Monday, January 31, 2011

Daily Devotion for 1/31/11 Lighten Up

Happy Monday Folks!

Well I hope everyone had a fulfilling weekend, full of laughter and joy...if not hmmm this message is especially for you! :)

Today's Lesson: Lighten Up
Scripture Reference: Ecclesiastes 1:4 Matthew 18:3


" Unless you...become like children (Matthew 18:3)

How many of us have laughed today? How is your overall sense of humor these days? In Matthew 18:3, Jesus spoke these words "Unless you...become like children, you will not enter the kingdom." Anne Klein an expert on healing, reminds us that children laugh almost FOUR HUNDRED times a day, where as, we as adults, may get in a good FIFTEEN. And it shows! A lot of us have broken spirits, are emotions are all jacked up and we have lost our vitality.

Did you know that laughter has an immediate effect on your breathing, your heart rate, muscles, blood pressure, and brain activity? It influences the activation of your immune system and how you fight a disease. "A relaxed attitude lengthens...life" (Proverbs 14:30) "A joyful heart makes a [happy] face" (Proverbs 15:15)

We should enjoy life! Let laughter be your escape hatch or your safety valve when it seems like life has gotten the best of you. With a healthy sense of humor, you can laugh at your own mistakes and not stress so much...you can accept criticism and get over it...

One of the main reasons we can't cope with life is because we don't and won't laugh enough. According to studies, we should laugh at least 12 times in order to stay healthy...Have you even laughed once this morning? Do you fear that having too much fun looks bad in God's eyes? Don't you know that God has a sense of humor? :) Listen to the words that Jesus spoke in John 15: 11 "These things have I spoken to you that MY joy may remain in you, and that your joy may be full" Joy was made available because of his sacrifice. Can people see His joy in you?

Let laughter be your shock absorber...That way you're able to get over the potholes of life.

"The joy of the Lord is your strength" (Nehemiah 8:10)

Remember, if you are able to laugh in the midst of your troubles, you are able to grow stronger through them!

So here are a few videos in case you haven't had your laugh today!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UqXHbPeJciI
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0-Gl53ea4vE
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YvJFZWWrzCM


Pray for someone today...Today, I am praying for each of you.


That's all for now. Have a blessed morning/afternoon/evening.

Your Sister in Christ,

LA

Friday, January 28, 2011

Daily Devotion for 1/28/11 Looking Towards Heaven

Good Morning Folks! Happy Friday!

Today, as my family prepares to send one of our family members on home to glory, I thought this Devotion was perfect. Something to think about and ponder on. In case any of you didn't know, or have forgotten, I love you :) If you ever need me, I'm here and willing to do anything I can to help.

Now, for today's lesson

Today's Lesson: Look Towards Heaven
Scripture Reference: 1 John 3:2-3



“Everyone who has this hope in him purifies himself, just as he is pure.” (1 John 3:3)

Let’s talk about heaven. If you’re like me, it’s hard to get your head around it and harder still to let it grip your heart. While most of us believe that heaven exists, we go on with life as though this is the only world that matters.

Nearly every spiritual dysfunction in our lives can be traced back to the fact that heaven does not really have a hold on us. C. S. Lewis had it right when he said: “Aim at heaven and you will get earth thrown in. Aim at earth and you get neither.”

So, how do we “aim at heaven”? First, we recognize that this physical body is not all there is—“what we will be has not yet appeared” (1 John 3:2). In fact, earth is simply a dress rehearsal for the great world to come. All the pain and toil here is temporary. Poverty isn’t permanent. Illness is transient. For followers of Jesus, death is but a door to all that is far better. As we read in Revelation, there shall be no sorrow, no more crying, no more death, and he shall wipe away every tear (Revelation 21:4).

Aiming at heaven also involves keeping Jesus in our sights. Looking forward to the day when “we shall see Him as He is” fills us with hope—not a worldly, wish-list kind of hope, but a hope that reflects the certainty of what is to come. It’s the kind of hope that keeps us from distractions and rivets our attention on what really matters in the long run; the kind of hope that purifies us.

