11/30/11 Psalm 9
Scripture: 9:7-10 The Lord reigns forever; he has established his throne for judgment. He will judge the world in righteousness; he will govern the peoples with justice. The Lord is a refuge for the oppressed, a stronghold in times of trouble. Those who know your name will trust in you, for you, Lord, have never forsaken those who seek you.
Observation: This is telling us that the Lord will be on his throne forever, there is nothing or no one that will push him off of the throne. The throne was established for judgment, where he will judge the world with righteousness. The Lord is a person to go to for the oppressed souls of the world and someone to cling to in times of trouble and great strife. Those people that do know him will trust in him, because the Lord will never ever turn his back on those that have come to him for guidance.
Application: The application is that we need to go to the Lord when we have times of trouble and great strife. We need to lean on the Lord for guidance because we know the Lord wont turn his back on us. Always, always turn to the Lord, for he will be there on his throne judging the world with righteousness.
Prayer: Thank you Lord, for being there for me in times of trouble and strife. I know that you wont turn your back on me and will always be there for me. Amen!!
Wednesday, November 30, 2011
Tuesday, November 29, 2011
Not taking Earth for granted
11/29/11 Psalm 8
Scripture: Psalm 8:1, 3-8 O Lord,our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth! When I consider your heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon and the stars, which you have set in place, what is man that you are mindful of him, the son of man that you care for him? You made him a little lower than the heavenly beings and crowned him with glory and honor. You made him ruler over the works of your hands; you put everything under his feet: all flocks and heards, and the beasts of the field, the birds of the air, and the fish of the sea, all that swim the paths of the seas.
Observation: This scripture is talking about what is read in Genesis where the Lord creates everything: The moon, sun, earth, land, sea, water, clouds, heaven, man, women, birds, fish, animals everything. Man is lower then the people that are in Heaven yet ruler of all things that God has created with his own hands. God is majestic in all of the earth.
Application: It seems to me in the hustle and bustle of life, we seem to take everything that God has created for us for granted. Yes, we are the ruler over the works of his hands, but when was the last time that you thanked God for everything that he has proved. Remember God did not have to give us water, if he felt that we did not deserved it, nor animals, moon or even a place for us to call home while we live out our human life. I honestly believe that when we are in our daily lives we don't take the time to stop, take a breath and enjoy life. We are only here for a short short time on earth, yet we are running around like chickens with our heads cut off, because the clock runs our lives. Have you ever took time to write down what you do during the day? Let me tell you the results might surprise you or they may not, I know that when I did the challenge last year, the results did not surprise me a whole lot, yet it surprise a few of my classmates. But getting back to my point, PRAISE GOD that we are given everything that we need to have to LIVE on this EARTH and Like anything we need to take care of our Home because we only get one.
Prayer: THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU SO MUCH, GLORIOUS Father!!!! You have given me with the work of your mighty hands a place to call home until I am called to come and live with you in Heaven. Please let us remember that yet we are in change of this place we need to take good care of it, so that this place will go over through many many many many many many generations. Our actions that we take today will effect the course of tomorrow, for tomorrow I hope to see another of you wonderful, beautiful, gloraise artwork that we get the pleasure of seeing twice daily. AMEN!
Scripture: Psalm 8:1, 3-8 O Lord,our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth! When I consider your heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon and the stars, which you have set in place, what is man that you are mindful of him, the son of man that you care for him? You made him a little lower than the heavenly beings and crowned him with glory and honor. You made him ruler over the works of your hands; you put everything under his feet: all flocks and heards, and the beasts of the field, the birds of the air, and the fish of the sea, all that swim the paths of the seas.
Observation: This scripture is talking about what is read in Genesis where the Lord creates everything: The moon, sun, earth, land, sea, water, clouds, heaven, man, women, birds, fish, animals everything. Man is lower then the people that are in Heaven yet ruler of all things that God has created with his own hands. God is majestic in all of the earth.
Application: It seems to me in the hustle and bustle of life, we seem to take everything that God has created for us for granted. Yes, we are the ruler over the works of his hands, but when was the last time that you thanked God for everything that he has proved. Remember God did not have to give us water, if he felt that we did not deserved it, nor animals, moon or even a place for us to call home while we live out our human life. I honestly believe that when we are in our daily lives we don't take the time to stop, take a breath and enjoy life. We are only here for a short short time on earth, yet we are running around like chickens with our heads cut off, because the clock runs our lives. Have you ever took time to write down what you do during the day? Let me tell you the results might surprise you or they may not, I know that when I did the challenge last year, the results did not surprise me a whole lot, yet it surprise a few of my classmates. But getting back to my point, PRAISE GOD that we are given everything that we need to have to LIVE on this EARTH and Like anything we need to take care of our Home because we only get one.
Prayer: THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU SO MUCH, GLORIOUS Father!!!! You have given me with the work of your mighty hands a place to call home until I am called to come and live with you in Heaven. Please let us remember that yet we are in change of this place we need to take good care of it, so that this place will go over through many many many many many many generations. Our actions that we take today will effect the course of tomorrow, for tomorrow I hope to see another of you wonderful, beautiful, gloraise artwork that we get the pleasure of seeing twice daily. AMEN!
