Talks with God in My Kitchen

Mark 10:15 “Assuredly, I say unto you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God as a little child, will by no means enter it.”

Dear God,

I am grateful that You never tire of me, and that You always love me, and continue to be interested in me as a person, as well as in my comings and goings.  I am also grateful to be able to read the scriptures freely, and for the ones I have read today.  Especially for the reminder in Deuteronomy 1 and 2, that You led and cared for the children of Israel all through their 40 years of wilderness wanderings, despite what they had done against You and continued to do through the generations.  Therefore I believe You will not weary of me either.

I again commit my life to You today and ask that the Holy Spirit will be my strength, so that I can indeed discern Your loving voice, which gives affirmation, council, correction and direction, even though I have often been dull of hearing, wayward, untrusting, self-opinionated and even rebellious toward You in the past.  I am sorry, and truly want to be humble and obedient child as a Yours should be.

You know that at present, all seems too much for me to consider, for I am very tired.  However I am confident that I will be carried through all, because of Your promise to be our strength and comfort, and I have always found this to be so, otherwise I would be in despair most likely.

I appreciate the times when I can interact with the children that are in the care of my daughter.  It is a joy to see how easily they learn to believe in and love Jesus.  Even though, because of their various past experiences and learning difficulties, they have problems with some areas of school, they do not have any trouble learning that they have a guardian angel, which will go with them (us) when they play, travel and every other place they go. It is beautiful to see their simple trust in You and the joy they have in going to church and their own program of songs, lesion and craft.  I am confident from Your word, that they are loved and cared for by You, more than we know, or are capable of giving ourselves.

Thank You for hearing my prayers for them and myself, and be my strength now, so that I can be a worthy influence in their lives, and be the type of influence that will never destroy the simplicity of their belief or faith in You, God, the Father, Jesus or the angels.

Thank You that the salvation story is simple enough for a small child to believe, and I ask that I will indeed ‘receive the kingdom of God as a little child’.

Amen

 

 

Mark 9:31 ‘………..”The Son of Man is being betrayed into the hands of men and they will kill Him.  And after He is killed, He will rise the third day.”

Dear God,

How lovely it is to hear the bird song in numbers, as they sing a chorus in the soft light of a pale blue sky, enhanced by fluttering green leaves; all testifying of Your powers of creation, love and mercy.  I thank You for supplying me with the strength and wisdom for my daily tasks; even if a little more slowly than usual.  Lord open my mind and all there is of me, so I can truly be Your loving child and witness.  I am sorry for the times I miss the lessons You would teach me, because I am so engrossed in life circumstances or my own preconceived ideas.  Sadly not only do I miss the lesson You have for me, but the opportunity to show Your love and teaching to others.

Just so, the disciples did not know that Jesus taught of Himself in Mark 9:31 and they did not take the opportunity to ask for clarification.  They had previously been occupied in disputing about who would be the greatest in the kingdom of Jesus, when He set it up.

The good news to me is that I can grow in knowledge of, allegiance to, and implementing the purpose of Jesus, as I put myself aside, and follow Him with my whole heart.  This is what the disciples did, after Jesus had died and risen from the grave alive.  They and many other disciples of Jesus, in repentance put all else aside and then they chose to come closer to their Lord, in fasting and prayer.

Then as Jesus had promised, the Holy Spirit came down and filled them, and the ‘lights’ and ‘action’ came on in the lives of the seeking disciples, as reported in the book of Acts.

In Mark 9:43 on, Mark relays more of the teaching of Jesus, telling us all, it would be better to lose an eye or body part, if any of them, were to be a hindrance or cause us to sin which can only lead to eternal death.   To God it is especially grievous for me or anyone else to deliberately lead another into sin, and even more grievous if we badly treat a child/ or lead any child into sin.

Again today, I joyfully choose You Jesus, and by the Holy Spirit I will put my selfish desires aside, and seek You in prayer, and then follow, as You lead with love and wisdom; that is divine, and so very precious.

