Name Above All Names CCC.avi

Book Review - John, 90 days with the beloved disciple

Today was day 90 of my journey through Beth Moore's Book John, 90 days with the beloved disciple. When I set out on this 90 day adventure I wanted to learn more about John because his writing emphasized so much of God's love. I found it curious that he referred to himself as the disciple whom Jesus loved.  I was also struck by the fact that John was at the cross when Jesus was crucified. I see those two attributes and in my heart I want to be the person that remains when times get tough and all is going against my Savior, and I want to hear Jesus say to me, here comes Hope, the disciple who I love.  Oh Happy Day!

As I began reading this book I was moved by how parallel things in my life that were going on seemed to match the reading for that day.  When John wanted the glory of sitting on the right or left of Jesus, I too was struggling with selfish ambition.  When John remained at the cross I too was having a fierce battle inside and remaining attuned to Jesus was becoming more and more difficult.  And when I felt called to stay home and leave the ministry that God had given me to lead, John was imprisoned on the island of Patmos.

And last day of reading did not disappoint either.  I have been struggling with feeling no longer useful and fading into obscurity. The job of mother and wife is not going to win any awards for success in this world, although I know this position is prized by God. But all those feelings faded when Beth Moore summed this last day of teaching up. I was once again blown away at how God knows in advance what word I will need even before I know I need it.  Beth Moore said "Christ calls His beloved disciples to forsake ambition for affection.  John moved from his "pillar" position in the Jerusalem church to relative obscurity.  Better to pour out our lives in places unknown then to become dry bones in places we've always been." (John, 90 day's with the beloved disciple, p. 434).

Thank You God, thank you John, and thank you Beth for this amazing adventure.

Proverbs 20:21

Scripture

An inheritance gained hurriedly at the beginning will not be blessed in the end.

Observation

In this world we are bombarded with the idea that we need to have things fast.  I can be easily taken in by this worldly mentality just.  In the battle of the bulge I would definitely choose the wonder pill or  the "lose 20lbs in 30 days" exercise promise.   But I also look at stars who lost a lot of weight quickly and then gained it back just a few short years later.  This "I have to have it now" mentality isn't limited to just weight loss and food, its everywhere.  

Many of us have answered the ever-growing monster inside of us, with a credit card.   For a fixed low-rate finance, we can get everything we want right now.  Seemingly to forget about the fact that we will have to pay that gigantic bill off later, many times we are still paying long after the items purchased has been thrown away.

Watch commercials on television sometime and then repeat what you have just been told to believe out loud.  "If I drink this specific type of alcohol, the opposite sex will find me attractive.", "If I buy this car, I will be the envy of my friends.", "If I eat a subway sandwich instead of a hamburger then I won't be overweight".   If you are like me, you will be appalled at what you are being asked to believe, but we do don't we?  We fall into "I want it all, I want it now" trap. 

This scripture say's it is better to wait.  We can be the prodigal son and want our inheritance now and squander it (Luke 15:11-32).  And just like him we forfeit the blessing the inheritance could have been if we would have waited.

Application

A couple weeks ago I posted Proverbs 30:7-9.  It is a scripture asking God to give the portion that He wills, submitting that He knows and He will use that portion to draw me closer to Him.  Well shortly after that post we got a slew of hospital bills, our oven decided to be moody and pick and choose when it would work, my computer mouse stopped working (I had to learn how to use CTRL keys to maneuver...a story for another time), and our vacuum cleaner gave out.  What was my immediate reaction? It was to fix it right now, of course!  Go buy a vacuum, a new mouse, a new oven, and obviously not pay the hospital bills.  But God reminded me of what I had prayed and that this was my portion.  So I didn't react, I just waited and praised Him for using bills and broken items to draw me closer to Him.  Well this weekend my sister-in-law Holly gave us her brand new Kirby Vacuum, that is also a carpet cleaner, because it is too heavy for her to use. It is perfect!  I was also able to get a mouse and someone we had given some money too a long time ago, decided to give it back to us. And they had no idea of our circumstance. Our God is so amazing!

I also want to emphasize that it is important to apply this principle with our children.  I don't know how your kids are, but my kids don't like to wait.  When you are a child, 5 minutes of adult time is 5 hours to you.  I reconcile this discretion to 2 Peter 3:8, where God enlightens us to His time and He say's 1 day is a 1000 years and a 1000 years is 1 day to Him. I want to bless my children, however, sometimes to bless them I have to forsake their immediate happiness. When I struggle with saying "no, wait" God is strength in my weakness; much to my children's dismay I might add :).

 Prayer

Whew, LORD, I am so very wordy today.  It is amazing to me how much heavenly wisdom can be found in once sentence of Your word. I praise You that You consider our time together so precious and LORD it is so very precious to me also.  I am so grateful for the promise of blessing that I have when I wait for my inheritance.   Your word promises hope if I allow patience to develop experience within me (Rom. 5:3-4 KJV). I ask that You would keep lies far from me (Prov. 30:7-9).  If there are lies that I have already believed please shine Your light of truth on them, and Father please pull those weeds from my heart.  Do not allow Your daughter to walk around deceived, reacting to every whim of the flesh.  Thank You for Your mindfulness of me LORD.  I rejoice in today in Your steadfast love.

