Friday, July 30, 2010

He Has Turned My Heart Around

                                                                       John 13:4-5 & 13-14
He (Jesus) riseth from supper, and laid aside his garments, and took a towel, and girded himself.  After that he poured water in a basin and began to wash the disciples' feet, and to wipe them with the towel with which he was girded.  (He then said to his disciples) Ye call me Master and Lord; and ye say well; for so I am.  If I, then, your Lord and Master, have washed your feet, ye also ought to wash one another's feet.

In reading these scriptures this morning, it just dawned on me that when Jesus humbled Himself and washed His disciples feet He also included the feet of Judas, one of His disciples who would betray Him.  This knowledge of what was in the heart of Judas didn't keep Him from serving him as well as the faithful disciples and He continued to call Judas friend.

There is a very special someone in my life that has never been easy for me to love.  She and I are quite different in many ways and I have such a hard time relating to her.  Recently the Lord convicted my heart that I need to be washing her feet.  That really terrified me   because she is very needy and what could I be opening myself up to?  So in the last few weeks I have removed my garments of pride and arrogance and I have made myself available to her.  I cannot begin to express to you all that God is teaching me in all of this but I can say with all sincerity. . . He has turned my heart around.  

                                                                        Morning Prayer
Dear Lord,
     Thank you so much for turning my heart around towards this special lady.  She has not changed.... I have changed... and I am loving her more each day!  Thank you Lord for showing me Your better way!  Amen

Thursday, July 29, 2010

Time Is Short

                                                                    Luke 10:41
Jesus answered and said to her, "Martha, Martha, thou art anxious and troubled about many things.  But one thing is needful, and Mary hath chosen that good part, which shall not be taken away from her."

                                                                 1 Corinthians 7:29
                                              But this I say, brethren, the time is short.

Jesus had come to Mary and Martha's home for dinner and fellowship.  Their time together would be very short.  Martha was fretting over each detail of their evening and Mary was sitting at the feet of Jesus taking in each detail of her Savior and Lord.  The details that Martha concerned herself  would soon pass away.  However the details that Mary concerned herself with would never be taken away.  Mary chose the good part.

I woke up this morning reciting a list of things I am anxious and troubled about.  My thoughts went from finances to relationships to tasks that need to be done.  Then I stopped long enough to confess that these many things were not going to ruin my day nor distract me from what is truly important.  My days seem to be getting shorter and shorter and I don't want to waste them on fretting over circumstances that will soon pass away.  Will I remember a year from now the burden that I carry around with me today?  The answer is no.  The precious time I spend sitting at the feet of Jesus or the time I spend with loved ones will never be taken away and I will choose the good part.  

                                                           Morning Prayer
Dear Lord,
     I will bring to You my troubles and concerns and leave them at Your feet so that I can choose the one thing that is truly needful in my life and that is my fellowship with You and with others.  Thank you for always inviting me to sit at Your feet. Amen  

Tuesday, July 27, 2010

Now This Is Divine Design!

                                                                 Philippians 1:6 & 2:13
                                                                  2 Corinthians 5:17
Being confident of this very thing, that he who hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ.  For it is God who worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure.  Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creation; old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.

                                                                
I enjoy watching HGTV (Home & Garden Television) and one of my favorite shows is Divine Design.  Homeowners write into the show requesting that Candace would come to their home and transform a room that is not functional or perhaps is not inviting and warm and doesn't appeal to the eye.  The lighting is always an issue and one of the first priorities she addresses.  She asks the homeowners to leave while she completes her mission.  When Candace reveals her finished work to the homeowners, they are moved with joy and often tears and she ends the show by saying, "Now this truly is  divine design." 

The Lord waits for our request from Him for a transformed heart.  Perhaps the space is not being used for what it was original designed.  The walls are not in good shape and the windows are too small keeping the true light from coming in.  No where do you find God's beautiful colors and gifts displayed throughout the heart.  We have tried our best to make this space beautiful and appealing, however without success.  We need the true designer of our heart, Jesus Christ to come in and to do His glorious work in us.  When His work is revealed in our hearts, our lives are full of joy and peace and often moved to tears.  Now this truly is divine design!  

