Listen to the Stories- Tell Yours Later

Proverbs 15:22  Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers they succeed.

A common mistake of leaders when joining a new organization (company, church, social group) is to move forward with an agenda without considering the history of the organization and its members. Even though you may hear a few perspectives, never let a few snapshots paint the whole picture. Ask tough questions, listen to the stories, and research the history of the organization and its people. Savior mentalities are sure to cause hurt feelings, unnecessary work and thus, the progress of your organization.

If you've been given the opportunity to lead a new organization, take time to learn about its history, its leaders and the people that currently run it. You may be surprised. In most cases, organizations and churches don't stay open long unless it has a strong history at some point- maybe even innovative. Why would this be helpful to you? Simply put, some people come into an organization or join a church as the self-labeled (whether consciously or not) "savior", but eventually they take on a burden not meant for them. After a short time, burn out is staring at you down the road where resentment befriends weariness.

John 15:4-5
4Remain in me, and I will remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me.
5"I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.

What was meant as whole "Body" or complete Team participation becomes relegated to people looking to a “savior”. No one is meant to be a savior- no one. That role is strictly reserved for one and one alone- Jesus. There are no superstars in ministry just fellow servants. When you identify yourself as a servant you communicate you are part of the team. Even though you may be exceptional, you still need a team to move forward.

We are saved for community. No man is an island, not even the Savior.

Jesus, I need your help today. I trust in you. I lack nothing. Thank you for the skills and traits you've given me that makes me who I am. I offer my life as a living sacrifice that it would bring You glory, because in the end, it’s all about You. Amen.

Take Authority Over Your Property

  Psalm 48:1-5
  1  Great is the LORD, and most worthy of praise, in the 

      city of our God, his holy mountain.

  2  It is beautiful in its loftiness, the joy of the whole earth. 

      Like the utmost heights of Zaphon is Mount Zion, 

      the city of the Great King.
  3 God is in her citadels; he has shown himself to be her 

      fortress.
  4 When the kings joined forces, when they advanced 

      together,
  5 they saw her and were astounded; they fled in terror.

In our weekly prayer meeting for the company, I was reminded a few things from this psalm. First of all, fortified cities like the one described here were places where citizens sought and found refuge. Usually, it was the wall of the city that was the first line of defense, then the massive arsenal of weaponry, and finally, the battalion of soldiers ready to defend that discouraged would be invaders.  Secondly, fortified cities stood on their own. They sometimes acted like their own country of sorts.

The psalmist here tells us that the strength of this city is not found its walls or armies, but by God's presence. Several points here:

  1. The believer is called a "temple" of the Holy Spirit

  2. Ownership of property gave you the right to speak

  3. Ownership of property was your stake and claim.

  4. The enemy's work is to gain ground by convincing you to

      "forfeit" your rights.  Think about Eve in the Garden of  Eden.

  5. In the original language, intercession is a terminology used

      in war- a clashing to gain ground.

Every owner and leader in a company should pray over the company and declare God's reign over it- yielding it to Him on a daily basis. But don't just pray for your job and company, but include those who work for you and their families. You'll also need to make sure to pray for your own "property"- whatever has your name on it including your children.  It is your right.

Father, thank you for the authority you gave us.  For Lord I know you own the cattle on a thousand hills.  I ask that you would watch over and protect the four corners of my property.  No only that but also uphold my company, my business, my position, and all that you have given me rights to.  May Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven.  Amen.

The Power of Silence (Hold Your Tongue)

Proverbs 10:19  When words are many, sin is not absent, but he who holds his tongue is wise

Never mistaken the lack of response for the lack of ability.  At some points, silence (holding your tongue) afford you a few things otherwise lost in hasty replies:

1. Gain a better perspective on what the real problem is.
    More time to process. Responding without full consideration
    eventually will trip you up, thus, slowing you down.

2. Save you the emotional draw it'll take to repent, apologize,
    and seek forgiveness for words spoken.

3. Give you a better view of your "enemy" (person or entity)-
    any areas of weakness exposed or can be exploited.

4. Extend more time to pray and seek wisdom from God.
    Holy Spirit's intervention and insight is the best source of help
    and vindication.