Hebrews 12:11

Scripture

All discipline for the moment seems not to be joyful, but sorrowful. Yet to those who have been trained by it, afterwards it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness.

Observation

I am being disciplined right now.  I may not be getting a holy spanking, but I do feel like I am standing in a corner or even grounded.  I don't have any real in depth thought on this except to say that this verse really encourages me and gives me hope. 

I have asked God over and over to rid me of all unrighteousness; the sin of pride, envy, and selfishness, these sins that steal my peace. Isn't that what sin does?  It steals your peace.   I want to be presented without sin, holy and blameless before Him in love (Eph. 5:27)  and He is doing that very thing, but it hurts and sometimes can be very sorrowful.

Like Elijah by the Kerith Ravine, I am just sitting here by the brook and  I praise God for the overflowing waters that the Ravine provides, and the food being brought by the ravens (1 Kings 17).  Literally every day I being transformed by the renewing of my mind through His amazing word.  I don't know what His plans are for me or what will be next, if anything.  But I do know that His plan is good (Jer. 29:11) and that once I am trained by His discipline I can expect to bloom the peaceful fruit of righteousness.

Application

2 Corinthians 10:5 say's that we demolish arguments and every pretension that set's itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to the obedience of Christ.  Well Jesus is the Word of God (John 1:1-2).  I can't demolish discouraging and untrue arguments if I do not know the Word of God.  This particular verse is important for me to memorize because it encourages my heart in moments when I feel discouraged and thus I can demolish that discouragement.  So I am going to memorize this scripture, praise God for the His promise of righteousness, and believe Him to do what He say's He is going to do.

Prayer

Father of glory, there is a prize set before me, and You have called me to run the race of endurance (Hebrews 12:1).  I praise You for Your discipline, for I know that You only discipline those that You love (Rev. 3:19).  Who am I that You should be so mindful of me?  Father, I ask with all my heart that You would receive maximum glory through this discipline.  That I would become less and You would become more (John 3:30).

Psalm 27:5-6

Scripture

For in the day of trouble He will conceal me in His tabernacle; in the secret place of His tent He will hide me; He will lift me up on a rock.  And now my head will be lifted above my enemies around me and I will offer in His tent sacrifices with shouts of joy; I will sing, yes, I will sing praises to the LORD.

Observation

The first thing I did when observing this verse is highlight some key words and look up definitions to them, even if I think I know the definition.   I looked up multiple words, but I want to share two with you that really enlightened me.

Conceal - (verb) to hide; withdraw or remove from observation; cover or keep from sight (dictionary.com)

Secret Place - (Dictionary.com) - secluded, sheltered, or withdrawn: a secret hiding place. Beyond ordinary human understanding

Have there every been times in your life that you just wanted to hide?  I personally have lots of those times; it is apart of my introverted nature.  People find it hard to believe, they see me as an outgoing  people person.  But I am only brave enough to do that when I know that I am concealed by God.  Psalm 91:1, 4  say's- He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will abide in the shadow of the Almighty. He will cover you with His pinions, and under His wings you may seek refuge.

I also looked up the definition of tabernacle and the verb tense of the word struck a chord with me, it said "to place or dwell in, or as if in, a tabernacle. " (dictionary.com).  I like the verb tense because it requires action from me.   I have to place myself in the Secret Place of the Most High God, it is a choice I make. When I do that I find that I am protected, favored, and given wisdom to handle all situations.  Like David, I feel like I am placed on a rock, heads above my enemy.  I can see people and situations now from a God-perspective.   There is no better place to be then to dwell in the tabernacle of the LORD.

Application

Putting on the armor of God (listed in Ephesians 6) is very much like choosing to dwell in the tabernacle of the LORD. It is hard to do everyday, especially when the busyness of the day beckons you to move things along.  But I know God's promises are both  good and true when I choose to take the time to withdraw to His secret place and be sheltered in the shadow of His wings.  If you would like to know some of those promises a great Psalm to read is Psalm 91.  I try to make a list of God's promises and will write P next to a promise in the bible.  Knowing His promises, helps me to stop my over-productive nature and to just dwell for awhile in God's amazing presence.

Prayer

Father, thank You for Your word and how each day it is used both to encourage and instruct me (Rom. 15:4).  Father in Your tabernacle I find refuge, You charge Your angels to guard me in all my ways and  I can tread upon both lion and cobra when walking in Your shadow (Psalm 91:11-13).  I know Your promises of faithfulness and deliverance are true.  With my voice I gladly sing praises my King.   I praise You for the armor that Your presence provides me each day.  I choose this day to place the belt of truth around my waist, to shod my feet with the gospel of peace, to wear the breastplate of righteousness, to take up the shield of faith, and wield the sword of the Spirit, which is Your mighty Word (Eph. 6:13-18). Jesus, You are the Word, and it is Your name that I pray this (John 1:1).

