To The Kings

Daily Nugget:  

Remember, O Lord, how I have walked before you faithfully and with wholehearted devotion and have done what is good in your eyes.  2 Kings 20:3

King Hezekiah had heard the bad news... he was going to die.  The prophet Isaiah told him to "put his house in order".  This was his prayer to God.  Wow.  When I read this, I immediately prayed that I could bring this same prayer before my Savior when the end of my journey comes.

God heard Hezekiah though, and gave him more years to live.  What an awesome God we serve.  Death was coming, Hezekiah had been faithful and called out to God, and God delivered him for a time.  God chose to use him just a little bit longer! 


O Lord, May I walk faithfully before you with WHOLEHEARTED devotion.  May my life be totally surrendered and open before You.  You are my God, my King, my Healer.... May I do what is good in your eyes.

***  I must say, reading 1st and 2nd Kings exhausted me!  These kings just didn't get it.  There were a few like Hezekiah who followed God in His fullness... but most of them "did evil in the eyes of the Lord".  To realize how far His chosen turned away from Him, must have broken God's heart.  He is after all a jealous God... and He did get angry!  But still today, Israel is God's chosen people.... He still calls them and waits for their return to Him. 

I am so thankful that God is also a stubborn God... and continues to call us to Him. 

Today ended a 21 day fast within my church family.  The fast coupled with reading through God's Word, has radically changed my life.  I sense an urgency to be with Him.  To give Him the beginning of my time.  I am excited to see what lies ahead for me (and for you) as we read through His anointed word!

Between the Knees

Daily Nugget:

...but Elijah climbed to the top of Carmel, bent down to the ground and put his face between his knees.  1 Kings 18: 42b

Elijah's faith and persistent prayer should be an encouragement! 

Some thoughts on Elijah's prayer:

Elijah was a righteous man.  God hears the prayers of the righteous.  Elijah was a man, a human just like us.  He prayed with deep intensity and God heard.  Elijah's prayer was persistent and he had great faith. 

Elijah prayed and kept praying.  He sent his servant SEVEN times to go and look for a cloud.  Seven times the servant went.  Upon his return on the 7th - there was an answer.  Just a small cloud the size of a man's fist... but it was the answer Elijah was waiting for.  He did not give up... until he received an answer.

Elijah Prayed!

As believers, we are commanded to pray.  It is our connection to God, our way of fellowship with Him.  It is the means by which we grow and maintain our relationship with Him.

Prayer is our tool to receive God's blessings and power and to receive the fullness of His promises.  All throughout scripture prayer is used for answers.  Luke 11 we were promised the Holy Spirit if we continue to ask, seeking and knocking on the door of the Father.  Acts 4:31 - the people prayed and were filled and spoke the word of God boldly.  Paul requested prayers on his behalf, knowing that his would would be unsucessful without those prayers. 

God desired our fellowship with Him.  He hears our prayers and our petitions before Him.  When we need great  breakthrough's, we must not grow tired in praying and interceding.  We must "put our heads between our knees and keep praying"... knowing that God will answer our prayers. 

Turning Hearts

Daily Nugget:

May he turn our hearts to him, to walk in his ways and to keep the commands, decrees, and regulations he gave our fathers.  1 Kings 8:58

Solomon had prayed to the Lord in the temple which he had build for God.  Then he turned to the people and prayed a blessing over them.  It was a blessing they would not likely forget. 

Solomon knew that hearts do not easily, on their own follow God.  So he prayed that God would "help" them turn their hearts toward Him.  He prayed for a desire in the people to follow and serve the Lord.  Solomon wanted the people to always remember to follow the commandments of God, so they would be blessed.

How much more, because of the sacrifice of Jesus Christ, should our hearts be turned to the Father.  We have been given so much, brought into royalty, because of the blood of Christ.  We have been blessed in so many ways.  Christ has given us freedom!   Why do we sometimes turn so easily to follow the way of the world?

My prayer today, is like that of Solomon, may God turn our hearts to Him.  May we walk in his ways.  And follow Him all the days of our life.  Amen.

Wisdom Please!

Daily Nugget:

So give your servant a discerning heart to govern your people and to distinguish between right and wrong. 1 Kings 3:9a

Solomon became king after his father David went the way of the dust.  He was young, but knew how important it was for him to follow God's leading. 

He went to make sacrifices to God and was granted whatever he would ask for.  Wow... he had so many choices that he could have taken.... but wisdom is what he asked.  Wisdom to know right and wrong. 

God was so pleased in his choice that He granted Solomon all the other blessings as well... wealth, peace and long life.  God did however ad a "but" to it all.  Wisdom would only be guaranteed if Solomon continued to walk in God's way.

Wisdom is something we all should seek, God's wisdom, not the wisdom of "men".  I admit I do not ask often enough for the wisdom I need to be a wife, a mother, a daughter, a teacher.  I need more wisdom. 

