Salt of Earth Light of World

The God in Me

2011-11-13T19:42:00.000-07:00

There is nothing more fruitful and beneficial than when the Lord reveals His truth to you! I'm always amazed that I can read and read the Bible and think I understand, but when the Spirit teaches me personally, I am opened up to a whole new level of understanding. "But the Counselor, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you." John 14:26 That is my Graceland!

We must be reminded that the serpent of old, the enemy, the great deceiver has been on this earth as long as, or even before Adam and Eve. To say the least satan knows our weaknesses, our strengths, our fears, our joys, and he knows exactly how to manipulate our emotions. He is at work trying to confuse and hinder us from obtaining the truth. The great deceiver is exactly what he is.... until, we understand his tactics and ultimate plot to steal ALL glory from God no matter how significant or insignificant the situation may be. We must shed away the scales of worldly understanding to transcend this elaborate plot. "The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding" Proverbs 9:10.

The first thing we need to be reminded of is that there is a war going on. Ephesians 6:12 says, "For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places." So what then do we do? How do we fight against this great company that comes against us? Of course there is instruction found in 2 Corinthians 10:3-5 "For though we live in the world, we do not wage war as the world does. The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds. We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ."

Christ is the only victor in this great battle. Through Him we become more than conquerors, but we must take captive every one of our own thoughts and allow God alone to fight the battle for us. Jesus said, "Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself unless it abides in the vine, so neither can you unless you abide in Me." John 15:4. We can have a close walk with the Father and allow the Spirit of Truth to personally teach us by inscribing his truth on the tablets of our hearts. He who is in me is greater than he who is in the world, so then we must not let the enemy deceive us any longer and rise with Christ and receive all He has for us. He says His will be done, on earth as it is in heaven! Our eternal walk started the day we received Christ, so lets walk Brothers and Sisters in the truth and in Love! How can I fail when I have Christ in me.

"For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God." 1 Corinthians

From Time to Time (Guest Blogger)

2011-11-12T00:03:00.002-07:00

I was in the car listening to a radio preacher, a great way to spend my windshield time, when I heard the preacher say, “From time to time we are all going to fail; we are going to fall short.” When I heard this, my immediate response was (and I even said it aloud), “Are you kidding me?”

Since the Garden, the serpent has attempted to diminish God’s role while at the same time convincing man that he is more important, capable, and self-reliant than he could ever be. It is not surprising that Christ has been reduced to a helper, not a savior, and sin has been redefined as “falling short” or a “time to time failure”.

The Scriptures paint a much different picture. David in Psalms 51:5 writes “Behold I was shapen in iniquity; and in sin did my mother conceive me.” And previously, in verse 3 he stated, “For I acknowledge my transgressions: and my sin is ever before me.”

David, a man after God’s own heart, doesn’t speak of sin lightly. Although sin is failure, and it is falling short, it is treated in Scripture with more gravity than a time to time unsuccessful attempt at doing right.

We must come to understand and accept that we all have an intimate relationship with sin. Sin permeates our being, our thoughts, and our actions on a daily basis. In our humility, we are guilty of pride. Our love is never perfect, and our faith carries doubt. We do not simply need God to help us, but rather we need to become utterly dependant upon Him, especially in the areas where we have been gifted and blessed.

Our prayer on a daily basis should be likened to that of David in Psalms 51:1 where he cries, “Have Mercy upon me, O God, according to thy loving-kindness: according unto the multitude of thy tender mercies BLOT OUT my transgressions”.

“Wash me; Pardon me; Cleanse me; Restore me; Blot out my iniquities; Hide my face from my sins; Deliver me from bloodguilt and death,” – This is the language of the passage.

It is clear from this passage that David did not want to look at his sin. He wanted to be hidden from it. May this be our approach to sin, and may we come before the throne of grace in utter humility and repentance. And may we never think that we only sin from time to time.

Michael Silva http://backalleygospel.com/blog

Perspective

2011-11-10T22:32:00.000-07:00

When God first opened my understanding, I viewed life differently than before. Everything was anointed, everything was inspired, everything was in perspective of His kingdom. There are so many forces working against our relationship with the Father and we must push past the lies of the enemy, the ways of the world, and our own fleshly desires and turn to obedience in Christ to see clearly again. Sometimes in the busyness of life, my perspective is clouded, I forget to seek the Lord and end up doing things out of His will, not to say that it can not be turned for His glory, but an unnecessary hardship it may very well become. Praise God that He is so graceful and can use ALL things to His Glory, even in our sins, trials, and disobedience. But of course to keep it in the right perspective we must be reminded of Romans 6:1-2 "What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin that grace may abound? Certainly not! How shall we who died to sin live any longer in it?" We live in a fallen world and our faith is continually tested, tried, and tested again; but of course there is an answer to why in James 1:3 "because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance." Amen! I claim Romans 8:37 "No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us." I want to see the world as I did before when I first believed, I want to be MORE than a conqueror! Though my heart my tend to harden, God can soften it. Though my sight may be clouded, He can clear it. Though I might not make the time to seek Him fully, He seeks after me constantly and will never leave me!

Father God to you be the Glory! I pray you anoint my sight to see clearly that I may know you. I pray that you help me make time to seek you fully. I pray that you strengthen me to continue to walk the narrow path and walk according to your perfect will. My spirit is willing but my flesh is weak, take away any stumbling blocks and trials that are not according to your will and give me the strength to persevere through each trial. I love you and want to honor you with my life. Help me become less, so that you may become more in my life! Amen

Enough said!

2011-05-03T21:56:00.001-06:00

"When you judge another, you do not define them, you define yourself." Wayne Dyer

A Poem Written By My Son

2011-04-06T20:37:00.005-06:00

I wanted to share a poem written by my 11 year old son Rayray! He amazes me how much knowledge he has in the Lord. Praise God for giving my son a heart for His Father!

