Taylor Jasmine

Footsteps

2011-10-31T00:15:00.000-07:00

April 20, 2011
1 Kings 15:3 "He committed the same sins as his father before him, and he was not faithful to the Lord his god, as his ancestor David had been."

Abijam followed in his father's footsteps and didn't follow God. In 1 Kings we see this a lot. There was at least one king in this period who followed God, but most of the kings didn't. The kingdoms were going in the wrong direction. We have choices just like these kings had. We can follow God or not. We can continue in generational sins or break them. I have wonderful, godly parents, so that influence helps a lit, but there are still generational sins I need to break. The choice is ours.

Dear Lord,
I learned today how so many dings just followed in their father's footsteps and didn't follow You. Lord, regardless of what anyone else does, help me do what honors You. Keep me on the straight and narrow. I need Your help! In Jesus' Name. Amen.

Choices and Consequences

2011-10-31T00:10:00.000-07:00

April 19, 2011
1 Kings 11:38-39 "If you listen to what I tell you and follow my ways and do whatever I consider to be right, and if you obey my decrees and commands, as my servant David did, then I will always be with you. I will establish an enduring dynasty for you as I did for David, and I will give Israel to you. Because of Solomon's sin I will punish the descendants of David-though not forever."

Solomon chose to worship[ more than just the Living God. He turned and worshiped pagan gods. Because of this sin, God was taking the kingdom away from him eventually and giving it to Jeroboam. Our choices affect us and others too. More than anything else, God wants us to love Him with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength. If we do that, we will reap blessings. If we don't, we will reap bad consequences. We need to follow God and love Him more than anything else.

Dear Lord,
Like Solomon, You've blessed me. You've given me so much! Like Solomon, though, I've worshiped other "gods" too. I've put other things before You, and I've tried to make other things fill the God shaped hole that belongs to You. Please forgive me for not loving You with all my heart, soul, mind, and strength; and help me do better. In Jesus' Name. Amen.

Trusting God With Our Prayers

2011-10-31T00:03:00.000-07:00

April 18, 2011
1 Kings 8:59 "And may these words that I have prayed in the presence of the Lord be before him constantly, day and night, so that the Lord our God may give justice to me and to his people Israel, according to each day's needs."

Recently I started something new. For a long time I would pray about things that were important to me over and over again. I'd think about the things, that I needed to see a miracle in, over and over again to the point that it stressed me out. I never truly learned how to cast my cares on the Lord because when I attempted it, I never left them at His feet. Within the past few weeks God taught me how to release them into His hands. I began writing down a list of things that bothered me that I had no control over but needed to see God's hand in. I'd think about that list from time to time, but I had peace in knowing God was taking care of it. As I go back to that list now, I see how God has fixed so many of those things I had written down. Either He changed the circumstances, or He changed my perspective. Just as Solomon prayed, though, "And may these words that I have prayed in the presence of the Lord be before him constantly, day and night, so that the Lord our God may give justice to me and to his people Israel, according to each day's needs." 1 Kings 8:59.

Dear Lord,
You are ever faithful and an ever present help in time of need. Thank You for caring about the things that I care about, but loving me enough to do what's best for me. Help me walk in Your truth today and stay on the straight and narrow. Guide my heart, thoughts, and actions, and I pray that every prayer I raise to You will be always before You and handled according to Your will. In Jesus' Name. Amen.

Wisdom

2011-10-30T23:52:00.000-07:00

April 16, 2011
1 Kings 3:9 "Give me an understanding heart so that I can govern your people well and know the difference between right and wrong. For who by himself is able to govern this great people of yours?"

Of everything Solomon could have asked for, he asked for an understanding heart. He saw what really matters. In the end, it's not about what we have. It's about what we did with God's Son here on earth. I want an understanding heart to see things through God's eyes!

Dear Lord,
Please give me an understanding heart, like Solomon, to see things through Your eyes, not my own. In Jesus' Name. Amen.

Taken-care-of Business

2011-10-30T23:49:00.000-07:00

April 15, 2011
2 Samuel 22:2b-3, "The Lord is my rock, my fortress, and my savior; my God is my rock, in whom I find protection. He is my shield, the power that saves me, and my place of safety. He is my refuge, my savior, the one who saves me from violence."

Over the past month I wrote down some things that were bothering me, but I had no control over. I knew not to pray about them every day, or I'd get impatient and lose my peace; so I wrote them down, and God has been working out the details. Today, I opened up my book to that sheet of paper and stand amazed at how much God has helped in these areas I needed His hand in. He truly is my rock, my fortress, and my Savior! He's taken care of me, and my problems are now His taken-care-of business.

Dear Lord,
Thank You for proving faithful to me. Thank You for taking dare of business and turning my problems, cares, and concerns into taken-care-of business. I trust You with my life, and love You so much. I pray this in Your name. Amen.

Your Will

2011-06-28T19:11:00.000-07:00

I believe everyone has plans for their life! My dream for my life is to be a wife when I turn eighteen and a mom shortly after. Often times I get so caught up in my future, though, that I miss out on what God has placed right in front of me. He has been laying on my heart that it is okay for me to have plans and desires, but I need to make sure that I don't allow those things to cause discontentment in me right now where I am at, and if God has a different plan for my life, I need to not be sad, but follow Him with a peaceful heart. As Proverbs 16:9 says, "We can make our plans, but the Lord determines our steps."

Unfailing Love

2011-06-27T22:22:00.000-07:00

Wait

2011-06-11T18:34:00.000-07:00

April 11, 2011
Psalm 27:13-14 "Yet I am confident I will see the Lord's goodness while I am here in the land of the living. Wait patiently for the Lord. Be brave and courageous. Yes, wait patiently for the Lord."

To teenagers, the word wait is like a cuss word. In fact, to Americans, the word wait seems to be evil. We live in a world where we don't have to wait much. We have high-speed internet, instant entertainment, and a "I want it now" mentality. We are told to wait patiently on the Lord, though. Today, God has challenged me to spend my time doing things for others. I've been so caught up in what others should do for me that I've been completely discontent causing me to be miserable. As my devotional said this morning, "David could have viewed his job as monotonous and his future bleak. Instead, he looked for and found constructive ways to pass the time while tending the sheep." Maybe you are at a job you don't enjoy; maybe you are in a marriage that seems to be going nowhere good; maybe you are lonely from being a widow or being single. My encouragement to you today is to not give up, but wait patiently for the Lord. See what God wants to do as you seek Him and wait patiently for Him. The reason this Scripture touches me is because I am waiting for the Lord to send my husband to me. I get weary and lonely at times, but He's telling me today, "Be brave and courageous, and wait patiently on the Lord. Don't settle for a frog. Use this time in a constructive way. my child, you reap what you sow."

Dear Lord,
I thank You that You gave me this devotional today. Lord, it is easy in a "I want it now" world to not be patient and wait for You, but if I waited for You more, I know life would be much better. Please, help me, as I wait patiently for You, to use my time in a constructive way. Help me use it in a way that is not wasteful, but rather glorifying to Your Name. Help me represent You well. In Jesus' Name. I love You! Amen.

Be Courageous

2011-06-11T18:25:00.000-07:00

April 8, 2011
2 Samuel 10:12 "Be courageous! Let us fight bravely, for our people and the cities of our God. May the Lord's will be done."

Be courageous. These words are found all throughout the Old Testament! Courageous means, "the ability to conquer fear or despair." We also find in the Bible not to worry. Today we'll face many battles, but remember to be courageous. Don't worry. Lift Your hands up to God, and remember, He's the One who will bring victory.

Dear Jesus,
Thank You for being my strength! Thank You that I don't need to be afraid. Thank You for fighting for me. Please, help me today in every battle I face to be courageous. In Jesus' Name. Amen.

The Ultimate Promise Keeper

2011-06-11T18:21:00.000-07:00

April 7, 2011
2 Samuel 7:28 "For you are God, O Sovereign Lord. Your words are truth, and you have promised these good things to your servant."

This was part of David's prayer. God's words are truth. You don't have to fear that He will fall through on His promises. He will carry them through because His words are truth. Isn't it encouraging to know that we have a reliable God?!?

Dear Heavenly Father,
Thank You that Your words are truth. Thank You for being reliable! Thank You for being steady ground for my feet. In Jesus' Name. Amen.

God Understands

2011-06-11T18:18:00.000-07:00

April 6, 2011
Hebrews 2:18 "Since he himself has gone through suffering and testing, he is able to help us when we are being tested."

Jesus gets it. He's been there, done that. He came into this world as a human and walked on this earth so we could be saved and so we could have a relationship with Him. He literally walked in our shoes. Jesus understands what we're going through. He wants to help us. He is waiting right there next to you wanting to help. He's waiting for us to ask.

Dear Jesus,
Thank You for putting Yourself in my shoes. Please, help me, Lord. I need help in so many areas of my life today. I don't want to go it alone anymore. I need You! In Jesus' Name. Amen.

No Revenge

2011-06-11T18:15:00.000-07:00

April 5, 2011
2 Samuel 4:9-10 "But David said to Recab and Baanah, 'The lord, who saves me from all my enemies, is my witness. Someone once told me, 'Saul is dead,' thinking he was bringing me good news. But I seized him and killed him at Ziklag. That's the reward I gave him for his news!'"

