EMBRACE THE R

PRAYER JOURNAL 2/27/19

Ephesians 6:10-11 Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. 11 Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.

While writing a blog, I mistyped and FRIEND became FIEND because I missed typing the R. Losing the R can get us into all kinds of trouble; consider this...

Satan may come to you pretending to be your FRIEND but don’t allow him in your inner circle….look a little closer, he is missing an “R.” SATAN IS A FIEND!

Satan doesn’t want a RELATIONSHIP with you, his plan is to drop the “R” and draw you into an ELATIONSHIP! An “ELATIONSHIP” gives you a momentary high before the big letdown.

An ELATIONSHIP is selfish; while Satan has you drunk with elation, he will steal everything he desires then leave you empty and broken. 

An ELATIONSHIP is riddled with empty promises; promises of fame, fortune, fun and bright lights but as the light fades, we realize the promises were really an entryway to the road leading to destruction. 

An ELATIONSHIP is unfulfilling, unsatisfying and unrewarding….the end, thereof is death. Satan doesn’t want a RELATIONSHIP with you; he is a FIEND.

JOHN 15:13 GREATER LOVE HAS NO ONE THAN THIS, THAN TO LAY DOWN ONE’S LIFE FOR HIS FRIENDS.

Jesus is your FRIEND…He embraces the R…He is the RESURRECTION. It is through Jesus we have eternal life.

Jesus is the REVELATION OF GOD, because of Him, we can know and see God.

Jesus is TRUTH; His REALITY promises RESTORATION; a new life. He is the Light in the Darkness; He fills the empty with His Spirit. He promises to NEVER leave you broken, wounded and hopeless.

He has even provided for you with “After-life Insurance.” A special place just for you, with Him because Jesus is your FRIEND and desires a RELATIONSHIP with you; to give you lasting JOY....not an ELATIONSHIP of temporary PLEASURE.

Look to Jesus; He is Faithful and always your FRIEND.

A CULTURE OF LIFE

PRAYER JOURNAL 2/26/19

Matthew 19:14 But Jesus said, “Let the little children come to Me and do not forbid them; for of such is the Kingdom of Heaven.”

I have deliberately stayed away from most political face book conversation over the past couple of years because not only has it become so divisive, but it doesn’t fit into the writing that God has called me to produce.  There are times, however, when an issue becomes so far over the top of truth and decency that God’s people must speak.

I have never supported or voted for a Democrat Candidate because there has been very little with which I could agree.  In my opinion their approach is wrong on just about every issue, economics, security, health care, education and family values.  Until recently, however, I was content to just live my life, believe the Word of God and let others muddle along in their wrong thinking…that is until the Democrat Party decided to embrace a CULTURE OF DEATH.

Actually the CULTURE OF DEATH is not a 21^st Century phenomenon nor did it begin in 1973 with the passage of Roe v. Wade, it began in a garden with the first woman and demonic thinking.  The moment Eve allowed the voice of the serpent to invade her thinking; the CULTURE OF DEATH was birthed.

Now God made a way that we could defeat the Curse of Death but Satan has been determined since that time to thwart every effort toward Redemption.  And in Satan’s mind, his greatest success story is his attempt to destroy mankind through convincing men and women to kill their own children. 

THINK ABOUT IT…REDEMPTION WOULD COME THROUGH THE SEED OF A WOMAN AND IF WOMAN CAN BE CONVINCED TO DESTROY THE PREBORN LIFE WITHIN HER, THE PROMISED REDEEMER WOULD NEVER BE BORN AND MANKIND WOULD CEASE TO EXIST.

Satan attempted the mass annihilation of children through the command of an Egyptian Pharaoh, but a Deliverer was preserved.  He convinced the heathen worshipers to sacrifice their children to the fires of Moloch but that didn’t rid the earth of people that continued to look for the “Seed of the Woman” Redeemer.  Then Jesus was born, could this be the one that would win the final victory?  Satan attempted to eliminate that possibility through evil King Herod but Jesus was taken safely away to Egypt and the plan was preserved until it was finished at Calvary.  AND NOW…MAYBE JUST MAYBE…If mother’s kill their babies before they ever breathe…there is still a chance that the Redemption Plan can die also.

I could not comprehend why the Democrat Party had come to hate preborn children so much and had become such an advocate for destroying life, until I considered the source of such evil…Satan, himself.  So you see the Pro-Choice Movement which has been completely embraced and incorporated into the Democrat Party is not only wrong thinking it is straight from THE PIT OF HELL! 