God will be faithful to us if we ask even today for His wisdom in our life and in our circumstances.  But I believe we have the same "but" ...  we must continue to walk in God's ways.  If we are not walking with Him, spending time with Him in prayer and worship, how can we ever know what He is telling us.  He can only impart His wisdom to us when we continue an open communication with Him.  He is just waiting for us to ask....


Lord, I need YOUR wisdom to be a great wife.  I need YOUR wisdom to be a wonderful mother to my children.  I need YOUR wisdom to take care of my parents, be be a good friend, to be a good worker in Your kingdom.  Give me wisdom as I read Your word and seek Your face.  I will continue to follow after You...

Oh My Son!

Daily Nugget:

O my son Absalom!  My son, my son Absalom!  If only I had died instead of you...  2 Samuel 18:33

David cried and mourned for his son.  Even though Absalom had killed his brother, turned against his father the King, and tried to take the throne... David was grieved upon his death.

David loved his sons I am sure.  David loved the Lord, and knew that even under the worst of conditions, the Lord would restore Absalom in time.  But that time never came. 

I believe David's grief was more than for just the death of His son.  I believe his desperate cry over his son was because he died in his rebellion.  There was so salvation left for Absalom... he was gone.  There was no redemption.

Have you cried out before God in despair for a child?  Do you have a child that is lost in rebellion and sin?  God hears our cries.  God knows our heart.  He knows our pain.  He loves us and can give us peace.  We must however continue to cry out for that child.  To bring his or her name before the Father.  He hears our cries.  He knows our heart.  And he cares. 

Be encouraged today if you have a child "lost" .  May you feel comfort in knowing God cares.

Father God, I pray for these children lost in sin and confusion.  I pray for their eyes to be open and to see that they desperately need you.  May they return to their families and may You bring reconciliation.  Strengthen those of us who continue to cry out before You on their behalf.  May we find peace knowing You hear us and care. 

Undignified

Daily Nugget:

I will become even more undignified... 2 Samuel 6:22

  

I can not fathom, a king, barely dressed, dancing before the Lord.  What would have caused David to do such a thing.  His wife rebuked him, yet his reply was... I will become even more undignified!!!  

Over the past few weeks, my prayer has been that God would take me to a place I have never been before.  That the words that come from my mouth would be sweet before Him.  That my praise and adoration would be a perfumed aroma before His throne.

I have listened to worship songs and hymns.  Yet, I have realized.... I have sung those words without truly meaning what I was singing so often.  I grew up singing hymns, I love hymns!  I sang over and over... "all to Jesus, I surrender", but really didn't.  What about "where He leads me I will follow"?  So often I didn't listen to His leading and I surely didn't follow.  

David had to strip down out of his royal attire in order to put on a "ephod"  just a white linen dress.  He did this with total abandon to the God Almighty who had given Him everything.  David cast aside everything of this world that was His to fully worship God.  Undignified... YES!

So what about us... what about our new songs we sing... "nothing compares to the promise I have in You"  do we live this out daily.  Is nothing more important than Him?  Or how about 'here I am to worship, here I am to bow down"... how often have we sung this without bowing down?  Oh I couldn't do that in my Sunday dress, or with my coat and tie!  That would be.... undignified?  God forgive us for allowing our worship to just become something we "do" and not something we "feel".  

May we step out of our comfort zone, forget about what those around us are thinking (or might think) and worship God with reckless abandon!  Worship Him undignified!  Worship Him because of all that He has done for us.  I want to be a passionate worshiper.  I want to throw off my clothes - the things of the world that hold me back, and put on my white linen dress and make a fool of myself in the eyes of the world!  I am desperate for God to move me into a new place... I will become undignified if that is what I need to do!

BE UNDIGNIFIED!

Lord, may my praise and worship and adoration be totally undignified before the world.  May my passion for You give way for me to be completely free to dance before You.  May my praise be sincere and a sweet aroma before You!

It's Sunday...

Have a wonderful and blessed day!  Rejoice in the Lord for HE is good! 

See you on Monday!

Give Me

Daily Nugget:

...now appoint a king to lead us, such as all the other nations have.  1 Samuel 8:5b

Once again Israel complained.  Up to now, they have a great track record, don't they?  Ahhh...  Can't you just hear them saying "give me this", "give me that", "give me a king"!

God although you have done EVERYTHING for us when we called out, You are not enough.  We want to be like everyone else and have a king.  Can you imagine the rejection God, Creator of the World felt?  His chosen children, wanting something "more" because they were not satisfied in following Him.

God's plan was not for Israel to have a king, He was their King.  He was all they ever needed.  I believe this is a time that God allowed His permissive will to be done.  It wasn't His perfect plan, but He gave them what they wanted.  He heard their cries and gave them what they asked for.  His heart was grieved.

How often in our lives have we given up the perfection of God's will because we just would listen or love Him enough?  He allowed us to "have" what we wanted, although it wasn't HIS best.  I can recall a few times in my life (more than I want to admit really).

