Thursday, December 27, 2012
The Gift of Wisdom
Wisdom is like a beautiful stained glass window. The more light shines through
it The more brilliant the wisdom ~ John Christopher
Scripture:
For God, who said, "Let light shine out of darkness,"[made his light shine in our hearts to give us the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Christ. 2 Corinthians 4:6 (New International Version)
Lately, I have been fascinated with the word Wisdom. Wisdom is a derivative of the word wise. Wise means; Having the ability to discern or judge what is true, right, or lasting; sagacious: a wise leader. As I have grown older, I realize that there have been so many things that have happened in my life that were the result of being foolish or; unwise.
Unlike some of you, I haven’t always been saved and because of that, I have made some pretty dumb decisions in my life. I won’t go into detail but what I will say that because of being uninformed about the word of God, I thought I could live my life any way I wanted to. In the process of “Living My Life” I have said and done things that where harmful to me and to those I loved.
Recently, I shared with a friend how as a teenager, I rebelled against my mother in my attempts to “Be Grown.” I did and said things that I knew she wouldn’t have approved of. In the process, I changed the dynamics of our relationship.
Now I must say, that it took me some time to realize the errors of my ways, but the reality of my actions were that I hurt my mother in the process and caused her unnecessary pain and heartache. It took me years to realize what I had done and it broke my heart when I realized the consequences of my actions.
My mother, who died many years ago forgave me long before her death, but the shame of what I had done will be with me for the rest of my life. It will be a cross that I will bear until my own dying day. Now I know that I have asked for and received forgiveness for my actions, but it doesn’t change the facts of what I had done.
Saints of God, how many of you have said or done things that you knew were wrong in the name of being your own woman/man? How many of you made foolish choices because of your ignorance? How many of you wish that you could somehow change your past so that your presence and your future could be better? It’s not too late.
The gift of wisdom is at hand. It called the Word of God. The Bible. Won’t you accept your gift today?
Be Blessed
Prayer:
Father God, I come before the throne of grace as a chastised child. Lord, I ask for forgiveness of my rebellious nature. Father, I come seeking the wisdom that can only be found in Your word. Teach me Lord, to become more Christ-like. Help me Lord to grow in grace and in favor. Teach me thy ways, as I seek the gift of life eternal in Your Son, Jesus Christ. Thank You Lord, for all things yesterday, today and forever more. Thank You heavenly Father for my mother who had the wisdom and the love to see past my faults, just as You do. Praise be To God. Thank You Jesus. It is in Your name we pray. Amen.
Scripture:
For God, who said, "Let light shine out of darkness,"[made his light shine in our hearts to give us the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Christ. 2 Corinthians 4:6 (New International Version)
Lately, I have been fascinated with the word Wisdom. Wisdom is a derivative of the word wise. Wise means; Having the ability to discern or judge what is true, right, or lasting; sagacious: a wise leader. As I have grown older, I realize that there have been so many things that have happened in my life that were the result of being foolish or; unwise.
Unlike some of you, I haven’t always been saved and because of that, I have made some pretty dumb decisions in my life. I won’t go into detail but what I will say that because of being uninformed about the word of God, I thought I could live my life any way I wanted to. In the process of “Living My Life” I have said and done things that where harmful to me and to those I loved.
Recently, I shared with a friend how as a teenager, I rebelled against my mother in my attempts to “Be Grown.” I did and said things that I knew she wouldn’t have approved of. In the process, I changed the dynamics of our relationship.
Now I must say, that it took me some time to realize the errors of my ways, but the reality of my actions were that I hurt my mother in the process and caused her unnecessary pain and heartache. It took me years to realize what I had done and it broke my heart when I realized the consequences of my actions.
My mother, who died many years ago forgave me long before her death, but the shame of what I had done will be with me for the rest of my life. It will be a cross that I will bear until my own dying day. Now I know that I have asked for and received forgiveness for my actions, but it doesn’t change the facts of what I had done.
