Prayer for today...

“The LORD is my shepherd, I shall not be in want. He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, he restores my soul...”

(Psalm 23:1–3, ESV)

Father, thank You for what you are continuously doing today and the days ahead. Leading me into a place of rest. Today I surrender my brokenness to You and open my heart to receive Your healing so You can restore my soul in Jesus’ name. Amen.

Healing to your heart and restoration to your soul...

He Collects Your Tears

TODAY’S SCRIPTURE

“You keep track of all my sorrows. You have collected all my tears in your bottle. You have recorded each one in your book.”

(Psalm 56:8, NLT)

Do you know how important you are to God? He cares so much about every detail of your life. He cares about your thoughts, feelings and emotions. In fact, what you are going through is so important to Him that He records every sorrow and collects the tears you’ve shed.

Why would God record your sorrows and collect your tears? Because everything that affects you matters to Him. He is your Vindicator. He’s keeping an account of every wrong that’s ever been done to you so that He can make up for every single one of them. He wants to restore to you everything that has ever been stolen. He wants to heal every hurt and pain.

Today, know that God cares about the things that concern you. He cares about the things that hurt you. He is close to the brokenhearted, and He wants to bring you peace and comfort. Turn to Him and receive His love. Let Him bring healing to your heart and restoration to your soul.

PRAYER FOR TODAY

Father, thank You for loving me and for caring about the things that concern me. I choose to give You every hurt, pain and sorrow, knowing that You will make all things new in Your time in Jesus’ name. Amen.

If God saw these wounds...

Like a Phoenix (Part 1)

December 18th, 2012 Clinton Tedja

“But he was wounded for our transgressions; he was crushed for our iniquities; upon him was the chastisement that brought us peace, and with his stripes we are healed.” Isaiah 53:5

We all grow up carrying some sort of wound from the fall. Wounds…lies that were told, dreams that died, accidents that happened, mistakes made, the hurts from others. Every person carries some sort of wound.

When a baby is taking their first steps, what does the parent usually do? He excitedly gathers the family around, whips out the video camera, and cheers his beloved child on…even though they’re falling over every two steps. “Woohoo! My baby’s walking! My baby’s walking!”

But sometimes, we have this image of God the Father as one who frowns down at us, “Oh, stupid baby. Can’t believe you just fell again. Get out of my house, and don’t come back until you learn how to walk properly.” It sounds ridiculous, doesn’t it?

The world will tell us to hide our wounds and never reveal them – not even to God. We think, ”If God saw these wounds, He would know I’m imperfect.” But in our weakness, God is made strong. In our wounds, God’s healing is made strong if we’d only let Him heal us.

And God the Father tells us, ”It’s OK that you fell. It’s OK that you’re hurt. Let me tend to your wounds. Woohoo! My baby’s walking.”

Prayer:

Loving Father, I ask that you would show me if there are areas in my heart where I still have wounds from the fall. Help me to no longer dwell on them or bottle them inside. Would you heal me, free me and teach me to rise when I fall? Amen.

Where was God?...Mike Huckabee

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MR39j1KMOsE

Don’t spend time focusing on where you’ve been; spend time focusing on where you’re going.

Forget the Former Things

TODAY’S SCRIPTURE

“Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past.”

(Isaiah 43:18, NIV)

Too often, people spend so much time and energy dwelling on the past, dwelling on mistakes, or dwelling on disappointments. They don’t even realize that their focus is keeping them from moving forward in life. But in order to fully experience God’s blessings, you have to let go of those past hurts; you have to forget the former things to make room for the new.

God has a new beginning in store for you, and the way you prepare for it is by getting rid of the old. Don’t spend time focusing on where you’ve been; spend time focusing on where you’re going. When you “forget the former things,” it means you’re not worried about the past anymore. You don’t allow it to dictate your future. You may remember past events, but you don’t feel the pain like you used to. You’ve opened your heart to receive God’s healing. Begin today by declaring that your past is over! Forget the former things and receive the restoration and victory God has in store for you!

PRAYER FOR TODAY

Father, thank You for the life of blessing and victory You have prepared for me. I choose to forget the past. I choose to forgive. I choose to open my heart to You and receive everything You have in store for me in Jesus’ name. Amen.