Maybe you’ve never thought of it like this before, but one of the strongest motivations for purity is connected to the return of Jesus. Because, let’s face it, there are some places we just wouldn’t want to be when He comes back. We might hope He doesn’t examine the places the Internet has taken us, or that He doesn’t see our attitudes toward others. If we really believed that today might be our last, we might finally be ready to forgive, to ask for forgiveness, or maybe even to share the love of Jesus with someone.

So, how about it? Let’s stop aiming at earth and turn our hearts toward heaven!

Pray for someone today...Today, I am praying for each of you.


That's all for now. Have a blessed morning/afternoon/evening.

Your Sister in Christ,

LA

Monday, January 24, 2011

Daily Devotion for 1/24/11 Reduce the stress of serving

Happy Monday Folks! I don't know about you, but I am so thankful to see another day. After having heard so many bad news reports of deaths within my life as well as others, I am thankful to God for life health and strength. Here's today's devotion...

Today's Lesson: Reduce the stress of serving
Scripture Reference: Ephesians 2:10



" Created in Christ Jesus to do good work" (Ephesians 2:10)

"You were saved to serve, not sit on the sidelines." (Daily Devotion) But even though we are appointed to serve, there is the possibility of stress overload. Even though we love serving God, our attitudes may stress us. Burnout can be caused by a deadly mix of perfectionism and inadequacy in serving. This mix may cause a decrease in our joy and increase in tension. We may behave compulsively and obsessively as a result. In essence, we feel trapped.So what are we supposed to do? Do we quit? or do we keep going and continue to feel overwhelmed? If we keep going, it can lead to us being overly responsible for the task at hand and we take on our work load as well as others.

So, how do we resolve this problem?

#1 Stop serving to please others: When we operate with this motive, it never works! It then leads us to disappointment because we find ourselves working harder for approval. In Galatians 1:10 it says these words " I'm not trying to win the approval of people, but of God. If pleasing people were my goal, I would not be Christ's servant" So work to receive the "well done" and the pats on the back from God and not man.

#2 Stop serving in your own strength: Jesus said, "The Son can do nothing by himself. He does only what he sees the Father doing. Whatever the Father does, the Son also does" (John 5:19) Cooperation and interdependency...Like hand in glove, they move together. "No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me" (John 15:4)

It's okay to work hard, but let God be source of your energy. If you remember your source of effectiveness, it will reduce your stress in serving.


Pray for someone today...Today, I am praying for each of you.


That's all for now. Have a blessed morning/afternoon/evening.

Your Sister in Christ,

LA

Friday, January 21, 2011

Daily Devotion for 1/21/11 Your Weakness

Today's Lesson: Your Weakness
Scripture Reference: Psalms 103:14

" He knows how weak we are... " (Psalms 103:14)

After speaking with a few friends over the past few days, I thought this Daily Devotion would be appropriate. What is your weakness??

When we refuse to deal with any weakness we may have, we will continue to draw ourselves to things that will only set us up for defeat. So what weaknesses are you not dealing with?
In order to be victorious there are a few things we must recognize:

#1 Your weakness can emerge at any time: Anything that you allow to take root within you, will eventually grow. Things we fail to master now, will eventually master us at a later time. The Psalmist David prayed these words in Psalms 71:9 " Do not cast me away when I am old; do not forsake me when my strength is gone"

#2 God's spirit will repeatedly warn you: "Satan hath desired to have you...But I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not: and when thou art converted, strengthen thy brethren" (Luke 22:31-32) Can you imagine our Heavenly Father praying for us? Well imagine it, because he does!!! "If anyone sins, we have an Advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous" (1 John 2:1) God intercedes for you, clothes you in His righteousness, and draws you back to him.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tFqGiHpIQJE
A power song to meditate on

#3 God will continue to use you even while your weakness is growing within you: God provides us with opportunity after opportunity to reach for his help. Jesus warned Jerusalem "How often I have longed to gather your children together...but you were not willing...your is left to you desolate" (Matthew 23:37-38)

When we choose to neglect God's grace, what's left? Your consequences! So what can you do? Turn to God. Your weaknesses are no shock to him, and he is willing to help you over come. So acknowledge the weakness and become an enemy to it. Let God's Spirit empower you.

