Today I am perplexed. The world is crumbling, overwhelmed by the burdens it is carrying. In fear our children look on, uncertain of the future for this world - the world, You O Lord created. Technology has overtaken, confusing and distorting reality. Technology has robbed our children. It has robbed them of dreams, imagination, creative thought, goals, character, and compassion. The enemy has found that one crack in our society, seeking whom he may devour. Not only are our children vulnerable, but even the most seasoned saints are at risk.
Although I wrote about this issue 3 years ago, I felt led to revisit it. The pull on our minds is stronger now more than ever in my opinion. "With the Lord's authority let me say this: Live no longer as the ungodly do, for they are hopelessly confused. Their closed minds are full of darkness; they are far away from the life of God because they have shut their minds and hardened their hearts against Him." ~Ephesians 4:17-18~
We must stay in communion with God - reading His Word daily, praying in the Holy Spirit without ceasing, and consistently having fellowship with our Christian brothers and sisters. We need to not only pray without ceasing - we need to fast and pray. That is the only way we can rescue our children from Satan's snare.
"The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom; all who follow His precepts have good understanding. To Him belongs eternal praise."
~Psalm 111:10~
"If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him."
~James 1:5~
"Wisdom is supreme; therefore get wisdom. Though it cost all you have, get understanding."
~Proverbs 4:7~
"Wisdom makes one wise man more powerful than ten rulers in a city."
~Ecclesiastes 7:19~
~ Lord, give me Your wisdom as I lead and guide my children. I do not want to be a parent who is looking the other direction, so consumed with my own needs; blinded to what my children need. It breaks my heart Jesus, when I see children wandering around alone, with no one to love, care, or nurture them. Where are the parents of my generation? Parents who set guidelines, boundaries, and viewed their children as blessings from You and not as burdens. As I seek Your wisdom Father, give me courage and strength to stand in the gap for my kids. Thank you Lord for my children - my precious gifts that You entrusted me with. I love you Lord. In the sweet Name of Jesus, Amen ~
Saturday, August 10, 2013
Monday, August 5, 2013
What a Great Message
"What a great message at church today", I've said many times before.Though heartfelt, how much of that "great message" actually penetrated me, changing my life for the better? Don't get me wrong, I have genuinely had those life-changing experiences and praise God everyday for lifting me up and setting me on solid ground once again - opening my eyes and changing my perspective and focus on Jesus.
Yet there are those other times - that rut we find ourselves in - going through the motions; either unintentional or intentional, because heaven forbid people see our pain. If we let others see, then our relationship with the Lord may be questioned. That is such a lie from Satan! We need to be real with God and with people. "The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart, O God, you will not despise" Psalm 51:17. "Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me" Psalm 51:10. God wants us to be broken and real - pure - with Him. Contrite means to be completely repentant of our sins; our wrongdoings. The Lord desires a heart that is 100% broken and contrite - repentant; all His.
Today God did give me a Great Word through a wonderful, Spirit-filled, on Fire minister visiting our church. It was a Great Message that indeed penetrated my soul, my mind, my heart: "If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness" ~ 1 John 1:9. This minister told me that Word was for me. It pierced me deep and I felt a release I didn't understand. When I went and sat back in my seat, I quickly grabbed my Bible and looked up this scripture. Upon reading it, I thought, "Lord, what sin? I'm a Christian and have been living right...haven't I?" Then I read the following verse "If we claim we have not sinned, we make Him out to be a liar and His Word has no place in our lives" ~ 1 John 1:10. BOOM...in my face...thank you for answering that Lord!
Then a flood of my most recent "little" sins came to mind: losing my temper, having a bad thought or speaking a negative word about someone, being impatient, watching a movie or listening to music that is questionable, partaking in something unhealthy for my body; need I go on. These sins that seem trivial and a part of "being human" as we tell ourselves, are not trivial to God. "Finally, brothers, 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" ~ Philippians 4:8.
The Lord does not expect us to be perfect - He's not into setting His children up for failure. What He does desire is "...truth in the inner parts..." ~ Psalm 51:6 I believe that God wants us to strive to be holy, keeping our lives above reproach - setting a standard as a witness of His truth and His righteousness.
"Dear Lord, help me to always be aware of my attitude towards others. Give me a heart filled with Christ's compassion - putting others' needs before my own. I pray your Holy Spirit quickens me when someone needs an encouraging word spoken to them. Do not let me judge or criticize - to remember my own transgressions before I am quick to throw a stone. In the precious Name of Jesus, Amen"
Yet there are those other times - that rut we find ourselves in - going through the motions; either unintentional or intentional, because heaven forbid people see our pain. If we let others see, then our relationship with the Lord may be questioned. That is such a lie from Satan! We need to be real with God and with people. "The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart, O God, you will not despise" Psalm 51:17. "Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me" Psalm 51:10. God wants us to be broken and real - pure - with Him. Contrite means to be completely repentant of our sins; our wrongdoings. The Lord desires a heart that is 100% broken and contrite - repentant; all His.
Today God did give me a Great Word through a wonderful, Spirit-filled, on Fire minister visiting our church. It was a Great Message that indeed penetrated my soul, my mind, my heart: "If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness" ~ 1 John 1:9. This minister told me that Word was for me. It pierced me deep and I felt a release I didn't understand. When I went and sat back in my seat, I quickly grabbed my Bible and looked up this scripture. Upon reading it, I thought, "Lord, what sin? I'm a Christian and have been living right...haven't I?" Then I read the following verse "If we claim we have not sinned, we make Him out to be a liar and His Word has no place in our lives" ~ 1 John 1:10. BOOM...in my face...thank you for answering that Lord!
Then a flood of my most recent "little" sins came to mind: losing my temper, having a bad thought or speaking a negative word about someone, being impatient, watching a movie or listening to music that is questionable, partaking in something unhealthy for my body; need I go on. These sins that seem trivial and a part of "being human" as we tell ourselves, are not trivial to God. "Finally, brothers, 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" ~ Philippians 4:8.
The Lord does not expect us to be perfect - He's not into setting His children up for failure. What He does desire is "...truth in the inner parts..." ~ Psalm 51:6 I believe that God wants us to strive to be holy, keeping our lives above reproach - setting a standard as a witness of His truth and His righteousness.
"Dear Lord, help me to always be aware of my attitude towards others. Give me a heart filled with Christ's compassion - putting others' needs before my own. I pray your Holy Spirit quickens me when someone needs an encouraging word spoken to them. Do not let me judge or criticize - to remember my own transgressions before I am quick to throw a stone. In the precious Name of Jesus, Amen"
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