Now the Pro-Choice Platform has been ramped up to the next level.  Abortion is not just allowed up to the moment just prior to birth, but the Senate of the United States just passed a bill that refuses to acknowledge that a baby born alive because of a “botched” abortion has a right to LIFE, LIBERTY AND THE PURSUIT OF HAPPINESS as set forth in the U. S. Constitution.  Because the intent of the mother and the doctor was to destroy life, the life of the just born child is not acknowledged and can legally be terminated.

HAVE WE GONE MAD!!!!

YES!!!  Not only has a political party of the United States embraced a Satanic Doctrine but it has just called the judgment of a Righteous God down upon a country that was founded 243 years ago on the premise that “All Men are created equal and that they are endowed by their CREATOR with certain unalienable rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness.”

We must GET ON OUR KNEES; we must REPENT; we must PRAY FOR MERCY; we must SPEAK OUT; we must HELP THESE YOUNG MOTHERS and we must VOTE FOR PRO-LIFE CANDIDATES.

We hold the life of these babies in our hands; if we complacently ignore our government’s rulings, we have become a PARTNER IN THE CULTURE OF DEATH. 

WE MUST BE THE VOICE FOR THOSE WHO HAVE BEEN SILENCED.

FIND A WAY…GET INVOLVED…SUPPORT A CULTURE OF LIFE!

RIGHT WITH GOD

PRAYER JOURNAL 2/22/19

1 Peter 1:15 But as He who called you is Holy, you also be Holy in all your conduct.

There was a time when people were honest and did the right thing because they had a moral compass and wanted to be pleasing to God. It seems that today, the moral compass has been replaced by "as long as I don't get caught", "I deserve this," or "as long as no one gets hurt," I will steal my neighbor's gas, change the price tags at Wal-Mart or simply slip it in my purse.   "Morality?" The concept has become a foreign language.

2 Timothy 4:12 Let no one despise your youth, but be an example to the believers, in WORD, in conduct, in love, in spirit, in faith, in purity.

And speaking of LANGUAGE…As a Society our language has become coarser and more base.  As a child, I remember when men wouldn’t use certain words in front of women and children, now the women and children say them to and right along with the men.

It would seem that the lower standards of Society eventually bleed over into the Church.  Follower of Jesus, WORDS MATTER! 

THE “SLANG” OF THE WORLD DOES NOT BELONG IN THE CONVERSATION OF THE BRIDE. 

When we are filled with His Spirit, we speak with a new tongue; a Heavenly Language.  Mixing God’s Language with the Profane Language of the World results in chaos and confusion and no one will understand it. 

DISCIPLINE YOUR TONGUE…Let your words be pure and holy; encouraging and uplifting.  And that includes the “substitute” words that you have allowed to slip in.  You know the words I am talking about that have become a familiar part of vocabulary for some Believers.  If you aren’t sure what they mean, next time one slips out, look it up in the “Urban Dictionary.” 

I MAY NOT BE "COOL" WITH THE WORLD BUT I DESIRE TO BE "RIGHT" WITH GOD.

That also goes for symbols.  Do you really think that substituting symbols for profanity purifies the word. Or that the God who sees and knows the very intent of your heart cannot read symbols?  As Paul told Timothy, WE ARE TO BE EXAMPLES of the miraculous transformation that Jesus Christ brings.

God hasn't changed; He is still holy, He still sees our heart, and observes our choices.  Allow Him to complete the work He has begun and transform us into His image that we may shine His light in an increasingly dark world.

BE AN EXAMPLE

PRAYER JOURNAL 2/25/19

1 Timothy 4:12 Let no one despise your youth but be an example to the believers in word, in conduct, in love, in spirit, in faith, in purity. (NKJV)

I would say that most of us think we are “pretty good” people…just ask us.  Oh we may fake a little humility and say, “I’m not all that” or “I fail often” or “I would never be like them or do that.” 

Luke 18:11:12 The Pharisee stood and prayed thus with himself, “God, I thank you that I am not like other men; extortioners, unjust, adulterers or even this tax collector.  I fast twice a week; I give tithes of all that I possess.”