Saints of God, how many of you have said or done things that you knew were wrong in the name of being your own woman/man? How many of you made foolish choices because of your ignorance? How many of you wish that you could somehow change your past so that your presence and your future could be better? It’s not too late.
The gift of wisdom is at hand. It called the Word of God. The Bible. Won’t you accept your gift today?
Be Blessed
Prayer:
Father God, I come before the throne of grace as a chastised child. Lord, I ask for forgiveness of my rebellious nature. Father, I come seeking the wisdom that can only be found in Your word. Teach me Lord, to become more Christ-like. Help me Lord to grow in grace and in favor. Teach me thy ways, as I seek the gift of life eternal in Your Son, Jesus Christ. Thank You Lord, for all things yesterday, today and forever more. Thank You heavenly Father for my mother who had the wisdom and the love to see past my faults, just as You do. Praise be To God. Thank You Jesus. It is in Your name we pray. Amen.
Tuesday, December 25, 2012
It's His Birthday, Not Ours!
Whatever else be lost among the years, Let us keep Christmas still a shining
thing: Whatever doubts assail us, or what fears, let us hold close one day,
remembering its poignant meaning for the hearts of men. Let us get back our
childlike faith again." Grace Noll Crowell
Scripture:
The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him and said, "Look, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world! John 1:29
Recently, a very good friend of mine sent me a story called the "Birthday Party". As I read the story, it really hit me. What started out as a celebration for the birth of our Lord and Savior has turned in to one big celebration where for the most part, he is not invited.
It's so very sad to realize that Santa Claus gets more glory than our Lord and Savior. It very sad to realize that he can go into the schools, into the courthouse and just about everywhere else, but Jesus can't.
It's so very sad to realize that we Christians who celebrate Christmas buy gifts for our loved ones with nary a thought to those less fortunate then ourselves. A few years ago, I along with several other friends pooled our resources and went out and prepared gift baskets and bought toys for a women’s shelter.
Some of us also took our children along so that they could see just how blessed we truly are. I tell this story not to glorify what we did, but to challenge you this Christmas season.
It is our duty and responsibility to do something for others who are less fortunate than us. It is our duty to give back just a portion that has been given to us.
Besides, we already received the best gift anyone could ever give us. Our Lord, Our Savior, Jesus Christ.
Be Blessed
Prayer:
Lord, help us to always be mindful of those who are less fortunate than ourselves. We recognize that life is a struggle, but as long as You are with us, we can make it through. You have said in Your word that the righteous will not be forsaken or their children begging bread. We thank You Lord that we do not have to beg for bread. But Lord we recognize that there are children out there whose bellies and empty. We realize that there are women out there who are too scared to leave their situations. We realize that there are men out there who got lost along the way and don't know what it's like to be a child in the kingdom of God. Have mercy on them today, Lord Jesus. I pray that someone's heart would be touched as they read these words. I pray that Your saints would go out and do a good work in Your name. I pray that Your saints would realize just how awesome and powerful Your word is. Thank You Lord. Bless Your name. Thank You for loving me despite the world around me. Bless his holy name, saints of God. And all the saints submit this prayer in the blood of the Lamb, Jesus Christ. Amen.
Scripture:
The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him and said, "Look, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world! John 1:29
Recently, a very good friend of mine sent me a story called the "Birthday Party". As I read the story, it really hit me. What started out as a celebration for the birth of our Lord and Savior has turned in to one big celebration where for the most part, he is not invited.
It's so very sad to realize that Santa Claus gets more glory than our Lord and Savior. It very sad to realize that he can go into the schools, into the courthouse and just about everywhere else, but Jesus can't.
It's so very sad to realize that we Christians who celebrate Christmas buy gifts for our loved ones with nary a thought to those less fortunate then ourselves. A few years ago, I along with several other friends pooled our resources and went out and prepared gift baskets and bought toys for a women’s shelter.
Some of us also took our children along so that they could see just how blessed we truly are. I tell this story not to glorify what we did, but to challenge you this Christmas season.
