Deepening my relationship with the Lord through prayer.
Thursday, April 28, 2011
Pray Isaiah 54: Be a blessing to others
Pray Isaiah 54: Be a blessing to others: "2 Corinthians 9:11 11 You will be made rich in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion, and through us your generosity w..."
Tuesday, April 26, 2011
Monday, April 25, 2011
Sunday, April 24, 2011
Temptation
Matthew 26:41 "Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the body is weak."
I am learning things about myself that I am happy about and other things that I don't like so much. I lived years with excellent self control and a discipline and kept very focused. Now it's not so easy.
I guess I've grown weary of being strong and I feel more vulnerable now. It's easy to give into temptation and loose focus when this happens.
The Lord has blessed me so much and I need to cling more to him now and pray for wisdom. To love God more than things and people here on earth and to remember I'm never alone even though it's nice to have human arms to comfort me. To be obedient and not sin. Yes, temptation and thoughts will cause me to go a stray. Saturday, April 23, 2011
Thankfulness
I don't have a picture or a bible verse today just a happy heart and I want to thank God for it. I don't want to forget to thank the Lord or to overlook His kindness. It is good to feel loved by God and it is good that He helps me learn to love myself.
I am experiencing growth and healing in my life and it is good. Peace is more precious than anything and family. How wonderful it is to be loved and to love. Kylie is so wonderful and she has such a good heart. I am surrounded by the people I love and who care for me. Friends and family. To be free to nestle into the love of the Lord and experience peace, it is a taste of heaven surely.
I am experiencing growth and healing in my life and it is good. Peace is more precious than anything and family. How wonderful it is to be loved and to love. Kylie is so wonderful and she has such a good heart. I am surrounded by the people I love and who care for me. Friends and family. To be free to nestle into the love of the Lord and experience peace, it is a taste of heaven surely.
Thursday, April 21, 2011
Thanks be to God, the anger passes
11 Come, O children, listen to me;
I will teach you the fear of the LORD.
12 What man is there who desires life
and loves many days, that he may see good?
13 Keep your tongue from evil
and your lips from speaking deceit.
14 Turn away from evil and do good;
seek peace and pursue it.
George MacDonald - Diary of an Old Soul
April 21.
To trust is gain and growth, not mere sown seed!
Faith heaves the world round to the heavenly dawn,
In whose great light the soul doth spell and read
Itself high-born, its being derived and drawn
From the eternal self-existent fire;
Then, mazed with joy of its own heavenly breed,
Exultant-humble falls before its awful sire.
Wednesday, April 20, 2011
George MacDonald - Diary of an Old Soul
April 20th
God, help me, dull of heart, to trust in thee.
Thou art the father of me--not any mood
Can part me from the One, the verily Good.
When fog and failure o'er my being brood.
When life looks but a glimmering marshy clod,
No fire out flashing from the living God--
Then, then, to rest in faith were worthy victory!
God, help me, dull of heart, to trust in thee.
Thou art the father of me--not any mood
Can part me from the One, the verily Good.
When fog and failure o'er my being brood.
When life looks but a glimmering marshy clod,
No fire out flashing from the living God--
Then, then, to rest in faith were worthy victory!
Tuesday, April 19, 2011
Allowing anger to take root or not
When love cools it leaves a void which begins to fill with anger and then hate. The kind of hate that burns to the point that you don't even want to acknowledge a name. You never want to see the face or hear the voice again. Their is no point in revenge because a life lays in waste by the destruction of selfishness, in fact, several lives lay waste by the same actions repeated over again and again.
What then can I do? Nothing. I truly would be consumed in anger totally, I would have given up long ago and allowed myself to be completely destroyed by hate and bitterness as so many others before but I am fighting instead. I am fighting within myself and asking God to fill the void with something other than anger and hate. Sin is destructive and it has caused enough suffering already, I don't want to hand my life over to more of the same.
That is why prayer and God are so important, to heal and to take something ugly and painful and make it beautiful in some way. Only God can transform and take something from nothing and make something so wonderful that it is glorious.