I am blessed and God has brought great things out of my stupid choices for my life, but I often wonder, if I had just listened, where would I be?  We must seek God's will and be patient while He brings us an answer.  If we aren't, if we get sight of what someone else is doing and want that.... He might just allow it.  We must love Him enough to listen!    Nothing on this earth will give us God's peace in our life, except for following Him.

I'm sorry Lord, for all the times I've had it "my way" instead of listening to You.  I love my life and am a blessed child of God!  But sometimes, I just can't help but think... what if I had done it all Your way?  May the remaining days of my life be spent listening to You and following your perfect will for my life.  I love You!

Pouring Out

Daily Nugget:  

...I was pouring out my soul to the Lord.  1 Samuel 1:15b

Today's reading was great!  I have read about two of my favorite women in the Word! 

I love the story of Ruth and Naomi.  I admire Ruth so much for being so faithful.  God blessed her for doing things right in His sight and for honoring her family.  I love the story about Boaz as her kinsmen redeemer.  What a wonderful parallel to Jesus Christ and how He redeemed us!  Praise the Lord!  (Take a few minutes and read the book of Ruth!  It's beautiful.)

Reading on into 1 Samuel I find another story that touches my heart so very deeply.  The story of Hannah.

She was a good wife to her husband, yet she was barren.  His other wife (these wives, on my list to ask God about) taunted her daily because she had been able to bare sons.  Hannah was grieved.

The word says she prayed a vow to the Lord, to give a son back to Him, if God would just honor her prayer. Eli the priest saw her and wasn't sure what to make of it all.  But Hannah told Eli, she was deeply troubled.  Hannah was "pouring out her soul" to the Lord.

As a mother, I am learning what it means to pour out my soul.  My prayers come as desperate almost un-audible words to the Father, to hear my petitions.  Pouring out my soul is deep.  It is desperate.  It tears into my very core.  These are times of great despair or need, and God hears my prayers.  Just as He did for Hannah.

Hannah received her blessing, a son.  She kept her promise and gave him to the Lord to serve and grow under Eli.  What a sacrifice.  Her adoration and love for the Father was amazing.  She gave so very much in return for God's answer to her prayer.  I admire her deeply.  I can not fathom sending my young son to "church" to live with and learn under my pastor, only to see him maybe once a year.  She was a strong woman!!

Father God, I know times when I have poured out my very soul to you.  You have so lovingly heard my prayer and answered me.  Thank you for those times. I pray that I may grow and learn to be as faithful as Hannah was.  That WHEN my children come to me and say, "the Lord has told me" to do this, I will be able to release them to You, knowing they are in Your hands.  They are after all, only on "loan" to me.  Thank you for my children and how they have blessed my life.

Over and Over Again

Daily Nugget:

Midian so impoverished the Israelites that they cried out to the Lord for help.  Judges 6:6

 

My head hurts and I am frustrated!  Why was it so impossible for the people of Israel to just worship ONE GOD!  The one God who had done so much beyond anyone's comprehension, just for them.  

God's compassion for them was amazing. Once again Israel found themselves in bondage.  Didn't take them long from the last rescue to forget God and all He had accomplished in their history and life, to go right back under someones rule.  And when they had had enough... they cry out to God.  

Israel turned to God as a last resort, only because they were yet again being oppressed.  Their faith in God was not founded in love and gratitude for Him, but by their own selfish desires and ambitions.  They only sought God when they were in crisis and desperate.  Why did they so easily forget?

Aren't we much like Israel? I know I have been in my past.  It has been a stinging pain inside me as I have read these chapters and realized how much I have been like Israel.  I have been brought to my knees more than once during this journey!  God forgive me.  

We as His people need to ask ourselves, do we follow the Lord because we truly love Him.  Do we follow His commands and His word because we adore Him?  Do we serve Him because of all He has done for us?  Or do we serve Him because of what we can receive?

We know that God gives good gifts to His children.  He loves to lavish upon us.  But this should never be our reason for serving Him.  It should just be a benefit that goes beyond the awesome and terrifying fact that He loves us so, and we in turn love and adore Him.  

He is the Lord God, there is none like Him!

Father God, forgive me for coming to you when I find myself in a mess, when I have been avoiding you in the good.  I love You, adore You, magnify You, praise You, glorify You, daily because you have done so much for me!  I will serve you Lord, in all things, at all times.  You are my first love!

We Will Serve

Daily Nugget:

But if serving the Lord seems undesirable to you, then choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve...  But as for me and my house we will serve the Lord.  Joshua 24:15

I would assume this was probably one of the most well known verses in the Word of God.  I believe one of the most important for families for sure.  It is a declaration!

Joshua knew that the peoples hearts were fickle, that they would probably never stay faithful to the Lord.  He was so sure of this that he gave them a choice... but they swore they would serve Him.

Daily we are given a choice, like the people of Israel we have free will to choose what/who we will serve.  We must stand and declare daily, that we WILL serve the Lord.  In every moment, of every day.