Monday, November 28, 2011
Judge the righteousness according to integrity
11/28/11 Psalm 7
Scripture: Psalm 7:7-9, 14-16 Let the assembled peoples gather around you. Rule over them from on high; let the Lord Judge the peoples. Judge me, O Lord, according to my righteousness, according to my integrity O Most High. O Righteous God, who searches minds and hearts bring to an end the violence of the wicked and make the righteous secure. He who is pregnant with evil and conceives trouble gives birth to disillusionment. He who digs a hole and scoops it out falls into the pit he has made. The trouble he causes recoils on himself; his violence comes down on his own head.
Observation: the peoples of the Lord God have gathered around him and he needs to rule over those from on high. It is a challenge for the Lord to Judge us all according to the righteousness and integrity that we possess. God will search our minds and hearts to see if we are good and if so then he will bring an end to the violence of the wicked and make the righteous feel safe in this world. However, those that pregnant with evil will cause nothing but evil to themselves. The trouble he cause will bring more troubles apon himself
Application: This is a challenge to God, I said that we will all be judged in heaven one day but its a challenge because he is searching our hearts and minds for righteousness and integrity that we possess during our human life on earth. and if we do not possess these things when God searches our hearts and minds for then we are seen to be pregnant with evil and conceives trouble. It is almost as if when we sin, we choose not to correct our behavior for the next time and we keep falling in the same trap time after time. Its almost like we dig a hole, try to get out of it and then fall back into the pit. The trouble is almost like a snake that recoils on himself but in the end the violence is what kills him. I suppose that a person can change to be a better person, but it is a very hard change because you are giving up things that you have known in the past.
Prayer: Oh Gracious forgiving Father, how you have forgiven my sins, I hope that I can only be a bright like onto what you would like me to be in this world. Please search my heart and mind for righteousness and integrity that I am currently possessing during my human life on earth. and If I am not in your good graces please show me where I have stumbled and failed, so that I can learn my failures so that I don't keep falling into the pit that I might have dug in the past. Please bring an end to the violence of the wicked by showing you to those that don't believe in your healing powers, so that everything will be good in your graces as you see fit, for we are all going to see you someday, but I hope that they understand that they CAN change their ways. All they have to do is believe and follow the steps of CHANGE, In your Son's precious name, AMEN!!
Scripture: Psalm 7:7-9, 14-16 Let the assembled peoples gather around you. Rule over them from on high; let the Lord Judge the peoples. Judge me, O Lord, according to my righteousness, according to my integrity O Most High. O Righteous God, who searches minds and hearts bring to an end the violence of the wicked and make the righteous secure. He who is pregnant with evil and conceives trouble gives birth to disillusionment. He who digs a hole and scoops it out falls into the pit he has made. The trouble he causes recoils on himself; his violence comes down on his own head.
Observation: the peoples of the Lord God have gathered around him and he needs to rule over those from on high. It is a challenge for the Lord to Judge us all according to the righteousness and integrity that we possess. God will search our minds and hearts to see if we are good and if so then he will bring an end to the violence of the wicked and make the righteous feel safe in this world. However, those that pregnant with evil will cause nothing but evil to themselves. The trouble he cause will bring more troubles apon himself
Application: This is a challenge to God, I said that we will all be judged in heaven one day but its a challenge because he is searching our hearts and minds for righteousness and integrity that we possess during our human life on earth. and if we do not possess these things when God searches our hearts and minds for then we are seen to be pregnant with evil and conceives trouble. It is almost as if when we sin, we choose not to correct our behavior for the next time and we keep falling in the same trap time after time. Its almost like we dig a hole, try to get out of it and then fall back into the pit. The trouble is almost like a snake that recoils on himself but in the end the violence is what kills him. I suppose that a person can change to be a better person, but it is a very hard change because you are giving up things that you have known in the past.
Prayer: Oh Gracious forgiving Father, how you have forgiven my sins, I hope that I can only be a bright like onto what you would like me to be in this world. Please search my heart and mind for righteousness and integrity that I am currently possessing during my human life on earth. and If I am not in your good graces please show me where I have stumbled and failed, so that I can learn my failures so that I don't keep falling into the pit that I might have dug in the past. Please bring an end to the violence of the wicked by showing you to those that don't believe in your healing powers, so that everything will be good in your graces as you see fit, for we are all going to see you someday, but I hope that they understand that they CAN change their ways. All they have to do is believe and follow the steps of CHANGE, In your Son's precious name, AMEN!!
Sunday, November 27, 2011
Death is not finial
11/27/11 Psalm 6
Scripture: Psalm 6:4-6 Turn, O Lord, and deliver me; save me because of your unfailing love. No one remembers you when he is dead. who praises you from the grave. I am worn out from groaning; all night long I flood my bed with weeping and drench my couch with tears.
Observation: We are at times worn out from prayer, especially when we have prayed for something for so long. That we inadvently flood the bed with the crying that has happened, but we also need to keep praying for deliverance from God's unfailing love. We need saved because we praise him while we are alive, but when we have died no one remembers God when a person has died because they are so struck by their grife.