Amen

 

Luke 9:2 “He sent them to preach the kingdom of God and to heal the sick.”

Dear God,

Praise Your wonderful and holy name, for You are all powerful and glorious.  Today in 1 Samuel 6 and Luke 9: 1-17, I have been impressed with Your love and power.  Yet above even those two aspects, is the beautiful truth that You love every one of us, even the people who do not accept, believe in, or do as You ask.  It is also true, that for those who accept You and for those who do not accept You; it does not change the fact that all on earth and in the universe, are subject to You, as our Creator whether we admit it or not.  For those of us who have accepted You and are Christians; it is a delightful experience to be loved by You and love and give honour in return.

In the Luke 9 account, Jesus is now grown up and filled with the Holy Spirit and in contact with His Father in heaven: was by His activities and witness, turning all in his radius of contact, upside down.  I can imagine, if this was happening here where I live, we would all view Him on whatever IT medium of our preference; and maybe go to see him live.  We would want to watch what He did and listen to His speeches, and hopefully do what He said, as we saw the sick healed, people raised to life, as well as food materializing at His words of blessing, or demons responding to His words, and being cast out of their victims.

Amazingly even His disciples, ordinary men, were given power from Him, and went forth, Luke 9:6 “So they departed and went through the towns, preaching the gospel and healing everywhere.”

Later, as so often had happened previously, Jesus took the disciples away from the people crush and bustle, so the He could quietly converse and pray with and for them.  Also what had frequently occurred in the past did so again on this occasion, when the people went looking and found His location; Jesus did not turn them away.  Luke 9:11 “…..He received and spoke to them about the kingdom of God and healed those who had need of healing.”

Even though the disciples had recently healed and worked miracles by the power of God, they were still baby Christians, with an underdeveloped faith at this time, and did not realize how they were going to feed 5000.  They did not manifest strong faith even in the presence of their Master, who had previously performed to the human mind and experience, astounding miracles.  Once again in great power from on high, Jesus created enough bread and fish for everyone there.

Jesus You also know my belief and faith level, and that they are in need of growth.  I ask again today, that as I come to You in Bible study and prayer, my faith and trust will develop, as a plant grows in the sun.  I open up my heart and mind, for You to grow them, as needful for me to be a complete, vibrant Christian.

Amen

John 12:23 “He who loves his life will lose it, and he who hates his life in this world will keep it for eternal life.”

Dear God,

Thank You for answered prayer, along with Your peace, strength, wisdom and love.  I need all the divine interventions given to me, and You alone know my needs.  It is of great comfort to know, that my prayers are heard and sins forgiven, and graciously I am granted the righteousness of Jesus to cover my sinful body like a garment, along with all the Holy Spirit brings to my life.

The bible account given in John 12:20-25, tell of some Greeks who had come to worship at the feast and asked to see Jesus.  His words to them were deep and meaningful then, as they are for me now.  He told them in verse 23, “The hour has come that the Son of Man should be glorified”.  I have read that Jesus was glorified and that I now have real hope of eternal life, when we choose to give our life to Him and serve Him.  Verse 25-26 “He who loves his life will lose it, and he who hates his life in this world will keep it for eternal life. V. 26 “If anyone serves Me, let him follow Me: and where I am, there My servant will be also.  If anyone serves Me, him My Father will honour.”

Though many have been put to death because they have remained faithful to Jesus, most Christians in my part of the world, have not been called upon to give their physical life for Jesus, even so there can be severe tests and trials in life of different types.  I know strength and help will come when I today and each day determine to offer You my whole heart and obedience.

Speak to my heart today especially please, so I know Your will in regards, to what I should take on, and what I should say no to, in regards to every day and future helping activities.