As a mother, especially a homeschooling mother, I must instill the commandments of the Lord in to my children daily.  So that when I am gone they will still know them.  It is so important that we as Christian parents are instilling God's Word in our children.  We can not be lazy or apathetic in doing so, or we may just find ourselves the last generation. 

Have you made a choice?  Have you stood up in your home, before your family and declared: As for me and my house we will serve the Lord as Joshua did?  Declare!  And follow through!

Lord God, I declare we will serve the Lord.  Forgive me for not always making this stand.  For allowing other "gods" to rob our time, especially our time with You.  Show me how to instill in my children how important YOU are and following You is for their life.  May my life be an example, and never a hindrance in their walk with you.  We will remember, we will serve.  Amen

Strong and Courageous

Daily Nugget:  

Be strong and courageous.  Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.  Joshua 1:9

  

Moses had died, the people of Israel had a new leader.  I'm sure he was overwhelmed.  It was a huge job to handle the Israelites.. they were after all like a huge group of children.  They still hadn't learn to listen completely.  They still complained.  They still tested God.  But it was God's plan that Joshua become the new leader.

God was specific that Joshua would be strong and courageous.  He promised Joshua that He would be with him wherever they went.  What a promise!  It was now Joshua's charge to take the land God had promised... and he did just that.

Many times throughout these first few chapters of Joshua this phrase is used over and over.  Be strong and courageous... God is with you.  For those in present time who serve the Lord, who have consecrated themselves before Him, I believe God says... be strong and courageous. 

Whatever God has called us to do, wherever He has destined for us to go, we can walk forward and complete His charge.  We need to face our destiny knowing that we can be strong and courageous in everything, because God is surely with us.

Did you notice, at one point, it was the children of Israel who encouraged Joshua to be "strong and courageous".  This should teach us about the importance of encouragement for our brothers and sisters in the Lord.  We often know when they are taking on a new plan or in the middle of a long journey that God has sent them on.  Our friends share with us what God has set in their heart, and we should offer words of encouragement... dear friend, be strong and courageous, God is with you wherever you go.  What powerful words especially perhaps, if they are unsure or discouraged! 

Lord God, Almighty Creator of all things, I praise Your name!  I pray as I seek Your face, to know Your will, that I set my steps towards what You have called me to do, I will hear you say to me those words you spoke to Joshua.  That I will step into my destiny and have no fear because I know You are with me.  And Lord, may I be encouraging to my fellow brothers and sisters in Christ, as they too follow Your will for them.  When we face "giant armies" (problems and struggles bigger than us) may we lift each other up and be a reminder that You are there. 

Very Near

Daily Nugget:  

...the word is very near you; it is in your mouth and in your heart so you may obey it.  Deuteronomy 30:14

Conviction is never an easy thing.  Since beginning this 90 day journey I have realized that I have not spent enough time in God's word.  I have not spent enough time digging deep into the very marrow of the Word of God.

I have come to realize how important repetition is.  God told Moses to instruct the Iraelites of His law over and over.  God wanted them to know it inside and out.  Remember they were to bind it to them... to keep it in the forefront of everything they thought.  God's commands were to be a beacon before them. 

Can you believe that they needed to commit to memory all that God instructed them.  And they didn't have 15 copies of it laying around their tents.  (Ok, I love Bibles, and translations and have saved all of mine since I was a child, so I have a "few".)  But what they did have was the very presence of God speaking to them...

We do have the Word of God and it is very near us, but if we do not pick it up and read it, meditate on it, pray over it, "take a bite and chew it up"... then is can not be in our mouth and hearts.  And what we do not know and remember, we can not obey. 

So my challenge is:  Wipe off that layer of dust.  Open the Bible... do the pages still crack because it's so new?  Read His Word, it brings His presence near us.  Commit them to heart and know them so you can obey.

Father, I am sorry that I have not realized how precious your Word is.  How much I have needed it daily.  Not just my special verses that I like to read, but every word.  I praise You because Your Word has come alive to me.  I love how You call me closer to you with ever word I read.  May I always obey.

Remember

Daily Nugget:

Remember how the Lord your God led you all the way in the desert these forty years, to humble you and to test you in order to know what was in your heart, whether or not you would keep his commands.  Deuteronomy 8:2

I 

Today is Sunday and worship with my local congregation was wonderful.  God's presence and His power was shown in such a loving and wonderful way.  He is amazing and I just live Him more every day.

My mind walked through the journey of the people of God in chapter 8.  God was reminding them all He had done for them in this journey to the land they had been promised.  Calling them to remember, and never forget what He had done so that they would continue to keep His commandments.

God gave them insight as to why they had to make this journey.  It was all His plan, all the hard times, the lack of food, the lack of water, the battles they faced, everything was His plan, to reveal Himself to them in magnificent and earth shaking ways.  

He had to take them through the desert to test their faithfulness, to know that they would "stick" with Him even in the hard times.  He had to know if their love for Him was so intense and so deep, that in every desperate situation they would call upon Him, and not anyone else.  He wanted them humbled by His provision and presence in their lives.