Psalm 27:4

Scripture

One thing I asked from the LORD that I shall seek: that I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, to behold the beauty of the LORD and to meditate in His temple.(Emphasis mine)

Observation

This morning Elena and I were doing a bible study on Martha and Mary (Luke 10:38-42). In the story Martha is serving and preparing and Mary is sitting at the feet of Jesus. "But Martha was distracted with all her preparations; and she came up to Him and said, "Lord, do You not care that my sister has left me to do all the serving alone? Then tell her to help me." (Luke 10:40).  Jesus gently rebukes Martha saying, "Martha, Martha, you are worried and bothered about so many things; but only one thing is necessary, for Mary has chosen the good part, which shall not be taken away from her." (Luke 10:41-42)

In my bible study this morning, this verse in Psalm 27:4 also came to my attention. I take it seriously when I see word from God that have similar messages in the span of 15 minutes. So I decided to go deeper and look up the word dwell in the dictionary and here is what I found.

Dwell: (Dictionary.com)

1. to live or stay as a permanent resident; reside.

2. to live or continue in a given condition or state: to dwell in happiness.
3. to linger over, emphasize, or ponder in thought, speech, or writing (often followed by on  or upon ): to dwell on a particular point in an argument.

4. (of a moving tool or machine part) to be motionless for a certain interval during operation.

I was specifically intrigued by the last definition. What I find interesting is that being motionless for an interval of time is necessary for an operation. I feel like God is saying, "Hope, everyday I want you to stop and dwell with me.  Just sit at my feet and meditate on my goodness and beauty, this is necessary for the operation of your life." What a cool message this morning.  I am just in awe that the God of the universe, the Father of life and light, desires for me, 34 year old house wife to spend time with Him. I love my God so much!!!

Application

I can relate so much to Martha.   As a task driven person,  the moment  I left ministry I tried to fill up my days with an unreasonable to-do list.  But God in His mercy and wisdom has put a number of road blocks in my way.  He just wants me to dwell with Him, meditate on His attributes, and live in the continued state of His peace.  I am learning what a precious time this really is in my life. 

Prayer

Father, penetrate every crevasse of my lie.  Like David, I long to dwell in Your house each day.  I pray that the words of my mouth and meditations my heart be acceptable to in Your sight, O LORD, my rock and my redeemer (Psa. 19:14).  And each day take me to the clefts of the rock, in the secret place of the steep pathway, and let me see Your form, let me hear Your voice ;for Your voice is sweet , and Your form is lovely (Song of Solomon 2:14).  With my whole heart I seek You.

Ephesians 5:10

Scripture

Figure out what will please Christ, and then do it.(MSG)

Observation

A dear friend of mine is challenging herself to find out what pleases God each day.  I thought that "what a great daily and life long goal!"  As a daughter of the Most High God, my one overarching purpose is to hear "this is my child with whom I am well-pleased".  My only hope in achieving this goal can be found in a deep and ever-growing relationship with Jesus Christ, God's Beloved Son, who was the first to Himself hear these amazing words (Matt. 3:17)

So to achieve this goal I had to see what God had to say on the whole matter.  I mean who would know better then God, Himself right?  So I began looking in His word and here is what I found.

1. Integrity pleases God (1 Chron. 29:17) What is integrity, well the definition is:
1. Steadfast adherence to a strict moral or ethical code.
2. The state of being unimpaired; soundness.
3. The quality or condition of being whole or undivided; completeness.

2. God is pleased with the gospel being preached to save those who believe (1 Cor. 1:21)

3. God is pleased when those in authority live peaceful and quiet lives, in all godliness and holiness (1 Timothy 2:2-4) I looked up the definition for these attributes and the are listed below:
1. Quiet - Calm, still, soothing, untroubled, understated.
2. Peaceful - Undisturbed by strife, turmoil, or disagreement; tranquil.
3. Godly - Having great reverence for God
4. Holiness - Living according to a strict or highly moral religious or spiritual system; saintly

4. God is pleased when we share with others (Heb. 13:16)

5. Worshiping God in spirit and truth pleases the Lord. (John 4:23-24) - This means that we must be authentic and not put on a show. 

6. Faith pleases God (Heb. 11:6)

I also found some awesome promises that God gives to those whom He is well pleased:

• Ecclesiastes 2:26 - To the person who pleases him, God gives wisdom, knowledge and happiness, but to the sinner he gives the task of gathering and storing up wealth to hand it over to the one who pleases God.
• We will be saved from the snare of the adulteress (Ecc. 7:26)
• We will bear fruit in ever good work and grow in the knowledge of God (Col. 1:10)
• We will no longer conform to the patterns of this world (Rom. 12:2)

Application

I'm going to make a list of these things and try to pray set out every day to do these things. I want them engraved on my heart. I can not achieve God's pleasure on my own strength but in the power and  might of Jesus Christ. 

