May Cover Photo (2013)*

A Mustard Seed

                                                                                                                                  - Photo by Rachel J Newman

I Challenge You (5.31.13)

I challenge you to believe in Me more than you ever have before. 

I challenge you to lean and depend upon Me with all your heart to do exceeding abundantly more than you desire. I challenge you to shake off all doubts and fears that plague you, and once again, dare to believe in Me for the impossible.

I challenge you to test Me and see if I will be the One who provides that which you need. 

I challenge you to come closer and believe in My unconditional love for you. I challenge you to come walk with Me in a more intimate way so you can clearly see the way before you has been prepared. And My child, it’s a place of security, revelation, and great joy that comes from knowing and abiding with Me like never before.

I challenge you this day to come closer in complete faith, casting aside unbelief and experience the love I have for you. This is a new day, so come now with renewed hope and expectation, meet Me in our secret place, and you will surely see that this is the day the Lord has made, and I will pour out blessings upon you.


I CHALLENGE YOU TO HAVE FAITH IN ME.
  

Psalm 34:8 - O taste and see that the LORD is good: blessed is the man that trusteth in him.

Psalm 118:24-25 - This is the day which the LORD hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it. Save now, I beseech thee, O LORD: O LORD, I beseech thee, send now prosperity.

Ephesians 3:20 - Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us.

Call on the Lord (5.30.13)

Psalms 69:3 - I am weary of my crying: my throat is dried: mine eyes fail while I wait for my GOD.

When we are going through our storm we come to a point in our life where we simply do not have any more tears to cry. Regardless of how we cry out to the Lord somehow the sadness still remains. After a while the tears dry up and then we start to internalize our feelings without seeking the Lord first for his guidance. 

It is in this calm after the storm that we start to try and make sense of things on our own. David cried unto the Lord often. He vented the emotions that were built up inside of him to the Lord. David experienced periods of intense joy, but also of excruciating heartache and pain. In moments of desperation, David let down his defenses and stood exposed before GOD. Man can be deceived but GOD cannot be deceived. He sees and know everything you are going through, even when you stand before him with your defenses up.

He can see right through all defenses, therefore leaving you exposed before Him. During these times, calling on the name of the Lord, He will give you peace and rest from the storm. GOD gave David all the comfort he would ever need and He will surely do the same for you.

As we go through the storm feeling desperate and helpless remember the Lord will comfort you the way He comforted David. 

When there are no more tears to cry, ask the Lord to fill you with His peace and presence.

He is faithful to do so.

Be Strong and Stand on the Rock (5.29.13)

My Child,
I want you to rise above the circumstances that created a place of despair in your heart. Regardless of your circumstances or the attacks that have caused you to fear, I am still the Rock of your spiritual foundation. I am holding you up even when you feel you can’t lift your eyes up. 

I will bring you through your current dilemma. I will give you wisdom, direction and will bring people into your life that can help you through this difficulty. But, you must stand firm on the Rock of faith and believe that I am with you and for you. I want you to have faith and stand even when it seems that there is no place to stand. I want you to stand when the world seems to be crumbling around you. Stand and rest in the assurance that I AM who I AM, and nothing is impossible for Me.

So right now, take the time to re-focus and turn your concentration from stressing over what you feel you can’t do, to the victory that comes through the obedience of trusting in the Rock. Establish your heart in absolute faith and do not doubt. Turn your heart towards the Rock and pray in faith for My intervention. And while you are praying I will hear your cries. 

I will answer and bring you into undisputed victory. 

Be strong and stand on the Rock.


Isaiah 65:24 - "It shall come to pass that before they call, I will answer; and while they are still speaking, I will hear." 

Psalm 62:2 - "He only is my rock and my salvation; he is my defence; I shall not be greatly moved."

James 1:5-8 - "If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him. But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for he who doubts is like a wave of the sea driven and tossed by the wind. For let not that man suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord; he is a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways."