Father, you are my help without fail.  I rely on you today to walk me through it all.  I look to the left and then the right, so much to do.  I reaffirm today that you are my true Hope-source.  Thank you.  

My Hope

                                                             Artist: Lorena Vigil-Escalera
   
    Psalm 33
  
   18  But the eyes of the LORD are on those who fear him,
        on those whose hope is in his unfailing love,
   ¹⁹  to deliver them from death and keep them alive in famine.
   ²⁰  We wait in hope for the LORD;
        he is our help and our shield.
   ²¹ In him our hearts rejoice,  for we trust in his holy name.
   ²² May your unfailing love rest upon us, O LORD,
       even as we put our hope in you.

To say the economy has been a bit shaky would be an understatement. One moment we hear that progress is being made and the next we hear of companies missing their projected earnings and the sector and that sector of the economy was much weaker than thought. Either we've grown so cold and accustomed to this type of news that we have become calloused to it (tor protect our heart), or we've let it consume us (like a caterpillar eating a leaf).

The psalmist had it right in verse 22, "May your unfailing love rest upon us, O LORD, even as we put our hope in you.

One thing for sure and a solid practice- only put your hope in something or someone who cannot change. Yep, you know where I'm going with. The problem we have is we put our "hope" in a person or "vehicle" that seems to solve a problem we face at the moment- usually the most glaring one. But a new employee, a love interest for the holidays, or a budding achievement can only give us so much. What we end up doing is placing our hope in a "vehicle" that only met a temporary need.

Two things for sure here. Your problem is temporary and there will always be more. How is that for hope? I know a bit pale.  But the point is regardless of how we insulate our lives whether it is with people (even to codependency, more success, money, acts of mercy) or things, only serve as temporary answers to a temporary problem. In this fallen world, problems will ALWAYS exist.  Its the reality of growth and life. Thats why we say the "Challenge" of life not the "Stroll" of life.

In the Bible we learn God is our rock. He's a firm foundation that cannot be moved.  Furthermore, James writes,


Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows (1:17 NIV).


God is good and he does not change. The word change implies and applies to many places of our life; most importantly, He does not change his mind about his promises to us especially salvation. So regardless of how you "feel" today or whatever ambitious exploit you plan, take a deep breath, look up to heaven, and tell your heavenly Father what is on your mind. Recommit your heart to him today.  Place that whole weight of hope on the only One who can bear all of it for He does not change like shifting shadows.


Father, I thank you for you are my help and true hope. Today, I ask for your help even in small things. Direct my thoughts.  For I can do much with my strength, but it only goes so far.  But you LORD, you do all things as they should.  

Knowledge is Power

Psalm 32
  1 Blessed is he whose transgressions are forgiven, whose sins 
     are covered.
  2 Blessed is the man whose sin the LORD does not count against 
     him and in whose spirit is no deceit.
  3 When I kept silent,my bones wasted away through my groaning 
     all day long.
  4 For day and night your hand was heavy upon me;
     my strength was sapped as in the heat of summer. Selah
  5 Then I acknowledged my sin to you and did not cover up my 
     iniquity.  I said, "I will confess my transgressions to the LORD "—
      and you forgave the guilt of my sin. Selah
  6 Therefore let everyone who is godly pray to you while you may 
     be found;surely when the mighty waters rise, they will not reach him.
  7 You are my hiding place; you will protect me from trouble
    and surround me with songs of deliverance. Selah

A popular motto I heard throughout elementary and middle school was "Knowledge is Power". True, knowing more information does give me more "power" but that's only partially correct. Being knowledgeable doesn't always empower a person does it? Sometimes the things I hear burden me more than it emboldens me. So maybe we should add a disclaimer or modify this motto a little- "Knowledge of God is power". I like this one better.

When we come to know God, and I mean "know" him in the sense of intimacy, we are empowered. This is the safest kind of knowledge. Why? Well, for starters, there is nothing we need to know from God that he cannot empower us to accomplish. If God is the source, the bank of all our needs (both physical and spiritual), then He is more than able to give us all resources to properly act.

