GPS Directions

With today's technology, we can get everywhere by just punching in some coordinates, putting in an address, or saying the name of a business.  Can we be sure that we get there?  Most of the time, but I can think of a few misguided maps of a populate phone product that took us off course.  

How can we be sure of where life takes us though?  Are we following God's word?  Are we doing what He says?  It's sad to say that we all have doubts.  We all try to live by faith.  We all want to see the light at the end of the tunnel.  But sometimes we just don't.  

On Sunday, my church had a guest speaker who compared a GPS directional device to that of God's word.  Yes, that's right.  But not in the way you might think.  You see God's word is never wrong.  It can never misdirect you.  It will never return with a purpose.  There is never a reason for things to happen the way that they do.  He stated that once he was driving and trusted the GPS to take him where he was suppose to go.  Then God said to him, 'Jorge, you trust a GPS, but you won't trust me at My Word?"  How many times I have done this myself.  How many times have I known the direction but failed to take it.  How many times have I failed God.  Too many to count.  

God's GPS - aka Jesus - can live in our hearts and try to tell us what to do.  We the stubborn people that we are, tend not to listen to those words of Jesus.  We block them out or run screaming down the halls with fingers in our ears going, 'I can't hear you, lalalala.'    Funny that we did that as children and still do it today as adults, only this time it's to something much greater than our childhood playmates.  It's to God.  How stubborn can we be....apparently pretty darn stubborn.  

As I step out in faith, I listen.  Faith.  And a willing heart.  One that is open and ready to listen to him when he speaks.  Ready to act.  

Frustration.

Have you ever been so frustrated that you feel like crying.  Yep that's me too.  It seems like when there is a trial, it always comes when things look bright and cheery.  Frustrated, angry, disappointment,  all wrapped up in a pretty package ready to be unwrapped.  Just hand it to me lets get this over with.  To our shock and surprise, the present isn't a present.  It's that moment, you say awe, you shouldn't have.   But they did and you fight back tears.   Praying that the emotions don't show on your face.  Trying not to be angry in your disappointment.  Trying to hold it together.

What lesson is in this for me?  Gulp.  I gasp for air as I try to breathe.  Every time you think about it, the emotions come back to the surface.  Seriously, Lord, what lesson is in this.

This morning I received the answer from the previous day's questions.  The LORD is my shepherd; I have all that I need. (Psalms 23:1 NLT). But that's not all, a devotions that reinforced. Key was "insert my name" trust me, I know what's best. -GOD 

Don't we serve an awesome God!

Hardening of the Heart

It's a hard thing when you loss something you love. The lost pet, the loved one, the favorite toy. But as we get older the loss becomes more bearable. We become accustomed to loss. That is what I experienced today. The child becoming a little more hardened by the death of her cat. I practically had to force her to look for her in the first place, but I gained more insight into why today. 

We a Christians suffer from the same thing. A hardening of our heart due to loss of relationships, friendships, divorce, loss of anything really. Gods reality though is he can fix it. He is God almighty. All powerfully, all knowing, healer, redeemer, master of everything.

Don't let a hardening of the heart bind you mind, but be in constant communication with God as part of the renewing of your spirit. Let God renew you mind and bring you to peace.

My disappearance

One day I will go away

And you will say, where did she go

They will explain me away

But chaos will ensue

You will say in your heart 

Now I know she was right

But it will be too late

One day there will come a man

He will say all is well

There will be peace once again

You will be greatly deceived

He will continually say, it's okay

In your heart, you will know

You must believe in the only one

Who can come a take it away

One day you will say 

Oh God, take this away

He will only be able to say

My child, I gave you bread today

This mark you must obey

In order to see another day

One day we will say

Oh God, save us today

All our troubles will go away

As we sing praises all day

Copyright 2014

Permission to reuse must be granted by the author of this blog

Priestly prayers

Thursdays words for wisdom.  Earth is not the end for believers.  I heard a quote yesterday about a famous evangelist who passed. He saw Gods glory even while dying.   Oh to be I tune with God to praise him on our deathbeds. To be in the presence of the everlasting priest- Jesus who constantly intercedes on our behalf.  Fear not that your prayers fall on death ears but they are being whispered into the very ear of God by Jesus who presents all prayers before the throne of our king. 