Advise for dad
Ephesians 6:4 And, ye fathers, provoke not your children to wrath: but bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord.
Colossians 3:21 Fathers, provoke not your children to anger, lest they be discouraged.
Saturday, April 16, 2011
Wednesday, April 13, 2011
Pray Isaiah 54: The Fatherless
Pray Isaiah 54: The Fatherless: "Psalms 10:14 Thou hast seen it; for thou beholdest mischief and spite, to requite it with thy hand: the poor committeth ..."
Tuesday, April 12, 2011
The wilderness lessons
35He turneth the wilderness into a standing water, and dry ground into watersprings.
36And there he maketh the hungry to dwell, that they may prepare a city for habitation;
37And sow the fields, and plant vineyards, which may yield fruits of increase.
38He blesseth them also, so that they are multiplied greatly; and suffereth not their cattle to decrease.
39Again, they are minished and brought low through oppression, affliction, and sorrow.
40He poureth contempt upon princes, and causeth them to wander in the wilderness, where there is no way.
41Yet setteth he the poor on high from affliction, and maketh him families like a flock.
42The righteous shall see it, and rejoice: and all iniquity shall stop her mouth.
43Whoso is wise, and will observe these things, even they shall understand the lovingkindness of the LORD.
The Hebrews that came out of Egypt weren't the sames ones to enter into the promised land. Most know the story of 40 years in the wilderness, basically they all died and it was a new generation that crossed over to receive the fulfillment of God's promises.
I know we all experience the wilderness years where we are tried and tested. We must learn the lesson of receiving manna each day. The manna comes each day and lasts only for that day and it cannot be used again. The next day the Lord provides new manna. What a faith builder but it also teaches us to let go of control and worry and let God provide for our needs.
I always used to work hard to take care of us and have a regular income. I still struggled but I had a sense of security in my own ability to provide for us which only meant I needed God less. Now it is more God than me but in a sense I am freer now and happier just believing. Yes, I can also be gripped in fear sometimes but with each day that passes it gets easier as God just provides in the most interesting ways.
Part of the wilderness experience is experiencing death. Parts of my inner self and heart have had to die in order for both to be pruned and made ready for something new. That is the way God works, a seed must die and be planted in order for it to germinate and grow into something beautiful. God is slowly turning me away from old things towards what He has planned for me.
I must learn to trust God more, to allow myself to feel secure in His care, to love Him and to seek Him with my renewed heart.
Monday, April 11, 2011
Sunday, April 10, 2011
Today, God reminds me again
“You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives.” (Gen 50:20)
The Lord reminded me today that I've been hurt deeply, unnecessarily, and without mercy. A blow that opened old wounds and as an arrow straight into my heart through wounding Kylie.
The Lord's words were remember this scripture and don't give up praying. If I had not been hurt I would not have been compelled to change, I would not have been driven to prayer for a loved one, and closer to the Almighty.
We have many personal challenges lying ahead of us to worry about and to pray about but the Lord has asked me to be faithful in my prayers and so I will be obedient, His will not mine.
Kindred Acres Farm - The Journal: One who does not know love, questions love
Kindred Acres Farm - The Journal: One who does not know love, questions love: "The horse and the girl The horse no one had time for, the girl people said doesn't love horses. The horse loves the girl, he comes to her ..."
Saturday, April 9, 2011
New mercies, days filled with tiny miracles
Lamentations 3:22-23
22It is of the LORD's mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not.
The past few days have been filled with little miracles with our every need being met by someone who God has sent to us. Like stepping stones across a stream, each one placed just in the right spot. How wonderful to be in the hands of the Almighty, to feel safe and secure. Humans, although we try our best can't help but disappoint, to let down, to run away, but God is always near to help.
There was a time in my life where I lived in fear and anxiety every day but as I take each step closer in faith I am content to live with His provisions. All things belong to the Father and He generously shares them with us.
Pray Isaiah 54: Praying the prayer of deliverance
Pray Isaiah 54: Praying the prayer of deliverance: "Isaiah 1:18 'Come now, and let us reason together, saith the LORD: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though ..."
