And the Lord said, If ye had faith as a grain of mustard seed, ye might say unto this sycamore tree, Be thou plucked up by the root, and be thou planted in the sea; and it should obey you.
This verse is so special right now, because the Lord is bringing me through a huge trial of faith. Last year, broke my foot and it almost a year to heal. Needless to say I grew very frustrated every time I would visit the hospital. I would keep telling them- that my God would heal my foot and when I returned, they always made comments like "ok, you just believe, what you want to believe.
It became very discouraging and over the year, my hope in God began to dwindle. My heart began to grow numb and bitter. The enemy began to attack my min and so many ways and I was too weak to fight him off. The Lord has brought many sisters in my life that finally taught me that faith is not based on our emotions. Our emotions are always changing. When the Lord tests our faith, He sometimes makes it so we cat feel Him or hear Him anymore. We ask "Lord aren't You there? "Why cant I feel You"? He does this so that we can strengthen our faith in Him have a better understanding of who He is.
application- Be glad, people of Zion, rejoice in the LORD your God, for he has given you the autumn rains because he is faithful. He sends you abundant showers, both autumn and spring rains, as before.
As the days pass by, sometimes its hard and i ask the Lord to graciously restore my faith. And many times He hath said, I have been faithful in the former rains and I will be be faithful in the latter. But as for now, I cling to the Rock that is higher than I. Each day gets a little easier and day by day, the little seed that is planted, will grow into something so much greater. Through continued prayer and seeking His truth through the Word, I pray the Lord will continue to do a miracle with the tiny little seed. I can only put my trust in Him.
On Christ the Solid Rock I stand
All other ground is Sinking Sand
All other ground is Sinking Sand
Monday, September 12, 2011
Sunday, September 11, 2011
Ephesians 4:30
And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. Ephesians 4:30
The Holy Spirit is given to us who believe by faith, to reassure us and to know that He dwelleth inside of us. Its our earthly security blanket that covers us. Its that seal that sets us apart from the world. Its what changes us and transforms us. Without it we are lost, and just another piece of flesh, waiting for the enemy to devour.
As we walk this journey with the Lord, we must be careful what passes through our hands, eyes and ears. We do not wish to do anything that would hinder or interrupt His plans.
Aplication- Phillipians 4:8
Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.
I have grieved His Spirit so much in my life. There were times when I was tempted by the enemy to fall into similar thinking patterns. I struggle with my thoughts a lot. Sometimes to the point where I begin to let them overtake my mind. Then before you know it, Ive created a monster and so caught up in the enemy's snare that it causes a deep oppression. The Lord desires for us to think on things are pure and lovely. He desires us to praise Him at all times. He desires for our affections to be solely on Him.
When we are not focused upon Him and His work, we are grieving His Spirit that He hath given us for the day of Redemption. When I focus on my thoughts and selfish ambitions, I am not thinking about Him and His love. I need to be on my knees more and continue to take each thought, captivate it and leave it all at His Feet.
The Holy Spirit is given to us who believe by faith, to reassure us and to know that He dwelleth inside of us. Its our earthly security blanket that covers us. Its that seal that sets us apart from the world. Its what changes us and transforms us. Without it we are lost, and just another piece of flesh, waiting for the enemy to devour.
As we walk this journey with the Lord, we must be careful what passes through our hands, eyes and ears. We do not wish to do anything that would hinder or interrupt His plans.
Aplication- Phillipians 4:8
Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.
I have grieved His Spirit so much in my life. There were times when I was tempted by the enemy to fall into similar thinking patterns. I struggle with my thoughts a lot. Sometimes to the point where I begin to let them overtake my mind. Then before you know it, Ive created a monster and so caught up in the enemy's snare that it causes a deep oppression. The Lord desires for us to think on things are pure and lovely. He desires us to praise Him at all times. He desires for our affections to be solely on Him.
When we are not focused upon Him and His work, we are grieving His Spirit that He hath given us for the day of Redemption. When I focus on my thoughts and selfish ambitions, I am not thinking about Him and His love. I need to be on my knees more and continue to take each thought, captivate it and leave it all at His Feet.