Now there have been many of those priests, since death prevented them from continuing in office; but because Jesus lives forever, he has a permanent priesthood. Therefore he is able to save completely those who come to God through him, because he always lives to intercede for them. (Hebrews 7:23-25 NIV)

Prayers day Two

God bless Israel and protect her at her greatest hour of need keep her from being destroyed by those who see to do evil against her and her children. Praying also for the innocent Palestinians who are in harms way. 

When you hear of wars and rumors of wars, do not be alarmed. Such things must happen, but the end is still to come. Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be earthquakes in various places, and famines. These are the beginning of birth pains. “You must be on your guard. You will be handed over to the local councils and flogged in the synagogues. On account of me you will stand before governors and kings as witnesses to them. And the gospel must first be preached to all nations. Whenever you are arrested and brought to trial, do not worry beforehand about what to say. Just say whatever is given you at the time, for it is not you speaking, but the Holy Spirit. “Brother will betray brother to death, and a father his child. Children will rebel against their parents and have them put to death. Everyone will hate you because of me, but the one who stands firm to the end will be saved. “When you see ‘the abomination that causes desolation’ standing where it does not belong—let the reader understand—then let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains. (Mark 13:7-14 NIV)

Day of prayer

Happy weekend.  As Israel enters the day of sabbath I ask for prayers for her.  Alone in her fight against a terrorist organization against seemingly the world. Pray the our government steps up in her defense and keeps its alliance with her. 

Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise his name. For the Lord is good and his love endures forever; his faithfulness continues through all generations. (Psalm 100:4-5 NIV)

The end

Treacherous times is ahead of all people on earth. There are signs and wonders in all the earth. But take heart God had given believers peace of mind. Keep God's words and his commandments.  Forsake your sinful ways and be reconciled to your father 

And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4:7 NIV)

Prayer for Palestine and Israel

As Israel starts the defense against the attacks against both the people of Palestine and Israel I want to offer up this as a prayer to God

Praise the Lord, my soul; all my inmost being, praise his holy name. Praise the Lord, my soul, and forget not all his benefits— (Psalm 103:1-2 NIV)

The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance. (2 Peter 3:9 NIV)

Blessed

Have you hardened your heart against God?  Do troubles surround you with no end in sight?  How long has it been since you fell to your knees and prayed a sorrowful prayer to God?  Don't let life take over your heart and keep you from seeking the forgiveness that only has to be asked for, but must be received willingly. God is there ready for your offering of prayer

Blessed is the one who always trembles before God, but whoever hardens their heart falls into trouble. (Proverbs 28:14 NIV)

Consequences

Do you believe that the word of God is inspired by God or men?  If it inspired by God then these words hold true.  For man does not live without consequences. His actions speaks loud and clear to God. He sins and refused to obey God's commandments, therefore he will not be in heaven but sent to hell. 

Or do you not know that wrongdoers will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: Neither the sexually immoral nor idolaters nor adulterers nor men who have sex with men nor thieves nor the greedy nor drunkards nor slanderers nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God. And that is what some of you were. But you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God. (1 Corinthians 6:6-11 NIV)

Confessions anyone?

To confess -  admit or state that one has committed a crime or is at fault in some way. 

 What crime have we committed against God?  Most think - I am a good person, I don't steal, don't drink, why wouldn't I go to heaven. The thoughts like this isn't without fault. Being good will never get someone a free pass into to heaven but it will get them into hell. When Adam and Eve sinned against God in the garden, it created a curse upon all mankind - the curse of eternal damnation. With Jesus, all we have to do is to ask forgiveness and our sins will be like they never happened.  But this does give us a free pass to keep sinning. Keep your hearts pure for the day of judgement is drawing ever closer. 

9 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 NIV)

4th of July

This verse reminds me of why we celebrate the 4th of July.   But it seems that America has forgotten what is right and pure.  Pray for America to be revived and come back to her first love. 

Finally, brothers and sisters, 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 NIV)

Hope for now

Do you ever feel like you just can't go on. The all hope is lost.  God's word says that we should hold onto the hope given to us by God and his son Jesus   We must be faithful to the words of God and keep looking for Christ in all situations. 

23 Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful. (Hebrews 10:23 NIV)

Victorious living

Once you become a believer in Christ, you are no longer bound by the slavery of this world.   If we lived every day as if we were victorious, what a difference we would make for the kingdom of God.   

for everyone born of God overcomes the world. This is the victory  has overcome the world, even our faith. (1 John 5:4 NIV)

Tested

Even the faithful slip.  God knows ones heart and can sympathize with us since he was tested by satan. Peter was found on the asking end of satan by requesting him To be released from God's protection.  Jesus told Peter that he had prayed that Peter be strengthen.   Ask God to strengthen your heart and mind so you will not be tempted.  

