Month: March 2016

Psalm 75:9”But I will declare forever, I will sing praises to the God of Jacob.”

Dear God,

The sun is shining nicely, not blazing hot as earlier in the week.  When I look out upon my garden all attests to Your wonderful creative power.  Everything looks tranquil; which is reinforced by the harmonious sound of chirping birds.  One would wonder then, why I do not feel in harmony with the scene and sounds around me.  I think to my shame, that sometimes I am not wise in what I take on, within my fatigue, etc. and then pay the price, with poor rest and sleep; self-pity and ‘will this ever end God’.

I enjoy the Psalms of Asaph as much as those of King David.  Psalm 77 has met me where I am at, this morning.  But I do give praise, because I know when I have finished this prayer and meditation time with You, I will be lifted up and able to go on positively with the day.

Thank You for never leaving me this morning during my complaining and in my wakefulness last night. My experiences in part, echo Psalm 77: 1-3 “I cried out to God with my voice -To God with my voice; and He gave ear to me.  In the day of my trouble I sought the Lord; my hand was stretched out in the night without ceasing; My soul refused to be comforted.  I remembered God, and was troubled; I complained, and my spirit was overwhelmed.     Selah”

I am glad that I was not awake all night, as the Psalmist, and that I did at last sleep.  Thank You for quieting my heart and mind.

I said to myself, ‘I believe all Your promises Lord, why then do I not have rest and peace and the ability to relax and sleep?’  Again I can identify with the following words of Psalm 77:7, 8 “Will the Lord cast off forever?  And will He be favourable no more?  Has His mercy ceased forever?  Has His promise failed forevermore?”

Jesus when on earth, did not set His own plans for the day, but willed to do what You His Father gave Him, in Your wisdom, for the day.  A few days ago, as I was setting off on my chosen excursion, it came for my mind, that I had not asked Your blessing upon my plans, but I brushed this off, with ‘of course You would bless what I was doing.’ My tasks were innocent, though very tiring.  My attitude was rebellious, and dismissive of You, and I am sorry.  It strange that a created, sinful human person as I am, would think they know better about what Your will is for their plans and life, than Jesus, who was sinless and in constant touch with the Holy Spirit and You.  Thank You for hearing my prayer and please assist me to be more responsive and in tune with Your will for me.

V 13 “Your way, O God, is in the sanctuary; who is so great a God as our God?”  Forgiveness and atonement happen in Your sanctuary, for which I am very much in need of and grateful for.  Praises!

Amen

Matthew 10:37 – 39 “He who loves father or mother more than Me is not worthy of Me.  And he who does not take his cross and follow after Me is not worthy of Me.  He who finds his life will lose it, and he who loses his life for my sake will find it.”

Dear God, of heaven and earth, I praise You and testify of Your goodness and love.  Thank You for hearing the prayers, of one small not very important, (in the earthly sense) person.  Yet, again in the human sense; unbelievably, Jesus thought I (everyone) was worth dying for.  For when I die to my earthly sinful self, with all my sin, sinful desires and attitudes, and accept You into my heart, I am worth much in the opinion of all whom live in heaven; because You, Jesus have made the difference.  I know it is in a not worldly sense for it is whom I am connected to, that makes all the difference.  It is lifesaving for me to take into account, for me to place worldly love and affections ahead of love for You, Jesus, would mean I lose out on eternal life and joy.  The joy and blessings of heaven will only be possible, when I have put aside the earthly priorities – even the people I love on earth, if they are loved above You.  Jesus fills my heart and mind with His peace and love, and they are beyond compare for giving mind contentment and deep down joy to all who accept Him, when I (we) have truly accepted Jesus, (on a daily basis), His love bubbles out of I (us).

It is the reality that this joy and desire to share, will not automatically happen each day, unless I come anew each day to You and humble myself before You in repentance, and in the reading of Your inspired word, then You take my mind in whatever state it is, and fill it with Yourself, and I have a renewed sense of your love and joy, even though I may have to keep coming back and dwell on Your sacrifice for me, along with You day by day goodness, and in the strength of the Holy Spirit (Your gift to us all); at last put self-focus aside, and allow you to lift me up to Yourself, and fill me anew with Your love, joy and peace.  I am filled with gratitude for Your continuing love, and patience with me, even though I so often sin and err on the side of self-focus and direction.