Tears fall from my eyes, and my heart swells with emotions I can not explain, as I realize the significance of this in my own life.  I (my family) have walked through some serious deserts over the past 4 years.  There have been times when I could not comprehend how I would even begin to put one foot in front of the other because it was just unbearable.  But, I like the children of Israel, have been reminded each time at the end of those situations, just how truly HUGE my God is.  That in the midst of my desert, He was there and was providing for me.... even in my suffering.  

So often I have taken every path to solve the problem, you know... read a book, talked to friends, stressed, worried, lost sleep.... except fully rely on God.  So I like the people of Israel have been allowed to have some really hard places to walk... to humble my pride and dependence on myself (and others) and found myself with no other direction to go, but to the Father.  

I did not like going through these things, in fact, some of them still break my heart.  However, I am thankful for a God that "allows" situations to bring me to a point of humbling myself and all my "answers" before Him, and realizing He is the only one who can bring me through any situation.  

Father God, I pray that as other "deserts" come into my path, that I would go to You as my only source for provision and direction.  May each hot and dry place my feet find themselves, teach me to humble my way, and my abilities, in order to surrender to what You have for me.  May I be faithful to remember Your word and Your commands for my life.  And at the end of these such times, may I know more than before that You are my God and You are the ONLY God.  I give you praise and honor.

He Is One

Daily Nugget:

Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God the Lord is one.  Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength. These commandments that I will give you today are to be upon your hearts.  Impress them on your children.  Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up.  Tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads.  Write them on the door frames of your houses and on your gates.  Deuteronomy 6:4-9

God told Israel to hear that The Lord is One.  There was and is and never will be but one God.  That is comforting to me.... that He is Always!  He reminded the Israelites of this often, He was and is a jealous God and desire all of our affections.  I've realized since beginning this 90 Days through the Bible that I have not been giving God the time and attention that He so rightly deserves.  My heart has been broken as I realize He has not been the only "lord" in my life. 

I realize that God seeks fellowship with His people and requires us to Love Him.  I have to give Him my love, loyalty and gratitude if I want to walk in a covenant relationship with Him, just as the Iraelites did.  I must love Him with every fiber of my being... everything I am, have, or ever want.. I must love him.  If I am so completely devoted and in love with Him and sit and walk in this love we share, then I am much more able to follow the second part of this command given in the New Testament, to love my neighbor. 

God expects us to know His commandments, to "chew" on them, to think on them, to keep them in front of our mind every moment of our day and night.  The commands He has given us are not to be just "picked up" when it's convenient, but to be EVER PRESENT in our daily life.

I am required to teach my children and future generations.  It's my responsibility to break it down, feed them piece by piece.  To make them understand from the moment they enter into the world what their Creator wants them to do and how to live as they grow.  I admit... I've not succeeded with this as I should.  Too often I have relied on "church" to do it. I know I have a higher calling as a mother than to just take "care" of their needs, I must tend their hearts and minds like a fertile field.

Devotion to God at home is not an option, it is commanded by God.  Everything we do, even to the very simplest of daily living, can be related to God and impressed on our children. I know that I have been called to do more, to make sure they know more than just what they are taught at church, but for me to share with them who I see that God is and how He is at work in our home.

Well... I can't believe this journey we have been on since beginning in Genesis.  I am in awe of God' presence through His word.  I am amazed by how He has worked through the travel of the Israelites. God is always there with His people...we need only to have faith.

Lord God, I know that I have not given 100% to teaching my children your Word.  Forgive me for relying on teachers at church.  Show me daily how to pour your life giving words into their lives.  I love you God, the One and Only God.  You continue to amaze me!

Totally Reliable

Daily Nugget:

God is not a man, that he should lie, nor a son of man, that he should change his mind.   Numbers 23:19a

Much to Balak's unhappiness, Balaam could only deliver the words of the Lord.  Blessings were upon Israel regardless of what anyone else wanted.  And God could not lie and say otherwise, through Balaam.

I am thankful for a God who keeps His word.  He is the God I have complete confidence in.  He is not unreliable, fickle or changeable... His very nature is faithful to His promises.  Isn't that wonderful!!

This amazing attribute of God however, does not mean that there is never a possibility  of God changing His mind or plans.  We sometimes mess up His plan, which after repentance, He can redirect.  I believe that the prayers of intercessors can be heard so deeply in God's heart that He is able to change paths and plans.

I am so blessed to serve a God who I can totally depend.  I know He will never fail me or let me down.  His promises are definite.  That gives me sweet peace!

Lord God, I am grateful for Your promises in my life.  For the security I have of knowing You will never falter or fail me.  I have to realize that my plans are not Yours, and I must rest in the peace of knowing You do all things for my good!  I love you Lord!

Grumble

Daily Nugget:

Now the people complained about their hardships in the hearing of the Lord, and when He heard them His anger was aroused.  Numbers 11:1

Day 11 of 90 - What a wonderful day of reading!  I can say one thing about the Israelites so far... they are consistent.  Consistently complaining!  They complained about everything too.  Nothing satisfied them.