Surely God is good to Israel, to those who are pure in heart. But as for me, my feet had almost slipped; I had nearly lost my foothold. For I envied the arrogant when I saw the prosperity of the wicked. They have no struggles; their bodies are healthy and strong. (Psalm 73:1-4 NIV)

Need a Bath

When Jesus offers to cleanse us do we refused to be cleaned? Peter lacked the understanding of this symbolic washing of his feet and at first refused. Jesus told him that he had no part of him unless his feet were washed.  Then Peter said not just my feet but my whole body.   Peter realized he was a sinful man that need the entire cleansing. Don't refuse Gods cleansing just because it just a small part of the bigger picture.  God desires to cleanse us of all sin but does it in small pieces so we won't fall back into the same sin

He came to Simon Peter, who said to him, “Lord, are you going to wash my feet?” Jesus replied, “You do not realize now what I am doing, but later you will understand.” “No,” said Peter, “you shall never wash my feet.” Jesus answered, “Unless I wash you, you have no part with me.” (John 13:6-8 NIV)

Moral compass

 When we say no to the world, we are saying that we refused to be placed in the same realm as the ungodly.  How many times in the recent days past have you caught yourself saying no to something that would compromise your faith, your morals, or something that would impact you negatively.  The moral compass of Christ is the Holy Spirit.   Listen to his words of wisdom and you will live a godly life

For the grace of God has appeared that offers salvation to all people. It teaches us to say “No” to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age, (Titus 2:11, 12 NIV)

Weekend wisdom

We belong with Jesus.  Those of us who chose to follow him should do so with a willing heart and trusting that he will bring is through any of our trials. Keeping our thoughts on his words and commandments will grant us favor in the sight of God. Remember to seek forgiveness daily because we sin daily.  

fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. (Hebrews 12:2 NIV)

The fault in our stars

How appropriate is this verse that I picked out before going to see the fault in our stars.   It is true that we do not have infinite days on this earth, in this life.....but oh the glorious alleluia we will sing when we reign forever in glory with our god our father!!!! No more sickness. No more trails.  No more evil!!!  How blessed are we that we will see the glory of our god forever and ever! 

for you know very well that the day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night. (1 Thessalonians 5:2 NIV)

Changing your Mouth

I can not stress enough how important the scriptures below is.  When Christ returns you don't want to be saying 'Oh, ####!!!' right before He comes. Keep mindful of how you speak and act for you will be judge by people by your words and deeds

But now you must also rid yourselves of all such things as these: anger, rage, malice, slander, and filthy language from your lips. Do not lie to each other, since you have taken off your old self with its practices and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge in the image of its Creator. (Colossians 3:8-10 NIV)

Self

Once a person has been transformed by the redemptive power of Christ they are no longer subject the the life of sin that has ruled their lives. The choice of their actions can either be controlled by their flesh (self) or by the Holy Spirit.   Chose to be led by the spirit 

and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me. (Galatians 2:20 HCSB)

Godly reminders

God always has a way of reminding us of our place. When we try to take the lead and not rely on him, he gently corrects us through trials, his word, or godly  relationships.  The key is to recognize those corrections and look at ourself and say 'God doesn't change so I must have, but where'. It usually doesn't take long for us to figure it out but we must remember to ask for forgiveness and turn away from it.  

That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong. (2 Corinthians 12:10 NIV)

Bad Company

What is it that is holding you back from fully committing to The Lord. What has a presence in your life that has cause you to not to commit to God's grace. For some it is others or life experience or the fear of giving up control of your life.  But I say that you do not start truly living until you have freedom in your soul from sin.  

Do not be misled: “Bad company corrupts good character.” Come back to your senses as you ought, and stop sinning; for there are some who are ignorant of God—I say this to your shame. (1 Corinthians 15:33, 34 NIV)

Lessons from Others

Conviction.  It is what happens when we know that we should be doing something that we are not.  It's the tap on the shoulder, the clearing of the throat, the overwhelming feeling that we know without a shadow of a doubt that God had just mentioned our name from the heavens.  He reached down through someone else's thoughts, sayings, or words of wisdom to teach us a lesson.   

