2015
"Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in Your sight, O Lord, my strength and my Redeemer." Psalms 19:14 NKJV)
This scripture was jumping at me this morning. Oh dear...let the words of my mouth (and it doesn't stop there) and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in the Lord's sight. Sometimes the words of my mouth (much less the meditations of my heart) are not acceptable to anyone.
This is sooo true with most of our endeavors. We fall sooo short, and that's why we need our Lord, who is our Strength and our Redeemer.
Remember in all things, lean not on your own understanding, in all your ways acknowledge Him and He will direct your paths!
This scripture was jumping at me this morning. Oh dear...let the words of my mouth (and it doesn't stop there) and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in the Lord's sight. Sometimes the words of my mouth (much less the meditations of my heart) are not acceptable to anyone.
This is sooo true with most of our endeavors. We fall sooo short, and that's why we need our Lord, who is our Strength and our Redeemer.
Remember in all things, lean not on your own understanding, in all your ways acknowledge Him and He will direct your paths!
This is a warning. Watch your expectations, don't get your expectations from reality TV or radio shows, your girlfriends, yourself, etc. .Our hope comes from the Lord. You know what I am going to say. You know what's coming up. You know what Saturday is and you know not to anticipate. Keep your eyes off yourself and what you wish the man in your life would do on this Heart Day. Most likely, he hasn't given it a thought. It's just another day to him. Every year we try to remind ourselves that if he totally forgets we won't be hurt. It doesn't mean you aren't special (good thing huh? Ha ha.)
Even if you have put red hearts all over the house and you are drinking out of heart glasses and heart coffee mugs...most likely he is not going to remember.
So here's how to remain joyfilled and happy in this life. Have no expectation, enjoy every moment, serve others, do for others what you wish someone would do for you, and most of all keep your eyes off yourself. Nothing grosser than a self-absorbed poor pitiful me person.
Enjoy not only this day, not just Valentine's Day on Saturday, but every day. Think of others and you will enjoy. Memorize this Psalm 100 and it will bring a song to your heart:
"Make a joyful shout to the Lord, all you lands! Serve the Lord with gladness; Come before His presence with singing. Know that the Lord, He is God; It is He who has made us, and not we ourselves; We are His people and the sheep of His pasture. Enter into His gates with thanksgiving, And into His courts with praise. Be thankful to Him, and bless His name. For the Lord is good; His mercy is everlasting, And His truth endures to all generations." (Psalms 100:1-5 NKJV)
Have a happy heart day every day!
Even if you have put red hearts all over the house and you are drinking out of heart glasses and heart coffee mugs...most likely he is not going to remember.
So here's how to remain joyfilled and happy in this life. Have no expectation, enjoy every moment, serve others, do for others what you wish someone would do for you, and most of all keep your eyes off yourself. Nothing grosser than a self-absorbed poor pitiful me person.
Enjoy not only this day, not just Valentine's Day on Saturday, but every day. Think of others and you will enjoy. Memorize this Psalm 100 and it will bring a song to your heart:
"Make a joyful shout to the Lord, all you lands! Serve the Lord with gladness; Come before His presence with singing. Know that the Lord, He is God; It is He who has made us, and not we ourselves; We are His people and the sheep of His pasture. Enter into His gates with thanksgiving, And into His courts with praise. Be thankful to Him, and bless His name. For the Lord is good; His mercy is everlasting, And His truth endures to all generations." (Psalms 100:1-5 NKJV)
Have a happy heart day every day!
Heart Month
Just thinking of February and one goes straight to Valentine's Day and all kinds of emotions flood us. I don't have a Valentine, my Valentine will forget he has a Valentine, I hate Valentine's Day, I love Valentine's Day, let's make hearts, I hate making hearts, I like chocolate, flowers are so expensive at Valentine's, but I sure do love them...It really seems to be a hot or cold emotional month. But before we jump into our earthly sweethearts or the lack thereof, let's turn our attention to the real lover of our soul: Jesus our Lord.
He says, "We love Him because He first loved us." 1 John 4:19
Also, He so loved us that He gave His greatest treasure so we might have forgiveness of our sins: "For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life." John 3:16
While we were yet sinners He loved us. Oh, this kind of love surpasses any Valentine's Day you've ever had. Drink it in. Accept it, embrace it, relish it, live it. This truly is the greatest love.