They were hungry, God sent them quail.  They challenged Moses, God opened up the ground and swallowed some, brought disease on some, burned up some, provided water from a rock...and yet they still complained! 

They had only been on their journey 3 days when they began to grumble and complain because their circumstances were not ideal.  Wow.... how often have I been just like the Isrealites.  God has always been so faithful to me, never failing, yet because I don't have a new car, or the house I desire, or the amount in the bank I wish... I complain that He hasn't done enough!  I am so thankful that He has chosen not to consume me with fire... (yet).

The Isrealites quickly forgot their deliverance from slavery and God's mighty action on their behalf.  They would not trust God and commit their lives and future to Him.  This only brought them more misery in God's anger and judgment.

The Isrealites complained that they wanted meat.  They were not satisfied with what God had already provided, so He answered their cries of complaining.  He sent them quail.  Not just a few quail, but more than they ever wanted, for 3o days.  So much quail it made them sick!  The scripture said - enough until it comes out of your nostrils.  I would say that was a lot of quail.  God was angry because they rejected what He had already provided, they wanted MORE.

The people complained like spoiled kids who wanted their own way.  Got let them have what they wanted, but with it sent a wasting disease.  We as God's children need to realize it is dangerous to insist on our way and desires, rather than humbly submit to God's way and be grateful for His provisions.  To reject God's way of dealing with us is equivalent to unbelief and rebellion.... which brings judgement.

I can't help but hear that old country song... "I Thank God For Unanswered Prayers"... because in our selfishness we ask God for things that are not good for us.  Things we do not need.  I know I am thankful that His answer has been NO more than a few times. 

May we learn to be "happy" where we are.  Knowing what God has given us is for OUR good.  He has supplied our needs, not always our wants, but He gives GOOD things to His children. 

Father God, I am sorry for times I have complained.  You have given me so many things, and I am thankful.  Show me how to be content in all things and never grumble and complain.  You are ,y God and You supply all my needs according to Your purpose for me!  Thank you precious Father!

Sometimes

Blessings.

I relished my reading today.. all about the set up of the 12 Tribes, their position around the Tabernacle, God's plans are amazing.  Wouldn't it be awesome if we had the opportunity to meet with God and have Him lay out His plans for our lives in such detail!  But I realize that is where faith comes in! :)

I also enjoyed the instruction of the Levites, and their "setting apart". Their example symbolized the godly separation that should have characterized the whole nation of Isreal.  I wonder if the Levites felt how much of an honor it was that God set them apart to serve with the priests of the Tabernacle!  Wow. 

My post today is short, but I think it should be.  My daily nugget is probably one of my favorite scriptures.  When I was in college, the choir I toured with from Trevecca University, we sang this to the close of each concert.  I always cried!  Enjoy this blessing!

Daily Nugget:

The Lord bless you and keep you;

The Lord make His face shine upon you 

and be gracious to you;

The Lord turn His face toward you

and give you peace.

                                            ~Numbers 6: 24-26

Atonement

Daily Nugget:

This is to be a lasting ordinance for you: Atonement is to be made once a year for all the sins of the Israelite.  And it was done, as the Lord commanded Moses.  Leviticus 16:34

The word atonement means to "cover over".  So the offering made by the priests, the blood shed was to "cover over" the Israelites sins.  A ransom had to be paid - and adequate recompense for the offense!

The need for atonement arose because of the sin of the Isrealite people.  The Atonement Sacrifice would cover all the sins not yet covered by sacrifices made through the year.  There had to be an Atonement Sacrifice so that they would be forgiven and God's wrath would not overtake them.

Because God desired to save the Isrealites, forgive their sins and reconcile them to himself, He furnished a way of salvation by allowing the priests to make sacrifice and blood offering.  In doing this, their sins were covered.

The Rituals of the Day of ,Atonement were specific and had to be carried out exactly!  It was a serious time.  The Day of Atonement was a solemn day in which the people fasted and humbled themselves before the Lord.  This attitude of the people expressed the seriousness of sin.  The Day of Atonement also had to be repeated every year.  One sacrifice was not enough!

The fact that they had to be repeated yearly, showed that there was something "incomplete" about them.  They were not sufficient for all time.  But....  there came a Lamb, a once and for all sacrifice.

What Christ did on the cross was our once and for all Day of Atonement! Hallelujah to the Lamb!!!

He represented the atonement, forgiveness, reconciliation and cleansing we so desperately needed.  Jesus sacrifice was our "covering over" of sins, the sacrifice that turned away God's wrath, reconciling us to Him.  The Most Holy place where the priest entered in the Old Testament is now God's Throne in heaven, where Christ as our High Priest can enter in.

Jesus Christ death on the cross was our "complete and perfect" sacrifice for us.  There is no more need for any sacrifices... once and for all... Christ was enough!