David truly amazes me! This is why. When Saul died, he wept! Then, when someone killed Saul's son out of revenge, David killed the people who killed him. David didn't seek revenge, and when other people sought it, he punished them. We can learn a lot from David! Most of all, I learn to let God be the avenger.

Dear Lord,
David amazes me! He was a man after Your own heart. Help me be like David and leave revenge in Your hands. In Jesus' Name. Amen.

Run Back

2011-06-11T18:09:00.000-07:00

April 4, 2011
1 Samuel 28:9 and 12 ""'Are you trying to get me killed?' the woman demanded. 'You know that Saul has outlawed all the mediums and all who consult the spirits of the dead. Why are you setting a trap for me?' When the woman saw Samuel she screamed, 'You've deceived me! You are Saul!'"

Saul had outlawed all mediums, yet he went and consulted a medium to bring back Samuel from the dead. Saul went against God, of course, but he also went against what he had already made up his mind to get rid of. Just like Saul, it is easy to fall back into things we hate simply due to losing our focus on God. We get scared or worn out and stop finding our strength in God and begin finding ourselves in places we never really wanted to be. If that's you, stop!, repent, and get your life back on track with God. When we mess up, we feel like running from God. We feel ashamed and unworthy of Him, but guess what... Even at our best we are unworthy of Him. Jesus makes us right with Him, not our actions, so run back to God. He is waiting for you!

Dear Lord,
Although I haven't consulted mediums, I've sinned against You as badly as Saul did. I'm in need of cleansing and forgiveness. make me pure again. Lord, when I mess up, my first reaction is to run from You, but I know that's just a trap from the enemy to keep me from You. Lord, I'm running back to You. Make me whole again. In Jesus' Name. I love You! Thank You! Amen.

"Getting Revenge"

2011-06-09T18:19:00.000-07:00

April 2, 2011
1 Samuel 24:12 "'May the Lord judge between us. Perhaps the Lord will punish you for what you are trying to do to me, but I will never harm you.'"

David was given two opportunities to kill Saul. Saul had chased David and attempted to kill him, but, when David was given the choice to get revenge, he left it in God's hands. In life, we will have plenty of opportunities to "take revenge," but we have the choice, just like David did, to "get revenge" or leave it up to God what punishment they receive. The choice is up to us!

Dear Lord,
Thank You that I don't have to try to "get revenge." Thank You for taking care of it for me. Judge between my enemies and me, and You be the Judge. In Jesus' Name. I love You! Amen.

Consulting God

2011-06-09T18:15:00.000-07:00

April 1, 2011
1 Samuel 23:2 "David asked the lord, 'Should I go and attack them?' 'Yes, go and save Keilah,' the Lord told him."

I don't know about you, but all too often I don't consult God before making decisions. Someone asks me if I want to do something, and I make a decision based on my own knowledge. I desire to be like David and start consulting the Lord first thing!

Dear Lord,
I'm sorry for not asking Your opinion before making a decision. Help me to do better. Please, give me guidance, wisdom, and direction today, and let Your perfect will be done. In jesus' Name. Amen.

God Power

2011-06-09T18:12:00.000-07:00

March 31, 2011
1 Samuel 17:36-37a "'I have done this to both lions and bears, and I'll do it to this pagan Philistine, too, for he has defiled the armies of the living God! The Lord who rescued me from the claws of the lion and the bear will rescue me from this Philistine!'"

When I read this verse it made me feel so empowered. David was up against a giant. Every other man was terrified to stand up against him. Goliath was huge. They looked like fleas compared to him, but what the other men viewed as a huge giant, David viewed as someone who messed with his God, and by his God's strength, David was going to show him never to mess with his God again! The man were seeing Goliath through fear, but David didn't have that fear because he saw Goliath through God's eyes. We, just like David, will be faced with giants in our life. We have the choice to run away in fear or face them head-on with God power!

Dear Lord,
You are my God! I am the child of the living God! Today there will be giants in my life, but I won't defeat them by sword or spear, but they will be defeated by You. It's Your battle! I surrender to You, and I go in Your strength today. In Jesus' Name. Amen.

Obey

2011-06-09T18:06:00.000-07:00

March 30, 2011
1 Samuel 15:22-23 "But Samuel replied, 'What is more pleasing to the Lord: your burnt offerings and sacrifices or your obedience to his voice? Listen! Obedience is better than sacrifice, and submission is better than offering the fat of rams. Rebellion is as sinful as witchcraft, and stubbornness as bad as worshiping idols. So because you have rejected the command of the Lord, he has rejected you as king.'"

God desires our obedience. HE isn't looking for sacrifice as much as He is looking for obedience. When God tells us to move, we need to move. When He tells us to stay, we need to stay. Sometimes we disobey God because we can't see how else He's going to fix what's going on, but when God tells us to do something we don't need to know why or even how He's going to do it. We are called to obey.

Dear Lord,
When You tell me to do something, please help me obey. Even if I can't see the result, help me not be discouraged by it. Rather, help me trust You. In Jesus' Name. Amen.

Stop!

2011-06-09T17:53:00.000-07:00

March 29, 2011
1 Samuel 12:20-22 "'Don't be afraid,' Samuel reassured them. 'You have certainly done wrong, but make sure now that you worship the Lord with all your heart, and don't turn your back on him. Don't go back to worshiping worthless idols that cannot help or rescue you-they are totally useless! The Lord will not abandon his people, because that would dishonor his great name. For it has pleased the Lord to make you his very own people.'"

This verse warms my heart! To realize that God won't abandon His people is the most comforting promise! How many of you have ever messed up? I know I have! "Samuel," it says, "reassured them, 'You have certainly done wrong, but make sure now that you worship the Lord with all your heart, and don't turn your back on him.'" Repentance, that is what it comes down to is repentance. "To turn away from" is what it means to repent. To stop watching the t.v. shows that are inappropriate; to stop spending all day on your phone when you notice you're putting too much time into it; to stand up for what you believe in and stop going along with the crowd, that's repentance. Stopping what you're doing and turning from it... that's true repentance. Stop Turn Obey Pray!

Dear Lord,
Thank You for Your promise to never leave me or abandon me even though I deserve to be left and abandoned. Please, forgive me for putting other things before You! Help me do better. Remind me when I begin to go the wrong way and drift off the straight path to STOP! Stop, Turn, Obey, Pray. In Jesus' Name. Amen.

Determined

2011-06-07T15:10:00.000-07:00

March 28, 2011
1 Samuel 7:3 "Then Samuel said to all the people of Israel, 'If you are really serious about wanting to return to the Lord, get rid of your foreign gods and your images of Ashtoreth. Determine to obey only the Lord; then he will rescue you from the Philistines.'"

Do you desire a deeper relationship with the Lord? I know I do. At times I feel distant from God, though. Sometimes we won't feel God, and that doesn't mean He's not there or that He's left us. It could mean that He's growing us and weening us off of Spiritual milk and onto solid Spiritual food. Maybe it is due to sin that needs to be resolved in our lives. Lately I've been feeling a little distant from the Lord, but I know He's right here with me. The point is, our "gods" might not be a statue. They could be a car, family, television; anything that you think about or trust in more than God. My "gods" lately have been texting and relationships. Neither of these are bad, but them being my "gods" is bad! What can I do to stop then? Get rid of them is what 1 Samuel says. Am I saying to stop texting my friends and quit my relationships? Absolutely not, but I am saying that I need to get my priorities straight. If that requires taking a break for even just five minutes to get my heart right and spend time talking to my Heavenly Father then so be it. Whatever it takes, I need to "Determine to only obey the Lord." (7:3)

Dear Lord,
Please forgive me for having other "gods" before You. Please, help me obey only You. Close up the gap I've felt between us, and be the Lord, Savior, and Leader of my life. I love You! In Jesus' Name. Amen.

Perspectives

2011-06-07T15:02:00.000-07:00

March 26, 2011
1 Samuel 1:8 "'Why are you crying, Hannah?' Elkanah would ask. 'Why aren't you eating? Why be downhearted just because you have no children? You have me-isn't that better than having ten sons?'"

Just tonight I was in Hannah's shoes. Crying over what I didn't have. this verse stood out to me. It showed me how it's so easy to fall into crying over things we want but don't have. They're important, and God cares. If you read further in the chapter you will see how she cries out to God, and He gives her a son. When Hannah's husband responded like he did it made me think of how God would look at me and ask, "Why are you crying? Aren't I enough for you, Taylor?"

Dear God,
You are more than enough for me! Please, forgive me for treating You like You weren't. You're so good to me, and I could never deserve the love You show me. I'm sorry I lost my focus, and I pray You'll fix what I messed up. Thank You for Your forgiveness, and thank You for loving me unconditionally. Help me do better. In Jesus' Name. Amen.

No coincidences

2011-06-07T14:56:00.000-07:00

March 26, 2011
Ruth 1:22 "So Naomi returned from Moab, accompanied by her daughter-in-law Ruth, the young Moabite woman. They arrived in Bethlehem in late spring, at the beginning of the barley harvest."