He says, "We love Him because He first loved us." 1 John 4:19
Also, He so loved us that He gave His greatest treasure so we might have forgiveness of our sins: "For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life." John 3:16
While we were yet sinners He loved us. Oh, this kind of love surpasses any Valentine's Day you've ever had. Drink it in. Accept it, embrace it, relish it, live it. This truly is the greatest love.
Discontentment, February 1
This was written by a good friend of mine who wishes to remain anonymous. The message here is so right on and I feel from the heart of God. Hence, I wanted to share with y'all.
We need to guard ourselves and our hearts daily against discontentment.
Before Satan brings temptation or before you would consider a temptation he has to make you discontent in your current circumstances. If we are 100 percent content in our lives - in all aspects - imagine how difficult getting us to stumble would be. Because most bad choices start with us wishing we had something we do not.
If our enemy will have his way to destroy our joy, peace, families, lives and testimonies, he must first work on our contentment with things in our life. Once he has us regretting decisions, wondering "what if" or wishing we had taken a different path...he has us right where he wants us and we are much easier prey.
So count your blessings, rejoice in what we have been given, find joy in each day and in the small things. Remember that we have been given life and our Father wants us to live it more abundantly!
What are you thankful/grateful for today?
We need to guard ourselves and our hearts daily against discontentment.
Before Satan brings temptation or before you would consider a temptation he has to make you discontent in your current circumstances. If we are 100 percent content in our lives - in all aspects - imagine how difficult getting us to stumble would be. Because most bad choices start with us wishing we had something we do not.
If our enemy will have his way to destroy our joy, peace, families, lives and testimonies, he must first work on our contentment with things in our life. Once he has us regretting decisions, wondering "what if" or wishing we had taken a different path...he has us right where he wants us and we are much easier prey.
So count your blessings, rejoice in what we have been given, find joy in each day and in the small things. Remember that we have been given life and our Father wants us to live it more abundantly!
What are you thankful/grateful for today?
Love With All Your Heart, February 2
Jesus said to him, "You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind." (Matthew 22:37 NKJV)
Here you go, the greatest commandment given by Jesus himself to a question asked of Him by a man "testing" Jesus. A man who truly wasn't trying to find out what the greatest commandment was, but to test or mock Jesus. However, regardless of his motivation here we learn a wonderful lesson, that we should love the Lord with all our heart, soul, and mind.
So there you go. This February, heart month, begin to love the Lord your God with all your heart.
Tell me what that looks like. Well, I think we all love a bit differently, therefore it will look a little different for us all. One thing that probably will be consistent in us all is the T word. Time. I feel like if you love someone with all your heart, you will want to spend time with them. Spending time we get to know Him more and love Him more deeply. Hey, with all our hearts. ❤️❤️❤️
What are you grateful/thankful for today?
Here you go, the greatest commandment given by Jesus himself to a question asked of Him by a man "testing" Jesus. A man who truly wasn't trying to find out what the greatest commandment was, but to test or mock Jesus. However, regardless of his motivation here we learn a wonderful lesson, that we should love the Lord with all our heart, soul, and mind.
So there you go. This February, heart month, begin to love the Lord your God with all your heart.
Tell me what that looks like. Well, I think we all love a bit differently, therefore it will look a little different for us all. One thing that probably will be consistent in us all is the T word. Time. I feel like if you love someone with all your heart, you will want to spend time with them. Spending time we get to know Him more and love Him more deeply. Hey, with all our hearts. ❤️❤️❤️
What are you grateful/thankful for today?
Trust in the Lord with All Your Heart, February 4
Proverbs 3, My personal favorite Proverb.
"Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding." (Proverbs 3:5 NKJV)
Wow, could there be a better scripture for heart month than this? Trust in the Lord with all your heart. Stop, listen, slow down, reread, put down that text message, let that phone ring (unless it's your husband or your mama -- just kiddin bout the mama part). Let this soak in. Trust in the Lord with all your heart.
Ask yourself some hard questions. Do you really trust Him? I mean in all things? Trust Him with all your heart? Do you think you can make better decisions, take better care of, provide better for, meet the needs better, fulfill better?
Don't listen to the voice of your enemy who wants you scared, tormented, afraid, paralyzed, guilt-ridden, shamed, sad, lost, lonely, burdened, joyless, angry, moody, disconnected. Trust the Lord with all your heart. ❤️❤️❤️
What gives you joy?
"Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding." (Proverbs 3:5 NKJV)
Wow, could there be a better scripture for heart month than this? Trust in the Lord with all your heart. Stop, listen, slow down, reread, put down that text message, let that phone ring (unless it's your husband or your mama -- just kiddin bout the mama part). Let this soak in. Trust in the Lord with all your heart.
Ask yourself some hard questions. Do you really trust Him? I mean in all things? Trust Him with all your heart? Do you think you can make better decisions, take better care of, provide better for, meet the needs better, fulfill better?
Don't listen to the voice of your enemy who wants you scared, tormented, afraid, paralyzed, guilt-ridden, shamed, sad, lost, lonely, burdened, joyless, angry, moody, disconnected. Trust the Lord with all your heart. ❤️❤️❤️
What gives you joy?
Burdened Heart, February 5
"Come to me all ye who are heavy burdened and I will give you rest." Matthew 11.
When we are heavy burdened, a lot of times it is because of a heart ache of one kind or the other. What does a heavy burden do for you? It weighs you down, makes us sink under the pressure of carrying that heart ache. That heavy burden. Go to the Lord with it. Go to Him and He will give you rest.
What are you grateful/thankful for today?
When we are heavy burdened, a lot of times it is because of a heart ache of one kind or the other. What does a heavy burden do for you? It weighs you down, makes us sink under the pressure of carrying that heart ache. That heavy burden. Go to the Lord with it. Go to Him and He will give you rest.
What are you grateful/thankful for today?
A Heart That Desires to Please God, February 6
"Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart Be acceptable in Your sight, O Lord, my strength and my Redeemer." (Psalms 19:14 NKJV)
Not really much to add to this verse. This verse screams to me of a heart that desires to please God. Oh, ladies to be that person!
Notice no mention of what you are doing, what you have done, or who you are. Tells me the Lord is interested in you right now. Interested in what you say (words of your mouth) and what you think about (meditations of my heart).
Just say think on this verse over and over.
What are you thankful/grateful for today?
Not really much to add to this verse. This verse screams to me of a heart that desires to please God. Oh, ladies to be that person!
Notice no mention of what you are doing, what you have done, or who you are. Tells me the Lord is interested in you right now. Interested in what you say (words of your mouth) and what you think about (meditations of my heart).
Just say think on this verse over and over.
What are you thankful/grateful for today?
Pleasing to God, Part 2
"Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart Be acceptable in Your sight, O Lord, my strength and my Redeemer." (Psalms 19:14 NKJV)
My grandson's education includes a day a week in a program called Classical Conversations. It's really big into memorization of a lot of facts. Their program has the children repeat the information seven times. So I was thinking, perhaps, we should repeat our scriptures seven times. The classes often repeat the information in goofy voices to have fun, so knock yourself out and use all kinds of accents. Got it, you got me, hear me, feel me, understand, are you with the program, copy? Well, being silly here, but it is supposed to be the same words, not just the same idea.
Not only is this scripture a plead for purity of heart, it is the explanation of who we are to please, and who or from whom we get our strength, and who has, is, and will continue to redeem us from ourselves!
Whom are you striving to please?
My grandson's education includes a day a week in a program called Classical Conversations. It's really big into memorization of a lot of facts. Their program has the children repeat the information seven times. So I was thinking, perhaps, we should repeat our scriptures seven times. The classes often repeat the information in goofy voices to have fun, so knock yourself out and use all kinds of accents. Got it, you got me, hear me, feel me, understand, are you with the program, copy? Well, being silly here, but it is supposed to be the same words, not just the same idea.
Not only is this scripture a plead for purity of heart, it is the explanation of who we are to please, and who or from whom we get our strength, and who has, is, and will continue to redeem us from ourselves!
Whom are you striving to please?
Delight Yourself in the Lord, February 8
"Delight yourself also in the Lord, and He shall give you the desires of your heart." (Psalms 37:4 NKJV)
This is one of my all time favorite scriptures. At first glance it seems like a genie in a bottle scripture. Okay, if I just can delight myself in the Lord (whatever that is) I can have whatever my heart desires. Whoo-hoo let the good times roll. But upon further review...we see this is a transformation call. A call for us to conform ourselves to the image of the Lord. How so??? Thank you, sooo glad you asked.
When we do truly delight (definition: please greatly, pleasure, happiness, joy, glee, gladness, charm, thrill) ourselves in the Lord, the desires of our heart begin to transform to His desires, which will truly satisfy your soul. Satisfy with lasting effect -- not a temporal fix like most things we think we want.