Lord You know my failings and weaknesses as I interacted with others sometimes I have had uncharitable thoughts and have allowed irritations to creep in. You also know I truly want to be Your person and blessing in all my interactions with others.  You alone can change and empower me.   According to Your recorded words, it is Your will for anyone who sees their need and asks for a heart change and empowerment of divine grace, to work with us, and so make it happen.

I give You all my praise and thanks again today.

Amen

John 10:16 “And other sheep I have which are not of this fold; them also I must bring, and they will hear My voice; and there will be one flock and one shepherd.”

Dear God,

I thank and praise You, for all Your love, and provision in all areas.  Especially for salvation through Jesus Christ, and His love for me as a sinner, which is above human, for He is Your divine Son, most beloved.  It is not something we sinful, created beings could or would do – go to a small mainly hostile place, from our beautiful heavenly home, with the purpose of reclaiming those living upon earth, from sin and death.  Sin, which has the automatic consequence of death, was incited by the originator of all sin, Satan, when in heaven as the beautiful, unfallen angel Lucifer.  Satan (who was Lucifer in his unfallen condition) and the other fallen angels have no power over God or Jesus, and could only act toward Christ as God allowed whilst Jesus was on earth in human form.

Jesus, as our Shepherd keeps us safe and leads us to good pastures, and then to places of rest and refreshing; He also attends our wounds and hurts with aid designed to heal.  As with every shepherd in the time of Jesus, He also knows each one of His children personally and we as His children know Him.  This is our blessed privilege.

But we, His children are not an exclusive group, for Jesus would have everyone to be one of His followers.  There is only one way to salvation, and it is through being in the one united flock of Jesus and following Him.  Thank You Jesus for Your invitation, and the commission to invite as many others to also join His flock, as I can.

Forgive me, for not always caring enough to let others know that they are all welcome in Your flock, which acknowledges You as the true Shepherd, able and willing to lead us to a life of peace and joy.

Jesus knew that His Father loved Him greatly and fully supported Him for what He came to earth to do.  John 10:17 “Therefore the Father loves Me, because I lay down My life that I may take it again.”

Previously, the plan had been made between You, Father God and Jesus, as Your Son, that He would become our sin substitute.  Death could not contain God, Your Son, and as planned He did arise to life on the third day, showing the entire universe that He had conquered sin and death.

We now know that His power will raise us up from corruptible death to life immortal.  In the meantime during our earthly life, as we confess our sins and are forgiven them, we have the assurance that Christ is not only our Lamb of sacrifice, a recompense for every sin; but is our High Priest in heaven making atonement for all our confessed sin, coming out of true our true repentance.

Thank You Jesus, I again today accept You as my Lord and Saviour, as well as my Shepherd, and desire to be one of Your obedient sheep who will in the power of the Holy Spirit, follow You faithfully wherever You go.

Hallelujah, my Saviour is risen, ready and waiting!

Amen

 

Isaiah 33: 2, 3 “O Lord, be gracious to us, we have waited for You.  Be their arm every morning, our salvation also in the time of trouble.  At the noise of the tumult the people will flee; when You lift Yourself up the nations shall be scattered.”

Dear God,

Thank You for the beautiful start to the day, and that I can freely and openly seek You at the beginning of this new day.  Thank You for teaching me to love and serve You, and that I also can do that freely.  Please again today, be my strength and fortress, as was the case for Your faithful children, in the times of Isaiah.  You spoke through Isaiah to the Israelite enemies, as found in verse 10, “But the Lord says to our enemies, ‘I will be exalted.  I will yet bring honour to my name.” and verse 13 “Everyone far and near will hear what I have done and will acknowledge My power.”  Finally the wrong doers in Zion were afraid and asked “who can live in the midst of a devouring fire and survive?  Who can live in the sight of God and not be consumed?”