Read verse 1 again,
Blessed is he whose transgressions are forgiven, whose sins are covered

and then tie it in with verses 5 and 6,
   5 Then I acknowledged my sin to you and did not cover up my iniquity.
      I said, "I will confess my transgressions to the LORD "—
      and you forgave the guilt of my sin. Selah
  6 Therefore let everyone who is godly pray to you while you may be found;
     surely when the mighty waters rise, they will not reach him. "

Here's a thought. Which knowledge is more powerful? The one that informs you or one that frees you? This is getting philosophical I know but hand in there.  I think we can do a play on words but you get the idea.  In the end, I think the conclusion should be the same- however that it may empower me or us to ACT.

How powerful is a forgiven man or woman? I wish I could have been around slaves in the South once they realized the full measure of the signing of the Emancipation Proclamation. What did they look like (body language, eyes, community) when they realized they were "FREE!"?  Imagine the sounds heard throughout the country....wow.  Man, what a great victory over the cries of injustice. In the same way the slaves were elated to find out what freedom was accorded to them so a man or woman who comes to the realization and/or knowledge of forgiveness and relief of burdens. What a joy!

Today, glory in the knowledge that you have been forgiven. That you are more than what was told of you.  And don't just stop there.  Seek to know Him more. It is only the beginning. Knowing God is our Father, it should make things a lot easier. Notice I said "easier" but not "easy". Today, let's thank our Father for his love by sending Jesus and then glory in the knowledge that you and I have been forgiven and are free. What else does the "freedom" afford us?

God, thank you for the awareness of your love and the freedom you afford me. Your love is grand, your light is my help and strength. Thank you for your mercy and forgiveness. For this, I pray gratefully. Teach me the end of my life. Show me what should be the remainder of my life- I owe a great debt to you. I am blessed to be forgiven and empowered to act.  Show me how to use this knowledge today.

Full List - Top 10 Surprising Facts About the World's Oldest Bible - TIME

Full List - Top 10 Surprising Facts About the World's Oldest Bible
- TIME

Shared via AddThis

DEFENSE! DEFENSE!

Proverbs 22:3 A prudent man sees danger and takes refuge, but the simple keep going and suffer for it.

Ever been hit in the head or groin or any other sensitive part of your body? Don't worry, that is as crass as I'll get. But back to the question. What do you do once you've been hit? My first reaction is to protect myself particularly in the areas I fear more pain.

You know where I'm going with this. One of the issues we've studied in Bondage Breaker (ch.4) has to do with defense mechanisms. I hope you've looked at it in detail because truly, those who can discern whether their reaction and thinking are linked to defense mechanisms fair better.

It is one thing to have a good reason for how you react, and it's another to have insight into the true reason why you reacted a certain way. Defense mechanisms can prematurely solve an issue. If anything, it mask the issue(s) so you don't deal with yourself but rather, put it off to someone else or something. The Bible verse above is simple, if you see danger, take refuge. Basically, if you know it is a problem, seek help to address the problem. Many of us still go on each day hoping things will go away. Issues are not going to be resolved unless we address them properly. Defense mechanisms lend us a place to hide because we avoid confrontation.

How about today you make the decision to avoid the danger? If you are reacting to a comment or a situation with defense mechanisms, how about asking someone to hold you accountable? One of my favorite sayings is "own up to it". I mean, its not like I've mastered it, but one thing I want to make clear, I will not hide from it. God help me to be accountable for my actions.

Dear Father, give us eyes to see the danger and the humility to acknowledge it. Where we employ defense mechanisms, teach us to address the true issues not just the surface. Amen.

JAM!

I was very superstious growing up. I'm not sure where I got it from. Maybe it was hanging out with other peeps who shared their superstitions which maybe "made sense" then. I think thats what it was.

Without knowledge of the God, it is easy to make things to "explain" your "bad luck" or the fear you have inside. I remember I use to role down the window and spit out my window when a black cat crossed my path or for a while, I was scared to sleep in the fetal position because according to folk lore, it will make you poor. I didn't want to end up poor. Crazy huh? What "superstitions" or "folklore" do your practice?

