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Philemon 1:6
"I pray that you may be active in sharing your faith, so that you will have a full understanding of every good thing we have in Christ."

I have often heard it said that we are to "know God and make Him known." I think this scripture suggests that we know God through making Him known.

Have you ever experienced this?

Whenever I get together with a certain girlfriend of mine, we always talk about what God is doing in our lives. As we ping-pong our thoughts, I always feel a change in my spirit. It's an awakening...a realization that God is who He says He is, and He does what He says He will do.

The bible says that there is power in the word of our testimony. This power is not just for the sake of the one listening...it's for you too! It brings life, it brings an awakening, and it brings an understanding of every good thing we have in Christ.

Try it. Share your faith...tell someone what God has done for you, and see what happens!

Fear

I think I have managed to make every mass mailing list known to man. Here is a rundown of my inbox... "UN looking to create One world government," conspiracy theory, impending global disaster, and, once again, Obama has plans to destroy the universe, etc, etc.

My greatest frustration in receiving all of these fwds is that all of them come from other Christians. I guess my question is this, where does our hope rest?

I heard someone speak of fear vs. faith not too long ago and they said something like this...

"Faith is believing that God is big enough to do the things that He says He will do, and putting our trust in Him."

"Fear is believing that satan is big enough to do the things that he says he will do, and putting our trust in him."

In 2Kings 6:15-17 the servant of Elisha wakes up to find that the entire city is surrounded by enemy chariots. He is immediately filled with fear. Then Elisha says this prayer, "O Lord, open his eyes so he may see." Then the servant looks out again and sees the hills full of horses and chariots of fire from the Lord.

Elisha's servant was only focused on the problem until God opened his eyes and gave him hope.

I realize that a one world government is coming, the Antichrist is coming, natural disasters are coming, oppression, cancer, death and the end of the world are all coming. But God says, "I am the Lord, your God, who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, Do not fear; I will help you."

So basically, this is my subtle way of saying, please remove me from your mailing list. Thanks.

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.