Friday, January 7th, 2010
Today's Passage: Psalm 139:1-18
Memory Verse: Ps. 139: 16
There are some people who believe that birthdays should not be celebrated. After all, we don't really know what day Jesus our Savior was born. And if His birth took place in obscurity, why should ours be such a big deal? But I beg to differ with my brothers and sisters that this is not the reason birthdays are so important.
My mother was forty-two years old when she discovered she was pregnant with me. I was told later in my life that my father was none too pleased (I was the last of seven children, two of whom were stillborn). In all those other pregnancies, she had managed to have almost all girls, and he didn't want another. My middle name, "Darlesu", actually means "I'm done, and want no part of this", which was my dad's attitude at the time.
I'll admit that, with all the uncertainty surrounding my birth, I found it hard to believe that there was a purpose for my being on this earth. But somewhere deep inside, I held on to hope I didn't know I had. And that's why this passage gives me so much joy: to find out that before I was even thought of by my biological parents, God had already plotted my entire life's course. He was so determined that I would make a difference in this world that He literally moved heaven and earth to make it happen.
So today, I praise God for my parents' obedience to go through with the pregnancy that brought me into the world. But more than anything, I praise Him for knowing exactly what He sent me to this earth to reproduce. I praise Him for steering me in the direction of my darling husband and giving me beautiful children to make my life colorful and worth living. I go into every birthday happy to celebrate a life that could've been destroyed before it even began, and look forward to many more risings of the sun that would enable me to accomplish His perfect will.
Prayer: Father, thank You for not only being unsurprised by my birth, but also being aware of every step my life would take way in advance. You saw every failure and yet counted me worthy to carry Your anointing. Once again, I offer You this life to do with whatever You choose. I love You forever, and will spend the rest of my life giving You the devotion I was born for. In Jesus' Name, Amen.
The Greatest Host of All Time
Thursday, January 6th, 2010
Today's Passage: 1 Peter 2: 4-12
Memory Verse: 1 Peter 2: 9
There's a word in our society that's considered more of a household word than many of us would care to admit. Over the last 20 years, Oprah has made quite a following for herself as people from all walks of life hang on to her every word. As much as I find it difficult to believe that this lady isn't receiving idol worship (which is another blog), I do find something about her very fascinating.
There are a group of people -- about four hundred, to be exact-- who surround Oprah daily and promote what has now become a multi-million-dollar industry. They are the producers, assistants and attendants who've spent the same length of time as her talk show career studying her philosophy of life, and learning everything there is to know about her in order to reproduce what she desires to accomplish through her show. And everyday, they consult with her to give as well as receive input on ideas for the show, aware that only the ideas she approves of will go through.
I watched an episode of the long process that all the crew of Oprah's show have to do in order to present her to her viewers. It ranged from traveling far or near to make contact with potential guests on the show, to working on gift surprises for the guests which had to be just right and meaningful enough. Their job responsibilities are also to prepare the guests for their encounter with Oprah before the show. They go through "hype" sessions, I guess you could call them, in which they're reminded of what a privilege it is to be on the show, as well as when and how often to applaud when the show starts.
Then, when the anticipated moment arrives and she steps onto the scene, every single producer and assistant fades into the background, content to watch her soak up the limelight and praise for all the work that's been done. Sort of sounds like who we are for the Lord and His kingdom. We are the producers, attendants and assistants who spend all our lives studying Him and what He wants for the show. We go out, making Him famous and preparing others to have encounters with Him. We equip and teach them to worship Him, and then fade into the background when He shows up. Do we get rewarded for all this? You bet. Places, everyone. The greatest Host of all time awaits.
Prayer: Father, I will never stop thanking You for digging me out of the pit and preparing me for good works in You. May my life forever reflect Your will. May I never tire of promoting, publishing, and declaring Your goodness all my days. I remain totally devoted to Your purpose on this earth. In Jesus' Name, Amen.
Today's Passage: 1 Peter 2: 4-12
Memory Verse: 1 Peter 2: 9
There's a word in our society that's considered more of a household word than many of us would care to admit. Over the last 20 years, Oprah has made quite a following for herself as people from all walks of life hang on to her every word. As much as I find it difficult to believe that this lady isn't receiving idol worship (which is another blog), I do find something about her very fascinating.