'Mustard Seed' Faith (5.28.13)

I have come today first to remind you that I have never left you, nor forsaken you, and that My hand has always been upon you. And to tell you it’s time to repent of the times your faith in Me has wavered, and it’s time you believe in Me again. I’m calling you to have mustard seed faith in Me.

Let Me say that again. 

It’s time you have mustard seed faith, step out and believe in Me for the impossible. 

Yes, you must believe that I am who I say I am.

Believe that I am a rewarder of those who diligently seek Me. Believe that when you decree a thing it shall come to pass. Believe when you tell the mountains to get out of your way, believe it will move. Believe that you and your household, shall be saved. Believe that I am the restorer of all things. Believe that everything the enemy stole from you will be restored. Believe that nothing is impossible with Me. Believe, My beloved, believe.  I am a "RIGHT NOW" GOD and I am looking for a "RIGHT NOW" faith.  It's time you believe again.

Whenever I speak to you, believe it and act upon it quickly, for it shall come to pass.  I want you to believe in Me right now for that situation you are facing.  It doesn't matter the circumstance, it doesn't matter what it looks like.  Believe in Me right now, and do not doubt!!

Expect the unexpected to happen, expect great things to happen, as you begin to believe in Me again.

I am a "RIGHT NOW" GOD and I am looking for a "RIGHT NOW" faith.  

It's time you believe again.

Your Blessings are Rooted in Your Faith (5.27.13)

Discouragement is another way for the thief to come in and steal our joy to make us doubt GOD. 

Don't ever give up on GOD! 

He is the Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end of every situation. He has all power and he is the Great "I Am". There is no other besides him. The anointing of the Lord is speaking to your life right now,  telling you that you will not fail. It’s time you pick up where you left off! 

I know the enemy knocked you down, but get back up, brush off and keep on trusting and believing in GOD. Restart your worship, reclaim your destiny and victory! Start over!! Do not throw in the towel on the trial given to you by the Lord. The Lord wants us to worship him through all of our trials, rather good or bad. 

 If you want to be reminded of the Lord’s power and mercy, think back to the place where He performed a miracle in your life or where you witnessed a miracle. You didn’t think you were going to make it, but you did. GOD has not changed! If He did it once, He will do it again! Keeping your faith in GOD and worshiping him through it all is the answer to what you are facing. 

In his own timing GOD is going to come through for you. He has promised to bless those who are faithful to Him. There is a huge blessing on the horizon for you for being faithful says the Lord.

Psalm 34:18–19 - The psalmist assures us GOD is ever so near to the brokenhearted, and saves those with a contrite or crushed spirit.

Always, and in Everything, Give Thanks (5.25.13)

What do we offer to GOD when we are blessed with good things?
Do we even remember to say thank you?

The Lord has given us so much, and we should always, and in everything, give thanks to Him and give Him praise every day. Yes, you do get up every morning and go to work to make wages to buy the things you have. The love of GOD is the reason why you are able to get up every morning, with breath in your body, to go to your job.

All good things and blessings come from the Lord.
Thank Him today for blessing you with the things you have.
Ask the Lord this day, to bring a person into your path, in whom you can be a blessing to.
All that you have is not just for you, but the Lord wants to see if you will be a blessing to others. 
This does not necessarily mean giving away tons of money, but you can bless others through the gifts the Lord has given you.  Such as spending time with those who are less fortunate than you. 
Let them know that GOD loves them too.

A Prayer 
Father, 
In bad times, please be my strength.
In good times, celebrate with me Lord. 
Thank you Jesus for being with me, 
doing so much for me, and giving me so much. 
I thank you Lord for all that I have and don't have. 
Continue to bless me Father. 
In the name of your son, JESUS Christ. 

Amen

Obedience is Planted Firmly in His Word (5.24.13)

We have confidence before God and receive from him anything we ask, because we obey his commands and do what pleases him - 1 John 3:21-22

Obedience is fundamental to effective prayer. Realistically speaking, only people who obey GOD have the right to go into his presence with requests but our gracious and loving Father will turn none away. GOD delights in the prayers of his obedient children. When we want what GOD wants, and live the way that pleases Him, then the Holy Spirit will place in our heart the things we should pray for according to GOD's will for our life. GOD will answer these prayers in his own time not ours. If GOD were to answer the prayers of the disobedient, He would be aiding and abetting the things which He does not approve of. 