O Jesus my Lord stand
dead on the cross
to me and many
losing you is a great loss

Your spirit flows through us,
and guilt through Judas
all are just lost without you

But just after three days
and you were out of the grave
and thanks to you,
my mighty Lord,
we would all be saved

Now our sins are payed for,
because of your Crucifixion
you are my lord you are my greatest addiction.

By: Ray-ray

Pursuit Of Righteousness

2011-03-09T00:01:00.005-07:00

"I'm on the pursuit of happiness and I know everything that shine ain't always gonna be gold, I'll be fine once I get it, I'll be good."

How ironic that I would find this lyrical verse from a secular song because exactly what the verse says, everything that shines isn't always going to be gold. I have been seeking the secular in the pursuit of happiness, which to your spiritual wellness has no benefit. Happiness actually comes as a result of happenstance, something "happened" that made you 'feel' happy. I want to be more than "happy" I want Joy! Joy only comes from the Lord. Nehemiah 8:10 says, "...Do not grieve, for the joy of the LORD is your strength.” I can have Joy even through the valleys, deserts, trials, and hardships in my life. "You have loved righteousness and hated wickedness; therefore God, your God, has set you above your companions by anointing you with the oil of joy.” -Hebrews 1:9 I want that oil of joy, and praise God he lets us know exactly how we obtain it. In loving righteousness and opposing all the wickedness that the secular world offers I can have it.

Im on the pursuit of righteousness and I know that its the Lord righteousness that will always shine brighter than gold, I'll be fine once I get it, I'll be good.

Praise Report

2011-03-08T23:35:00.002-07:00

My husband preached his FIRST sermon this past Sunday and he did an Amazing job! Keep in mind that he has never spoke in front of a crowd and is a fairly new believer. Immediately after service he left to Arizona to the annual Calvary Pastors Conference. If you would have asked me if this would have ever happened, I would have bet my life against it. My brother gave me a verse that now I have total understanding of, 1 Corinthians 2:9 “What no eye has seen, what no ear has heard, and what no human mind has conceived” -the things God has prepared for those who love him— " WOW, Amen! The thought of where my husband was compared to who he is now is the total and absolute power of God. It is such a blessing to me to be witness to an amazing transformation in my husband. It gives me so much hope for others out there and I hold on to that hope because I know it is not Gods will for not one man to perish. I pray that his time at the conference is anointed and blessed and that his cup is overflowing with the spirit of truth. Thank you Father for the Favor and all the amazing things you have prepared for my life that I have not even conceived!

Stagnant Waters

2011-03-07T23:38:00.004-07:00

"Anyone who believes in me may come and drink! For the Scriptures declare, ‘Rivers of living water will flow from his heart.’” John 7:38

Come Holy Spirit and dwell in me! I thirst for your living waters! When Im not in the word or ignoring the small still voice that is constantly driving me towards Himself, it feels as though my water turns stagnant. One definition of stagnant from American Heritage dictionary is: Showing little or no sign of activity or advancement; not developing or progressing; inactive. Sometimes I feel like am not making any progress and taking steps backwards rather than forward. We are clean and sanctified by the washing of the water of the word. I have already been washed clean and I have already drank of the water my Father gave to me, so therefore Im clean.
As I look back at my walk I notice that I am more often in the valley rather than the mountain top. Amazingly my husband put it in perspective for me. If, in our weakness His strength is perfected, why not call it blessed? Can I get an ouch! I really do not like the valley, Its so hard to connect with my Father and I feel motionless. But indeed it is a true test of faith. Will I continue to serve Him as if I were on the mountain top? The valley is where your true faith is revealed, so I cannot let my water turn stagnant. I thank the Lord that He is patient with me through all my human emotions and misunderstandings of what His truth really means. The Lord gave me a powerful word the other morning saying, "The ground you walk on is Holy, because it is I who determines your steps" Father I pray I walk worthily and holy in the path you have laid down for me! I know that I have a long walk ahead of me and I pray that the outpouring of the Holy Spirit in my life will truly run like rivers of living water and not run dry!

Thanks Jacque :)

2011-02-23T16:23:00.003-07:00

We forget that we are free from sin and get caught up in bondage. We are FREE from sin, so sin will not prevail in my life! Praise you God for sending me this today through my friend! As I was reading 1 Peter last night the passage about being Holy stuck in my mind today, "Therefore, with minds that are alert and fully sober, set your hope on the grace to be brought to you when Jesus Christ is revealed at his coming. As obedient children, do not conform to the evil desires you had when you lived in ignorance. But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; for it is written: “Be holy, because I am holy.” How amazing He is to me to instruct me and teach me when I veer off path. It is written that we purify ourselves by obeying the truth. For you have been born again, not of perishable seed, but of imperishable, through the living and enduring word of God. I know He is right here in my very being, never leaving because He loves me and the plans He has for me have not even entered my mind. Thank you Father for your unending Grace, may I walk worthily in your presence!

Weakness

2011-02-21T13:19:00.002-07:00

I am weak. I lack strength. I have no power.

I Praise God that I have his strength to lean on! There is NO WAY I would be able to uphold the teachings he has personally taught me if he did not give me his strength. In my flesh I am easily overcome by my very nature, but Gods nature dwells in me so that I shall overcome. Everything is permissible, but not everything is beneficial. Since everything is permissible, I will not be mastered by anything. Lately I have been overcome with anxieties, fears, doubts, and the like; but God is faithful to restore me, not from bringing me out of situations or clearing them from my path, but rather giving me eyes to see clearly and the wisdom of how it affects my walk with him. All I have to do is remain in him and he shall remain in me. Please do not leave me Lord, I cannot conquer these mountains alone. Give me your strength to uphold the will you have for my life.

