Inner Lion

Proverbs 29:1b But the righteous are as bold as a lion.
Romans 16:18-19 For such people are not serving our Lord Christ, but their own appetites. By smooth talk and flattery they deceive the minds of naive people. 19Everyone has heard about your obedience, so I am full of joy over you; but I want you to be wise about what is good, and innocent about what is evil.

Many things in life we allow pass through because we are too nice. Paul was never too nice. He knew what he wanted and did anything to achieve it. He wanted others to stand up and fight for their faith. He knew what kind of people were out there and didn't want the sheep to be devoured by the lion.

I have allowed wolves to come and eat me alive. I have allowed the worlds craftiness fool me into thinking they are right and i am wrong. I have lost money, time, and answers from God because of it. But i know that I am naive at times and just too nice. I allow people in my life without doing background checks. We all have a bit of sheep, wolf, and lion inside of us and we have to be wise when we let each come out. As for me, i need to let my inner lion come out more often. Roar.

Lord,
You are my lion, my master, my guide, my king. I need to learn you more and be with you more than anyone. I lack many things when it comes to you so i need your hand. You deserve more from me so please take me, push me, extend me God. I am what is yours.
I forever love you
Amen

5/16/09 Receive

1 Thessalonians 5:9-10 9For God did not appoint us to suffer wrath but to receive salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ. 10He died for us so that, whether we are awake or asleep, we may live together with him.

When God called His children He wanted each one to live in His mercy. He wanted each to know of His great saving power. Paul was writing to the Thessalonians because even though they were remaining strong they still need encouragement.

Christians now still need the same encouragement which is why we are still reading the writings. No matter how old they are they consistently pertain to each generation we still need Gods salvation and power. We still need to know that He is with us no matter what or where.

Lord,
give me the strength and courage to move forward. I am with you day or night. Stay close to me and speak to your daughter. I always need your love and guidance.
I forever love you
Amen

I said No

Matthew 21: 31c-32 Jesus said to them, "I tell you the truth, the tax collectors and the prostitutes are entering the kingdom of God ahead of you. 32For John came to you to show you the way of righteousness, and you did not believe him, but the tax collectors and the prostitutes did. And even after you saw this, you did not repent and believe him.

Jesus' parables were always to make the people reflect on themselves. Some of the people didn't understand at first because they thought they were doing everything right. But the pharisees were the worst of them all. Jesus tried to show them over and over how prideful they were and how wrong they were in interpreting scriptures and bringing them to life. Essentially, Jesus wanted them to repent but their hearts and minds were full of so much religion and pride they couldn't even see the Messiah in front of them.

In this parable Jesus wants his people to see that even though we say no at first than later believe that's the people He came for. Jesus just wants us to repent and believe and repent and believe. He knows my life isn't gonna be perfect, He knows I'm gonna make mistakes so He wants me to be the son that eventually does the work. He doesn't want me to make empty promises but to be honest with myself. He'd rather me do the work later than me lie to Him. I'm gonna fall and sin but if i get up and repent and believe Gods promises I'm better than those people who know the Bible cover to cover but have no mercy.

I am Gods creation. I am not perfect but I strive for a better tomorrow. I was made in Gods image yet I am human. I may fall, i may displease God and others. I may be lazy and messy sometimes but only the Lord knows my heart and He loves me. He put me here because He believes in me and I believe in Him.

Lord,
I am not physically a prostitute but i want to be one. A person who makes mistakes but believes in the end. And i believe now. With all my heart. Forgive me for saying no at first and for doing things that don't please you. I want to be your instrument that you use. Keep me in check Lord.
I forever love you
Amen

4/28/09 I was a Pharisee

Matthew 15:11-13 What goes into a man's mouth does not make him 'unclean,' but what comes out of his mouth, that is what makes him 'unclean.' "12Then the disciples came to him and asked, "Do you know that the Pharisees were offended when they heard this?" 13He replied, "Every plant that my heavenly Father has not planted will be pulled up by the roots.

The disciples were still worried what the religious people thought. Jesus didn't care if they were offended or didn't understand. He had his reason to be on earth and He was going to fulfill it with or without their permission. Jesus rocked their thinking with this statement because it meant not only the food they ate but the people they were affiliated with, the things that they did. It meant they didn't have to be ashamed to be seen with a certain type of person or to do certain thing. Jesus was merely saying you can do just about anything but not everything is good for you and whatever isn't Gods - He will take it out of you.