That would be out of character for GOD and because He is holy this will not happen. To put it in other words, if we expect GOD to do for us what we ask, we should be prepared to do for GOD what he asks. If we listen and obey His words and commands, GOD will listen to our prayers.

Gracious GOD, 
I give You praise for Your generous, giving nature. 
Forgive me of my failure to keep Your commands 
and to do what pleases You. 
Help me when I pray so that my prayers will be in perfect alignment 
with Your will for the glory of Your kingdom.

Praise GOD as the Rock, your stronghold and fortress (Psalms 144:1-2).

Thank him for being a solid foundation on which to stand spiritually, so that nothing can shake you (Matthew 7:24-25).

Confess those times in your life when you have stepped off the rock's solid foundation of GOD’s Word and relied upon your own understanding. Commit yourself to building your life on Christ’s teachings. 

Ask GOD to help you plant your feet firmly in his Word each day.

Extending His Mercy (5.23.13)

Some people say love your neighbor and hate your enemy but GOD said love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be sons of your Father in heaven - Matthew 5 : 43-45

But I tell you who hear Me: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you - Luke 6:27-28

Jesus had enemies and those enemies crucified Him, but as we all know, He got the ultimate victory in the end. GOD loved the world so much that He sent his son Jesus to die for us. His Son did not leave the earth without praying for those who were responsible for His death. Jesus, who told us to love and pray for our enemies, demonstrated the ultimate gift of love while hanging on the cross: “Father, forgive them for they know not what they are doing - Luke 23:34. 

Jesus prayed for His enemies, so why is it so hard for us to pray for ours?

One of the most amazing commands of Christ is to love our enemies. In our flesh, we naturally want to retaliate or fight back when we are treated unkindly or persecuted. Jesus preached forgiveness and mercy. “Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful” (Luke 6:36). His lifestyle demonstrated grace that ours might also. He took His command one step further by adding another level of difficulty (as we see it), “Pray for those who persecute you” (Matthew 5:44).

Be merciful to and love on those who do not believe in GOD.
Snatch your enemy from the fire and save them from any and all harm
if you are ever faced with this situation.

Because of GOD’s mercy, we were saved.
We must extend His mercy to those who are still enemies of GOD, 
so that they might also receive what we have been given. 

GOD's LOVE!

Can You Hear Me in the Silence? (5.22.13)

My Child,
When I am still or silent, that is when I want your attention. That is when I want you to set yourself apart from the day-to-day cares of this world to spend time with Me in My word, and just talk to Me. 

If you quiet your heart and listen, then I will speak and tell you all you need to know, so you will be prepared for your next step. No, I’m not going to yell it or bring My word in a mighty storm. I will become quiet. And I will wait for you to notice, look to Me and listen for My still small voice.

I know you don’t realize this, but resting and listening for My voice is part of your preparation. This must be done so you will learn to move as I move. Simply quiet down, turn to Me and I will whisper in your ear all you need to know to get you prepared for the door I am about to open. It lies here before you ready, but you must quiet your heart and your mind and turn to Me.

And please, while you are waiting, don’t call our quiet time together wasted time. I don’t waste one second. While you wait in silence, or what you think is silence, it is My chance to minister a refreshing wind over your life. In this stillness I am turning your reversals into rehearsals for My Glory. Now rest in this and use this time to meditate and listen for My voice. Don’t worry about anything, just be still and listen. 

Can you hear Me in the silence?

1 Kings 19:12 - And after the earthquake a fire; but the LORD was not in the fire: and after the fire a still small voice.

Psalm 46:10 - Be still, and know that I am God: I will be exalted among the heathen, I will be exalted in the earth.

