Well, my fasting and prayer is almost over and to be honest I did not do so great. Yes, I stayed off Facebook for the whole 21 days, but the praying part was really hard. I was signed up to pray from 11pm-Midnight every night. Well that did not work well for me, so I changed my time to 5am-6am; which I did for the most part. I think I missed a total of 5 days where I just choose not to pray. I slept instead or one morning I got up to pray and Luke and Abby decide to wake up early that morning. I did feel that when I was praying in the evening time my prayers were more powerful and heartfelt. When I switched to the morning something changed int he way I was praying. I felt distracted and was praying while doing other things (IE: showering, laundry, cleaning). When I was praying in the evening time, I was focused and determined. However, I did learn a lot through this time. I learned that I am still a work in progress. God is working on me and I am changing, but I never claimed to be perfect. That is what I love about my God. He is such a gentle Father. Always changing and correcting me, but allowing me to grow at my own pace. Never pushing me, just slight nudges along the way. His mercy and grace are far more then I could ever imagine.
God really showed up during this time and revealed some truths to me. He showed me where improvements need to be made and he lead me to where I can work on them. I am connected and planted where I need to be. So now I just resist the enemy and continue on my journey with my hear held high!
Sunday, January 30, 2011
Friday, January 28, 2011
I AM GOD!
Did you know that Moses stuttered. (Exodus 6:30 And Moses answered, "Look at me. I stutter. Why would Pharaoh listen to me?") A man who freed God's people from Egypt had a stuttering problem. A man who stood before a King and brought God's word stuttered! God, used him anyway; through his brother Aaron. I love what God says to Moses here: Exodus 6:6-8 "I am GOD. I will bring you out from under the cruel hard labor of Egypt. I will rescue you from slavery. I will redeem you, intervening with great acts of judgment. I'll take you as my own people and I'll be God to you. You'll know that I am GOD, your God who brings you out from under the cruel hard labor of Egypt. I'll bring you into the land that I promised to give Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob and give it to you as your own country. I AM GOD."
I AM GOD! What a powerful message. As I continue my journey through 21 days of fasting and prayer I am truely amazed by our God. He continues to stay true to his promises. He did not let Moses down, he did not let the Egyptians down, and I know he will not let me down. If he can use a man who stuttered to bring his word, then why couldn't he use me.
Lord, today I want to bring your word. I want to free my family from the grasp of the Devil and set them free. Use me Lord to save them. Use me to minister to them that "I AM GOD" is the master of our home. Thank you Lord for the changes that have already started and will continue. Lord, I pray that I can continue to have faith even as small as a mustard seed to endure the changes that you have set forth. Lord, I pray that my family has the strength to endure these changes as well. I love you Lord and I am ready to conquer! AMEN
I AM GOD! What a powerful message. As I continue my journey through 21 days of fasting and prayer I am truely amazed by our God. He continues to stay true to his promises. He did not let Moses down, he did not let the Egyptians down, and I know he will not let me down. If he can use a man who stuttered to bring his word, then why couldn't he use me.
Lord, today I want to bring your word. I want to free my family from the grasp of the Devil and set them free. Use me Lord to save them. Use me to minister to them that "I AM GOD" is the master of our home. Thank you Lord for the changes that have already started and will continue. Lord, I pray that I can continue to have faith even as small as a mustard seed to endure the changes that you have set forth. Lord, I pray that my family has the strength to endure these changes as well. I love you Lord and I am ready to conquer! AMEN
Monday, January 24, 2011
Vulnerable
How is it that God knows exactly what you need to hear each day. Again I find myself in awe of his works. As I read my bible readings today; I learned about Vision and then I turned to my daily devotional for more and found this!:
"The LORD spoke to Moses, saying, 'Command the sons of Israel and say to them, "When you enter the land of Canaan, this is the land that shall fall to you as an inheritance, even the land of Canaan.'"" - Numbers 34:1-2 NASB
The Israelites didn't really know what to expect. They were about to enter the Promised Land, and they certainly had questions.