Friday, April 8, 2011
Thursday, April 7, 2011
Rejoicing through trials
1 Peter 1:6
6(A)In this you greatly rejoice, even though now (B)for a little while, (C)if necessary, you have been distressed by (D)various trials,
I fought off intense moments of anger and resentment because the world would have it that way but that is not God's way. I'd rather have God on my side than the world that's for sure.
We are having trials now but I can see God working and He will provide for us and we will prosper. It is better to have prosperity through God than to snatch at whatever the world has to offer.
I have to ask God to forgive me for my moments of anger and to forgive.
Wednesday, April 6, 2011
Praying the prayer of deliverance
"Come now, and let us reason together, saith the LORD: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool."
How can I step out in faith, praying and believing for the answer to a most precious prayer. What stone can I roll away, what step has He ordered, how may I rise and walk? To ask God in earnest and to believe it will be so.
Tuesday, April 5, 2011
Be a blessing to others
11 You will be made rich in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion, and through us your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God.
A word from God about idols
Romans 1:21
21 For although they knew God, they neither glorified him as God nor gave thanks to him, but their thinking became futile and their foolish hearts were darkened.
When you love something more than God you are putting it higher than He. When you love something more than your spouse or family you are putting it higher than them and when you love something more than your neighbor, well you get the point.
Besides loving God more, we are commanded to love each other as ourselves. Living a life with idols prevents both from happening and as the verse says our hearts can become darkened.
Idols in our lives can be caring more about prestige, material things, and pleasure. I have a nice barn, horses, and many things I love but if I love them more than God I am sinning against God.
When someone seeks something so much that they are willing to hurt others or sacrifice them that is a sure sign of a life full of idols. Sadly, loving other things more than God is like holding on to a gold coin desperately when their is a gold bar laying on the table easily within reach.
All things come from a loving and merciful God. There is nothing He is not able to do. He ask for your love and obedience in order that He may bless you beyond what you could ever imagine from within your heart. Idols never satisfy they demand much more than you think and the price is your life, God ask for little in return for what He offers.
Monday, April 4, 2011
God teaches me about intimacy
Psalm 37:4 Delight yourself in the LORD and he will give you the desires of your heart.
Every woman wants to feel deeply loved by someone it's just how we are made. I think some people can be alone and are fine but the most need someone to share their life with because that is the way God designed us. Unfortunately, the fear of being alone or the desire to be loved can be so strong in a person that they accept a relationship that is harmful to them or is not genuine.
I've lived alone for several years now and spent many years on and off being alone. I always thought it was okay to be alone and although I wanted an intimate relationship with a man I hadn't a clue exactly what that really meant. I've felt love and in many cases been loved by men I didn't love. I thought I had experienced the love of my life also but I did not receive love in return only what really was an empty shell. Many of the issues surrounding my experiences for most of my life were influenced by not understanding what love is, what intimacy is, and what God's expectations in these areas are all about.
I've been in God's school "Intimacy 101" lately and I have learned that He did indeed make me to share my life intimately and fully with someone. I have an incredible amount of love and mercy to share and actively doings so would give me profound joy. God didn't give me these gifts just for fun, it is the way I am and I need to embrace this.
What God did not make me for is to be viewed as just flesh to someone, substandard, or to be used and discarded, or even just a standby. Many people treat their spouses or love interests this way and it's not what God had intended at all. Such acts devalue both people until there is nothing left but an empty shell with no real passion, desire or love.
I am learning over again through God to enjoy a gentle look, a thoughtful act, and mutual appreciation of conversation and laughter. To accept attention and intentions that are not about lust but something much deeper. God is love and love is not sin, only what we choose to do in the name of love complicates things. Love shouldn't be complicated or painful but fulfilling and satisfying.
God has pointed out to me that He didn't intend for anyone to settle for anything less than what He has to offer them when it's His will. I know a couple who's been married for fifty years and it isn't hard to see the excitement and joy they bring each other as if they had just started dating. They are in their seventies but are as playful as children with each other. I'm afraid I wouldn't accept anything less for myself.