Application: I think that what we must do is to keep praying although we may ask for the same things over and over again, sometimes it is just eaiser if we mix it up a little. or even just a simple prayer that involves everyone. But in the end we need to praise God, because death is not really finial. Sure you have taken your last living breath. But if you are righteous with God and praise him on earth and prayer for others who have not meet him yet, then Death is not finial. Death is only the start of the continuation of life. (sure there are going to be bad things that you are not going to be able to do anymore, but that is NOT my point) Now I am going to be honest, several years ago I thought of Death as the finial answer and then your buried and that is it, you remain in the grave, there was no heaven or hell, Or I suppose there was but Heaven was for those that laid down on the line for God, (priests, popes, some presidents (namely JFK and FDR), and those that served there country with honor and distinction) and Hell was for well very bad people (Hussein comes to mind) you get the idea. I don't know why I believed that Maybe watching too much of The Ghosts of Mississippi. But some how over the course of the last couple of years I think that my thought process begin to change, To where there is a heaven and a hell, but I am unsure of how the process is. I know, I know your thinking to yourself. Its easy Melissa, Celebrate, Connect and Contribute (which you do all three) Yes, I know I do all three. But some days I wonder if all three is enough. To be honest, I am SCARED of what is going to happen to me on the day that I die. I wonder from time to time, if my fate has already been sealed and we are just waiting for time to pass to get at this particular moment of when is my last breath, all because I may have done some stupid things in the past.
Prayer: Oh mighty Father Thank you for being in my life. Please be know that sometimes I do grow tried and weary from prayer, But I asking for forgiveness and strength. I need deliverance and saved because I know that I am a sinner, I will always be one. I know I must be humble and please allow me to be so but also allow me to have a successful future one filled with hope and prosperity, for I only live for you, God. I pray for those who don't know you and I praise you when I have renewed hope in you. Amen.
Scripture: Psalm 6:4-6 Turn, O Lord, and deliver me; save me because of your unfailing love. No one remembers you when he is dead. who praises you from the grave. I am worn out from groaning; all night long I flood my bed with weeping and drench my couch with tears.
Observation: We are at times worn out from prayer, especially when we have prayed for something for so long. That we inadvently flood the bed with the crying that has happened, but we also need to keep praying for deliverance from God's unfailing love. We need saved because we praise him while we are alive, but when we have died no one remembers God when a person has died because they are so struck by their grife.
Application: I think that what we must do is to keep praying although we may ask for the same things over and over again, sometimes it is just eaiser if we mix it up a little. or even just a simple prayer that involves everyone. But in the end we need to praise God, because death is not really finial. Sure you have taken your last living breath. But if you are righteous with God and praise him on earth and prayer for others who have not meet him yet, then Death is not finial. Death is only the start of the continuation of life. (sure there are going to be bad things that you are not going to be able to do anymore, but that is NOT my point) Now I am going to be honest, several years ago I thought of Death as the finial answer and then your buried and that is it, you remain in the grave, there was no heaven or hell, Or I suppose there was but Heaven was for those that laid down on the line for God, (priests, popes, some presidents (namely JFK and FDR), and those that served there country with honor and distinction) and Hell was for well very bad people (Hussein comes to mind) you get the idea. I don't know why I believed that Maybe watching too much of The Ghosts of Mississippi. But some how over the course of the last couple of years I think that my thought process begin to change, To where there is a heaven and a hell, but I am unsure of how the process is. I know, I know your thinking to yourself. Its easy Melissa, Celebrate, Connect and Contribute (which you do all three) Yes, I know I do all three. But some days I wonder if all three is enough. To be honest, I am SCARED of what is going to happen to me on the day that I die. I wonder from time to time, if my fate has already been sealed and we are just waiting for time to pass to get at this particular moment of when is my last breath, all because I may have done some stupid things in the past.
Prayer: Oh mighty Father Thank you for being in my life. Please be know that sometimes I do grow tried and weary from prayer, But I asking for forgiveness and strength. I need deliverance and saved because I know that I am a sinner, I will always be one. I know I must be humble and please allow me to be so but also allow me to have a successful future one filled with hope and prosperity, for I only live for you, God. I pray for those who don't know you and I praise you when I have renewed hope in you. Amen.
Saturday, November 26, 2011
Arrogant VS Humble
11/26/11 Psalm 5
Scripture: Psalm 5:5,9,11: The arrogant cannot stand in your presence; you hate all who do wrong. Not a word from their mouth can be trusted their heart is filled with destruction. Their throat is an open grave with their tongue they speak deceit. But let all who take refuge in you be glad; let them ever sing for joy. Spread your protection over them, that those who love your name may rejoice in you.
Observation: This is also part of a song, "this is the day that the Lord has made I will rejoice and be glad in it" I think that there is more then one song (but right now) nothing is coming to my mind. But anyway, David is comparing the arrogant vs the humble servants of the Lord. The arrogant can not stand in the Lords presence because there heart is filled with lies and deception and eventually it will destroy them. But those that are humble to God take there refuge knowing that God will protect them and that they may rejoice and be happy that God has saved them. The arrogant can not see past that, they think they are number 1, when in all honesty it is God that is NUMBER 1, and he will ALWAYS be that way.