I-70 Sermon (Guest Blogger)

2010-12-14T11:29:00.000-07:00

SKIP THE COLE AND GIVE THEM THE ROCK

Do you feel like you know that special someone who you want to give a lump of coal for Christmas? You know that person who has wronged you again and again this year. So I guess what we'll do is get the coal, put a cute little bow on it and place it in a spot that our special someone will be sure to find it. This way he or she will know that they made someones naughty list right? Then maybe they'll straighten up because we were bold enough to be rude to them for the sake of getting them to clean up their act right? Because that's what Jesus would do right? We as Christians know nothing could be further from the truth! "But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you," (Matthew 5:44) It is so hard to live up to those words in today's world. We should pray for strength and wisdom to remember these words and live them out when we think about giving out that lump of coal. When I thought of the people I'd like to give coal to recently, I was convicted and God put on my heart "skip the coal and give them the rock." What did this mean? Was I really to give out rocks to these people? No, you know God would not ask me to do that. "The Lord is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer" (2 Samuel 22:2) This is what God meant. I need to share the word with my brother and sisters who I feel have wronged me. In this way blessing those who curse me. Maybe they don't know Jesus and that's why they have wronged me and others. Maybe I've been over sensitive and they haven't wronged me at all. Maybe it's someone who God is calling through me. That would be a real blessing to me. Maybe it's a better friendship and someone to walk with in faith just waiting to happen. Whatever the reason, sharing the Lord can never be a bad thing. So here I sit with a pile of coal in the trash and gift of prayer that all have or will receive the Rock (The Lord) and that all have or will build Their life foundation upon it. This year, when you think of the "bad" people in your life, skip the coal and give them the Rock.

Until next time,

The strength of the Lord be with you

Anthony Pineda

I-70 Sermon Guest Blogger

2010-12-07T17:32:00.004-07:00

We are Ruth

We all have had times in our lives (while we were believers and before we were believers) that we can remember and wonder, "How did I ever make it through that time in my life?" It turns out that in this we have many ties to Ruth in the old testament. Ruth was a Moabitess; a foreigner in the land of Bethlehem, just as we are foreigners to this world. Our home is in heaven. " but our citizenship is in heaven, from which we also eagerly wait for a savior, the Lord Jesus Christ." (Philippians 3:20) Also, like Ruth we are not deserving of the grace of God in the same manner that Ruth had done nothing to deserve the favor shown by Boaz. All along our lives we have been getting by (believer or not) gleaning on the grain that God has purposely let fall from the bundles. The grain that we glean is not all there is, but all we choose to receive as God always provides more than we need. So when you look back and wonder how did you make it? The answer is you made it by Gods grace, The Grains he provided and left for you to collect so that you may survive. You have never been the first at anything, you have never gone anywhere alone nor have you arrived anywhere first. Our Father has always gone before you to prepare the way. How did you make it? How will you make it? God is the same yesterday, today and forever. He provided for us before and he will provide for us again. So when you have doubt follow the grain. He is right in front of you laying it out for you to collect. You know, I have given this message to a few people who I felt needed to hear it. But as I drove I-70 home from work the other night I found myself upset and worried. Drowning in all the holiday worries that the enemy and my flesh could throw at me. You know all the things like: will I be off work?, Will I have enough money? and so on. Then the Holy Spirit fell upon me and reminded me of something the enemy must have forgotten. The Holy Spirit reminded me that my father in heaven has many names and all of them soar high above anything concerning the issues of this world. Two of the Fathers names came to me. The first was IMMANUEL (God with us). God was with me and had done away with all the worries that my flesh and the enemy had put on me by reminding me of the second name JEHOVAH-JIREH (the Lord will provide). This "We are Ruth" message was again given to me. But this time not for the purpose of passing it along. This time the message was from the Father to me, for me. So that I would remember to follow the trail of grain that was provided for me (JEHOVAH-JIREH) By God who is always with me (IMMANUEL). All this in a 30 minute drive home! As I finished my drive and pulled into my driveway, all I could do was smile. Because it all could have been avoided if I had just remembered Jesus loves me and if that's not enough to smile about I don't know what is.

Until next time,

The Grace of Jesus be with you
Anthony Pineda

I-70 Sermon Guest Blogger

2010-12-07T17:28:00.001-07:00

How do you love your brothers and sisters?

Do you love them like your dog or your favorite pet? Do you love them like your car or favorite possession?
Not all love is good. For even the devil loves. He loves sin, he loves to see you stumble in your walk with Jesus and he loves to see you fall from grace and so on. Do you love with worldly love? Jesus said, " This is my commandment. That you love one another as I have loved you." (John 15:12) Not love one another as I have loved my donkey or loved my clothes, but as I (Jesus) have loved you! Many times we say I love you but how or in what manner? Is it conditional like, I love you and can help you as far as the world allows me to? If so, this is not the love of Jesus. Gods love is unconditional, never ending and very personal. If you cannot love this way then maybe you have not received the love of Jesus. Because Jesus loves you does not mean that you have received his love and because you have not received his love you can only give worldly love. You cannot give what you don't have. " And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, but have not love, it profits me nothing." (1 Corinthians 13:3) "Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the father is not in him." (1 John 2:15) Brothers and sisters we all fall short of the kingdom. But never allow anything to hinder your pursuit of Gods love. Wise men still seek him! The more of Gods love you receive the greater you will be able to love your brothers and sisters with the love of the Father, the love of the Savior, the love of our King. If you love any other way then I say to you repent and I will pray that you receive Gods love. If you already give and receive Gods love then I say to you Amen and for you I say hallelujah. You are blessed and a blessing to others.

Until next time,
The love of Jesus be with you.

Anthony Pineda

A Quick Word on the Word

2010-05-06T11:56:00.004-06:00

Late in the afternoon the Twelve came to him and said, "Send the crowd away so they can go to the surrounding villages and countryside and find food and lodging, because we are in a remote place here." He replied, "You give them something to eat." They answered, "We have only five loaves of bread and two fish—unless we go and buy food for all this crowd."
(About five thousand men were there.) But he said to his disciples, "Have them sit down in groups of about fifty each." The disciples did so, and everybody sat down.

Taking the five loaves and the two fish and looking up to heaven, he gave thanks and broke them. Then he gave them to the disciples to set before the people. They all ate and were satisfied, and the disciples picked up twelve basketfuls of broken pieces that were left over.

