Ephesians 6:13-17 NIV Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.
My two year old is absolutely engrossed by anything princess-related! Disney movies, dolls and dresses! In fact, she associates any type of dress with being a princess. A few days ago, I wore a dress to work and she said, "Mommy, you're a princess!" :-) Whenever she pays attention to our wedding photos, she points to me and says, "princess." Whenever she wears a dress, she identifies herself as a princess. It does not matter to her what kind of dress it is: summer, dressy or casual.
The point is that when she wears a dress and identifies herself as a princess, her attitude is different. She feels prettier and she's prancing around the house, twirling around in her dress!
My question to you today is "what are you wearing?" Are you putting on the full armor of God? When you're wearing the full armor of God, is your attitude different? It should be. You are an ambassador of Christ and what you "wear" should be representative of this fact. The scripture says that we should wear the belt of truth, breastplate of righteousness, gospel of peace as shoes, shield of faith, helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit.
As you begin your week, be sure that as you're putting on your physical clothes, you do not slack in dressing your spiritual man as well. What you're wearing spiritually is very important as it will impact your attitude and your entire day.
May you experience the life that God has called you to live as you dress as Kings and Queens in your spiritual gear!
Monday, April 29, 2013
Wednesday, April 24, 2013
God will bring you back!
2 Samuel 14:14b But God does not just sweep life away; instead, he devises ways to bring us back when we have been separated from him.
When I read this verse in my studies the other night, I thought, "wow, that's pretty awesome!" :-)
Sometimes we can find ourselves in a strange place not knowing how we got there. When we make a series of wrong choices or choices outside of God's will for our lives, we will definitely end up in a place where we shouldn't be.
God's desire for us is to love Him and His people and walk according to the purpose that He has set before us. When we do not spend time in His presence praying & listening to Him or studying His Word, we end up "lost."
Even though we won't always do what God wants us to do when He wants us to do it, the great news is that within His wonderful plan for our lives, He has meticulously arranged for us to find our way back to Him.
So every time something "bad" happens in your life, don't give credit to satan. God may be just using that situation to bring you back into His loving arms. He desires closeness with you! Whenever you find yourself drifting away, He is only a prayer away!
May you experience peace & understanding beyond your comprehension today! Wishing you many blessings!
Tuesday, April 23, 2013
Cover-up
2 Samuel 11:27 NLT "When the period of mourning was over, David sent for her and brought her to the palace, and she became one of his wives. Then she gave birth to a son. But the Lord was displeased with what David had done."
Have you ever sinned? Well of course you have right? What kind of question is that? Have you ever tried to cover up your sin by trying to make it right?
This chapter discusses how David sinned when he slept with Bathsheba (another man's wife) and got her pregnant. David attempted to cover up his sin by sending for her husband (he was away at war) so that he could come home and sleep with her. When that didn't work, David arranged for his murder. In addition to that, he brought her into the palace and married her after her husband's death. (This was David's attempt to make it right)
Although many of us may not have done exactly what David did, we may have times in our lives where we tried to "fix" our wrong. The truth is that we cannot fix our sin. We must simply confess our sin and turn away from it. We cannot be deceived and think that we can fix our sin or that we won't reap the consequences of our sin.
When we are aware of our sin, God expects us to live better. We are not to continue purposely living in sin.
1 John 1:8-10 NLT If we claim we have no sin, we are only fooling ourselves and not living in the truth. But if we confess our sins to him, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all wickedness. If we claim we have not sinned, we are calling God a liar and showing that his word has no place in our hearts.
May you find strength in God's word and power to redeem your sins. May you also have the courage to be faithful in your daily walk with Christ!
Have a blessed day!
Have you ever sinned? Well of course you have right? What kind of question is that? Have you ever tried to cover up your sin by trying to make it right?
This chapter discusses how David sinned when he slept with Bathsheba (another man's wife) and got her pregnant. David attempted to cover up his sin by sending for her husband (he was away at war) so that he could come home and sleep with her. When that didn't work, David arranged for his murder. In addition to that, he brought her into the palace and married her after her husband's death. (This was David's attempt to make it right)
Although many of us may not have done exactly what David did, we may have times in our lives where we tried to "fix" our wrong. The truth is that we cannot fix our sin. We must simply confess our sin and turn away from it. We cannot be deceived and think that we can fix our sin or that we won't reap the consequences of our sin.