HAVE A JESUS FILLED DAY

Be Thankful Through Your Trials (5.21.13)

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 "Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus."

In everything that you are going through, 
take time and give Me thanks. 

Praise Me when you’re going through the struggles of this life, knowing what you’re going through will produce endurance. You must trust I am at work behind the scenes, and that I am working to give you the desires of your heart. 

I am smoothing away the rough edges in your life, so I need you to be patient when trials and tribulations come your way. Don’t you know I’m in control?

When the enemy comes like a roaring lion to devour you, don’t believe his schemes. Do not back down, nor be intimidated, by his viciousness. You know what he’s all about, and he is unable to make you fall, for I have posted my angels all round you and My banner is over you. 

I will never allow more to come upon you than what you are able to handle. 
I always watch over My children.

Trials and tribulations should only prompt you into praise and worship once you understand the purpose for them in your life. So don’t be afraid, and don’t be troubled, when trials of all sorts come your way.  Embrace them and give thanks in your trials to your Heavenly Father who is working on your behalf to produce fruit in your life that will last.

Giving You Strength, in the Valley (5.20.13)

The bones are rattling deep down in the valley. 

Though you thought you were left in the valley where your cries were not heard by GOD. You thought quietly within your heart that you were left to succumbed but GOD has promised, I have come to bring you Life. 

You thought in your mind, the vision I planted within you had died but I AM promised to fulfill it. The valley was just a place to prepare you for the climb up to the mountain. You thought your life had lost purpose when all along I AM has been building purpose within you, yes even in the valley. 

You thought you would not walk again but I AM has been strengthening you in ways you did not see. You thought, you would were too weak to run or even stand but the almighty I AM is giving you the grace needed to press on. I say unto you, I have sent My Word that is being fulfilled in this present time, and suddenly bone by bone you will become whole, strong and able. 

You will walk and not faint. 

My breath shall breathe upon you new life, new hope, new strength and new direction. 

That's what Praying in Faith Means! (5.19.13)

“If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him. But when he asks, he must believe and not doubt, because he who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind” - James 1:5-6

GOD does not want us simply to toss our prayers and request at him, hoping that some of them will be answered.

He wants us to ask, knowing He is there, claiming what He promises, trusting that He will act in line with His nature and that His purposes will be achieved.

That’s what praying in faith means!

When you ask a person for something in good faith, you don’t ask for things the person would not be willing to give. Similarly, if you truly know GOD, the Holy Spirit will place on your heart GOD's will for your life.

If you want to get to know God better, spend time with Him, reading His Word and listening to His Spirit. Ask Jehovah to draw you closer to Him today so that your prayers will be in line with His will for your life.

Praise the Lord!

The compassionate and gracious GOD, slow to anger GOD. The always abounding in love and faithful GOD. 

Thank GOD that you have been forgiven of all your sins because JESUS died for you. Confess in detail your sins to GOD asking for a greater awareness of sin in your life so that you may repent and be saved.

Lord, Fill Me with Your Spirit (5.17.13)

Trying to do what is right and good can become risky sometimes.

There is always someone who will question your motive
 and try to undermine the good you hope to accomplish.

Be assured that GOD sees all things,
and He will richly reward those who continue to do right,
even in the face of stiff opposition.

Prayer: 
Father, 
I know You are on my side, 
and that You will not leave me to fight on my own.
I am constantly made aware of how hard it is 
to do good things without people thinking I have a hidden agenda. 
Fill me with your spirit and perseverance 
so that when I am tested I can stand on Your Word. 

Amen

In Every Moment, Seek God (5.16.13)

Seek Me early in the morning; 
seek Me throughout your day, 
and seek Me late, before you lie down at night. 

You need Me early in the morning before you start your day for My direction, guidance, and blessings upon the day.

You need Me throughout the day at work, in your responsibilities and activities, so I can give you My wisdom, peace and grace to get through the day-to-day cares of life.

