Bible Chicks

Today's Prayer


Dear Lord, How amazing it is to compare our life to the caterpillar that is surrounded by the cocoon and struggles until it emerges a beautiful butterfly. I pray that as I struggle through life's challenges, that I lean on You and allow the cocoon of Your love to surround me and the circumstances and trials to help mold me into the beautiful creature You want me to become. Thank You for all You do. In Jesus' name, amen.



The Goal of the Christian Life

TGIF Today God Is First Volume 1, by Os Hillman

05-25-2010

"I tell you the truth, unless a kernel of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains only a single seed. But if it dies, it produces many seeds." - John 12:24

The goal of the Christian life is death, not success. A popular teaching says that if we follow God, we will prosper materially. God may, in fact, bless His people materially, but few can make this claim among third-world countries. Wealth must never be the goal of a person's life, only a by-product.

A missionary to a Middle-Eastern country has shared a motto among their ministry team: "God does not require success, but radical, immediate obedience." Jesus' obedience gained Him the cross. It did not gain Him popularity among the heathen, the religious or financial success, or a life of pleasure. His obedience resulted in His death on the cross. This is the same goal Christ has for each of us--death of our old nature so that He might live through us. That may not sell well among outcome-based Christian workplace believers, but it will result in an eternal reward that far exceeds any earthly reward. "Behold, I am coming soon! My reward is with Me, and I will give to everyone according to what he has done" (Rev. 22:12).

The Christian life is a paradox--the first will be last, death in return for life, and we are encouraged to offer praise to God to overcome a spirit of heaviness. It requires faith in a God who operates from a different set of values that are sometimes difficult to measure from human standards. Let death work in you a life that only God can raise up.

Today God Is First (TGIF) devotional message, Copyright by Os Hillman, Marketplace Leaders.

Pray Before you Slip

Christian Soul Care Devotional

“Inviting God’s touch in your soul”

By Bill Gaultiere


Thank you Lord that “By the word of your lips… My steps have held to your paths; my feet have not slipped” (Psalm 17:4-5).

I experienced the truth of David’s words on a rainy morning earlier this week. The rain had stopped and the sun was shining so I got out my bike to do a training ride for the upcoming triathlon race I’m doing with my son. I wanted to see if I could push myself to ride hard and fast for about an hour. The path was still a little slick in some places so I told myself to be careful.

As I rode I got absorbed in the delightful fresh, clear air and the beauty of blue skies, trees, and the back bay of the ocean. And I was enjoying meditating on a line from a prayer I wrote, inspired by Psalm 139:9:

“By the Spirit I rise on the wings of Christ’s dawn – the Father’s right hand holds me fast.”

Riding my bike on a wet path that morning I could relate to those words! I prayed that the Father’s right hand would hold me fast so that I wouldn’t slip and fall off my bike!

I was pedaling hard, probably going about 17 miles an hour as I headed into a turn on the bike path when all of a sudden my tire slipped on the wet asphalt and I started skidding! Oh no! Thank God I held the pavement – just barely! – and I didn’t wipe out. I probably would’ve gotten quite banged up.

Relieved, I continued cycling. Then it dawned on me that I had just prayed for the Father’s right hand to hold me fast! Wow! The Father’s hand had indeed held me fast just like I asked! I experienced what the Psalmist says again and again: when we put our confidence in the Lord as we do what whatever we’re doing then we see that his right hand is reaching down from the heavens to help us.

Watch and Pray with Jesus

Pray before you slip. That’s the lesson I was reminded of. It’s part of the Lord’s Prayer that Jesus taught us: “Lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil” (Matthew 6:13). It’s what Jesus told Peter to do before Peter denied him: “Your spirit is willing to do the right thing, but in your natural abilities you are weak and you’re not ready to do what you want. So watch and pray to become the kind of person who won’t fall into temptation” (Matthew 26:41, paraphrase).

As you know, Peter fell asleep on Jesus when he needed to watch and pray so he fell into denying his Lord. He fell into running away to hide. Then he fell into depression. But afterward Peter did learn to watch and pray with Jesus and so in the book of Acts and in Peter’s epistles we see Peter not falling, but standing strong in his faith through many persecutions and trials, even to the point of being crucified for Jesus upside down.

Where Might you Slip?