When we are aware of our sin, God expects us to live better. We are not to continue purposely living in sin.
1 John 1:8-10 NLT If we claim we have no sin, we are only fooling ourselves and not living in the truth. But if we confess our sins to him, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all wickedness. If we claim we have not sinned, we are calling God a liar and showing that his word has no place in our hearts.
May you find strength in God's word and power to redeem your sins. May you also have the courage to be faithful in your daily walk with Christ!
Have a blessed day!
Thursday, April 18, 2013
Find Your Strength!
1 Samuel 30:6-8 NLT David was now in great danger because all his men were very bitter about losing their sons and daughters, and they began to talk of stoning him. But David found strength in the Lord his God. Then he said to Abiathar the priest, “Bring me the ephod!” So Abiathar brought it. Then David asked the Lord, “Should I chase after this band of raiders? Will I catch them?”
And the Lord told him, “Yes, go after them. You will surely recover everything that was taken from you!”
David came back to find that he and his army lost everything (including family). His men then started speaking of stoning him. In the midst of all that, David found strength in the Lord.
How did he find strength in the Lord?
1. He sought after God for direction.
2. In return, God answered his prayers and told him that he would be restored!! So refreshing!
God is faithful and His Word is true. Even in today's time, God can restore you! You may lose your job, possessions or family but God can give that all back to you (remember Job?); He simply wants your obedience and faithfulness. I've been in a place where I lost my job [even with my degrees and certification, I was certain that I am one of the best qualified. I thought if I ever lost a job, I could get another quickly because of my credentials. None of that happened the way I thought it would. It took 6 months to find employment again, however, I learned through it all that most importantly, God wanted my heart. He wanted me to seek Him!] So, I can testify that God is certainly faithful.
I encourage you to find your strength in Him daily. Seek Him daily! Love Him daily!
Have a blessed rest of the week!
And the Lord told him, “Yes, go after them. You will surely recover everything that was taken from you!”
David came back to find that he and his army lost everything (including family). His men then started speaking of stoning him. In the midst of all that, David found strength in the Lord.
How did he find strength in the Lord?
1. He sought after God for direction.
2. In return, God answered his prayers and told him that he would be restored!! So refreshing!
God is faithful and His Word is true. Even in today's time, God can restore you! You may lose your job, possessions or family but God can give that all back to you (remember Job?); He simply wants your obedience and faithfulness. I've been in a place where I lost my job [even with my degrees and certification, I was certain that I am one of the best qualified. I thought if I ever lost a job, I could get another quickly because of my credentials. None of that happened the way I thought it would. It took 6 months to find employment again, however, I learned through it all that most importantly, God wanted my heart. He wanted me to seek Him!] So, I can testify that God is certainly faithful.
I encourage you to find your strength in Him daily. Seek Him daily! Love Him daily!
Have a blessed rest of the week!
Tuesday, April 16, 2013
Fearful friends?
1 Samuel 23:1-5 NLT One day news came to David that the Philistines were at Keilah stealing grain from the threshing floors. David asked the Lord, “Should I go and attack them?” “Yes, go and save Keilah,” the Lord told him. But David’s men said, “We’re afraid even here in Judah. We certainly don’t want to go to Keilah to fight the whole Philistine army!” So David asked the Lord again, and again the Lord replied, “Go down to Keilah, for I will help you conquer the Philistines.” So David and his men went to Keilah. They slaughtered the Philistines and took all their livestock and rescued the people of Keilah.
In the above referenced passage of scripture, David asked the Lord a specific question and received a specific answer. The interesting thing is that even after David received confirmation from the Lord, the fear of his mean caused David to question the Lord and ask him the same question again. He asked in a "Are you sure, Lord?" kind of way.
I think it is wise to seek Godly counsel but I don't think that we should allow the fear and doubt of those around us to question what we already know to be true or question what God has already confirmed for us. This is why it is so important to seek the Lord for yourself! Seek the Lord above all things and He will certainly direct your path but you must trust Him and walk in faith.
When those around you are causing you to question the direction that God is leading you in, continue to stand firm in God's Word. Remain steadfast and unwavering. Do not be a double-minded person.
May the Lord continue to lift you by His power, encourage you to stand strong in faith and equip you to walk along the path that He has predestined for you!