Yes, take some time and listen to your self-justification to your friends and even to God… “I may do…Well at least I don’t…” OR “Can you believe that she said…or did or went?”  And to God…”God I am so thankful you have saved me from being like the sinner next door.  And God about that request I have laid before you, don’t you think you kind of owe me?  After all I pray semi-regular, I went to church last Sunday…braved the ice and snow when many stayed home and I gave $20 to that Missionary that spoke.  That’s right, God, I’ll be looking for that blessing as soon as I get home.”

YEP, WE ALL THINK WE ARE PRETTY GOOD…BUT ARE WE AN EXAMPLE TO BE FOLLOWED?

Look behind you, see the footprints you are leaving; someone is following your trail; trying to fit their fit into your prints and match your stride.  It may be a beloved child, a new convert, a neighbor or a coworker but someone is looking to you as AN EXAMPLE OF A BELIEVER.

Your children may hear you pray before you take your first bite of dinner but what do they hear when you stub your toe or someone cuts you off in traffic or when you’ve just heard a piece of juicy gossip regarding a brother or sister.

Your neighbor may be able to know its Sunday without checking the calendar just by watching you back out of the driveway at 9:30 and head toward church but where do they see you going the other 6 days of the week.

What about the new convert that you prayed with last Sunday?  Have you shown the Love of Jesus this Sunday?  What about Monday or Tuesday?  A phone call, a cup of coffee, a word of encouragement or did you just give them a hug and hand shake during the Sunday “Meet and Greet.”

Or maybe it's your coworker...the one you've been inviting to church. You wonder why they have not yet accepted your persistent invitation...could it be they saw the time card you fudged or heard your complaints about the boss or know about the time you called in sick when you really just wanted an early tee time on a beautiful day.

Now, to God, He is not impressed with your dutiful prayers or Sunday Morning Church attendance or even that $20 you dug out of your wallet...such meagerness, when God calls “giving your body as a living sacrifice” merely reasonable service.  No God adds faith and purity on top of everything else, If you want to be a TRUE EXAMPLE TO THE BELIEVERS.

1 Corinthians 11:1 Be ye followers of me, even as I also am of Christ. (KJV)

How can we hope to achieve such a HIGH STANDARD?  No one would ever MEASURE UP! But there is ONE who DOES MEASURE UP and we can only leave the proper footprints for others to follow if we first step into the footprints left by Jesus Christ.

None of us is “worthy” of being followed but we can all be an EXAMPLE TO THE BELIEVER if they follow us as we follow Christ.

REMEMBER….WE ARE ALL FOLLOWING SOMEONE OR SOMETHING AND WE ALL HAVE SOMEONE FOLLOWING IN OUR FOOTSTEPS…BE AN EXAMPLE!

HIS TRUTH

PRAYER JOURNAL 2/21/19

John 14:6 Jesus said to him, I am the Way, THE TRUTH, and the Life.  No one comes to the Father except through me.

Every generation contributes new words, new “buzz” phrases, a new way at looking at things that have always been.  The usually reflect the trajectory of society; some may be truly enlightened based on new facts and discoveries but sadly, most reflect the hidden desires and lusts of mankind which are no longer hidden but celebrated.

Two such phrases that I am beginning to hear with more frequency are, “YOUR WORD,” such as “you need to READ YOUR WORD” and “YOUR TRUTH,” in “take these facts and APPLY THEM TO “YOUR TRUTH!”

WHAT….The second statement is definitely an oxymoron.

 FACTS ARE TRUTH AND TRUTH IS TRUTH AND IF THEY DON’T AGREE, YOU HAVE A CONTRADICTION AND ONE IS NOT TRUTH OR ONE IS NOT A FACT. 

Now that you are totally confused, let me clarify, there is no YOUR TRUTH and MY TRUTH, there is only THE TRUTH…anything else is just an opinion and if it doesn’t agree with THE TRUTH, your opinion is in ERROR!

Now to the first phrase, “Your Word;” while the intention may be to personalize your daily time of devotions, it is NOT YOUR WORD; IT IS HIS WORD!  In the NKJV, when the Psalmist says in 119:11 YOUR WORD, have I hid in my heart that I might not sin against You, does anyone’s “truth” really interpret that YOUR as personal?  Of course not, it is talking about HIS WORD; the WORD OF GOD!

John 8:32 And you shall know THE TRUTH and THE TRUTH shall make you free.

This verse gets used and abused in varying situations from pulpits, television pundits, parents and the man on the street. But what is Jesus really saying here?  Is it as some define the statement as, “if you know all the facts or if you confess all your secrets or if you just be authentic, you will feel so free?”  NO, NO AND NO!!!! 