Verse of the day...

Psalm 133

A song of ascents. Of David.

¹ How good and pleasant it is
    when God’s people live together in unity!

Advent Week 2: The Candle of Joy

December 9th, 2012  by Gail Rodgers

Keep learning! Take the second lesson in our advent series: Emmanuel, God with us.

“For unto us a child is born …and He will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” (Isaiah 9:6 & 7)

As I re-juggled my “to do” list of Christmas preparations my thoughts bounced around the changes that have come and how Christmas will be somewhat different this year. Changes…good changes, challenging changes, hard changes…the interesting mosaic of life. It’s different for all of us, yet we all share in that changing landscape of life. Sometimes finding joy in the changes is easy…sometimes very challenging.

As I pondered the changes in my life, and in our world, I thought about Christmas and the birth of Baby Jesus. Sometimes that manger scene seems so irrelevant and so far removed from day to day life. Yet an old verse in the Bible brought freshness to my soul this week as I pondered how the Baby Jesus impacts my life today. It truly gives new cause for joy. Listen…

“For unto us a child is born …and He will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” (Isaiah 9:6 & 7)

Any need you have in life and in the changing landscape of your mosaic can be answered by this Jesus. If you need wisdom or strength He will be your Counselor; if you need a mountain moved, He is your Mighty God. If you need comfort, forgiveness and gentle healing, He is your everlasting Father; and if your heart is anxious and troubled He will be Peace to you. Jesus….our rock and our hope! Jesus … our cause for joy!

Let your heart pause with thankfulness as you prepare for Christmas. Look at the manger scene with the fresh wonder of all He is to you. Let joy seep into the changes of your life. No need, no change that you face will not be encompassed by all He is so much more than just a baby! Invite Him into your changes! Let joy fill your soul.

Prayer & reflection

Heavenly Father,

Fill my heart with the fresh wonder of what that first Christmas means for me… today. Thank you that today or in the future, any need I have can be encompassed by You, Jesus. Let joy flood into my soul as I lean on You to be my Wonderful Counselor, my Mighty God, my Everlasting Father and my Prince of Peace! Help me to look with expectation to what You will do in my life… and fill me with Your joy!  In Jesus name I pray, Amen.

Question: Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace – which of the names of God do you most relate to today? Which one do you need more of in your life?

Prayer for our US Military

Lord, I ask for a special blessing for our military men and women today and the days to come.  Put your hand of mercy on those about to deploy this month.  Bless them with peace, discernment, courage, wisdom, strength, and send your angels before them.  Hide them behind the cross.  Make it so that the enemy falters and fails in their tactics to pursue our military.  Place a hand of healing and a hedge of protection around each soldier, troops, airmen, military leaders, their vehicles, the bases, living quarters, and each while working during all hours of the day and night to protect the innocent.  Thank you for Lord for the USA and the freedoms we have because of these who are willing to sacrifice themselves for our country.  God bless the USA and those protecting her from the enemy.  Give us all the strength, courage, and wisdom to be salt and light to this dark world.

In Jesus name I do pray, AMEN!

  

Morning Prayer

Father thank you for a new day in you.   A new day of knowing and understanding your word.   Father thank you for you are so good and your grace is all sufficient for our lives.   Lord Jesus today we ask that you flow to us and flow through us.   Let our lives be vessels used by you today.    Use us through our testimonies.   Use us to impart faith.    Use us  to express your goodness, grace, and glory to those around us.    Father use us. 

  

Thank you Lord Jesus for meeting all of our needs today.  Thank you for healing our bodies and increasing our joy.   For we know that your joy Lord Jesus is our strength.   Father thank you for your word being alive in us today.    Let our lives reflect who you are Lord Jesus.   Do what only you can do now.   Our faith, our trust, and our reliance is totally in you Father.   Do what only you can in Jesus name we do pray.   Amen.   

Proud mom of her #1 Airmen.

 

The Journey of Preparation

TODAY’S SCRIPTURE

“A man’s heart plans his way, but the Lord directs his steps.” (Proverbs 16:9, NKJV)

Oftentimes, God will use our experiences in life as stepping stones to prepare us for what He has in store next. Scripture tells us that He’ll even take the things the enemy tries to bring against us and turn them around and use them for our good. He is always leading us on a journey of preparation.