Prayer

Father, I come before You with a desire to please You this day. I am blessed to have the power of Your Holy Spirit within in me.  How I appreciate Your word, Your very breath on each page. Thank You for the knowledge of how to please You.  I believe in the surpassing greatness of Your power and ask that You make me more like Your Son, Jesus Christ (Eph. 1:19).

Proverbs 30:7-9

Scripture

Two things I asked of You, do not refuse before I die: Keep deception and lies far from me, give me neither poverty nor riches; feed me with the food that is my portion, that I not be full and deny You and say "Who is the LORD?"  or that I not be in want and steal, and profane the name of my God.

Observation

In a world of excess and want, this is the cry of my heart. If I have learned anything in my relationship with God it is that He knows better than I.  My flesh demands more and more and more.  It is never satisfied.

I have seen both wealth and poverty in my life.  When you are poor, it can be easy to feel sorry for yourself and for your joy to be stolen away.  You are tempted to steal and look for get rich quick schemes.  You think that if you have money all of your problems will go away.  A lie from the enemy for sure.

When rich, you stop asking God for things.  You just go out and buy what You want.  Soon thankfulness disappears altogether and pride begins to dwell deep within.

The writer of this proverb knew the danger of being both rich and poor.  So in wisdom he prayers that God give him the portion that God decides is best.  Whatever would glorify God the most.  Whatever quantity would create a closer relationship with God is what he most desired. 

Application

Our house is very old and needs a lot of work and none of our cars have air conditioning.  But praise God!  That is the portion that He knows will draw my family more closely to Himself.  We have one income, not two. But praise God! For in His infinite wisdom He knew that my presence at home would help our family draw closer to Him.  The application of this passage for me personally is a reminder to be grateful for both what I have and don't have, for God is my portion forever.

Prayer

Father thank You for this great reminder of Your blessing and favor in my life.  I have no need to worry or fear about tomorrow, for You provide all that I need. I trust and submit to Your leadership in all areas of my life.  I praise You O LORD, for a husband that works hard to provide for this family.  Thank You for his job, a vehicle that takes him to and from work everyday, and encouraging him each day to labor unto You (Eph. 6:7).  Father, I pray that my children would also trust in the portion that You provide and this family would have an attitude of gratitude in seasons of plenty and of want.

Memorizing Scripture

Here are some of the scriptures I am memorizing this week.  I would love for you to hold me accountable if you see me this week.

1. Proverbs 31:30 - Charm is deceitful and beauty is vain, but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised.

- Memorizng this verse helps me to keep the correct perspective on how I look and others opinion of me.  Its OK to look nice and it is good to be healthy for sure.  However, beauty and populatirty can not be my driving ambition.  Instead continious reverence of the Lord, needs to be my constant goal.

2. Psalm 25:4-5 - Make me know Your ways, O LORD; teach me Your paths, lead me in Your truth and teach me, for You are the God of my salvation; for You I wait all the day.

- Like Proverbs 3:5 I am implored to lean on God for understanding and direction, and to also wait on Him and not react.  I feel the opposite in my flesh all the time.  I want to react to my understanding of situations.

3. Song of Solomon 2:14  - O my dove, in the clefts of the rock, in the secret place of the steep pathway, let me see your form, let me hear your voice, for your voice is sweet, and your form is lovely.
- When I think about waiting for God in our secret place to hear His sweet voice and see His form, then O how wonderful waiting can be!

4. Ephesians 1:17-19 - That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory may give to you a spirit of wisdom and of revelation in the knowledge of Him.  I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened, so that you will know what is the hope of His calling, what are the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints, and what is the surpassing greatness of His power toward us who believe.  These are in accordance with the working of the strength of His might. 

- Phew that's a long one and I am going to S.O.A.P. that one for sure.  But I chose this one because it is rich with promises and attrubutes of who God is.  I want to pray this continually over everyone I know.

5. Proverbs 30:5 - Every word of God is tested and is a shield to all those who take refuge in Him.

- This is exactly why I want to memorize scripture, because His scripture is a shield.  I want to take every thought captive to the obedience of Christ (2 Cor. 10:5).


Tips that I use in memorizing scripture:

1. I say the verses out loud.  Faith comes through hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ (Rom. 10:17)  It does no good to memorize scripture if you don't believe it.

2.  I write it down and disect it.

3. I tell others about the verse.

4. I pray the verse.

5. This may be a little cheesy to some of you, but I sing the verse.  Yes, it's true.  There is something about adding a chord progression behind the verse that plants the roots of God's word even deeper in my soul. 
 

How about you?  What are some tools that you use to memorize scripture?

Psalm 27:1-3

Scripture

The LORD is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The LORD is the defense of my life; whom shall I dread? When evildoers came upon me to devour my flesh, my adversaries and my enemies, they stumbled and fell.  Though a host encamp against me, my heart will not fear. Though war arise against me, in spite of this I shall be confident.