Today, we know that this land was a major crossroads of the ancient world, a land coveted by kings and kingdoms, the site of mighty battles. It constantly was crisscrossed by caravans and thieves. It was the highway for Hittites and Egyptians (and later, Assyrians and Babylonians, Greeks and Romans, Persians and Parthians).
Why would God put His people in a place where they would face so many possible enemies and problems? In fact, He placed them where they would be constantly vulnerable. Why? So they would need to depend on Him, because they could not succeed without Him.
This is an important picture for all of us to see. It can be easy to imagine how we might want to be freed from problems. Some, in fact, seek isolation from the world on remote islands. Others seek refuge in dense forests or high in the mountains. Some seek escape in places that seem far from turmoil and tension.
But God wants us to realize we never can find absolute security in this world. Full security can only be found in Him. Paul said we experience the greatest peace when we're in the center of God's will, trusting Him completely. It's when we are the weakest that we really are the strongest, for then we most trust in God (2 Corinthians 12:10).
Today, recognize that God is the key to everything in your life-your success, your peace, your relationships, and your security. Don't place your faith in governments or armies, money or jobs. Trust in Him and Him alone.
Prayer
Father, I recognize that I am nothing without You. I need You! Direct my steps. Guide me. Use me. I trust my life to You. In Jesus' name. Amen.
Extended Reading
Numbers 34
I just cannot get enough of what God is doing in my life right now. I spend an hour with him each day and it is just not enough. I find myself wanting and needing more! I am so thankful that he is with me all day long! But, what I need to work on is rememebering to put him first in all I do! Lord, help me to remain vulnerable throughout the day, so that I may hear your voice and know the steps you have planned for me. Thank you Lord, for guiding me and leading me in the right direction!
"The LORD spoke to Moses, saying, 'Command the sons of Israel and say to them, "When you enter the land of Canaan, this is the land that shall fall to you as an inheritance, even the land of Canaan.'"" - Numbers 34:1-2 NASB
The Israelites didn't really know what to expect. They were about to enter the Promised Land, and they certainly had questions.
Today, we know that this land was a major crossroads of the ancient world, a land coveted by kings and kingdoms, the site of mighty battles. It constantly was crisscrossed by caravans and thieves. It was the highway for Hittites and Egyptians (and later, Assyrians and Babylonians, Greeks and Romans, Persians and Parthians).
Why would God put His people in a place where they would face so many possible enemies and problems? In fact, He placed them where they would be constantly vulnerable. Why? So they would need to depend on Him, because they could not succeed without Him.
This is an important picture for all of us to see. It can be easy to imagine how we might want to be freed from problems. Some, in fact, seek isolation from the world on remote islands. Others seek refuge in dense forests or high in the mountains. Some seek escape in places that seem far from turmoil and tension.
But God wants us to realize we never can find absolute security in this world. Full security can only be found in Him. Paul said we experience the greatest peace when we're in the center of God's will, trusting Him completely. It's when we are the weakest that we really are the strongest, for then we most trust in God (2 Corinthians 12:10).
Today, recognize that God is the key to everything in your life-your success, your peace, your relationships, and your security. Don't place your faith in governments or armies, money or jobs. Trust in Him and Him alone.
Prayer
Father, I recognize that I am nothing without You. I need You! Direct my steps. Guide me. Use me. I trust my life to You. In Jesus' name. Amen.
Extended Reading
Numbers 34
I just cannot get enough of what God is doing in my life right now. I spend an hour with him each day and it is just not enough. I find myself wanting and needing more! I am so thankful that he is with me all day long! But, what I need to work on is rememebering to put him first in all I do! Lord, help me to remain vulnerable throughout the day, so that I may hear your voice and know the steps you have planned for me. Thank you Lord, for guiding me and leading me in the right direction!