In the above referenced passage of scripture, David asked the Lord a specific question and received a specific answer. The interesting thing is that even after David received confirmation from the Lord, the fear of his mean caused David to question the Lord and ask him the same question again. He asked in a "Are you sure, Lord?" kind of way.
I think it is wise to seek Godly counsel but I don't think that we should allow the fear and doubt of those around us to question what we already know to be true or question what God has already confirmed for us. This is why it is so important to seek the Lord for yourself! Seek the Lord above all things and He will certainly direct your path but you must trust Him and walk in faith.
When those around you are causing you to question the direction that God is leading you in, continue to stand firm in God's Word. Remain steadfast and unwavering. Do not be a double-minded person.
May the Lord continue to lift you by His power, encourage you to stand strong in faith and equip you to walk along the path that He has predestined for you!
Monday, April 15, 2013
Be Anxious for No Thing
Philippians 4:6-7 NIV "Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."
Yesterday, I was having a conversation with my husband and a dear friend regarding knowing who you are in Christ and what you have been called to do. It was a very interesting conversation and a lot of great points were brought up.
As we discussed how important it is to know what you're called to do, we also discussed how important it is to know what you're not called to do! That is very powerful. If you're in a place where you're unsure of what you're supposed to be doing, you will probably end up constantly distracted and all over the place. Even though what seems like a great opportunity presents itself, you will have the power to turn it down if you know that isn't what you're supposed to be doing. (Good opportunities can be distractions too)
One of the examples that was brought up during our conversation is about my friend's mom. In her example, she discussed how her mom was presented with an opportunity to host a radio show!!! Doesn't that sound awesome?!? Of course it is, but it wasn't the awesome opportunity for her! She turned it down with confidence because she is very much aware of where she is supposed to be and the open doors that are meant just for her! I thought that was awesome. I'm sure some of the people around her thought that she was missing out on something great but she knew where she was headed!
There are times when we're in a place where we dislike our current jobs and would be willing to jump on the next train coming just to get out of the position we're in. However, I'd like to encourage you to seek God and where it is He is trying to take you. When you're aware of your destination, you know that all trains won't take you there. Be patient and wait on the train that is meant to take you there!
As you go about your week, I pray that you seek guidance and find peace in the direction that God is leading you. Don't be so quick to move if you aren't sure where you're going. Let the power of God's Holy Spirit lead you! ;-)
Have a blessed week!
(If you missed my radio appearance on The Review with Joy & Company radio show, please be sure to check it out on my website. It is now posted there. Go to www.encouraging-works.com and click on the 'Craves & Conversations' tab)
Yesterday, I was having a conversation with my husband and a dear friend regarding knowing who you are in Christ and what you have been called to do. It was a very interesting conversation and a lot of great points were brought up.
As we discussed how important it is to know what you're called to do, we also discussed how important it is to know what you're not called to do! That is very powerful. If you're in a place where you're unsure of what you're supposed to be doing, you will probably end up constantly distracted and all over the place. Even though what seems like a great opportunity presents itself, you will have the power to turn it down if you know that isn't what you're supposed to be doing. (Good opportunities can be distractions too)
One of the examples that was brought up during our conversation is about my friend's mom. In her example, she discussed how her mom was presented with an opportunity to host a radio show!!! Doesn't that sound awesome?!? Of course it is, but it wasn't the awesome opportunity for her! She turned it down with confidence because she is very much aware of where she is supposed to be and the open doors that are meant just for her! I thought that was awesome. I'm sure some of the people around her thought that she was missing out on something great but she knew where she was headed!
There are times when we're in a place where we dislike our current jobs and would be willing to jump on the next train coming just to get out of the position we're in. However, I'd like to encourage you to seek God and where it is He is trying to take you. When you're aware of your destination, you know that all trains won't take you there. Be patient and wait on the train that is meant to take you there!
As you go about your week, I pray that you seek guidance and find peace in the direction that God is leading you. Don't be so quick to move if you aren't sure where you're going. Let the power of God's Holy Spirit lead you! ;-)
Have a blessed week!
(If you missed my radio appearance on The Review with Joy & Company radio show, please be sure to check it out on my website. It is now posted there. Go to www.encouraging-works.com and click on the 'Craves & Conversations' tab)
Friday, April 12, 2013
Don't Be Afraid
Joshua 1:9 NLT This is my command—be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”
This is one of my favorite scriptures!
