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Can the Ethiopian change his skin or the leopard its spots? Then may you also do good who are accustomed to do evil. Jeremiah 13:23
It is our heart that shows who we are. Our nature must really be that of Christ himself...peace, patient, kindness. Our attitudes and actions are a result of who we are inside. There are times we are pushed and we lose that Christ connection. But it is my prayer that these times are few and far between.
Lord, help us to be a living example of you. I pray our nature is your nature. That our reactions and thoughts are as you would have it to be...a direct reflection of you. It has been a really tough afternoon. I have been on my knees twice begging the Lord to intervene. Lord my faith believes you can do all things...but I'm not sure how important our needs are to you...If we are to be learning a life lesson I don't know what it is now. I realize what we learned 5 years ago, but now is different. I see you hand moving us in one direction and then I sense the deceiver bringing hurt and chaos to the situation. Lord give my weak spirit strength to withstand the trials of this culture. I beg you Lord to intervene in our lives regarding NL house.
1 Timothy 6
But as for you, man of God, shun all this; pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance, gentleness. Fight the good fight of the faith; take hold of eternal life, to which you were called and for which you made the good confession in the presence of many witnesses. (11-12)
Father, in the midst of conflict help us to recall Paul's words. I pray on behalf of Lonnie and I that our actions and words would be of you.
I ask for the wisdom to know when to speak and when not to speak. I beg for your Holy Spirit to come in and intervene. I know only you can take this burden from us. I ask that it be removed, Lord. We need you now.
Amen
Children caring for children
Abba... Heavenly Father to the fatherless
Wednesday, February 10, 2010
Tuesday, February 9, 2010
Day 38: Why?
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Righteous are You, O Lord, when I plead with You; yet let me talk with You about Your judgments. Why does the way of the wicked prosper? Why are those happy who deal so treacherously? Jeremiah 12:1
Why? Why is it the bad guys seems to win? Or have a better life at least from man's perspective. Why Lord does it seem that when we tithe, give above that, use what extra we have and you so graciously give us...does it go to mission trips instead of our home, furniture, fence, pool liner? Why is it that we struggle financially when we are being obedient?
Because, you are an eternal God! You are a God that uses all things on this earth to teach us about you. Your provision, peace in obedience and not the world, miracles of your providing hand. Thank you for allowing me to see your hand at work in our lives. But, and I might as well say this Lord, it is hard and I don't get it. You know, oh Abba, what we have to take care of before the mission field. We can't just walk away from our responsibilities and obligations here. That is not being a faithful steward of what you have given us. Please, Father, attend to the two big matters that are on my heart...you know them. You can move mountains and change hearts. Please Father, provide in these areas.
1 Timothy 5:8
And whoever does not provide for relatives, and especially for family members, has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever.
How appropriate that this is verse was in my Qt reading. It is so affirming right now. Give me the spiritual tenacity to fight this battle...to not be picky but to look for good...to be thankful, Lord that you have given us a home that will accommodate family. May I honor you in honoring them.
Use this day for your Glory!
Amen
Righteous are You, O Lord, when I plead with You; yet let me talk with You about Your judgments. Why does the way of the wicked prosper? Why are those happy who deal so treacherously? Jeremiah 12:1
Why? Why is it the bad guys seems to win? Or have a better life at least from man's perspective. Why Lord does it seem that when we tithe, give above that, use what extra we have and you so graciously give us...does it go to mission trips instead of our home, furniture, fence, pool liner? Why is it that we struggle financially when we are being obedient?
Because, you are an eternal God! You are a God that uses all things on this earth to teach us about you. Your provision, peace in obedience and not the world, miracles of your providing hand. Thank you for allowing me to see your hand at work in our lives. But, and I might as well say this Lord, it is hard and I don't get it. You know, oh Abba, what we have to take care of before the mission field. We can't just walk away from our responsibilities and obligations here. That is not being a faithful steward of what you have given us. Please, Father, attend to the two big matters that are on my heart...you know them. You can move mountains and change hearts. Please Father, provide in these areas.
1 Timothy 5:8
And whoever does not provide for relatives, and especially for family members, has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever.
How appropriate that this is verse was in my Qt reading. It is so affirming right now. Give me the spiritual tenacity to fight this battle...to not be picky but to look for good...to be thankful, Lord that you have given us a home that will accommodate family. May I honor you in honoring them.
Use this day for your Glory!
Amen
Monday, February 8, 2010
Day 37: What is between us, Lord?
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"For according to the number of your cities were your gods, O Judah; and according to the number of the streets of Jerusalem you have set up altars to that shameful thing, altars to burn incense to Baal. Therefore do not pray for this people, or lift up a cry or prayer for them; for I will not hear them in the time that they cry out to Me because of their trouble." Jeremiah 11:13-14
Hard and too often forgotten questions: "What is between us Lord?" "What have or am I doing that is causing the lack of intimacy between us?" " How have I sinned against you?"