And most of all, you need Me at the end of the day’s journey to commit all that you endured into My hands. It’s important for you to do this, so you can free yourself of the burdens.  I need you to release the burdens of the day into My hands, so that I can continue to work things out.

I’m asking you to take time for Me because it’s My desire to make your burden light and lift your load.  Not to place additional stress upon you by adding these additional tasks to your day.  I desire that you live a blessed and prosperous life, and the way to do this is to seek Me to lift your load.

Deuteronomy 4:29 - But if from thence thou shalt seek the LORD thy God, thou shalt find him, if thou seek Him with all thy heart and with all thy soul.

3 John 1:2 - Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth. 

Do not Concern Yourself with the Opinion of Man, but That of God (5.15.13)

Confess to GOD any tendencies you might have to judge people by their color, ethnicity, or background.

Commit yourself to showing no favoritism, just as GOD shows none. (Acts 10:34)

Ask the Lord to help you do your part in the kingdom by loving those who are different from you.

Bless those who curse you or mistreat you, because you are different and don't fit in. GOD never wanted us to "fit" into the crowd!!! GOD said, His people will be a peculiar people who will be set aside for His purpose.

Rejoice when people reject and tell you, "you just don't fit in".

Praise GOD and thank Him for setting you apart and using you for His kingdom. Never pass up an opportunity to share the good news of Jesus Christ with people who classify you as an "Outcast"!

Do not concern yourself with what man thinks, just know that GOD is the only one who matters.

For He is the only one who can put you in Heaven or hell.

The Wealth of the World (5.14.13)

Trust not in oppression, and become not vain in robbery: if riches increase, set not your heart upon them - Psalm 62:10

John prayed for GOD to bless him, according to the Jabez prayer.

Every day he prayed that GOD would bless him financially.  Each day he faithfully read the Bible and reflected on the goodness of the Lord.  Finally, his finances began to turn around, and the Lord blessed him financially.

He thanked GOD for answering his prayer and helping him through a difficult period.  As his wealth began to increase John spent less and less time with GOD.  John rarely prayed, almost never did he read GOD's Word.  He spent his time thinking of all the wonderful things he could do with his new-found wealth.

John attained a level of wealth where he could have been categorized as a person who was financially
well-to-do. At the same time, John became spiritually bankrupt.  Let not the wealth of the world turn you from GOD. The devil will always be in the details.

Prayer:
Forgive me when I let things come between us, Lord.
Material wealth is nice, 
but not if it means that I lose my relationship with You.
Help me to be satisfied with what I have, 
and to keep my mind and my heart on You, Lord. 

Amen

When To BE SILENT (5.13.13)

BE SILENT

1. In the Heat of Anger - Proverbs 14:17

BE SILENT  

2. When you don't have all the Facts - Proverbs 18:13

BE SILENT

3. When you haven't Verified the Story - Deuteronomy 17:6

BE SILENT
4. If your words will offend Another Person - 1 Corinthians 8:11

BE SILENT
5. When it is time to Listen - Proverbs 13:1

BE SILENT
6. When you are Tempted to make light of Holy Things - Ecclesiastes 5:2

BE SILENT
7. When you are tempted to joke about sin - Proverbs 14:9

BE SILENT
8. If you would be ashamed of your words later - Proverbs 8:8

BE SILENT
9. If your words would convey the wrong impression - Proverbs 17:27

BE SILENT
10. If the issue is none of your Business - Proverbs 14:10

BE SILENT
11. When you are tempted to tell an outright lie - Proverbs 4:24

BE SILENT
12. If your words will damage someone else's Reputation - Proverbs 16:27

BE SILENT
13. If your words will damage a Friendship - Proverbs 16:28

BE SILENT

14. When you are feeling Critical - James 3:9

BE SILENT

15. If you can't say it without screaming it - Proverbs 25:28

BE SILENT

16. If your words will be a poor reflection of the Lord, your friends or family - Peter 2:21-23

BE SILENT
17. If you may have to eat your words later - Proverbs 18:21

BE SILENT
18. If you have already said it more than one time - Proverbs 19:13

BE SILENT
19. When you are tempted to flatter a wicked person - Proverbs 24:24

BE SILENT
20. When you are supposed to be working instead - Proverbs 14:23

Whoever guards his mouth & tongue 
keeps his soul from troubles - Proverbs 21:23

                                                                     - Author unknown

Praise Me, Praise Me, Praise Me (5.12.13)