Observation

David understood the real threat there was for his life.  He had to hide in a cave and take refuge in an enemy city. David was a man on the run.  Wanted dead because he had the favor of God upon him.

But David had a light even in the darkest cave that his enemies didn't have.  David had an unseen shield around him. I used to watch LOST and on a portion of the island there was a fence that you could not see, but if you tried to breach it you would be shocked, stumble, and fall, just like David's enemies experienced.

What I find wonderful about this passage is that David's enemies couldn't see the divine protection that David was under, but David could.  David used his faith vision when looking at his circumstances.  With his faith vision he could see the light in the blackest night and the impenetrable shield that guarded each of his steps.

Application

I have been doing a study in Isaiah and also on the disciple John.  Both have lead me to what God say's about the end of day's.  I find so many similarities between these prophecies and what is going on right now in our world, that it is scary.   The world calls evil things good and good things evil.  In fact righteousness is condemned.  And consequently last few days I have experienced anxiety.  I am scared for my kids, my husband, my family and friends.  But I know that God does not give me a spirit of fear, but of power, love, and a sound mind (2 Tim. 1:7).  I have a light inside of me to help illuminate the darkness (Phil. 2:15), and a promise of protection because God has cleansed me with His righteousness (Psa. 5:12), and a greater future that give me hope during times of struggle (Jer. 29:11). I have everything I need in Christ and so I can confidently lay those fears at the feet of my King, for He loves me so (1 Pet. 5:7)

Prayer

Father I praise You for Your word, and how it helps me to know You more intimately.  I praise You that for the freedom that Your truth provides (John 8:32).  I can not live by what I feel.  And I choose not to fear man, nor my enemy, but only You my LORD, trusting in Your precepts (Prov. 29:25).  Like Paul, I choose to not look back or even at the distractions of this world, but I instead choose to press on toward the goal, for the prize of the upward call of Christ Jesus. (Phil. 3:13-14).  Forgive me for my lack of faith in Your might, strength, and love, for You alone are the God of my salvation.  Continue to fan a passion for Your word, so that through the hearing of Your word I would grow in faith (Rom. 10:17).  Thank You for letting me bring my anxieties to You Father (1 Pet. 5:7).  You are good, holy, and Your lovingkindess endures forever.

Ephesians 5:22-24

Scripture

Wives, be subject to your own husbands, as to the Lord. For the husband is the head of the wife, as Christ also is the head of the church, He Himself being the Savior of the body. But as the church is subject to Christ, so also the wives ought to be to their husbands in everything.

Observation

10 years ago if you asked me what I liked most about being a woman I would have told you I liked how tough we are.  I grew up reared by a single mother in a gang ridden neighborhood.  I was proud of how tough I was. But when I look back at those years I know that I cried myself to sleep almost every night and that my tough exterior was just a facade to cover my inner frailty.

Now I would say the best part about being a woman is gentleness and compassion.  There is no facade anymore, just me living out my purpose.  Being married to a Godly man allows me to be who God created me to be.  Tim protects me.  See he is a thermos and I am a glass.  I break easily, he's the tough one.  I am grateful for his covering.

It breaks my heart to see women take this covering for granted and men discarding their protective responsibility so easily.  It also hurts me deeply to see the same unfaithfulness in our relationship with God.  I know I take for granted God's covering in my life.  In fact I'm can't even begin to fathom the steps God is taking right now to provide my protection.

Application

The application of this message for me is to continuously tell my husband how much I appreciate his protection and provision in my life.  God uses Tim to bless me everyday.  In Isaiah 3:12 - 4:1 it talks about what happens when women rule over men and lose men as their covering.  Let this be a warning to my heart to not take the covering God has given me for granted.

Prayer

This morning and each and every day I submit to You Jesus. For You are the author and perfecter of my faith (Heb. 12:2).  Your word instructs me to also submit to my husband, for he is the head (Eph. 5:23).  Thank You Father for giving me a husband who loves me and cares for me well, because this makes submission to him easy to do.  Lord, help me to never take both Your protection and his protection for granted.  Keep me always gentle and compassionate. 

Jesus Culture - We Cry Out - Kim Walker

Psalm 25:21-22

Scripture

Let integrity and uprightness preserve me, for I wait for You. Redeem Israel, O God out of all his troubles.

Observation

David call's upon two character qualities to help preserve him in times of trouble, integrity and uprightness.  He is acknowledging that obedience to God is necessary to walking under the umbrella of God's protection.  David also understands the necessity of waiting for God before moving. David is saying "God, You are in charge.  I will follow You and Your orders."

My heart has been heavy for our country lately.  I feel like my eyes continue  to be opened to the path of destruction we are on.   Maybe you don't agree.  So let me ask you, could this country boast of integrity and uprightness today?  When you turn on the TV is that what you see?  Or how about when you read the news? Internet? What I see is rape, murder, and sexuality celebrated .  Sex is used to sell alcohol, food, and common household items.  Do see the leaders of this country seeking God for direction and waiting on Him before moving forward?  What I see is a fear to even mention the name of God in a political setting.