I'm willing to bet a pretty penny that at least 20% of church goers believe in some folklore or superstition that is not close to being biblical. Jesus once said, 

"If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free (John 8:31-32 NIV)."

Jesus, the son of God came to direct us God's truth- all of it. Truth is ultimately what is "real" in the Kingdom of God. So believing in ghosts, leprechauns and Friday 13th is not a sin, its simply being unaware of the truth- the true nature of each of these. It's more like living in the dark and being okay with it.

What superstitions do you have? A favorite sock or a good luck charm? How about a cross necklace? It is time to put faith in the One rather than superstition.

Eschatology - Not Really

Do you even know what eschatology is? Prize to the one who can best explain it at Sunday School.

Matthew 22:37-39 (NIV)

Jesus replied: " 'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment. ³⁹And the second is like it: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.

This pic was taken a few months ago. For the last 2 years Sue and I have worked at making our ministry beneficial. Sometimes it is easy to forget why we do what you do. We can get "caught up" doing things for God and forget why we did it in the first place.

After all, what is the greatest command? Love God and love others. That's the bottom line. As a believer, I am to witness because I love my fellow man and want him/her to come to lasting relationship with Jesus- the Savior King.

As you go about scheduling your day and your weekend, remember, love God and love others. As a well known leadership guru once said, love people but manage things.

Truth Encounter - Bondage Breaker pg.28

John 8:32 (NIV) "Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free."

John 14:6 (NIV)  Jesus answered, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.

John 16:13 (NIV) But when he, the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into all truth. He will not speak on his own; he will speak only what he hears, and he will tell you what is yet to come.

When I was in college, we made it a point to share with others the "Truth" that could change people's lives. In reality, we only expressed the "Truth" as information and ideas. We debated words and ideas which was only a part of the "Truth". Since then, I've learned two things about the "Truth" that I didn't know before.

First of all, the truth is Jesus not just an argument about Him. The difference? The latter is about words and logic and giving people information while the former introduces them to Jesus Christ the Son of God who died for all our sins. Through Jesus we have a relationship with the Father. This is a real relationship that is not just information based. It is one thing to know I have a father, but it is another for my father to spend time with me, hang out, and do all the things that are tangible (something I can touch, see, & experience).

The second thing I've learned is truth is not just statements like, God is love. But rather, it is the combination of the knowledge that (God is love) and then experiencing how God loves me. I mean, think about the Samaritan woman in the Gospel of John. She heard about this God, but not until Jesus revealed himself to her that she then realized the King of kings was talking to her, ready to forgive her dark past, and wanted to have a true relationship with her. It was then that she experienced agape love.

So it's not enough to know the stories of the Bible. That's just the first step. We also need to experience God and take advantage of the benefits of being sons and daughters of the Heavenly King.

Dear God, thank you for today. You are a great God. I ask that You show yourself to me today. I know about you. In fact, I have heard of your fame. But today, this day, let me experience you and what it is to be your child.

Real Unity

http://partners-test.blogger.com/profile/04389029692580043632

Luke 9: 38-39 "Teacher," said John, "we saw a man driving out demons in your name and we told him to stop, because he was not one of us." Do not stop him," Jesus said. "No one who does a miracle in my name can in the next moment say anything bad about me, 40for whoever is not against us is for us. I tell you the truth, anyone who gives you a cup of water in my name is because you belong to Christ will certainly not lose his reward."

What really is unity? Is it simply agreeing with everyone and everything under the sun? Is there room for differing views within an organization and even the local church? Sure why not? At the end of the day, unity is not that I agree with you on everything, but that I agree that the end goal (the glory of God) is the destination. 

Whether it is within your church or your company, the approach of leaders may be different. As long as the end game (the glory of God) is accomplished, what is it to us that others must do things to our preference? Apply this to your company or to your ministry and watch God bring people with differing views add flavor to your organization.

Can you handle it?

God, open my eyes to what you are doing around me. Add flavor to my life by bringing those who will challenge me with differing views and perspectives. Give me the confidence to work with others, the humility to receive advice, and the wisdom to discern what to take in and what to agree to disagree. Let me greet all those who are in your service with love and reverence. In the strong and wonderful name of Jesus I pray, Amen.