Unlike the love God has for every human who ever lived; our love as a human born in sin, for each other is not unconditional, but I do know that Jesus provides all I am and need, for me to be a true child of God, and be equipped to withstand temptation, and overcome my sinful selfishness and desires.

If I am surprised that people reject me or give me a hard time because of my allegiance to You, I should not be, for Jesus received the worst rejection and persecution, that ultimately led to being put to death on a ‘no charge’, born out of sin, selfishness and bigotry.

Too often it is an up and down experience in this battle against Satan, which is constant!  Please strengthen me, so that I will accept all that You offer me, and grow daily in Your grace; for You are the answer to my every need.

Amen

 

Luke 15: 8-10 “And when she has found it, she calls her friends and neighbours together, saying, ‘Rejoice with me, for I have found the piece which I lost!’ v. 10. Likewise, I say to you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents.”

Dear God,

God Almighty, I love and worship You again this morning.  I am grateful that You never abandon me, despite my unloveliness, sin, stubbornness and hardened attitude.  Whilst on earth, Jesus, who never sinned, had a heart that was tender toward every person, especially those who did not know and accept the love that God, the Father had for them.  Both Your hearts yearn for those who were and are lost, not only for the knowledge they do not have about You and Jesus their Saviour, but for the lack of the experience and joy of loving and serving You.  It is (was) very special to know Jesus whilst He was alive on this earth, and now for us, when the Holy Spirit makes Him real in our hearts.  Along with knowing Jesus comes again, and the hope of eternal life that all the followers of Yours receive, is inspirational and real within the mind of each; in every age.

We look forward to a time when You forever finish the influence of Satan on this earth; upon us and all creation.  Satan has bought nothing positive or good to this earth, and we have been taken over by him, led into sin and given a life of hardship, sickness and woe.  Eventually it was the plan of

Satan to cause us all to go down into eternal death, save for the reality, that Jesus came to earth and revealed Himself and His Father, so we could believe on them and be saved.  Previously God, The Father, had always revealed Himself to His followers, but now Jesus became, the One sacrifice for our confessed sins, and even now is my (our) High Priest in heaven, atoning for my (our) sins.

With so much at stake for every person who ever lived and for me today, and each day, I choose Jesus, and in the strength of the Holy Spirit, to make my calling and election sure through Him.

As a follower of Jesus, my Saviour, I pray that I will not be hard hearted or callous regarding others, for You love each one, enough to die for each and every one.  If they are ‘lost’ and do not know of Your saving grace, or have turned their backs upon You, or their love has gone cold, fill me with Your Spirit of love, wisdom etc., to do Your bidding  towards any that I interact with or know about.

Please put it into my heart and mind to remember to often intercede for them in prayer.  This is the very least I can do, considering that when anyone who is lost from Your way, and then returns, brings much joy to the angels of heaven.  They in their purity and love, desire to share their bliss, with we of earth.  This would be to me remarkable, if it were not for the knowledge I have gained from the scriptures of the love lived out in heaven, because of Who lives there.

Amen

John 20:21, 22 “So Jesus said to them again, ‘Peace to you!  As the Father has sent Me, I also send you.”  And when He had said this He breathed on them and said to them, ‘Receive the Holy Spirit.’”

Dear God,

Thank You for being the Almighty God, that loves even me.  I think back upon Your dealings with Joshua, as he took over the leadership of the Children of Israel, after Moses had died.  Your love encouraged him, as given in Joshua 1:5 “…..as I was with Moses, so I will be with you.  I will not leave you nor forsake you.”  For any of Your followers, all Your promised blessings are conditional upon us knowing You, loving You and obeying You, as illustrated in Joshua 1:7 “Only be strong and very courageous, that you may observe to do according to all the law which Moses My servant commanded you; do not turn from it to the right hand or to the left, that you may prosper wherever you go.”  God, I realize as Joshua was to meditate upon the law and to observe everything that was written, You do not ask less of me (us).  When Joshua did this, he would prosper and successfully carry out the difficult assignments that he had inherited from Moses.  Joshua 1:9 “Have I not commanded you?  Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”

I find this a wonderful promise when applied to me (us), for whither I go at Your bidding and name, You WILL go with me, and provide me with strength and good courage, when I humbly ask.