That’s why it’s so important to keep our eyes focused on Him. We have to trust that when we are submitted to Him — even if we don’t understand — He is ordering our steps. If something is not happening on your timetable, remind yourself, “God knows what He is doing. He has my best interest at heart. God is preparing me.” While you’re waiting, don’t make the mistake of trying to figure everything out. If you’re constantly trying to figure things out, that will only frustrate you. Turn it over to God. Declare, “God, my times are in Your hands. I’m not going to worry because I trust that You are leading me on a journey of preparation for all the wonderful blessings You have in store for me.”

PRAYER FOR TODAY

Father, thank You for Your goodness and faithfulness in my life. I trust that You are leading and guiding me. I trust that You are preparing me for all the wonderful blessings You have in store for me in Jesus’ name. Amen.

practical living: pottery barn console table

practical living: pottery barn console table: Pottery Barn always seems to get it right. Check out this transitional console table that is 84" long! Great for long narrow hallways - so ...

Don't miss an opportunity to share something so wonderful...I just did

Why were the Wise Men so Wise?

December 3rd, 2012 Rev. Daniel Forster

“Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold, wise men from the east came to Jerusalem, saying, ‘Where is he who has been born king of the Jews? For we saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him.’” (Matthew 2:1-2, ESV)

If you ask folks why the wise men were so wise, you’ll be in for quite a surprise at the various answers you receive. One thing we know for sure is they were astrologers. (Matthew 2:1, AMP) I find this quite interesting because they were not what we would call “religious men” yet they left their comfortable lives and traveled a long and dangerous distance in search of the king whose star they saw (vs. 2).

They were also wise enough to know be familiar with the Old Testament and know that the star meant Jesus was titled the king of the Jews in scripture. (Numbers 24:7; Jeremiah 23:5) After hearing from God in their dreams these wise men were wise enough not to return to Herod for he was not to be trusted (vs. 12).

“After this interview the wise men went their way. And the star they had seen in the east guided them to Bethlehem. It went ahead of them and stopped over the place where the child was. When they saw the star, they were filled with joy! They entered the house and saw the child with his mother, Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him. Then they opened their treasure chests and gave him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh.” (Matthew 2:9-11, NLT)

The wise men were wealthy enough to make the journey and bring expensive gifts and were connected enough to speak to King Herod. However, when they saw Jesus they did not even hesitate to bow down and worship and present their gifts.

These men did not doubt that they had followed the star wrong (vs. 11). They had faith in God’s Spirit to lead them to the right place. These men were not distracted by these worldly circumstances because they had their eyes on Jesus! Now that is wise.

Lord, this Christmas help me to be more like the wise men. I pray that I wouldn’t focus on my worldly circumstances but that I focus on You. I want to seek You with all of my heart, soul, and mind. Amen.

Promotion Comes from the Lord

TODAY’S SCRIPTURE

“For not from the east nor from the west nor from the south come promotion and lifting up. But God is the Judge! He puts down one and lifts up another.”

(Psalm 75:6–7, AMP)

Have you ever noticed that people tend to act differently around those they think can do something for them — people who appear to have status, wealth or influence in life? I believe that the way we treat people is a test. At times, God will bring people across your path that may seem insignificant. They may not appear to be able to do anything for you, but in reality, they are divinely linked to your destiny. They hold the key to your promotion and increase. Will you treat them with respect and honor even if you think they can’t do anything for you?

The truth is that the people we’re playing up to or trying to win their favor may be the ones that open a door for us, but they don’t hold the key to our destiny. Promotion doesn’t come from them. Promotion comes from God. And, God will use the most unlikely people to open doors of opportunity for you — a hotel bellman, a maid, an intern, or an unpopular kid at school. Let’s pass the test and treat everyone like Jesus put them in our path because He probably did. Remember, God is watching and promotion comes from Him.

PRAYER FOR TODAY

Father, thank You for promotion. Thank You for ordering my steps and leading me on the right path. Today I choose to honor and respect everyone, and in turn, I choose to honor You in Jesus’ name. Amen.