I can just imagine how the Disciples of Christ felt at that moment they realized they had to feed ALL 5,000 men!

Just try to imagine looking at a crowd of 5,000 men and wondering how you could possibly feed them all!

We go through similar trials in our life where we wonder “HOW AM I GOING TO DO THAT!?”

But what did Jesus do…

He took what they already had,
looked to heaven,
gave thanks,
and blessed them with food to eat. It says that they ate as much as they wanted and afterwards the disciples picked up 12 baskets of leftovers!

How great is our God!

The next time you look at your situation and say, “How am I going to do that,” Look at what you already have and thank Him for it and he will increase it for you to the point of abundance!

Father thank you so much for strength, faith, hope, peace, health, and grace! I ask in Jesus name that you multiply these things in me so that your kingdom will be glorified!

Picture from: http://www.faithclipart.com/

My Personal Revelation!

2010-04-15T11:05:00.003-06:00

How great is the love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are! The reason the world does not know us is that it did not know him. 1 John 3:1

I couldn’t wait to write this down today! God has given me a revelation so strong, so important, so needed right now in my life I am rejoicing! (In my personal relationship with God, He teaches me in a unique way through my dreams and He also gives me understanding. So, a revelation to me through dream is not uncommon.)

Last night I dreamt that I was at the house I grew up in. I was sitting on the couch watching this little girl running around and playing. She was so adorable, but as I watched her I thought to myself, “what a brat!” She ran from one end of the room to the other, all I wanted to do is give her a hug, but I felt her feelings too and she didn’t like being hugged. So I watched her thinking, “what a stubborn brat! But goodness I love her so much!” I longed to hold her and love her, but I didn’t mind just watching her and loving her from afar. The little girl was me! I knew I was watching myself and I saw myself in a way I never had before... a loveable child, who despite being stubborn, is worthy of love… and the love was authentic!

I have struggled my whole life accepting and allowing myself love, even the love of God. I have always been told and even believed that God loves me, but it lacked a genuine understanding because I never loved myself. Just like the little girl I refused the affection, a stubborn act on my part, because I didn’t ever feel ‘worthy’. I sometimes recite the mantras, Jesus loves me, I am loved by God and so on, and even though I believe them, the love never penetrated my heart. This dream allowed me to really see myself how God see’s me and love myself the way he loves me… unconditionally! The feeling was so real and true and I feel it’s a big step towards the relationship God is calling me to have with Him and myself. Today I see myself in a new way! For the first time I can say from my heart, “I LOVE MYSELF!”

I pray I do not forget the love God has lavished on me and allow the world, which does not know Him, to cloud the image I truly am … A beloved child of God!

Picture from: http://www.faithclipart.com/

He Makes ALL Things New

2010-03-17T12:05:00.001-06:00

"And He who sits on the throne said, "Behold, I am making all things new " And He said, "Write, for these words are faithful and true." Revelation 21:5

Yesterday I was covering the front desk at work, as I sometime do, and I was re-reading 1 Corinthians which was I was totally engulfed in. Of course people would pass by and I would nod and to say hello and try not to break concentration on what I was reading. Then a man walked in the building and walked up the stairs towards the front desk. I lifted my head to smile at him and he smiled back. I quickly went back to my reading but noticed that this man had a familiar smile. I looked again and to my surprise it was my husband!!! In all the years I have been with my husband he has never surprised me with visiting me before, and along with that he brought lunch for me and my friends! I looked at him and I was filled with Joy to see him and immediately there was a smile in my soul! The reason I write this is because my husband was recently saved and God makes ALL things new  I have been witness to TRUE transformation in my husband’s life! From breaking addictions to simple ways of thinking, all this in weeks mind you. God proves faithful to those who cry out to him. I can’t tell you I had great faith in that I would ever see this day and most of the time I don’t feel I was very patient, but God is merciful and He brought life to my husband despite my worries. It has set a new fire to my spirit and recreated a whole new relationship with not only my husband but with God himself. I am most blessed to see the Power that my Jesus performs in transforming a life to a new beautiful glory! Thank you Jesus for making all things new in my life!

Eternal King

2010-01-13T14:05:00.003-07:00

You are the Eternal King O’ God
Your majesty and Grace consume
From certain death and a sin filled life
My soul, you did exhume

You are the Eternal King O’ God
My spirit desires to be in your presence
With the choirs of heavenly angels as they sing
Worshiping you in reverence

You are the Eternal King O’ God
You reign with exaltation
Everyone will know your name
Every tribe, tongue, and nation

You are the Eternal King O’ God
From on high is your boundless Throne
By no other way can we obtain
But by your name alone…
JESUS

~MichaelAnn~

Our Father who art in Heaven….

2009-12-08T16:37:00.006-07:00

Prayer is one of the most intimate times of fellowship and relationship with our Father. We are able to come into the presence of His Spirit and worship, petition, and intercede through prayer. Many things are accomplished through this obedient act. To witness the fruit of ceaseless prayer is an amazing testimony of God’s faithfulness. Some are confused on how to pray or approach God in prayer, but Jesus himself gave a “guideline” of how to pray in Matthew 6:9-13

Our Father who art in Heaven Hollowed be thy name… Worship and Praise

When beginning to pray, acknowledging God as Holy and in heaven would be an act of worship. It gives a chance to connect with God. Not all worship is done in words, some like to sing songs to worship God, while others like to quietly acknowledge His presence. Either way worshiping and praising God in prayer is one of the commands the Lord teaches thru His word.
When beginning my time in prayer with my Lord I also like to call on the names of God and acknowledge them as truth in my life. For example “Lord my Banner” I say, “Lord you are my banner I have victory over smoking through you,” “Lord of Peace” I say, “Father you are the Lord of peace in my life because you have given me peace over my household.” There are many different names of God that are in His word, I encourage you to learn about them and claim them in your life through worship and praise in prayer.

