"However, don't rejoice that the spirits submit to you, but rejoice that your name is written in heaven" Luke 10:20
Some days I feel like I am on an emotional roller coaster. Get up early for prayer time - great, forget to make my husband lunch - I want to kick myself. Volunteer and church - refreshed. Get angry with my beautiful daughter - I want to kick myself again, harder. Up and down, Up and down my day goes, no wonder I am tired at night!
I came across this scripture passage today and God reminded me that if I place all my value, joy and worth in my accomplishments or transgressions I will never find peace or satisfaction because the pain of disappointment in oneself will always last longer than the joy of accomplishment. My joy needs to be focused on the fact that I am saved! Amen! My salvation is for sure and is forever!
Dear Lord
Day to day life has its ups and downs, and If I focus too much it the roller coaster goes faster and faster until I am dizzy, sick or both. Help be to remember to rejoice because my name is written in heaven because of your Son and not because of anything on this earth!
In Jesus name - Amen
Tuesday, August 17, 2010
Thursday, March 26, 2009
Forgiveness - Psalm 32:1
How happy is the one whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is covered!
Psalm 32:1
In my Bible Psalm 32 is titled “The Joy of Forgiveness” Just close your eyes and let the idea of total forgiveness wash over you. I think joy is the best word to describe that feeling. A few weeks ago when I prayed and asked God to show me who I need to forgive and he showed me, me. As I read through Psalm 32, I think I finally get it.
When I kept silent, my bones became brittle from my groaning all day long. For day and night Your hand was heavy on me; my strength was drained as in the summer’s heat. Then I acknowledged my sin to You and did no conceal my iniquity. I said, “I will confess my transgressions to the Lord,” and You took away the guilt of my sin.
Psalm 32:3-6
When we are doing something wrong, or committing a sin, God convicts our heart and it does feel like a heavy hand upon us. When the weight becomes unbearable we fall to our knees and pray for forgiveness. As Christians we know we only have to ask with a sincere heart and we are forgiven, so why do we sometimes still feel that heavy weight on our hearts? Because we need to forgive ourselves as God has forgiven us. This is when the Devil has the opportunity to whisper in our ears and tell us we are not forgiven what we did was too terrible and we are not worthy. This is when we need to remember that He took away the guilt of our sin when we confessed it to Him. We may need to repeat it to ourselves several times.
Many pains come to the wicked but the one who trusts in the Lord will have faithful love surrounding him. Be glad in the lord and rejoice, you righteous ones; shout for joy all you upright in heart.
Psalm 32:10-11
We all act wicked at some points in our life, being a Christian does not prevent that. But as Christians we have our Heavenly Father’s faithful love surrounding us. We can forgive ourselves and be joyful because we are forgiven by Him.
Dear Heavenly Father, Thank you for Your forgiveness and faithful love. I know at times I will fall and I welcome your conviction and do not fear it because I know it comes from Your love and desire to forgive me. When I ask for forgiveness, I ask that you remind me to forgive myself so I can surround myself with Your love and Joy. In Jesus name – Amen
Note: Take the time to read Psalm 32, and let the words wash over you. It is a beautiful Psalm.
Psalm 32:1
In my Bible Psalm 32 is titled “The Joy of Forgiveness” Just close your eyes and let the idea of total forgiveness wash over you. I think joy is the best word to describe that feeling. A few weeks ago when I prayed and asked God to show me who I need to forgive and he showed me, me. As I read through Psalm 32, I think I finally get it.
When I kept silent, my bones became brittle from my groaning all day long. For day and night Your hand was heavy on me; my strength was drained as in the summer’s heat. Then I acknowledged my sin to You and did no conceal my iniquity. I said, “I will confess my transgressions to the Lord,” and You took away the guilt of my sin.
