Ecclesiastes 12:5 (NAS)
For man goes to his eternal home while mourners go about in the street.
While shopping at a craft store my friend and I came across home made signs saying "Home Sweet Home" and "Home Is Where The Heart Is". There were other cutsie signs with similiar sayings leaving one to believe home is where one can feel safe and loved.
In these troubled times not every home is safe or does one feel loved. It can be a lonley place, a place of violence, or alcohol abuse. There are children coming home every day to an empty home because both parents are at work and they cannot afford a baby sitter. So the child lets himself in and sits in front of the television, does his homework, or plays with his gameboy.
Perhaps the child goes home to parents that are out of work, angry with each other, taking it out on the child, or even each other. There are angry words said in haste. Hurting words that once said cannot ever be retracted. The child retreats to his room and closes the door sitting in silence.
We've watched television shows where family life is all rosy and everyone helps each other with their problems. In the end everyone is hugging and happy. We all know real life is not like that.
There are trials in each of our lives. It's how we react to those trials that makes us a stronger person. Without God's guidance and love we cannot face the adversity that the evil one throws our way.
When my life feels out of control and I know Satan is attacking me, or my family, I go straight away to God in prayer. When I am through I have a peace about me. I feel like I can do or say what I need and know that it is only with God's help. With Him I can endure anything. With God I have an eternal home that I look forward to. No more sorrow, crying, or fighting. To live with Him for all eternity. Praise God.
Most Gracious Father thank you for being there for me, Your daughter. Thank you for Your love and mercy. Amen.
Friday, September 30, 2011
Friday, August 12, 2011
I HAVE A DREAM
Daniel 1:17 (NAS)
And as for these four youths, God gave them knowledge and intelligence in every branch of literature and widsom; Daniel even understood all kinds of visions and dreams.
My title should probably read I had a dream. We all dream, some are more real than others. Most of our dreams we forget as soon as we get up in the morning. But then there are the ones that we remember and can't shake, or get out of our minds.
I had one such dream recently. I'd been to a writer's conference and when I returned home I was all pumped up and ready to write. One conference leader spoke right to me. I know she did, I even think she'd been hiding in my house watching me.
Anyway, I tucked away all the information that seeped into my brain and walked around with tiny bits bouncing to the front of my mind. I went to bed thinking of all this stuff. During the night I dreamed I received a check for five thousand dollars for a book I wrote plus another check, I still don't know what that one was for.
You can imagine how I felt the next morning. I got money for a story I wrote! Now I need to work on that story and finish it. Yes, it's in the process but now I need to bring it to completion.
My story and the check I dreamed about, I believe, is God's way of telling me I have great things planned for you. Follow me, I will never leave you. I will guide you. Keep your eyes upon Me.
Gracious Heavenly Father for never leaving me. Guide me as I write Your words. Amen.
And as for these four youths, God gave them knowledge and intelligence in every branch of literature and widsom; Daniel even understood all kinds of visions and dreams.
My title should probably read I had a dream. We all dream, some are more real than others. Most of our dreams we forget as soon as we get up in the morning. But then there are the ones that we remember and can't shake, or get out of our minds.
I had one such dream recently. I'd been to a writer's conference and when I returned home I was all pumped up and ready to write. One conference leader spoke right to me. I know she did, I even think she'd been hiding in my house watching me.
Anyway, I tucked away all the information that seeped into my brain and walked around with tiny bits bouncing to the front of my mind. I went to bed thinking of all this stuff. During the night I dreamed I received a check for five thousand dollars for a book I wrote plus another check, I still don't know what that one was for.
You can imagine how I felt the next morning. I got money for a story I wrote! Now I need to work on that story and finish it. Yes, it's in the process but now I need to bring it to completion.
My story and the check I dreamed about, I believe, is God's way of telling me I have great things planned for you. Follow me, I will never leave you. I will guide you. Keep your eyes upon Me.
Gracious Heavenly Father for never leaving me. Guide me as I write Your words. Amen.
Thursday, August 11, 2011
TREASURES
Malachi 3:17 (NAS)
And they will be Mine, says the Lord of hosts, on the day that I prepare My own possession and I will spare them as a man spares his own son who serves him.