READ IT! 

If you read the verse in context with John 8:36 Therefore if the SON makes you free, you shall be free indeed.  A little applied logic could only lead you to the conclusion that THE TRUTH is THE SON and THE SON is JESUS CHRIST, therefore THE TRUTH IS JESUS CHRIST and only KNOWING HIM WILL MAKE YOU FREE!

After deep contemplation, I think my real hang up is with the word “YOUR” or “MY.”  There is no “YOUR” or “MY,” there is only “HIM” and “HIS”…HIS TRUTH; HIS WORD!

THE TRUTH (THE WORD) CAN ONLY BE REVEALED TO A PERSON AFTER THEY COME INTO RELATIONSHIP WITH THE TRUTH (JESUS CHRIST).

In conclusion if you do not know Jesus Christ you do not KNOW TRUTH.  If His Spirit does not dwell in you, there is NO TRUTH in you.  If you read YOUR WORD, through YOUR VIEWPOINT, according to YOUR INTERPRETATION to affirm YOUR DESIRES…HIS WORD WILL NEVER BE REVEALED TO YOU!

My prayer today is that you and I will continue to be SEEKERS OF THE TRUTH!

Proverbs 23:23 Buy the TRUTH and do not sell it, also wisdom, instruction and understanding.

PURE AND UNDEFILED

PRAYER JOURNAL 2/20/19

Titus 1:15 To the pure all things are pure but to those who are defiled and unbelieving nothing is pure; but even their mind and conscience are defiled.

Have you ever “had the best intentions,” yet been misunderstood?  Perhaps you said something that was taken personally, was misconstrued or maybe your words were completely twisted and taken out of context and someone was offended.  It seems we live in a time in which people are seeking offense.

A few days ago 95 year old man, George Mendoza passed away.  If you are one of the few that recognize his name, it is probably because, like me, you were watching the Morning News. George Mendoza was the WWII sailor in the iconic picture of a man on V-J Day, kissing the nurse in Times Square.  A statue in Sarasota, FL commemorates the moment of impulsiveness brought on by the joy and exhilaration felt by all our victorious Military and indeed, across the United States. 

It turns out that the Nurse, later identified as Greta Zimmer, was unknown to George but, though, surprised, was not offended by the kiss, and over the years agreed to meet with George twice in honor of the immortalized V-J Day kiss. 

But the 1940’s have passed and now the celebratory kiss has been misconstrued, taken out of context, twisted into something ugly and someone is offended.  Yes, the “Me Too” movement is offended and the commemorative statue has been defaced in protest.

Over the years, through observation and experience, I have learned that a person will match another person’s motives to their own thoughts and viewpoints.  If one is a liar, they assume that everyone is lying or at least shading the truth.  If a person habitually cheats, the assumption is they are being cheated.  Or if a person has ulterior motives they look for the hidden meaning in everything.

On the flip side, though it may be naïve, an honest person always assumes he/she is being told the truth.  They are often taken advantage of because they trust that everyone has pure motives and what they see is the “way it is.”  Because they are pure, they see all things as pure and fail to see the “seamy” side of anything, until, to their surprise it is pointed out.

It is easy to become cynical in a defiled world, until nothing is pure and we look for the ugly meaning in every word and action.  How can we overcome such a mindset?  How can we trust again?  Can we ever get back to pure motives and seeing just the “good” in creation?

When cynicism tries to overtake me; when I become skeptical and scornful; when a critical attitude becomes my norm, here is a little exercise routine that gets my perspective in the right focus…

Philippians 4:8 Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy – meditate on these things.

I NEED YOU MORE

PRAYER JOURNAL 2/19/19

Psalm 42:1 As the deer pants for the water brooks, so pants my soul for you, Oh God.

This morning I woke with this song running through my head,

♪♪“I need you more, more than yesterday

I need you more than words can say,

I need you more than ever before

I need you Lord, I need you Lord.

More than the air I breathe, more than the song I sing

More than the next heartbeat, more than anything.

And Lord as time goes by, I’ll be by your side

Cause I never want to go back to my old life.” ♪♪

OH HOW I NEED HIM.  I always have but as the pages on the calendar continue to turn and the number of years continues to grow, I realize, I NEED HIM MORE! 

I NOT ONLY NEED HIM MORE; I DESIRE HIM MORE!