There are a group of people -- about four hundred, to be exact-- who surround Oprah daily and promote what has now become a multi-million-dollar industry. They are the producers, assistants and attendants who've spent the same length of time as her talk show career studying her philosophy of life, and learning everything there is to know about her in order to reproduce what she desires to accomplish through her show. And everyday, they consult with her to give as well as receive input on ideas for the show, aware that only the ideas she approves of will go through.
I watched an episode of the long process that all the crew of Oprah's show have to do in order to present her to her viewers. It ranged from traveling far or near to make contact with potential guests on the show, to working on gift surprises for the guests which had to be just right and meaningful enough. Their job responsibilities are also to prepare the guests for their encounter with Oprah before the show. They go through "hype" sessions, I guess you could call them, in which they're reminded of what a privilege it is to be on the show, as well as when and how often to applaud when the show starts.
Then, when the anticipated moment arrives and she steps onto the scene, every single producer and assistant fades into the background, content to watch her soak up the limelight and praise for all the work that's been done. Sort of sounds like who we are for the Lord and His kingdom. We are the producers, attendants and assistants who spend all our lives studying Him and what He wants for the show. We go out, making Him famous and preparing others to have encounters with Him. We equip and teach them to worship Him, and then fade into the background when He shows up. Do we get rewarded for all this? You bet. Places, everyone. The greatest Host of all time awaits.
Prayer: Father, I will never stop thanking You for digging me out of the pit and preparing me for good works in You. May my life forever reflect Your will. May I never tire of promoting, publishing, and declaring Your goodness all my days. I remain totally devoted to Your purpose on this earth. In Jesus' Name, Amen.
H.U.M.P. Day
Wednesday January 5, 2010
I am so excited about this new season we're going into. It seems like God is revealing Himself more and more as time goes by. One of the things He's showing us is His call to action. Each time I pray, I hear His voice clearly say "I need my people to respond to my Word. I need action".
I'm sure like your kids, my kids enjoy video games. Do you remember when our biggest concern was their lack of excercise because of their time on the games? Well, look at them now. There's Ninetindo Wii, XBox Kinect, and Playstation Move. What's the common denominator to these gaming systems? You have to MOVE in order to play them. There's no more sitting on the couch and only using your thumbs. These games allow for full-body participation. That's what I believe God is saying as well. He wants us to move. He wants us to go, engage, pursue, run, take, obey, and infiltrate. That is our HUMP Day challenge Td Nation. Let's Go!
I am so excited about this new season we're going into. It seems like God is revealing Himself more and more as time goes by. One of the things He's showing us is His call to action. Each time I pray, I hear His voice clearly say "I need my people to respond to my Word. I need action".
I'm sure like your kids, my kids enjoy video games. Do you remember when our biggest concern was their lack of excercise because of their time on the games? Well, look at them now. There's Ninetindo Wii, XBox Kinect, and Playstation Move. What's the common denominator to these gaming systems? You have to MOVE in order to play them. There's no more sitting on the couch and only using your thumbs. These games allow for full-body participation. That's what I believe God is saying as well. He wants us to move. He wants us to go, engage, pursue, run, take, obey, and infiltrate. That is our HUMP Day challenge Td Nation. Let's Go!
First Things First
Tuesday, January 4th, 2010
Today's Passage: Luke 10:38-42
Memory Verse: Lk. 10:42
Okay, Friends and Lifers. We've heard the Word. It's our marching orders for the new year. We must spring into ACTION. Where before we were unmotivated, we must begin to propel ourselves into moving to accomplish God's will on this earth. Even those of us who can find areas of productivity in our lives realize there's still more to do. All we have to do is look around and see the harvest fields in our neighborhoods, ripe for the picking.
But even with all that motivation, which actors must have to get into the mindset of their role, what do you do when you just can't find the energy to go? What happens when you're just too bogged down to spring into action? How do you handle feeling left behind or not on the same page with the others in the body who seem energized and ready to take on new challenges, while you are the exact opposite?