Jesus after He had arisen form the grave, asked His disciples to go out seeking others, and work as He had done for others, at His Father’s commission.  He did not (and does not) send us without the power and peace from the Holy Spirit, when we ask for it.  Today I am asked to be His willing ‘vessel’, and I will be filled by the Holy Spirit, so I can do as He asks – not necessarily for what I want to do, from my own mind.

Gradually I have become aware that I need to ask for the ability and memory, to spend more time thinking upon Your promises in my waking hours.  How wonderful to know all my spiritual needs are supplied and sufficient for my desire to know and come closer to You each day.

Amen

 

Deuteronomy 34:1 “Then Moses went up from the plains of Moab to Mount Nebo, to the top of Pisgah, which is across from Jericho.  And the Lord showed him all the land of Gilead as far as Dan.”

Dear God,

Thank You for Your absolute love for me, and the comfort You bring to me.  Thank You for Your gift of the Holy Spirit, and the gifts that He lovingly bestows upon those who receive Him. Rebuke the evil one, who has before and is trying again to steal all the blessings bestowed.

Please strengthen me and fill me with wisdom and discernment, so that I can make the choice to put You first and then to be armed with Your defences and full protection, because I am connected to You, God.

Praise Your holy name, most Wonderful and Majestic One.

You had to discipline Moses, Your beloved leader and prophet, for sadly he had erred and not represented You aright.  He could not be seen to be favoured above others, so his transgression must be dealt with.  Bitter was the thought for him that he was to be deprived of entering the longed for; hard worked for, promised land!  Yet in Your great love and mercy, his vision was increased, so that he could see all the near and far lands that the tribes of Israel would inhabit.  This ability of Moses to see so far was the result of Your great love, mercy and miraculous power.

It is such a worthwhile thought for me to contemplate that You love me (us) as much, when we transgress as when we obey.  Though You are pleased when I obey and sad when I do not.

Because I love You and my Saviour Jesus, my choice is to be obedient to all Your requests and way for living, laid out clearly in the scriptures.   I know that this is humanly impossible, so I am grateful for the empowerment of the Holy Spirit which makes this possible.   This in turn depends on me being connected to the Holy Spirit through Christ.

In humble confession of sin and then need, I joyously claim these promises for my need.

Amen

Deuteronomy 32:3 and 4 “I will proclaim the name of the Lord. I will praise the greatness of our Lord. V.4 He is our Rock.  Perfect and just are His ways.  Our God is faithful and true.  He does no wrong.  He does only what is just and right.”  Clear Word Translation

Dear God,

Today I also praise You, for I have found in a small way, again of Your greatness.  I have learned more fully, that for me, You are my Rock.  You never move, go away or change.  You are ever available to all who come to You, through Your Son.  Thank You for Yourself and Your ways and for sharing your Son, and allowing Him to come to earth, so that He could sacrifice His life, which provided the answer needed for every persons sin and for each the hope of eternal life.  Also His earthly visit provided an opportunity to reveal His character of love and purity through miraculous healings of the sick and demon possessed, along with his simple, loving teachings that fill thirsty minds and souls with hope; and the desire to bear testimony about the lovely Jesus our Lord, with others who do not yet love Him.

The disciples after Jesus had arisen from the dead, still thought in the traditional way of their people, and asked in Acts 1:6 “…Lord, will You at this time restore the kingdom of Israel?  They had not yet realised that Jesus had come on a much larger rescue mission for mankind.

With much prayer, study and putting self aside, they came to a unity of heart and purpose and were then prepared to understand, that Jesus returned to His heavenly purpose; for His kingdom was there.  He would come again to bring His faithful children to be with Him there in heaven.  But for now they (we) were (are) to trust God and leave the times and reasons to the authority of God, for only He knows the hour when Jesus will come for His own.  Surely, now is the time we (me) as for the disciples of old are to prepare our hearts and lives, so we can also be the true witnesses of Jesus.  Acts 1:8: But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you: and you shall be witnesses of me….”

Please fill me with Your Holy Spirit, for all that is needful within and without my person.  I wait for Your infilling, with gratitude.

Amen

 

 

Psalm 118:5, 6 “I call on the Lord in distress; The Lord answered me and set me in a broad place. V, 6 The Lord is on my side; I will not fear.  What can man do to me?”

Dear God,

Thank You for the recent blessed Sabbath day of refreshing and recommitment to You my God.  Now is the time to prepare all of me, so that You can keep me true, no matter the consequences.  I am assured in Your sacred word, that You are always faithful in supporting Your own spiritual children, when they turn to You.  My eternal salvation and that of all peoples, is what you desire in every age!