God has the power to deliver us and turn our greatest weakness into our greatest weapon!!!

Well Family, have a fun, and safe weekend. Keep me in prayer as I may be on travel in the coming days. Peace and Love to you all.


Pray for someone today...Today, I am praying for each of you.




That's all for now. Have a blessed morning/afternoon/evening.

Your Sister in Christ,

Thursday, January 20, 2011

Daily Devotion for 1/20/11 Life will test you

Today's Lesson: Life will test you
Scripture Reference: Exodus 20:20

" God has come to test you " (Exodus 20:20)

I'm sure we all remember taking tests throughout our academic career. You either passed, or you failed them, but you couldn't avoid them. Even if you were absent that day, you always had to make it up. Well, life's tests work that way too. Just like a test in school, you have to prepare yourself in advance!

Jesus said in Matthew 7:24-27, " A wise man...built his house on the rock: and the rain descended, the floods came, and the winds blew and bea on that house; and it did not fall...A foolish man...built his house on the sand: and the rain descended, the flood came, and the winds blew and beat on that house; and it fell. And great was its fall"

He who builds his house upon a rock, operates in the "when", and is prepared. So what was Jesus' point in this parable? Your resume, your reputation, and your talents may take you to the top, built if your character isn't strong, you won't be on top for long. If you beliefs, though sincere, are not founded on God's word, they will fail you right when you need them the most. These tests also revel how well you take instruction, what you have learned along the way, and how you will respond during any given set of circumstances. Everything we are taught in life are only theories until tested.

"The just shall live by faith" (Romans 1:17) So when the tests of life come, rise up and say these words "I may not have all the answers, but I have proven God's character and track record and I'm trusting Him to do what He's promised in His word!"


Pray for someone today...Today, I am praying for each of you.


That's all for now. Have a blessed morning/afternoon/evening.

Your Sister in Christ,

LA

Wednesday, January 19, 2011

Daily Devotion for 1/19/11 How's your prayer life?

Today's Lesson: How's your prayer life?
Scripture Reference: Hosea 10:12

" Sow to yourselves in righteousness, reap in mercy; break up your fallow ground: FOR IT IS TIME TO SEEK THE LORD, til he come and rain righteousness up on you. " (Hosea 10:12)

So ask yourself "How is my prayer life?

What is prayer?: It is a place where you meet with God. It is there that you are corrected and cleansed and can be instructed and loved. It is in prayer where you are built up and prepared to do God's will. Prayer is something you can do anywhere at any time, but it must be a set time. What do you have to draw on if you don't pray?

Without prayer, you'll find yourself working harder and harder and accomplishing less and less. That is because you are operating at your own strength instead of trusting God.

If you always have time to play video games, and watch television, but say you never have time to pray...It's time to seek the Lord
If you have gotten way too comfortable in sins that once bothered you...It's time to seek the Lord
If your heart is still bitter about someone that once hurt you...It's time to seek the Lord
If material things keep you from giving yourself fully to God and even your family...It's time to seek the Lord

If any of these things, or any other thing keeps you from actively seeking God, it's time to make a change. Your attitude and actions are a clear reflection of your prayer life.

If you are seeking patience, ask God for it and he will place you in situations where you need to activate patience.
If you are seeking a kinder heart, God will place you in a situation where your kindness is tested.

It is through these tests that God will work to get you to where you want and need to be.

Here's a Blueprint for prayer:

Jesus taught us this prayer: "Our Father, which art in heaven, hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom...the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen"

Our Father: This phrase establishes the relationship we have with God. You are not only his creation, but you are his child. You can always create something, but when you Father it, it is always a part of you.

Which art in heaven: The affirmation of your connection to the universe. It is an acknowledgment of his power and his ability to answer your prayers, even if the answer is no.

Hallowed be thy name: God is holy and this phrase is the reminder. Exalt his name and remember that just because you are HIS child, doesn't give you the right to disobey him or take him for granted.