The story of Ruth is a precious love story, but it has many struggles along the way. Naomi moves with her husband to a foreign land. Her sons get married. Naomi and her daughters-in-law lose their husbands. Naomi goes back to her people. Orpah leaves. Ruth stays. Ruth goes out to gather grain in a foreign land... new people, new God, no husband. It happens to be the beginning of the barley harvest. She meets Boaz who happens to be a kinsman redeemer. He notices her. The other kinsman redeemer turns down the offer because it could endanger his own estate. Boaz and Ruth get married. There are a lot of "coincidences," but is that really what they are? It happens to be the beginning of the barley harvest. Ruth happens to go to Boaz's field. Boaz happens to notice her, and he happens to be a kinsman redeemer. God has no coincidences. He has divine appointments. It was no coincidence to God that Boaz and Ruth would be together, and it is no coincidence that is happening in yours or my life either. God knows the story. He is the writer. Let's walk with Him, as Ruth did, and watch that story unfold.

Dear Lord,
There are "coincidences" that I think happen in my lie, but in all reality, they are Your divine appointments. Lord, please walk beside me as I watch Your plan unfold. In Jesus' Name. Amen.

Black and White

2011-06-07T12:52:00.000-07:00

March 25, 2011
Judges 21:25 "In those days Israel had no king; all the people did whatever seemed right in their own eyes."

Often times we don't like rules. Why must we wear seat-belts? Why do I have to go to bed at midnight? Why must I do chores? We don't always like it, and I see the rebelliousness of children rising. If you've ever tried playing a game where the rules were taught differently to the other person than they were to you, you'll see very quickly how difficult it gets. In Judges, the people did whatever seemed right in their own eyes. Today, one of the most popular responses from people is, "It may not be right for you, but it's right for me." No! Right and wrong don't change. When we don't have God's Word, though, we have no basis for what's right and wrong. Rules might not seem like fun, but trust me, without them it's total chaos!

Dear Lord,
Thank You for giving me rules and guidelines to live by. Help me obey You, and my parents, and let my life glorify You. In Jesus' Name. Amen.

God's Chosen One

2011-06-07T12:47:00.000-07:00

March 23, 2011
Judges 14:3-4 "His father and mother objected. 'Isn't there even one woman in our tribe or among all the Israelites you could marry?' they asked. 'Why must you go to the pagan Philistines to find a wife?' But Samson told his father, 'Get her for me! She looks good to me.' His father and mother didn't realize the Lord was at work in this, creating an opportunity to work against the Philistines, who ruled over Israel at the time."

Samson was chosen by God before he was even born. God had a plan for his life. When Samson grew up, he desired to marry a woman who was not an Israelite, but rather was a Philistine. His parents objected to this idea, but Samson didn't listen. He married her anyway. Before the week of celebration was even over, his wife started nagging him. Finally he told her what she wanted to know. She went behind his back and told some people what he told her. Their marriage didn't last long, and both her and her father died shortly after. Samson then was with a prostitute, and he eventually married again to a woman who tricked him as well as his other wife had. When I see what Samson chose to do, I wonder what would've happened had Samson listened to his parent's advice. I wonder if he would've chosen better for who he married. God's hand was even in that decision, but God gives us freedom of choice. Our decisions will affect the outcome. We need to be careful to make our decisions wisely.

Dear Lord,
Like Samson, you set me apart for You too. You have Your hand in my life. I see it daily. Please help me choose the path that leads to life daily even if a different road looks appealing to my eye for a moment. Set my heart on You. Thank You for Your love and mercy. Fulfil Your purpose in my life. In Jesus' Name. Amen.

Mighty Heros

2011-06-07T12:33:00.000-07:00

March 21, 2011
Judges 8:4 "Gideon then crossed the Jordan River with his 300 men, and though exhausted, they continued to chase the enemy."

Tired, worn out, plain exhausted, yet they continued to chase the enemy. They pressed forward and didn't give up. Even after encountering two groups who refused to feed their tired army, they pressed on to complete the task God gave them. It is easy to want to give up at times for us too. We get tired of fighting the enemy on temptations and want to give in. We get tired of being called the "good girl" and want to act out just once to not have that title anymore. We get tired of chasing the enemy when someone bugs us, and we want to say something we'd regret. We can't stop fighting the enemy, though. God says that with every temptation He provides a way out. With being called the "good girl", praise God! We are called to be set apart for God, different from the world's "normal," and with wanting to say something unkind, our tongue has the power to heal, kill, or even destroy, so choose wisely. When it gets tough, and you're exhausted from chasing the enemy, remember Gideon... Don't give up or give in! Just like Gideon, we are God's mighty heroes.

Dear Lord,
Thank You for the story of Gideon! He could've given up, but he didn't. He pressed on! Lord, when I feel like giving in, remind me of Gideon. Give me courage and strength to march on and continue chasing the enemy. In Jesus' Name. Amen.

Cling Tightly to the Lord

2011-06-07T12:15:00.000-07:00

March 17, 2011
Joshua 23:8-11 "Rather, cling tightly to the Lord your God as you have done until now. For the Lord has driven out great and powerful nations for you, and no one has yet been able to defeat you. Each one of you will put to flight a thousand of the enemy, for the Lord your God fights for you, just as he has promised. So be very careful to love the Lord your God."

Time and again I've seen God fighting for me and protecting me from things I don't even realize are a hazard to me. A girl at winter camp got touched on the butt by a guy who was not being a gentleman. I've only dated one guy. I'm nearly seventeen years old. That relationship only lasted three days. I've never held a guys hand or kissed anyone, and the guys God has put in my life have respected me. Things my mom notices at the store I'm completely oblivious to. These things all result from God fighting for me. He has a cover over me that won't allow anyone to get near me without His say so. It's easy for me to forget these things He's done for me, though. Sometimes I want to settle for less than what God has chosen for me. Someone makes me feel good about myself, and I want to go marry them instead of waiting for God's chosen spouse for me. I start to put God on the back burner more and spend more time "worshiping" these other people. Today God is telling me, though, to cling to Him as I did up until this point. To remember how He has fought for me before, and see how He's fighting for me now. he's saying to choose to serve Him and Him alone today! He will be my strength! He will bring victory!

Dear Jesus,
I choose You! I'm sorry for starting to put You on the back burner! I cling to You today! Be my God. Fight for me. I need You, and love You more than words can say. I pray this in Jesus' Name. Amen.

Heartfelt Letter From My Heart

2011-05-16T20:35:00.000-07:00

Hi everyone,

I just wanted to share a little bit about what I've been going through today so that anyone else going through the a similar thing could be encouraged and not feel all alone.

Today was rough. I've been doing fine with this situation for some time, but just recently it's become difficult again. What am I talking about??? Singleness! Today I felt like all I could do was cry. Maybe that sounds dramatic, but I seriously was having a heart issue moment. My heart was aching. I was longing for someone to share my life with. Right now is not God's timing though. Two and a half years ago He promised me that He was sending my husband to me. I got all excited. My heart was racing, and it felt like it skipped a beat. I was psyched! Now, two and a half years older and still single, I catch myself doubting if this promise will ever become my reality. I remind myself day after day that I need to have the right perspective, but, especially on days like today, I find myself struggling to do so. There have been times I've thought, "Even if I have to date a few toads, just to have someone there, it wouldn't be so bad. I don't care if he is "Mr. Right." I'm lonely and can't take it anymore."

So here's where I was today. Pretty ugly place hu? Then something amazing happened! God happened!

God pulled on my heart and spoke His truth to me. He strengthened me and gave me what I needed to press on and not give in. He spoke Scripture to me such as Matthew 5:10 which says, "God blesses those who are persecuted for doing right, for the Kingdom of Heaven is theirs.", and Matthew 7:13-14 which says, "You can enter God's Kingdom only through the narrow gate. The highway to hell is broad, and its gate is wide for the many who choose that way. But the gateway to life is very narrow and the road is difficult, and only a few ever find it." Other encouraging verses He gave me were Matthew 5:11-12, Hebrews 11:1, Hebrews, 11:11-12, Isaiah 43:1b-2, Isaiah 40:31, and my favorite, Hebrews 12:12-13 which says, "So take a new grip with your tired hands and strengthen your weak knees. Mark out a straight path for your feet so that those who are weak and lame will not fall but become strong."

Did my circumstances change? No! As I write this letter to share with you, I am still "single"; but, I'm not alone, and neither are you. God promises never to fail us or abandon us (Deuteronomy 31:8).

Whatever you're going through, I pray that you'll be refreshed and encouraged to keep pressing forward towards God. Don't give in to the temptation to do the wrong thing. Stand strong in Christ!

Dear Lord,
Thank you for hearing my heart's cry and coming to my rescue. Thank You for strengthening me to do the right thing and keep pressing on. I'm so sorry for doubting You! Please, forgive me. Lord, You see all my friends who are struggling with this exact thing. You know their hearts as well. I lift them up to you and pray Your blessing on them. Touch them as You touched me, and give them the encouragement to know that You love them and have a greater plan and purpose for their life than they could ask or imagine. Strengthen them and help them to, "...be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the Lord your God is with you wherever you go." (Joshua 1:9b.) God, I know that we have longings in our hearts that only You can fill as well. Whether You choose to fill those gaps through friends, family, or Yourself, I ask that it will be You doing the filling. Thank You for caring about us as You do. We don't deserve it, but are eternally grateful for You! I love You, Lord, and ask these things in Your precious, powerful, and loving Name. Amen.