So there you go. The bottle should read, for total satisfaction and the kind of joy few people experience: Delight yourself in the Lord. Watch out for side effects: the desires of your heart!
What is the desire of your heart?
This is one of my all time favorite scriptures. At first glance it seems like a genie in a bottle scripture. Okay, if I just can delight myself in the Lord (whatever that is) I can have whatever my heart desires. Whoo-hoo let the good times roll. But upon further review...we see this is a transformation call. A call for us to conform ourselves to the image of the Lord. How so??? Thank you, sooo glad you asked.
When we do truly delight (definition: please greatly, pleasure, happiness, joy, glee, gladness, charm, thrill) ourselves in the Lord, the desires of our heart begin to transform to His desires, which will truly satisfy your soul. Satisfy with lasting effect -- not a temporal fix like most things we think we want.
So there you go. The bottle should read, for total satisfaction and the kind of joy few people experience: Delight yourself in the Lord. Watch out for side effects: the desires of your heart!
What is the desire of your heart?
Create in Me a Clean Heart, February 9
"Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me." (Psalms 51:10 NKJV)
Okay, so we determine we want to have a clean heart. We want a life more pleasing to God. Here are the steps we take, the one, two, three of what to do...No, wait. This scripture plainly tells us who can do this for us. GOD. Create in me a clean heart, O God. This scripture tells us that we ask God to create in us a clean heart. The problem for most of us is this is too easy. Too simple. Just ask. Really??? Yep that's it. Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right/steadfast spirit within me. All for the asking. "Give it a go," to quote my English friend, Joni.
Do you want a clean heart and a steadfast spirit?
Okay, so we determine we want to have a clean heart. We want a life more pleasing to God. Here are the steps we take, the one, two, three of what to do...No, wait. This scripture plainly tells us who can do this for us. GOD. Create in me a clean heart, O God. This scripture tells us that we ask God to create in us a clean heart. The problem for most of us is this is too easy. Too simple. Just ask. Really??? Yep that's it. Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right/steadfast spirit within me. All for the asking. "Give it a go," to quote my English friend, Joni.
Do you want a clean heart and a steadfast spirit?
Keep Your Heart, February 11
"Keep your heart with all diligence, For out of it spring the issues of life." (Proverbs 4:23 NKJV)
Keep, guard, protect, your heart. Exactly how do we do that? What's down in your well comes up in your bucket. So whatever we allow ourselves to hear, see, participate in, think on, goes into our heart: the epi-center of our beings. These references to our heart mean not just our beat beat heart that keeps us alive physically, but the heart that is who we are. That allows us to really live more than just the breathe in and the breathe out kind of existence.
Are you keeping your heart with all diligence?
Keep, guard, protect, your heart. Exactly how do we do that? What's down in your well comes up in your bucket. So whatever we allow ourselves to hear, see, participate in, think on, goes into our heart: the epi-center of our beings. These references to our heart mean not just our beat beat heart that keeps us alive physically, but the heart that is who we are. That allows us to really live more than just the breathe in and the breathe out kind of existence.
Are you keeping your heart with all diligence?
He Wants Your Heart, February 12, 2014
Heart. What is your heart? What is it, beyond the four chambered, blood pumping organ that we can't live without. Heart.
When we speak of our hearts most of the time we are talking about our very being. My heart is broken means we are very very upset or sad about something. There is a giant whole in my heart: something or someone is missing. My heart aches: we are longing for something or we have been really hurt by something or someone.
So now why does Jesus want our heart? He wants our hearts because that is the very center of us and He wants us. Imagine that. He wants the broken scattered pieces of your life. We absolutely have nothing to offer to Him. What do you take to the birthday party of someone who has everything? That's like coming to Jesus. What do you have to offer someone who already owns everything and besides that created everything. You have nothing to bring to this party but you.
He not only wants you, He loved you first. "We love him, because he first loved us." (1 John 4:19 KJV). And He loves you while you are who you are, in whatever state you are in. "But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us." (Romans 5:8 NKJV) Just as you are. Wow what a deal. So He beckons us come to Him no strings attached. And allow Him to do the transforming.
Who loves you the most?
When we speak of our hearts most of the time we are talking about our very being. My heart is broken means we are very very upset or sad about something. There is a giant whole in my heart: something or someone is missing. My heart aches: we are longing for something or we have been really hurt by something or someone.