Vietnam Accounts for 10%

http://myteedesigns.blogspot.com/2008/06/freedom.html

I just read a report that quantifies Vietnamese people (mostly women and babies) have accounted for 10% of "human trafficking" across the world since 1990. Most of these women are tricked into thinking they are marrying men who could pull them out of poverty. Now whether they chose it or it was imposed on them by their parents is less of a concern than the fact that around the world, in the 21st century there are people being taken and made into slaves.

When I was in school, my narrow window of awareness convinced me that the Emancipation Proclamation ended slavery- and so I reasoned, the world followed suit. That's what I thought. I have only been made aware of sex slaves and human trafficking within the last 2 years. I'm now 33.

We can do something about it. My wife and I just talked with a friend who shared that there is an opportunity for us to get involved in preventing human trafficking. For just $300 USD we can free a girl/lady destined to be sold to Thailand. This is such a small amount to do something life changing.

Keep you posted.

Without Compare

Psalm 103

⁸ The LORD is compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, abounding in love.

⁹ He will not always accuse, nor will he harbor his anger forever;

¹⁰ he does not treat us as our sins deserve or repay us according to our iniquities.

¹¹ For as high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is his love for those who fear him;

¹² as far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our transgressions from us.

¹³ As a father has compassion on his children, so the LORD has compassion on those who fear him;

¹⁹ The LORD has established his throne in heaven, and his kingdom rules over all.

²⁰ Praise the LORD, you his angels, you mighty ones who do his bidding,
who obey his word.

²¹ Praise the LORD, all his heavenly hosts, you his servants who do his will.

²² Praise the LORD, all his works everywhere in his dominion. Praise the LORD, O my soul.

Yesterday we celebrated the most influential event in history. Who in history has affected societies, transformed them more than Jesus Christ? There is no comparison. God's redemptive plan is beautify. The Resurrection of Christ is the greatest story in history.

I used to think Christianity ranked "higher" than other belief systems- just enough that I would choose it over others much like I like the ride of a Toyota over a Honda. Just little better. But as I walk with the Lord each day, there is truly no comparison. It's more like choosing between a luxury car and a child's bike to take me somewhere for 1,000 miles.

Which would you choose to take you there? Not much of a comparison is there? That's the different between sold out believers and those who are social believers. Its one thing to say you believe and another to live as a believer. I choose the latter.

And the Last

You ever thumb through photos of years ago and wonder what happened to the people you knew or places you went to for fun or with your family? That's where I'm at today. Looking.

Life of Abundance: Initial Thoughts

Life of Abundance: Initial Thoughts

The life of every believer must start with the premise that our God, our Father is a good God and He provides all that we need for life. In 2 Peter 1:3, the apostle reminds us that, “his divine power has given us everything we need for life…” .

Now let’s make clear one thing, our God is not about excessive living to fulfill our selfish “wants”, but what he gives us is an overabundance of what we need for each day, each moment of our lives. I do notice thought that God often holds out immediate blessings so that the receiver can be prepared.

Remember Joseph who was sold as a slave and remained faithful to God and his accuser even in prison? What was the result? Eventually, after living as a slave, learning how to manage a household, and being trained to oversee a household, he was elevated only second to Pharaoh. Like one pastor said, you have to have the testing to have a testimony.

When you scour through the Bible, you’ll find instances in which God provided more than enough for His people (The Exodus – Hebrew slaves received gold from their captors). Take note, these are not instances in which God gave to His children so that they would satisfy just themselves even though they may have. It was meant to bring God glory, to provide those involved the means for the task ahead, and to demonstrate to the people of Israel that HE indeed is their great abundance- no other god, counterfit leaders could compare. The bottomline was for complete reliance and trust in this God they were getting to know.

God wants you to know him. His plans for you are greater than your plans or any self-help author’s plans for you. John 10:10 tells us that Jesus intentions for us is the “abundant life” and John 15:5 reminds us that we are to bear MUCH fruit.

Don’t drink the kool-aid that this world and satan advertises- what glimmers can fulfill, but instead trust while waiting, walking in faith, being faithful, and declaring that in fact God is your Jehovah-Jireh. He is our, your provider. You have all you need in Him.