Surrendering the Battle

2011-05-15T16:08:00.000-07:00

March 15, 2011
Joshua 17:18b "... And you will drive out the Canaanites from the valleys , too, even though they are strong and have iron chariots."

I love verses like this. They encourage me like no other. Sometimes our life circumstances seem so powerful. It sometimes feels like we are up against an already lost battle on our part, but with God, he beats the odds. He fights for us and brings victory if we simply trust and surrender to Him.

Dear Lord,
I give You the battle. I trust You with it. In Jesus' Name. Amen.

Misconception

2011-05-15T15:58:00.000-07:00

March 14, 2011
Joshua 9:14 "So the Israelites examined their food, but they did not consult the Lord."

Gibeon sent ambassadors to Joshua to trick him into making a peace treaty with them. They said that they were from far away, this resulting in moldy bread. The Israelites looked at the moldy food to examine it. It looked like they were telling the truth, but they failed to consult God. This landed them in a place where they made an oath with the enemy. It is easy for us to make the same mistake that the leaders of Israel made. From the outside, things may add up, but without consulting God, we could have it all wrong.

Dear Lord,
Help me see through Your eyes. All I can see is the external, but You see the whole thing. I want to see through Your perspective. In Jesus' Name. Amen.

Barriers

2011-04-19T15:22:00.000-07:00

March 13, 2011
Joshua 7:13 "Get up! Command the people to purify themselves in preparation for tomorrow. For this is what the Lord, the God of Israel says: Hidden among you, O Israel, are things set apart for the Lord. You will never defeat your enemies until you remove these things from among you."

Achan stole some of the plunder that the people were commanded not to take . What he may have seen as a "small" sin was not small at all. It caused many people, including him and his family, to be killed. The sins in our lives are not small either. They are sin, and sin is sin. God talked to Joshua telling him how they would not defeat their enemies until those things were destroyed. You see, God brings victory, not us, and sin separates us from God. Jesus paid the price for us, though, through His death and resurrection, that we could have forgiveness and a relationship with our Maker. Until we are right with God, though, we're lost and powerless against our enemies, so we'll never defeat them, but with God on our side, not even the strongest army can beat our God.

Dear Lord,
Thank You for being on my side. Anything that is in-between You and me, please remove it, and forgive me. Wash me white as snow, and make em right with You. In Jesus' Name. Amen.

Big Battles

2011-04-19T15:14:00.000-07:00

March 12, 2011
Joshua 5:13-15 "When Joshua was near the town of Jericho, he looked up and saw a man standing in front of him with a sword in hand. Joshua went up to him and demanded, 'Are you friend or foe?'"
"'Neither one,' he replied. 'I am the commander of the Lord's army.'"
"At this Joshua fell with his face to the ground in reverence. 'I am at your command,' Joshua said, 'What do you want your servant to do?'"
"The commander of the Lord's army replied, 'Take off your sandals, for the place where you are standing is holy.' And Joshua did as he was told."

Imagine seeing someone with a sword, going up to them, and asking, "Friend or foe?" Then to have their response be, "Neither, rather I am the commander of the Lord's army." We have the Lord's army on our side if we are for the lord. Whatever battle you're up against today, go to the Lord. He has an army waiting to fight for you.

Dear Lord,
Thank You for having an army prepared to fight my battles beside me, so I don't have to go alone. Please, handle my battles today, and show me what You desire of me to do. In Jesus' Name. Amen.

The Key to Life

2011-04-19T15:03:00.000-07:00

March 10, 2011
Deuteronomy 30:20 "You can make this choice by loving the Lord your God, obeying him, and committing yourself firmly to him. This is the key to your life. And if you love and obey the Lord, you will live long in the land the Lord swore to give your ancestors Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob."

The key to life... Do you ever want to have a key to life? What's my purpose here? What should i do? Where should I go? The key to life is simple: love, obey, and commit yourself to God.

Dear Lord,
Thank you for making the answers so clear. Help me love, obey, and commit myself to You today in all I say and do. I love You! In Jesus' Name. Amen.

Caring About Others

2011-04-19T14:59:00.000-07:00

March 9, 2011
Deuteronomy 22:1 "If you see your neighbor's ox or sheep or goat wandering away, don't ignore your responsibility. Take it back to its owner."

In life it's easy to get so caught up in our own circumstances that we forget that there are other people out there. If we see a need we should ask God if He wants us to intervene. He wants us to intervene. I'm not saying to take on every ministry in church. I'm saying that it's our responsibility to care for others and not just pass them by on the other side.

Dear Lord,
It is so important to care for others, and it's easy to forget about their needs. Please, give me opportunities today to lend a helping hand, and help me lend it with a cheerful heart. In Jesus' Name. Amen.

Facing Our Enemies

2011-04-19T14:56:00.000-07:00

March 8, 2011
Deuteronomy 20:3-4 "He will say to them, 'Listen to me, all you men of Israel! Do not be afraid as you go out to fight your enemies today! Do not lose heart or panic or tremble before them. For the Lord your God is going with you! He will fight for you against your enemies, and he will give you victory!'"

Wow! What a powerful verse! I love it. "Do not be afraid as you go out to fight your enemies today!" The truth is that every day we face enemies whether here on earth or even in the spiritual battle, but we have to fight them every day. This verse gives us the solid ground we need to stand on-the Lord! He will go with us and fight for us! It is Him Who is going to bring the victory.

Dear Lord,
In every battle I face today, go with me. Fight for me, and bring me victory in Jesus' Name. Amen.

Care For Others

2011-04-18T21:53:00.000-07:00

March 7, 2011
Deuteronomy 15:7-8 "But if there are any poor Israelites in your towns when you arrive in the land the Lord your God is giving you, do not be hard-hearted or tightfisted toward them. Instead, be generous and lend them whatever they need."

I want to share a story with you that was the best moment in my life. We were in Mojave and had just finished eating KFC. We had leftovers and had planned to just take them home. Then my parents saw a homeless man walking down the road. My mom asked if maybe he could use some food. After them thinking about it for a moment I said that it couldn't hurt. my dad pulls up to the man and we see someone who's had a rough life. Dad asked him if he'd like some food. This man went from having an expression of "Oh no! What are these people talking to me for?" to an expression I can't describe well with words. It was priceless! His eyes lit up with joy, and he smiled the most precious smile I've ever seen. That moment was the most incredible time in my life. Sadly, I've passed up a lot of chances like that-to make a difference in someone's life. We are told in Deuteronomy 15 to lend generously to the poor-not to be hard-hearted or tightfisted toward them. If you read verses 7-11 you'll see just how big of a deal giving to those in need really is. It's a huge deal because it says if they cry out to the Lord and we refuse to help, we will be considered guilty of sin (vs. 9), and in verse 11 it says that there will always be some int he land whoa re poor.

Dear Lord,
This is what you've laid on my heart today to write about. Help this not just be a devotional, but let it be a lifestyle. Open my eyes to people in need and show me how to help. Please, forgive me for the times I've refused to. In Jesus' Name. Amen.

24/7

2011-04-18T21:39:00.000-07:00

March 3, 2011
Deuteronomy 6:5-8 "And you must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your strength. And you must commit yourselves wholeheartedly to these commands that I am giving you today. Repeat them again and again to your children. Talk about them when you are at home and when you are on the road, when you are going to bed and when you are getting up. Tie them on your hands and wear them on your foreheads as reminders. Write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates."

This is how important God needs to be to us. Our love for Him should be this great! God can't just be in our life when we feel it's convenient for us. He is to be our life! We're to think about Him always; so much so that it's on our doorposts and fences, and we're to share God and what He's done with others. He is supposed to be our everything 24/7.

Dear Lord,
Please be my everything 24/7. Let my eyes and heart be set on You always. Thank You for Your goodness. May I never forget how wonderful You are. In Jesus' Name. Amen

Settling for Less Than God's Best

2011-04-18T21:34:00.000-07:00

February 28, 2011
Numbers 32:5 "If we have found favor with you, please let us have this land as our property instead of giving us land across the Jordan River."

The Israelites were almost there. The Promised Land was closer to their grasp than any other time, when a few people began wanting to stay in the land they were presently in. The land was "ideally suited for (their) livestock." (32:4b), but it wasn't the Promised Land. It was comfortable, though, and they didn't have to wait any longer for it. How often I've been like that. I'll settle for less just because it's better than nothing. It's better than being single one more Valentine's Day. It's better than not having anyone to talk to, but is it really better? No! Settling for less than God's best is never better, even if it seems "better" for a time.

Dear Lord,
Help me not settle for less than Your best! Instead, help me wait patiently for what You have in store. Forgive me for the times I've compromised my standards for pleasure or convenience. In Jesus' Name. Amen.

Trials-Opportunities Not Problems

2011-04-18T21:28:00.000-07:00

February 27, 2011
James 1:2 "Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy."

