-9 tells us in the Bible about this lesson. It basically is telling us to stay encouraged. Don’t give up, you will receive the reward for doing right in God’s eyes. It also tells us if we follow the worlds ways and our own selfish desires we will have spiritual death  and it will lead to an eternity  away from our Savior.

Lately, I find myself on the battlefield. The spiritual warfare is fierce. There have been times that I have been discouraged. I have felt my spiritual and physical strength faltering. It is just like when I was a sprinter in school, by the end of the race, I could feel there was no strength left in me.

In these times of battle,  I don’t want to say or do the wrong thing. I don’t want to reap the consequences of loosing control. I don’t want to say or do something that I will regret.  So, I have to go and plug myself back in to get recharged. Just like an electronic device,  I have to plug into the power source. I have to take a moment and say, God, I don’t want to do something or say something that is going to damage your reputation or mine. For your name sake, lead me and guide me. Please help me get through this with a good attitude. Just trying to have a good attitude is not going to work in and of itself.  I also need to ask God to continue to work in me. Many times there is a WAIT TIME involved. Know that it does not mean that He is not working. While we are in the waiting period we have to do our part. Our part is to trust him and study his word. It is medicine for our soul. We begin to see our problems from God’s point of view when we stay plugged into the source.  God’s word compels us to be the best version of us that we can be.  It takes the power and wise counsel  of the Holy Spirit to persevere through the darkness. Through the battle, through the pain.

During these times we must remember who we are representing. Many are watching us. They are watching to see if our daily actions match up to our words. It is so easy to say you are a Christian on Sunday morning. It is really important to understand that it is going to take a lot more than a weekly visit on Sunday morning to be a difference maker. It is more than wearing your church serve shirt, or your fish emblem on your car. We have to keep plugged into the power source. It is the only way we are going to have victory during difficult times. Instead of just singing songs like, Jesus is the center of it all, we need to really let Jesus be the center of it all. Keep feeding ourselves the nourishing word of God. Instead of wearing the WWJD bracelet or shirt why don’t we  simply do what Jesus would do.

IT is then and only then that we will be able to reap a harvest of plenty. If we carry out the principles of the word of God , He has given us his promises that his blessings will be poured out in a mighty way. We will be blessed so much that our storehouse will overflow. Many relate this to finances . I believe it  flows over to things that money just cannot buy. Those things like love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self control and let us not forget long-suffering.

IF we sow these fruits of the spirit, we will reap them. It might be a while, the battle may be fierce, the trenches may be deep, but the harvest will be great. Who could not use some more of these fruits. Lord, may my cup runneth over !

So, I ask you to sow right where you are planted. Sow words of encouragement and not ones of discord. Speak life ~ There have been kind words and encouraging friends that the Lord has sent me along the way to show me I am not alone. God knows when our strength and faith is faltering and He sends the help we need right when we need it.

May we keep our eyes on Him, Matthew 7:7 reminds us to keep on asking and it will be given to you. Keep on seeking and you will find, keep on knocking and the door will be opened to you. Keep praying and thanking God that He is working even if we are not seeing results. The results  will come and when they do, grab a big basket for the harvest will be overflowing ~

Posted in Believe, Encouragment, Endurance, Faith, Inspirational, Perseverence | Tagged , , , , , , | 4 Comments

~Simple Truths~

Posted on July 21, 2014 by darla05

gods will

I hear so many times … I don’t know God’s will for my life. When will God reveal His will? When I don’t know what God’s will is, simple truths like these are such a good place for my heart to land. Simple to read. Much harder to do. BUT GOD, would not give us this scripture without the resources to  carry it  out . We cannot do this on our own but in His strength we can. He has placed the power within us to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us~

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