Why? It encourages, inspires and comforts me as I strive to live the life of destiny that God has called me to live.
In the midst of our excitement to operate in excellence and live the lives we were destined to live, we will sometimes become distracted, confused, frustrated or tired.
How so?
When you're doing what you're supposed to do, the enemy's primary goal is to get you off track so many distractions will come. The distractions will come up in many forms; whether they are things that you enjoy doing, time wasters, or even people. Confusion will often surface when there is the slightest bit of uncertainty. The enemy will use this opening and drive it way out of proportion. We become frustrated when things aren't going the way we thought they would (even when we believe that God is leading us). We can even become tired and worn out from all the of the energy that we put into our assignment.
Even though things may not always go as planned, just be mindful that God is always with you. He encourages us in His Word to be strong and courageous because He knows that there will be times when we will not feel this way. His presence should comfort us because he promised that He would be with us wherever we go.
If you're doing what you're supposed to be doing, be encouraged to know that God wants you to be strong and recognize that He is with you. His presence will set you apart. So don't be afraid, walk in the victory that you have already been given in Christ Jesus!!
(Tomorrow is the Big Day! Tune in to 100.7 FM The Word at 7:30p.m. to listen to my radio interview discussing my new book, The Life Your Spirit Craves. Don't have the station? Catch it online live at www.thewordfm.com)
This is one of my favorite scriptures!
Why? It encourages, inspires and comforts me as I strive to live the life of destiny that God has called me to live.
In the midst of our excitement to operate in excellence and live the lives we were destined to live, we will sometimes become distracted, confused, frustrated or tired.
How so?
When you're doing what you're supposed to do, the enemy's primary goal is to get you off track so many distractions will come. The distractions will come up in many forms; whether they are things that you enjoy doing, time wasters, or even people. Confusion will often surface when there is the slightest bit of uncertainty. The enemy will use this opening and drive it way out of proportion. We become frustrated when things aren't going the way we thought they would (even when we believe that God is leading us). We can even become tired and worn out from all the of the energy that we put into our assignment.
Even though things may not always go as planned, just be mindful that God is always with you. He encourages us in His Word to be strong and courageous because He knows that there will be times when we will not feel this way. His presence should comfort us because he promised that He would be with us wherever we go.
If you're doing what you're supposed to be doing, be encouraged to know that God wants you to be strong and recognize that He is with you. His presence will set you apart. So don't be afraid, walk in the victory that you have already been given in Christ Jesus!!
(Tomorrow is the Big Day! Tune in to 100.7 FM The Word at 7:30p.m. to listen to my radio interview discussing my new book, The Life Your Spirit Craves. Don't have the station? Catch it online live at www.thewordfm.com)
Thursday, April 11, 2013
What God thinks or what I think...
1 Samuel 15:17 NLT And Samuel told him, “Although you may think little of yourself, are you not the leader of the tribes of Israel? The Lord has anointed you king of Israel."
Earlier in this chapter, God gave Saul specific instructions to destroy the Amalekites. Saul did what he was told but with variation. He was partially obedient. He decided that he would keep the best of the animals--all that appealed to them and he spared the king's life. In God's eyes, partial obedience is still disobedience. Because of Saul's disobedience, he was rejected by the Lord as king of Israel.
Saul didn't quite understand the magnitude of his position. He didn't understand that he was held in high esteem because of chosen position. God specifically chose him to be King of Israel. Likewise, in life, I don't think we fully understand our positions either. We are ambassadors of Christ! We oftentimes don't act this way or think of the effect our actions have on ourselves and those around us.
A few things to think about:
1. What is your current position in life?
2. What has God called you to do?
-Remember that to whom much is given, much is required. In this case, Saul was in a position of authority and given a task to complete. Regardless of what you think of yourself when you are in a leadership position, you have to realize that you are an ambassador for Christ and that you have been chosen! Your actions matter! God wants your obedience more than anything. See verse 22.
3. Examine yourself. Are you being obedient and living up to the standard that has been placed before you?
You are a King! You are a Queen! It's time to start living like it! You are called to live up to higher standards. You cannot live any kind of way. Live like the King or Queen that you are!
May your day be filled with the peace and presence of Almighty God!