My family has watched National Treasure about six times now. Each time we get just as excited as the first time when they find the buried treasure.
Then there are the pirate movies searching for ships to plunder and send to the bottom of the ocean. Everyone is searching for treasure to make them wealthy.
I have certain things my mother and grandmother gave me long ago I consider my treasures. They are precious to me because they were given by loved ones.
God says we are His treasures. He made us, knows us inside out, and loves us unconditionally. He longs for quiet fellowship with us. He wants to hear what is troubling us, our longings, and fears. Just like your earthly father God desires companionship with you.
Our earthly treasures are trivial but God's treasures are precious. We are valued and costly in God sight.
Dear Heavenly Father thank you for letting me be Your treasure. Amen.
And they will be Mine, says the Lord of hosts, on the day that I prepare My own possession and I will spare them as a man spares his own son who serves him.
My family has watched National Treasure about six times now. Each time we get just as excited as the first time when they find the buried treasure.
Then there are the pirate movies searching for ships to plunder and send to the bottom of the ocean. Everyone is searching for treasure to make them wealthy.
I have certain things my mother and grandmother gave me long ago I consider my treasures. They are precious to me because they were given by loved ones.
God says we are His treasures. He made us, knows us inside out, and loves us unconditionally. He longs for quiet fellowship with us. He wants to hear what is troubling us, our longings, and fears. Just like your earthly father God desires companionship with you.
Our earthly treasures are trivial but God's treasures are precious. We are valued and costly in God sight.
Dear Heavenly Father thank you for letting me be Your treasure. Amen.
Friday, August 5, 2011
PLEASURES
James 4:3 (NAS)
You ask and do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives, so that you may spend it on your pleasures.
"Please God just this once. I really need this need now. I won't ask again." How many times have we voiced this prayer? We meant it at the time. We forget and then when the situation arises again we find ourselves asking God again, and again. Somehow the cycle doesn't stop.
I am just as guilty as anyone else. I back myself into a corner and when I find no way out I'm asking God for help. He has helped me but somehow I don't learn and too quickly I'm in the same corner again, asking for help. Will I ever learn?
Our God is always there but at some time or other He wants us to learn from our mistakes. We want our children to learn from their mistakes by telling them over and over to learn from your mistakes. But are we learning from ours? Sometimes I don't think I am.
God wants us to have an abundant life. A life with Him. In communion with Him. He gives us so much and like greedy children we ask for more and more. Our children are spoiled and expect us to keep giving and giving. We too are like that with our Heavenly Father.
He wants us to learn from our mishandling of time, money, friendships, and the list goes on. He is always there waiting for us to confess our sins and ask Him for help in overcoming. All we have to do is ask.
Dear Heavenly Father please forgive me for thinking I can handle my everyday life by myself. I cannot. I can do nothing without You. Amen.
You ask and do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives, so that you may spend it on your pleasures.
"Please God just this once. I really need this need now. I won't ask again." How many times have we voiced this prayer? We meant it at the time. We forget and then when the situation arises again we find ourselves asking God again, and again. Somehow the cycle doesn't stop.
I am just as guilty as anyone else. I back myself into a corner and when I find no way out I'm asking God for help. He has helped me but somehow I don't learn and too quickly I'm in the same corner again, asking for help. Will I ever learn?
Our God is always there but at some time or other He wants us to learn from our mistakes. We want our children to learn from their mistakes by telling them over and over to learn from your mistakes. But are we learning from ours? Sometimes I don't think I am.
God wants us to have an abundant life. A life with Him. In communion with Him. He gives us so much and like greedy children we ask for more and more. Our children are spoiled and expect us to keep giving and giving. We too are like that with our Heavenly Father.
He wants us to learn from our mishandling of time, money, friendships, and the list goes on. He is always there waiting for us to confess our sins and ask Him for help in overcoming. All we have to do is ask.
Dear Heavenly Father please forgive me for thinking I can handle my everyday life by myself. I cannot. I can do nothing without You. Amen.
Monday, August 1, 2011
CAN WE TALK
I Corinthians 7:5 (NAS)
Stop depriving one another, except by agreement for a time that you may devote yourselves to prayer, and come together again lest Satan tempt you because of your lack of self-control.