Application: I think that the application is that we need to watch how we speak to those that are arrogant. But also in the same token need to pray for them as well, that there eyes will be opened and they can be more humble to God. Be mindful of how you speak to the arrogant (and to others as well, I suppose so that you wont seem arrogant) because you want to be seen as a humble person. (I hope that this is making sense) But in the end take refuge in God and sing for joy, because God will protect them and you so that you can rejoice in him.
Prayer: Thank you Lord, for giving me my protection and advice when I need it most. I can only hope that I am humble to you. I know that I will take refuge in you and be glad for it. In the same token I pray right now father God that you will be with the arrogant, the lost, the lonely, that they will get to know you. We know that you love them unconditionally, but they don't know you. I think that if they get to know you and there lives will be changed forever more, because they are being humble to you Lord God, for you Humbled yourself to be with us in times of great need. I thank you for all of those times and I pray that I will continued to be humbled, yet serve you in ways that I can serve you. Amen!!
Scripture: Psalm 5:5,9,11: The arrogant cannot stand in your presence; you hate all who do wrong. Not a word from their mouth can be trusted their heart is filled with destruction. Their throat is an open grave with their tongue they speak deceit. But let all who take refuge in you be glad; let them ever sing for joy. Spread your protection over them, that those who love your name may rejoice in you.
Observation: This is also part of a song, "this is the day that the Lord has made I will rejoice and be glad in it" I think that there is more then one song (but right now) nothing is coming to my mind. But anyway, David is comparing the arrogant vs the humble servants of the Lord. The arrogant can not stand in the Lords presence because there heart is filled with lies and deception and eventually it will destroy them. But those that are humble to God take there refuge knowing that God will protect them and that they may rejoice and be happy that God has saved them. The arrogant can not see past that, they think they are number 1, when in all honesty it is God that is NUMBER 1, and he will ALWAYS be that way.
Application: I think that the application is that we need to watch how we speak to those that are arrogant. But also in the same token need to pray for them as well, that there eyes will be opened and they can be more humble to God. Be mindful of how you speak to the arrogant (and to others as well, I suppose so that you wont seem arrogant) because you want to be seen as a humble person. (I hope that this is making sense) But in the end take refuge in God and sing for joy, because God will protect them and you so that you can rejoice in him.
Prayer: Thank you Lord, for giving me my protection and advice when I need it most. I can only hope that I am humble to you. I know that I will take refuge in you and be glad for it. In the same token I pray right now father God that you will be with the arrogant, the lost, the lonely, that they will get to know you. We know that you love them unconditionally, but they don't know you. I think that if they get to know you and there lives will be changed forever more, because they are being humble to you Lord God, for you Humbled yourself to be with us in times of great need. I thank you for all of those times and I pray that I will continued to be humbled, yet serve you in ways that I can serve you. Amen!!
Friday, November 25, 2011
Distress in your life? Trust in the Lord
11/25/11 Psalm 4
Scripture: Psalm 4:1,3,5 Answer me when I call to you, O my righteous God. Give me relief from my distress be merciful to me and hear my prayer. The Lord will hear when I call to him. Offer right sacrifices and trust in the Lord.
Observation: When we cry out to God we ask for him to answer us, We ask for relief from the distress that we have and to be merciful to me and to hear our prayers. The Lord hears our prayers when we call to him, but in the same token we have to offer the right sacrifices in return and trust that the Lord, will pull us through our troubles that we are currently experiencing.
Application: This one is extremely hard for me, that I have to trust in the Lord. I know that he has a plan for me. But what is that plan? Sometimes I just wish that I could see this plan for my life way in advance. Unfortunately that is not possible, we just have to experience it as it comes. I have been in great distress for two weeks now, I just wish that I could be rid of this great distress, I wish that I could find somewhere where I would totally be completely happy for a change of pace. I know that I need to pray and I do. But my fear is that nothing will come about and I will end up eating a lot of fire from my creditors just because I made one simple mistake. I am scared that no matter how many job applications, how many job interviews nothing will come and I won't get to do the thing that I love most of all. I knew teaching would be tough, but I did not think that it was going to be like this. Sometimes I wish that I could have someone come to me and aid me when I am in distress, but it seems that no body wants to be my mentor (although I could certainly use one) I offer my time and talents but is that the right sacrifices to the Lord, that I don't know.
Prayer: Oh Lord, my father answer my distress, hear my call, help me through this time in my life, The storm is brewing and I am unsure. Help me find the calm in my life and to maintain stability that I so desperately need, I am scared that I wont be able to provide at all, have me do well so that I can provide for myself. For it is in you that I live and breath for you. In your sons' precious name, Amen!
Scripture: Psalm 4:1,3,5 Answer me when I call to you, O my righteous God. Give me relief from my distress be merciful to me and hear my prayer. The Lord will hear when I call to him. Offer right sacrifices and trust in the Lord.