Where are you vulnerable to slip and fall in the days ahead? Pause to identify your struggle… Hurting someone with a sharp tongue? Worrying? Being judgmental? Complaining? Overworking? Eating too much? Having a couple of drinks? Looking at pornography?

Don’t just resolve to do better next time – that never works! “Trying harder just gets you more of the same” is a wise adage. Peter’s problem in denying Christ wasn’t lack of will power – he was very willful! Peter’s problem was that he directed his will to rely on himself. He hadn’t trained his will to rely on Christ with him.

Take Hold of Christ’s Hand Now

Learn what Peter learned: admit your weakness and watch and pray with Jesus. “Train yourself to be godly” (1 Timothy 4:7). Rely on Christ to help you to become a different kind of person on the inside.

Imagine yourself in the slippery situation of what tempts you… See the hand of the Lord reach down to you from the heavens… Take hold of it… Keep holding Christ’s hand… Pray to become the kind of person who doesn’t find satisfaction in anger or alcohol or _______, but in holding the hand of Christ…

If you pray this way about your specific struggle – and you do this over time with the help of Scripture and a soul friend – then you will not slip!

Soul Shepherding for Ministry Leaders

Where does a pastor go for a safe place? To receive spiritual encouragement? Every month Kristi and I meet with dozens of pastors, pastors’ wives, and other ministry leaders to encourage them in their lives and ministries. We are following our calling from God to devote our careers to offering Soul Shepherding for people who minister to others. We’d like to share our vision with you and how you can be a part!

Come on Retreat with Me
On Saturday June 5th from 9 am to 12:30 I’m leading a free morning retreat, “Breathe with Jesus” at the Crystal Cathedral. I will teach you how using Breath Prayers can free you from worry and distress, ushering in God’s peace. To learn more about this or other upcoming classes and retreats I’m leading go to our Soul Shepherding Calendar.

Let’s Connect Online
Sign up for our new Soul Shepherding Blog which features a prayer exercise in a short e-mail 1-2 times per week.


Let’s be friends online: I post a ministry update and an abiding prayer daily on my Facebook and Twitter.

You can share the Christian Soul Care Devotional with your friends.

Blessings,

Bill & Kristi


William Gaultiere, Ph.D. ~ Psychologist & Spiritual Director
Kristi Gaultiere, Psy.D. ~ MFT & Spiritual Director
www.ChristianSoulCare.com: “Inviting God's touch in your soul”
www.SoulShepherding.org: “Ministering to pastors & leaders”
949.262.3699

A song today for you...
Lyrics:  Complete by Parachute Band

Here I am, Oh God

I bring this sacrifice--my open heart.

I offer up my life.

I look to You, Lord

Your love that never ends

Restores me again

So I lift my eyes to you, Lord

In Your strength will I break through, Lord

Touch me now, let your love fall down on me

And I will be complete in You.

Here I am, Oh God

I bring this sacrifice--my open heart.

I offer up my life.

I look to You, Lord.

Your love that never ends

Restores me again

So I lift my eyes to you Lord

And by faith, I will walk on, Lord

Then I'll see beyond my calvary one day,

And I will be complete in..

I look to You, Lord

Your love that never ends

Restores me again

So I lift my eyes to you Lord

In your strength will I break through Lord

Touch me now, let your love fall down on me

I know your love dispels all my fears.

Through the storm I will hold on Lord

And I pray I will hold on, Lord

Then I'll see beyond my calvary one day

And I will be complete in

I will be complete in

I will be complete in You

I think we should set up in a local bookstore with one of these signs and see what happens.

Maybe have someone stand off to the side and video it.



What do you think?

I'm going to start this by defining prayer.

Prayer is talking to God.  Plain and simple.  (for more on this click HERE)
I know we have this idea that it needs to be more than that, but truly it isn't.  Prayer is far simpler than we allow it to be and yet; I've been a Christian most of my life and I still find myself looking for better ways to have more effective prayer.  The answer most often is... just go back to the basics.

Are you reading your bible?
Are you spending time in prayer?
If you feel like God isn't answering your prayers, try writing them down and checking back to see just how many God has answered.

Since I too am often looking for ways to improve my own prayer life.  To focus myself on who God is and that He is big enough for all my needs --- and more.

There is so much available to us that can be an inspiration.