There are days when I feel the need to coin the phrase by Joan Rivers. Can we talk? I have to make myself take the time to sit down and have a heart to heart with God. The busyness of the day grips me and it is evening before I realize I didn't take time to commune with my Lord.
Like most of us I go throughout the day and talk with God. You know what I'm talking about. "Lord don't let that driver pull out in front of me." Or "Lord give me one more minute to finish this and I'll sit down with You."
He wants His time with us. Our complete self, not just a passing moment to say our prayers, which I might add become automatic sometimes. Again you know what I'm talking about. Lead me through this day, watch over my children, guide my husband in his decisions, and oh yes Lord, we need rain. Amen.
No, God wants us to take TIME for Him. Open our Bible, let Him lead us to the scripture He has for us for that day. Sit and chat openly with Him. He wants to hear how we feel, what we are going through. He already knows but He wants to hear it from us. Talk to Him like you would your closest friend. Your hurts are important to Him. We are His children. Do you not love your own children and want the best for them? God is your Father and He wants what is best for you.
Yes, we discipline our children, and God is not different. When He disciplines us it is to bring us closer to Him. Our God is a loving Father who wants to have time with our complete self.
Matthew 21:22 says "And all things you ask in prayer, believing, you shall receive."
This doesn't mean you need to ask to win the lottery. What it does mean is that God wants us to live a full and abundant life, and above all take time for Him.
Dear Heavenly Father thank you for Your love and always being there for me. Forgive me for not taking time to be with You. I need You in my life as I cannot do anything without You. Amen.
Stop depriving one another, except by agreement for a time that you may devote yourselves to prayer, and come together again lest Satan tempt you because of your lack of self-control.
There are days when I feel the need to coin the phrase by Joan Rivers. Can we talk? I have to make myself take the time to sit down and have a heart to heart with God. The busyness of the day grips me and it is evening before I realize I didn't take time to commune with my Lord.
Like most of us I go throughout the day and talk with God. You know what I'm talking about. "Lord don't let that driver pull out in front of me." Or "Lord give me one more minute to finish this and I'll sit down with You."
He wants His time with us. Our complete self, not just a passing moment to say our prayers, which I might add become automatic sometimes. Again you know what I'm talking about. Lead me through this day, watch over my children, guide my husband in his decisions, and oh yes Lord, we need rain. Amen.
No, God wants us to take TIME for Him. Open our Bible, let Him lead us to the scripture He has for us for that day. Sit and chat openly with Him. He wants to hear how we feel, what we are going through. He already knows but He wants to hear it from us. Talk to Him like you would your closest friend. Your hurts are important to Him. We are His children. Do you not love your own children and want the best for them? God is your Father and He wants what is best for you.
Yes, we discipline our children, and God is not different. When He disciplines us it is to bring us closer to Him. Our God is a loving Father who wants to have time with our complete self.
Matthew 21:22 says "And all things you ask in prayer, believing, you shall receive."
This doesn't mean you need to ask to win the lottery. What it does mean is that God wants us to live a full and abundant life, and above all take time for Him.
Dear Heavenly Father thank you for Your love and always being there for me. Forgive me for not taking time to be with You. I need You in my life as I cannot do anything without You. Amen.
Friday, July 15, 2011
JUDGEMENT ON RULERS
Micah 3: 1-2 (NAS)
Hear now, heads of Jacob and rulers of the house of Israel. Is it not for you to know justice? You who hate good and love evil.
This morning I was flipping the pages of my Bible asking God to lead me to His passage. What do You want me to take away this morning? Then in the back ground I heard the President speaking. They came to a decision over the debt of our great nation.
I've watched only a small portion on the pull of control between the two parties. I'm probably not a good one to give much of an opinion. But what I have noticed is that here are two parties that are supposed to be governing our country that are acting like little boys in a sand box. No one wants to give an inch.
The scare tactics they've projected on the elderly, uninsured, and the low income that are working hard every day trying to make ends meet. Like they've set themselves up as judge and jury. They want to take every penny but not give up a cent of their own.
Our country was founded on the Bible, helping others, bonding together, and praising God. Asking Him to guide us in all we do. We've strayed from those principles.