This scenario seems so similar to what is foretold in scripture for those who are faithful to You (referred to as spiritual Israel) are to face  when  passing through the last days on this earth: with the great wickedness, spiritual apostasy, and backsliding away from You, as in the times of Isaiah now evident all about us.  Many say that they are in these foretold times right now!  I cannot disagree with their assessment, as the news unfolds daily.

Please God, preserve me unto Yourself, so that my eyes will be open to all You offer, and to the evils around me.  I pray that in Your strength, I will have none with compromise and instead be all for learning of You and growing not only to love You truly with my whole heart, but will have put on Your full armour of protection against the devils attacks, so that I will not be overwhelmed or seduced by the devil.  Then we, Your spiritual children, will be as described in Isaiah 33:15 “He who walks righteously and speaks uprightly, he who despises the gain of oppression’s, who gestures with his hands, refusing bribes, who stops his ears from hearing bloodshed, and shuts his eyes from seeing evil.”  More than in any previous time period, we are at risk of hearing bloodshed and seeing evil, as the popular entertainment media bombard all those who choose to hear and listen, with such sound and scenes.  I feel so sad when I think that for many they are literally experiencing the horrors of war and persecution.

May we never close our eyes, ears and heart to the different horror situations others are in?  Thankfully as we pray daily, You will as promised keep us tender toward others, by Your love imparted to us.

I ask today God, that You will cause me to be wise in what I expose myself to, from what is available on the media and airwaves.  I ask You to strengthen and empower me, so that I can turn my back on anything that is offensive to You, and would allow the devil to draw me from a true and full allegiance to You, the Almighty God.

God, all scripture reveals that You want us to be righteous and all provision is made for us to be able to be so, as You teach us and equip us so we know and can do Your will, which is to walk righteously: refusing to be consistently evil in thought and deed.

Lord please fill me with Your Spirit now.

Amen

Job 28: 12, 20 “From where then does wisdom come?  And where is the place of understanding?

Dear God,

I have been thrilled to hear the trills of the song birds, during a full on start to this day with numerous other very noisy birds calling out in joyful noises and tones, peculiar to their individual species; as they perch and fly from bough to bough.  I give praise for the happiness they bring, within the pleasure all nature brings to me.

I sometimes think that if I could not hear bird songs and their noises each morning, a little piece of me would whither.  But then I remember words in scripture, spoken from a dungeon, that whatever place or situation we find ourselves, we can be content in the enabling of the Holy Spirit.

Job reminds us all wisdom is not innately kept within the birds. Job 28: 21 “It is hidden from the eyes of the living, and concealed from the birds of the air.” How do they know how and what to do that keeps them alive, and that provides progeny to perpetuate each individual species?  Surely not by chance it seems too complex?  I believe that You as the Almighty God of the universe, created all species with inherent specific abilities that we have enjoyed observing and studying down through the ages.  I also observe that as well as these innate abilities given at creation, some have strong instincts that cause them to act in a certain way.  These instincts and/or abilities do not automatically indicate that the animal, bird, fish or man/woman, necessarily will know all that is wisdom or even a goodly portion of it.

Job writes within the context of pointing out all the mind bending aspects of nature are each put together/happen in a certain way, and asserts, V23 “God understands its way and He knows its place.”  It is satisfying and stimulating to learn of the many discoveries through science about so much in our universe and earth – whether about non-living elements, historically or living things and processes all around us; especially the human body, and much more.

A deeper soul and mind experience can come when all these facts go from the mere interesting, to a confirmation of a loving, all powerful God, who not only cares to create wonderful, intricate, beautiful functioning living things, to the revelation that You placed within every man or woman a mind (we are told by science) with much untapped potential for learning and ability; along with finely tuned emotions and feelings.

There are a number of references in the scriptures that indicate that many Bible writers had found satisfaction and wisdom, during and after times of adversity and hard living.  For example, king Solomon after departing from You, became disillusioned in the process of adulterous and luxurious living.  He turned around and wrote how wisdom could be found and not found, Proverbs 1:7”The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom: but fools despise wisdom and instruction.”  Proverbs 9: 10 “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom; and the knowledge of the holy is understanding.”  Job writing in the same vein states, Job 28: 28 “And to man He said, ‘Behold the fear of the Lord, that is wisdom, and to depart from evil is understanding.”