Thy will be done on earth: The scripture says in Matthew 26:39 "Your will...be done, not mine"

Seek God's agenda and not your own. Have the same mind as your heavenly Father. Walk with him...Agree with him...

Remember that God always answers prayers. Even if the answer is NO, it is still an answer.

Let God's will be done...

Pray for someone today...Today, I am praying for each of you.


That's all for now. Have a blessed morning/afternoon/evening.

Your Sister in Christ,

LA

Tuesday, January 18, 2011

Daily Devotion for 1/18/11 Standing when everything around you is falling (Part II)

Good Afternoon/Evening Folks! Happy Icy Tuesday!

Today's Lesson will be taken from the book, "Daily Devotion : The Word for you today"

Today's Lesson(s): Standing when everything around you is falling (Part II)
Scripture Reference: 1 Corinthians 10:12

" Let him who thinks he stands take heed lest he failed" (1 Corinthians 10:12)

"The truth is:

#1 Standing isn't inevitable, but it is possible!: The moment you commit your life to Jesus, you're at war with Satan. And standing up to him requires staying armed. "Putting on the whole armor of God, so that you will be able to stand firm against the schemes of the devil...that you will...resist in the evil day...and...stand firm." (Ephesians 6:11, 13) War is a casualty-laden business; you must take it as seriously as the enemy does, for the Bible says he's out "seeking someone to devour" (1 Peter 5:8) Be alert, but not alarmed. "A thousand may fall at your side....but it shall not [happen to] you" (Psalms 91:7) In conflict, some stand and some fall. The difference is, those who stand "have made the Lord...[their] dwelling place," whereas those who fall "make flesh [their] strength." (Jeremiah 17:5)

#2 Falling isn't always preventable, but it's surmountable!: It's not only the weak and immature who fall. Satan's strategy includes taking out the righteous, the unrighteous, the most vulnerable and the least vulnerable high-rankers included. "A righteous man falls seven times, and rises again" (Proverbs 24:16) Now if the righteous falls so frequently, what's to be anticipated from everyone else? In war no one is guaranteed immunity from attack. But, "a good man...Though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down: for the Lord upholdeth him with his hand" (Psalms 37: 23-24). Don't focus on the unable, or the disabled-but on Christ the ENABLER!!!


That's all for now. Have a blessed morning/afternoon/evening.

Your Sister in Christ,

LA

Monday, January 17, 2011

Daily Devotion for 1/17/11 Standing when everything around you is falling (Part I)

Happy Martin Luther King Day, and Happy Monday Folks! Today's word is short and sweet...

Today's Lesson will be taken from the book, "Daily Devotion : The Word for you today"

Today's Lesson(s): Standing when everything around you is falling
Scripture Reference: 1 Corinthians 10:12

" Let him who thinks he stands take heed lest he failed" (1 Corinthians 10:12)

"Satan is out to tempt, trap, and topple you. Two of his favorite lies are:

#1 You can't fail: He appeals to your ego. "You've got your spiritual act together; you're too strong to stumble. Weaker people wouldn't be able to handle it, but you can." This lie is intended to make you overconfident, to lead you to "trust in mankind...depend on flesh for (your) strength" and "turn away from the Lord" (See Jeremiah 17:5). It's designed to get you to lower your guard and make you vulnerable to his schemes. Don't play into his hands! Be wise: "Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall" (Proverbs 16:18) Live on your knees. Fortify yourself with God's Word.

#2 You can't stand: This appeals to your underlying sense of unworthiness, fear and inadequacy. He whispers, "Look at your track record. Compared to all those other good folks in church, you're not worthy to be called a Christian. Just give up" Satan wants to divert you from "Him who is able to keep you from stumbling, and to make you stand in the presence of his glory blameless with great joy" (Jude 24) He wants you to get focused on your negatives, your friends, spiritual giants who fell, and tell you that because they couldn't make it, you've no chance. He'll replay your list of shortcomings to discourage you. Don't go for it, "He is a liar and the father of lies" (John 8:44) Believing him makes you his victim. Refuse to let either pride or inadequacy defeat you.