Father God, I thank you for this time in Leviticus.  Thank you for enabling me to keep reading when it was tough and the kids just didn't want me to!  Thank You for revealing such amazing things to me!  But most of all, I thank You for Your son Jesus!  I praise His Holy Name for being the Lamb that came to take away the sins of the world, but even still, my sins!  May I realize daily that sin is not to be taken lightly.  To live in a way to honor the sacrifice made for me.  Hallelujah to the Lamb!  I praise You!

Thank you for reading along.  I would love to hear from you!

Be Holy

Daily Nugget:

I am the Lord your God; consecrate yourselves and be holy, because I am holy.  Leviticus 11:44

My reading for today has been filled with tedious facts and information.  I think I can honestly say, although I find it amazingly wonderful that God gave such detailed direction for worship and atonement to Moses... I'm thankful we do not still have to go to that extent today.

I am thankful that Jesus sacrifice on the cross for me, was enough for the rest of my life.  Hallelujah!

But I do believe we are still to give Him offerings!  Offerings that He finds as a "sweet aroma".  I believe we are to give Him worship.. all the time, not just while the songs are being sung on Sunday.  I believe we are to give Him our first fruits - whether that is our time or our finances.  I have realized, after all, it is already HIS.  He choose to give me another day to live so therefore, it should already BE HIS.

God has called us to consecrate ourselves.  One dictionary has this to say:

Consecration is the solemn dedication to a special purpose or service, usually religious. 

The word "consecration" literally means "to associate with the sacred".

 Solomn dedication to a purpose... wow.  Am I dedicated to one purpose - to be Holy and live my life to God?  Would someone associate me with 'sacred".  Too often, I would say no.  But we are still called to consecrate ourselves and become holy because HE IS HOLY!  We have a high calling.  It will take much effort.

Praying, fasting, giving - just to name a few.  These things we are called to do, in order to be Holy as He is Holy.  I know I still have a great journey to take before I would see myself as Holy.  But again, the blood that consecrated me, that was my sacrifice, has already been spilled.  My 'ram" was Jesus Christ, and because of Him, I can be Holy!  Praise the precious name of Jesus!

Now Father... I pray that we would not get so tied up in the specifics of what is "holy" that we forget it is all about YOU and not about US.  We can never truly do everything 100% perfect all the time, but we should most certainly strive for that.  I praise you, for sending YOUR son to die such a horrible death, just for me.  I ask Lord, that my sacrifices to you would be as a sweet aroma to You.  That you would find joy in what I have to offer.  You are my everlasting Father!  I love you so much!

By Name

Daily Nugget:

I know you by name and you have found favor with me. Exodus 33:12b

 

During my reading today, this verse just shouted my name!  I am thrilled to think that the God of the Universe, Maker of All Things, knows MY name and has found favor with me.

What an amazing feeling to know that God loves me so much, that with all the millions of people on the planet, HE KNOWS MY NAME!  I just adore that.

And even better than knowing my name... is the idea, that I have lived my life in a way that He could truly say "I HAVE FOUND FAVOR IN YOU." That just makes me want to sing and dance and leap and run... well you get the idea.

My Great Savior, I am thrilled that you know me by name.  I pray that above everything else that I may do in this life, that You can look at me ans say You found favor with me!  You amaze me.  You totally change my world.. just knowing that YOU kjnow MY name!

Thank you for taking the time to read my posts!  If you are reading along with me, please leave me a message!  See you tomorrow!!! 

Carried on Eagles Wings

Daily Nugget:

...and how I carried you on eagles' wings and brought you to myself.  Now if you obey me fully and keep my covenant, then...  Exodus 19: 4b-5a

 

Just as a mother eagle catches her young on her wings to keep them from crashing why learning to fly, God was caring for Israel and bringing her not just to Sinai, but to Himself.  The expression of this verse is such a beautiful demonstration of how much God loves us.  How much he loved Israel.  

God does just the same for us... when we need Him desperately, when we feel as though we are falling, all while trying to learn to live for and serve Him, He is carrying us.  Oh thank you Precious Father!  You know I need catching so often!

But there is also a "condition".  God said If you obey Me FULLY and keep MY covenant.  God's love and care for the people was conditioned on their obedience to Him as their Lord.  I think sometimes we as God's children forget that there is a IF and a THEN.  We so often just assume that God is going to do for us all that He has said... for "free".  

We need to remember that the "IF" is what we are called to do, obedience to HIM, not so that we can get to the "then" but because we love Him so much!  The IF that we live out on a daily basis should be because we love, desire, adore, worship, glorify, magnify.... well you understand,  HIM!  It is when we give Him all of this unconditionally, that I believe He fulfills our THEN.  And wow is His THEN amazing!  It is more than we could ever hope or dream or even comprehend! 

He is a generous and loving God.  He lavishes us with good things.... He just wants us to fulfill our "IF" because we love Him so much!