This morning I went into my mom's room crying because I've been fighting the stomach flu for five days, and I woke up with my nose giving me problems today. "You've got to be kidding me." is what my first thought was. Quite honestly I am not feeling horrible. I'm just sick of being sick. I was a little mad at God for still being sick. Totally unfair, I know! Anyway, finally i sat down to do my devotional. Not wanting to read in the Old Testament today, I decided to go to one of my favorite chapters to read. Guess what the first verses were on... Trials! James doesn't say to complain about them, though. He tells us to consider it an opportunity for great joy. As you read on it tells us to do that because it grows our endurance by testing our faith, leading us to a place where we are complete and perfect. A place where we are needing nothing. When I was laying in my parent's bed, God laid on my heart that if I never got sick, which I usually didn't until until this month, I couldn't understand what people who were sick were going through, but since I understand I'll now know ways that I can help. In the devotional that's in my Bible it talks about how, "...God intends these problems as opportunities for me to grow rather than dangers for me to fear..." My Daily Walk (pg 1583) Bible.

Dear lord,
Please forgive me for getting mad at You instead of being joyful about You growing my faith and endurance. Please help me see this trial as an opportunity instead of seeing it as a pain in the rear. Use it to further Your Kingdom. In Jesus' Name. Amen.

Broken Promises-The Power of Words

2011-04-18T21:19:00.000-07:00

February 26, 2011
Numbers 30:2 "A man who makes a pledge under oath must never break it. He must do exactly as he said he would do."

Have you ever had a verse pop out at you on a page where you know that was speaking directly to you? This one did that to me today, but it wasn't a "feel good" moment. It was a convicting "ouch" moment. I was convicted about the times I've gone back on my word to fast from the scale (except on Sundays or when I have to for some reason) until my husband is in my life. Regardless of how silly that fast may sound, I still made that commitment, and I regretfully must say I broke it knowingly more than once. God convicted me by making me realize that words are powerful, so I'd better be careful what promises I make. If I can't keep it, I'd better not say it; and if I do say it, I'd better live up to my word.

Dear Lord,
Thank You for convicting me with this verse so I can do better. Please forgive me for what I've done; taking my promises and breaking them. help me do better, and thank You for Your forgiveness. In Jesus' Name.
Amen.

Powerless Without God

2011-04-18T21:14:00.000-07:00

February 25, 2011
Numbers 22:18 "But Balaam responded to Balak's messengers, 'Even if Balak were to give me his palace filled with silver and gold, I would be powerless to do anything against the will of the Lord my God.'"

What a powerful verse! The message in this verse is incredible. In the world's eyes, Balak was a top dog. He was a king. To say to a king what Balaam said to him is like us going to the President saying, "I know what you told me to do, but I am powerless to do anything against the will of the Lord my God." When you think about it though, God is so much bigger than our bosses, managers, and even our President. I think we forget that too often. We need to do what Balaam did and realize that we are powerless to do anything against the will of our God! He gives us breath, and He can just as easily take it away. Praise Him that He is loving, just, and merciful, though, because He doesn't treat us as we deserve to be treated. We deserve death, and He died to give us life. THe next time we are tempted to do something that goes against God just because someone above us tells us to, lets remember the One Who is over them.

Dear Lord,
Thank You for this reminder that you are bigger than even our leaders here on earth. Lord, although we are to respect our leaders and do what they tell us to do, help us if that request they make goes against You to do the right thing; the thing that will glorify You. In Jesus' Name. Amen.

Has My Arm Lost its Power?

2011-02-22T15:36:00.000-08:00

February 22, 2011
Numbers 11:23 "Then the Lord said to Moses, 'Has my arm lost its power? Now you will see whether or not my word comes true!'"

This is my favorite verse of the day. I love how God answers Moses's question with a question. Moses was asking God if they had all the fish in the sea, if that would be enough for the Israelites. God simply responds with, "Has my arm lost its power?" In my life I ask the same questions to God as Moses did. When I see an obstacle I ask God how He is going to do what He's promised. I start off my question with, "I know You're going to do this but..." then my questions appear... "Who are You sending to me? Where is he? When will we be together?" His response to me today is to not be a grumbler, to praise Him instead, and it is "Has my arm lost its power? Now you will see whether or not my word comes true!" God is not limited by our obstacles or road blocks.

Dear God,
Thank You for reminding me that You still have everything under control. Your hand hasn't lost its power, and You haven't gone back on Your word. My obstacles don't interfere with Your power. Help me to trust You more and more, and please, forgive me for my doubting and complaining about what You've given me and where You've placed me. Help me be content and grateful in all circumstances. Have Your will unfold in my life today, and make me more like You. In Jesus' Name. Amen.

Pond or River

2011-02-22T15:28:00.000-08:00

February 21, 2011
1 John 4:11 "Dear freinds, since God loved us that much, we surely ought to love each other."

Speaking of love, I'm going to share a story with you about what I've found about love. Everybody wants to be loved, right? Well, sometimes instead of loving I spin my wheels trying to get people ot love me. During those times I'm miserable, though! It's so stressful! What if they don't love me back? What if I'm not good enough? What if... What if... What if... is all I can think about, and it all ends up revolving around whom??? Me! Love is supposed to be self-sacrifice, not self-centerdness. So in this first scenerio I'm trying to be loved, and in the second I'm trying to love. When I storp worring about what might happen to me or what I need, and I begin to just love, I'm so much happier! The people around me are too. I once heard of a river that was beautiful, but it flowed into a pool of water that was smelly and ugly. The moral to this story is that when we are giving love we are like the beautiful flowing river, but when we are only receiving it we look like the stagnant pool of water. We need to love, since God loved us like He did.

Dear Lord,
Forgive me for the times I've been a stagnant pond. Help me not worry about me, and instead start giving love to people, realizing You'll never let Your love for me run dry. Show me ways I can love others today, and help me do that. In Jesus' Name. Amen.

What Really Matters

2011-02-22T15:20:00.000-08:00

February 19, 2011
1 John 2:15 "Do not love this world nor the things it offers you, for when you love the world, you do not have the love of the Father in you."

Sometimes we get so caught up in our life that we forget the big picture that this is not our home. Our home is in Heaven with our Father. We're not supposed to love the world's treasures. Our eyes need to stay on the Prize. The things of the world aren't all sin such as ATV's, houses, jobs, etc. We need to live in the world, and shelter and careers kind of help with that. We just need to be careful not to give those things more priority in our hearts than God.

Dear Lord,
It is easy to lose sight of what it truly important... You. Please, help me live the life You've called me to live here on earth without forgetting where my eternal home is. I love You, Lord, and pray these things in Jesus' Name. Amen.

A True Christian

2011-02-18T16:58:00.000-08:00

February 18, 2011
1 John 2:5 "But those who obey God's word truly show how completely they love him. That is how we know we are living in him."

It is so easy to say we are Christians, but trying to live according to God's Word isn't as easy. If we love God it will show in our actions. That doesn't mean we will never mess up. It simply means that we will do our best to do as God tells us to. We won't use God's grace as an excuse to sin.

Dear Lord,
Thank You for being Who You are! Please, help me not just say I'm a Christian, but help me act like I'm a Christian too. Let my actions glorify You! In Jesus' Name. Amen.

Lately Lord

2011-02-18T16:39:00.000-08:00

Proverbs 3:5-6 "Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take."

Desperate For You

2011-02-18T16:17:00.000-08:00

This song is one of my favorite ones that I've written. I wrote it on January 30, 2011. I was going through a difficult time, and God showed me how much I need Him. He's been showing me time and time again how when I put someone or something else before Him my world falls apart, but when I focus on Him again, even if my circumstances don't change, my heart changes and life doesn't seem so bad. This song just shows how even the most wonderful of people can't ever fill the place in your heart that was created for God to fill. I'm completely desperate for God!

In Christ Alone

2011-02-18T15:53:00.000-08:00

It's only in Christ that we find what we are looking for. He's the only One Who holds everything we need. Any other place we look cannot fill the God shaped hole in our hearts.

So Good, So True

2011-02-18T15:28:00.000-08:00

God is so faithful and true to us even though we could never deserve Him! What an incredible God we serve!

Prayer For A Friend

2011-02-18T15:08:00.000-08:00

This song I wrote about a year ago for a friend. Now I sing it as a general song for anyone who is on my heart.

You've Saved Me

2011-02-18T13:17:00.000-08:00

This is one of the songs I wrote just being in awe of how God's love washes over me and gives me life!

Lead Me To the Cross

2011-02-18T12:52:00.000-08:00

This is one of my favorite songs! It's amazing to me the love God showed me on the cross over 2000 years ago, and the love He continues to show me daily! I could never say thank You enough, God! I love You with all my heart <3

Surrender

2011-02-17T16:41:00.000-08:00

February 17, 2011
Matthew 6:33 "Seek the kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need."

Today my devotional was on faith, and also on fearing the Lord. You could see the good consequences for obeying Him and the bad consequences for not obeying Him. Too often in my life I've spent my time not trusting God. Then I have to ask myself why I don't trust Him. When I think about it I see how irrational it is to not trust Him. He is God! He made everything, including me, my life, and my dreams, so I don't need to try to run my own life. I need to trust Him, seek His kingdom, and live righteously, realizing that when I do this, He's not going to leave me hanging; He's going to give me everything I need.

Dear Jesus,
I'm sorry for not trusting You with my life. You've given me everything I have, yet I hold it back from You sometimes. Please, help me start laying everything that matters to me in Your hands, trusting and believing that You are the One who can do the best possible thing with it. In Jesus' Name. I love You! Amen.