My lesson came yesterday while reading a book.  It wasn't that I was doing something but someone else was doing on my behalf that I should be doing for others.   A simple gesture really.  But I ponder, why did I stop....what part of God's grace did I forget.  Or did I think too highly of my own self to forget to do what he presented in the book.  Not matter the reason, I felt it.  The deep remorse of God's grace forgotten. It's almost like a knife in the back, but it wasn't my back...it was Jesus'.   

What was the simple gesture.....to pray for the store clerk, the mechanic, the girl down the street, really to anyone I meet.  Not a public prayer, but a quiet, silent prayer to God.   To make their day better, to guide their thoughts to him, to bless them and to care for them.

A song comes to mind and I encourage you to listen to it as well.   

Heal my heart and make it clean

Open up my eyes to the things unseen

Break my heart for what breaks yours

Everything I am for Your kingdom's cause

Show me how to love like you have loved me. (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_ajFnnKFivY)

The line, break my heart for what breaks yours, is a reminder that our hearts should break for the same things that breaks the heart of God.  I pray that your own conviction is a lesson learned.

Sundays Blessing

Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity. Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts. And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him. (Colossians 3:12-17 NIV)

Weekend wisdom

God's wisdom is not like mans wisdom. Man can only learned knowledge but God's is infinite. He knows everything about everyone and every creation.   Those that trust in their own wisdom is misguided. But those that trust in God's is destined to be joined in his glory.  Don't rely on knowledge to give you insight on man.  Rely on God to give you insight and he will guide you to the right path

Do not deceive yourselves. If any of you think you are wise by the standards of this age, you should become “fools” so that you may become wise. For the wisdom of this world is foolishness in God’s sight. As it is written: “He catches the wise in their craftiness”; (1 Corinthians 3:18, 19 NIV)

Grace

Grace is like a mothers love. She loves her children no matter what they do. If everyone can accept the grace God has given, they would see their own mothers love through their her actions.   

Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will. (Romans 12:1, 2 NIV)

Tricks anyone?

Each new day is a new opportunity   A day to renew our thoughts and fulfill our destiny.  The days that God gives us is one of the many blessings he bestows upon us. 

 A dog is just a dog unless someone teaches and he learns the trick.  Humans are the same way.  We must learn the ways of God through someone who teaches.  And as the scripture below shows, we must be ready to answer.  I hope you have a blessed day.

Instead, you must worship Christ as Lord of your life. And if someone asks about your hope as a believer, always be ready to explain it. (1 Peter 3:15 NLT)

Faithful

Let your light so shine before men that they should know your good works. The meaning of this is simple, men will know the light coming from you is the light of God.  The good works you do is because you love God. Don't let men rob you of your light but be steadfast in your faith.  Continue to seek The Lord through meditation in the word, fellowship with those that are like minded, and through prayer. 

“ ‘In the last days, God says, I will pour out my Spirit on all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy, your young men will see visions, your old men will dream dreams. Even on my servants, both men and women, I will pour out my Spirit in those days, and they will prophesy. I will show wonders in the heavens above and signs on the earth below, blood and fire and billows of smoke. (Acts 2:17-19 NIV)

Love God -Hate sin

Let us not be guilty of the sins that the Lord hates. The love of self, of unrighteousness, lover of money.  God says he hates these things but in the last days there will be a generation of people who do not follow God. 

But mark this: There will be terrible times in the last days. People will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful, proud, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, without love, unforgiving, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not lovers of the good, treacherous, rash, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God— having a form of godliness but denying its power. Have nothing to do with such people. They are the kind who worm their way into homes and gain control over gullible women, who are loaded down with sins and are swayed by all kinds of evil desires, always learning but never able to come to a knowledge of the truth. (2 Timothy 3:1-7 NIV)

Graceful Tuesday

Grace is one of the foundations of God's love.  He gives us grace through Jesus Christ his son.  Jesus covers us up with his perfect sinless life so that we may be covered by the grace of God. Make the most of today and remember to witness as necessary to bring more people into God's grace

Monday madness

God is good!!  His blessing flow to the people that obey him. The way to truth is him. Today is the day that The Lord has made. God is righteous and only through his son can we be set free of our sins. Christ died to make us free is and to make us whole. Serving him and his people is the highest form of sacrifice so look for opportunities to spread his message of salvation 

God bless you today and be one with Christ  

Weekend wisdom

Yeah it's the weekend!  However our busy lives we should never forget that we would not have this time if it wasn't for God who gave it. We should take the moments that we are at rest, whether it is right before we put our feet on the floor or many times throughout the day to thank him for what we have in our life, for those who do not have, and for those who seek to harm us.   Remember that God gave you the breath you breathe and the hearts that beat. Lord I pray that we take time today and everyday to remember your word, to ask for forgiveness, and seek your face through your written word and through fellowship with others.  We desire to be one with you and to keep your words In Our hearts.