This is an issue that we avoid discussing, but is extremely important. In order to get the 80 per cent of our church active and doing something for the kingdom, we must help them face the mountain standing in the way. It might even be time to address the feeling of burnout among the saints who ARE already giving 100 per cent in ministry. So what's the solution? It's one word: PRIORITIES.
If we take a minute to sort things out in our minds, we'll find that the first thing we have to do is shift some of our activities. Multi-tasking might sound like a good idea, but to be honest, it's really the enemy's way to keep us so pre-occupied that we don't feel we have the time or energy to do what's important. Then we end up getting even more bogged down with guilt because we didn't do those things, and before you know it, another year has gone by. Let's make a commitment this year to spend the first part of our day with the Father. Let HIM help us set new priorities. I'm learning that, just like tithing, when we give Him first place with our time, He'll turn that mountain back into the molehill it really is.
Prayer: Father, I need You in this area of my life. I need to set new priorities so that my focus is on what You would have me doing rather than what I think I should be doing. Please help me slow down so that I can hear from You. You're the greatest ORGANIZER there is. You're the One Who knew what needed to be created first. I seek You today for the answer to every problem, and I give You praise for helping me produce for Your kingdom in greater and more meaningful measure this year. In Jesus' Name, Amen.
Today's Passage: Luke 10:38-42
Memory Verse: Lk. 10:42
Okay, Friends and Lifers. We've heard the Word. It's our marching orders for the new year. We must spring into ACTION. Where before we were unmotivated, we must begin to propel ourselves into moving to accomplish God's will on this earth. Even those of us who can find areas of productivity in our lives realize there's still more to do. All we have to do is look around and see the harvest fields in our neighborhoods, ripe for the picking.
But even with all that motivation, which actors must have to get into the mindset of their role, what do you do when you just can't find the energy to go? What happens when you're just too bogged down to spring into action? How do you handle feeling left behind or not on the same page with the others in the body who seem energized and ready to take on new challenges, while you are the exact opposite?
This is an issue that we avoid discussing, but is extremely important. In order to get the 80 per cent of our church active and doing something for the kingdom, we must help them face the mountain standing in the way. It might even be time to address the feeling of burnout among the saints who ARE already giving 100 per cent in ministry. So what's the solution? It's one word: PRIORITIES.
If we take a minute to sort things out in our minds, we'll find that the first thing we have to do is shift some of our activities. Multi-tasking might sound like a good idea, but to be honest, it's really the enemy's way to keep us so pre-occupied that we don't feel we have the time or energy to do what's important. Then we end up getting even more bogged down with guilt because we didn't do those things, and before you know it, another year has gone by. Let's make a commitment this year to spend the first part of our day with the Father. Let HIM help us set new priorities. I'm learning that, just like tithing, when we give Him first place with our time, He'll turn that mountain back into the molehill it really is.
Prayer: Father, I need You in this area of my life. I need to set new priorities so that my focus is on what You would have me doing rather than what I think I should be doing. Please help me slow down so that I can hear from You. You're the greatest ORGANIZER there is. You're the One Who knew what needed to be created first. I seek You today for the answer to every problem, and I give You praise for helping me produce for Your kingdom in greater and more meaningful measure this year. In Jesus' Name, Amen.
"Purpose: The Movie"
Monday, January 3rd, 2010
Today's Passage: Rom. 8:28-30
Memory Verse: Same
It never ceases to amaze me how fast time flies. One minute, you're walking down the aisle, and the next your kids are about as tall as you. The most unpredictable thing about time is that it ushers us into seasons of what our human minds consider "good" or "bad". Yet, every event has been orchestrated by our Father to propel us into our purpose.
In yesterday's service, our pastors really brought home the point that God put everything in place before time even began just like a movie set is prepared for the actors. The lighting was made just right (salvation and redemption), and the camera has been positioned. The Producer Himself has given us our lines to study (the Bible). But what we've got to understand is that our actions--what we choose to do with our time, talent and status in life -- will be recorded for all eternity.
As believers, we must not be ignorant of times and seasons. Every single thing that happens in our lives-- has a purpose. Each event prepares us for another; it helps us grow stronger and more ready to be of use to the Father's kingdom. All things really do work together for the good of those of us who love the Lord. But how? When we accept the call to His purpose.