He grows sweeter in my life and I crave His Presence.  “My soul pants after You.”  I yearn for those times in prayer, when God is so near, I can literally breathe in the sweet fragrance of His Presence…HE BECOMES THE AIR I BREATHE.

Like a New Song, His Word speaks hope, encouragement, His love, mercy and grace to all my shattered pieces…HE BECOMES THE SONG I SING.

He whispers His love to me and my heart begins to beat in unison with His heart…HE BECOMES MY NEXT HEARTBEAT.

The reality of Jesus, His love, His promises, His guiding hand through the maze of life, His peace in desperate situations, His provision for my needs, His sacrifice for my salvation, His faithfulness for a lifetime fills my world…HE BECOMES MY EVERYTHING.

OH HOW I NEED HIM, OH HOW I LOVE HIM!

ARE YOU WILLING

PRAYER JOURNAL 2/15/19

Matthew 23:37 Oh Jerusalem, Jerusalem, the one who kills the prophets and stones those who are sent to her!  How often I wanted to gather your children together, as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings, but you WERE NOT WILLING!

I prayed, “Dear Lord, touch every heart here today.” We sang, “He is here touching every heart” and it hit me…Jesus is always reaching…HE is always touching but sometimes WE ARE NOT WILLING!

In the congregation that day were men, women and children who needed His touch, but how many were willing?  A man needed deliverance from sin that had him bound; a woman needed answers to deal with a situation that was destroying lives; a child needed to be healed of a serious illness; another needed peace; another salvation, a miracle or just a brand new touch…but only SOME WERE WILLING!

I watched as two men approached the altar.  It was obviously unfamiliar territory and they were not even sure what behavior or action on their part was appropriate but God had touched their hearts…THEY WERE WILLING! 

In another area, a young mother lifted her hands and face to Heaven, tears running down her cheeks as the Touch of God surrounded her…SHE WAS WILLING! 

I saw a young girl lingering at the altar; to her it is a safe place, a place where God touches lives and her life has had a special touch of God on it since she was born…SHE IS NOT ONLY WILLING, SHE SEEKS FOR IT!

God doesn’t only reach to touch hearts on Sunday; He is where you are, touching your heart, today.  He is ready to be in the midst of your situation.  He has a Gift of Healing beautifully packaged just for you.  If you need peace, He has peace. If you need provision; He is your provider.  If you need to be set free, He is your deliverer.  If you need comfort, He is your comforter. Or, if you just need a brand new touch, His arms are ready to embrace you and hold you close.

ARE YOU WILLING?

JESUS IS THE ANSWER

PRAYER JOURNAL 2/14/19

Isaiah 65:24 “It shall come to pass that before they call I will answer.”

As I pray for hurting friends, grieving friends, friends that are traveling, friends that are sick and friends that are in unbelievable situations, I weep…I wish I could fix things…I wish I had the answer.

After 61 years of living life, I have learned a lot of lessons and I have had some questions answered.  In my humble opinion, I am full of wisdom, if people would just listen.  In my humble opinion, I have a lot of answers, if people would just follow my advice.

BUT…

This morning as I pray for answers, for words to comfort and encourage, the questions are left blank and God whispers to my spirit…

“You don’t have to have the answers because I DO!”

Whatever your situation this morning; whatever questions you may have, Jesus has the answer.  He had the answer before you even called and He is just waiting for you to ask the question.

I pray you feel His great love surrounding you this morning and that His peace will fill your heart because HE IS the answer to all your questions. 

HE IS MORE THAN ENOUGH!

ON ASSIGNMENT

PRAYER JOURNAL 2/13/19

Acts 3:1-2 Now Peter and John went up together into the temple at the hour of prayer, being the ninth hour. And a certain lame man from his mother’s womb was carried, whom they laid daily at the gate of the temple which is called Beautiful, to ask alms of them that entered into the temple.

During a pick-up hockey game in North Carolina, a player went into cardiac arrest and collapsed on the ice.  A fellow hockey player, who also “just happened” to be a doctor sprang into action, began to perform CPR and the heart began to beat again.  The resuscitated man called his rescuer, his “guardian angel,” and stated, “It was a miracle that I was skating with an Emergency Room Doctor.” 

I guess one could say, “He was in the right place at the right time.”  And he was; but was it “just;” was it a coincidence or could it have been an ASSIGNMENT IN THE PLAN OF GOD?