Psalm 32:3-6
When we are doing something wrong, or committing a sin, God convicts our heart and it does feel like a heavy hand upon us. When the weight becomes unbearable we fall to our knees and pray for forgiveness. As Christians we know we only have to ask with a sincere heart and we are forgiven, so why do we sometimes still feel that heavy weight on our hearts? Because we need to forgive ourselves as God has forgiven us. This is when the Devil has the opportunity to whisper in our ears and tell us we are not forgiven what we did was too terrible and we are not worthy. This is when we need to remember that He took away the guilt of our sin when we confessed it to Him. We may need to repeat it to ourselves several times.
Many pains come to the wicked but the one who trusts in the Lord will have faithful love surrounding him. Be glad in the lord and rejoice, you righteous ones; shout for joy all you upright in heart.
Psalm 32:10-11
We all act wicked at some points in our life, being a Christian does not prevent that. But as Christians we have our Heavenly Father’s faithful love surrounding us. We can forgive ourselves and be joyful because we are forgiven by Him.
Dear Heavenly Father, Thank you for Your forgiveness and faithful love. I know at times I will fall and I welcome your conviction and do not fear it because I know it comes from Your love and desire to forgive me. When I ask for forgiveness, I ask that you remind me to forgive myself so I can surround myself with Your love and Joy. In Jesus name – Amen
Note: Take the time to read Psalm 32, and let the words wash over you. It is a beautiful Psalm.
Tuesday, March 3, 2009
Forgiveness 2nd Chronicles 7:14
“and My people who are called by My name humble themselves, pray and seek My face, and turn from their evil ways, then I will hear from heaven, forgive their sin, and heal their land”. 2nd Chronicles 7:14
This is specific direction on how Christians can seek forgiveness from the Lord. We all face difficult times, they may be caused by forces beyond our control or they may be of our own doing. Here God gives us a specific plan of action.
(1) Humble (themselves): a; Meek or Modest, b; deferentially respectful, c; Low rank or station.
The first thing we have to remember is that God is in control. If changes need to be made in our lives we must start with Him. We must remember God created us and we are only strong through Him.
“….God resists the proud, but gives grace to the Humble” James 4:6
(2) Pray: Communication with God
There are many words written on how to pray, I think the most important thing is to just do it. I believe setting time aside for prayer is important, but I think we need to talk to God any time the need arises and for me it is through out my day. Paul tells us in 1st Thessalonians 5:17 to pray constantly. I know God has spoken some powerful and personal truths to me at my kitchen sink while I scrubbed dishes and prayed.
Another very important aspect of prayer is praise and thanksgiving. James 5:13 says “Is anyone among you suffering? He should pray. Is anyone cheerful? He should sing praises”. For me and for most of us I think it is usually both. There are things going on in life that are causing us to suffer and at the same time things that are bringing us joy. Let’s remember to give thanks for the many blessings as well as asking God to help with our suffering.
(3) (Seek My) face: The part of the human body that contains unique indentifying characteristics. A term used symbolic in the bible to express the presence of God.
God wants a personal relationship with me and you. He wants us to know Him, not just to know what He can do for us. The best way to learn about God is to read his Word. Just as in prayer there is so much information about how to read the Bible. There is most likely a reading plan in the front of back of your Bible. Go to a Bible study group or read by subject as it moves you. I don’t think there is a wrong way to read the Bible, just find what works.
(4) (Turn from) Evil: A force that opposes God and His work or righteousness in the world. The ultimate source of evil is Satan.
If we find ourselves suffering and we humble ourselves, pray, seek God’s face in order to find forgiveness we must get rid of that thing or act that has caused the suffering or we will end up right back were we started.
I am thankful that God is patient, loving and understanding. He does not want us to be perfect, just persistent. When we stumble, just get up and start again. God wants us to succeed and he promises to forgive our sin and enrich our lives with blessing.(“ …heal their land”).
Dear heavenly Father, thank you for loving me enough to forgive my sins and restore the richness of my life. Thank you for giving me You’re Word so I can seek Your face and praise You, not just ask what you can do for me. I ask that you give me eyes to see you, ears to hear you as I walk through life, so I can have your strength to walk the righteous path and resist the sinful path. In Jesus’ name Amen
This is specific direction on how Christians can seek forgiveness from the Lord. We all face difficult times, they may be caused by forces beyond our control or they may be of our own doing. Here God gives us a specific plan of action.