Today we'll talk about Devotions.
Hit Amazon or Christian Book.  The Global Bookstore at church.  Ask your friends.  There are so many devotionals out there you could start reading today and not finish.  OK... that sounds overwhelming.  Let's shine the light on a few standards in one's Christian library.  These have stood the test of time and reprints!

My Utmost for His Highest, by Oswald Chambers











Streams in the Desert: An Updated Edition in Today's Language
By: LB Cowman










And of course....

Available for purchase from church ministry...for $9.00












Anything by the big guns:  Charles Swindoll, Max Lucado, Charles Stanley... I don't have enough room to keep typing.

Next.... what's that I hear?  Oh, that's good prayer!

Bookmark this site...

In Touch Ministries by Charles Stanley (author of our 30 Life Principles book)
God's Promises - Scripture by Topic

You can use the Index at the back of most Bible's. I highly recommend you either use the blank pages in your bible to create your own quick reference guide to great scriptures for your life - or you add some loose leaf pages to your Bible for this info.

Here are some other suggestions on topical scripture books you might want to include in your library...

• Find It Fast in the Bible: Your Complete Topical Reference
• Treasury of Scripture Knowledge
  
• Prayers for the Moment: One-Minute Scripture Prayers
• Praying God's Word by Beth Moore
• The Secret Power of Speaking God's Word by Joyce Meyer (caveat: Joyce has some questionable beliefs. You need to read/listen to her with discernment, however, this book is just you praying scripture personally/personalized.)
• The Power of a Praying Woman: Book of Prayers by Stormie OMartin (this would also be a great Bible Study!)

There are lots of good things out there.

And if you missed Sunder Krishnan guest speaking at Mariners you need to watch or listen to Pray Big Pray Bold from 8/9/09 here

I've added a new website to follow.

It's the Daily Prayer Challenge
Click below to sign up for their daily email reminders.

Daily Prayer Challenge (just beginning the book of James)

Daily Prayer for Women

Daily Prayer for Husbands

I hope you enjoy it!

Obey God and leave all the consequences to Him. Exodus 19:5

Do I behave as though God has authority in my life? In the world?
When I choose to disobey God (you got the choose part, right) I am saying I don't trust God.

How will I live out Life Principle 2 in my life?
What challenge am I facing today?
What is God leading me to do?
My choices here will determine my success or failure so I need to obey.

Pray and ask God to draw me into intimate communion with Himself, to increase my faith, and to transform my life so that it can affect the world for the sake of His kingdom.

Life Lessons to Remember:

Trust God with your life and all that concerns you. (Prov 3:5-6)

Wait on the Lord for an answer to your problem or situation (Ps 37:9)

Meditate on God's Word and listen to the Holy Spirit (Matt 6:33)

Be willing to wait or walk away when the way before you is unclear (Ps 27:13-14)

Be willing to endure conflict. (Matt 5:10-12

Leave the consequences to God. (Ex 14:13-14)

Prayer Request

GOD BLESS & PROTECT OUR SERVICE MEN AND WOMEN!!!

It only takes a minute but if we do it together.... it's a "SHOUT OUT" and God hears....

Thanks....

7-Day Forecast for Baghdad,Iraq

Fri

Sat

Sun

Mon

Tue

Wed

Thu

115?F 89?F

117?F 89?F

120?F 90?F

122?F 91?F

122?F 92?F

121?F 95?F

120?F 95?F

Prayer request

According to the weather reports, it is our understanding that it is 122 degrees in Iraq right now -- and the low will be 111! Our troops need our prayers for strength, endurance, and safety.. If it be God's will, give these men and women the strength they need to prevail.

Prayer

'Lord, please hold our troops in your loving hands. Protect them as they protect us. Bless them and their families for the selfless acts they perform for us in our time of need. Amen.'

Prayer Request: When you receive this, please stop for a moment and say a prayer for our troops around the world.

Of all the gifts you could give a Soldier, Sailor, Airman, Marine & others deployed in harm's way, Prayer is the very best one!

(If you're in a hurry... just read the first bit in pink)

This is a call for you to take responsibility for the laws governing our country. Regarless of how many years we have left on the Christian countdown to heaven, we have a call on our lives to OCCUPY while here. If we don't stand up for Godly values, who will? An easy way to participate is signing up on one of the Christian political action sites available and when you get an email - read it, pray over it, and ACT on it! Your voice does matter. "The earnest prayer of a righteous person has great power and produces wonderful results." James 5:16b

Hey, if your in-box is anything like mine, you are overwhelmed with opportunities to pray for people you don't know, to forward this email for breast cancer, to boycott XYZ Corporation because of their anti-Christian (or anti-American) ways.