Lip-service worship is not enough. Isaiah 29:13

Worship in spirit and truth. John 4:20-24
Worship with reverence. Hebrews 12:28

Give thanks always. Ephesians 5:20
Offer sacrifice of praise. Hebrews 13:15 Praise God with song. Psalm 69:30

Thy Kingdom come thy will be done on Earth as it is in Heaven… Pray for God’s Will

You don’t have to wait to experience all that God has in His will for you! He says, “His will be done on Earth as it is in Heaven.” How amazing is it to know that we can have those fruits of love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self control now! God proclaims His will and promises’ for us through His word. It is up to us to seek out and find what we are to pray for. Ask God to see through His Holy eye’s, so that we can accomplish His will.
If we know “His will be done,” our prayer life will be a lot more effective! Don’t use God’s name in vain, know His will and believe it for your life and the lives of others!

Pray for Christians everywhere. Ephesians 6:18

The Ten Commandments. Exodus 20
Works out His sovereign purpose. Ephesians 1:11

God’s truth is everlasting. Psalm 117:2
Makes all things work for good for believers. Romans 8:28

Give us this day our daily Bread… Asking for provision

God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow, is thrown into the fire, will he not much more clothe you… (Matthew 6:30) Ask for your daily provisions…
Ask for strength for the day, knowledge, wisdom, discernment, faith, hope; love etc. anything it takes to possess the character of Christ. Ask for daily provisions of food, finances, and anything it takes to make it through the day. God gave the Israelites manna from heaven, He will surly take care of our needs also. As we hunger physically we also hunger spiritually. Ask for your Daily Bread, Jesus said He was the Bread of Life! Ask for spiritual fulfillment. Do not tire in your walk take it one day at a time!

Bread of life. John 6:48

Trust God, not money. 1 Timothy 6:17
God is sufficient. 2 Corinthians 9:8

God will supply all needs. Philippians 4:19
Seek first Gods kingdom, all else will be added. Matthew 6:33

And forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us… Confession and Cleansing

If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. (1 John 1:9) When we sin we usually know that we have sinned, but when we are not familiar with Gods commands through his word we may commit unconscious sin. Ask forgiveness of all sin committed, consciously and unconsciously, and ask God to bring forth to your mind all that needs to be confessed. During time of confession you can ask God to bind and render useless all: hate, discord, anger, lust, or negativity you have spoke out against someone or someone has spoken against you. It’s not only important to confess our own sin, but to forgive sin committed against us. God calls us to bless those who curse us; there is power in confession and forgiveness!

Confess your sins. 1John 1:9

Confession lead to healing. Psalm 41:4
Confession cleanses guilt away. Psalm 51:2

Model prayer of confession. Psalm 51
Keep yourselves pure. 1timothy 5:22

Be Blameless. Philippians 2:14-15

Lead us not in to temptation but deliver us from the evil one… Asking for Protection

We know that the enemy prowls around like a roaring lion looking to devour (1Peter 5:8) and temps believers to immorality and to lie (1 Corinthians 7:5; Acts 5:3). This is why Jesus gave us this example to ask for protection. This battle is not between us and Satan, but rather between God and Satan. When in prayer ask God to protect: your finances, your relationships, your spirituality, your mind, your health, your home, your decisions, your actions, your words, your family, your job, etc. It is not a sign of weakness to ask for help or protection, because God is truly the only one who can protect and help us! “For this battle is not mine, but Yours”

Divine wings, a refuge. Psalm 17:8-9; 27:5; 31:20

God is our hiding place. Psalm 32:7
Put on the armor of God. Ephesians 6:11-18

Put on faith, love, and hope. 1Thessalonians 5:8
Cloth yourselves with the armor of light. Romans 13:12-13

I encourage you my brethren, to grow a personal relationship with the Father through intimate prayer! Seek God with all your heart and you will find Him!

Can I Get a Witness!

2009-04-12T22:43:00.000-06:00

At this I fell at his feet to worship him. But he said to me, "Do not do it! I am a fellow servant with you and with your brothers who hold to the testimony of Jesus. Worship God! For the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy." Revelation 19:10

As followers of Christ it is our obligation to live in constant testimony. Most people see more than they hear. If we are to spread the gospel of Jesus, aren’t we to live the gospel also. If we witnessed to non-believers about the goodness of Jesus Christ but did not display the character He displayed, we would be an unreliable source and the non-believer would not think the gospel had any validity. We are human and God knows we are not infallible for he said in John 2:25, “He did not need man's testimony about man, for he knew what was in a man.” I know that this is a work in progress stage in my life, but I know the only thing that sustains me is being in constant fellowship with the Lord. I could just imagine the pure excitement John must have felt in Revelation when the angel of the Lord brought him up to reveal Gods plan. He was so awestruck with God’s angel that he fell to his knees and the angel replied "Do not do it! I am a fellow servant with you and with your brothers who hold to the testimony of Jesus. Worship God!” Wouldn’t it be awesome if when people looked at our transformation through Christ they wanted to fall to their knees to worship and give thanks to God? “In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.” Matthew 5:15