Jesus, of course, is our greatest example of “BEING ON ASSIGNMENT.”  You could say, “Well of course, He was God.  He knew all things, where He should go, whom He should touch, and the exact need to which He would minister.”  True, but you and I have the same Spirit dwelling in us, the same God directing our steps;  two ears, two eyes, two hands, and two feet to obey “the mission” and a mouth to “speak the word.” 

GOD HAS YOU ON ASSIGNMENT!

Have you prayed this morning?  Have you received your “marching orders?”  They may not contain precise instructions or precise locations but as you go about your day and follow your routine, keep your mind ready, because God is going to place you in someone’s “right time; right place space.”

It may be on your job, at the grocery store, exercising at the gym, walking the dog through your neighborhood, or going “up to pray;” be on the lookout because God has an ASSIGNMENT FOR YOU TO FULFILL TODAY! 

Acts 3:6 Then Peter said, “Silver and gold have I none; but such as I have, give I thee; In the Name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, rise up and walk.”

There is someone whose discouraged heart is about to go into “cardiac arrest.”  They are so in need of a little “spiritual CPR” and you just happen to be “in the right place at the right time.”  YOUR ASSIGNMENT…BREATHE SOME ENCOURAGEMENT INTO THEIR GASPING LUNGS!

Perhaps, they are in a situation that has them bound and there seems to be no solution; no way out.  YOUR ASSIGNMENT…1, 2, 3…1, 2, 3…SHOCK THEIR HEART WITH SOME HOPE…GET IT BEATING AGAIN!

Or maybe it is a bright smile, a warm hug, a cup of coffee and friendly conversation…God is never boring, never routine and He changes up His assignments daily, so get in contact with Him this morning.

YOU ARE THE RIGHT PERSON IN THE RIGHT PLACE FOR SOMEONE TODAY…BE THERE!

GUARANTEED RIGHTS

PRAYER JOURNAL 2/7/19

John 1:12  But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, to those who believe in His name.

When our Founding Fathers framed the Constitution, they only guaranteed things the government WOULD NOT do to its citizens….take away their freedom, take away their life and take away the opportunity to pursue a dream. They wisely, understood that outcomes (even to the things they guaranteed) were dependent on the behavior of the individual. If a person chooses to enslave themselves, end their life or give up on a dream, there is no legislation that will change the outcome.

Can we now understand that ECONOMIC EQUALITY is a “pipe dream?” Even if we took all the money in the United States and distributed it equally to every person, the outcomes would be different. Some would invest or save, others would buy only necessities and still others would waste every penny until nothing was left and the process would have to be repeated again and again and again.

Unlike the Constitution of the United States, guaranteeing what the Government WILL NOT DO, the Word of God is full of promises of all the things God desires TO DO for people.  Jesus Christ came to give LIFE and give it more abundantly.  He came to proclaim FREEDOM to those who are in bondage to sin and self.  And not only does He give us the opportunity to PURSUE A DREAM, but God PLACES THE PERFECT DREAM in our heart and then opens the doors necessary to FULFILL THE DREAM.

We are also promised the OPPORTUNITY to be partakers of the GREATEST RIGHT ever offered to a person...You and I have been given the RIGHT TO BECOME CHILDREN OF GOD!

Some would argue that “we are all Children of God.”  While it is true that we are all “made in the Image of God,” the Promises, however, are dependent on each Individual’s response.  Many will take hold of the Dream and waste it away, pursing the things that bring glory to themselves.  Others will pick up the Dream, and then quickly lay it down once they realize there is a cost in which they must participate.  Then there will be those that take hold of the Promise of God to BECOME A CHILD OF GOD!

TAKE HOLD OF THE PROMISES OF GOD AND NEVER LET GO!

Yes, it will mean a SACRIFICE OF SELF; it may ask that you do the things that will deny your flesh but your spirit will be fed.  The Promises of God will require you to follow a path that may be unfamiliar, walk through doors you may not recognize and at times you cannot even be sure of the outcome but if you..

 FOLLOW THE PATH, WALK THROUGH THE DOOR AND OBEY THE WORD OF THE LEADER, YOU WILL BECOME A PARTAKER OF THE PROMISE!

ONE OF THOSE PEOPLE

PRAYER JOURNAL 2/5/19

Jeremiah 29:11 For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope.