In today's world there are still those Pharisees that don't accept the concept of being free. But on the other hand there are some Christians who take this way too far. Jesus came to make us free, free in Him - free to eat what we want, dress the way we want, hang out with who we want, say what we want, do what we want. And even though there is this great freedom, He also says be careful with what comes out because of it. Because if something bad and perverted comes out than that's not God. If you help tempt someone because of your freedom that's not God. And He will pull all whats displeasing to him out of the heart to set us straight again.

I had to learn this the hard way because i used to be a Pharisee. I didn't hang out with certain people or watch certain things because i thought they weren't holy enough. But God even took that out of my heart straight from the root and showed me it wasn't them that were wrong - it was me. Jesus came to save those people and i had to see that by God offending me.

Lord-
Thank you for letting me see you for who you are. I know i haven't done all the right things but i want you to know that I'm gonna be free and smart about my decisions. My heart and my mouth are yours and i only want your words to come. Guide me God to do the right things and be the instrument you need me to be.
I forever love you
Amen

Your mercy

Matthew 9:12-13 On hearing this, Jesus said, "It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. 13But go and learn what this means: 'I desire mercy, not sacrifice.' For I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners."

The religious don't understand the concept of mercy before sacrifice. The Pharisees thought their good works, their prayer time, their flee from sin would make them better people. But Jesus didn't and still doesn't want the righteous attitudes but the real ones. He wants the crying and humble hearts.

When Jesus called us to be His own, He didn't want those people who needed to be right or perfect but wanted who knew they sin all the time and can deal with it. I had to learn that the hard way. I always tried to be perfect and fit a certain mold and when I didn't or when others didn't, it was over. God wasn't with me or with them. Christianity was in a box for me and i was missing out on a world that God wanted me to see. Not necessarily one i had to follow but just see so i could relax and be free.

Lord,
I know you wanted me to see different things but at times i took it too far and for that I am sorry. I want to be free yet pleasing to you. Help me to see you in all that i am a part of.
I forever love you.
Amen

Armor Bearer

1 Samuel 14:7 "Do all that you have in mind," his armor-bearer said. "Go ahead; I am with you heart and soul."

Jonathan's armor bearer got it right. He knew what it meant to back up his leader. He knew how to be guided and to follow the one God had anointed as leader. Everyone is called to be a leader in one way or another but its only when you first learn how to follow to really be that leader God has called you to be.

Many people want to be in charge of something. The responsibility, the glory of winning or being successful is exhilarating. However, if you lead nothing or no one your not a true leader. A good leader knows how to delegate, has compassion, and has people who want to follow him/her and not forced to follow. People will be drawn to a good leader and each leader should have an armor bearer. Someone they can count on with their life. This person is someone they can trust to love them and protect them in all aspects of life.

2 Corinthians 13:9-10b
9 We are glad whenever we are weak but you are strong; and our prayer is for your perfection. 10b the authority the Lord gave me for building you up, not for tearing you down.

Leaders are to build up their people and armor bearers are their to accept the leadership. An armor bearer is being prepped for leadership to see what kind of leader they are to be. If an armor cannot be trusted they should step down. A team is made up of one leader and many armor bearers. I am an armor bearer, I am a person of trust, compassion, open mindedness, and God. I am not perfect but someone who takes pride in my work and the help i give out.

Lord,
Thank you for making me an armor bearer. Allow me to be the one my leader can count on for anything. Give me the strength to keep going and being a better leader. Forgive me for my sins and everything that doesn't please you. I love you.
I forever love you
Amen

4/2/09 Aroma

2 Corinthians 2:15 For we are to God the aroma of Christ among those who are being saved and those who are perishing.

When someone smells something good they follow it to know what it is. When Jesus walked the earth His followers and haters wanted to know more about Him. There was an aroma that captured them to want more.

And today in God we have the aroma of Christ. When I am guided by Him others smell something sweet and want more of it. And whether one believes in Christ or not the smell is still there and the curiosity is also present. When I allow God in to lead me He spreads His fragrance around to let the world know that i am carrying Him in my heart.

Lord,
spread your fragrance to this world. Use me as an instrument to the saved and non-saved. Today is a new day and I am prepared for what you have for me. Keep guiding me because without you i am just a blind girl with no path.
I forever love you
Amen