On top of those, you may receive a number of email devotions (because it's such an easy way to get spiritual on the fly), news alerts from at least one source, and "act now" calls from any number of groups you may have at one time been a part of.

You can tell, I get a little tired of all this. I've acted on a few of these emails, became a #1 fan of www.snopes.com to double check validity before forwarding (something I highly encourage you all to do), even had people asking me where to send money but could never read a live person to discuss details of such transactions with.

All this to say... we are called to STAND as Christians. I am not what I would call super political. I tend to vote conservative and believe I have good reasons for doing so, but it is not lost on me that liberal or conservative; we are ultimately dealing with politicians. As I look at the world around me, I see things differently from many in the world because I have a Christian world view. Some things bother me so much I can't think about them. Some make me so angry I want to chew nails. Some I just don't have the energy for, but know I should do something. I know I am not alone in feeling that being politically active is a full time job that practically involves a degree in poly sci not to mention the daily reading of who knows how many publications to stay on top and sift through the truth. It's daunting. I have found myself of late doing the ostrich with my head in the sand thing. It's just too much.

I've actually unsubscribed from several political action sites because I felt there was nothing I could do, or I just got tired of being bombarded by them. Perhaps I've allowed myself to grow cynical.

Though I've unsubscribed, I continue to get some of these emails. I actually think this was God telling me that I don't get to opt out. There is a truly powerful quote from a rabbi that fits this so well.

"It is not up to you to complete the task, but neither are you free to desist from trying."

You have an obligation to do what you can.

How is God touching your heart today?

We all struggle with difficult things in our lives at one point or another. Lately, I have found myself a bit shy with God, a little afraid. I truly hate admitting that, but there it is. And this is an odd place for me. It's only part of me that seems to be 'waiting for the other shoe to drop' and the rest of me knows God is good and regardless of where He takes me I'll be ok.

It's also an interesting place to be because traditionally in my life I've not been afraid of trials (for that is what part of me fears). I welcomed them because my life's hindsight shows me how close I am to God during them.

Two friends of mine in particular have really been put through the ringer. Well, that makes it sound past tense and unfortunately, it's not. Without going into extreme detail... we are talking about financial problems out of their control (for the friends of Job in us that means... not their fault) that have brought them to the brink of homelessness... more than once. Having to deny their children things that they really "should have" been able to provide. Devastating illness that will plague a family for months and possibly years to come. Not having money for gas, not having money for food, not having money for Christmas. It's heartbreaking.

I find myself constantly trying to resolve these problems. I think we all do when we hear of people who are struggling in any significant way. Oh... have they tried this? How about that? Truth is... there is little WE can do. These are truly God sized problems. I'm now joking with them saying... "I didn't know you were related to Job." One friend shot back, "Hey, we're all related to him!" eeek (If you don't know Job's story from the Bible that comment will have little significance. So happy reading!)

So, I have no great spiritual understanding to add to this.

Ok, maybe one thing.

When people share their difficulties, I think we should first pray. 2nd. we should continue to pray for them when they come to mind. 3rd. we should ask God if there are ways we can be of assistance -- this would be instead of offering all the solutions that come to mind.

Oh, now I'm thinking... (uh oh) do you think we offer solutions because we trust those more than we trust God? Do we really believe God will resolve the issue at hand? Do we believe that prayer works? That God listens and answers? This is a bit of a challenge for me now. oh, it's that same question that has been with me for decades now.... How Big Is Your God?

OK... so I love the blog. There is SO a reason it's on the side over there on your right!