The beginning of real love is in our relationship with the Lord. If I cling to the Lord He will add all things to me. He's teaching me now about intimacy with Him and with myself with a few extra's thrown in for good measure. A random phone call, exchange of the days happenings, humor, and just because....
My strength is renewed He will answer my prayers
Call upon me in the day of trouble; I will deliver you, and you will honor me."
Sunday, April 3, 2011
Proverbs 31:31
Give her of the fruit of her hands, and let her works praise her in the gates.
The picture and verse I chose for this entry is for my daughter. Kylie is strong willed and she has courage, the kind that makes her mature beyond her years in most ways. After all, she is only thirteen.
We have more time together and a good place to live but it has come with a price. We have taken on a job to work on another horse farm to bring in more money. I say we because Kylie works along side of me so that we can keep going and keep the farm.
Kylie is driven and able to do her home schooling mostly independently. She saves her money and spends it wisely. All these things build character and prepare her for an adult life. Kylie has a healthy idea of what is wrong and right and is courageous enough to tell the truth. Many people today will use others for material gain but Kylie stands on her principles.
Words can not describe how proud I am of her right now. I can't buy her the things she would like to have at this moment or even take her any place special but I give her all my love and thank God for blessing me with her. She prays for her father every night and reads her Bible and is growing in her understanding of spiritual things. I'm truly rich.
Words can not describe how proud I am of her right now. I can't buy her the things she would like to have at this moment or even take her any place special but I give her all my love and thank God for blessing me with her. She prays for her father every night and reads her Bible and is growing in her understanding of spiritual things. I'm truly rich.
Saturday, April 2, 2011
Maturing
1 Peter 2
1 Therefore, rid yourselves of all malice and all deceit, hypocrisy, envy, and slander of every kind.2 Like newborn babies, crave pure spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow up in your salvation, 3now that you have tasted that the Lord is good.This is a tough one. I know God is working on me about this. Even when I try not to drag in thoughts about old feelings I still feel a tinge of malice. I guess that's why I need God. If I could overcome myself every moment it wouldn't be necessary to pray and work through things with Him.
I have grown over the years emotionally which hasn't been easy since I didn't have really good role models but Jesus was the absolute best at loving and forgiving people who hurt Him or others.
Each time I feel a negative feeling about someone I read a scripture or pray or just remember that God loves us all very much. Negative feelings not only hurt the people around me but they hurt me especially because bitterness and anger don't come from the Lord. I want Kylie to be free of hurt, resentment and the feelings of rejection. I know she watches me closely and how I express my feelings will influence her.
I know Kylie loves me very much and I love her, I want her to have a better life than I did. When she is grown I want her to have faith, empathy, self esteem and walk closely with the Lord. If for no other reason I must master the spiritual maturity to lead her and guide her.
Children have no choice in parents when they are born into this world and we as parents have an obligation to teach by example but to walk the path with them. I've sinned plenty in my life and I probably will again except repentance and forgiveness are there for me and I've shared this with Kylie. I do have an obligation to set the best example that I can for Kylie and it demands maturing spiritually.
You can't mature spiritually if you harbor negative emotions towards others or yourself but only when you can take the responsibility for your actions and learn to forgive and pray for others.
Praise and thankfulness
Psalm 105
1 Give praise to the LORD, proclaim his name;make known among the nations what he has done.
2 Sing to him, sing praise to him;
tell of all his wonderful acts.
3 Glory in his holy name;
let the hearts of those who seek the LORD rejoice.
4 Look to the LORD and his strength;
seek his face always. 5 Remember the wonders he has done,
his miracles, and the judgments he pronounced,
6 you his servants, the descendants of Abraham,
his chosen ones, the children of Jacob.
I am thankful for the many blessings these past few months. Many good things have been provided to us and much help from others. From help with my truck and the tractor, to furnaces, and filling the hole beside the house. The groceries people have given us or bought for us. The prayers people have prayed.
The winter was a hard one but we survived. I am thankful to God for his blessings and believe He will be with us the rest of the way.
Friday, April 1, 2011
The Fatherless
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)