Edification

Have you ever listened to the music that comes out of the music industry today? The underlying message is clear on most popular mainstream stations. IF it wasn't for FCC regulations, I am sure the tone of music would change sharply. Most mainstream artist have different versions of their music, radio and uncut. The uncut version, which our kids most likely download and listen to, is filled with sexual references. Not only that but girls acting as boys and the lewdness of such actions are unimaginable. Our kids are expose to more sexual materials through media (social, entertainment, and musical) than ever before.
I would much rather listen to anything but mainstream radio. This is why I choose my own stations. Keeping a pure heart begins with hearing pure things. Things that build up my character and doesn't attempt to tear it down.

Wednesday a day of seeking God

Enjoy each day that you are alive to the fullest by making God a priority. By doing so God will ensure you live a righteous life. Without God you can do nothing to please him. Delight yourself in His truth and ways  He will not disappoint those who see him for his righteous and goodness transcends the heavens to earth to those whom love him. 

Monday is a day of firsts

Today is a day of firsts.  Our first is a gift from God. Without a first, we would always wonder about the what ifs.  We choose today to make it a great day.  I pray that you each have a great day and be a blessing to someone.  Learn all you can so that you can show how good God is and how mighty a God we serve.  God blesses those that humble themselves before him.  Be the servant that God wants you to be.

 Amen

Is it Apparent

More and more these days, I see the signs of Jesus' return is drawing close.  This year seems to take a dramatic turn in the climate, turmoil, and persecution of Christians.  Yet all the while, talks of peace abound.  Have you seen it,  heard it, or felt it?  The Lord is speaking, are you paying attention?  

The year is going to be the turning point of disbelief into belief.  Israel peace treaty nears, blood moons appears, and the year of jubilee is upon us.  These are all signs that God is working and setting the stage for his imminent return.  Are you ready?   

Forever Body

I can not wait to receive my forever body.   Can you imagine what your own will look like?   One of my coworkers said she just wants a wand to make it all better and to not have to work at it.   I thought about my forever body when she mentioned this and had to chuckle at her as she made the motions of a wand towards her body.

I just want to have perfect vision, with brilliant colors, and a touch of super vision (to see the unseen).  I would like the aches and pains I have to vanish, and to be a little smaller in the waist line.   I can't wait to not have to exercise to perform touch ups on my outter appearance, or brush my teeth, or even have to worry about getting sick from the environment.    I won't be hot, cold, or indifferent to the weather since it will be perfect all the time.  My voice will not crack because of allergies and I won't have headaches.   Wipeee!!!!!

Have you been thinking about your own?   We know that God had made the angels that protect us are totally awesome and beautiful!

Did you see that the previous post was also a coworker?   http://mylifeinaweek.blogspot.com/2014/01/sensitive.html. Salvation for the lost includes coworkers and not just your friends and family.   Preach the word to all the nations, for salvation is at hand.

Starbucks - Anyone?

I attended a new church today.....and although we (kids and I) all agreed that it was not the church for us, I did take something away from the sermon.

Guess who is the rudest people at Starbucks. That's right Christians....and on Sunday Morning. I'm really upset that we as Christians have earned a reputation at restaurants and other establishments that we are one of the rudest customers.  Especially on Sunday's.  We should exemplify the very nature of Christ.  It is shameful to think that we have forgotten who we are....the light of the world. The voice of Christ, the living and breathing testimony of God. How dare us take the Word of God, 'in everything give thanks' and say to the person behind the counter, 'you are not worthy.'  We have adopted the world view of me first.  We can never shine the light if we are all about me.

I'm also changing the blog up.  I found that I was just writing the blog and not really reading what I was suppose to be reading.  Anyway, I'll post things as I see fit.  

Have a blessed week!!

Sensitive

Sometimes I wonder if I have lost my sensitivity to thing on heavenly things.  A good example was a coworker who was telling me that her house is not her forever home.  I just didn't think about heaven being my forever home and stated that there is not a house built in my town that is my forever home.

We as Christians must always be mindful of the view of heaven that God has prepared for us.  The streets of gold, beside a crystal sea and mansions made of precious stones.  God has only provided a glimpse of heaven but the truth is it is unimaginable to the human mind.

Have a blessed day!!!!