Pray

Today is suppose to be a review of the chapters we read this week, but since there weren't any chapters; I am called to pray and to encourage you to pray.  Pray this prayer below and let the spirit guide you to pray specifically where there is need.

Father God, thank You for this wonderful day!  I don't know what You have in store for me but I am faithful in expecting grace, peace and favor today and every day.  You are a good God, a God this is always on time.  You are a God that is with me when I'm low as much as You're with me when I'm high in spirits.  You're always there to bring me and keep me in right relationship with You.  LORD, please forgive me for doing anything my way.  For not asking permission from You before I act out on anything.  Please forgive me for thinking I have to get it all together in my way instead of following exactly what You want me to do.  Forgive me for not having faith in You.  You have a great plan for me and I know in the midst of it all- what I am suppose to do may not make any sense to me.  But I trust You LORD, over myself.  I trust You to guide and direct me through the leading of Your Holy Spirit in the right direction.  Show me how to quiet my head and just listen to what You have to say.  LORD, I rebuke the evil spirits that are in this world and in my life.  I rebuke the evil spirit of deception that allow us to think we're doing something good, when in the end it's evil and against You.  I don't want to do anything against my God.  I repent right now, for doing anything to satisfy my desires, my flesh, my emotions in rebellion to Your Word.  I ask that You continue to change my heart with Your Truth, and teach me how to walk in right fellowship with You, no matter the consequence, no matter the sin I have to give up in my life.  To live this life, to know You, to worship You, it is all a wonderful gift and a privilege and I pray that more people will begin to see this.  Thank You for keeping me from self destruction.  Thank You for shining light on the darkness in my life.  I do not want to be separated from You, EVER!  I desire to be set apart from this world because You are my LORD, my God and I love You because You first loved me and You called me to love You.  How awesome is it, that the Great I Am wants me to love Him.  I am humbled and honored.  I pray this prayer not just over my life, but over the lives of my friends and family.  Over the lives of those strangers that I have met and who have affected my life in some way.  I desire for everyone to know You through Your Son, Jesus, and enter into Your Kingdom.  I desire that we all reflect Your character on this earth and really make it a better place- no matter how corny it may sound.  It should be our reality.  In the mighty name of Jesus, I pray with faith that You hear me and will act on my behalf and on behalf of all of Your children who pray according to Your Will.  Amen. 

Side note: The singer of the song yesterday is: Damita Haddon "No Looking Back"

Song on my mind

Hey there-

My computer is on the fritz but the Word will be back.  In the meantime, there is this song that comes on every day when I listen to my XM radio on Praise.  I forget who sings it but I will find it if you're interested to know.  I just wanted to share these lyrics that are sticking out in my mind.

"I'm looking forward not behind, I made a decision to give You my life.  And there's no looking back."

You've answered the call to come to God.  Get to know Him and serve Him as He commands us to.

Jesus' Resurrection

PRAYER: LORD we are waiting on a Word from You.  We want and need Your guidance.  Thank You for calling us to prepare for a visitation from You.  A holy, exciting and purposeful visitation from You.  It's so special and amazing to be called by the Great Almighty and Only God.  Speak to us LORD, let Your Will be done on this earth as it is in Heaven.  Use us LORD!  Hallelujah!  You are so close.  Thank You for loving us LORD, loving us so much that even though we make mistakes, we can come to You for forgiveness.  No questions asked, just pure forgiveness and a change of heart.  To live our life in purpose that honors and worships You.  We trust You LORD, and where we are lacking in trust, show us.  This is the time!  There is no better time than NOW for each of us to come correct.  In the name of Jesus, amen.

MATTHEW 17: 22-23

JESUS SPEAKS OF HIS RESURRECTION: 

When they came together in Galilee, (Jesus) said to them, "Son of Man is going to be betrayed into the hands of men. They will kill him, and on the third day he will be raised to life." And the disciples were filled with grief.

For a second time, Jesus predicted His death; but more important, He told of His resurrection.  Unfortunately, the disciples heard only the first part of Jesus' words and became discouraged.  They didn't understand why Jesus kept talking about His death because they expected Him to set up a political (earthly) kingdom.  The thought of His death dashed their hopes.  They also couldn't understand why Jesus wanted to go back to Jerusalem, where he would walk right into trouble.  They didn't understand that Jesus' death and resurrection would make His Kingdom possible.  Not until the Pentecost (Acts 2), did the disciples fully comprehend the purpose of Jesus' death and resurrection.

Don't get upset at yourself for being unable to understand everything about Jesus.  After all, the disciples spent three years with Him, saw His miracles, heard His words, and still had difficulty understanding.  Despite their questions and doubts, however, they believed.  We should do no less.  Believe in the God that you serve.  God will reveal what we need to know as we continue to respond to His call to search and learn His Word and spend time with Him through the Holy Spirit.

JESUS DIED ON THE CROSS FOR OUR SINS.

BUT TODAY HE LIVES!

It's interesting...

I sit here with a mind loaded with thoughts, hopes, dreams and feelings.  Yet, I stare at this computer screen, wanting to write and share-but nothing is forming in my head.