The Narrow Gate

2009-02-01T19:18:00.000-07:00

“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.”
Matthew 7:13-14 NLT

Thank the good Lord that he is speaking of a spiritual gate. I don’t think I would be going through any narrow anything right now, I have yet to accomplish that through Christ. Nevertheless this passage leads us to a very serious matter, our perception of the narrow gate. Today our perception is blinded by the immorality of our nation and the tolerance of things that are in opposition of Christ. In the book of Luke someone had asked Christ how many would be saved, and he replied, “Work hard to enter the narrow door to God’s Kingdom, for many will try to enter but will fail.” OK if that doesn’t hit you lets go back to Genesis in the days of Noah. In those days the entire world was evil. God was so angry that he made plan to destroy all that he created, all except Noah, his wife, his children, their wives, and of course two of every kind of animal. Granted the world was not as populated as it is today, but the whole world was evil with the exception of Noah and his family. God had made a covenant with his people that he would never flood the Earth again, but naturally evil has found its way back into mainstream daily life. The reason God had spared Noah was because he had walked through the narrow gate. He lived a life worthy of Gods Blessings. The world’s ways are not Gods ways, so the world tends to turn its back on those who choose to turn to Christ. The road to hell is paved with half truths. The most dangerous untruths are truths moderately distorted (Georg Christoph Lichtenberg). Many times we tend to justify our faults, sins, or even our way of thinking. The Lord will hold us accountable for every thought, word, and deed we have done; unless we have confessed and repented. Galatians 5:19-25 tells us, “When you follow the desires of your sinful nature, the results are very clear: sexual immorality, impurity, lustful pleasures, idolatry, sorcery, hostility, quarreling, jealousy, outbursts of anger, selfish ambition, dissension, division, envy, drunkenness, wild parties, and other sins like these. Let me tell you again, as I have before, that anyone living that sort of life will not inherit the Kingdom of God.” Then he goes on to say “But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. There is no law against these things!” Are we walking the path to the narrow gate by being obedient to God and living under his yoke, or are we on the path to death by being of the world and our own selfish desires?

Blessed Are Those Who Mourn.

2009-01-24T19:59:00.000-07:00

“Blessed are those who mourn, For they shall be comforted.” Matthew 5:4

How often do we mourn? How often do we mourn over the wrong things? When Jesus gave the Sermon on the Mount He said that those who mourn would be blessed He did not say, “Those who complain and throw pity parties will be blessed.” Too often we center our reality on ourselves and our own comfort. When we mourn God is looking inside to our true heart of the matter. He can see if we are mourning over the fact that we have been caught, displeased, or upset from our own selfish desire rather than mourning over the broken relationship we have caused by sinning against the one who has sacrificed His life for ours. The Mourning we will be blessed for is the sorrow over our sins which produces true repentance. Paul spoke about it in 2 Corinthians 7:10 “Godly sorrow produces repentance leading to salvation, not to be regretted. But sorrow of the world produces death.” True sorrow results in forgiveness. How many times do we ask for forgiveness without mourning over our fault? Woe to us who slip into our selfish sorrows and ask for forgiveness in vain!

He hardened his heart.

2008-09-17T16:25:00.003-06:00

But when Pharaoh saw that there was relief, he hardened his heart and would not listen to Moses and Aaron, just as the LORD had said. Exodus 8:15

There are several examples in the Old Testament where God had hardened the hearts of men to accomplish his will and demonstrate his power. I’m sure we all know some in our lives who’s hearts are hardened. Have you ever stopped to consider that their hardness might be for God’s will to be fulfilled in you? So many times I have looked at the other person and seen obvious reasons why their hearts have been hardened. I was confused as to why they would stay that way, in hindsight I guess I was judging them. Until now, I never looked at them with hope and faith that someday God’s will would be fulfilled in them. While dealing with someone with a hard heart, we tend to get inpatient, unloving, and uncaring, which results in our own hearts hardening. If God has the power to Harden hearts, does He not have the power to unharden them?

"And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose." Romans 8:28

The Great Depression

2008-09-15T21:12:00.006-06:00

Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life? Luke 12:25

My great aunt used to tell us stories of when she grew up and went through the great depression. She said, “We never even knew we were in a depression, we were so poor we thought it was just normal.” Today, with the economy the way it is and the lifestyles we have all become accustomed to, we can say that some are experiencing their own ‘depression.’ Many are losing jobs, losing homes, gas prices are rising, and we are getting worried. But there is hope! All the Lord wants us to do is to depend on Him. “…O you of little faith? So do not worry, saying, 'What shall we eat?' or 'What shall we drink?' or 'What shall we wear?' For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.” Matthew 6:30-33. The Lord knows what we need and he presents us with the means to provide for ourselves and our families. It’s easy to become overwhelmed in the face of what seems a hopeless situation, but if we first put our faith in Him and be sure to give Him the glory He deserves, He will certainly provide us with what is necessary to live! Soon we will be able to say “I never even knew we were going through a depression” and not because you are poor, but because you are rich in spirit!

Abba Father

2008-08-18T18:39:00.005-06:00

Because you are sons, God sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, the Spirit who calls out, "Abba, Father." Galatians 4:6

Recently my son was feeling ill and we prayed all night for healing. He seemed to have a fever and he felt nauseous. I laid my hands on his head and over his stomach and asked the ultimate physician for the restoration of his health. The next morning he woke up feeling restored! I told him to remember to thank Jesus and he said, “You know what I’m saying in my head? Thank you daddy!” When Jesus prayed in the garden of Gethsemane before he was arrested he prayed, "Abba, Father, everything is possible for you. Take this cup from me. Yet not what I will, but what you will." (Mark 14:36) His relationship with the Father was so intimate that he referred to him as Abba which is Father. Sometimes we think of the word father as formal and often when using this term the emotion we have for God is reserved. In our language Daddy usually brings a feeling of security and is an intimate expression. For those who have a disconnection with their earthly father it may be hard to know God as Daddy. He is more than what we define as a Father, He is the architect of our lives and not just a contributor to our existence, but our Creator. In Matthew 18:2-4 Jesus had called out to a child amongst the crowd and said, "I tell you the truth, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Therefore, whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.” Like my son; a child has an expectant faith, one that produces results, a child is able to love unconditionally and without judgment, a child can believe in God without doubt, and a child can know God as Daddy!