Imagine how useless it would be for Steven Spielberg, one of the greatest producers of all time, to prepare the set with lighting, props, and the script for a famous actor to take his or her place. But instead, they used the filming time to give excuses for why they can't do the movie. How many wasted moments do we have on our film? How many excuses have we given our Producer? This year, may that not be said of us. Let's walk out our movie with God's grace.
Prayer: Father, thank You for preparing everything I need for my successful role in Your movie. Your set is this wonderful creation; the lighting is perfect because You saved me and gave me the Light of the world Himself to dwell in me. Let my actions reflect Your purpose for my life-- just the way You designed it. No more excuses... Only obedience. In Jesus' Name, Amen.
Today's Passage: Rom. 8:28-30
Memory Verse: Same
It never ceases to amaze me how fast time flies. One minute, you're walking down the aisle, and the next your kids are about as tall as you. The most unpredictable thing about time is that it ushers us into seasons of what our human minds consider "good" or "bad". Yet, every event has been orchestrated by our Father to propel us into our purpose.
In yesterday's service, our pastors really brought home the point that God put everything in place before time even began just like a movie set is prepared for the actors. The lighting was made just right (salvation and redemption), and the camera has been positioned. The Producer Himself has given us our lines to study (the Bible). But what we've got to understand is that our actions--what we choose to do with our time, talent and status in life -- will be recorded for all eternity.
As believers, we must not be ignorant of times and seasons. Every single thing that happens in our lives-- has a purpose. Each event prepares us for another; it helps us grow stronger and more ready to be of use to the Father's kingdom. All things really do work together for the good of those of us who love the Lord. But how? When we accept the call to His purpose.
Imagine how useless it would be for Steven Spielberg, one of the greatest producers of all time, to prepare the set with lighting, props, and the script for a famous actor to take his or her place. But instead, they used the filming time to give excuses for why they can't do the movie. How many wasted moments do we have on our film? How many excuses have we given our Producer? This year, may that not be said of us. Let's walk out our movie with God's grace.
Prayer: Father, thank You for preparing everything I need for my successful role in Your movie. Your set is this wonderful creation; the lighting is perfect because You saved me and gave me the Light of the world Himself to dwell in me. Let my actions reflect Your purpose for my life-- just the way You designed it. No more excuses... Only obedience. In Jesus' Name, Amen.
Prayers That Prevail
Sunday January 2, 2011
Father, I am overcome with thanksgiving. As I look back over the past year, I can see all the ways You made for me. I can see Your hand in every season I walked through. So, I thank You for all You've done. Thank You for life and strength. Thank You for protection and favor. And thank You for love and grace.
Now that I have new life in You, my life will change. Whereas my life's ambition was to acquire all I could for myself, it is now total devotion to You. My praise will be Yours at all times. My worship to You will be evident in my character and my lifestyle. In other words, I'll seek You ONLY, and let You add to me what You want me to have.
In this new season, I will give the enemy no place in my life. Through You Lord, I'll seek to infiltrate the dark places and establish Your kingdom. I bind the enemy's advancements by the blood of Your Son, Jesus. He will not be able to have access to me, my family, or my friends any longer. My mind, heart, and will forever belongs to You, God. The enemy will not be able to use relationships, money, or sickness to turn me away from You again. I've fallen for those tricks before, but I never will again. Also, I'll not use my walk to play the role of the 'wounded warrior'. Victory is my claim. As long as I keep my eyes on You, Lord, I don't have to be afraid of the enemy. Afterall, if You be for me, who can be against me? I win, because You win.
Finally Lord, receive my praise today. Be enthroned upon my worship. I dedicate this day to You. Let all I say and do glorify You. I prepare my heart for Your holy Word. So let it change me as I apply it with fidelity. Rest in me as I show my love to You forever, in Jesus' name. Amen
Father, I am overcome with thanksgiving. As I look back over the past year, I can see all the ways You made for me. I can see Your hand in every season I walked through. So, I thank You for all You've done. Thank You for life and strength. Thank You for protection and favor. And thank You for love and grace.
