Psalm 24:3
Who may ascend the hill of the Lord? Who may stand in His holy place? He who has clean hands and a pure heart, who does not lift up his soul to an idol or swear by what is false. He will receive blessing from the Lord and vindication from God his Savior. Such is the generation of those who seek Him, who seek Your face, O God of Jacob.

Are there idols in my heart keeping me from standing in the holy place before God?

Lord, forgive me from my sins. Create in me a clean heart. If there are still idols in my life, please reveal them to me.

Eyes on the Lord

Psalm 25:15
My eyes are ever on the Lord, for only he will release my feet from the snare.

I like this verse. I try to picture myself literally caught in a snare. Isn't it most natural to get focused on the thing you are trapped in. I know if I were in a snare, my eyes would be on the snare trying to figure out how the heck I was gonna get out of it. God wants our eyes on Him, even in the midst of our struggles. We can't figure out life without God.

Lord, You are faithful. You never leave me even in my times of trouble. Help me to see You there with me and help me to keep my eyes on You instead of on my problem.

the problem and the Solution

Gen 15:1-2a
After this, the word of the Lord Came to Abram in a vision: "Do not be afraid, Abram. I am your shield, your very great reward." But Abram said, "O Sovereign Lord, what can you give me since I remain childless..."

This verse punch me in the face this morning. Not even a full-caffeine, pumpkin spiced, organic chai latte (mmmmm) could prepare me for that!

Did the man just ask God, "what can you give me?"

I'm offended. I'm offended for two reasons:

Firstly, I'm offended that Abram has the audacity to ask the Creator of everything, the Giver of all good things, the Father of life, Big Man himself, "what can you give me?" God just gave Abram a vision!!! God is trying to tell Abram that He is the "I am", and all Abram can think about is what he feels he is missing.

Secondly, I'm offended that this whole thing doesn't seem to bother God one little bit!!!! It's like God expects it. God takes Abram outside and says, "Look up at the heavens and count the stars - if indeed you can count them."

If I was a bible author I would have written this story like this:
God: I AM
Abram: no you're not
God: yes I AM
Abram: no you're not
God: yes I AM
Abram: hmm...ok, maybe you are.

I am imagining I read this today, because there is most likely a situation in my life that looks remarkably similar to this one. Am I focused on my problem, or resting expectantly in the arms of my Solution.

Lord, I want to trust You. I want to believe You are who You say You are. Please build my faith. Tear down my pride that gets between Us. Help me to see You as all I need. I don't want to live in what's missing...I want to know the abundance of trusting You. Lord, please speak to me about my life.

I am your portion. Do not look to be satisfied in other things. I will fill you up. When you are thirsty, let Me fill you with living water. When you are tired, I will be your strength. In your problems, be still and know that I am God.

Thank you, Jesus. I will choose to walk today with my eyes on You.

Cast the net.

Good morning, Lord. I'm tired today. I'm so grateful for your voice that draws me in. Awaken my spirit.

Luke 5:5

But Simon answered and said to Him, "Master, we have toiled all night and caught nothing; nevertheless at Your word I will let down the net."

My mind is caught up in my situation, and I don't know if I totally trust the work You are doing. I don't understand.

Do not rely on your own understanding. I have said, "Come, let us reason together." My ways are higher than yours. Submit to my Word. Repent of Your sins and follow Me.

Lord, show me the sin in my heart.

Your sin is pride. You trust yourself. All good comes from Me. Nothing has value unless I give it. I created you and give you breath. I am the wonderful counselor. I can see what you can't even dream of. I know what you cannot learn. I am what I say I am.

Lord, forgive me for my pride. Teach me to walk in humility and trust Your work. Change my heart, that in my doubt, I would still cast the net out one more time. I love You. Praise You, Jesus, for Your mighty greatness and excellent mercy.

A Word for my children

Hallelujah, Jesus. Thank You for waking me up today. Thank You for new mercy each morning. Thank You for meeting me here. Who am I that You are mindful of me? Help me to overcome my temptation today. Give me strength to serve You. Be in my home. Protect my children. Help me to show them Your love. Lord, please show me how You see my children.

Anjali's heart is tender. She already understands how to love Me. She is a servant, so praise her in her service. She desires to show herself worthy. Do not break her spirit with discipline...she does not require harsh punishment. Tell her about Me. Do not be deceived; she is not too young to begin to know My heart. I long for her to come to me.

I know Kaitlyn is difficult for you. I have made her strong. She will serve me with intensity and I will call her into deep communion. Allow her to make decisions, but teach her discipline. Be consistent. Her spirit is loyal, so she will be hurt easily. Hold her more often. Give her security.

Curtis is a strong warrior. His weapon is joy and he strikes fear to the enemy. Guard his heart and mind. He will watch you, and your life will speak deeply to his spirit. Be quick to apologize. Live for me. He will follow your lead and he will be a great leader.

Lord, give me grace as I train my children. Restore unto me the joy of my salvation. Help me not to grow tired. I love you and I want my home to be a reflection of Your glory. Show me things you would have me change. Help me to choose discipline.

Believe

Isaiah 55:10,11
As the rain and the snow come down from heaven and do not return to it without watering the earth and making it bud and flourish, so that it yields seed for the sower and bread for the eater, so is my word that goes out from my mouth: It will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it.

Lord, give me faith to believe You for what You say. I want to know Your will and be able to see it return to You prosperous. Lord what would you like to speak to me?

My Word is faithful. You can count on what I say. I know You don't understand, but I cannot be defeated. I cannot be thrown off. I have a purpose when I act, and I accomplish what I decide is good. Do not fear your enemy, but trust my promises. I will provide for you and I order your steps. Listen to me and believe me for what I am doing. I am doing a new thing. Trust Me.

Walk with Me

My mind wants to figure You out. Why do You give so much and let us squander? Why do You take away? Why does my heart long for You even as we sit together? How do I know You better? How do I learn to love you? Why do I feel like I can't catch You, even when I know You are not running from me. Teach me your truth, Lord. Teach my heart to believe You for what You say is truth. Help my unbelief. Strip me of my pride that calls me worthy. I want to come before You transparent. Expose my sin and cover me again.

This world is your wilderness. Walk with Me and let Me use it to teach you. Humble yourself before me. Don't grow weary in your questions. I am the answer. Believe Me. Believe in Me. I designed you to find your ability in Me. I created your heart to long for Me. I am your God. I have set you apart and I have saved you for myself. We will walk as lovers. We will test this world together and you will find Me faithful. What I say I will do, I will do. What I say will be, will be. I am God. I do not live in time. I do not fail. I do not abandon. You do not have to understand Me to believe. You were made in my image, but your heart is wicked. Your only pure emotion on your own is your desire for me. I placed that in you. I have made a longing in your heart and I am here to fulfill you. Breathe deep My love for you.