I am the oldest child in a family of six children. My dad was a hard worker and provided all the necessities of life and as many extras as possible for his family. I enjoyed a wonderful childhood and never felt poor or underprivileged. I always felt loved and had built-in playmates; something was always happening at our house. Many of my friends, however, enjoyed some of the luxuries that I was well aware were not available to “PEOPLE LIKE US.”

My best friend in high school would spend weekends at her cottage in Baraboo, WI and she had a beautiful brick fireplace in her living room. We lived in a 3 bedroom, 1 bath ranch, 4 bedrooms, counting the one dad fixed up in the basement.

If I ever attained the status of my friend, I thought I would have made it because “PEOPLE LIKE US” lived in 1200 sq. ft. ranch homes with 1 bathroom and gravel driveways.

Many times, I have needed God to reassure me that, because of His grace, I AM “ONE OF THOSE PEOPLE.” God wants ME to succeed!

YOU are one of GOD’S PEOPLE and He will go to any length necessary for you to be successful in your journey with Him. When He filled you with the Holy Spirit, He endowed you with the necessary power to walk into a life of liberty. If you will follow the path God has laid for you, you can live a wonderful, fulfilled life today and be assured of eternal life tomorrow.

GOD WANTS YOU TO SUCCEED!  YOU ARE ONE OF THOSE PEOPLE!

TRADE YOUR DEFEAT FOR HIS VICTORY

PRAYER JOURNAL 2/3/19

1 Corinthians 15:57 But thanks be to God, who gives us the VICTORY through our Lord Jesus Christ.

I woke this morning from a troubling dream that I feel God would have me share because of His great love for you and His desire that you live in total victory, following Him.

I was in a large room, the floor was littered with things and broken pieces of things.  My spirit was grieved as I walked through the objects that seemed to have been so carelessly discarded by their owner.  An item caught my eye and then another and another; as I bent to pick them up, I realized that they were not just carelessly discarded objects but they were pieces of broken lives, shards of shattered dreams, the remains of destroyed hope…I was looking at DEFEAT!

I picked up a once beautiful “artifact” and thought, “this person wanted…but…” And then another; “He tried to…but…” And another…and another…Every broken treasure representing a life that DEFEAT HAD DESTROYED!

WHAT IS IT THAT YOU DESIRE BUT THAT “ONE THING” CONTINUES TO LEAD YOU TO DEFEAT?

 It may be a habit.  You desire to be victorious and not allow this “thing” to control you.  You have prayed, you have asked God to “take it” but it lingers; inviting…calling you back for just one more…just one more time, then you’ll stop.  Don’t allow a “habit” to become the BROKEN, DEFEATED shred of life lying on the floor.

It may be a past hurt.  You have tried to forgive and just when you think you are “over it,” someone or something rips off the scab and you begin to bleed again.  You go for months without a thought of the pain and suddenly, “there it is” and once again the anger rules your mind and spirit.  UNFORGIVENESS OFFERS ONLY DEFEAT AND BROKENNESS FOR YOU!

Perhaps God has delivered you from the bondage of habits and through prayer you have forgiven anyone that has wounded you or your loved ones but there it is….there lies a “cracked cup of failure.”  You still love God; you still pray, go to church, live holy, but you just can’t get past all the failure.  You tried and it didn’t work out.  You see the success of others and you wonder why.  You don’t blame God, but really you do…why doesn’t He bless you like that?  Why are they so highly favored and you are not?  THE FEAR OF ANOTHER FAILURE IS YOUR DEFEAT!

God is the mender of broken hearts and shattered dreams.  The Name of Jesus proclaims LIBERTY over the bondage of habits that are trying to destroy your life.  God has baptized you with His Spirit and it is through His Spirit that you will find the strength to get up from the mess of failure and follow Him into victory.

Go ahead and walk through that open door; leave the shattered remnants of defeat; breath the fresh air of deliverance…TODAY IS YOUR DAY OF VICTORY!

IT'S A NEW MORNING

PRAYER JOURNAL 1/30/19

A BEAUTIFUL MORNING; A NEW DAY, FULL OF PROMISE AND HOPE…WHAT A GIFT FROM GOD!

Psalm 5:3 My voice you shall hear in the MORNING, O Lord; in the MORNING, I will direct it to you and I will look up.

As I wake to a beautiful sunrise over the Gulf of Mexico on Galveston Beach, the awesome promises of God speak to my heart.

Psalm143:8 Cause me to hear your loving kindness in the MORNING, for in You do I trust; cause me to know the way in which I should walk, for I lift up my soul to You.