Father, I want to ask those questions so that my heart doesn't become hard, so that you don't turn me over to my own ways. I don't want to only run to you when times are hard like a spoiled child. I want to run to you with good news like a best friend. I believe I'm on that path again and I praise you for always being near me and assuring you are listening to our prayers.
Abba, Lonnie wants me to spend the month with him in South Africa this summer...travel with the team and then stay for the Safe House. At first I was no way it can work...now I feel a nudging from you. So here I am Lord willing to take the first step...I am talking with Hank and see what he thinks. Open and close doors God.
Thank you for the wonderful tax return we are getting. Thank you for the two Liberty classes. The finances are coming in. Let us use them as you would have...save, purchase necessity, pay bills, tuition? We don't know but you do Lord. It is all yours and we have it with open hands before you.
I pray earnestly for the North Landing house and how you are using that to mold Lonnie and I. It also is yours and I know you will sell it in your time. Help us to be your faithful caregivers until then.
Yesterday Coastal launched it's first Internet broadcast...so many on line because of the wintry weather. My heart was warm when our son Mike was able to worship with us from Missouri! Thank you Father!
Bring campus Pastors to us Father so we can equip them to serve you.
Be with Bec, James and Kelsey, Miah and Casey, Josh. Praise you for our children.
Continue Father to hold us near as we draw near to your heart.
Amen
"For according to the number of your cities were your gods, O Judah; and according to the number of the streets of Jerusalem you have set up altars to that shameful thing, altars to burn incense to Baal. Therefore do not pray for this people, or lift up a cry or prayer for them; for I will not hear them in the time that they cry out to Me because of their trouble." Jeremiah 11:13-14
Hard and too often forgotten questions: "What is between us Lord?" "What have or am I doing that is causing the lack of intimacy between us?" " How have I sinned against you?"
Father, I want to ask those questions so that my heart doesn't become hard, so that you don't turn me over to my own ways. I don't want to only run to you when times are hard like a spoiled child. I want to run to you with good news like a best friend. I believe I'm on that path again and I praise you for always being near me and assuring you are listening to our prayers.
Abba, Lonnie wants me to spend the month with him in South Africa this summer...travel with the team and then stay for the Safe House. At first I was no way it can work...now I feel a nudging from you. So here I am Lord willing to take the first step...I am talking with Hank and see what he thinks. Open and close doors God.
Thank you for the wonderful tax return we are getting. Thank you for the two Liberty classes. The finances are coming in. Let us use them as you would have...save, purchase necessity, pay bills, tuition? We don't know but you do Lord. It is all yours and we have it with open hands before you.
I pray earnestly for the North Landing house and how you are using that to mold Lonnie and I. It also is yours and I know you will sell it in your time. Help us to be your faithful caregivers until then.
Yesterday Coastal launched it's first Internet broadcast...so many on line because of the wintry weather. My heart was warm when our son Mike was able to worship with us from Missouri! Thank you Father!
Bring campus Pastors to us Father so we can equip them to serve you.
Be with Bec, James and Kelsey, Miah and Casey, Josh. Praise you for our children.
Continue Father to hold us near as we draw near to your heart.
Amen
Friday, February 5, 2010
Day 36: Come thou Fount
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"Why then has this people slidden back, Jerusalem, in a perpetual backsliding? They hold fast to deceit, they refuse to return." Jeremiah 8:5
Lord,
There have been season in my life when I was not close to you. I don't think total backslidding, but absolutley sliden further from you than closer to you. I desire to always grow closer to you and closer to the servant that you desire me to be. There are times I'm afraid, intimidated, lazy, selfish...but you never have given up on me. I thank you for nudging me back to you...waiting for me to realize that I need your love, peace, and presence in my everyday, every moment life. Jeremiah did all you asked him and still the people of Israel refused to return to you. I pray that I will never have a heart that is so hard it doesn't hear your whisper.
Bless this day as we face challenges. People challenges, situations, deadlines, tasks. Help us to hear your voice, to recall your teachings, and to glorify you.
Praise you that Becca did well on her academics this past week. That her meeting with coach went well. Keep Michael safe and healing from his cold. Bless James and Kelsey, Casey and Jeremiah in their young marriages.
Amen
"Why then has this people slidden back, Jerusalem, in a perpetual backsliding? They hold fast to deceit, they refuse to return." Jeremiah 8:5
Lord,
There have been season in my life when I was not close to you. I don't think total backslidding, but absolutley sliden further from you than closer to you. I desire to always grow closer to you and closer to the servant that you desire me to be. There are times I'm afraid, intimidated, lazy, selfish...but you never have given up on me. I thank you for nudging me back to you...waiting for me to realize that I need your love, peace, and presence in my everyday, every moment life. Jeremiah did all you asked him and still the people of Israel refused to return to you. I pray that I will never have a heart that is so hard it doesn't hear your whisper.