Friday, September 9, 2011
Ephesians 4:25 Lying:)
Therefore put away lying. Let each of one of you speak truth with his neighbor. Ephesians 4:25
Why do we lie? why do we try to cover up things? Did Jesus lie to us? No. Absolutely not! When we are honest with each other, we keep the bonds that hold us together strong, making it difficult for Satan to tear us down. Doing ministry is great and it is what we are called to do, but more importantly we are called to be honest with each other and to esteem each other higher than ourselves.
Yesterday , I became very upset with a sister who was trying to simply instruct on something. Pride set in and I got up and walked out. Today, I realized had she not been truthful with me and told me how to do something the correct way, I would have never learned. She just could have let me fall on my face, but she chose not to and I am so thankful for her heart.
The truth hurts, but lying and not saying anything hurts even more. More importantly, it grieves the heart of our Father, who loves us so incredibly much.
Application verse- “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind, and your neighbor as yourself.” Luke 10:27
This verse is is such a blessing! I have to hold it close everyday. In order for me to be truthful with others and to love others, I have to first love the Lord with everything inside of me. This is an everyday process. But He gave so much for us and I have to learn how to fall in love with Him again. When we love the Lord, we love others. God is love. and therefore, when His love is planted deeply inside of us, we are able to love others with His heart and His Spirit of Truth. Nothing can be done apart from Him Its all His work.
Why do we lie? why do we try to cover up things? Did Jesus lie to us? No. Absolutely not! When we are honest with each other, we keep the bonds that hold us together strong, making it difficult for Satan to tear us down. Doing ministry is great and it is what we are called to do, but more importantly we are called to be honest with each other and to esteem each other higher than ourselves.
Yesterday , I became very upset with a sister who was trying to simply instruct on something. Pride set in and I got up and walked out. Today, I realized had she not been truthful with me and told me how to do something the correct way, I would have never learned. She just could have let me fall on my face, but she chose not to and I am so thankful for her heart.
The truth hurts, but lying and not saying anything hurts even more. More importantly, it grieves the heart of our Father, who loves us so incredibly much.
Application verse- “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind, and your neighbor as yourself.” Luke 10:27
This verse is is such a blessing! I have to hold it close everyday. In order for me to be truthful with others and to love others, I have to first love the Lord with everything inside of me. This is an everyday process. But He gave so much for us and I have to learn how to fall in love with Him again. When we love the Lord, we love others. God is love. and therefore, when His love is planted deeply inside of us, we are able to love others with His heart and His Spirit of Truth. Nothing can be done apart from Him Its all His work.
Ephesians 4:24
and that you put on the new man which was created according to God, in true righteousness and holiness. Ephesians 4:24
I was walking with my Pastor in church one day and a man yelled "Hey man, you used to be in that sweet band"- ( XYZ) you guys rocked! " As I waited for his response, he said "man, I don't even know that man anymore".
I tell you this story because it was in that very moment, the Lord graciously painted a picture of what putting on the new man truly meant. Its an acknowledgement that Christ is working in you and that your heart is changed. To know and understand that we are a new Creation in Christ is so important. Its helps us to see where we came from and where the Lord has brought us. Because He is Lord, all His work is righteous and holy. Therefore, as we are molded into His image, our hearts should desire to be righteous and holy.
When the world tempts us and tries to remind us of our past, you can Praise the Lord and give Him all the glory for His work.
Application Verse- Rejoice always, pray without ceasing in everything give thanks;for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. 1Thessalonians 5:16
As the Lord faithfully continues His work in us, through us, we need to be faithfully seeking Him, heeding His word and giving thanks and Praising Him. Sometimes I get a little impatient with this work- we desire the work to happen over night- and it simply doesn't. Instead of grumbling and complaining, I need to continue to praise Him for all the work that He has done, is doing and will continue to do!
Hallelujah!
I was walking with my Pastor in church one day and a man yelled "Hey man, you used to be in that sweet band"- ( XYZ) you guys rocked! " As I waited for his response, he said "man, I don't even know that man anymore".