(1) Humble (themselves): a; Meek or Modest, b; deferentially respectful, c; Low rank or station.
The first thing we have to remember is that God is in control. If changes need to be made in our lives we must start with Him. We must remember God created us and we are only strong through Him.
“….God resists the proud, but gives grace to the Humble” James 4:6
(2) Pray: Communication with God
There are many words written on how to pray, I think the most important thing is to just do it. I believe setting time aside for prayer is important, but I think we need to talk to God any time the need arises and for me it is through out my day. Paul tells us in 1st Thessalonians 5:17 to pray constantly. I know God has spoken some powerful and personal truths to me at my kitchen sink while I scrubbed dishes and prayed.
Another very important aspect of prayer is praise and thanksgiving. James 5:13 says “Is anyone among you suffering? He should pray. Is anyone cheerful? He should sing praises”. For me and for most of us I think it is usually both. There are things going on in life that are causing us to suffer and at the same time things that are bringing us joy. Let’s remember to give thanks for the many blessings as well as asking God to help with our suffering.
(3) (Seek My) face: The part of the human body that contains unique indentifying characteristics. A term used symbolic in the bible to express the presence of God.
God wants a personal relationship with me and you. He wants us to know Him, not just to know what He can do for us. The best way to learn about God is to read his Word. Just as in prayer there is so much information about how to read the Bible. There is most likely a reading plan in the front of back of your Bible. Go to a Bible study group or read by subject as it moves you. I don’t think there is a wrong way to read the Bible, just find what works.
(4) (Turn from) Evil: A force that opposes God and His work or righteousness in the world. The ultimate source of evil is Satan.
If we find ourselves suffering and we humble ourselves, pray, seek God’s face in order to find forgiveness we must get rid of that thing or act that has caused the suffering or we will end up right back were we started.
I am thankful that God is patient, loving and understanding. He does not want us to be perfect, just persistent. When we stumble, just get up and start again. God wants us to succeed and he promises to forgive our sin and enrich our lives with blessing.(“ …heal their land”).
Dear heavenly Father, thank you for loving me enough to forgive my sins and restore the richness of my life. Thank you for giving me You’re Word so I can seek Your face and praise You, not just ask what you can do for me. I ask that you give me eyes to see you, ears to hear you as I walk through life, so I can have your strength to walk the righteous path and resist the sinful path. In Jesus’ name Amen
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
Forgiveness - Exodus 32:32
“Now if You would only forgive there sin. But if not, please erase me from the book You have written. The Lord replied to Moses: “Whoever has sinned against Me I will erase from My book”. Exodus 32:32-33
These verses refer to Moses asking God to forgive the Israelites for creating and worshiping false idols. Exodus chapter 32 tells the story of the golden calf in which the Israelites become afraid when Moses is delayed in his return from Mt. Sinai and ask Aaron (Mosses’ brother) to make them a god. Aaron then creates a golden calf and the people worship and revel in this new god.
Moses is enraged at the people for there lack of faith and sin. I am sure he could have easily just walked away and left them in the desert, but he followed God’s instruction. Verse 34 states “Now go, lead the people to the place I told you about; see, My angel will go before you. But on the day I settle account, I will hold them accountable for their sin”.
Moses sets the example for us; even though he was furious with the Israelites he went to God and prayed on there behalf, seeking forgiveness for them. Moses had to forgive them and find peace in his heart about the matter so he would be able to continue to carry out God’s will and lead the Israelites to the promise land.
If we hold anger and un-forgiveness in our hearts it can blind us from seeing God’s beautiful plan for our lives. If some one betrays or hurts us we must pray to God on there behalf and ask God to help us forgive them. We can let go of anger knowing we do not need to seek payback because God tells us He will hold them accountable for their sin.