I have a promise of HIS GUIDANCE.  Every morning I have the promise that He will lead me in down the right path, if I ask, listen and follow.

Psalm 30:5 For His anger is but for a moment, His favor is for life; weeping may endure for a night, but joy comes in the MORNING.

I have a promise of HIS FORGIVENESS.  No matter what I’ve done; no matter where I’ve been, His arms of forgiveness are open.  And though mu actions may cause Him momentary anger, my broken and contrite spirit will bring me FAVOR FOR LIFE and JOY WITH A NEW DAWN.

Psalm 59:16 But I will sing of Your power; yes I will sing aloud of Your mercy in the MORNING; for you have been my defense and refuge in the day of my trouble.

I have a promise of HIS DEFENSE AND SAFETY.  Satan isn’t big enough to break through the “wall” of the fortress that surrounds me.  It doesn’t matter who comes against me or what fiery darts Satan may launch, God is my DEFENSE; God is my REFUGE…listen to my song.

Psalms 139:9-10 If I take the wings of the Morning and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea, even there your Hand shall lead me, and Your right hand shall hold me.

I have a promise of HIS PROTECTION.  God knows my name; He knows right where I am.  At all times; every minute of every day, His GPS is tracking my every step.  If I “fly high,” He is my wings.  If I sink to a dark place, His arms are holding me. He is even closer than the “mention of His Name;” when I call out, “JESUS,” He is already there!

Lamentations 3:22-23 Through the Lord’s mercies, we are not consumed, because His compassions fail not. They are new every MORNING; great is Your faithfulness.

I have a promise of HIS MERCY AND HIS FAITHFULNESS.  Oh how He Loves You and Me; I cannot comprehend the depth of His love the span of His mercy; but I tap into it numerous times every day.  And I wake to a replenished supply every morning.  He has never failed to guide, forgive, defend, protect and show me mercy…GREAT IS HIS FAITHFULNESS.

So I begin a month of rest and refreshing in the middle of God’s beautiful creation; the awesome sunrises and sunsets; the power of the crashing waves; the birds in flight and the warm ocean breezes, my prayer is….

Psalm 92:2 To declare Your loving kindness in the MORNING and Your faithfulness every night.

AND AGAIN I SAY REJOICE

PRAYER JOURNAL 2/1/19

Psalms 68: 3 But let the Righteous be glad; let them REJOICE before God; Yes, let them REJOICE exceedingly.

I opened my eyes and took a deep breath…ANOTHER DAY TO REJOICE. 

My feet hit the floor; I could stand, I could walk…ANOTHER DAY TO REJOICE.

I brushed my teeth, washed my face and took a long drink of fresh, clean water…ANOTHER DAY TO REJOICE.

My first sips of freshly brewed coffee…ANOTHER DAY TO REJOICE.

When I begin to meditate on the all the good things God has placed in my life and allowed me to experience, thankfulness fills my heart and I REJOICE.  Oh, “I’ve have bad days and I’ve had hills to climb and I’ve had sad days, that leave me with a weary mind, but when I look about and think these things all out…all of the good days outweigh the bad days, I won’t complain.”

And my friends at home think, “easy for you to say, we are stuck up here in freezing temperature and snow with a chest cold.” You are right, sometimes it is easier to rejoice when you wake to 55 degrees instead of -16 and you hear the sound of the ocean instead of the roar of a snowplow. 

BUT…there is just something that warms you all up from the inside out when you begin to speak, JESUS; when you think back to where He brought you from; when you begin to count your many blessings…the joy starts to bubble up and you REJOICE.

Philippians 4:4 REJOICE in the Lord always.  Again I will say, REJOICE.

Each one of us has been given this day as a gift from God….OPEN IT; UNWRAP IT AND REJOICE!

I don’t know what lies ahead for me in the next 24 hours but I can REJOICE with the confidence that God knows.  I may go places I’ve never been and face situations I’ve never faced but God has already been there and His hand will guide me as I move forward and I WILL REJOICE.

Until…

The day that I open my eyes for the last time, drink my final sip of water, walk my last few steps and take my final deep breath, I am determined to REJOICE my way through Gates of Pearl, down Streets of Gold, bow before the Throne and dance with the angels.

And then in the “City where there cometh no night,” REJOICE FOR ALL ETERNITY!

Psalms 118:24 This is the day that the Lord has made; we will REJOICE and be glad in it.