Monday, January 17, 2011
Your Best
This Devotional I found today was so fitting I couldn't help but share it. You see I have been fasting and praying for the past 8 days and one theme that keeps coming up is summarized in this devotional. I want to live by this devotional and give my best in all I do!
Your Best
1/17/2011
"Out of all your gifts you shall present every offering due to the LORD, from all the best of them, the sacred part from them." - Numbers 18:29 NASB
Offerings are important to God. Why? Because they represent the attitude of our hearts. They reveal our real priorities and prove what's really important to us. They are opportunities to recognize how much we owe Him and give to Him from what He's given us.
Offerings also are opportunities to demonstrate the degree to which we believe God and are willing to obey Him and do things His way.
The Bible describes various kinds of offerings. Each offering includes its own requirements and procedures, what it symbolized and was meant to achieve. However, in every situation, each person was to give God their best.
This is why the Law is filled with instructions to bring the best offering-and warnings about bringing anything substandard. The people were warned, "If there is a defect in it, if it is lame or blind or has any serious defect, you shall not sacrifice it to the LORD your God" (Deuteronomy 15:21 NKJV). Again, God was trying to teach them this principle: He demands our very best.
We see this same commitment when Jesus turned water into wine: When the master tasted it, he remarked how unusual it was that this very best wine had been saved for last (John 2:10).
God is a God of the best! He gave us His best when He sent Jesus to die for us (Romans 8:32).
Today, remember to show God your commitment to Him by giving Him your best in the work you do and how you invest your time, talent, and treasure. Be faithful in what you do with the resources He's given you. Dedicate yourself to doing everything as unto Him. Serve Him with excellence, passion, and zeal. Always do your best. Always give Him your best.
Prayer
Father, You are more important to me than anything else in the world. I will give You my best. I make my life a living sacrifice. In Jesus' name. Amen.
Extended Reading
Numbers 18
Your Best
1/17/2011
"Out of all your gifts you shall present every offering due to the LORD, from all the best of them, the sacred part from them." - Numbers 18:29 NASB
Offerings are important to God. Why? Because they represent the attitude of our hearts. They reveal our real priorities and prove what's really important to us. They are opportunities to recognize how much we owe Him and give to Him from what He's given us.
Offerings also are opportunities to demonstrate the degree to which we believe God and are willing to obey Him and do things His way.
The Bible describes various kinds of offerings. Each offering includes its own requirements and procedures, what it symbolized and was meant to achieve. However, in every situation, each person was to give God their best.
This is why the Law is filled with instructions to bring the best offering-and warnings about bringing anything substandard. The people were warned, "If there is a defect in it, if it is lame or blind or has any serious defect, you shall not sacrifice it to the LORD your God" (Deuteronomy 15:21 NKJV). Again, God was trying to teach them this principle: He demands our very best.
We see this same commitment when Jesus turned water into wine: When the master tasted it, he remarked how unusual it was that this very best wine had been saved for last (John 2:10).
God is a God of the best! He gave us His best when He sent Jesus to die for us (Romans 8:32).
Today, remember to show God your commitment to Him by giving Him your best in the work you do and how you invest your time, talent, and treasure. Be faithful in what you do with the resources He's given you. Dedicate yourself to doing everything as unto Him. Serve Him with excellence, passion, and zeal. Always do your best. Always give Him your best.
Prayer
Father, You are more important to me than anything else in the world. I will give You my best. I make my life a living sacrifice. In Jesus' name. Amen.