Micah 4: 7 says "I will make the lame a remnant, and the outcasts a strong nation, and the Lord will reign over them in Mount Zion from now on and forever.
I believe that we must keep our eyes fixed upon the Lord. Open our hearts to what He is telling us. To stay focused on His Word daily.
Heavenly Father guide me every day of my life. Lead me through Your word and may I make it a path to follow. Amen.
Hear now, heads of Jacob and rulers of the house of Israel. Is it not for you to know justice? You who hate good and love evil.
This morning I was flipping the pages of my Bible asking God to lead me to His passage. What do You want me to take away this morning? Then in the back ground I heard the President speaking. They came to a decision over the debt of our great nation.
I've watched only a small portion on the pull of control between the two parties. I'm probably not a good one to give much of an opinion. But what I have noticed is that here are two parties that are supposed to be governing our country that are acting like little boys in a sand box. No one wants to give an inch.
The scare tactics they've projected on the elderly, uninsured, and the low income that are working hard every day trying to make ends meet. Like they've set themselves up as judge and jury. They want to take every penny but not give up a cent of their own.
Our country was founded on the Bible, helping others, bonding together, and praising God. Asking Him to guide us in all we do. We've strayed from those principles.
Micah 4: 7 says "I will make the lame a remnant, and the outcasts a strong nation, and the Lord will reign over them in Mount Zion from now on and forever.
I believe that we must keep our eyes fixed upon the Lord. Open our hearts to what He is telling us. To stay focused on His Word daily.
Heavenly Father guide me every day of my life. Lead me through Your word and may I make it a path to follow. Amen.
Monday, July 11, 2011
REJOICE
1 Peter 4: 12
Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal among you, which comes upon you for your testing, as though some strange thing were happening to you.
While dusting the top of my bookcase I ran across the pocket Bible I used to carry in my purse. For about four years I lived a turbulent life and sought refuge in the words my God gave me.
For fourteen years my children and I endured physical and mental abuse. When I decided I could not take it any longer I filed for divorce. I struggled because I knew God did not like divorce. I didn't want to go against Him. When I came to terms with leaving I knew in my heart it was the right decision. I felt at peace with what I was about to do.
After I filed the abuse got worse. That was the worst beating I had ever had. I cried out. "Why me? What did I do so wrong for all this to happen?" In my most darkest moment I opened God's Word. He lift and filled me with His strength and love.
Like the fishermen in open sea, I knew it was better to be in the storm with Christ than in smooth water without Him.
My little Bible is so dogeared and high lighted, but when I turn the pages it takes me back to that time in my life. The lowest time in my life I depended on God's Words to sustain me. I can still feel the warmth of His arms around me.
I will always need His Word to guide me throughout my days. I hunger for His arms to hold me and comfort me. I long to hear Him whisper His words of affection. Through my trials I am strengthened with God's never ending love.
Gracious Father thank you for Your Word and Your love. Amen.
Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal among you, which comes upon you for your testing, as though some strange thing were happening to you.
While dusting the top of my bookcase I ran across the pocket Bible I used to carry in my purse. For about four years I lived a turbulent life and sought refuge in the words my God gave me.
For fourteen years my children and I endured physical and mental abuse. When I decided I could not take it any longer I filed for divorce. I struggled because I knew God did not like divorce. I didn't want to go against Him. When I came to terms with leaving I knew in my heart it was the right decision. I felt at peace with what I was about to do.
After I filed the abuse got worse. That was the worst beating I had ever had. I cried out. "Why me? What did I do so wrong for all this to happen?" In my most darkest moment I opened God's Word. He lift and filled me with His strength and love.
Like the fishermen in open sea, I knew it was better to be in the storm with Christ than in smooth water without Him.
My little Bible is so dogeared and high lighted, but when I turn the pages it takes me back to that time in my life. The lowest time in my life I depended on God's Words to sustain me. I can still feel the warmth of His arms around me.
I will always need His Word to guide me throughout my days. I hunger for His arms to hold me and comfort me. I long to hear Him whisper His words of affection. Through my trials I am strengthened with God's never ending love.
Gracious Father thank you for Your Word and Your love. Amen.
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