That's all for now. Have a blessed morning/afternoon/evening.

Your Sister in Christ,

Thursday, January 13, 2011

Daily Devotion for 1/13/11 By grace you'll make it

Good Morning/Afternoon/Evening! How is everyone? How are your thoughts? Your attitude?


Today's Lesson(s): By God's Grace You'll Make It!!
Scripture Reference: Hebrews 11:32-34




"(32) And what shall I say more? for the time would fall me to tell of Gedeon, and of BARACK, and of Samson, and of Jephthae; of David also, and Samuel, and of prophets. (33) Who through faith subdued kingdoms, wrought righteousness, obtained promises, stopped the mouths of lions, (34) Quenched the violence of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, out of weakness were made strong, waxed valiant in fight, turned to flight armies of aliens." (Hebrews 11:32-34)

So who were Jephthah, David and Samuel?

Jephthah, was a social outcast that was born to an unwed mother.
David, was the writer of the Psalms but was also guilty of having an affair.
Samuel, was known to be a great prophet, but a terrible parent.

"out of weakness were made strong..." These men weren't born strong, they became strong. Surely if they can make it, so can you (I). God chooses to work through people like you and I. Though he never explains why we were chosen, we are in fact a chosen people. We get placed in difficult situations, and our faith is unlocked, our compassion is challenged, and our creative skills are tested. Will there be times when we don't know where to go? Definitely! It's in these times that God connects us with the people and tools we need to unlock doors right at the right time. Not in OUR time, but in God's time.

Some of you may say to God, "Lord, I'm scared" But remember progress is made by people who face their fears, and rise above them. You have to know that opportunity is the opposite of security. If your faith isn't challenged during the problem/crisis/situation/test that you're going through, God's not in it and surely doesn't please him. So step out on faith knowing that God is in control and that through him all things are possible! "I can do all things through Christ which strengthens me." (Phillipians 4:13)

In the words of Phillip Brooks "Do not pray for easy lives; pray to be stronger people! Do not pray for tasks equal to your powers; pray for powers equal to your tasks. Then the doing of you work shall be no miracle, but you shall be the miracle. Every day you shall wonder at yourself, at the richness of life which has come to you by the grace of God"

So tell Satan to get out of your way! You are God's child, and are a chosen people! Trust God through your journey and by his grace, you can and will make it.

I've attached a song that encouraged me during a rough patch on my journey. It's about standing strong through the difficult times and not allowing the devil to take you off track. (Not Gonna quit) I've also attached another song from the same album, "I'm gonna make it" which is encouraging as well. S/O to Gerald Scott and Company.

I pray that God's grace and mercy be upon each of you. "Be strong and of a good courage:..." (Joshua 1:6)

That's all for now. Have a blessed morning/afternoon/evening.

Your Sister in Christ,

LA

Wednesday, January 12, 2011

Daily Devotion for 1/12/11 Surrender (Part II)

Good Morning/Afternoon/Evening! How is everyone? I pray everyone is holding up okay through all of this winter weather. :)

Well, lets get back into it...

Today's Lesson(s): Surrender (Part II )
Scripture Reference: Luke 5:5

"Because you say so, I will." (Luke 5:5)

There are three benefits to surrendering to God and allowing him to lead the way.

#1 You will have peace: The scripture says in Job 22:21 "Acquaint now thyself with him, and be at peace; Thereby good shall come unto thee."

#2 You will have freedom: We find the following words in Romans 6:17 "Offer yourselves to the ways of God and the freedom never quits."

#3 You have POWER: "Submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you." (James 4:7)

When we submit to God, all of those problems that once overwhelmed us are defeated. All of those temptations, DEFEATED! The peace that comes from submission to God is one of the most amazing feelings. For years I fought God on a few things. I kept trying to do things my way, and I wrestled night and day. I tossed and turned every night because I didn't want to hear what God was trying to tell me. I finally had to let go of self and allow God to speak to me...and the peace that overcame my spirit was amazing...I couldn't believe I waited so long to let him speak to me. It's a lesson I learned the hard way, but the reward was so much greater than the test!