Action Effects

2011-02-17T16:34:00.000-08:00

February 16, 2011
Leviticus 21:9 "If a priest's daughter defiles herself by becoming a prostitute, she also defiles her father's holiness, and she must be burned to death."

Our actions not only affect us, but they affect those around us as well. When we have a bad day the whole family deals with our moodiness. The way we act reflects on our family and friends. Who we are, if we are Christians or at least claim to be, affects how others view God. That is somewhat of a scary thought when I think of the times I mess us. Who we are matters. We affect people in a good way or a bad one.

Dear Lord,
Often I forget how much of an impact one person's actions can have. Please, help me live today in a way that represents You well, and forgie me for the times I've been a bad example. Thank You for Your grace, mercy, and love, and thanks for never changing, but being a constant in my life. In Jesus' Name. I love You! Amen.

Worship; God Knows What You Need

2011-02-17T16:27:00.000-08:00

February 15, 2011
1 Chronicles 16:29 "Give to the Lord the glory he deserves! Bring your offering and come into his presence. Worship the Lord in all his holy splendor."

Today I have to prepare for this weeks worship with the kids at church. I've been praying about what songs to do. I love doing worship on Sundays, but I honestly don't call myself a leader. I feel much more like a follower. I know this ministry is where God wants me, but I feel like He is growing me through it right now. I'm only sixteen. I've never been a leader by myself before. I'd like having more help, and being prepared with someone who knows the hand motions better would make me feel more on top of things. These are the things that I use as excuses for why I'm not qualified. As I opened my Bible today the devotional was on worship. From the verses it gave me I see that in worship I need to simply humble myself and exalt God. I need to rejoice in Who He is and go into His presence with gladness. The devotional talked about how you do something being as important as what you do. Just like the Israelites had to go before God ceremonially clean, they had to have a clean heart, we need a clean heart to approach Him too. My favorite line in this devotional says, "Worship, done properly, is hard work. It involves the entire person in an attitude of humility and dependence upon God, acknowledging the worth-ship of our Creator and Sustainer." God has brought me peace in doing this by making me realize that worship isn't about how well the songs go, although I need to put my effort into doing my best; it's about humbly coming before God praising Him and giving Him the glory He deserves. Also, I can't be worried about whether or not the kids get worship and are really connecting with God during this time. What I must do is give them the instruction they need and then be the example in my attitude towards God. All I can do is pray, after that, because God is the One Who will reach them, not me.

Dear Lord,
Thank You for this devotional. It touched my heart. Please, forgive me for having the wrong heart. I give this worship to You asking for Your Holy Spirit to be moving in the hearts of each and every person worshiping You this week. Take over God, and guide me. Prepare me for the ministry you've blessed me with. Over all be exalted and glorified in it. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.

Set Apart

2011-02-17T16:11:00.000-08:00

February 14, 2011
Leviticus 20:26 "You must be holy because I, the Lord, am holy. I have set you apart from all other people to be my very own."

God told the Israelites to be holy because He is holy. He set them apart as His own. To be holy is to be "set apart or sanctified." Insight (pg 162) Bible. Although we aren't Israelites, necessarily, if we are Christians we are set apart from being like the world. Instead we are to become more and more like Christ. Do we still mess up? Yes! But now when we mess up we hate our sin and repent. I love this verse because I can see how God has set me apart from the world and made me His own. I see a protective covering over me that I know He put there. I used to take this gift for granted. I even despised it at times, but looking back I don't understand how I could've been so selfish. By God setting us apart as His own we should no longer "blend in" with the world's standards and patterns. We should be transformed by the renewing of our minds (Romans 12:2). By being set apart it doesn't make us more than the other people. It should make us kneel in service just as Jesus lived His life doing.

Dear Jesus,
Thank You for setting me apart as Your own, and thank You for protecting me like You do. Please, help me be holy as You are holy, and keep me from becoming proud in knowing I'm specially chosen by You; rather let that humble me and cause me to kneel in service. In Jesus' Name I pray. Amen.

Purified by Blood-Jesus' Blood

2011-02-17T16:01:00.000-08:00

February 13, 2011
Leviticus 17:11 "... for the life of the body is in its blood. I have given you the blood on the altar to purify you, making you right with the Lord. It is a life, that makes purification possible."

It is by the blood Jesus shed on the cross that we are purified. Only by His blood. Without being covered in His blood, we have no life in us, because the life of the body is in the blood.

Dear Jesus,
Thank You for the blood You shed for me. I could never deserve the love You showed me.Please, wash me clean from my sins. Purify me with Your blood, because there is no other way I can ever be cleansed from my sins. I love You, Jesus! Words could never describe how holy and perfect and wonderful You are. Please, make me more like You. In Jesus' Name. Amen.

Rules

2011-02-17T13:48:00.000-08:00

February 12, 2011
Leviticus 11:1a "Then the Lord said to Moses and Aaron, 'Give the following instructions to the people of Israel.'"

Leviticus deals with a lot of rules. Things the Israelites could and couldn't eat; where they could and could not go; what was considered clean or unclean. God gives us rules too, but what we need to realize is that they are there to help us, not to be a disappointment to us.

Lord,
Thank You for giving me rules to protect me. please, help me obey the rules You give me instead of fighting You on them. In Jesus' Name I pray. Amen.

God Is Love, but He Is Also Just

2011-02-17T13:45:00.000-08:00

February 11, 2011
Leviticus 10:1-2 "Aaron's sons Nadab and Abihu put coals of fire in their incense burners and sprinkled incense over them. In this way, they disobeyed the Lord by burning before him the wrong kind of fire, different than he had commanded. So fire blazed forth from the Lord's presence and burned them up, and they died before the Lord."

Wow! The Lord killed them because they used the wrong kind of fire, and by doing so, disobeyed Him. I think of the times I've disobeyed God and am amazed that He hasn't struck me down, because that is what I deserve. The same God Who was Nadab and Abihu's God is my God today!

Dear Lord,
You're the same God now as You were then. Please, forgive me for my disrespect and disobedience to You. Help me show You the honor due Your Name, and help me not take it lightly. In Jesus' Name. Amen.

Sin is Sin

2011-02-17T13:39:00.000-08:00

February 10, 2011
Leviticus 4:27 "If any of the common people sin by violating one of the Lord's commands, but they don't realize it, they are still guilty."

This verse was an eye-opener to me. I always thought that since I am only accountable for what I know I would not be guilty if I didn't even know what I did wrong. It makes me praise Jesus more and more realizing what a sacrifice he paid when he died on that cross for me.

Dear Jesus,
All too often I take the cross for granted. Forgive me for taking the sacrifice You paid for me lightly. Thank You for saving me, Lord, so I can have an eternal relationship with You ! In Jesus' Name. I love You, Jesus! Amen.

A Little Yeast-A Little Sin

2011-02-17T13:35:00.000-08:00

February 9, 2011
Leviticus 2:11 "Do not use yeast in preparing any of the grain offerings you present to the Lord, because no yeast or honey may be burned as a special gift presented to the Lord."

I found out today that the reason they couldn't use yeast in a lot of their breads was because as yeast spreads through the entire bread, although there is very little used, so sin spreads through an entire person, although it might not be a "big" sin in the world's eyes. We need to be careful to get rid of any sin in our lives.

Dear Lord,
Sin spreads fast. What first makes us sik to our stomache eventually doesn't seem too bad at all. We become calloused. Please cleanse me from all unrighteousness-all my sins-and make me holy as You are holy. Remove the calloused heart I have and replace it with a heart like Yours! In Jesus' Name. Amen.

A Giving Heart

2011-02-17T13:29:00.000-08:00

February 8, 2011
"All those who owned the following items willingly brought them."

At this point in Exodus the people were finishing up the Tent of Meeting. There were items needed to finish it, so the people who were willing gave up their items and donated them. I believe God wants us to give with willing hearts!

Dear Lord,
Thank You for what You've given me. Help me give it generously and cheerfully when You ask. In Jesus' Name. Amen.

Different From the World

2011-02-17T13:26:00.000-08:00

February 7, 2011
Exodus 34:15 " You must not make a treaty of any kind with the people living in the land. They lust after their gods, offering sacrifices to them. They will invite you to join them in their sacrificial meals, and you will go with them."

God didn't want Israel to become like the people who were presently in the land where they were going. He told Moses not to even make a treaty with them. In our society it is easy to fall into the sins of our nation. Worshiping golden calves isn't what we do necessarily, but we worship our own golden calves such as appearance, pleasure, television, or any other thing we think about more than God. We need to be careful to be set apart as holy and let the people around us see the difference God makes in our lives.

Dear Lord,
Please, help me not just be like everyone else around me. Be the difference that is relevant in my life. In Your Name I pray. Amen.

The Perfect in an Imperfect's World

2011-02-17T13:20:00.000-08:00

February 6, 2011
Exodus 29:20-21 "Then slaughter it, and apply some of its blood to the right earlobes of Aaron and his sons. Also put it on the thumbs of their right hands and the big toes of their right feet. Splatter the rest of the blood against all sides of the altar. Then take some of the blood from the altar and some of the anointing oil, and sprinkle it on Aaron and his sons and on their garments. In this way, they and their garments will be set apart as holy."