Jesus when in the Garden of Gethsemane, went off a pace to pray, and took Peter, James and John with Him so that they would pray for Him and for themselves. He then went off a little on His own so that He could pour out His heart to You.  He was in great distress, as He approached His trial and death on the cross.  Tired, Peter, James and John fell asleep; three times Jesus came back to commune with them, but could not.  However in His season of prayer, Jesus had received Your Father’s comfort and assurance about what lay ahead, and His mental distress and darkness lifted.

Like myself so often, when sleepy in prayer, the three disciples, had been deprived of the strength and wisdom from the Holy Spirit, they would have received, to withstand what was ahead for them during the trial and crucifixion of Jesus.  Despite their best intentions and confidence that they would stay true to Jesus and never abandon Him; they did.

Today I pray that I will stay focused and awake, so that You can prepare me with strong faith and belief, so that I will never deny my Lord.  Thank You for hearing my prayer.

Amen

Dear God,

In all generations, what You ask of us has never changed, and neither has Your promise, that You will assist us to come to You, and be able to give our whole hearts to You and walk in Your way.  As one author has put it, we are unable to give Jesus our hearts successfully because of our innate sinfulness. To have Jesus in our lives all we need to do is to invite Him to come take our hearts and He will do so.  As this happens day by day, we will be purified or sanctified in the way we need.  I like that idea, and ask Jesus to come take my heart and care for it, and purify my heart and change it as needed, because of myself I can do nothing that is worthy, for I am totally sinful and no good thing is found in me, save what You have placed there.

Just as You, Father God showed us in Your dealings with the Children of Israel in Deuteronomy 30:6 “And the Lord Your God will circumcise your heart and the heart of Your descendants, to love your God with all your heart and with all your soul that you may live.”  Because I have humbled myself in prayer and asked for the removal of any sin and wrong attitudes that are at present keeping me from fully serving You, I believe my heart will also be circumcised.

Thankfully with Jesus in control of my heart and will, I can consciously bring my transgressions before You, by using this will You have endowed me with, I can decide I do not want to be the doer of sinful thoughts and actions. This does not mean that this is a once only experience, or that I will not fall into Satan laid traps, or my old ways many times, or even become discouraged.  But it does mean that the ears of Jesus and His Father are never closed.  I am never knocked back by my Saviour.  The solution is always the same, as just previously discussed.  You are really an awesome God beyond human comprehension.

Praise Your holy name, all I now have to do, is ask for the forgiveness and release from anything that keeps me from giving my whole heart in devotion and obedience to You.  Then in gladness of heart and in the power and direction of the Holy Spirit, I will not be able to keep silent from telling others of Your love and what You have done in my life.

Amen

Mark 14:4 “I tell you wherever the gospel is preached around the world, her act of kindness and love will also be preached as a memorial to her.”

Dear God,

Blessed is Your word and the life that is found in them.  I am thankful Jesus that some of Your disciples wrote about Your teachings and actions, so that we know some about You and the way to salvation.  True wisdom and love is contained within these writings, and they are food for my mind and soul.  How glorious it will be in Your heavenly home for we from earth, with God, The Father, Son and Holy Spirit, living there with the angelic hosts along with the ransomed from earth.  Not only will the beauties of heaven be breathtaking, but the fact that all is undefiled.  This will also reveal the true perfection of Your creation to us.  This will only be possible after we were given new and perfect bodies by Jesus at His Second coming.  We in sin affected bodies and state, could never stand the brightness, purity and glory in heaven.  It is a wonderful thought that it is possible one day, to be done with sin.

I look forward to being with You, as God the Father, and Jesus, my Saviour, because You are filled with purity, wisdom and love, which I anticipate will be most glorious to behold and be around.  Only then will every created need within us be fulfilled.

This is a blessed hope for me, founded upon Your sure promises, as given in Your Holy word.  Jesus You did not come to earth in human flesh, giving up heaven for a time; risking Your relationship with Your Father, and all of heaven, for no purpose.  Hallelujah, You counted me and everyone else, worthy to save from sin and eternal death.

Again today, I accept You Jesus into my heart and mind and in the wisdom, love and strength of the Holy Spirit, it is my desire to walk faithfully in Your way, which fills me with joy.