Now that I have new life in You, my life will change. Whereas my life's ambition was to acquire all I could for myself, it is now total devotion to You. My praise will be Yours at all times. My worship to You will be evident in my character and my lifestyle. In other words, I'll seek You ONLY, and let You add to me what You want me to have.
In this new season, I will give the enemy no place in my life. Through You Lord, I'll seek to infiltrate the dark places and establish Your kingdom. I bind the enemy's advancements by the blood of Your Son, Jesus. He will not be able to have access to me, my family, or my friends any longer. My mind, heart, and will forever belongs to You, God. The enemy will not be able to use relationships, money, or sickness to turn me away from You again. I've fallen for those tricks before, but I never will again. Also, I'll not use my walk to play the role of the 'wounded warrior'. Victory is my claim. As long as I keep my eyes on You, Lord, I don't have to be afraid of the enemy. Afterall, if You be for me, who can be against me? I win, because You win.
Finally Lord, receive my praise today. Be enthroned upon my worship. I dedicate this day to You. Let all I say and do glorify You. I prepare my heart for Your holy Word. So let it change me as I apply it with fidelity. Rest in me as I show my love to You forever, in Jesus' name. Amen
Choices, Choices
Saturday, January 1st, 2011
Today's Passage: Psalm 90
Memory Verse: Ps. 90:12
Good morning, lifers and TD nation. HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!! We're on the other side of a new season, and I'm so grateful! Today, those of us who've made it into the new year are praising God for the privilege of being alive. I realize the importance of having the right attitude to have good results, but there ARE no results without right choices.
So rather than just focusing on resolutions, I want to spend our time together asking for the wisdom to make these CHOICES this new year:
1. I pray for God's strength to arise early so I can hear His voice speaking and revealing to me the secrets of His heart, and so I can receive preparation for my day.
2. I pray for the wisdom to remember that I am God's minister and ambassador 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 4 weeks a month, and 12 months a year. Wherever I am, that is the pulpit I've been given. May I always represent my Father well.
3. I pray for God's peace to so fill me that every storm I encounter will eventually bow down and be still... No matter how long it takes.
4. I pray for the love of God to be the banner over me-- the one that makes me always patient, kind, not envious, not easily provoked, not puffed up in pride, never rude, and always hopeful.
5. Finally, I pray for the grace to seize the God- moments that await me rather than procrastinate, foolishly thinking anything else may be more important at that moment.
My prayer today is that God would teach us all to number our days, so that we would always be able to walk in wisdom. One wise choice at a time, may we all produce what God gives us to accomplish on this earth. And may we live to see Him fulfill every heart's desire as we delight ourselves in Him. In Jesus' Name, Amen.
Today's Passage: Psalm 90
Memory Verse: Ps. 90:12
Good morning, lifers and TD nation. HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!! We're on the other side of a new season, and I'm so grateful! Today, those of us who've made it into the new year are praising God for the privilege of being alive. I realize the importance of having the right attitude to have good results, but there ARE no results without right choices.
So rather than just focusing on resolutions, I want to spend our time together asking for the wisdom to make these CHOICES this new year:
1. I pray for God's strength to arise early so I can hear His voice speaking and revealing to me the secrets of His heart, and so I can receive preparation for my day.
2. I pray for the wisdom to remember that I am God's minister and ambassador 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 4 weeks a month, and 12 months a year. Wherever I am, that is the pulpit I've been given. May I always represent my Father well.
3. I pray for God's peace to so fill me that every storm I encounter will eventually bow down and be still... No matter how long it takes.
4. I pray for the love of God to be the banner over me-- the one that makes me always patient, kind, not envious, not easily provoked, not puffed up in pride, never rude, and always hopeful.
5. Finally, I pray for the grace to seize the God- moments that await me rather than procrastinate, foolishly thinking anything else may be more important at that moment.
My prayer today is that God would teach us all to number our days, so that we would always be able to walk in wisdom. One wise choice at a time, may we all produce what God gives us to accomplish on this earth. And may we live to see Him fulfill every heart's desire as we delight ourselves in Him. In Jesus' Name, Amen.
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