I wrote that last night, this morning I know God has a Word for me to share with others and He is preparing me in order to share it.  So get serious about the Word, share everything you are with God in prayer and count on Him to answer You.  This Word may be just for you.

More to come...

Weekend Review: Matthew 17

PRAYER: Heavenly Father, You are the God of Love.  The only God.  For You so loved ME (make it personal) that You gave Your only begotten Son to save ME.  Thank You LORD.  Your love is so great, I would hate to live without it.  I would be so lost and lonely without Your sovereign love.  I don't think we really think about how the All-Knowing, All-powerful, the King of kings, the LORD of lords, loves each one of us.  LORD, please show me how to love those around me.  To not be selfish or selective with my love, but to love Your children, my family in Christ unconditionally.  Let love be my motivation in all that all do.  Starting with my obedience to You.  Bless You Father.  In the mighty name of Your Son, my Savior-Jesus Christ, amen.

LEARNING & KNOWING THE WORD OF GOD IS A PRIVILEGE.  

IT GUARDS YOU FROM THE DECEPTIONS OF THIS WORLD.

MATTHEW 17:1-13 THE TRANSFIGURATION:

Get it Right: (Emphasis v. 9-13) Jesus told Peter, James and John not to tell anyone what they had seen until after His resurrection because Jesus knew that they didn't fully understand it and could not explain what they didn't understand.  Their question about Elijah revealed their misunderstandings, they failed to understand that John the Baptist took on Elijah's prophetic role, boldly confronting sin and pointing people to God.  The disciples knew that Jesus was the Messiah, but they had much more to learn about the significance of His death and resurrection.  As many of us today need to learn.  Don't claim to know the Word.  Really know the Word and spend time with the Holy Spirit so that mysteries within the Word can be revealed to you.  When you speak of the God you serve, you want to know Whom you're talking about.  So ask questions, get into discussions with other believers, read, memorize and meditate, go to a church that is centered on the Word-not sermons focused on making you feel good or condemning you-but TEACHING you the Word: pray over the Word and pray the Word over you life.  The only place you'll find yourself is closer to God in every area of your life.  I know that's an awesome place to be.  God challenges us so that we grow in right relationship and fellowship with Him and the people in our lives.  Don't let this world blind you to think and live opposite of how He commands us to live.

DO YOU WANT TO GROW CLOSER TO GOD?

MATTHEW 17: 14-21 THE HEALING OF A BOY WITH A DEMON:

Faith is Important: (Emphasis v. 17-20) O unbelieving and perverse generation," Jesus replied, "how long shall I stay with you? How long shall I put up with you? Bring the boy here to me." Jesus rebuked the demon, and it came out of the boy, and he was healed from that moment.

The disciples came to Jesus in private and asked, "Why couldn't we drive it out?"

He replied, ''Because you have so little faith. I tell you the truth, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, 'Move from here to there' and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you."

Hebrews 11:1 Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.  In the NIV text it reads, Now Faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.

The disciples were unable to cast out this demon, and they asked Jesus why.  He said that their faith was too small.  It is the power of God, plus our faith-our belief in His power, that  moves mountains.  The mustard seed was the smallest particle imaginable.  Jesus said that even faith as small or undeveloped as a mustard seed would have been sufficient.  As humans, we always include ourselves.  The disciples were trying to cast out the demon with their own ability rather than God's.  It's not by our power at all.  There is great power in even a little faith when we trust in God's power to act.  It takes time to learn this, so don't be discourage if you don't totally get it right now.  If you feel weak or powerless as a believer in God, take time to examine your faith, making sure you are trusting Gods power, not your own ability to produce results.  If you are facing a problem that seems as big and immovable as a mountain, turn your eyes from the mountain and look to Christ for more faith.  Only then will you be able to overcome the obstacles that may stand in your way.

DO YOU VALUE AND PROTECT YOUR FAITH?

CONTINUOUSLY PRAY THAT YOUR FAITH NEVER FAILS!

Faith is Important

So what does Friday, the 13th mean for you?  Are you extra careful because it is an "unlucky" day?  Rebuke and bind that thought or belief right now. You cannot believe in God and think that the days that He created bring any kind of luck-good or bad.  With God, there isn't luck-there is purpose.  This is a good day no matter what, because the LORD has made this day for you.  So rejoice and be glad in it.

PRAYER: Thank You, LORD for an amazing day.  Today is another opportunity for me to grow closer to You.  To discern and learn Your ways.  To fill my heart with the concerns of the LORD and to remove more of what is inside of me that is not of You.  LORD, thank You for continuing to change and transform me into the person I am meant to be.  I am blessed to be able to see things on spiritual level, beyond what the world sees.  You provide me with wonderful insight into not only my own circumstances but I'm sensitive to the circumstances of those around me.  This sensitivity gives me the opportunity to serve others in the way that You have commanded me to.  Thank You LORD, for rebuilding a servants heart within me.  I desire to serve You and Your people in godly ways.  In Jesus' name I pray, Amen.