In these two verses, I see how Aaron and his sons weren't holy because of who they were, but rather because of Whose they were. They were set aside as holy not because of them having it all together, but because of the sacrifice of the ram to God and the anointing oil; the anointing put on them by God. Lately I've been feeling worthless, but today God showed me, once again, that it is not because of anything I've ever done or ever could do that makes me right with Him. It is because of the Lamb that was slain for me. The Lamb that died a sinners death so I could be saved. He showed me that it isn't about how good I am, but how good He is. The reason I've been feeling the way I've been feeling is partially due to the fact that I've been trying to be perfect, but can't be. I've wanted to have flawless skin, dark eyelashes, and the perfect clothes on the outside, but lets face it, teenagers get zits; my eyelashes are completely blonde, and no body is flawless. I've also been wanting to hold the world in my hands-fix everyone's problems and be the perfect daughter, sister, student, worker, worship leader, and teenager in general-and I've been failing at all of them because I can't do it all. Then God reminded me tonight of the simple fact I've known all along but forgot somehow-I'm not the good one, He is! I can't do it, but He can! It's not about me conquering the world, but Him having my world in His hands! Lastly, it's not about me being good enough; it's about His grace being enough for me and His power being made complete in my weakness.

Dear Lord,
I forgot that it isn't about me. None of it is about what I can or cannot do; who I can or cannot be; who I am or am not, but rather it is about You being Who You are. You are Who You are! I love You for Who You are, and thank You that You love me for Who I am. Forgive me for my past, and thank You for Your forgiveness! Starting anew, my prayer is not that You'll have me do anything. Rather, it is, God, here I am. I am Yours! You do what You see fit! In Jesus' Marvelous Name! Thank You, Lord! Amen.

No Shortcuts

2011-02-17T13:04:00.000-08:00

February 4, 2011
Exodus 25:40 "Be sure that you make everything according to the pattern I have shown you here on the mountain."

God wanted His people to do exactly as He instructed them to for building the Ark of the Covenant. No shortcuts. He wants us to do our best in all He gives us to do too. No shortcuts.

Lord,
Please, help me glorify You in the way I live my life. Help me give my all in the areas that You put me in. In Jesus' Name. I love You! Amen.

Let Go, Let God

2011-02-17T13:00:00.000-08:00

February 3, 2011
Exodus 23:25-26 "You must serve only the Lord your God. If you do, I will bless you with food and water, and I will protect you from illness. There will be no miscarriages or infertility in your land, and I will give you long, full lives."

God simply wants us to love Him above all else. He wants a relationship with us. In Exodus 23, He promises good things to those who serve only Him, not idols. I think we often get the wrong idea about God. We think if we fully surrender to Him our lives will be miserable, but in reality, when we surrender fully to Him, it is there we will find freedom and peace. He will provide for us. We need to let go and trust God.

Dear Lord,
So often I fear losing my life if I surrender all my dreams to You, but, by me not surrendering them, I'm losing them and my life. I surrender my dreams to You today, laying them down to be able to serve You. Thank You for Your promise to provide for everything I need. I love You! In Jesus' Name I pray. Amen.

Consequences

2011-02-17T12:53:00.000-08:00

February 2, 2011
Exodus 20:5b-6 "I lay the sins of the parents upon their chjildren; the entire family is affected-even children in the third and fourth generations of those who reject me. But I lavish unfailing love on those who love me and obey my commandments."

In life there is a consequence for every action, whether good or bad. Every word we say plants a seed, a good seed or a bad seed. What we do affects others. We need to be careful what decisions we make.

Dear Lord,
Sometimes I take too lightly the actions of my life. I forget how much of an impact my life has on those around me. Please, help my life impact others in a good way, not a bad one. Let my life glorify You today. In Jesus' Name. Amen.

A Word of Advice

2011-02-17T12:50:00.000-08:00

February 1, 2011
Exodus 18:24 "Moses listened to his father-in-law's advice and followed his instructions."

In life we have mentors. People are put in our lives to help us on the journey we're on. Moses's father-in-law was one of his mentors. He instructed Moses to get help because he couldn't do it alone. Sometimes I have mentors too. My mom is a huge mentor to me. She helps me through the difficulties I face. In your life it could be a friend, an elder, or a grandparent who is your mentor. The key is to make sure their advice matches up with God's word. If it does, our job is to listen as Moses did.

Dear Lord, Thank you for the mentors You put in my life. Please, help me listen to their advice-their wise words of wisdom, and then put them into practice. In Jesus' Name I pray. Amen.

The Scenic Route

2011-02-17T12:44:00.000-08:00

January 31, 2011
Exodus 13:17 "When Pharaoh finally let the people go, God did not lead them along the main road that runs through Philistine territory, even though that was the shortest route to the Promised Land. God said, 'If the people are faced with a battle, they might change their minds and return to Egypt."

After all the fighting with Pharaoh, the Israelites were finally free to go to the Promised Land. Now God decides to take them on a scenic route. "Why?" you may ask. He was afraid that they would change their minds if they faced a battle. Maybe you're going through a time where you feel like God is taking you on a scenic route, but if you do, just remember that He is doing it to get you to your destination. He is preparing you. I believe God is more concerned with getting us there than He is with getting us there on high speed internet.

Dear Lord,
When You take me on a scenic route, please help me to trust and obey You even though it seems so odd to me. Thank You for loving me like You do. Amen.

God Reveals His Power

2011-02-17T12:37:00.000-08:00

January 20, 2011
Exodus 10:1-2 "Then the Lord said to Moses, 'Return to Pharaoh and make your demands again. I have made him and his officials stubborn so I can display my miraculous signs among them. I've also done it so you can tell your children and grandchildren about how I made a mockery of the Egyptians and about the signs I displayed among them-and so you will know that I am the Lord.'"

The plagues are on thing that were hard to grasp for me before. We are accountable for our actions, but what about when God hardened Pharaoh's heart. It seemed like it wasn't Pharaoh's choice. I still don't understand that part, but I just have to accept that God is God, and I am not, so I need to simply accept that. With the plague's, though, I see how God did what He did to display His power. He didn't do it to be mean. It was to reveal Himself to the Israelites and the Egyptians. The main thing I found today that I never thought of before was that the Egyptians would've thought that it was a livestock god that was killing their livestock had all the other plagues not been happening. God wants us to know Him. He has revealed Himself to us in so many ways.

Dear God,
Thank You for being a God who wants a relationship with us. Thank You for having a relationship with me. I love You! Amen.

Humility Phrase

2011-02-17T12:28:00.000-08:00

Humility: It's not that I'm less. It's that God is more.

I Am Who I Am

2011-02-17T12:27:00.000-08:00

January 28, 2011
Exodus 4:11-12 "Then the Lord asked Moses, 'Who makes a person's mouth? Who decides whether people speak or do not speak, hear or do not hear, see or do not see? Is it not I, the Lord? Now go! I will instruct you in what to say.'"

Moses gave one excuse after another of why he was "unqualified" to do what God was calling him to do. "I'm too clumsy of a sqeaker." "What if they don't listen to me?" "What if they don't believe me when I say that You sent me?" "The people don't even listen to me. Why would Pharoah?" All these excuses angered God. They frustrate me, and I only read them for a few minutes. As frustrating as it is to see Moses's response, I can't be too hard on him because just thismorning I was like Moses. It wasn't exactly the same, but similar enough. Just as God promised to deliver the Israelites out of slavery, He promised me that He is sending my husband to me. "I don't even know a boy that would be a possibility right now, God." "I'm feeling the sting of rejection. how could someone love me if that boy didn't?" "I'm not who I should be." The list just goes on and on. Then God says, "Who made you: your mouth, eyes, ears? Was it not I? Now go! I will be with you on this journey." The number one thing God is speaking to me right now is, "It is not about you. It isn't about your inabilities. It isn't about the obstacles you face or see right now. It isn't about what could've happened but didn't. It's not about you; it's about Who I am! You're small; I'm big. You're insecure; I've overcome insecurity. You see no way, but I say 'Take a step of faith.' Stop trying to figure out how, and just know it's going to happen because I Am Who I Am."

Dear God,
I'm sorry! I'm sorry that I questioned You. I'm sorry that I doubted You. I'm sorry that I complained about the person You made me to be. I'm sorry that I've made this my life instead of making You my life. Please, forgive me. Thank You for being Who You Are! God, You're all powerful and all knowing. You've got this. Thank You for that. In Jesus' Name. Amen.

Going Against the Crowd

2011-02-16T13:28:00.000-08:00

January 27, 2011
Exodus 1:17 "But because the midwives feared God, they refused to obey the king's orders. They allowed the boys to live too."

The midwives were ordered to kill all the baby boys born to the Hebrew women, but they didn't because they feared God. They could've been risking their lives by doing this, I'm sure, but they did it anyway. They stood up for what was right even though it went against the crowd. Because of this, God blessed them with families of their own.

Dear Lord,
Please help me do the right thing even if it goes against the crowd. In Jesus' Name. I love You! Amen.

The Ultimate Judge... I'm Simply Called to Love

2011-02-15T17:32:00.000-08:00

January 26, 2011
Genesis 50:19 "But Joseph replied, 'Don't be afraid of me. Am I God, that I can punish you?'"