It is our duty and responsibility to do something for others who are less fortunate than us. It is our duty to give back just a portion that has been given to us.
Besides, we already received the best gift anyone could ever give us. Our Lord, Our Savior, Jesus Christ.
Be Blessed
Prayer:
Lord, help us to always be mindful of those who are less fortunate than ourselves. We recognize that life is a struggle, but as long as You are with us, we can make it through. You have said in Your word that the righteous will not be forsaken or their children begging bread. We thank You Lord that we do not have to beg for bread. But Lord we recognize that there are children out there whose bellies and empty. We realize that there are women out there who are too scared to leave their situations. We realize that there are men out there who got lost along the way and don't know what it's like to be a child in the kingdom of God. Have mercy on them today, Lord Jesus. I pray that someone's heart would be touched as they read these words. I pray that Your saints would go out and do a good work in Your name. I pray that Your saints would realize just how awesome and powerful Your word is. Thank You Lord. Bless Your name. Thank You for loving me despite the world around me. Bless his holy name, saints of God. And all the saints submit this prayer in the blood of the Lamb, Jesus Christ. Amen.
Sunday, December 23, 2012
When Your Soul Feels Empty
Have patience with all things, but chiefly have patience with yourself. Do not
lose courage in considering you own imperfections but instantly set about
remedying them - every day begin the task anew. ~ Saint Francis de
Sales
Scripture:
On the last and greatest day of the Feast, Jesus stood and said in a loud voice, "If anyone is thirsty, let him come to me and drink. Whoever believes in me, as the Scripture has said, streams of living water will flow from within him." By this he meant the Spirit, whom those who believed in him were later to receive. Up to that time the Spirit had not been given, since Jesus had not yet been glorified. John 7:37-39 (New International Version)
Depression is never easy, but it's especially hard during the holidays. The holiday season for most people is a fun time of the year filled with parties, celebrations, and social gatherings with family and friends. But for many people, it is a time filled with sadness, self-reflection, loneliness, and anxiety. And unfortunately, with our faltering economy and massive layoffs, this year is even worse.
We have allowed one of the holiest times of the year to become one of the most commercialized times as well. Christmas has become a celebration of gifts, not God. And nativity scenes are brought under fire and in many cases removed for fear of being sued. Far too often we look to those materialistic things of this world to fill the void in our empty souls. We find ourselves wandering about in the desert like the children of Israel unable to find our way home.
However, I want you to know, there is something that can make you feel whole again; the undeniable, indisputable, everlasting word of God. When we begin to feel our souls being emptied out by the world around us, all we have to do is go before the throne of grace and drink from a fountain that never runs dry.
"If you knew the gift of God and who it is that asks you for a drink, you would have asked him and he would have given you living water."
Be Blessed
Prayer:
Lord, we come before the throne of grace to intercede for one another. We come asking for blessings and breakthroughs, not for ourselves but for our family members, friends, co-workers, on-line family members and brothers and sisters in Christ. Lord, we don't know the needs of Your children, but You do Lord. We ask that You would lift and bind the spirits of depression, despair, loneliness, anger, resentment, hurt, poverty and all others that are not of You. Lord, we ask that You would bless us and deliver us as only You can. Place Your hedge of protection securely around every person and all families that are represented here today. Allow this season of Your son to be filled with blessings and joy that have been given with the birth of Your son, Jesus Christ, in whose name we pray. Amen.
Scripture:
On the last and greatest day of the Feast, Jesus stood and said in a loud voice, "If anyone is thirsty, let him come to me and drink. Whoever believes in me, as the Scripture has said, streams of living water will flow from within him." By this he meant the Spirit, whom those who believed in him were later to receive. Up to that time the Spirit had not been given, since Jesus had not yet been glorified. John 7:37-39 (New International Version)
Depression is never easy, but it's especially hard during the holidays. The holiday season for most people is a fun time of the year filled with parties, celebrations, and social gatherings with family and friends. But for many people, it is a time filled with sadness, self-reflection, loneliness, and anxiety. And unfortunately, with our faltering economy and massive layoffs, this year is even worse.