MATTHEW 17: 14-21

THE HEALING OF A BOY WITH A DEMON: 

When they came to the crowd, a man approached Jesus and knelt before him. "Lord, have mercy on my son," he said. "He has seizures and is suffering greatly. He often falls into the fire or into the water. I brought him to your disciples, but they could not heal him."

"O unbelieving and perverse generation," Jesus replied, "how long shall I stay with you? How long shall I put up with you? Bring the boy here to me." Jesus rebuked the demon, and it came out of the boy, and he was healed from that moment.

The disciples came to Jesus in private and asked, "Why couldn't we drive it out?"

He replied, ''Because you have so little faith. I tell you the truth, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, 'Move from here to there' and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you."

Have you accepted Jesus as your personal LORD and Savior?  If the answer to this question was "yes," then you have a gift.  You have faith.  It takes an answer of faith, no matter how small or big-to respond to God's call for your heart.  Accepting Jesus begins your relationship with God.  And through this relationship, your faith is tried and tested in order to grow. 

Hebrews 11:1 Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.  In the NIV text it reads, Now Faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.

How would you measure your faith?  Is it weak?  Is it strong?  Is it wavering?  Does it come and go depending on the situation?  Faith is IMPORTANT ladies and gents.  I have learned that a right relationship with God is based on faith.  Come on, lets be honest, too many people think God is an imaginary being-it takes faith to believe that He is real and trust Him with our life.  Abraham is a great example of faith.  He was told that he would be the father of many nations (all who believe in God), he was told that he would have a son with his wife Sara-even in their old age.  When there was no hope, Abraham kept believing, his faith never wavered, it grew stronger.  God counted Abraham righteous and Abraham received the gift of God's favor.  Not as a reward, we don't work for God's favor.  God presents it to us as a gift.  This is what God desires to provide to us.  But it depends on our FAITH.  Faith is the foundation of our relationship with God.

We have discussed this before, how our faith is central to everything we do as believers.  Faith is why we fast, pray, study the Word, pray in the spirit, claim our healing, rebuke demons and evil spirits.  The devil is and will always be after our faith in order to hinder us.  In the above gospel, the disciples had been given the authority to do the healing, but they not yet learned how to appropriate the power of God.  Jesus' frustration is with the unbelieving and unresponsive generation.  A generation that showed a deliberate and obstinate desire to behave in a way that was unreasonable or unacceptable, often in spite of the consequences.  His disciples were merely a reflection of that attitude in this instance.  Just think if Jesus was frustrated then, how frustrated He must be with our generation today.  But Jesus' purpose is never to criticize us but to encourage us to greater faith.  Jesus wasn't condemning the disciples for substandard faith.  He's straight-forwardness (which I love) may seem that way, but He always acts in love.  He was trying to show how important faith would be in their future ministry.

The disciples were unable to cast out this demon, and they asked Jesus why.  He said that their faith was too small.  It is the power of God, plus our faith-our belief in His power, that  moves mountains.  The mustard seed was the smallest particle imaginable.  Jesus said that even faith as small or undeveloped as a mustard seed would have been sufficient.  As humans, we always include ourselves.  It's not by our power at all.  The disciples were trying to cast out the demon with their own ability rather than God's.  There is great power in even a little faith when we trust in God's power to act.  It takes time to learn this, so don't be discourage if you don't totally get it right now.  If you feel weak or powerless as a believer in God, take time to examine your faith, making sure you are trusting Gods power, not your own ability to produce results.  If you are facing a problem that seems as big and immovable as a mountain, turn your eyes from the mountain and look to Christ for more faith.  Only then will you be able to overcome the obstacles that may stand in your way.

I would like to share something personal.  God has called me to make another HUGE move in my life.  And while there are many critics about my decision, I know I can trust God completely.  I will be honest and admit, there are times that I ask myself "What am I doing?" or "But what am I going to do."  This is when I look away from my mountain and I turn to God.  I know I can stand on the Word of God.  I know for sure that God spoke to me.  And I know that God will never leave nor forsake me or allow me to be led in the wrong direction, as I take action to continuously check my steps with Him.  And through this my faith is being tried and tested, but I know it's becoming stronger with every faith move I make.  I encourage you to take some steps in faith.  Not my steps exactly, but ask God what He wants you to do.  Because I know there is so much more He wants to show you and places that He wants to take you.  But are you going to trust Him?  Are you ready to be sure and certain of what you hope for and cannot yet see?

PONDER THIS:

DO YOU VALUE AND PROTECT YOUR FAITH?

ACTION:

CONTINUOUSLY PRAY THAT YOUR FAITH NEVER FAILS!

Can I share with you?

When you really seek God, when you begin to put away childish and foolish things and truly commit to God; He comes through in ways that you would have never imagined.  He honors us when we make way and room for Him in our lives.  When we make Him our priority, we begin to see changes within our thinking, our habits, our choices, the people we interact with; in every area.  And at first you don't understand it.  But in time you begin to wonder how you could have ever lived without Him or being this close to Him.

God is good, real, awesome and so worthy to be praised.

Praise Report!