Laying A Foundation

2008-08-16T22:17:00.001-06:00

The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock. Matthew 7:25

What foundation have we laid our life upon? When the world shakes do we stand firm or do we crumble to the ground? If we are firm, is our foundation cracked? Will it sustain us until the end? Paul tells us in 1 Corinthians 3:12-13 “If any man builds on this foundation using gold, silver, costly stones, wood, hay or straw, his work will be shown for what it is, because the Day will bring it to light. It will be revealed with fire, and the fire will test the quality of each man's work.” Many have been taught to lay their foundation by worldly wisdom, which Paul also states in 1 Corinthians 3:19 “For the wisdom of this world is foolishness in God's sight.” We know that God and Christ are one with the Holy Spirit and He is our rock, He alone is our foundation. When it is our time to be tested through the fire, will Jesus be the only one standing in our place? He is the only way to receive eternal life, as Jesus said, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. If you really knew me, you would know my Father as well.” John 14:6. Those who have laid Christ as their foundation must take care to keep it from decay! Stay in the spirit, for Paul warns us, “The man without the Spirit does not accept the things that come from the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him, and he cannot understand them, because they are spiritually discerned.” 1 Corinthians 2:14

Measuring Truth

2008-08-15T17:02:00.002-06:00

He who speaks on his own does so to gain honor for himself, but he who works for the honor of the one who sent him is a man of truth; there is nothing false about him. John 7:18

How do you know what you believe in is true? Is it because what you believe has been taught to you from childhood, a trusting friend has told you, does it just seem right in your own eyes? Proverbs 3:5 says, “Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding.” One of the Seven Habits of Highly Effective People is to Seek First to Understand, Then to be Understood. How will we ever get to the truth without seeking it out? One major problem we have today is focusing everything around ourselves and not realizing the importance of Jesus’ words in John 14:6, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” In today’s world most listen to doctrine that sounds good, not sound doctrine. In 2 Timothy 2:15 it says, “Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a workman who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth.” We must be diligent in our quest for truth. The bible is not just a book of do’s and don’ts, rather an inspired, tangible, life-giving, gift that God left for us. Some argue the credibility of the bible because of missing books, but if you read the bible you know that there is sufficient enough information for salvation and understanding the truth. The bible is not our only source of truth; if we seek out a relationship with Jesus he will show us truth and make it real in our lives. If we seek Him, we will find Him!

The man who says, "I know him," but does not do what he commands is a liar, and the truth is not in him!” 1 John 2:4

Does God Help Those Who Help Themselves?

2008-08-15T16:34:00.005-06:00

Thus says the LORD, "Cursed is the man who trusts in mankind and makes flesh his strength, and whose heart turns away from the LORD.” Jeremiah 17:5

The famous quote “God helps those who help themselves” cannot be found in the bible. The reason being is God can only help those who are willing to surrender their will to His. We cannot help ourselves without the Lord’s help. If we are too proud to ask Him or think He has better things to do and try on our own, we will continually come back to the same situation and never truly have victory over our trials. Some lose heart when they don’t see prayers being answered. One saying that comes to mind is, “God always answers prayer…sometimes the answer is no! Not getting what you want can sometimes be a blessing.” Sometimes the help we need is not to take the situation away, but to have strength and perseverance to walk confidently with peace through the storm. When asking God for healing, restoration, and help, it would be wise to ask for the knowledge to prevent the situation from happening again and to maintain a godly character through the trial. Proverbs 28:26 explains, “He who trusts in his own heart is a fool, but he who walks wisely will be delivered.” Sometimes the vary situation we are in is self inflicted and we are hindered by not seeing clearly our own fault. As we grow in our walk with God, he will give us discernment over decisions we make in our life and we will always be in the midst of a trial. As we learn to call on Him we will walk in confidence and peace!

The Face of Death

2008-08-13T22:46:00.004-06:00

Indeed, in our hearts we felt the sentence of death. But this happened that we might not rely on ourselves but on God, who raises the dead. 2 Corinthians 1:9

At the face of death people often say that there must be some “reason” God still wants them here. Of course there is a reason but it is not one most think. It is not to save an old lady from being hit from a bus or to obtain a position of authority in the workplace; it’s to know the Lord as a real being. I believe he spares the lives of some to bring them into a relationship with Him. Mark 3:13 says, “And He went up on the mountain and summoned those whom He Himself wanted, and they came to Him.” If indeed He calls us to Himself, he would not allow us to go before we fulfilled the required connection He meant for us to have. “For I am confident of this very thing, that He who began a good work in you will perfect it until the day of Christ Jesus.” Philippians 1:6. God is the only one who can lift the veil from our eyes that clearly allows us to see Him and raises our spiritual life from death into a living testimony of His goodness. God uses our lives to show His grace, but in ourselves we could never do anything for God that he could not do Himself. Before we came to Christ we were dead and he will continue to work in us and save us from mortal death until His work is complete in us. "He has rescued us from a terrible death, and he will rescue us in the future. We are confident that he will continue to rescue us.” 2 Corinthians 1:10

Longsuffering

2008-07-28T19:01:00.003-06:00

Rejoice in suffering. Romans 5:3

According to John MacArthur’s book The Quest for Character, he claims the biblical word longsuffering is often neglected and is actually a character quality of real maturity. He goes on to say that “Longsuffering is a particular kind of patient, gentle, persevering self-control that especially comes into play in our dealings with people who deliberately try to provoke us.” Whether we are provoked deliberately or by the nature of a situation we will always have longsuffering to deal with. Endurance is a key trait of longsuffering 2 Timothy 2:12 says, “If we endure, we will also reign with him.” And Romans 8:18 it explains, “Yet what we suffer now is nothing compared to the glory he will reveal to us later.” We get entangled in a web of deceit that tells us when we go through trials it is a bad thing, rather than being joyful for being tested through fire. When metals go through the fire they are not burned but refined. Our Father wants to do such work in us so that we can have not only His character but peace within ourselves. If we suffer by the hand of our own ignorance what credit do we receive? To suffer with patience and be innocent, that is commendable in the sight of the Lord.