Observation: When we cry out to God we ask for him to answer us, We ask for relief from the distress that we have and to be merciful to me and to hear our prayers. The Lord hears our prayers when we call to him, but in the same token we have to offer the right sacrifices in return and trust that the Lord, will pull us through our troubles that we are currently experiencing.
Application: This one is extremely hard for me, that I have to trust in the Lord. I know that he has a plan for me. But what is that plan? Sometimes I just wish that I could see this plan for my life way in advance. Unfortunately that is not possible, we just have to experience it as it comes. I have been in great distress for two weeks now, I just wish that I could be rid of this great distress, I wish that I could find somewhere where I would totally be completely happy for a change of pace. I know that I need to pray and I do. But my fear is that nothing will come about and I will end up eating a lot of fire from my creditors just because I made one simple mistake. I am scared that no matter how many job applications, how many job interviews nothing will come and I won't get to do the thing that I love most of all. I knew teaching would be tough, but I did not think that it was going to be like this. Sometimes I wish that I could have someone come to me and aid me when I am in distress, but it seems that no body wants to be my mentor (although I could certainly use one) I offer my time and talents but is that the right sacrifices to the Lord, that I don't know.
Prayer: Oh Lord, my father answer my distress, hear my call, help me through this time in my life, The storm is brewing and I am unsure. Help me find the calm in my life and to maintain stability that I so desperately need, I am scared that I wont be able to provide at all, have me do well so that I can provide for myself. For it is in you that I live and breath for you. In your sons' precious name, Amen!
Thursday, November 24, 2011
Lords Shield, Blessing and being thankful
11/24/11 Psalm 3
Scripture: Psalm 3:3-4,8- But you are a shield around me, O Lord; you bestow glory on me and lift up my head. To the Lord I cry aloud, and he answers me from his holy hill. From the Lord comes deliverance, May your blessing be on your people.
Observation: When times are tough, you have to most importantly count on the Lord, because he provides a shield around you and lifts up your head. Everything is all in his timing you may cry aloud for him to help you but he will answer you from his spot that he is on which brings deliverance however you also need to have blessings to others for when they are down and out.
Application: Sometimes life kicks you in the teeth, but it does that because you need to be more humble to the Lord and to others. He puts his arms around you and they act like a shield and he lifts up your head when you think that you are down and out. This Psalm is part of a song by David Potter and this song is sung sometimes in church, (which is posted. for your listing pleasure) Lord You are a Shield. But the point is that just when you think that you are down and out, you truly are not that way, you have to think of ways that you are thankful. But in the same token you also need to be a blessing on those that are less fortunate then you. You have no idea how a kind word, a kind hug, a kind heart does wonders to those that worry. Yes we have fears too, but if we cry aloud to the Lord your prayers will be answered by someone else who is a blessing onto you!
Prayer: Oh Lord, thank you for everything that you have given to me. Thank you for protecting me and for showing your glory on me and lifting my head up when I think that I am down. I pray that those who think they are down and out, will know that they are not alone, someone will be that Angel. I pray that they will be relived of their troubles soon. By that kind word, that kind hug and that kind heart. Bless all that I know, if they have troubles, help them in what ever is troubling them. Amen.
A side note, tonight is thanksgiving and I need to say what I am thankful for: This year I am thankful that I am done with school and have a great GPA to show for it, I am thankful for my family including my wonderful church family who has been there with me always every step of the way. These people are very special because when I have been down they literally grabbed me by the shirt, pick me up, hose me off and helped in every little way that they could whether it is in prayer, moving, financial, help with the car, giving that word of advice, handing me that tissue, etc, etc, etc (I feel like that I can go on and on) I am thankful for a home to live in and I am thankful for someone who is helping me with the stability that I need and most of all I am Thankful for my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, he picked me for a reason, He is always there through thick and thin and will always be there. and Now I am going to challenge my followers: What are you Thankful for?
There was something that I forgot last night: I am also thankful for my freedom that our forefathers gave to us and thankful that those that are away from home are fighting for our freedom. I am thankful that we can practice our religion anywhere and that we don't have to fear persecution when doing a prayer out in the public eye.
Scripture: Psalm 3:3-4,8- But you are a shield around me, O Lord; you bestow glory on me and lift up my head. To the Lord I cry aloud, and he answers me from his holy hill. From the Lord comes deliverance, May your blessing be on your people.
Observation: When times are tough, you have to most importantly count on the Lord, because he provides a shield around you and lifts up your head. Everything is all in his timing you may cry aloud for him to help you but he will answer you from his spot that he is on which brings deliverance however you also need to have blessings to others for when they are down and out.
Application: Sometimes life kicks you in the teeth, but it does that because you need to be more humble to the Lord and to others. He puts his arms around you and they act like a shield and he lifts up your head when you think that you are down and out. This Psalm is part of a song by David Potter and this song is sung sometimes in church, (which is posted. for your listing pleasure) Lord You are a Shield. But the point is that just when you think that you are down and out, you truly are not that way, you have to think of ways that you are thankful. But in the same token you also need to be a blessing on those that are less fortunate then you. You have no idea how a kind word, a kind hug, a kind heart does wonders to those that worry. Yes we have fears too, but if we cry aloud to the Lord your prayers will be answered by someone else who is a blessing onto you!