(Be sure to listen to my interview discussing my book, "The Life Your Spirit Craves" with Joy and Company on 100.7FM The Word on Saturday, April 13, 2013 at 7:30 p.m. You may also listen online at www.thewordfm.com)
Earlier in this chapter, God gave Saul specific instructions to destroy the Amalekites. Saul did what he was told but with variation. He was partially obedient. He decided that he would keep the best of the animals--all that appealed to them and he spared the king's life. In God's eyes, partial obedience is still disobedience. Because of Saul's disobedience, he was rejected by the Lord as king of Israel.
Saul didn't quite understand the magnitude of his position. He didn't understand that he was held in high esteem because of chosen position. God specifically chose him to be King of Israel. Likewise, in life, I don't think we fully understand our positions either. We are ambassadors of Christ! We oftentimes don't act this way or think of the effect our actions have on ourselves and those around us.
A few things to think about:
1. What is your current position in life?
2. What has God called you to do?
-Remember that to whom much is given, much is required. In this case, Saul was in a position of authority and given a task to complete. Regardless of what you think of yourself when you are in a leadership position, you have to realize that you are an ambassador for Christ and that you have been chosen! Your actions matter! God wants your obedience more than anything. See verse 22.
3. Examine yourself. Are you being obedient and living up to the standard that has been placed before you?
You are a King! You are a Queen! It's time to start living like it! You are called to live up to higher standards. You cannot live any kind of way. Live like the King or Queen that you are!
May your day be filled with the peace and presence of Almighty God!
(Be sure to listen to my interview discussing my book, "The Life Your Spirit Craves" with Joy and Company on 100.7FM The Word on Saturday, April 13, 2013 at 7:30 p.m. You may also listen online at www.thewordfm.com)
Wednesday, April 10, 2013
Sharing the Vision
1 Samuel 10:16 NLT “He told us that the donkeys had already been found,” Saul replied. But Saul didn’t tell his uncle what Samuel said about the kingdom.
Earlier in this chapter, Samuel anointed Saul as king and then explained several signs that would be fulfilled. Everything Samuel told Saul was fulfilled that very same day. When Saul ran into his uncle at the place of worship, his uncle questioned where he'd been. Saul explained that he went looking for the donkeys (which is what he initially sought out to do not knowing the plans that God had in store for him at that time).
In today's key verse, Saul told his uncle what Samuel said to him regarding the donkeys but he did not share the vision that was given to him (Saul being king).
We can learn important lessons from Saul's choice to not share the vision with his uncle. One of the most important lessons is that you cannot share your vision with everyone. I learned this little nugget when I began writing my first book.
1. Others can sometimes cast doubt and discouragement when you share your vision. This may not be intentional but everyone will not be able to see where God is taking you and what He wants to do in your life.
2. Timing: It may not be the right time for you to share the vision because you may not be prepared. You may have the vision but no plan. Make sure that you have done all that you need to do before you share the vision. Don't share it prematurely!
3. Some people are just downright mean and can't handle the vision! They will just have to wait until the vision comes to past. These people may not even believe you if you told them anyway.
The bottom line is that you have to protect and cultivate the vision that God has given you. Don't be discouraged if others don't believe in you or your vision as much as you do. God believes in you because He gave it to you! Continue to seek Him for guidance and everything will work according to His plan!
Peace and blessings upon you today!
(Check out my radio interview with Joy & Company on Saturday, April 13, 2013 at 7:30 p.m. on 100.7 FM The Word. You may also listen online at thewordfm.com)
Earlier in this chapter, Samuel anointed Saul as king and then explained several signs that would be fulfilled. Everything Samuel told Saul was fulfilled that very same day. When Saul ran into his uncle at the place of worship, his uncle questioned where he'd been. Saul explained that he went looking for the donkeys (which is what he initially sought out to do not knowing the plans that God had in store for him at that time).
In today's key verse, Saul told his uncle what Samuel said to him regarding the donkeys but he did not share the vision that was given to him (Saul being king).
We can learn important lessons from Saul's choice to not share the vision with his uncle. One of the most important lessons is that you cannot share your vision with everyone. I learned this little nugget when I began writing my first book.
1. Others can sometimes cast doubt and discouragement when you share your vision. This may not be intentional but everyone will not be able to see where God is taking you and what He wants to do in your life.
2. Timing: It may not be the right time for you to share the vision because you may not be prepared. You may have the vision but no plan. Make sure that you have done all that you need to do before you share the vision. Don't share it prematurely!