Extended Reading
Numbers 18
Saturday, January 1, 2011
New Year New You
I really want a makeover. A full makeover, mind, body and soul. To start, I am making a resolution to read my bible everyday. I am not going to stress about reading the whole bible in a year, I am just going to read a little bit each day. Iam also doing 21 days of fasting and prayer starting Jan. 10th. I am refocusing my direction in life onto my family. I am going to spend more time with my kids and my husband and less time on the computer. This is going to be very hard for me, because I hide behind my computer often! It is my escape from reality, but I have to stop that! I need to face reality and refocus myself. I am also hoping that around tax time I can get a drastic body makeover. I am ready for a new look. I am talking America's Top Model Makeover or Extreme Makeover. I want a complete new look, clothes, hair, makeup everything! I have lost so much weight that none of my clothes fit me right anymore. This was not an intentional weight loss; it was stress related. I cannot gain the weight back, so I need new clothes. Beside some of the clothes I still wear are maternity clothes and that is just not ok! So here is to a New Me! HAPPY NEW YEAR TO ALL!
Sunday, September 26, 2010
Fall Fever
I LOVE FALL! I love to bake and get ready for the holidays. I started early this year and made a turkey dinner yesterday. Then today I made homemade turkey potpies with the left overs! I am looking forward to making cupcakes and cookies and pies! I want to go to Apple Hill so bad I can taste the apple fritters. I am ready for Halloween, Thanksgiving and Christmas. Bring on the trick or treating and Harvest Festivals, bring on the turkeys and pumpkin patches, and most of all bring on hot chocolate and candy canes! Oh and I forgot the candy corn. I had a taste of one today and want more! I want to dress my babies up in cute little costumes and hang my stockings up. I want to decorate my tree and sing carols. Yes I know that is not what the holidays are all about don't get me wrong. I love the togetherness of it all too! Family time and sharing! I am ready!
Wednesday, September 1, 2010
A Season of Change: All or Nothing
Today, I was thinking about the significance of this season of change; Fall! The leaves are changing color and they will soon fall off the trees. I kept thinking that not only are things changing in nature, but also in the supernatural.
Last night I attended a meeting at our church, specifically to receive prayer over the launch of Saturday night services. Since I am a Children's Church Leader, I have to step up and demonstrate a new sense of leadership. This has been challenging for me; I already teach two Sundays a month. I will now be teaching a total of four times a month. However, I know that God is moving me in this direction for a reason and I am obeying him! During the meeting last night, GOD kept speaking the words to me, "All of nothing." You see I have been luke warm in my walk with God lately, and I have also been struggling with thoughts of giving up one of the classes I teach. Well, last night I decided that I am all in; ALL OR NOTHING.
I really believe that a whole new change is coming. I believe that people are going to step up where they never thought they would. I believe that youth are going to mature into leadership positions. A new generation of Impact is going to arise. I believe and receive the word that was spoken over me last night about a whole new level of confidence. I know that I have, "the right stuff!" I know that I am more then capable of accomplishing God's plan for my life. I am claiming favor over my children and my husband. I am taking a new position of leadership and taking another step towards God's perfect will for my life. I am renewing my spirit and my mind. I am ALL IN! I am ready for this new season of Change!
Last night I attended a meeting at our church, specifically to receive prayer over the launch of Saturday night services. Since I am a Children's Church Leader, I have to step up and demonstrate a new sense of leadership. This has been challenging for me; I already teach two Sundays a month. I will now be teaching a total of four times a month. However, I know that God is moving me in this direction for a reason and I am obeying him! During the meeting last night, GOD kept speaking the words to me, "All of nothing." You see I have been luke warm in my walk with God lately, and I have also been struggling with thoughts of giving up one of the classes I teach. Well, last night I decided that I am all in; ALL OR NOTHING.
I really believe that a whole new change is coming. I believe that people are going to step up where they never thought they would. I believe that youth are going to mature into leadership positions. A new generation of Impact is going to arise. I believe and receive the word that was spoken over me last night about a whole new level of confidence. I know that I have, "the right stuff!" I know that I am more then capable of accomplishing God's plan for my life. I am claiming favor over my children and my husband. I am taking a new position of leadership and taking another step towards God's perfect will for my life. I am renewing my spirit and my mind. I am ALL IN! I am ready for this new season of Change!
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