I tell you this story because it was in that very moment, the Lord graciously painted a picture of what putting on the new man truly meant. Its an acknowledgement that Christ is working in you and that your heart is changed. To know and understand that we are a new Creation in Christ is so important. Its helps us to see where we came from and where the Lord has brought us. Because He is Lord, all His work is righteous and holy. Therefore, as we are molded into His image, our hearts should desire to be righteous and holy.
When the world tempts us and tries to remind us of our past, you can Praise the Lord and give Him all the glory for His work.
Application Verse- Rejoice always, pray without ceasing in everything give thanks;for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. 1Thessalonians 5:16
As the Lord faithfully continues His work in us, through us, we need to be faithfully seeking Him, heeding His word and giving thanks and Praising Him. Sometimes I get a little impatient with this work- we desire the work to happen over night- and it simply doesn't. Instead of grumbling and complaining, I need to continue to praise Him for all the work that He has done, is doing and will continue to do!
Hallelujah!
Ephesians 4:36
Be angry and do not sin, do not let the sun go down on your wrath Ephesians 4:36
Although this verse seems to have two parts, the Lord is so gracious to have them intertwine with each other. When we are angry, we sin. Its a natural response- something builds up inside of us and then our bodies respond. This past week the Lord has been graciously teaching us how to put on the new man. We are new creatures in Christ and through sanctification, by the Holy Spirit, our minds, hearts and souls are transformed.
As years pass- we have all been hurt by people, friends, family. In response, we tend to get angry and sin. When they do or tell us something that does not resonate within us- when our fleshly pride is hurt, we get angry. But it is our response to that anger is whats important. How we respond is so imperative. Paul is not saying don't get angry, he gets it- we all do, but what he does say is in that anger, do not sin. We do not desire to do anything to interrupt or grieve the Spirit. How can we serve the Lord fully and enjoy all that He longs to bless us with, if we continue to walk in sin? Paul's warning is so gentle, yet so profound.
Application- application verse is Isaiah 30:15 in returning and rest you shall be saved. In quietness and confidence shall be your strength.
When I was a little girl, I used to throw huge temper tantrums. Not only were they an interruption to those around - I said so many hurtful things to my family that I regret. When things don't go my way or when i don't get what i think i need, i still find myself getting upset and frustrated and tempted to snap back or become defensive. As a Christian woman whose desire is to follow my Abba Father, I need to discipline my self and take every thought captive and continue to think on things that are of the Lord. When someone hurts my feelings, I stop, pray and ask the Lord to give me the gentle words to say or to just give strength to continue to love them. Thank you Jesus! :)
Although this verse seems to have two parts, the Lord is so gracious to have them intertwine with each other. When we are angry, we sin. Its a natural response- something builds up inside of us and then our bodies respond. This past week the Lord has been graciously teaching us how to put on the new man. We are new creatures in Christ and through sanctification, by the Holy Spirit, our minds, hearts and souls are transformed.
As years pass- we have all been hurt by people, friends, family. In response, we tend to get angry and sin. When they do or tell us something that does not resonate within us- when our fleshly pride is hurt, we get angry. But it is our response to that anger is whats important. How we respond is so imperative. Paul is not saying don't get angry, he gets it- we all do, but what he does say is in that anger, do not sin. We do not desire to do anything to interrupt or grieve the Spirit. How can we serve the Lord fully and enjoy all that He longs to bless us with, if we continue to walk in sin? Paul's warning is so gentle, yet so profound.
Application- application verse is Isaiah 30:15 in returning and rest you shall be saved. In quietness and confidence shall be your strength.
When I was a little girl, I used to throw huge temper tantrums. Not only were they an interruption to those around - I said so many hurtful things to my family that I regret. When things don't go my way or when i don't get what i think i need, i still find myself getting upset and frustrated and tempted to snap back or become defensive. As a Christian woman whose desire is to follow my Abba Father, I need to discipline my self and take every thought captive and continue to think on things that are of the Lord. When someone hurts my feelings, I stop, pray and ask the Lord to give me the gentle words to say or to just give strength to continue to love them. Thank you Jesus! :)
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