Prayer: Oh Lord, thank you for everything that you have given to me. Thank you for protecting me and for showing your glory on me and lifting my head up when I think that I am down. I pray that those who think they are down and out, will know that they are not alone, someone will be that Angel. I pray that they will be relived of their troubles soon. By that kind word, that kind hug and that kind heart. Bless all that I know, if they have troubles, help them in what ever is troubling them. Amen.
A side note, tonight is thanksgiving and I need to say what I am thankful for: This year I am thankful that I am done with school and have a great GPA to show for it, I am thankful for my family including my wonderful church family who has been there with me always every step of the way. These people are very special because when I have been down they literally grabbed me by the shirt, pick me up, hose me off and helped in every little way that they could whether it is in prayer, moving, financial, help with the car, giving that word of advice, handing me that tissue, etc, etc, etc (I feel like that I can go on and on) I am thankful for a home to live in and I am thankful for someone who is helping me with the stability that I need and most of all I am Thankful for my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, he picked me for a reason, He is always there through thick and thin and will always be there. and Now I am going to challenge my followers: What are you Thankful for?
There was something that I forgot last night: I am also thankful for my freedom that our forefathers gave to us and thankful that those that are away from home are fighting for our freedom. I am thankful that we can practice our religion anywhere and that we don't have to fear persecution when doing a prayer out in the public eye.
Wednesday, November 23, 2011
Serve the Lord
11/23/11 Psalm 2
Scripture: Psalm 2:10-12- Therefore, you kings, be wise; be warned, you rulers of the earth. Serve the Lord with fear and rejoice with trembling. Kiss the son, lest he be angry and you be destroyed in your way, for his wrath can flare up in a moment, Blessed are all who take refuge in him.
Observation: This is a warning that the Lord is given to the kings or the rulers of the earth. That is to serve the Lord with fear in your hearts and then rejoice with trembling in your voice. You must kiss the son, but to watch out for wrath that can get bigger within a moment. If God is angry with you and then you will be destroyed in his anger. However those that are blessed are the ones who take refuge with God.
Application: I think the application is more for those that are leaders of the city or country or the world and that is to be wise in your steps and love the Lord with fear in your hearts but in the same token you also need to rejoice. But in the same token we also need to abide by those rules as well. If God is angry with you and then you will be destroyed in his anger, through possible food famine or a disease or other way. However I think that God's wrath has subsided a little with the death of Jesus Christ on the cross. Jesus might have taken our sins and washed them white as snow, but that is not a total cop out. We also have to take refuge with God, because we know that God will not let us down at all. If we take refuge then we can possibly be seen in God's eyes that we are blessed by him.
Prayer: Oh mighty father, let us call on you tonight, Let the common folk as well as the leaders of our city, state, nation and world be guided in your words. Please let them know that they can come to you with any problems that they might have on their plates that are too big for them to handle by themselves. Let them and those that are called into volunteer service be willing and able to make that call and give up that hour or two or what ever is needed to help out with what you have called them to God. Let us all be able to serve you with a fear in our hearts and then come and rejoice to you with trembling in our voices. Let us all be blessed so that we may take refuge in you, Amen!!
Scripture: Psalm 2:10-12- Therefore, you kings, be wise; be warned, you rulers of the earth. Serve the Lord with fear and rejoice with trembling. Kiss the son, lest he be angry and you be destroyed in your way, for his wrath can flare up in a moment, Blessed are all who take refuge in him.
Observation: This is a warning that the Lord is given to the kings or the rulers of the earth. That is to serve the Lord with fear in your hearts and then rejoice with trembling in your voice. You must kiss the son, but to watch out for wrath that can get bigger within a moment. If God is angry with you and then you will be destroyed in his anger. However those that are blessed are the ones who take refuge with God.
Application: I think the application is more for those that are leaders of the city or country or the world and that is to be wise in your steps and love the Lord with fear in your hearts but in the same token you also need to rejoice. But in the same token we also need to abide by those rules as well. If God is angry with you and then you will be destroyed in his anger, through possible food famine or a disease or other way. However I think that God's wrath has subsided a little with the death of Jesus Christ on the cross. Jesus might have taken our sins and washed them white as snow, but that is not a total cop out. We also have to take refuge with God, because we know that God will not let us down at all. If we take refuge then we can possibly be seen in God's eyes that we are blessed by him.
Prayer: Oh mighty father, let us call on you tonight, Let the common folk as well as the leaders of our city, state, nation and world be guided in your words. Please let them know that they can come to you with any problems that they might have on their plates that are too big for them to handle by themselves. Let them and those that are called into volunteer service be willing and able to make that call and give up that hour or two or what ever is needed to help out with what you have called them to God. Let us all be able to serve you with a fear in our hearts and then come and rejoice to you with trembling in our voices. Let us all be blessed so that we may take refuge in you, Amen!!