David cries out "Redeem Israel, O God, out of all his troubles".  That is my cry as well.  Help us Father.

Application

As a mother I am terrified for my children.  I can't begin to tell the battle I face each day in deprograming them.  The world tells them that they should have every thing want, when they want it.  They are ignorant of the damage that would be done to their soul if Tim and I left them to be reared by the world.  Every fiber of my being wants to lock them away in a tower like the movie tangled. However, as a mother I am not only called to protect them, but also equip them.  So to apply this scripture is to teach them what integrity and uprightness is through both the Word of God and by setting the example in our own lives. 

Prayer

O LORD, how do I begin to pray for a world so corrupt in it's ways?  Redeem us O God, for our troubles are many.  Lord, help us to fall on our knees, confess and repent of our sin.  For when we do You promise to forgive our sins and heal our land (2 Chron. 7:14). I pray for our President right now.  Father please speak to his heart.  Protect his thoughts from those who would turn him away from your teaching.  Protect his family Father.  Instruct him in Your ways.  Lord, I lift up parents to You as the leaders of their families.  Father, help us to instruct and protect.  Cleanse us from all unrighteousness for we have sinned against You greatly (1 John 1:9).

Psalm 25:19-20

Scripture

Look upon my enemies, for they are many, and they hate me with violent hatred. Guard my soul and deliver me; do not let me be ashamed, for I take refuge in You.

Observation

Ephesians 6:11-13 describes our enemy and his army; indeed both the devil  and his army hate those who love Jesus with a violent hatred.  Our enemy is so cunning that he has all but convinced many of us that he doesn't exist.  Or that he is cool and harmless.

For David, his enemy was real.  He could see their constant pursuit of his life.  I guess in that respect he had an advantage. Unlike many of us who are blinded by the fact that our lives are being pursued every day.  1 Peter 5:8 say's that we should be of sober mind, for our enemy, the devil, prowls around like a lion waiting for someone to devour.

My kids and I love to watch animal planet and we have watched a lion hunt his prey more then once. When the lion hunts he doesn't go after the strong.  The lion won't go after those protected.  The lion instead goes after the sick, weak, and isolated. Even the ones who may have not realized that they are outside of protection, they have gradually just wandered off.  When the alarm sounds, they look up and can see clearly that they are in real danger.

David realizes the danger that he is in and he knows that if he is not in the center of God's will, he is not safe. So David humbles himself and asks God for refuge.

Application

I try to get in the word and prayer everyday so in that respect I am armored up. However,  I am a introvert by nature, so when I am hurting or empty my initial reaction is to isolate myself.   Proverbs 18:1 say's that he who separate's himself seeks his own desire and he quarrels against all sound wisdom.  Right now I am grieving the loss of a ministry that I loved dearly.  God is speaking to me everyday and refreshing me with His Spirit, but I need to call upon both His wisdom and strength and commune with other believers. So that I don't find myself isolated and in serious danger.

Prayer

Father, You search me and know my inmost being.  You know when I sit and when I rise and You perceive my thoughts from afar.  Each of my day's have already been written down since before the world began (Psa. 139).  You know that my introverted and shy nature can cause me to isolate myself.  I praise You O Lord for Your love for me despite this weakness.  I also praise You Lord, because You are strong when I am weak (2 Cor. 12:10).  I call on your name Jesus, and ask that You shield my way.  I take refuge in Your love My King, for You provide everything I need to stand firm against the schemes of the devil( Eph. 6:11).

Psalm 25:16-18

Scripture

Turn to me and be gracious to me, for I am lonely and afflicted. The troubles of my heart are enlarged. Bring me out of my distresses. Look upon my affliction and my trouble, and forgive all my sins.

Observation

11 years ago I was so lonely and hopeless. I would cry myself to sleep every night. I became so hopeless that I didn't want to live anymore. But God rescued me. Not because of my faithfulness but because of His.

In the darkness it can be hard to find any hope. I know. You would do anything to feel someone's arms around you, anything to feel relief from the affliction. I know. One night I sat crying, curled up in a corner and like David I asked God if He would just hug me. I had never experience a touch from God, but at rock bottom you are willing to try anything. And when God touched me, I am telling you I felt comfort like I had never known.

7 years later I was in school to become a counselor. Not many people know that. Yes, while I was leading worship for children's ministry on the weekends, and was a Materials Manager during the day, I was also going to school 3 nights a week. When my psychology teacher asked me why I wanted to go into counseling, I remember that my throat couldn't hold back the tears and I said "I know what it's like to be hopeless, and I want to spend the rest of my life offering hope to others". God helped me see that He is Hope, and reflecting Him gives Hope to others.