We have allowed one of the holiest times of the year to become one of the most commercialized times as well. Christmas has become a celebration of gifts, not God. And nativity scenes are brought under fire and in many cases removed for fear of being sued. Far too often we look to those materialistic things of this world to fill the void in our empty souls. We find ourselves wandering about in the desert like the children of Israel unable to find our way home.
However, I want you to know, there is something that can make you feel whole again; the undeniable, indisputable, everlasting word of God. When we begin to feel our souls being emptied out by the world around us, all we have to do is go before the throne of grace and drink from a fountain that never runs dry.
"If you knew the gift of God and who it is that asks you for a drink, you would have asked him and he would have given you living water."
Be Blessed
Prayer:
Lord, we come before the throne of grace to intercede for one another. We come asking for blessings and breakthroughs, not for ourselves but for our family members, friends, co-workers, on-line family members and brothers and sisters in Christ. Lord, we don't know the needs of Your children, but You do Lord. We ask that You would lift and bind the spirits of depression, despair, loneliness, anger, resentment, hurt, poverty and all others that are not of You. Lord, we ask that You would bless us and deliver us as only You can. Place Your hedge of protection securely around every person and all families that are represented here today. Allow this season of Your son to be filled with blessings and joy that have been given with the birth of Your son, Jesus Christ, in whose name we pray. Amen.
Wednesday, December 12, 2012
God's Treasure
Remember, Treasure your relationships, not your possessions. ~ Anthony J. DeAngelo
Scripture:
But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. "The eye is the lamp of the body. If your eyes are good, your whole body will be full of light. Matthew 6:20-22
Recently a friend, sent me a story about a little girl who treasured a strand of dime store pearls. This little girl thought the pearls were wonderful and they where her most prized possession.
Well the story goes on to tell how her father, knowing how much this little girl loved these pearls, asked her if she loved him too. Of course her response was yes. But when he asked if he could have the pearls, the little girl would response, oh no, but you can have one of my other treasures. This went on for awhile, until one day with tears in her eyes, the little girl gave her daddy the cheap pearls.
Her father who loved her very much reached into his pocket and pulled out a real set of pearls that he been waiting to give his daughter when she was ready to give up the cheap ones that she treasured so deeply.
The moral of the story is this; How often do we covet something that only looks good? How often do we hold on to a relationship that only looks good to the world, but we know in our hearts, that it is not all it appears to be? How often do we say we love our heavenly Father, but are unwilling to give up those things in our lives, that are cheap, gaudy, and superficial? How often must He ask us do we love him enough to give up what we treasure the most to follow him?
How long does he have to wait to give you the purest treasure of all? His love.
Be Blessed
Prayer:
Father God, forgive us for loving things more than You. Forgive us not listening to Your cries. Forgive us Lord for not seeing our own selfishness. Father, help us to develop a discerning spirit that would help us to recognize those things in our lives that You yearn for us to give up. Help us to be still, be quiet, listen for Your voice that tells us how much You love us, when the world around us tries to tell us otherwise. Father, may we always seek You face, Your wisdom, and Your mercy. For we are weak and need Your strength. Thank You Lord, for the new revelations we discover in Your word each day. Continue to touch, bless, and anoint all who come seeking Your word today. Help each of us find that path that You have chosen for us. Order our steps Holy Spirit, so that we may always walks in right relation with You. Keep each and every family that is represented here safe under the wings of Your salvation. As we as these and all things in the name of Your son, Jesus Christ. Amen.
Sunday, December 09, 2012
What is Faith?
Faith is the refusal to panic. ~ David Martyn Lloyd-Jones
Scripture:
Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. For by it the elders obtained a good testimony. By faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that the things which are seen were not made of things which are visible. Hebrews 11:1-3 (New King James Version)
So often we hear the phrase “Just have faith,” but how many of you truly understand just what faith is? Faith is often described as; believing and trusting in the power of the unknown. The dictionary defines faith as the confident belief or trust in the truth or trustworthiness of a person, idea, or thing.