I don't read daily... I like to save a few up and read them in a day.
Right now, I am sitting here with tears going down my face. I love how fantastically funny some people are.

the blog entry is:
“Figuring out a loving way to quit a prayer chain.”
and he asks readers to come up with good chapter titles for this topic

and so far, my favorite ideas are:

"Uninvited: The Eternal Implications of Clicking 'Remove Me'" (Jarrod Haggard)

The best use of your Spam folder. (Nicodemus at Night)

Stuff Christians Like: Praying for your OWN friends (Mikki Black)

"How To Unsubscribe From Jesus and Still Go To Heaven" (Jarrod Haggard)

"Faking Your Own Death: And Other Fantastical Ways To Deal With Those Pesky Prayer Chains" (Jarrod Haggard)

Stuff Christians Like: The Eschatological Hermeneutics of Petitioning External Entities to Beseech an Omniscient-Omnipotent-Omnipresent-Omnibenevolent-Deity Though Ones Recollection Neglects to Remember the Aforementioned Circumstances of Authorizing or Affirming to Complete Such a Voluminous Task with Immense Existential and Spiritual Consequences (Tim)

"Who Taught Grandma How To Use E-mail?
The troubling truth behind the Nantahala River Community College Geriatric internet education course." (Jarrod Haggard)

Why Pray? It's all predestined anyway! (so cracking up here) (Pete the Brit)

When email filtering is not enough: Persistent prayer petitions (Joanna)

The real reason I switched Internet Service Providers (T-Bone)

P.S. Snopes.com should have a prayer request verification option. (Amanda Fisher)

If your email prayer chain causes you to sin - cut it off (Hillary)

"Prayer Chain or Gossip Group? (Nick)

Oh man...

Hello ladies!

It's Be. Light. Thursdays again and this is just a reminder that we will be meeting at Global Café tomorrow at 9:30am.

Please glean your cupboards and bring items to the Café. After we meet in the Café will head over to our Minnie Street Center to pray. Lastly, we will go to have lunch at CPK on Michelson in Irvine, where we’ll pray for our Servers.

Remember, we are going to schedule weekly opportunities to “be light” in our community each Thursday throughout the summer. So, visit our blog to share your stories and find out what’s happening each week!

BLESSINGS OF GOD'S LOVE
Shelly Juskiewicz, Pastor to Women
Women's Website

click here to view this email online

I know I shouldn't be... but I am still constantly amazed that so many of these devotionals just hit home on the day they arrive. Here is one from today. I am praying this prayer... I may add it to my bible as a regular prayer. And the topic is from homework and I know will touch some of you!

BE BLESSED!

Today's Prayer

Dear God, There are so many things I can do...or not do. I can sit and do nothing or I can attempt to do many things. Please show me, Lord, what will you have me to do? I am open to your leading and willing for You to work through me to accomplish Your will. Whether my purpose is to accomplish something small or great, I know that it is important to the work of your kingdom and your plan for my life. Guide and direct me, please. In the name of Jesus I pray, amen.

---

Moving Ahead of God
TGIF Today God Is First Volume 2, by Os Hillman
06-17-2009

"The LORD has kept me from having children. Go, sleep with my maidservant; perhaps I can build a family through her" (Gen 16:2).

Have you ever felt that you were supposed to receive something from God but it just hasn't materialized? You wait and wait until finally you decide that maybe God wants you to help out the situation. This is exactly what happened in the case of Abraham and Sarah.

God had promised them a son, but as years passed by they were still without a child. They took their eyes off the One who had made the promise and decided to take matters into their own hands. So, Abraham lay with Sarah's maidservant, Hagar, and she bore a son, Ishmael (see Genesis 16). The son of promise, Isaac, came later through Sarah, just like God had promised. However, the modern day conflict between the Arabs and Israelis is the fruit of this act of disobedience that occurred centuries ago.

I recall a time when I launched a business enterprise only to fall on my face. It had all the hallmarks of a Godly venture, but I was premature and guilty of presumption instead of faith. The resulting financial losses are lasting reminders of a decision that was based on a horizontal choice instead of a vertical dependence that required patience until God said, "Go."

The way to avoid making "Ishmael" decisions is to seek God fully on the matter in prayer, be in an accountable relationship with your spouse and close associates who know you well, and gain agreement through two or more people. The Bible says, "The heart is deceitful above all things and beyond cure. Who can understand it?"(Jer 17:9).

Whenever we want something strongly, it is a dangerous place because we no longer look at the matter objectively with a willingness to change our viewpoint. We have to approach a matter as being "dead" to the issue in order to fully see God's perspective.

What word are you a woman of?

Off the top of my head...

• I am a woman of MANY - many words, many emotions
• I am a woman of BUSY - being busy gives me a sense of importance & accomplishment
• I am a woman of ANGER - I hate that this is true, but anger often gets the better of me, wait... rather, I often let anger rule my emotions
• I am a woman of PRAYER - I have recently rekindled my ongoing conversation with God & find myself praising Him for loving me enough to bring me to my knees.