Because I believe I am Your created person, I can only believe that I was not born with Your wisdom and that You are the font of wisdom.  It is apparent that You have gifted us with abilities and a mind that can learn and have wisdom imparted into that mind; and each individual mind can never achieve the wisdom of the Infinite God.

Within the scriptures I discern that any knowledge that robs us of eternal life cannot be called true wisdom, but instead, the knowledge of unwise things. You will always give us true and increasing wisdom in the area’s that really matter and will prosper us in all ways.  Proverbs 3: 5, 7 “Trust in the Lord with all thine heart and lean not unto thine own understanding.”  “Be not wise in thine own eyes: fear the Lord and depart from evil.”

Thank You Lord for revealing Yourself in these measures of wisdom, as I take for my own endeavour these Bible texts.

Amen

 

Mark 7: 14”When He had called all the multitude to Himself, He said to them, ‘Hear Me, everyone and understand.’”

Dear God,

I absolutely praise and thank You for loving me and bearing with me; as well as for the news of salvation available for me and everyone;  also for Your guidance on how to truly find You, and how to live in accordance with Your will.  I have found a loving God who requires us to truly reverence, obey and worship Him, within the knowledge and guidance, You have given us.  Today, I have read more on this subject in Mark 7.

Even with the irritation of the ‘nit picking’ Pharisees and priests, Jesus continued to teach, heal and give loving service.  Never did He give an indication of personal anger, in the face of their rebukes for He and His disciples not following their Godless traditions and total loveless hypocrisy.  It was the ritual cleansing that they were ‘hung up on’, which could never make anyone morally clean, for it is only the working of the Holy Spirit, within our mind and heart, that makes us morally clean.  Any evil cherished in the heart eventually comes out, as the evil thoughts that become evil actions; these are what Jesus was teaching needs to be cleansed out of each of us.  Mark 7: 6 – 8 “He answered and said to them, ‘well did Isaiah prophesy of you hypocrites, as it is written:  ‘This people honour Me with their lips, but their heart is far from Me.  And in vain they worship Me, teaching as doctrines the commandments of men.’  For laying aside the commandments of God, you hold the tradition of men—…..’“

Please search my heart and show me any evil cherished there that will come out as any type of evil word or action, so that I can now repent of them, before any evil is expressed.    Very importantly I will then be forgiven by Your grace, and a change in my heart will take place in the freedom from wrong doing and guilt I now will have.  Thank You.

Jesus cast a demon out of the daughter of a foreign woman – after showing the disciples the type of prejudice that they had toward anyone who was not of their nationality.  He had first appeared to reject her request, on the basis of her nationality, as they would have done, to show how contrary these prejudices were in the way of love which was His and should be in all His followers.  V29 “Then He said to her, ‘For this saying go your way; the demon has gone out of your daughter.’”

As I live for You today Lord, reveal to me my prejudices, so that I can change my attitudes to accept all people, who were lovingly created by You, making them all equal.  Now it is more apparent to me, that this also makes every person equal in potential to learn to love and serve You, which gives each of us a spiritual responsibility toward everyone You place in our life.   I perceive that this is a privilege as well as a responsibility that Jesus has advised each and every one about, as we read about His words and actions.

Please also fill me with praises for Your every gift, privilege and blessing.

Amen

 

Mark 6:31 “And He said to them, ‘Come aside by yourselves to a deserted place and rest a while….”