Dear Father, you are my help and my strength. You have all I need. Teach me today to trust that you can provide for me. Show me where my false thinking is concerning your goodness and ability to provide for me. I trust you. You have given me in abundance. You will provide for me financially, a job, a way out, at future mate, etc. Show me how you are providing for me today. Amen.

Be Like God: Defend, Speak Up

Psalm 8

14 But you, O God, do see trouble and grief; you consider it to take it in hand. The victim commits himself to you; you are the helper of the fatherless.

 16 The LORD is King for ever and ever; the nations will perish from his land.

 17 You hear, O LORD, the desire of the afflicted; 
       you encourage them, and you listen to their cry,

 18 defending the fatherless and the oppressed, 
       in order that man, who is of the earth, may terrify no more.

I'm still mulling over (consider at length) what I am to do when the "vision" is unclear.  God has been teaching me much.  In one regards, it has been a true revelation in itself.  Here is more of what is being discovered or rather, unveiled.  

If I have lost clarity of the vision (of purpose, of God, of my life) and need to draw near, what am I to do?  Ofcourse as believers, we should always pray, and I have always taught that during times of "drought" or as one author terms "the dark night of the soul".  We are to continue doing what we did last.  But even more than doing what we did last, we are to draw closer to the Father.  But the question is then do we draw closer to God?  Simple...here it is...do what pleases Him!  Here's another...do what captivates His heart.  

What will garner God's attention?  Here are a few things.  First of all, holy living.  Living a distinctly Christ-led life in which we bring glory to His name (rightful living, forgiving others, giving testimony of Gods goodness, exhibiting love, joy, peace, patience, ...Galatians 5:22-23) and secondly, loving our neighbors.

  

http://www.un.org/apps/news/photostories_detail.asp?PsID=31

If you are working on the first and are lost in it (don't know where to go next), practice the second.  God is attracted by us helping those in need.  Read the verses on top.  He helps the fatherless. 

So here is my point for the day.  We are called to stand up for those without a voice, help the fatherless, the widows, the orphans, the imprisioned, the poor, and those castigated from society.  We are to champion their cause.  When do we these things, we act like the Father, and when we do, we draw near to the Father.  God loves a compassionate heart. 

Matthew 25:34-36, 40

34"Then the King will say to those on his right, 'Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world. 35For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, 36I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.'

 40"The King will reply, 'I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.'

Why not research on needs out there.  Here are some:

     Ed Young, Jr. 

    http://www.edyoungblog.com/2008/11/c3-and-toms-shoes.html

    Bishop T.D. Jakes http://www.tdjenterprises.com/blog/?p=58

    Compassion International 

    http://www.compassion.com/default_a.htm

   Compassion Blog  http://blog.compassion.com/

   Coalition to Stop the Use of Child Solders 

    http://www.child-soldiers.org/childsoldiers/child-soldiers

I'm sure you can find others.  

May you find the heart of the Father as you do what is near and dear to his heart.  

Clear Vision

James 4:8a  Come near to God and  [H]e will come near to you.

I've been hungering for God's direction for the past few days more than ever.  Sometimes I go through bouts of asking God "what is going on" and other times I sense this connection so deep I can see the whole plan.  Anyone out there feeling lost just when you thought we were connected?  

I think the easiest thing to do is to give up or to even discount what I've been learning about God, but I've walked too long with the Lord to give in to deceiving thoughts.  These are not from my Father.  In the name of Jesus, I command these thoughts to cease.  Now Lord, give me thoughts that honor you.  Show me what You are doing.

Sue and I had a great dinner yesterday.  She shared with me what God taught her through her difficulties with her vision (eye problems).  When she shared this, God gave me this great image.  Think with me.  Most of us are near sighted.  If you somehow lose your glasses (lose clarity of your vision) what do you have to do to read something or see something clearly?  Simple right?  Get closer!  

http://homerepair.about.com/od/toolsmaterialsyouneed/ss/dt_safety_intro_6.htm

Here is what I was reminded.  Sometimes I will "feel" like I am disconnected from the vision that God has placed in my heart.  Sometimes I lose "sight" of the "vision" that He has placed on my life or just simply lose sight of Him.  What am I to do?  Draw near to Him.  Seek Him.    