Mary Magdalene had been rescued from great wrong doing, by the love and patience of Jesus, therefore her joy and gratitude toward her Saviour, knew no bounds, which is why she sacrificed much of her wealth and security, when she purchased an expensive flask of perfume, and broke it over the feet of her Lord.  The Holy Spirit had led her to make these actions, at this time and way.  She received pious criticism, saying that the money would have been better spent helping the poor, but Jesus did not see it this way, Mark 14:6 “Let her alone.  Why do you trouble her?  She has done a good work for me.”  He knew soon, He would be crucified, and her actions signified the anointing of his body.  Mark 14:8 “She has done what she could.  She has come beforehand to anoint My body for burial.”

Too often it is easy to censure some actions of another as being expensive or unnecessary, when they are actually following the direction of the Lord.  Please forgive me for any such critical thoughts, when they occur, and instead fill me with Your love, so I can to accept people as they are; and experience repentance for separating from Your way of love.

Today I want to give You my whole heart and prayers for myself and others, as well as any of my means that You ask of me; as a sweet perfume that goes to heaven.  Please awaken the desire and ability for me to give my testimony about You and what has been has done for me. I have read and noticed that any Spirit filled person cannot keep silent about their Saviour and what has been done for them in love, every day.

Amen

Mark 13:31 “Heaven and earth will pass away, but My words will by no means pass away.”

Dear God,

My mind is filled with words of gratitude and praise.  For You have, as always heard my prayers.  You have smoothed the way before me, and calmed my mind and given me the ability to handle situations of perplexity and possible conflict or unrest for me and others.  Please forgive me for saying and asking some inappropriate things yesterday, and if needed take away upset for others, if I have caused any, then impress me with what to say, if this is needed.

Oh, will I ever be Your true child, speaking Your words, in wisdom and love?  I just cling to Your promises that assure me that I can be Your mouthpiece, when in situations appropriate to be so, as well as allow the Holy Spirit to use me as a reflection of Your love and wisdom at all times.

Weird things seem to be happening in my body producing a mind fog probably due to reactions and stress.  Please if there are causes that I can do something about, reveal them to me.

Most importantly, I humble myself before You, and ask for mental improvement, so that I can concentrate my mind on Your word and learn scripture, for the salvation of my soul, as well as for the keeping and restoring of my mental powers.

I have been reading in Mark 13 of the signs of the soon coming of Jesus Christ, and that Your spiritual children, will be called to give an account for their faith and faithfulness to You.  As it is now it seems to me that I would know and remember nothing or very little of the scripture I read each day.  Thank You for the promise of Jesus, that we through His power will recall the words of scripture, if they were needed, to give an account for my (our) faith.

I know that I am to watch and pray, steady me upon You today and fill my mind with Your words of scripture with renewed ability to do so, which can only come from heaven above.

Amen

Mark 13:2 “And Jesus answered and said to him, ‘Do you see these great buildings?  Not one stone shall be left upon another that shall not be thrown down.”

Dear God,

Thank You today especially for answered prayer and every blessing and mercy toward me. Also I thank You that You have sent Your Holy Spirit to be with me, to impart your peace and every correction and gift that is needful today and each day.  I seek You each day, and I trust that will You keep me cradled in Your love and care, for today and into the future, on into eternity.

Please never let me depart from You.

When reading in Mark 13 I note that Jesus warned the Jews of the impending doom and destruction upon Jerusalem.  It all sadly occurred as He predicted, because of their blindness, prejudice and inability to humble themselves and follow Jesus or be true to the God of heaven; the One they thought they served.

Please keep me from being deceived or deluded, now in these last days in which I live.  Mark 13:5 “And Jesus answering them began to say, ‘Take heed that no one deceives you.”  Especially are the words of Jesus relevant, in this age of rapid, invasive technology.   I ask for wisdom in how I expose myself to inputs within the information and entertainment media that I choose.   I ask that the Holy Spirit will protect me from the other inputs that are constantly invading my mind and space; uninvited.

I pray again that You be my strength and stay, so I will have the gift of wisdom, love and discernment, amongst the gifts that are bestowed by the Holy Spirit, and be able to be true to the God of heaven, the only true God.  Mark13:22 “For false christs and false prophets will rise and show signs and wonders to deceive if possible, even the elect.”

Today I recommit my life to You and plan to walk obediently in Your strength and wisdom, and believe You have heard and answered my prayer.

Amen