Application

Jesus came to give hope, real hope. I say real hope, because there is also a false hope. People with often put their hope in things, people, and even dreams. Inevitably those things fail. People will fail you, things will become old and broken, and dreams never turn out as good as the false hope you placed in them. So this is a good time to examine my heart and see if there is anything or anyone in my life that I have placed my hope in instead of Christ.

Prayer

Jesus, You are the hope of the world. We were all walking around in darkness and sin, all with one destination, eternal punishment. But You came as the Light, You showed us how to walk, how to live, and how to be free. You came so that we might know that we are loved by a faithful God. I pray for all the hearts that feel like they can't go on, the ones that feel forgotten, the outcasts that have been thrown away by someone they believe loved them. Holy Spirit touch them today the way that You touched me. I may not know their names or their face, but You do Lord, and I know it is your desire that they would walk in joy instead of hopelessness.

2 Corinthians 4:18

Scripture

While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen for the things which are seen are temporal, but the things which are not seen are eternal.

Observation

Faith goggles are what we are called to use to look at people and situations. Our physical sight see's temporal things. What are temporal things? This house, these clothes, this body. And what are the eternal things? Well when I did some research I was blown away all the things that are eternal that we can't physically see. Moreover, we have a choice on what eternal path to take. We can choose to believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God, that He died for our sins, that He rose again 3 day's later, and that by His generous gift of grace we are saved. Then we pick up our cross and follow Him.

God doesn't promise that this path will be easy if you choose it. In John 16:33, Jesus say's in this world you WILL have trouble (emphasis mine). However, He does promise that you will have purpose for your suffering. These momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal reward that we can't begin to comprehend (2 Cor. 4:17).

Here is of what we can expect at our eternal destination if we choose to follow Christ:

God (Gen. 21:33), Love (1 Kings 10:9), Praise to God (Psa. 111:10), God's righteous laws (Psa. 119:160), God's Kingdom (Daniel 4:3), Spiritual Life (Matt. 19:29), glory (2 Cor. 4:17), eternal house (2 Cor. 5:1), eternal encouragement (2 Thess. 2:16), eternal redemption (Heb. 9:12), eternal covenant (Heb. 13:20), eternal inheritance (Heb. 9:15), eternal gospel (Rev. 14:5).

However, there is a second path that we can choose and sadly it is the road most traveled. We choose to feed our flesh and focus on the temporary things of this world (John 6:27). And just like the first path there are things we can expect when we reach this destination.

Here is what we can expect at our eternal destination if we do not follow Christ:

Eternal judgment (Heb. 6:2), eternal fire (Matt. 18:18), punishment (Matt. 25:46), and the eternal sin: blasphemy of the Holy Spirit (Mark 3:29).

Application

Many times we wake up in the day and never think about where we are going, and what our destination is. But when we are intentional about our destination our mind and action begin to change. I choose to be intentional about the destination that I am traveling. I look around and see a lot of people who think they are going to heaven, but the path they are taking doesn't lead to that destination at all. How many people set out for a New York, but buy a California map and begin traveling west? And then are shocked when they end up in California? Yet, that is exactly what many of us our doing.

Prayer

Jesus You paid the price for my sin. You both made and paved the way for eternal life and where there are rewards that me feeble mind cannot imagine. And what do you ask of me? You ask me to believe You, to follow You, and to love You above all else. You equip me, You lead me, You strengthen me, and Lord You bless me. How it must break Your heart that so many are traveling the path of destruction, when You have already paid the price for their eternal life. I pray today for the heart, Lord, that You are drawing to Yourself right now. Those even close to my own heart, who are unaware of Your love for them. O LORD, I pray that many hearts would open their doors to You today and allow You to become their Shepherd, giving them eternal life.

Psalm 25:14-15

Scripture

The secret of the LORD is for those who fear Him, and He will make them know His covenant. My eyes are continually toward the LORD, for He will pluck my feet out of the net.

Observation

O to know the secrets of the LORD. God is saying that He will share His heart with those who revere Him, love Him, and seek Him. God has shown me so many secrets through His word. He as also given me insight into situations, as well as heart -nudges to make a decision and then strength to follow through.

Moreover I am reminded that the Word of God is foolishness to those who do not have His Spirit within them. Yet for those of us who have chosen to follow Christ, we cannot keep are eyes toward the LORD, without the Word of God.

In John 14:26 Jesus say's that the Holy Spirit will remind the disciples (those who have picked up their cross to follow Jesus) of everything that Jesus has taught. How can the Holy Spirit do that if we haven't taken the time to get to know Jesus?

When I gave my life to Christ, I asked Jesus to help me know Him. Then I picked up the bible and began to read the New Testament. I read the gospels and I got it. But when I got to Acts, I really didn't understand the rest. But through God's strength and the discipline of His Spirit, I have kept on in His Word. And He continues to take me deeper. It is because of Jesus and my knowledge of who He is and why He came that I am no longer entangled in the net of sin.