Dear God,

I so appreciate that I gain rest, peace and rejuvenation, as I come apart and spend time with You in the morning hour or so.  I have been reading about the ministry of Jesus, with the constant calls upon His time, which frequently came with needs for counselling and healing, from many very needy, persistent people, milling all around Jesus constantly from early morning until late in the day.  During the day, there seemed to be little time for the disciples and He to relax, talk and enjoy one another’ s company.  Without being filled with the Holy Spirit I imagine the ministry of Jesus would have almost been too taxing to maintain, day after day.

Mark tells of a time when Jesus wanted some quiet time in a secluded spot, with the 12 disciples, and so they set off in a boat by themselves.  Many of the people followed Him, on foot around the lake, and Jesus in compassion could not send them away, for He knew that they needed to spend time with Him, because they were like sheep without a shepherd.

Then it was getting late, and there was some distance for them to walk back to their homes and a meal. So again the compassionate heart of Jesus was stirred, and by a miracle, He fed all of them, and then sent the multitude home and His disciples off over the lake in the boat.  Jesus needed quiet time and time with His Father in prayer, so He went up alone into the mountain to pray.

Thank You Lord, for the lessons here for me, for often I have not taken rest and relaxation enough, and time in the evening to pray more than a few sentences, because of my busyness.  Forgive me please, and enable me to put thoughts into prayer in a thankful meaningful way in the evening, when my mind has shut down in a tired state.

Amen

 

Philippians 1:11 “Being filled with the fruits of righteousness which are by Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God.”

Dear God,

You alone are God and most worthy to be praised, and reverenced, with my whole mind and body.  I am sorry for the times I approach You as if You were due a much lower level of reverence, instead of all the reverence I am capable of giving to Almighty God and the King of Kings.  It is a shameful thing to consciously and/or unconsciously bring you down to our own level as I allow my mind to wander onto all sorts of other subjects, when I am actually supposedly reading the scriptures, in prayer or listening to a sermon , with ‘half a mind’.   Sometimes I am aware of it immediately, and sometimes not, but for any of these occasions, I sincerely repent and ask forgiveness.

Search my heart and mind, and then reveal to me my wrong thoughts and attitudes, as well as fill me with Your Spirit, so that I can willingly change, and become a true child of Yours in all ways.

Then I will be as, Paul has written of in Philippians 1:11, ‘filled with the fruits of righteousness’, which come from Jesus Christ.  Then, and as I live them out, for all to see, my life and actions will be “to the glory and praise of God.”

As I read about Korah, Dathan and Abiram in the Old Testament, I realize how easy it is to get full of ourselves, when we are doing work for You.  These three had, began to think they should be on the same level as Moses and Aaron in the temple, for after all they were also descended down through the Levitical genealogical line, and already worked at the temple.  Their sin of pride and envy got them over looking just who You were, to the point that they interpreted Your requirements in their own way, which was not received by You.  All mankind needs salvation and every repentant sinner will be equally received by You; but only You in Your unparalleled wisdom could know who is the best person to fulfil positions relating to doing the work of their God.  The temple positions could not have been self-appointed positions; when You had already laid down the guidelines for who could be a priest serving in the Temple complex.

Moses and Aaron had humble hearts that willingly obeyed You, as opposed to Korah, Dathan and Abiram and their sympathizers, who apparently had prideful, rebellious hearts, which could not have been truly obedient to the requests of their God.  Once begun on being jealous of the positions of Moses and Aaron, their stubbornness and rebellion grew, as did their lack of reverence for You.

They were given opportunity to repent, and humble themselves, but they would not, and so they and their families, paid with their lives, and the rebellion ceased.

At the end of time, it will be those who have humbled themselves before You, in genuine repentance, and then followed Your instructions in obedience; that will be granted eternal life.   As it was with Korah, Dathan and Abiram, all those who have been rebellious and stubbornly will not heed God’s word or correction, will also pay with their lives.

I give You permission Lord, to continue to strive with me, and bring before me any hindrance that would prevent me from being counted as Your own, worthy of being taken to heaven by Jesus Christ, my Redeemer.

Amen