3. Some people are just downright mean and can't handle the vision! They will just have to wait until the vision comes to past. These people may not even believe you if you told them anyway.
The bottom line is that you have to protect and cultivate the vision that God has given you. Don't be discouraged if others don't believe in you or your vision as much as you do. God believes in you because He gave it to you! Continue to seek Him for guidance and everything will work according to His plan!
Peace and blessings upon you today!
(Check out my radio interview with Joy & Company on Saturday, April 13, 2013 at 7:30 p.m. on 100.7 FM The Word. You may also listen online at thewordfm.com)
Thursday, April 4, 2013
Speak Lord, I'm Listening
1 Samuel 3:10 NLT
And the Lord came and called as before, “Samuel! Samuel!”
And Samuel replied, “Speak, your servant is listening.”
If you read the previous verses in this chapter, you will learn that Samuel has just discerned God's voice. Once he did, he made himself available to God to receive the message that God was giving him.
Quite often in our lives, we're so busy with tons of things that we don't even set aside time to hear what God is saying to us. We often pray but we rarely make time to listen.
If you desire a more intimate and meaningful relationship with your Savior, I encourage you to set aside a specific time in your day where you can commune with God uninterrupted: no TV, no spouse, no kids, no cell phone, no Internet or anything else that will distract you. Make yourself available to Him. I often find that it is those times when I'm by myself that I receive all of the inspiration, direction and encouragement I need from God. It is in those quiet moments that I receive my fill of Him.
God is waiting for you to make yourself available and say, "Speak Lord, I'm listening."
And the Lord came and called as before, “Samuel! Samuel!”
And Samuel replied, “Speak, your servant is listening.”
If you read the previous verses in this chapter, you will learn that Samuel has just discerned God's voice. Once he did, he made himself available to God to receive the message that God was giving him.
Quite often in our lives, we're so busy with tons of things that we don't even set aside time to hear what God is saying to us. We often pray but we rarely make time to listen.
If you desire a more intimate and meaningful relationship with your Savior, I encourage you to set aside a specific time in your day where you can commune with God uninterrupted: no TV, no spouse, no kids, no cell phone, no Internet or anything else that will distract you. Make yourself available to Him. I often find that it is those times when I'm by myself that I receive all of the inspiration, direction and encouragement I need from God. It is in those quiet moments that I receive my fill of Him.
God is waiting for you to make yourself available and say, "Speak Lord, I'm listening."
Wednesday, April 3, 2013
Here I am...Is God calling you?
1 Samuel 3:3-10 NLT "The lamp of God had not yet gone out, and Samuel was sleeping in the Tabernacle near the Ark of God. Suddenly the Lord called out, “Samuel!”
“Yes?” Samuel replied. “What is it?”
He got up and ran to Eli. “Here I am. Did you call me?”
“I didn’t call you,” Eli replied. “Go back to bed.” So he did.
Then the Lord called out again, “Samuel!”
Again Samuel got up and went to Eli. “Here I am. Did you call me?”
“I didn’t call you, my son,” Eli said. “Go back to bed.”
Samuel did not yet know the Lord because he had never had a message from the Lord before.
So the Lord called a third time, and once more Samuel got up and went to Eli. “Here I am. Did you call me?”
Then Eli realized it was the Lord who was calling the boy.
So he said to Samuel, “Go and lie down again, and if someone calls again, say, ‘Speak, Lord, your servant is listening.’” So Samuel went back to bed.
And the Lord came and called as before, “Samuel! Samuel!”
And Samuel replied, “Speak, your servant is listening.”
In this passage of scripture, Samuel learned the voice of God. This was the first time that God spoke to Samuel and the first three times the Lord called his name, Samuel didn't recognize His voice. The scripture tells us in verse 7 that Samuel did not yet know the Lord because he had never had a message from the Lord before.
How easy is it to miss God speaking to us?! Here are some reasons we may miss God speaking to us:
1. We don't know His voice.
2. The way in which He speaks to us is unexpected.
3. We don't know God.
The scripture tells us that God reveals himself by His Word. We cannot know God's word unless we study and live it. When we learn God's Word, we learn His voice. (John 10:4) When we learn God's Word and His voice, spiritual discernment will help us to know and understand when God is speaking to us.