Why art thou cast down, O my soul? And why art thou disquieted in me? Hope thou in God: for I shall yet praise him for the help of his countenance - Psalm 42:5

Whenever you are troubled on every side, rest assured that I am there to keep the pressures of this world from overtaking you.  I know there are times when you feel confused and don’t know which way to turn. Those are the times in which you should come to Me, be still, and listen to My voice. My love will keep you and guide from becoming depressed.

When your family and friends persecute you for no reason, please know that I have not forsaken you.  When you’ve been cast down, walked over, and pushed aside; My mercy and grace will keep you from being destroyed.

So when trouble continues to camp out in your home, what are you going to do?  
I want you to praise Me in the midst of what you are going through.  
Praise Me, because that is what I created you to do.  
I want you to offer a sacrifice of praise for all that I have done in your life.
I will keep My hands on you while you’re in the midst of the storm.

Praise Me, even though your circumstances and situations don't want you to.
Praise Me, through the good and the bad.
Praise Me, for teaching you to seek My face and not My hands.
Praise Me and let the enemy know where you stand.

Praise Me, Praise Me, Praise Me!

- My Prayer Confession -

Praise is what I will do no matter what I am going through; 
Lord I will give You all the PRAISE!

   

Loving Even the Most Unloveable (5.11.13)

There are people in this world who have lived their entire lives by selfish and evil means.  It's as if they were born with a defective gene, making them incapable of doing what is good and right.

The way to deal with people like this is to forgive, vowing never to become like them. People who have evil spirits are not to be hated, but are to be loved and prayed for.

Lives devoid of the Good News of GOD are lives that need the touch of our Lord and Saviour immediately.

Reach out to people who rejoice in doing wrong to others by praying for them. They really need to know that JESUS love them regardless of any wicked deed they have ever concocted or participated in.

Assure them, He will forgive them.

Prayer:
Lord, 
Show me how to love 
even the most unlovable people. 
Instead of showing anger, 
let me show compassion and love. 
Grant me a deeper understanding 
of why people choose this path. 

Fill my heart with Your love 
so I can share the good news 
with them so they will not perish 
as promised in Your Word. 

Amen 

Trust Me, Believe My Word, Come to Me & Be Still (5.10.13)

'For, behold, days are coming,' declares the Lord, 'when I restore the fortunes of My people Israel and Judah.'  The Lord says, 'I will also bring them back to the land that I gave to their forefathers, and they shall possess it.' - Jeremiah 30:3

There are times when the storms of life can make you feel as though all hope is lost, that no one cares and there is no way things can be ever be restored. 

The enemy would have you to think you’re never coming out of your dark valley experience. 

I know all about what you are going through.  
I’ve already been through it for you.  

I can and will restore all that’s been lost, if you only trust in Me, believe what is written in My word, and come to Me and be still.

Yes, you have gone through some fierce battles with the enemy.  His main goal is to wear you down and get your attention off the vision I have given you.  You must not allow him to do that. Your fellowship with Me is where your strength lies. If the enemy can disturb your relationship with Me, he knows you will lose faith, and everything else will collapse.

I am aware of every detail that has happened in your life, and I am working on your behalf to bring restoration to all that has been lost. Don’t faint, and don’t grow weary in your season of waiting for Me. 

I have not forsaken you, nor have I forgotten you. Even though you can’t see a way out of what you are going through, trust in Me; the way has been provided. 

Stand strong in My Name, and lift up your head. 

Your restoration is closer than you think. 

ALL IS NOT LOST.