So now why does Jesus want our heart? He wants our hearts because that is the very center of us and He wants us. Imagine that. He wants the broken scattered pieces of your life. We absolutely have nothing to offer to Him. What do you take to the birthday party of someone who has everything? That's like coming to Jesus. What do you have to offer someone who already owns everything and besides that created everything. You have nothing to bring to this party but you.
He not only wants you, He loved you first. "We love him, because he first loved us." (1 John 4:19 KJV). And He loves you while you are who you are, in whatever state you are in. "But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us." (Romans 5:8 NKJV) Just as you are. Wow what a deal. So He beckons us come to Him no strings attached. And allow Him to do the transforming.
Who loves you the most?
Happy Happy Valentine's Day, February 14, 2014
Now the biggest trap you are going to get into today is the comparison trap. Don't do it. Just remember that it is more blessed to give than it is to receive. It will bring you more joy to give. What can you do for others? How can I make this and every day a wonderful day for others?
I love most everything. My husband of 37 years doesn't really like any holidays. In his opinion, most holidays are trumped up Hallmark days to make us spend more money. It's a racket. He tolerates most all of these days (like today ❤️) to humor me. I love the decorations, dumb little candies with dumb sayings on them, the thought of everyone being excited about their valentines, flowers -- oh how I love flowers of any kind. Not the roses that cost $90 today and $20 tomorrow. I'm glad to wait for tomorrow and the mark downs. Actually I can enjoy them more. My entire point is this. I have the most un-valentiney man there could ever be (and he is proud of his title), but I enjoy it anyway. He is not a romantic but I am enough for us both. His strong points are very practical and he ❤️'s his family to the max. I let him read this before I sent it because I would never do or say anything that might embarrass or hurt him, but hey truth is truth! He actually said I took it pretty easy on him.
So ladies, no matter what your age. Enjoy this and everyday to the MAX. This day and every day. Don't compare, be thankful for everything, drink in this season of your life with joy and excitement. If you have an unvalentiney man or none at all you can still enjoy this and everyday. It's up to you!
I love most everything. My husband of 37 years doesn't really like any holidays. In his opinion, most holidays are trumped up Hallmark days to make us spend more money. It's a racket. He tolerates most all of these days (like today ❤️) to humor me. I love the decorations, dumb little candies with dumb sayings on them, the thought of everyone being excited about their valentines, flowers -- oh how I love flowers of any kind. Not the roses that cost $90 today and $20 tomorrow. I'm glad to wait for tomorrow and the mark downs. Actually I can enjoy them more. My entire point is this. I have the most un-valentiney man there could ever be (and he is proud of his title), but I enjoy it anyway. He is not a romantic but I am enough for us both. His strong points are very practical and he ❤️'s his family to the max. I let him read this before I sent it because I would never do or say anything that might embarrass or hurt him, but hey truth is truth! He actually said I took it pretty easy on him.
So ladies, no matter what your age. Enjoy this and everyday to the MAX. This day and every day. Don't compare, be thankful for everything, drink in this season of your life with joy and excitement. If you have an unvalentiney man or none at all you can still enjoy this and everyday. It's up to you!
Seek Him, February 17, 2014
Now that we have realized that we are truly loved of God, what next. Well, my reaction is to say, what's my part. What do I need to do in this relationship to "earn my keep" to "do my part?" Work work work. OK, maybe I can start to be more loving, kind, giving, joyful, patient. So here are the steps I am going to lay out for myself to follow: I will get up at...halt, wait, these attributes are actually fruits of the Spirit.
Galatians 5:22 "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance."
When we begin to spend more time with the Lord, we become more like Him. We begin to lose our pride in the light of His magnificence. It is at this point we must begin to realize there is nothing we can do to earn this or deserve to be in His presence. The attributes that we desire are a byproduct of spending time with Him and getting to know Him.
Now how do we do this? Learn of Him. That is, we find where He is, how do we learn about his nature, who is He, what He does/did/is doing/. Just begin to seek Him. The Bible is God's love story to us. It reveals the character and nature of God. His character revealed in flesh that came to dwell with us. Temped at all points yet remained sinless. Just begin to seek Him.
Galatians 5:22 "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance."
When we begin to spend more time with the Lord, we become more like Him. We begin to lose our pride in the light of His magnificence. It is at this point we must begin to realize there is nothing we can do to earn this or deserve to be in His presence. The attributes that we desire are a byproduct of spending time with Him and getting to know Him.