Remember, Surrendering is not always a negative thing. Victory can come through surrendering. It is something that will strengthen you, not weaken you.

William Booth, (Founder of the Salvation Army), spoke these words: " The greatness of a man's power is in the measure of his surrender." In life, we all at some point will surrender to someone or something, so why not let it be God. If you surrender to God, the fear of surrendering to anything else will disappear. Release yourself from surrendering to money, to lusts, to your own ego, or to others. Release yourself from surrendering to fear. "God has not given us the spirit of fear..." (2 Timothy 1:7)

Just remember that because of our free will, we have the freedom and the power to surrender to anything but be aware of the consequences that may follow. In the words of E. Stanley Jones, "If you don't surrender to Christ, you surrender to chaos". Let Jesus be your example! He surrendered to God's plan "I want your will, not mine" and look at where it got us today. SALVATION!

Well ponder on these things as we move forward in the new year.

Final Thought: When you surrender to Christ, you can handle anything life throws at you.


That's all for now. Have a blessed morning/afternoon/evening.

Your Sister in Christ,

LA

Tuesday, January 11, 2011

Daily Devotion for 1/11/11 Surrender (Part I)

Good Morning/Afternoon/Evening! How is your day? How are your thoughts? Your Attitude?

Today's Lesson(s): Surrender (Part I)
Scripture Reference: Luke 5:5

"Because you say so, I will." (Luke 5:5)

"Until we accept and cooperate with the law of gravity, we can't fly. Until we accept and cooperate with the law of economics, we can't succeed in business. Getting the idea? Surrendering to God is not weakness, it's wisdom. Only a fool resists God, because it's a fight you can't win. It's in surrendering to Him that you are empowered to succeed in what He's called you to do. Surrender is demonstrated by obedience. It's saying, "Yes, Lord" to whatever He asks. To say, "No, Lord" is a contradiction. How can we call Jesus :Lord," and refuse to obey him?" {Daily Devotional The Word for you today, Cornerstone Christian Center Church} "And why call ye me, Lord, Lord, and don not the things which I say?"(Luke 6:46 KJV)

Let's take a quick look at the story of Peter from Luke 5. After a long night of fishing, they had nothing to show for it. When Jesus told them to get back out there and let down their net, Peter was reluctant. He had a hesitant spirit because he took nothing in the night before, so surely things would be no different today. But he trusted God..."And Simon (Peter) answering said unto him, Master, we have toiled all the night, and have taken nothing; nevertheless at thy word I will let down the net." (Luke 5:5) When you fully surrender to God, you obey his word, even if it doesn't make sense to you.

So, how will you know if you're fully surrendered? When you rely on God to work things out. You'll know when you stop trying to manipulate others, and forcing your own agenda or control of the situation. You let GOD do his thing.

Remember: You don't have to be in charge! Just let go, and let GOD have his way.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=76o4xhxIKfs

You already knew that song was coming :)

Have a great evening and remember, God is control. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n_1C0Ze7pBs Ricky Dillard is really EXTRA in this video but I love this song ;)

That's all for now. Have a blessed morning/afternoon/evening.

Your Sister in Christ,

LA

Monday, January 10, 2011

Write the vision and make it plain (Part III)

Happy Monday Everyone! How was your weekend? I pray it was blessed...

Today's Lesson(s): Write the Vision and make it plain (Part III)

Scripture Reference: Habakukk 2:2; Amos 3:12

Continuing in the lesson on writing the vision...

Your vision: You must follow it (contd.)

BE ENCOURAGED: Remember that in spite of what WE do, God is still at work! Let's take a look at the story of Joseph. A young man who had huge family problems. He was sold by his brothers to slave traders, they sold him to Potiphar who then imprisoned him. However, while in prison, he met the butler who introduced him to Pharaoh who made him the Prime Minister of Egypt. He fulfilled his dream but his journey wasn't easy. Imagine being sold off by your own family...