I love to study the word of God and as I looked up the passage in the NKJ version of the bible, it had a title that stated as part of the lesson, by faith we understand. It raises the question, how can we understand something that we cannot truly touch, taste or feel?
In the flesh we are often taught to believe only in the tangible. Our minds often will not process information that does not make sense to us. In many ways we are too literal for our own good.
Now trust, that’s a whole other topic. However, when we talk about faith, we must also talk about trust. Trust is an emotion that I believe each of us is essentially born with. It is not until we learn betrayal that we begin to lose our trust in others.
Understanding is described as the ability grasp the meaning of, or to accept as a fact or truth or regard as plausible without utter certainty.
Faith is the belief and trust in and loyalty to God, the firm belief in something for which there is no proof and/or complete trust.
Now when I put those two definitions together I see; I understand and grasp and accept as fact or truth or regard as plausible without utter certainty in the trust and loyalty of God and I firmly believe that even though there is not proof of His existence, I totally and completely Trust Him.
That my friends, is the basis of faith!
Prayer:
Consequently, faith comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard through the word of Christ. Father, when trouble comes my way, help me to learn to trust and have faith in You. Help me to remember that if I but have mustard seed faith, that I can do all things through Christ Jesus. Lord, sometimes we forget that You are our ever present help in the time of trouble. Thank You Lord, for being there when we need You. Lord, when we begin to falter and start to worry about our problems, help us to remember to be still and pray. When the problems of life seem to overwhelm us, help us to remember You are right there with us. God help us to realize that weeping may endure for a night, and that sometimes it is necessary for trouble to assail us so that we can see You power and Your glory manifested in our lives. Lord, We ask for strength today; the strength to stand and fight the good fight of faith yet another day. Lord, grant us peace today. Your peace that passes all understanding. Lord, fill our hearts with Your love. Your love that is not our selfish definition, but the love of Christ Jesus, that strengthens us. Now Lord, we come together on one accord to pray for one another. For no matter how heavy our cross seems, we recognize that we are blessed beyond our own imaginations. Bless our brothers and sisters in Christ. Bless our loved ones who have not come to know You yet. But most of all, we Bless Your holy name. In Christ Jesus, we pray. Amen.
Monday, December 03, 2012
It Ain't Over YET!
A vision is not just a picture of what could be; it is an appeal to our better
selves, a call to become something more. ~ Rosabeth Moss Kanter
Scripture:Though the fig tree does not bud and there are no grapes on the vines, though the olive crop fails and the fields produce no food, though there are no sheep in the pen and no cattle in the stalls, yet I will rejoice in the LORD, I will be joyful in God my Savior. The Sovereign LORD is my strength; he makes my feet like the feet of a deer, he enables me to go on the heights. For the director of music. On my stringed instruments. ~ Habakkuk 3:17-19 (New International Version)
Recently I had dinner with a friend who attended an outstanding teacher’s awards ceremony. He told us the story of one particular teacher who motivated his students with one simple word; YET. If one of his students approached him and said they couldn’t do something, his response was always the same, he added the word YET. Think about the word, yet.
Yet is a simple word with a simple meaning, “Up to now.” To put in into context; “I can’t do it, up to now; I don’t understand it, up to now; it hasn’t happened, up to now. In other words even if you don’t get it, understand it, hasn’t happened doesn’t mean it can’t or won’t. It simply means that you haven’t reached that goal, had that vision or breakthrough “up to now.!”
This wonderful educator keeps his student motivated by challenging them with the knowledge that even thought it hasn’t happened yet, their breakthrough is still at hand. And so it is with our daily walk. If those things that you need and desire haven’t happened doesn’t mean they won’t. It just means it hasn’t happened YET.