Bless this day as we face challenges. People challenges, situations, deadlines, tasks. Help us to hear your voice, to recall your teachings, and to glorify you.
Praise you that Becca did well on her academics this past week. That her meeting with coach went well. Keep Michael safe and healing from his cold. Bless James and Kelsey, Casey and Jeremiah in their young marriages.
Amen
Thursday, February 4, 2010
Day 35: Immediate Obedience
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But this is what I commanded them, saying, 'Obey My voice, and I will be your God, and you shall be My people. And walk in all the ways that I have commanded you, that it may be well with you. Jeremiah 7:23
The Lord gives us commands to provide safety, security, and what is best for us. The big 10 are usually no secret. The commands that the Lord whispers to us throughout the day are what can get lost in the hurriedness and clatter of all that is going on around us. Sometimes God speaks loudly and sometimes softly. My task is listen and obey immediately to his voice. My life, or the life of someone, else may depend on that ability.
1 Timothy 4
For to this end we toil and struggle, because we have our hope set on the living God, who is the Savior of all people, especially of those who believe. v. 10
Ministry can be toil and struggle at times. But we keep on because of the hope of Christ and the work he desires through us.
Father,
It is toil and struggle to maintain the path you would have us to take...to keep our focus and not be discouraged by what life throws at us. God, help me to hear your voice, loud or quiet. Help me to distinguish between your voice and the deceivers voice. With my whole heart I want to obey but I know I am not always 100% in tune with what you are saying. I praise you when you call to my attention how I have strayed: in mind, spirit, or action. When my thoughts are not honoring to you...when I fret instead of realizing the Master of the Universe knows my name, my pain, my anxiety, and He will respond as he deems necessary. Oh the sweet state of total trust in you...moving away from anxiety. I do really well for a season but then like a lead ball something new or bigger creeps into my life and I'm back on the roller coaster again. My prayer is that I will recognize it and quickly realign myself to your promise that you will never leave me nor forsake me.
Thank you for being a God that cares enough to give commands.
Your loving servant.
But this is what I commanded them, saying, 'Obey My voice, and I will be your God, and you shall be My people. And walk in all the ways that I have commanded you, that it may be well with you. Jeremiah 7:23
The Lord gives us commands to provide safety, security, and what is best for us. The big 10 are usually no secret. The commands that the Lord whispers to us throughout the day are what can get lost in the hurriedness and clatter of all that is going on around us. Sometimes God speaks loudly and sometimes softly. My task is listen and obey immediately to his voice. My life, or the life of someone, else may depend on that ability.
1 Timothy 4
For to this end we toil and struggle, because we have our hope set on the living God, who is the Savior of all people, especially of those who believe. v. 10
Ministry can be toil and struggle at times. But we keep on because of the hope of Christ and the work he desires through us.
Father,
It is toil and struggle to maintain the path you would have us to take...to keep our focus and not be discouraged by what life throws at us. God, help me to hear your voice, loud or quiet. Help me to distinguish between your voice and the deceivers voice. With my whole heart I want to obey but I know I am not always 100% in tune with what you are saying. I praise you when you call to my attention how I have strayed: in mind, spirit, or action. When my thoughts are not honoring to you...when I fret instead of realizing the Master of the Universe knows my name, my pain, my anxiety, and He will respond as he deems necessary. Oh the sweet state of total trust in you...moving away from anxiety. I do really well for a season but then like a lead ball something new or bigger creeps into my life and I'm back on the roller coaster again. My prayer is that I will recognize it and quickly realign myself to your promise that you will never leave me nor forsake me.
Thank you for being a God that cares enough to give commands.
Your loving servant.
Wednesday, February 3, 2010
Day 34: Peace
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"They have also healed the hurt of My people slightly, saying, 'Peace, Peace!' when there is no peace." Jeremiah 6:14
The only real peace is knowing that I will be in heaven with my Lord one day. The world is a restless place and I can so easily get sucked into all the madness. Each day I make efforts to have a peaceful spirit and not be anxious. It is a day by day effort. I know God is always in control and is there with me. I know he has my best interest in his hands. I believe my anxious heart comes from my childhood. But that is in the past. If I can't handle the unknown now in my secure little safe world how will I adjust in another continent? Lord, the tests are to prepare. It is a mental battle...I must win this to be a servant of yours in the long run...I want to win the marathon race.