                                                                           Morning Prayer

Dear Lord,
    I invite you to come into my heart and do your Divine Design!  Amen
 

Monday, July 26, 2010

Cast Down

                                                                              Psalm 43:5
Why art thou cast down, O my soul?  And why art thou disquieted within me?  Hope in God; for I shall yet praise him, who is the health of my countenance, and my God.

The greatest danger sheep face is to become "cast down".  This means that in lying down they have become too complacent and have rolled over on their backs and their feet go straight up into the air.  When in this position, it is impossible to get themselves back upon their own feet again.  They cannot remain in this state for very long without losing their lives because of lack of blood circulating in their veins.  Their only hope is to be rescued by their shepherd, who is always on the lookout for a sheep that is "cast down".   He will leave the other sheep to seek it out and put it back on it's feet again.  With love and compassion the shepherd tends to the needs of His sheep.

Sometimes our souls become 'cast down' and we may not fully understand why?  We can kick our legs and cry and complain.  However, until we hear our shepherd's voice speak into our hearts and He puts us back on our feet again will we experience the fullness of His joy.  This morning,  after reading and searching the scriptures and praying (kicking my legs) I said, "Lord, please speak to my heart and give to me a psalm to read that will bring life back into my soul."  He whispered Psalm 43.  As I read the precious words I could feel His blood rushing through my legs and I was back on my feet again! 

                                                                 Morning Prayer
Dear Lord Jesus,
     There is no one like You who knows how to pick us up and put us back on our feet once again.  Thank you Lord that when You find us "cast down", You never point Your finger and condemn us or criticise and judge us, You simply lift us up with Your love and compassion.  We are so blessed to have You as our Shepherd.  Amen   

Friday, July 23, 2010

There Is No Place Like Home

                                                                          Proverbs 22:6
Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not turn from it.

My heart is feeling so comforted this morning because the sky is gloomy and overcast and it's been raining just a little bit.  This type of weather takes me home to Indiana, where I was born and raised.  Even though I have lived here in Arizona for over forty years, I feel the most complete when I visit back home.  I think it's interesting how so many details of my life emulate my younger years.  I fold my towels the way my Mother did.  I enjoy wearing the same hand lotion she used.  I could never fully list all the ways that I imitate the way I was raised.  I believe that we all have a desire in our hearts to be at home.

As a Mother, we hold that little one in our arms and imagine how he or she will grow up and live their lives.  However, reality doesn't always match our imaginations.  I am the Mother of three daughters and they are now fully grown beautiful woman.  In each of their lives, they all have taken turns in the road that I would never have chosen for them.  It can be heart breaking for a mother to watch her children making choices that are opposite of the way they were raised.  "God, where are you?"  We might pray.  I have truly learned that God is always there and He is working in their lives in such a quiet special way.  My heart rejoices as I observe my daughters all changing and growing and I'm pretty sure they all fold their towels the way their Mom did!  

In the last three years, I have watched the hand of God in my middle daughter's life.  She has rededicated her life to Jesus Christ.  She has been delivered from excessive alcohol and cigarettes.  She has become a very active member in her church and dedicated her extra time to ministering to High School youth.  Her heart truly is bent on living a life that honors God.  Praise God there is always hope! 

                                                                         James 5:16
                    The prayer of a righteous man (Mother) is powerful and effective.

Dear God,
     Thank you that You are so trustworthy when it comes to our children.  We can call upon You on their behalf.  We can fully trust that You are working in their lives and bringing them to a safe place.  Only You fully know and understand them and where they are going.  I will praise You even before I can see the changes!  Amen

Thursday, July 22, 2010

Memory Loss

                                                                    1 Corinthians 13:4
Love is patient, love is kind.  It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud.  It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs.