What words define you?

We are called to be Women of the Word... as in Word of God. Scripture. This is important. As I sit here going over your prayer requests & finding scripture that pertains to them I find myself thinking often that there are so many scriptures that apply to each issue. I could fill pages & my issue quickly becomes how to not create a 20 page volume of prayer for one aspect of our lives (ie: your bible study group).

How do we become Women of THE Word?
You know the answer. Quiet time. Devotions. Reading your Bible. MEMORIZING Scripture. Knowing God's will for your life.

YBH?
I heard a teacher once who wrote YBH in her Bible when she agreed with something, but didn't yet know how to put it into practice. Yes, But How?

So, very practically... what are you going to give up? I ask this because we are all busy. We all find things to do with our time. I personally am a huge fan of TV. Yes, I know, not having actual TV/Cable in my home for something like 13 years means I go about it differently, but I have discovered that technology has found many ways to bring this tantalizingly entertaining time waster into my life. (This commercial kind of sums it up). So this past week I've had to look at how I spend my time and let go of some things; re-prioritize.

Make A Decision
Decide that your Bible reading, prayer, quiet time are a priority. Take stock of what you will eliminate in order to capture quality time for you and God. Cutting down or cutting out TV time is an easy answer. Multi-tasking some things could help…like: returning important phone calls on your cell phone while you power-walk or drive. Be creative.

Work particularly on eliminating time wasting, energy sapping activities …as many as you can identify. This will leave enough space for productive, necessary things; leaving you more time to hear what God is saying.

A Blessed New Habit

Restructure your time and you will be blessed going in and blessed going out. (Deut 28:6)
Less stress & more peace will ensue. Remember it takes 30 days to make something a habit so that is your first goal.

You want God's word & prayer to become a natural part of your thinking and your knee-jerk response to any situation.

Knee Jerk Response
I love this... I read it on this blog. Build a knee-jerk response that is Godly. Read & memorize scripture, pray without ceasing, talk with God constantly, meditate on God's word and you will begin to have a different reaction to life.

When fear trys to creep in, you'll banish it by focusing on God.
When anger threatens to take over; you'll call on the Holy Spirit to calm you & give a calm response.
When lonliness wants to befriend you, you'll remember that God is always with you.

Perhaps God will change your heart. You'll look at things differently and see prayers being answered. You'll reach out to others who are going through similar issues. You will start having powerful knee-jerk reactions instead of condemning ones.
Gosh, this is exciting!

Transformation

What we spend our time doing and who we spend our time with will have a profound effect on who we become.

As we spend dedicated time in scripture meditation and in prayer, we are spending time in the presence of the Lord. And, that will determine, more than anything, who we are to be.

(In future days/weeks I am going to be posting selections from pray-the-scriptures.com on prayer, quiet time and drawing close to God)

I hope you guys don't mind that I post things from other sites. I can write, but it takes me longer because of the EDITING that needs to occur after. I'm rusty and with my gifting at bureaucracy, I tend to use 1000 words when 10 will do.

Also, why re-invent the wheel when so many gifted people are out there and we can gleen from their lives and penned wisdom. (You know penned will always sound better that typed or blogged...).

This one is Powerful!

Again... Lisa from Proverbs 31 Ministry blesses us...

Francis Frangipane in his book Holiness, Truth, and the Presence of God says, “Anyone can pass judgment - but can they lay down their lives in love, intercession and faith for the one judged? Can they target an area of need and rather than criticizing, fast and pray, asking God to supply the very virtue they feel lacking? And then persevere in that love - motivated prayer until that fallen area blooms in godliness? Such is the life Christ commands we follow!” (pg.11)

Prayer
Dear Lord, may I first fall in repentance into Your loving arms of grace. Thank You for the harsh ways I have been judged and let it open my eyes to this stinging way we women can be. Forgive me for not extending grace at times to others. I am a woman who desperately needs it - so, I should be a woman who freely offers it. When I am tempted to be critical of someone else, help me hold my thoughts and my tongue. Instead of voicing those things, help me bring them to You in honest and heartfelt prayers for that person. May I be one who is so motivated by love, that I will persevere in my prayers for that person until I see You working in glorious ways. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Application Steps:

The next time I feel critical of someone else, I want an action plan so that I can respond biblically. Don’t you? Why not write out today’s scripture verses on an index card and carry them in your purse. Below the Scriptures write, “Instead of criticizing, I will commit this person to prayer. I will stand in the gap for them with love and persevere in my prayers. I commit to keep my mouth closed but my heart wide open.”