Each and every one of us must remember that when we trust in something greater then ourselves; when we trust in God, that job, financial breakthrough, marriage, children or whatever else you may be waiting for simply means that you just don’t have it YET!
Be Blessed
Prayer:
Lord, we lift Your name on high. I will bless the Lord at all times and His praises shall continuously be in my mouth. From every mountain high and every valley low, we will uplift the name of God. We will sing songs of praise all the day long. Though He slay me, I will have hope in Him. Even when my enemies are camped all around, yet I will give Him the glory for my impending victory. Lord we sing songs of praise even when we can't speak. We say Glory, glory hallelujah, praise be to God, even when the tears begin to fall. Even as I lay on my bed of affliction, when friends and family have turned against me, when there seems to be no hope for my situation or circumstances I will shout from the mountain tops; HALLELUJAH, ANYHOW! PRAISE BE TO GOD, GLORY! GLORY! GLORY! BLESSED BE THE NAME OF THE LORD! amen.
Scripture:Though the fig tree does not bud and there are no grapes on the vines, though the olive crop fails and the fields produce no food, though there are no sheep in the pen and no cattle in the stalls, yet I will rejoice in the LORD, I will be joyful in God my Savior. The Sovereign LORD is my strength; he makes my feet like the feet of a deer, he enables me to go on the heights. For the director of music. On my stringed instruments. ~ Habakkuk 3:17-19 (New International Version)
Recently I had dinner with a friend who attended an outstanding teacher’s awards ceremony. He told us the story of one particular teacher who motivated his students with one simple word; YET. If one of his students approached him and said they couldn’t do something, his response was always the same, he added the word YET. Think about the word, yet.
Yet is a simple word with a simple meaning, “Up to now.” To put in into context; “I can’t do it, up to now; I don’t understand it, up to now; it hasn’t happened, up to now. In other words even if you don’t get it, understand it, hasn’t happened doesn’t mean it can’t or won’t. It simply means that you haven’t reached that goal, had that vision or breakthrough “up to now.!”
This wonderful educator keeps his student motivated by challenging them with the knowledge that even thought it hasn’t happened yet, their breakthrough is still at hand. And so it is with our daily walk. If those things that you need and desire haven’t happened doesn’t mean they won’t. It just means it hasn’t happened YET.
Each and every one of us must remember that when we trust in something greater then ourselves; when we trust in God, that job, financial breakthrough, marriage, children or whatever else you may be waiting for simply means that you just don’t have it YET!
Be Blessed
Prayer:
Lord, we lift Your name on high. I will bless the Lord at all times and His praises shall continuously be in my mouth. From every mountain high and every valley low, we will uplift the name of God. We will sing songs of praise all the day long. Though He slay me, I will have hope in Him. Even when my enemies are camped all around, yet I will give Him the glory for my impending victory. Lord we sing songs of praise even when we can't speak. We say Glory, glory hallelujah, praise be to God, even when the tears begin to fall. Even as I lay on my bed of affliction, when friends and family have turned against me, when there seems to be no hope for my situation or circumstances I will shout from the mountain tops; HALLELUJAH, ANYHOW! PRAISE BE TO GOD, GLORY! GLORY! GLORY! BLESSED BE THE NAME OF THE LORD! amen.
Sunday, December 02, 2012
Developing Self-Discipline
Self-discipline is when your conscience tells you to do something and you don't
talk back. ~ W.K. Hope
Scripture:
For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love and of self-discipline. 2 Timothy 1:7 (New International Version)
Self-discipline refers to the training that one gives one's self to accomplish a certain task or to adopt a particular pattern of behaviour, even though one would really rather be doing something else. For example, denying oneself of an extravagant pleasure in order to accomplish a more demanding charitable deed. Thus, self-discipline is the assertion of willpower over more base desires, and is usually understood to be a synonym of 'self control'.
As a writer, I am often asked; how do you find time to write? My standard answer is that I make time. I have disciplined myself to make time to do what it is I need to do to accomplish my dreams. Writing is important to me and when we realize those things in our lives that matter most to us, we will do whatever is necessary to accomplish them.