My memory is really becoming questionable.  Twice now I have given the wrong street address of my residence to two of my sisters.  I live on Walton Drive and I keep saying Watson Drive.  Another time I became confused and couldn't remember if my street was Walton or Walden.... so I picked up a piece of mail just to check.  I was telling my doctor about my memory problems and she said, "Should we run an "Alzheimer's Test" on you?"  I told her, "No thanks I am having lunch today with my friends Denial and Procrastination.  I will do that another time."  She laughed and agreed.  Thank goodness!

It is frightening at times when we do not remember simple things and we get confused, however there is a time to rejoice in a loss of memory.  My desire is that I am keeping no records of wrongs when I think back on family members, friends, co-workers or brief acquaintances, I would like to not remember how they might have offended me or hurt my feelings.  When I hear a familiar name, I want to only have kind things in my memory bank of them.  Isn't it interesting when people pass away that only good things are spoken of them?  Why don't we follow that practice when they are still alive?  I desire not to have a record of offenses stored up in my memory.   I would like to think that if I took a "Love Test" that I would pass.  I need to encourage my friends Denial and Procrastination into being honest and not put off resiting loving words about people God has put into my life.  

                                                                        Morning Prayer

Dear Lord,
    Your love for me has removed my offenses towards You as far East is from the West.  I desire to follow Your commandment to love others as You have loved me.  I ask You to heal and remove those memories.  May I not carry them in my heart resiting them to myself and to others.  Love keeps no records.  Thank you God.  Amen

Wednesday, July 21, 2010

What Life Is All About

I just spent two hours on the phone with my very dear friend and sister.  We love to talk about everything that is in our hearts.   The words that we speak to one another are always for edification and building one another up.  Even words of correction have  a sweet fragrance to them.   We  longingly talk about the next time we will be together.  I truly know my sister and she truly knows me and this is what life is all about.

Jesus, prayed to the Father saying these words, "And this is life eternal, that they might know thee, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent."  John 17:3

I love to spend time with the Lord, talking about everything that is in my heart.  When I listen to His Words ... they are always for my edification and building me up.  Even when He corrects me, they are sweet words to my soul.  I longingly look forward to being with Him face to face one day!  No one knows me better than God and I am daily learning to know Him better and that is what life is all about.  

                                                                           Morning Prayer

Dear God,
    True life is to know Your love, which passes knowledge that I might be filled with all Your fullness.  Amen 

Tuesday, July 20, 2010

Love & Acceptance

I received a call from Sarah, my twelve year old granddaughter who is just precious!    "Grandma, I need to talk to you about something.  I'm kind of anxious about going to Junior High.  I'm wondering how "popular" I will be this year.  Many of my old friends are going into High School."  

No matter how old we are....... we all want to be "popular".  We all have two basic needs in this life and that is to be loved and to be accepted.   Sarah agreed with me that this is what she was desiring.  "Sarah, whatever you need in this life, then give it away to others!  On the first day of school after you have put on your best new outfit and your make-up and fix your hair, then forget about yourself and put on love and acceptance.  Look around and see who might need to be encouraged, who needs to hear good words.  Everyone else feels just as anxious as you.    Sarah, when you focus on the needs of others, you will never need to be concerned about not being "popular" at school."

                                                                     Colossians 3:12 & 14

Put on , therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, tender mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, long suffering.  And above all these things put on love, which is the bond of perfectness.

                                                                     Morning Prayer
Dear Lord,
     Remind my heart to give to those around me what I desire to receive myself.  I want to put on the garments of love and acceptance.  Amen

Monday, July 19, 2010

All I Need

                                                                               John 14:6

Jesus said unto him, "I am the way, the truth and the life; no man cometh unto the Father but by me.

I am writing on my blog at this moment, only because my lovely daughter Katie came to my home and set down with me and created it for me.  I could have done some research on my own and tried to follow instructions, but I would not have been very successful.  I truly needed her.

We are all in need of guidance for our lives as we search for the truth, desiring the abundant life.    
                                                                 
                                                                  Jesus said, "I am.."  
                                                He doesn't tell us the way.... He is the way. 
                                                He isn't just our healer..... He is life itself.
                                                He is more than the calmer of the storm..... He is our peace.
                                                He is the deliverer..... He is our freedom!  