Prayer Equals Love (5.8.13)

Beloved let us love one another, for love comes from GOD. Everyone who loves has been born of GOD and knows GOD - 1 John 4:7

Prayer is necessary to communicate with GOD. When we do not find time to talk with him we are telling GOD his presence is not really necessary in our lives until something devastating happens, then we will call on Him to help us then. Are we sending a message that, by our lack of prayer, we are not at all interested in spending time with the Lord or hearing anything from Him? When we do not pray we hinder the possibility of having intimacy with Christ.

When prayerlessness is prevalent in our lives, we become guilty of not loving one another the way the Lord has required us to do. There is scarcely any greater way to demonstrate love than to pray for someone. In godly intercession, we lift the needs of another to GOD and watch as He moves to meet needs and provide for the one we are praying for.

Through prayer, bodies are healed, families are mended back together, individuals are saved.When we withhold prayer on behalf of others, we demonstrate hardened hearts and a failure to love that person enough to bring their needs before our loving Father.

Today focus on one specific family or person who are going through a period of testing and pray for them. Pray that this family or person will also set aside time every day for devotions and prayer with Jehovah. 

Ask GOD to make this practice a part of their daily routine.

A Prayer of Re-commitment (5.7.13)

Father GOD,

Thank You for waking me up this morning to see another day.

GOD, You are the beginning and end of all things,
the Alpha and the Omega.
Father, I thank you for loving me, regardless of my faults. 

Father, You have kept me in your mind, 
since the beginning of the world, 
and will continue to hold me close to You 
when this world passes away. 
I confess the times when I have allowed my needs 
to become the beginning and end of my existence. 

Starting today Lord, 
I will commit myself to giving You the highest place 
in my life and in my heart.
Father GOD, reveal Your glory to me 
so that I cannot help but praise You with my whole heart. 
Strengthen me, so that I will always be about 
Your agenda and not mine.
Help me to share the Word of GOD with others, 
so that those who choose to follow You will know 
that regardless of what they are going through, 
You hold all the power in Your hand 
to change their situation, if they will only believe. 

I thank you Father that I believe.
Help me Father to love those who are choosing 
to do the work of the enemy, 
thinking their wicked deeds are unknown and unseen to You.
You are forever present, an all seeing and all knowing GOD!
Father, Your Word said "no deed will be overlooked, good or bad".
You said You will repay all deeds, rather good or bad.

Remind me Holy Spirit to share the Word of GOD 
with someone today.
I thank you Lord, for everything 
You have done in my life and in the lives of my loved ones.
Thank you Lord. 

Amen

Ask Him to Open Your Eyes (5.6.13)

Praise GOD, who is the source of all wealth and prosperity on earth - 1 Chronicles 29:12

Give thanks for all the material blessings GOD has given to you. Confess any occasions when you have tried to “store up for yourself treasures on earth - Matthew 6:19

Commit yourself to remembering that wealth and possessions, and the ability to enjoy them, are a gift from GOD - Ecclesiastics 5:19

Ask Him to open your eyes to new opportunities, to use your possessions for the benefit of others and to bless those in need.

Pray Ephesians 1:18 - I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened
in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you,
the riches of his glorious; for any unsaved person you know, 
asking especially that his or her spiritual eyes will be opened 
to see the eternal treasure of life in Christ.

Worrying, Fearful Christians are Ineffective Christians; Trust & Walk with Him (5.5.13)

For GOD has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind - 2 Timothy 1:7

When you wake up in the morning, are the thoughts from yesterdays' events bringing worry and stress into your mind? Do you wake up thinking about the day ahead of you, and fear or tension fills your heart. 

Does your concern over family members or other relationships begins to weigh down your day, before it ever really gets started? 

Many of us look at such situations as being normal, but there is a warfare aspect to these thoughts. 

GOD’s Word teaches us that He wants us to lay aside all fear and trust Him. Worry and anxiety are to be given over to Him.
He wants to set us free from anything that has the potential to damage our life.
If GOD want us to be free from such thoughts, you can count on the fact that the enemy wants us to wallow in these fears. 