Remember that your vision will be "tried". You will go through situations that are either going to make you or break you. You vision will go through the process of being birthed, then dying, but then being resurrected by God. You may go through times where you'll see the loss of friends, you may have no money, and it will seem like you have no fight left in you. It will seem like your vision has died, but God is standing by to resurrect it. You'll begin to walk differently, talk differently. You'll see your ego subtracted and the grace of God added. That's when God will know, and will smile and say "He/She is finally getting it right"

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xzD7RaPSqIc

STAY ENCOURAGED


Your vision: You must Fulfill it

Lets look at Amos 3:12 "A shepherd who tries to rescue a sheep from a lion's mouth will recover only two legs or a piece of an ear. So it will be." Imagine that you are that lamb, and that Satan is the lion, and that Jesus is that shepherd. He's coming to pick up and what's left of you and bring you victory out of defeat. "Has life torn your dreams to pieces? With God, you only need two things for a comeback.

1. An ear to hear : We have to stop listening to voices that are only out to discourage us. It's not over until God says its over!!! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jnHDDgdJ7Y8 Listen to what God is saying to you. you may feel like your soul is dry and that your hope is dead bt your dream will live again.

2. A leg to stand on Look at Job who got EVERYTHING taken away from him, but in the end God gave him TWICE as much as he had before. God isn't finished with you yet. Stand on his word and trust him.

You may be living with your consequences, but by God's grace you can live to see your dream fulfilled.

Well Ladies and Gents, this completes the series on Write the vision and make it plain. Take time to look back at the three part series throughout your journey to writing, receiving, following, and fulfilling your destiny. God has something great in store for you and here's your chance to trust him and live out your destiny.

Remember that every set back is a set up for a come back!

Well folks, may the peace of God be with each of you. I'm here with a listening ear if you need me.

That's all for now. Have a blessed morning/afternoon/evening.

Your Sister in Christ,

LA

Friday, January 7, 2011

Write the vision and make it plain (Part II)

Hello Folks!

Today's Lesson(s): Write the Vision and make it plain (Part II)

Scripture Reference: Habakukk 2;

Continuing in the lesson on writing the vision...

Your vision: You must find it (contd.)

"For this reason I was born..." (John 18:37) How do you find the momentum you need to fulfill your destiny? You listen and heed God's call. When you know what that is, you'll have all of the momentum and drive that you need to do what needs to be done. Will things always go right? No, but the power to overcome the obstacles, and stumbling blocks will be more powerful then anything you've ever experienced. But ask yourself some questions:

1. What desires have been living in me most of my life?
2. What motivates me to be productive?
3. What keeps me going forward when I'm worn out?
4. What makes me reuse to quit when I meet with resistance or opposition?
5. What do I do that doesn't seem like work?
6. What do I do that brings positive response and support from others?
7. What M I doing, or what's happening in my life when doors seem to open automatically and effortlessly?
8. What do discerning leaders and godly counselors think about my work?
9. What makes me feel good about being who I am?
10. What makes my creative juices flow?
11. What am I willing to sacrifice to accomplish it?
12. What am I doing that I'd be proud to offer for God's approval?
13. What would I do without getting paid, if I could afford to?
14. What would I be willing to withstand Satan over, in order to accomplish it?

Seems like a lot of questions right? But they are necessary in order to seek and find God's purpose for your life. Sometimes we need to find a quiet place/closet and take time to talk to God, ask questions, seek answers, and be ready to follow through. A scripture I like to remember says this "Delight yourself in the LORD and he will give you the desires of your heart" (Psalms 34:7) Take the time to talk to him. He loves to hear from us...In asking yourself, and God these questions, you're heading right in the direction you need to be in order to write your vision.

Your vision: You must Follow it

"One thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, I press toward the goal." (Phillipians 3:13-14) The bible says that we are to WRITE the vision and make it plain....sooo write your vision down! :) Write it, read it regularly, remember it, and then run with it! One of our greatest enemies when fulfilling our destinies is distractions. There's an old story about the "white elephant" If a king ever wanted to destroy an enemy he gave them a white elephant. They did no work but had to be fed a lot, and fed often. DISTRACTION Hello!!!! So what was a "gift" was in fact a distraction which led to the downfall of the enemy. So, guard yourself against those "White Elephants" Those friends that are attention seeking, those activities that drain your time and energy. Protect your vision...And work to live by these words "Lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus, the AUTHOR and the FINISHER of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God...consider him...lest you become weary and discouraged." (Hebrews 12:1-3)

Work on writing your vision down so that you can remember it and follow it. Jot down the questions above and seek him for answers. I have attached a song called "I delight in your presence" the words simply say this "I delight in your presence oh Lord. You alone are my King whom I love and adore. In the light of your presence oh Lord. Truth is revealed, strength is restored. Faith is released Doubt is no more" Go ahead and let that marinate...