Dear friends, don’t be surprised at the fiery trials you are going through, as if something strange were happening to you. Instead, be very glad—for these trials make you partners with Christ in his suffering, so that you will have the wonderful joy of seeing his glory when it is revealed to all the world.
So be happy when you are insulted for being a Christian, for then the glorious Spirit of God rests upon you. If you suffer, however, it must not be for murder, stealing, making trouble, or prying into other people’s affairs. But it is no shame to suffer for being a Christian. Praise God for the privilege of being called by his name! For the time has come for judgment, and it must begin with God’s household. And if judgment begins with us, what terrible fate awaits those who have never obeyed God’s Good News? And also,
If the righteous are barely saved, what will happen to godless sinners?”
So if you are suffering in a manner that pleases God, keep on doing what is right, and trust your lives to the God who created you, for he will never fail you. 1 Peter 4:12-19

Fruit Of The Spirit

2008-07-27T22:57:00.006-06:00

The fruit of the spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law. Galatians 5:22-23

Most of the time the fruit I bear is none that I should be proud of: bad attitude, tiredness, and selfishness. The author of Ecclesiastes had written about his life, "Meaningless! Meaningless!" says the Teacher. “Utterly meaningless! Everything is meaningless. What does man gain from all his labor at which he toils under the sun?” Today we often toil over things which are meaningless: position, power, beauty, financial gain, and worldly wisdom. Of course there is nothing wrong with being successful in this world, but to whom does it bring glory to, ourselves or God? We can do everything under the sun to bring joy to ourselves and others and be a good person in general, but if it does not bring glory to God our Father it is all in vain. Proverbs 31:30 says about beauty, “Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the LORD is to be praised.” Worldly possessions are an added gift in this life but often bring temporary and artificial satisfaction. To possess a spirit of love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control will take a lifetime to obtain, but the reward will be enjoyed for an eternity spent with our Father. The Lord is calling us to character, one of which He possesses. We are to prepare ourselves, with His help, to enter into an everlasting kingdom which calls for a certain demeanor and the only way to achieve it is not by our own merit but by the grace that God gives us.

Lead Us Not Into Temptation

2008-04-25T10:30:00.003-06:00

“And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.” Matthew 6:13

I’m pretty sure that most of us are familiar with this passage, what I’m not so sure about is the fact that we pray this but continue to put ourselves in temptations way. It’s funny once you start coming to the Lord the things he reveals to you about yourself. In so many ways we are still like children who need constant correction and guidance. It’s humbling to know that if we continue to run our own lives without surrendering it to God we are ultimately headed for destruction. Matthew retells us the words of our Lord, "Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the body is weak." We may have every good intention of resisting temptation but when we think that ‘we’ can do it on our own steam we fail. If we are not on constant guard and conscience of the world around us we are vulnerable to the enemy. In Luke 22:46 Jesus told the disciples, "Why are you sleeping? Get up and pray so that you will not fall into temptation." We don’t want to be caught spiritually asleep, because it alters our perception, our decisions, our morals, our attitude, and our priorities. Being asleep also blocks our vision of God and allows our flesh to overcome us. If we call out to Him He listens. If we reach out to Him, He draws us in. If we trust in Him, He conquers for us! We know that this battle between good and evil is not ours, but we are caught in the middle. “The battle is not against flesh and blood but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, and against spiritual wickedness in high places” (Ephesians 6:12). Guard yourself with the armor of God trust in Him and He will provide for you a way. Don’t continue to put yourself in temptations door but if you are tempted (and you will be) rely on the Lord to deliver you, this is the promise of our Lord.

“No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it.” 1 Corinthians 10:13

What do you Treasure?

2008-04-20T15:54:00.002-06:00

“For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” Matthew 6:21

In our daily living, we hardly pay any mind to our mind. Our thoughts tend to be uncontrolled and under no clear submission. I used to think that my mind was my only real sanctuary. To me it was a place where I could think about how I really felt and about what I could or should have done. My mind was full of should of, would of, could of, and if only. I used to dwell on things that I couldn’t change or simply should have let go. The mind is filled with passion, raw, and untamed. Until you learn to bring it under the obedience of Christ you will always be slave to it. My very favorite passage is in Matthew 6:33 “But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.” The things we seek after effect our ‘heart’ and how our whole demeanor is perceived. Our earthly treasures will pass away and what we work so hard for is mostly in vein. When we ‘keep our eyes on the prize’ which is Christ, he rewards us with providing us with our needs. What we hold dear here and what we dwell on, is where our heart is. Do we dwell on things of the Lord and store our treasures in heaven instead of earth, or do we still chose to be slave to the ways of the world?

“Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.” Philippians 4:8

There is None Good But One

2008-04-19T15:31:00.002-06:00

"There is none good but one, that is God." Matthew 19:17

I have heard this passage many times in my life. I have agreed with the statement and also have quoted it before, but to actually know the meaning is something completely different. I had a dream awhile back. I dreamt that I was in a tall building and I was looking outside among many other people. It was gray outside and seemed like there was a storm about to come in. I saw the clouds across the sky and they were moving quickly, as I focused in on them I realized that it was actually a massive flock of birds. The number of them was substantial and quite scary to say the least. As the crowd of people where all drawn to the windows, one bird spotted us and started to fly towards us. As it approached, its size grew and its features were evil. The bird caught my eye and marked me as its target. I was terrified that I was going to be overcome by this creature. Then without a thought going through my mind, I grabbed the closest person and shielded myself behind him. The bird was distracted and flew away. As I stood trembling with fear I suddenly realized that I had just put someone in front of me to save myself. I had put someone else in harms way and that realization made me feel sick. There is none good but one. When I woke up my first thought was I would never put someone in harms way, but that’s not true. My initial reaction without any thought was to save myself. In daily situations in life we have the chance to ‘think before we react.’ Think!? We can say that we do that all we want but most of the times our actions are reactions without any mind to consequence. In result we upset our spouses, children, friends, co-workers, and yes Christ. There is none good but who? Christ. When we truly accept Him and He dwells within us, He works out our selfish desires. The way to eliminate our initial reaction of selfishness and negative reactions is to dwell on his word day and night, to be in constant fellowship with Him, and to pray always. Then the goodness that radiates from within you will not be your goodness; but the goodness that is in Christ, who dwells in you.