If you are in a storm today or wondering around lost and in need of direction, spend some time with Jesus and look to Him alone for the way, the truth and the life.  He will see that your needs are all met. 

                                                                  Morning Prayer
Dear Lord Jesus,
     Why do I look to the left or look to the right and not directly to You?  I research and counsel with others and use every other resource.  You alone are all I need.  Amen 




Friday, July 16, 2010

A "Friend of God"

I really enjoy Face book and it's a great way to keep in touch with my family and "friends".  It's interesting to look at people's profiles and see the number of "friends" they have!  My profile says that I have 79 "friends", however I saw where someone else had 2,717.  Oh please.... how can anyone have that many "friends"?  
                                                                      
                                                                            James 2:23
And the scripture was fulfilled which saith, Abraham believed God, and it was imputed unto him for righteousness; and he was called the "friend of God".

                    Abraham's friendship with God was based on his believing God.  
             Multitudes of people "believe in God" ..... very few actually "believe God". 
                          Just that one little word in the middle "in" is the dividing factor.
                                  This was what set Abraham apart from the multitudes.
                                                         He was truly a friend of God.

                                                                          John 6:64
But there are some of you that believe not. For Jesus knew from the beginning who they were that believed not, and who should betray him.

Do I believe God or do I just believe in God.  Is He just another name listed on my face book page or a true friend?  Do we speak to one another each day?  Or do I just look at his photos and read other peoples posts about him?   

                                                                       Morning Prayer
Dear Lord,
     I too want to be called "your friend" and I want more than just to believe in You, I want to believe You!  Amen






   

Thursday, July 15, 2010

I'm Gonna Be With Him!

I was flipping radio stations in the car and came across an old song that I used to love!  "Midnight Train To Georgia" by Gladys Knight.  My favorite music is instrumental worship music, preferably piano.  I enjoy making up my own words to sing to the Lord.  However, once in awhile it's fun to listen to some oldies.  I'm amazed how I used to sing lyrics over and over when I was young and had no clue to the meaning behind them.  Now that I am older I have a much better understanding.  I think it's kind of fun to listen to some of the oldies and turn the words around so that I am singing them to the Lord.  So I listened to the lyrics of this song carefully and this line really captured my heart!

                        "I'm gonna be with him on that midnight train to Georgia.
                        I'd rather live in his world than to live without him in mine."

I have now carried this tune and these lyrics around with me for four days!  I wake up in the middle of the night and I'm singing this song!  What is it that touches me about these lyrics?  This is what they mean to me.

"I'm gonna be with with Him, (Jesus Christ) on that midnight train (rapture) to Heaven.
I'd rather live in His world (Heaven) than to live without him in mine (this world).

                                                              I'm gonna be with Him!

                                                                           1 Thess. 4:15-17
For the Lord himself will come down from heaven, with a loud command, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet call of God and the dead in Christ will rise first.  After that, we who are still alive and are left will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air.  And so we will be with the Lord forever.

                                                                           Morning Prayer

Dear Lord,
     Thank you for the assurance in our hearts that to those who believe, You are going to come and receive Your children unto Yourself that where You are, we will be there with You!  Oh Lord thank you!!  Amen

Wednesday, July 14, 2010

Count It All Joy!

Very early this morning my sleep was interrupted by the pain in my right foot.  I think it's caused by bad circulation.  The only way to relieve the pain is to get up.  So at 4:45 a.m. I found myself sitting in my favorite chair and before long I was praying and then the Lord gave to me a special word to meditate upon and I was so blessed in my heart.  When the sun came up it was so beautiful and I realized I missed the joy of rising early.  Since I have been home I have fallen into the habit of sleeping later.  I will return to my former way.  I am so very thankful for the joy that came through the pain this morning.