Joseph's brothers were afraid that when their father died Joseph would then take his anger, from what they did to him years ago, out on them. Joseph wept when he heard that they were worried about that. I love his response, "Am I God, that I can punish you?" The truth is that when I think about it I try to play "God" to people. I make up in my mind who should and shouldn't be in my life. I judge everything that others do. Although discernment is good, judgment isn't. We need to be careful not to cross the line.

Dear Lord,
There have been so many times that I've tried to take on Your job and decide all the things that are honestly not up to me. You see the big picture, and all I see is a glimpse. Please, help me stop judging and start loving. Give me eyes to see as You see, and until I see clearly, help me stop trying to remove the slivers I see in their eyes. In Jesus' Beautiful and Saving Name. Amen.

God's Sovereignty

2011-02-09T17:36:00.000-08:00

January 25, 2011
Genesis 45:8 "So it was God who sent me here, not you! And he is the one who made me an adviser to Pharaoh-the manager of his entire palace and the governor of all Egypt."

Joseph got it. He got that it wasn't his brother's schemes that landed him in Egypt. It was God's divine plan. God does allow us to have freedom of choice, but when that freedom causes us to hurt we often feel that our problems are too great to overcome. Truth is, though, that everything we face, good and bad, God already knows about before it happens. He allows it to happen, not because He doesn't love us, but because He can see the whole picture, not just the glimpse we see at the moment.

Dear Lord,
Thank You for reminding me that You haven't forgotten me, but rather, You're preparing me for something greater that the here and now. Help me, when things don't go my way, to remember how You worked in Joseph's life even though, in the world's eyes, he had been put through the ringer. In Jesus' Name. Amen.

A Selfless Heart

2011-02-09T17:29:00.000-08:00

January 24, 2011
Genesis 44:33 "So please, my lord, let me stay here as a slave instead of the boy, and let the boy return with his brothers."

"Take the cup from them and let me carry it instead." Living our lives for Christ requires us dying to ourselves and picking up our cross daily! We are not slaves, but free in Christ, but although we are free, we are also called to servant hood.

Lord, please let my world stop being all aobut me. Forgive me for my selfishness, and help me stop putting myself first. Help me put You first, others second, and myself last. In Jesus' name. Amen.

God Power

2011-02-09T17:26:00.000-08:00

January 22, 2011
Genesis 39:2 "The Lord was with Joseph, so he succeeded in everything he did as he served in the home of his Egyptian master."

Joseph succeeded because the Lord was with him. I spent today at a Kid's Leader Conference called "Power Up." I'm a Children worship leader and preschool/2-3 year old helper. So many neat ideas were brought to my attention to help the kids in their walk with God. As I was there, I must admit, I felt quite overwhelmed, and I felt absolutely unqualified. This verse is a sweet reminder to me, though, that success in the kid's ministry is not going to come by me. It's going to come through what God does through me as He is with me. As a wonderful saying goes, "God does not call the qualified; he qualifies the called."-Unknown.

Dear Lord,
As I'm sitting in bed getting ready to rest before going to church tomorrow to worship You and lead kids in worship, I am feeling quite unqualified. I'm tired and filled with great expectations for our near future, but those hopes will take time and effort to accomplish. Praise You, God, that in my weakness, it is there that Your power is made perfect. Go before me as I step out with a servant's heart to lead Your precious children into worshiping You. Please, qualify me, a weak, tired person whom You called to use in this ministry. In Your Name I pray. I love you! Amen.

Goliath Fears

2011-02-09T17:17:00.000-08:00

January 21, 2011
Genesis 32:11 "O Lord, please rescue me from the hand of my brother Esau. I am afraid that he is coming to attack me, along with my wives and children."

How often this is our focus-Fear!!! "What might happen?" is the thought that runs through our mind. We stress and prepare for the worse. Funny thing is that normally our worst fears are just that; fears. Jacob had prepared gifts for Esau and had this whole plan in his head of what to do. When he met up with his brother, though, his brother was happy to see him. A lot of the time our fears are worse than what really happens. Like Jacob, we should take those fears to God and let Him handle them, trusting Him the whole time.

Dear Lord,
Thank You for letting me come before You just as I am. I lay my fears at Your feet and ask that Your perfect will is done. The result is in Your hands. I love You. In Jesus' Name. Amen.

On the Other Side

2011-02-09T17:12:00.000-08:00

January 20, 2011
Genesis 30:1 When Rachel saw that she wasn't having any children for Jacob, she became jealous of her sister. She pleaded with Jacob, 'Give me children or I'll die.'"

As we look at Leah and Rachel we see two women who want what the other person has. By the time Rachel pleads with Jacob on account of her barrenness, Leah has already had four children. All Rachel can see is that she has no child to call her own. Leah, on the other hand, has four children who God blessed her with, but all she can see is that she is unloved by her husband. I know that having children was even more desired back then that it is for women these days, so it is understandable Rachel's frustration, and, as a woman, I know that being loved is our number one desire, but when I see Leah and Rachel, I see too much of them in me. Leah missed enjoying her children because her entire focus was on the fact that Jacob didn't love her, and Rachel missed out on spending enjoyable time with her husband who loved her because all she could focus on was her state of barrenness. Countless times I miss out on the blessings God has given me because all I can see is my state of singleness. "When I get married," is my thought of when I'll finally have a full life, but I know, once I am married, if I don't learn how to be content right now, I won't be happy then either. An interesting note is that when Rachel finally was able to have a baby her first words were, "May God add to me another son." I desire to be a content person starting now!

Dear Lord,
All too often I'm like Leah and Rachel-looking everywhere but where I am, thinking some other place is better. Please, help me stop being a person who is never content, and change me into someone who is thankful and content and at peace with where I'm at right now. Please, forgive me for taking You, others, and what you've given me for granted. If I hurt anyone, please, heal them, and make right what I made wrong. In Yahweh's Name. Amen.

Be The Change

2011-02-09T17:01:00.000-08:00

January 19, 2011
Genesis 26:5 "I will do this because Abraham listened to me and obeyed all my requirements, commands, decrees, and instructions."

Abraham's obedience to God didn't just affect him, but it went down the line and affected his family too. What we do affects not only us, but it also affects those around us; maybe even people we haven't met yet. Let's live in a way that blesses God and others.

Lord,
Please, help me live in a way that brings honor and glory to You. Let my actions, words, body language, and tone of voice reflect You well. Help me obey all Your requirements, commands, decrees, and instructions. In Jesus' Name I pray. Amen.

The Lord Will Provide

2011-02-09T16:53:00.000-08:00

January 18, 2011
Genesis 22:13-14 "Then Abraham looked up and saw a ram caught by its horns in a thicket. So he took the ram and sacrificed it as a burnt offering in place of his son. Abraham named the place Yahweh-Yireh (which means "the Lord will provide"). To this day, people still use that name as a proverb: "On the mountain of the Lord it will be provided."

Abraham's long awaited son had finally arrived. "Finally, my son is here," Abraham thought. Through years of Abraham's faith being pulled and stretched he thought he finally got to rest. That's only what he thought. "Abraham, go sacrifice your son, your long awaited son Isaac as an offering to Me." God told him. "What! you've got to be kidding me!" would be my words with panic in my voice. These weren't Abraham's words, though. He didn't question or delay. Instead, he took Isaac and went right away. The wood was gathered, the altar prepared. "Where is the sheep for the offering?" Isaac had asked. All Abraham said was, "The Lord will provide." Abraham tied his son to the altar, raised the knife in his hand-when all of a sudden an angel stopped his hand and showed him a ram caught in a thicket. Abraham named that place, "Yahweh-Yireh" meaning "the Lord will provide." From one faith stretch to the next, Abraham had just reached his final test of faith. Would he pass the test of loving God above all else? Even his long awaited son? He certainly did!

Dear Lord,
Just like Abraham, You promised me something too that has been a long awaited thing. My faith at the moment is being stretched and strengthened every passing day. Please, give me the faith that Abraham had, to have faith enough in You to be willing to sacrifice my most dearly loved dream, to You, and when I don't see any way of getting through the tough tasks You ask of me, let my words be, "The Lord will provide." I love You, Lord, and ask all these things in Yahweh's Name. Amen.

When Promises Seem to be Forgotten

2011-02-09T16:37:00.000-08:00

January 17, 2011
Genesis 16:1 "Now Sarai, Abram's wife, had not been able to bear children for him. But she had an Egyptian servant named Hagar."

Sarai was feeling desperate. Getting older by the minute and still no child to fill her life. "I'm too old to have a child," she thought. "What way could this work?" Isn't that just what we do? God gives us a promise, and we try to figure out how He's going to do it. As the days go by and the promise begins to seem farther and farther away, we begin feeling desperate, and we try taking matters into our own hands. Our efforts end up landing us in a worse spot than before, though. Let's try today to keep trusting God even when we are seeing the light at the end of the tunnel getting dimmer and dimmer.

Dear Lord,
So often I'm like Sarai-trying to take matters into my own hands as I see my hopes fading. Please, help me, instead, to trust You more and more, and give me the strength to hold onto Your promise to me even when I see no way of it happening. In Jesus' Name. Amen.

"Many people have turned and left the dock just before their ship came in." My Daily Walk page 23

Winter Picture

2010-12-01T22:00:00.000-08:00