Tuesday, November 22, 2011
Pleasing to God?
11/22/11 Psalm 1
Scripture: Psalm 1:1,2,6: Blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked or stand in the way of sinners or sit in the seat of mockers. But his delight is in the law of the Lord and on his law he meditates day and night. For the Lord watches over the way of the righteous, but the way of the wicked will perish.
Observation: A man who is truly blessed is a person who is not a sinner or a mocker, but rather a person who mediates on the law of God although the day and the night. and for this God watch over those that are good in the eyes of the Lord all of the time and those that do not see favor in the Lord's eye will die.
Application: I think that this means that my delight to please the Lord is to meditate on him. and by this the Lord always watches over those that are pleasing to him. But how do I know that I am pleasing to him? I know that I don't pretend anything, my emotions and feeling are usually very raw and full of power. I think that if I mediate on God and keep him close to my heart I will be pleasing. I think in order to do that I need to meditate and put my whole trust in him.
Prayer: Oh Lord of lords I know that my main goal this year is to delight in you and I know that I need to focus more on you and place my whole trust in you. For you know what my future will go. I know that I need to learn the it is what it is part of life and I pray that you will help me, place trust in you. For you are my life and my spirit that comes from within my soul, you are my father and my creator and I know that you know what is best for me, Amen.
Scripture: Psalm 1:1,2,6: Blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked or stand in the way of sinners or sit in the seat of mockers. But his delight is in the law of the Lord and on his law he meditates day and night. For the Lord watches over the way of the righteous, but the way of the wicked will perish.
Observation: A man who is truly blessed is a person who is not a sinner or a mocker, but rather a person who mediates on the law of God although the day and the night. and for this God watch over those that are good in the eyes of the Lord all of the time and those that do not see favor in the Lord's eye will die.
Application: I think that this means that my delight to please the Lord is to meditate on him. and by this the Lord always watches over those that are pleasing to him. But how do I know that I am pleasing to him? I know that I don't pretend anything, my emotions and feeling are usually very raw and full of power. I think that if I mediate on God and keep him close to my heart I will be pleasing. I think in order to do that I need to meditate and put my whole trust in him.
Prayer: Oh Lord of lords I know that my main goal this year is to delight in you and I know that I need to focus more on you and place my whole trust in you. For you know what my future will go. I know that I need to learn the it is what it is part of life and I pray that you will help me, place trust in you. For you are my life and my spirit that comes from within my soul, you are my father and my creator and I know that you know what is best for me, Amen.
Monday, November 21, 2011
Disciple/Hardship and Running the race
11/21/11 Hebrews 12:1-15
Scripture: Hebrews 12:1-2,5-8, 11: Let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. Have you completely forgotten this word of encouragement that addresses you as a father addresses his son? It says, "My son, do not make light of the Lord's discipline, and do not lose heart when he rebukes you, because the Lord disciplines the one he loves, and he chastens everyone he accepts as his son." Endure hardship as discipline; God is treating you as his children. For what Children are not disciplined by their father? If you are not disciplined-and everyone undergoes discipline-then you are not legitimate, not true sons and daughters at all. No Discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it.
Observation: If you fix your eyes on Jesus we will be able to endure hardship. Which we need to take hardship as a discipline, because we have gotten a little lax in submitting before the Lord your relationship. We need to be disciplined from time to time. But this discipline is used as a training tool, just like a human father will discipline his own son/daughter. The Discipline wont seem pleasant but rather painful, but it in the same token produces a peace and righteousness for those that take their punishment as seen by the Lord.
Application: Discipline and hardship are must haves in any relationship. When you do something that someone disapproves of then you have discipline. Any Discipline given by the Lord is something for you to open your eyes, so that you don't step into the same mud holes twice and three times. However when you fix your eyes on Jesus we will be able to withstand the discipline/hardship, because we know he knows that it is best for our spiritual mentality.
Prayer: I know that I must fix my eyes and ears on you and run the race that is marked out for me, with perseverance. Then if I find my self forgetting the words of encouragement then I need to be rightly discipline and hardship. I pray that the hardship will be short lived for I know that I am sorry for what I have done. But in the end all eyes and ears must be on you. For it is in you that I live for you and breath your breath that you have put in me. Amen.
Scripture: Hebrews 12:1-2,5-8, 11: Let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. Have you completely forgotten this word of encouragement that addresses you as a father addresses his son? It says, "My son, do not make light of the Lord's discipline, and do not lose heart when he rebukes you, because the Lord disciplines the one he loves, and he chastens everyone he accepts as his son." Endure hardship as discipline; God is treating you as his children. For what Children are not disciplined by their father? If you are not disciplined-and everyone undergoes discipline-then you are not legitimate, not true sons and daughters at all. No Discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it.
Observation: If you fix your eyes on Jesus we will be able to endure hardship. Which we need to take hardship as a discipline, because we have gotten a little lax in submitting before the Lord your relationship. We need to be disciplined from time to time. But this discipline is used as a training tool, just like a human father will discipline his own son/daughter. The Discipline wont seem pleasant but rather painful, but it in the same token produces a peace and righteousness for those that take their punishment as seen by the Lord.