The Christian that spends his or her time worrying or being in fear of anything, is a Christian who is ineffective for the kingdom of GOD. 

When the enemy can manipulate our thoughts away from trusting GOD, he has gotten the victory and this should not be. The LORD has promised that his children will be victorious over the enemy always, if we continue to trust and walk with Him.

Father,

Grant me Your protection in the most common areas 
of spiritual attack: my mind, my heart and my mouth. 
Help me to keep my thoughts fixed on You, Lord. 
Keep and protect my heart always Father.
May my words always please You.
Please help me today to live completely 
under Your Lordship and in Your victorious care. 

Amen

Don't Worry About the Setbacks, They are Setting You Up to be Blessed (5.4.13)

Don’t allow the minor setbacks to discourage you. 
These setbacks are just a part of your journey with Me. 

I want to encourage you, and help you to recognize they are only temporary. I don’t see them as setbacks, I see them as opportunities for you to grow into a stronger person.

Allow those obstacles to be the stepping stones which draw you nearer to Me. Don’t allow them to stop you from expecting divine breakthroughs in your life. Look with the eyes of faith and see brighter possibilities opening before you. When you learn to embrace these opportunities instead of resisting them, you will experience immense growth and blessings.

So don’t worry about the setbacks, 
they are only setting you up to be blessed.

And after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you - 1 Peter 5:10 (ESV) 

I Have Been Preparing You for Such a Time as This (5.3.13)

I have allowed you to come to the edge of defeat and failure.
I have allowed you to be tested beyond what you thought you could bear.
I have taken you to the limits of your faith and belief so that you can see just how much you need Me.

It is those times that you have found that I have never forsaken you or left you,
that I was always there and was always near. What you feared was not there at all.

The thing you thought was going to take you under, you were able to rise above it.

The thing which has held you back, no longer exists.
What controlled you has been broken and cast away from you.

This is what the Lord says, "I have been preparing you and building you up for such a time as this.
I have positioned you and called you forth. What has taken place within you has been Me at work."

At times, you thought 'I cannot make it, this thing is too bad, GOD is unfair'.
You have weathered it all and have stood.

You have stood. You have learned resistance and how to endure.

You have learned what is of Me and what was of the flesh. It has not been easy, but quite hard. You did doubt, at times, if you would survive but you more than survived, you came through and have stood!

Testing is not easy because your whole being is pressed, twisted and stretched beyond your comfort zone.
Your very movements are restricted.
You feel boxed in and everything around you seems to be closed off .

You have found others did not understand you, much less did you understand yourself.
Confusion covered you and you felt alone. You wanted to hide and cover yourself.
You said, 'It is too much, GOD is too unfair'.

This is what the Lord says, "You have found that what you have been thinking is not true, but you have come forth refined as pure gold. You are not the same person that you were. You are becoming more like Me".

GOD said following Him would not be easy. He said we will go through periods of long suffering. He never put a time limit on the term "long suffering". Our timing is not His timing and our ways are not His ways.

He has promised that even though it appear the bottom has fallen out, and your world appear to be upside down, all of these circumstances are going to work out in your favor and for your good.

GOD has promised this.
His Word will not return void.

Be Kind & Loving in Your Actions & Deeds (5.1.13)

As you are going through this trial period in your life be sensitive to the needs of those around you.

Be kind, caring and loving in your thoughts, actions and deeds. It is important to recognize that often things are not as they appear to be. The enemy is using distrust, rejection, fear, miscommunication, prior hurts and wounds, etc. to bring death and division into relationships.

If you are experiencing relationship issues seek the Lord for His wisdom on how to proceed. Do not react out of emotion, but find that place of stillness and talk to the Lord about your issues.

Ask the Lord to sovereignly intervene, ensuring that you follow through on whatever the Holy Spirit leads you to do.

Remember proper communication is vital and humility is key.

1 Peter 3:8-12
Psalms 133
John 15:9-17
Ephesians 4:31-32