My prayer is that we as God's people, learn His word and His ways so that we may not miss the message that He is giving to us! As you go throughout your day today, may your heart and spirit be sensitive to God's voice and where He is leading you!
“Yes?” Samuel replied. “What is it?”
He got up and ran to Eli. “Here I am. Did you call me?”
“I didn’t call you,” Eli replied. “Go back to bed.” So he did.
Then the Lord called out again, “Samuel!”
Again Samuel got up and went to Eli. “Here I am. Did you call me?”
“I didn’t call you, my son,” Eli said. “Go back to bed.”
Samuel did not yet know the Lord because he had never had a message from the Lord before.
So the Lord called a third time, and once more Samuel got up and went to Eli. “Here I am. Did you call me?”
Then Eli realized it was the Lord who was calling the boy.
So he said to Samuel, “Go and lie down again, and if someone calls again, say, ‘Speak, Lord, your servant is listening.’” So Samuel went back to bed.
And the Lord came and called as before, “Samuel! Samuel!”
And Samuel replied, “Speak, your servant is listening.”
In this passage of scripture, Samuel learned the voice of God. This was the first time that God spoke to Samuel and the first three times the Lord called his name, Samuel didn't recognize His voice. The scripture tells us in verse 7 that Samuel did not yet know the Lord because he had never had a message from the Lord before.
How easy is it to miss God speaking to us?! Here are some reasons we may miss God speaking to us:
1. We don't know His voice.
2. The way in which He speaks to us is unexpected.
3. We don't know God.
The scripture tells us that God reveals himself by His Word. We cannot know God's word unless we study and live it. When we learn God's Word, we learn His voice. (John 10:4) When we learn God's Word and His voice, spiritual discernment will help us to know and understand when God is speaking to us.
My prayer is that we as God's people, learn His word and His ways so that we may not miss the message that He is giving to us! As you go throughout your day today, may your heart and spirit be sensitive to God's voice and where He is leading you!
Tuesday, April 2, 2013
Flirting with the enemy
Scripture reference: Judges 16:1-22
There is something that has always puzzled me about Samson. After Delilah constantly asked what made Him weak, then attempted to trap him with those very things he told her would make him weak, he told her his secret anyway! Why would he do that? Didn't he know that she was setting him up? Was it that he was so deeply in love with her? The bible never says that she loved him back. She was using him to get the money promised to her by the Philistine rulers.
After pondering this for a while, I started to think about myself and the behavior of the entire Christian community. Don't we also "flirt" with the enemy? We know that the enemy wants to steal our joy, depress us, strip us of our faith and power and yet we continue to entertain the likes of him and what he offers. We know what our weaknesses are. We know what makes our powers low and sometimes without a second thought, we give the power that God has given to us to the enemy.
How? We continue to engage in sinful activities. We go places we shouldn't. We say things that we shouldn't say. We don't spend time studying God's word or in prayer! These things, among others, deplete us of our power. We are sucked dry, drained of our power when we are not being who God has called us to be.
Today, I encourage you to examine your power meter. Don't allow the enemy or anyone else to drain you of the power of God that has been placed within you. :-)
(If you haven't already, please be sure to check out my new book, "The Life Your Spirit Craves" at www.encouraging-works.com)
There is something that has always puzzled me about Samson. After Delilah constantly asked what made Him weak, then attempted to trap him with those very things he told her would make him weak, he told her his secret anyway! Why would he do that? Didn't he know that she was setting him up? Was it that he was so deeply in love with her? The bible never says that she loved him back. She was using him to get the money promised to her by the Philistine rulers.
After pondering this for a while, I started to think about myself and the behavior of the entire Christian community. Don't we also "flirt" with the enemy? We know that the enemy wants to steal our joy, depress us, strip us of our faith and power and yet we continue to entertain the likes of him and what he offers. We know what our weaknesses are. We know what makes our powers low and sometimes without a second thought, we give the power that God has given to us to the enemy.
How? We continue to engage in sinful activities. We go places we shouldn't. We say things that we shouldn't say. We don't spend time studying God's word or in prayer! These things, among others, deplete us of our power. We are sucked dry, drained of our power when we are not being who God has called us to be.
Today, I encourage you to examine your power meter. Don't allow the enemy or anyone else to drain you of the power of God that has been placed within you. :-)
(If you haven't already, please be sure to check out my new book, "The Life Your Spirit Craves" at www.encouraging-works.com)
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