Application: Discipline and hardship are must haves in any relationship. When you do something that someone disapproves of then you have discipline. Any Discipline given by the Lord is something for you to open your eyes, so that you don't step into the same mud holes twice and three times. However when you fix your eyes on Jesus we will be able to withstand the discipline/hardship, because we know he knows that it is best for our spiritual mentality.
Prayer: I know that I must fix my eyes and ears on you and run the race that is marked out for me, with perseverance. Then if I find my self forgetting the words of encouragement then I need to be rightly discipline and hardship. I pray that the hardship will be short lived for I know that I am sorry for what I have done. But in the end all eyes and ears must be on you. For it is in you that I live for you and breath your breath that you have put in me. Amen.
Sunday, November 20, 2011
I am...a child of God.
11/20/11 Isaiah 61
Scripture: Isaiah 61:8- For I, the Lord, love justice, I hate robbery and wrong doing. In my faithfulness I will reward my people and make an everlasting covenant with them. Their descendants will be known among the nations and their offspring among the peoples. All who see then will acknowledge that they are a people the Lord has Blessed.
Observation: God will reward you with Blessings if you do the right thing. But first and foremost, you need to acknowledge that you are a child of God.
Application: I am a child of God, I have been blessed (many times), I know that he is there when I am down and he will help me rise up again. I just have to be patient and keep on doing the right thing.
Prayer: I thank you, Lord for giving me to be the power of me. For I know that you will have my back always. You will always protect me. Now and Forever, Amen.
My New Blog/Introduction about me
Hi I am Melissa!! and well this is my New Blog. Now I say new blog because this is my second time Blogging. I have Blogged before on my space a few years ago, but I just did not feel that I was ready to make the commitment to have a blog that I do once per day. Let's get a few things straight, number 1-- I am a Christian, so if you are looking for something that is in the non religious view of things you are looking in the wrong place. Number 2--This Blog is to entail over the course of the next year, how reading and Applying the word of God, does into my life. Number 3-- I come from a broken family. My mother and father are divorced, this affects me very very deeply and there may be times where some of my blogs might be of a frustration because of them, and if you get offended, then I need to apologize right now. But THEN AGAIN...Its my blog, so if you don't like it, then you know where you can go! (smile Aunt VICKI, you know what I am talking about!)
Now the reason for the Blog: As I have said before I am a Christian. I go to Christ Community Church in Omaha, Nebraska. (home to one big city, the Cornhuskers and LOTS of CORN, Hence the term Cornhuskers). Anyway, so we as a church body have been challenged by Pastor Mark, to read the Bible in a year, hence 2012. That's Right: the WHOLE BIBLE Cover to Cover in ONE YEAR!!! I have felt that I in order to grow my relationship with Christ Jesus, I must go through on this challenge. I felt that blogging about it, will keep me responsible but would also give my "followers" a perception of what my life is really like, through my words. I feel that I am, a person that has a passion. But I also feel
lost in the middle of finding that passion. I hope that with this upcoming year
I will find that fire so that I can find my passion.
Now, I know what you are thinking "If the actual blogging, starts on January 1, why are you starting your blog now?" Very Good question, the intent of starting the blog 6 weeks early is to give me practice, so that by the time that January 1 rolls around (in 41 days) then I will be ready to take on the challenge head on. So it does not feel like I have to do this, for the sake of the followers and quit by January 31st (which I am sure that there are some out there that will bet that I will quit by then). After all you don't run a marathon without preparing for it first (especially when your out of shape!!!) So for the next six weeks, after a couple of introductory blogs that I will be writing about will most likely cover Psalms, but it might possibly cover Proverbs, Song of Solomon or maybe a gospel. (we have to wait and see where the Lord points me too, over the course of the next 6 weeks.)
OK, next question: how are we going to know what you are even talking about? Well I will be applying the S.O.A.P Method (and no it is not for sticking a bar of soap in my mouth). For those of you who don't know this is what it stands for S is for Scripture, this is where I would read the scripture or a passage of the Scripture. Then I would write it down in my Journal/Blog. Or when reading a large passage i will be writing down the "gem" passage. O is for Observation, this is where I would I explain the Scripture as if I was teaching it to someone else. In other words, it will be mostly written in my own words. A is for Application, This is where I would Meditate of the Scripture and tell what it means to me. P is for Prayer, this is for God to give me and you the understand of how He wants to use this scripture in my heart and life. Now don't worry, if you think that you are going to lose track on what each one means I will tell what each means at least for the next six weeks and possibly for a couple of weeks into the Challenge. and you can always refer back to the Introduction if you need too. But I think that my Christian Family will know pretty much instantaneously what the symbols mean (Thank God for Spell CHECK).
I think that I have pretty much covered everything in the introduction as I can, without getting on to the blogging. So come and Join me on this journey through the Next year, it might be a rough and bumpy ride, but it would not be a worthy ride, if there were not some pot holes along the way!! ;)
To a Fresh start in a New Blog!
In Christ,
Melissa
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