Now how do we do this? Learn of Him. That is, we find where He is, how do we learn about his nature, who is He, what He does/did/is doing/. Just begin to seek Him. The Bible is God's love story to us. It reveals the character and nature of God. His character revealed in flesh that came to dwell with us. Temped at all points yet remained sinless. Just begin to seek Him.
Let Not Your Heart Be Troubled, February 18, 2014
"Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid." (John 14:27 KJV)
Let not your heart be troubled. I think it's sooo amazing that we have a God who can give us peace and help our troubled hearts. Thinking of all the women out there who are searching and clamouring to find this peace and a heart that is not troubled nor afraid. It is here for us. Thank you Lord.
Let not your heart be troubled. I think it's sooo amazing that we have a God who can give us peace and help our troubled hearts. Thinking of all the women out there who are searching and clamouring to find this peace and a heart that is not troubled nor afraid. It is here for us. Thank you Lord.
Unearned Love, February 19, 2014
And suddenly a voice came from heaven, saying, “This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.” (Matthew 3:17 NKJV)
This was the voice of God speaking from heaven about His Son. This was before Jesus began His three years of ministry (His works) here on earth. Of course, Jesus was fully man, but sinless. Someone who walked in the Spirit, and didn't carry out the desires of the flesh.
The voice of God comes down and says this is my beloved Son (he didn't earn that He just was loved) and God was well pleased with Jesus. This is just another example of the great Father God who loves His son, and us. He loved His son and was well pleased with Him even before He had done anything. Being the work oriented people that we are, this is such a foreign concept. Just to love someone and be pleased with them. What a wonderful Father we have. Loves us in a way we can hardly fathom. Only requirement from us is to accept this love and allow Him to love us. Wow. What a mighty God who first loved us.
Can you accept the unearned love and pride from a heavenly Father?
This was the voice of God speaking from heaven about His Son. This was before Jesus began His three years of ministry (His works) here on earth. Of course, Jesus was fully man, but sinless. Someone who walked in the Spirit, and didn't carry out the desires of the flesh.
The voice of God comes down and says this is my beloved Son (he didn't earn that He just was loved) and God was well pleased with Jesus. This is just another example of the great Father God who loves His son, and us. He loved His son and was well pleased with Him even before He had done anything. Being the work oriented people that we are, this is such a foreign concept. Just to love someone and be pleased with them. What a wonderful Father we have. Loves us in a way we can hardly fathom. Only requirement from us is to accept this love and allow Him to love us. Wow. What a mighty God who first loved us.
Can you accept the unearned love and pride from a heavenly Father?
Heart Full of Joy, February 20, 2014
The key to having a heart full of joy is to get your eyes off yourself. Looking first to the Lord, and then to others. A servant's heart is a happy/joyfilled heart. Asking that all important question to your family members each day, "How can I help you?"
Do you have a joyfilled heart?
Do you have a joyfilled heart?
Treasure Him, February 21, 2014
"For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also." (Matthew 6:21 NKJV)
Question first: Where is your heart?
The Bible tells us here in the gospel of Matthew that where our treasure is, there is our heart. And we know that our heart is our very being. So what do we treasure?
Usually it doesn't take too long to figure out where someone's heart lies. As a matter of fact sometimes it's easier to see someone else's issues than our own. Beware of doing that. Remove the plank from your own eye before we try removing the speck from someone else's eye. A great topic for another day.
"Hypocrite! First remove the plank from your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother’s eye." (Matthew 7:5 NKJV)
For now we will concentrate on trying to see where our treasure lies. Sometimes our treasures are not necessarily bad things, which trap us further. As long as we put the Lord first in our life, treasure Him first, all other things will fall into place and we will have a happy heart.
Question first: Where is your heart?
The Bible tells us here in the gospel of Matthew that where our treasure is, there is our heart. And we know that our heart is our very being. So what do we treasure?
Usually it doesn't take too long to figure out where someone's heart lies. As a matter of fact sometimes it's easier to see someone else's issues than our own. Beware of doing that. Remove the plank from your own eye before we try removing the speck from someone else's eye. A great topic for another day.
"Hypocrite! First remove the plank from your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother’s eye." (Matthew 7:5 NKJV)
For now we will concentrate on trying to see where our treasure lies. Sometimes our treasures are not necessarily bad things, which trap us further. As long as we put the Lord first in our life, treasure Him first, all other things will fall into place and we will have a happy heart.