I have also realized that being a Christian also takes self-discipline. It is so easy to take for granted our relationship with God. We can always find time to do everything else in our lives so why do we find it so hard to spend time with God?
When things are going well in our lives, we tend to want to put God on the back burner. Then we things start going awry, we panic because we have neglected to keep Him in the forefront of all that we do. When we make it a habit to do those things in our lives that are important, we learn to listen to our conscience and not talk back.
When we get in the habit of having a daily talk with God, He will become all the conscious you need.
Be Blessed
Prayer:
Father, help us to guard our minds this and every day. When we grow weak and tired, allow a small wind, Your breath of life, to gently caress our faces, letting us know that You are right there with us. When we grow weary and almost faint, let the bread of life and the living waters, Your word, revitalize us. Father, even in our storms, we must always remember to stop and give You thanks. Even when life is assailing us, we must stop and praise Your name. Even when it seems like we don't have the strength to go a step further, we must muster the strength to uplift and exalt Your most holy name. My Lord, help us always to be mindful and protect our thoughts from the one who seeks to destroy us. Help us to remember to always guard our hearts and minds from those things that are not of You. Father, continue to be with those who are in the hospital, who are ill, who are grieving, who are faced with the challenges of the world. Father God I say a special prayer for my friends who are mothers. Strengthen them and give them what they need to protect their greatest gifts, their children. Lord, we realize that satan is out to destroy our families. We come standing in the gap and standing on Your word. We claim our children in the name of Jesus. We plead the blood of the Lamb over our babies and we refuse to give up on them. We ask and pray these things in the name of Your son, Jesus Christ. Amen.
Scripture:
For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love and of self-discipline. 2 Timothy 1:7 (New International Version)
Self-discipline refers to the training that one gives one's self to accomplish a certain task or to adopt a particular pattern of behaviour, even though one would really rather be doing something else. For example, denying oneself of an extravagant pleasure in order to accomplish a more demanding charitable deed. Thus, self-discipline is the assertion of willpower over more base desires, and is usually understood to be a synonym of 'self control'.
As a writer, I am often asked; how do you find time to write? My standard answer is that I make time. I have disciplined myself to make time to do what it is I need to do to accomplish my dreams. Writing is important to me and when we realize those things in our lives that matter most to us, we will do whatever is necessary to accomplish them.
I have also realized that being a Christian also takes self-discipline. It is so easy to take for granted our relationship with God. We can always find time to do everything else in our lives so why do we find it so hard to spend time with God?
When things are going well in our lives, we tend to want to put God on the back burner. Then we things start going awry, we panic because we have neglected to keep Him in the forefront of all that we do. When we make it a habit to do those things in our lives that are important, we learn to listen to our conscience and not talk back.
When we get in the habit of having a daily talk with God, He will become all the conscious you need.
Be Blessed
Prayer:
Father, help us to guard our minds this and every day. When we grow weak and tired, allow a small wind, Your breath of life, to gently caress our faces, letting us know that You are right there with us. When we grow weary and almost faint, let the bread of life and the living waters, Your word, revitalize us. Father, even in our storms, we must always remember to stop and give You thanks. Even when life is assailing us, we must stop and praise Your name. Even when it seems like we don't have the strength to go a step further, we must muster the strength to uplift and exalt Your most holy name. My Lord, help us always to be mindful and protect our thoughts from the one who seeks to destroy us. Help us to remember to always guard our hearts and minds from those things that are not of You. Father, continue to be with those who are in the hospital, who are ill, who are grieving, who are faced with the challenges of the world. Father God I say a special prayer for my friends who are mothers. Strengthen them and give them what they need to protect their greatest gifts, their children. Lord, we realize that satan is out to destroy our families. We come standing in the gap and standing on Your word. We claim our children in the name of Jesus. We plead the blood of the Lamb over our babies and we refuse to give up on them. We ask and pray these things in the name of Your son, Jesus Christ. Amen.