Application

There are two applications in this word for me today. One, do not quit going deeper in God's Word everyday. Don't take a break. In fact I am challenged to read more, observe more, apply more, and pray more. The second is that I really need the Holy Spirit to help me go deeper into the Word. I haven't and never can do this on my own.

Prayer

Jesus, what does it mean to follow You? Luke 14:27 say's that I have to pick up my cross. LORD, You are my Commander and Shepherd, I want to follow You regardless of season. I confess Lord, that many times I plan out my day without including You in the planning, or following Your leading. Please forgive me. The strong man and his works will burn (Isa 1:31) but those who are repentant You will crown with righteousness (1:27). Lord, please let me never try to walk in my own strength but help me to always rely on and walk in Your strength. I pray for more of Your Spirit (Luke 11:13) and the fruit of Your self- discipline in my life (2 Tim 1:7). More of You, that is my hearts desire.

Psalm 25:12-13

Scripture

Who is the man that fears the LORD? He will instruct him in the way he should choose. His soul will abide in prosperity, and His descendants will inherit the Land.

Observation

Awhile back I looked up all the references in the bible where fear of the Lord was mentioned. I wanted to understand what it meant. Overall fear of the Lord means reverence. Understanding that even though God is a loving God, He is also the Sovereign Creator. If He so chooses He can take my life and make it dust and wipe out the memory of me for generations to come. He owes me nothing, not even an explanation. His ways are so much higher than my own, my feeble sheep brain can not comprehend it.

There are great promises associated in the bible when Fear of the Lord is mentioned. In this example, the one who Fears the Lord will abide in prosperity and His descendants will inherit the land. What does it look like when a soul prospers? When a soul prospers, it bears spiritual fruit regardless of season (Psa 1:3). I know this promise to be true in my life. My pride and selfishness has put me in a spiritual droughts more than a time or two. But my hunger and thirst for the Lord, has also lead to an inner peace in times of great trial.

Once spiritual fruit comes to full bloom in your life, your children will be nourished by that fruit. Thus the natural consequence is that they too will inherit a reverence for God, and learn to let their roots also go out to the stream of His word.

Application

Today is payday. Time to pay bills and do the grocery shopping. But more importantly it is time to tithe. Tithing is a great example of where my heart is when it comes to both reverence and trust in God. Moreover, asking God to guide my choices in both paying the bills and what to get at the grocery store is also important. One day God is going to ask me what I did with His provision. More than anything, I want to hear "well done, good and faithful servant."(Mat. 25:21)

Prayer

Father You caused the sun to shine this morning. You gave me breath and life. You have orchestrated today's events already in advance. Right now you are ministering to those we are lonely, hungry, addicted, and sick. In this moment a multitude of prayers are echoing to heaven. And in this moment even the rocks cry out with reverence to You LORD. Outside my window the birds are singing You a love song (Psa 148). How can I do anything but be glad and rejoice in You this day? I am amazed by You. My heart sings it over and over again, Lord, I' amazed by You.

Psalm 25:10-11

Scripture

All the paths of the LORD are lovingkindness and truth to those who keep His covenant and His testimonies. For Your name sake, O LORD, pardon my iniquity for it is great.

Observation

Lovingkindness, truth, and obedience are tell-tale signs that you are on the path of the LORD. Immediately I want God to search my heart, to see if there is anything contrary to His way in me.

Loving God and one another sums up the 10 commandments. He had to command us love, because He knew our hearts and that we would only love those who were easy to love. I love my husband and children. But they are easy to love. Loving those who have hurt you, well that doesn't come naturally at all. So my way of reacting to these people is to distant myself from them. I'm not mean, I just choose to stay away. But is that the lovingkindness God is referring to here? Well, when I search my heart I don't see it as lovingkindness, I see it as self-preservation and a lack of trust. Which is a sin.

King David, knew what it meant to love someone who was not easy to love. King Saul whom David loved like a father, persecuted David and wanted his life. Yet when David had chances to take Saul's life he didn't. He instead chose to love.

Furthermore, You must have God's truth in order to walk in the freedom in which He provides. If I didn't have God's truth I would be constantly pondering other paths, instead of the one in which He is leading me on. I am thirsty for God's truth. Once you taste it, nothing else compares. My feelings and emotions can be so distorted. I need His truth to release me from the battle of my mind. His truth is a double-edge sword, but so healing at the same time. O how I love the truth of God!

Application

Today I choose to let my heart love those who would choose to hurt me rather than love me back. I choose to believe the best in those around me even if their actions say otherwise.

Prayer

Father, You came so that we would be free and never again be a slave to sin (Gal. 5:1) It is Your truth that set me free. I confess that I am unloving at times and that this comes from a lack of trust in You. Father , You deserve my trust. Forgive me LORD, for my iniquity is great. Create in me a clean heart, one that abounds in love for both You and Your people. I praise You for Your lovingkindness toward me. I praise You for Your truth that ministers to the deepest needs of my heart. Purify me for Your goodness sake.