When my nephew was scared, he would hold closer to me for safety.  I'm telling you, this is God's intention for us.  When we feel disconnected from Him, the "vision" of our life, or just feel that peril will over take us thats when we need to draw closer to God.  Afterall, aren't we sons and daughters of the Most High?

Father, thank you for your help.  Your wisdom abounds. I pray for more of it.  I need you today- especially today.  Please show me a glimpse of the worth of my life to You.  Amen.

Let God Lead You

Psalm 5:8  

       Lead me, O LORD, in your righteousness 

       because of my enemies— 

       make straight your way before me.

What a beautiful verse for the morning.  Check out The Message translation:

 8  ...here I am, prostrate in your inner sanctum, 
   Waiting for directions 

      to get me safely through enemy lines. 

Here is the psalmist (writer of this passage) showing his total reliance on God.  It reminds me of the Santa Claus devo I wrote a few days ago.  As children of God, we must seek him.  No greater a posture of reverance than to lay prostrate before him.  Have you tried it lately?  To simply come before God, maybe a little worship music or instrumental in the background, and just lay before him and groan- there are very few things beyond this that will connect you will God in such a powerful way.  Simply coming to God asking the Spirit to intercede for you.

image taken from http://www.jennifermorser.com/id5.html

Start your day right.  Come to God in humble prayer.  At times, when you are hard pressed or when your "enemies" come at you, the easier approach would be to get even or find a way to justify yourself.  Why spend so much time so focused on justifying your cause?  If you have honored God, done what you could before all eyes, and simply have relied on the Spirit's guidance, let God, your Father, speak for you.  How about today you lay yourself before Him, and simply say, "...here I am, ...waiting for directions, ...get me safely through enemy lines"?

Dear Father.  I wait for you this morning.  Despite my fierce desire to justify myself or render pay back, I simply will trust that you will cause all things for my benefit and that you will justify me.  Lead and guide me today.  Teach me humility.  Do this for me today- this my humble prayer.  Amen.

  

He Lifts My Head

Psalm 3:3-5

3 But you are a shield around me, O LORD;
you bestow glory on me and lift up my head.

4 To the LORD I cry aloud,
and he answers me from his holy hill. Selah

5 I lie down and sleep; I wake again, because the LORD sustains me

Growing up Vietnamese was confusing at times especially if you were educated in the states. At home I was taught to “live in humility and respect” towards those older or in higher authority. No doubt we were influenced by the Chinese philosopher, Confucius. I grew up always looking at the ground instead of looking directly at people.

In school I was encouraged to “speak up” and ask questions, but at home “speaking up” was taken as challenging authority. What a dichotomy. My teachers were frustrated that I never asked questions in class, and then when I mustered the nerves to speak up, my parents would remind me of my place- never question them.

As I study God’s word, I am reminded of the liberty we have in Christ. We don’t have to walk around like we are ashamed or as if we are the lowliest people on earth. Surely humility is not just found in “the posture”. If it were, Asians would be the humblest people on earth, and you and I know that Asians are not that humble! It takes more than bowing our physical body to be humble- especially towards God.

Back to my original thought- God lifts our head up high. Our heavenly Father sustains us and gives us reason to lift our head. We don’t have to walk around like we are the lowliest of people, but we can hold our head high because our Father is pleased with us because we are made right with Him through His son, Jesus.

As you go about today, here are three things to think about:

1. God is our shield. What is one to do with a shield? Hind behind it and seek its protection. Praise God that He is our shield and protection. Ask Him to protect your heart, your thoughts, your body, your family, and your spiritual growth today.

2. God answers us. Yes, He hears your prayers. Call to Him.

3. We have no fear of what is ahead and even the events passed because our God watches over us and turns all things for our benefit. And because I know God watches over me with good intentions I can rest without fear. Walk about today knowing that whatever comes your way is in God’s sight.

Dear Father, I rest in you today. You are my strength and shield. Thank you for my rest last night, and please continue to keep your eyes on me. Where are you at work that I may join you? Amen.