Archive - July 2007
July 28, 2007
Zechariah 10:5
And they shall be like mighty men treading down their enemies in the mire of the streets in the battle, and they shall fight because the Lord is with them, and the [oppressor's] riders on horses shall be confounded and put to shame.
When your goal in life is to make a difference and bring glory to God, it's an inevitable fact that you will have to face the enemy of life - the devil. His tactics to oppress and wear out the saints are nothing to be afraid of; God is greater.
God is with us and the power of His Holy Spirit is planted within us. God is for you and is constantly empowering you to fulfill His plan. Take hold of that power by believing His Word. Here are a couple reminders for you during the fight:
*Guard your joy and peace - they are the power twins. Don't let anything or anyone steal these from you!
*Remind yourself - there is nothing to fear - SAY: "I am not my own! I am God's child and His responsibility; and God is not irresponsible!"
Move Forward - Live fearlessly - Be encouraged - God is with you!
July 23, 2007
Yesterday the Holy Spirit taught me something during an afternoon of prayer and study. What He said was so inspiring I want to pass it along.
"When you're going through a storm give God room to move. Give Him some leg room - bow down. Bow down for two reasons:
#1 Prayer - Bow down when you're going through the storm and call out to God in prayer. Ask according to His Word and believe in His goodness.
#2 Protocol - Bow down for the sake of protocol. When you are in the presence of royalty and they rise up to move, it's protocol to bow. When you call out to God, you can know for sure that He will respond and care for your life. In answer to your call, God is on the move. Observe protocol and bow down."
I pray for you today, that the awesomeness of God will captivate your heart so that there is no storm on earth that can shake your faith in HIM!
July 18, 2007
Joy is proportionate to trust.
Have you been feeling on top of the world lately? Or have you been a little challenged to feel that energizing surge deep inside? We all have moments in life where circumstances become distracting, challenges become weighty and joy begins to fade. If you're looking for joy, I want to encourage you today.
First of all remind yourself in whatever you're facing that "this too will pass". Life has seasons and this season is momentary. It's important that you keep moving forward and maintaining momentum during this time period. This will carry you into the up-swing. Challenges don't last - the next season is approaching - keep moving!
Check your gauges. You know on a car the manufacturer installs gauges to keep the owner aware of the condition of the motor. God's created us in a similar way. Look to your gauges. Are you getting enough sleep, eating healthfully, drinking plenty of water and very important - getting daily exercise? Often joy-sapping stress can be drastically reduced with wise lifestyle choices. Check your gauges and make the necessary changes.
And finally, look within and evaluate your focus. Are you depending on yourself for both the work and the results? You know, you can plant the seed, but only God can make it grow. Likewise you can plan the work and work the plan, but God is the One who grants success. Do you trust God?Or are you bearing the weight of responsibility for desired results. You and I were not design for God size pressure. Only God can run the universe. Be sure in your efforts that you are not carrying more than your part.
God intended that we have and enjoy the life Christ died to give us. His desire is that we would prosper in every way and pour out His goodness to those around us. Trust in that good heart of His. Trust God! Joy is proportionate to trust! EnJOY what He's done for you and let nothing steal that gift away!
July 14, 2007
Luke 1:37
For nothing is impossible with God and no word from God shall be without power or impossible of fulfillment.
WOW! What a powerful verse! If this doesn't pump you up and get you moving, I don't know what will! Stop a minute and read it again....
Think about it... every promise, every principle, every word from God recorded for our benefit is packed full of self-fulfilling power. God will show Himself faithful and true to His word and His people.
Today, I dare you to find out what God says about you and stake your life on it! When He says you are a child of God, when He says He's the God who saves, delivers and heals - stake your life on it! Get the truth nailed down in your life and watch what happens.
I know there are places in my life where I need to be challenged to believe God more fully. Today I'm taking the Word and I'm staking my life on it and I fully expect that I will not be disappointed! Join me and let's live completely abandoned to God and watch His power prove real in our lives!
Get in the Word and let the Word get in you. Be ready to be amazed!!
July 13, 2007
Today I want to encourage those who are carrying a heavy load of responsibility or walking through a trial. There's a song written by Steven Curtis Chapman that is an encouragement and reminder that through God's sustaining grace, we can do anything He calls us to. These are the words of the first verse and chorus.
I can do all things
Through Christ who gives me strength
But sometimes I wonder what He can do through me
No great success to show
No glory of my own
Yet, in my weakness He is there to let me know
His strength is perfect
When my strength is gone
He'll carry us when we can't carry on
Strength in His power
The weak become strong
His strength is perfect
His strength is perfect
I am confident that as you lean on the power of God you will find the wisdom and strength you need to face the challenge before you. Keep your focus on the answer - HIM! He is God! He will show Himself strong and do great things before your eyes!
July 11, 2007
1 Cor 16:10
When Timothy arrives, see to it that [you put him at ease so that] he may be fearless among you, for he is [devotedly] doing the Lord's work just as I am.
I want to take a moment to share with you the same message that God has recently put in my heart for a group of young women mentorees. It comes from the instruction that Paul gives to the church in Corinth.
I want to put you at ease. God is looking out for you and watching over your way. He is leading you and guiding your steps. He is making sure that "you'll see clearly the route to take" (Josh 3:3&4 Message). "He will lead you in the way you should go (Is 48:17) God is leading you - relax - don't be afraid - just follow God!
If you are young - take this to heart. Be fearless and do what God is giving you to do. If you are older, be reminded of the need to stand faithful and fearless in God's work and be sure that you are reaching out to the "Timothy's" around you, putting them at ease so that the work of the Lord will go on strong!
July 6, 2007
Matthew 6:31-33
Therefore do not worry and be anxious... your heavenly Father knows well that you need them all. But seek (aim at and strive after) first of all His kingdom and His righteousness (His way of doing and being right) and then all these things taken together will be given you besides.
Isn't interesting how Jesus spoke words over 2000 years ago that are perfectly fit for today? We still have the age old problems of needs and wants. Fortunately, we still have the age old answer! Put first things first!
Materialism, that eternal hunger for stuff, looks so appealing from the outside but is absolutely hollow and very disappointing. The great thing about setting our focus on God's way is that it frees us up from this insatiable "hunger". In God's kingdom, we are free to see past self to other people and their needs, living a life of love. God promises us that by living with this priority our own needs will be met in full.
It's a mysterious thing, but it's true: not only are our needs supplied but there is great joy in living for the God. Today as you look ahead to your decisions and responsibilites remember: live for righteousness and the resulting peace and joy will be yours to enjoy!
July 2, 2007
Proverbs 2:20-21 (Message)
So - Join the company of good men and women, keep your feet on the tried and true paths. It's the men who walk straight who will settle this land, the women with integrity who will last here.
We live in a culture mezmerized by formulas and quick fixes for success. People longing for "the good life" buy into this mentality, selling God and themselves short; coming out empty handed.
You and I cannot escape this reality: God made it all and knows how it works. No one knows a better way to success than God and He says that wisdom and knowledge are the way. He calls them the "tried and true" paths. Before you buy into someone's idea of how you should live your life or grow your ministry or business - better refer back to the Owner's manual. Is it based on Godly wisdom or human ideology?
Walk straight after God's plan and stay true all along the path and you'll be among the last one's standing; enjoying the fruit of a life lived in wisdom.