Reflections:

Y How did it feel the last time I was judged by someone?

Y Why not resurrect that stinging feeling each time we are tempted to be harshly critical of someone else? That way the hurt we felt can be put to good use if it prevents us from falling into the trap of judging others.

Power Verses:

1Peter 5: 5-6, “…All of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because, "God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble. ‘Humble yourselves, therefore, under God's mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time.’” (NIV)

Luke 6:37, “Do not judge, and you will not be judged. Do not condemn, and you will not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven.” (NIV)

And ladies, let's please not be the ones to judge OURSELVES either!

Today's Prayer
Dear God, Is my testimony what it should be? What would others say about my testimony for you? Can others see your work in my life? Please forgive me where I have failed. I'm sorry for disappointing you, for not spending as much time with you as I should, for not always doing the things I should, and for the wrong things I sometimes choose to do. Please work on me and build a testimony of your life in and through me today. I praise you and thank You in the name of Jesus. Amen.

I realized about a year ago in bible study when one of the women was brave enough to share that God didn't talk to her. Knowing that God did indeed talk to her, I questioned this belief. We came to learn that, as Christians, we speak so often of "God talking" to us that we don't realize not everyone understands "Christianese." This sweet woman was feeling left out because she wasn't literally hearing God's voice.

Since today, God is definitely speaking to me, I wanted to share this with you because I know God is speaking to you as well. Perhaps, you just aren't tuned in to catch the message.

One of the ways God talks to us is in confirmed messages. You'll hear something at church that seems to really hit home. You know it was for you. Later in the week, that same topic will come up again in a discussion with a friend. Perhaps you'll hear another message on the radio or read it in your daily devotions. That is God confirming His word to you. So listen.

That's how I know God is talking to me, and given my position within the group and my affinity for sharing neat and thoughtful things, I know that God is also talking to YOU!

This is a devotion I receive in my inbox daily. I don't always read them, but they are there for me when I have the time to open them.

This was the prayer for today...

Today's Prayer

Good morning, Lord. Thank you for this absolutely beautiful day. God, I need for You to please tell me something. Do I place too much emphasis on my wants? my relaxation time? my family time? my job? anything? Please show me, help me know in my spirit, if there are any "rights" I need to relinquish that may be hindering my freedom to experience Your love and grace. Please help me to balance my time and activities, my desires and needs, my work and play; every area of my life. May You receive all the glory. In Jesus' name I pray, amen.

Sound at all like some of the things we covered during last week's study? Hmmmmm.....

I know I received a personal nudge on this in regard to my family. No rebuke, but the idea of not working too hard to put my needs first when my role as a Mom & Wife pretty much require me to relinquish much of my personal space & time - for a season. In the past, I have fought this and found that I was constantly trying to have ME time and never really got it. I see now I "failed" at getting all that me time because it's not there. It just doesn't exist in the life of a Mom with school age kids. God has graciously changed my heart and I am able to see the blessings in this. I am much better at letting go and enjoying the time I have with my family and kids. I still get some time alone every so often and I appreciate it all the more.

I hope this blesses - or challenges - you.

9am government
10am military
11am media
12pm business
1pm education
2pm church
3pm family


PRAY WITH ME --
“Prayer for the Nation”- written by Beth Moore

‘Father in Heaven,
We lift our eyes toward Your Throne, where You reign in righteousness.
Your Word assures us that when Your people cry out in sincerity and humility, You will never turn a deaf ear to us.

We call upon You now, seeking Your forgiveness and favor.
Look over this fevered landscape and heal us, Lord.
Drop knees to the floor and raise eyes to the sky, for we know where our help comes from.

Unite these States again in devotion to You, and blur every dividing line.
Do not give us over to our sins. Give us, instead, over to passionate prayer that moves Your heart.

“May Your unfailing love rest upon us, O Lord, even as we put our hope in You.”
In the Name of our Lord and Savior,

Amen’ –Beth Moore