Heart and Mind, February 22, 2014
Right along with yesterday's devotion of where our heart is there lies our treasure, is where we allow ourselves to dwell/think on/camp/obsess about/go over and over/dig up. Did you notice the word "allow?" Which means you are in control, and must give permission for things to stay in your thoughts. For events of the past or the unknown events of the future to control you and monopolize you. Take control. Move on, accept your forgiveness, God doesn't care about what you used to be or used to do or used to think. He is a here and now God, an in this moment God, who cares about where your heart is today.
Dwell with me says the Lord your God, "Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me." (Psalms 51:10 KJV)
Where is your heart and mind today?
Dwell with me says the Lord your God, "Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me." (Psalms 51:10 KJV)
Where is your heart and mind today?
Find Him, February 23, 2014
"And you will seek Me and find Me, when you search for Me with all your heart." (Jeremiah 29:13 NKJV)
What a wonderful promise that the Lord is there waiting for you and all you do is seek and search for Him with all your heart. Put aside all those preconceived, previous, and predetermined ideas we have been taught about the Lord. It's really about relationship.
What a wonderful promise that the Lord is there waiting for you and all you do is seek and search for Him with all your heart. Put aside all those preconceived, previous, and predetermined ideas we have been taught about the Lord. It's really about relationship.
Unconditional Love, February 24, 2014
When we really begin to know, see, and understand how very much we are loved by God it begins to open new doors for us. Being truly loved unconditionally is foreign to most of us, but this is how God loves us. Remember there is nothing we can bring to His birthday party because He owns it all.
All He wants from you is you. He wants you to accept His unconditional love and believe in Him.
Here we go.... walk in His love. Eyes wide open. Hands unclinched. Heart open and accepting of Him.
All He wants from you is you. He wants you to accept His unconditional love and believe in Him.
Here we go.... walk in His love. Eyes wide open. Hands unclinched. Heart open and accepting of Him.
Treasure, February 25, 2014
“Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal; but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also." (Matthew 6:19-21 NKJV)
I just love this verse that encourages us once again to see where our hearts lie: what is important to us, what takes our money, time, energy. We can tell where our hearts lie (what's important to us) by where our treasure is. We are most proud of our treasure, keep it closest to us, think on it, protect it, dwell on it.
We are cautioned not to lay up treasures on earth because they are fleeting and easily destroyed.
What is your treasure? Where is your treasure?
I just love this verse that encourages us once again to see where our hearts lie: what is important to us, what takes our money, time, energy. We can tell where our hearts lie (what's important to us) by where our treasure is. We are most proud of our treasure, keep it closest to us, think on it, protect it, dwell on it.
We are cautioned not to lay up treasures on earth because they are fleeting and easily destroyed.
What is your treasure? Where is your treasure?
Abiding in Him, February 28, 2014
"The Lord is my strength and my shield; My heart trusted in Him, and I am helped; Therefore my heart greatly rejoices, And with my song I will praise Him." (Psalms 28:7 NKJV)
This is our last day of the heart month. I hope we have seen a little glimpse into our hearts and are further on our journey to resting and abiding in our Savior.
Sometimes, well, most of the time, I just think this walk with the Lord is too simple and therefore we just can not grasp it. The one, two, three of abide, rest, and enjoy being in His presence needs to be...I do not know...harder??? Maybe "be still and know that I am God" is something so foreign to us. Be still. How do I do that? We are busy and justifiably so. How does one be "still" with a house full (gratefully so) of children or the demands of who we are: family, work, church, activities.
Someday just do what needs doing and have an openness to what the Lord has for you this day. See who He puts in your path, see what presents itself, follow your Leader with an open heart and before you know it you have abided, rested and enjoyed being in His presence.
This is our last day of the heart month. I hope we have seen a little glimpse into our hearts and are further on our journey to resting and abiding in our Savior.
Sometimes, well, most of the time, I just think this walk with the Lord is too simple and therefore we just can not grasp it. The one, two, three of abide, rest, and enjoy being in His presence needs to be...I do not know...harder??? Maybe "be still and know that I am God" is something so foreign to us. Be still. How do I do that? We are busy and justifiably so. How does one be "still" with a house full (gratefully so) of children or the demands of who we are: family, work, church, activities.
Someday just do what needs doing and have an openness to what the Lord has for you this day. See who He puts in your path, see what presents itself, follow your Leader with an open heart and before you know it you have abided, rested and enjoyed being in His presence.