Our lives can be suddenly interrupted by pain or various trials and our only relief is to go to our favorite meeting place with the Lord and have some time of solitude.  There is so much that He wants to tell us... so much He wants us to know. Before long the pain will subside and the trial will be over and we will be so much better for it.  These trials can change our hearts and we will find that joy often comes out of sadness and pain. 

                                                                           James 1:2-4
My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials.  Knowing this, that the testing of your faith works patience.  But let patience have her perfect work, that you may be perfect and entire, lacking nothing.

                                                                          1 Peter 5:10
But the God of all grace, who hath called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after you have suffered awhile, make you perfect, establish, strengthen and settle you.

                                                                         Morning Prayer

Dear Lord,
      Only You can turn our sorrows into joy and our pain and suffering into a perfect work in our hearts.  Your desire is that we lack nothing.  Oh that we would count it all joy, knowing that You truly love us and have our best interest at heart!  Amen

Tuesday, July 13, 2010

I am not mad at you.

Sunday morning I was sitting in my bedroom having my quiet time when all of a sudden I had four grandchildren, Zach (14), Sarah (12), Jacob (10) & Nick (7) came busting through the door and jumped on my bed!  I was pleased that they just wanted to hang out with Grandma.  Since I had my journal in my lap I told them, "I would like to interview each of you and record your answers."  They were thrilled!  They shared their talents, favorite things to do, stories of their best and worst days and their burdens.  Their responses were so interesting.  I asked them "How does God feel about you?"  They spoke of God's love, acceptance and His presence in their heart.  I was very impressed until I heard this response. "He is mad." Oh, how this must grieve God's heart.  

I also experienced this recently on a personal level when I made a call to a very special lady in my life.  She was having a very difficult day and was in the middle of a crisis.  I called to console her and encourage her that it would all be ok.  My intentions were to lavish her with love.  I took note that she was not responding to me as I had hoped so we didn't talk long.  Later I came to the understanding that she thought I was mad at her.  Oh how this broke my heart!  There was nothing further than the truth. I was quick to contact her and try to get this cleared up. 

How about you?  How do you think God feels about you?  Do you think God is mad at you?  Oh, I pray not and if that is so.... I pray you run to Him so that He can correct your thinking. 

                                                                        1 John 4:16-18
And so we know and rely on the love God has for us.  God is love.  Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in him.  In this way love is made complete among us so that we will have confidence on the day of judgement, because in this world we are like him.  There is no fear in love, but perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment.  The one who fears in not made perfect in love.

                                                                           Morning Prayer

Dear God,
     Thank you that Your desire is that we grow in our confidence and understanding of Your love for us.  Amen

Monday, July 12, 2010

"Disabled?"

I just received my "Notice of Award" from the Social Security Administration that I am entitled to monthly disability benefits.  The poor condition of my lungs makes me qualified to not work and receive funds.  I am now considered "disabled".  Does this mean my work is done?  Hardly.

My job title has always been and will continue to be the same, a "servant of God".  God's will for me is to serve anyone He brings into my life.  I am thrilled to have the opportunity to work exclusively from my home.  I believe that being available for others is a high calling. 

God is so good to equip us with everything that we need for His purposes.  I am not able to do a lot of physical service, however, I can be a friend and listen and encourage.  I can open my home with hospitality.  I can continue to grow in my faith and encourage others in theirs.  My work will never be done and God will never refer to me as being "disabled".

                                                                                Matthew 23:11
                                    But he that is greatest among you shall be your servant.   

                                                                        2 Corinthians 9:8
And God is able to make all grace abound toward you, that you always having all sufficiency in all things, may abound to every good work.

                                                                          Morning Prayer

Dear Lord,
    Thank you that circumstances in our lives will never keep us from doing the work that you have called us to do.....  we will always be able to serve others in some capacity.  What a blessing!  Amen

Thursday, July 8, 2010

Take Me To A Higher Place

My daughter and her husband paid the price to take their children to Disneyland.  Their youngest son Nick, is seven years old and they were excited for him because he is at that 'perfect' age for the wonder of it all.  They were so surprised and disappointed when he refused to go on many of the rides and didn't seem to be getting into all the excitement of this  adventure.  My daughter Kelly finally insisted that he get on the Ferris Wheel with her.  From the very top he looked down and said, "Wow!  Look Mom at all those neat rides down there!  I want to go on that one over there and that one too Mom!"  These were all rides that he previously declined to enjoy.  When they were back down on the ground he followed through with his commitment and enjoyed many of the rides he had previously declined.