Well folks, until Monday, may the peace of God be with each of you. I'm here with a listening ear if you need me.

This series will continue on Monday.

That's all for now. Have a blessed morning/afternoon/evening.

May his peace be with you through the rest of this day and through the course of this weekend.

Your Sister in Christ,

LA

Thursday, January 6, 2011

Write the vision and make it plain (Part I)

Good Morning Folks,

Well we are in to the 6th day of the new year. Has anyone seen any changes in their lifestyle like I have? 2011 is definitely a year for change and breakthrough! Anyway, welcome to the Daily Devotion Email List. The sole purpose of this list is to lift up, inspire, and encourage each other as we transition into a new year. I got the idea as I was noticing how a lot of us Young Adults are striving to read more, learn more, and grow more in the Lord...That's awesome!! Anyway, the daily emails will not start with long intro's like this, after today. They will however, contain snippets from a Daily Devotional Book, scriptures, and sometimes quotes, and songs to help us push through the year. The first two or three may be a little long because of the info contained, but it will not always be this way.

Today's Lesson(s): Write the Vision and make it plain (Part I) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=opawDQcMVzQ
Scripture Reference: Habakukk 2; Galatians 6:9

Have you received your vision? Do you know God's call for your life? What is it that God has been trying to tell you for the past few years, months, weeks, or days? Are these questions that you've ever pondered. Well, the next few lessons will help you to get to where God is calling you to be. So let's start from the beginning...

Your vision: You must feel it

"O Lord, how long shall I cry, and You will not hear?...Why do You show me iniquity, and cause me to see trouble...the law is powerless, and justice never goes forth. For the wicked surround the righteous; therefore perverse judgment proceeds" (Habakkuk 1:2-4) Things to ponder while in the New Year...before we can be blessed with a plan of action, we will burdened with a problem that we have been called to help. Our callings are birthed out of a problem or situation that we are called to help to change or solve. Look at Louis Braille, his tragic accident at the age of 3 led to the birth of the Braille System. So what is your desire? What do you think you were called to do? What are you passionate about? Think about what you are willing to give your life to, and for? Everything we go through has a purpose for our lives. So trust that God knows what he's doing and that there is something that he wants us to see. How has your past effected your vision/calling? Things that make you go hmmmm. Know that if your vision is of God, you will "feel" it.

Your vision: You must find it
Remember, your vision must come from God. There is a clear difference between personal goals and God-driven visions. When of God "It will surely come" (Habakkuk 2:3) God will open doors, and provide us with all of the tools we need to carry out the vision right when we need it. He will reveal your destiny to you and give you opportunity to fulfill it. So listen to him and trust him. Can and will we resist it? Yes, but we must be careful not to fall into that trap. If you get turned around, God will find a way to get your attention, turn you around and get you back on the course you need to be on. Just remember Galatians 6:9 "And let us not be weary in well-doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not." So heed to the call. If he calls you to education, real estate, finance, medical field, what ever it may be, know that is to serve others and not yourself. Look not for fame. If you look not for fame, your impact will be so much greater than your image, and your eternal reward greater than any materialistic "prize".

So take the time to reflect on these things. Look back over the past few years and really think about where God has been trying to lead you. Have you answered? Are you answering? Will you answer? What is God saying to you? Remember: It's never too late; "Find" your vision and follow it!

This series will continue over the next few days to help us all find our vision, and fulfill it.

That's all for now. Have a blessed morning/afternoon/evening.

May his peace be with you through the rest of this day.

Your Sister in Christ,

LA