Dear Heavenly Father, Thank you for sharing with me your plan for forgiveness. Please help me find mercy in my heart so I can be open to Your plan for my life – Amen.
These verses refer to Moses asking God to forgive the Israelites for creating and worshiping false idols. Exodus chapter 32 tells the story of the golden calf in which the Israelites become afraid when Moses is delayed in his return from Mt. Sinai and ask Aaron (Mosses’ brother) to make them a god. Aaron then creates a golden calf and the people worship and revel in this new god.
Moses is enraged at the people for there lack of faith and sin. I am sure he could have easily just walked away and left them in the desert, but he followed God’s instruction. Verse 34 states “Now go, lead the people to the place I told you about; see, My angel will go before you. But on the day I settle account, I will hold them accountable for their sin”.
Moses sets the example for us; even though he was furious with the Israelites he went to God and prayed on there behalf, seeking forgiveness for them. Moses had to forgive them and find peace in his heart about the matter so he would be able to continue to carry out God’s will and lead the Israelites to the promise land.
If we hold anger and un-forgiveness in our hearts it can blind us from seeing God’s beautiful plan for our lives. If some one betrays or hurts us we must pray to God on there behalf and ask God to help us forgive them. We can let go of anger knowing we do not need to seek payback because God tells us He will hold them accountable for their sin.
Dear Heavenly Father, Thank you for sharing with me your plan for forgiveness. Please help me find mercy in my heart so I can be open to Your plan for my life – Amen.
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
Forgiveness
The other day God put the idea of forgiveness on my heart. First when I was listening to a Joyce Meyer podcast while I exercised. When I finished my exercise I came in to read my emails and the daily devotional from Proverbs 31 Ministry was also about forgiveness. This came at a time when a lot of harsh childhood and teenage memories had been flooding back into my mind. This made it very easy for me to quickly make a mental note of all the people who had “done me wrong”. So I took Joyce Meyer’s suggestion and prayed for God to show me who I need to work on forgiving first. Guess whose face came to my heart…..My own.
It took me a while to process this. But once I did I realized that no matter what anyone else had “done” to me. I had not leaned on God for support but rather I let it give me a victim mentality which allowed me to become bitter, self hating and doubting myself in every step. This was a choice I made, so before I could forgive anyone else I must learn to forgive myself. I was so excited to learn this, because even though I am a much happier person that that teenager I was years ago. I still carry quite a bit of baggage of the past.
This leads me to my first personal study: Forgiveness
Merriam-Webster.com defines Forgive as 1. To give up resentment of or claim to requital for 2. To grant relief from payment 3. To cease to feel resentment against (an offender)
Nelson’s New Illustrated Bible Dictionary defines forgiveness as – the act of excusing or pardoning others in spite of their slights, shortcomings, and errors. As a theological term, forgiveness refers to God’s pardon of the sins of human beings.
Dear Lord, thank you for showing me the need to forgive myself and others as You have forgiven me. I look forward to growing in my faith knowing you will impart to me in this study what you want me to learn. – Amen.
It took me a while to process this. But once I did I realized that no matter what anyone else had “done” to me. I had not leaned on God for support but rather I let it give me a victim mentality which allowed me to become bitter, self hating and doubting myself in every step. This was a choice I made, so before I could forgive anyone else I must learn to forgive myself. I was so excited to learn this, because even though I am a much happier person that that teenager I was years ago. I still carry quite a bit of baggage of the past.
This leads me to my first personal study: Forgiveness
Merriam-Webster.com defines Forgive as 1. To give up resentment of or claim to requital for
Nelson’s New Illustrated Bible Dictionary defines forgiveness as – the act of excusing or pardoning others in spite of their slights, shortcomings, and errors. As a theological term, forgiveness refers to God’s pardon of the sins of human beings.
Dear Lord, thank you for showing me the need to forgive myself and others as You have forgiven me. I look forward to growing in my faith knowing you will impart to me in this study what you want me to learn. – Amen.
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