We can find ourselves in a strange place where God has taken us and it's very scary.  We don't want to go where He is asking us to go.  He is excited because He knows His intentions are good toward us, but we don't fully know that.  He wants to take us high upon the mountain so that we can look down and over come our fears and gain a new perspective.  He will hold our hand and keep His ever watchful eye upon us.  He paid the price for us to enjoy and have an abundant life. 

                                                                               Psalm 27:5-6

For in the time of trouble he shall hide me in his pavilion; in the secret of his tabernacle shall he hide me; he shall set me up upon a rock.  And now shall mine head be lifted up above mine enemies round about me.  Therefore will I offer in his tabernacle sacrifices of joy;  I will sing, yea, I will sing praises unto the Lord.

                                                                              Morning Prayer

Dear God,
    I'm scared when I find myself in a strange place that is not familiar to me.  You understand when I don't want to go where You have taken me.  I ask that You will take me by the hand to a higher place so that I can look down upon the trials of my life and see them with greater understanding.  Remind my heart that You have the best intentions towards me and will not allow me to go beyond Your ever watchful eye.  Thank you for this wonderful adventure of abundant life through Your son, Jesus Christ.  Amen

Wednesday, July 7, 2010

Lack No Good Thing!

On the 4th of July I celebrated "Freedom" in my heart! On Facebook there were some wonderful pictures of my family in Indiana celebrating at my sister's house. My parents and all my siblings with their children were present and I could tell they had a WONDERFUL time! Oh.. the "potential" for 'self pity' that I was not able to be there was great, however my heart was free of any of that. I had a lovely day with my own family and rejoiced over our own celebration.

Years ago, the Lord spoke to my heart that because I belong to Him, I lack no good thing! He will see that I have everything I need. This truth has blessed me over and over because I truly believe that 'self pity' is one of the most reprehensible sins of the heart. It will never produce any good fruit.

There will always be "potential" for self pity in our lives, however I pray that it never takes root in our hearts.

Psalm 84:11-12
For the Lord God is a sun and shield; the Lord will give grace and glory. No good thing will he withhold from them that walk uprightly. O Lord of hosts, blessed is the man who trusts in thee.

Psalm 34:10
The young lions do lack and suffer hunger; but they who seek the Lord shall not lack any good thing.

Morning Prayer

Dear God,
Thank you for giving us freedom in our hearts to know that because we belong to you we lack no good thing. Give to us eyes to see and a heart to rejoice for all that you have blessed us with. We lack no good thing. Amen

Tuesday, July 6, 2010

Rejoice In This...

This week-end I went to make my bed and there on my pillow case was a dead baby scorpion. His long stinger was separated from his body but he hadn't been smashed? Oh my goodness that was freaky! We have a history of scorpions in our home and I have stepped on several to kill them and it's not always been easy. You really have to be diligent! I stepped back in amazement that this one was killed on a soft pillow! I knew instantly that God had watched over me and protected me in the night! I was rejoicing!

Luke 10:19-20
(Jesus speaking)
"Behold, I give unto you power to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy; and nothing shall by any means hurt you. Not withstanding, in this rejoice not, that the spirits are subject onto you; but rather rejoice, because yours names are written in Heaven."
Miracles are always quick to catch our attention and our praise, however, the greatest miracle of all is the salvation of our souls through Jesus Christ. Let's not ever forget to rejoice in this....
Morning Prayer
Dear God,
Thank you so much for watching over me in the night, however, the greatest miracle that I will ever know is your gift of salvation to me. How glorious that moment will be when I see my name written in the Lambs Book of Life in Heaven. I will rejoicing in this..... for all of eternity. Amen