Father, help me to remember the boys in SA that do have peace because they do not know you. May my heart stay tender and passionate about them. May their deprivation over-power my sense of deprivation in leaving my children.
1 Timothy 3
A high calling for those in ministry and leading others. Father, thank you for this chapter to remind us how important our actions are. They are a reflection of you in our life and spirit.
God, help me to balance ministry, Liberty, wife, mom, friend. You know we are willing to work as hard as is required to position ourselves to immediately respond to your calling. I pray for energy when I'm exhausted. I pray for wisdom and discernment. I pray for restful sleep. I pray for only kind and affirming words to come from my mouth and heart.
I praise you for all things good and even challenging. It is through the challenges that we most often grow to be a stronger reflection of you.
Walk with me Lord, so that I may walk in peace, lead others to your peace and walk with others in peace.
Amen
"They have also healed the hurt of My people slightly, saying, 'Peace, Peace!' when there is no peace." Jeremiah 6:14
The only real peace is knowing that I will be in heaven with my Lord one day. The world is a restless place and I can so easily get sucked into all the madness. Each day I make efforts to have a peaceful spirit and not be anxious. It is a day by day effort. I know God is always in control and is there with me. I know he has my best interest in his hands. I believe my anxious heart comes from my childhood. But that is in the past. If I can't handle the unknown now in my secure little safe world how will I adjust in another continent? Lord, the tests are to prepare. It is a mental battle...I must win this to be a servant of yours in the long run...I want to win the marathon race.
Father, help me to remember the boys in SA that do have peace because they do not know you. May my heart stay tender and passionate about them. May their deprivation over-power my sense of deprivation in leaving my children.
1 Timothy 3
A high calling for those in ministry and leading others. Father, thank you for this chapter to remind us how important our actions are. They are a reflection of you in our life and spirit.
God, help me to balance ministry, Liberty, wife, mom, friend. You know we are willing to work as hard as is required to position ourselves to immediately respond to your calling. I pray for energy when I'm exhausted. I pray for wisdom and discernment. I pray for restful sleep. I pray for only kind and affirming words to come from my mouth and heart.
I praise you for all things good and even challenging. It is through the challenges that we most often grow to be a stronger reflection of you.
Walk with me Lord, so that I may walk in peace, lead others to your peace and walk with others in peace.
Amen
Tuesday, February 2, 2010
Day 33: Anxious
Made it home after a trying 24 hours...only trying because I become anxious! I had no need to be anxious. Lord, you know me so well and now you are helping me to see my anxious thoughts and recognize the testing situations that bring them out. I like being in control of my world...knowing what is going to happen next, how, and why. But that's not life. Perhaps it comes from being the child of an alcoholic? That is why I love my heavenly Father so much. Abba, you will never let me down. You always will have my best interest in mind. There is no questioning of your character. You never change...loving, grace, consistent, mercy, all-knowing, all-powerful, all present.
Words can change a mood in a moment. Father, last night all was well and then bam, a conversation went south. It was not so much the words as the tone...on both of our sides. Help me to show grace in this situation. To honor my in-laws. To love as you love us despite our past behavior. It is difficult with a hurtful history. It is only in grace that forgiveness from me has been able to be extended. I am sad to say I don't have the unconditional grace that Lonnie does. There is no one that I know that has this measure of grace, except you my Lord. I ask Father for a heart that recognizes the anxious thoughts in me. I ask for patience during this season of caring for our parents. I ask for the ability to know when to speak and when to be silent.
Thank you for the Liberty courses I will teach. Yesterday more good news as I am being shifted to a course where I will probably have a section each term. Help me to serve you and your future ministers well in this calling.
Be with James as he leads his ministry, Michael as he battles for health, Becca today as she teaches and then has two big tests. Lonnie as he finalizes his paperwork for part-time work.
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The prophets prophesy falsely, and the priests rule by their own power; and My people love to have it so. But what will you do in the end? Jeremiah 5:31
According to Kroll, "As you go through your day, evaluate what you do in light of the end you know is coming. When you stand before the Judgment Seat of Christ, will the things you've given your life to really matter? Commit yourself to do that which is of eternal value.
The end is coming...and then what will you do?"
Father, I desire for my life's work to glorify you. The book I am reading is such a testimony to your calling and work. The family left everything, lived in poverty, to serve the street children of Brazil. She understood her husbands calling and that she and their children would spend less time with him than the street children. What I admire most is that she hears your voice. Father, I want to hear your voice. You speak through people, your word, and your spirit within us. I pray that my spirit will be able to hear your voice so that I can move in the direction you would have me.
1 Timothy 2
Lord, I am to be Lonnie's helpmate. I again ask for the insight to know when to confront and when not to. May I honor him. May I see how you are working and be your servant to those that have brought hurt. May I be your hands and heart.
Amen
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