Father God, I am always amazed by what you so graciously give to me.  May I be even more faithful this coming year at fulfilling my IF to You.  May I joyfully and lovingly keep Your Word.  May I follow Your commandments because I love and adore You, not just because I want the THEN.  You are Almighty and Worthy of all that I have, even if there is nothing more for You to give.  May my praise and adoration be a beautiful offering to you always!!!  Amen

Stand Firm

Daily Nugget:

Do not be afraid.  Stand firm and you will see the deliverance the Lord will bring you today... The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still.  Genesis 14: 13a, 14

Whew!  Today's reading was long!  Moses - his birth, his calling, his obedience.  Pharaoh and his hard heart.  Plagues... death.. deliverance!!!  God's story is amazing!  His plan and His purpose beyond our wildest dreams and imagination!!!  What a wonderful ride today's reading was!!!  (I think the 10 plagues would make a great Disney ride!)

Many things spoke to my heart today.  Moses believed God, met with Him face to face, but still tried to find a "way out"... using his imperfections as an excuse.  Wow.  That once again brought me to my knees.  I know that God has spoken to me in the past about a ministry or something HE was calling me to do... my answer:  But......  Why do we have so little faith in ourselves when God sees that we are so much more than that?  Lord God, God of Abraham Isaac, and Jacob, may I never try to get "out" of doing what You call me to do, just because I do not see myself as "able".

The scripture I used for my daily nugget was one of the major things that I took from today's reading.  Right now, there are situations, some small and "sort of" insignificant, some huge that can change our families direction that I need to see God's deliverance in.  But what am I doing?  Running around, worrying, stressing, whining, feeling sorry for myself and that's a good day!  So THANK YOU for the scripture reading today God, because I needed this HUGE reminder. 

I need to be still.  God has told us not to be afraid.  Even when a vast army (really big problem) is chasing us... He says to not be afraid.  To stand firm and SEE the deliverance.  Gosh, if I'm running around like a "crazy woman" will I miss the deliverance and the awesomeness of how it is accomplished! 

Why do I so easily forget that the LORD will fight for me.  I don' have to battle peoples opinions.  I do not have to struggle to see beyond my right now (although we are called to action and God did give us common sense for our own good).  There are so many things I need to STOP doing and just be still.

Be still and watch.  Be still and pray.  Be still and believe.  Be still and KNOW that HIS promises are to me, in my time of need.  If I'm not still, I might just miss the deliverance!!!

My friend, what do you need to be delivered from?  God has heard your cries, your please to Him.  Do not be afraid.  Stand firm and YOU WILL see the deliverance of the Lord!!!

Lord God, Thank you for reminding me that You always take care of me.  I thank you for the precious deliverance you have already provided to me, by my salvation.  Help me Holy One, to be still and watch and see what YOU are going to do.  Amen

Our Small View - God's Big Plan

Daily Nugget:

Genesis 45:7 But God sent me ahead of you to preserve for you a remnant on earth and to save your lives by a great deliverance.

I love the story of Joseph.  Today my reading has continued through His journey from a much loved son, to a brother who was sold by jealous brothers, to a prison.  From dreams, to position of great power, to restoration in the family.  It is such a powerful story to behold!

Joseph and all that he experienced in his life, gives me great hope!  It seems that almost daily, God is showing me that my view is so small.  I get "stuck" on things that happen, especially bad things that do not go MY way.

I so often complain, whine, become grumpy and grouchy - but I realize it is mostly because my faith needs growing and my eyes need to see more clearly.  My small view of situations are but just a segment of a much longer story being told.

I wonder how often Joseph looked back on what his brothers did and that pit he was in, amazed and in awe of God's grace and goodness.  Did he realize because of his ability of explaining dreams, that so much would be esteemed to him?  I'm not sure, but that is one person I would really like to sit down with in heaven and ask a few questions!

God knows the larger plan, He is the Author and Finisher of every story being woven here on earth.  I want to learn from Joseph to be content in where I am, in the situations I find myself, knowing that it is all just a small part of the story God has written for me.


Genesis 50:20 You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives.

Father God, thank Your Word.  I am so thrilled that I can read accounts from long ago and still learn today!  The stories you authored over time continue to amaze me.  I pray that I may be more like Joseph, and when I find myself in situations where it seems my world is crashing, or I am losing ground, when family isn't who I thought they were, or just feeling at the end of the rope, that I will be aware that it is just a brief moment of time.  That I will have faith and trust in YOU to know YOU are working all things out for my good and YOU have a Big Plan that I just do not see.  Father may You accomplish great things through me.  I am Yours.  Continue to write my life's Big Picture!

I am excited to begin Exodus tomorrow!  Join me.

Even in the worst of times...

Reading for day 3 of 90 is completed.  I must say, I have found great pleasure in reading the Bible.  I have read stories that I have heard from a young age, but have found details that I have never know.  It is so amazing how God is able to make His Word come alive.

Daily Nugget:

Genesis 39:20b-21 But while Joseph was there in the prison,  the Lord was with him; he showed him kindness and granted him favor in the eyes of the prison warden.

I have not ever been to prison (of which I am very happy), but I am sure it is not a good place to be.  Especially prisons in the days of Joseph.  But I have been in my own type of "prison".  I am sure you have as well.

Times where you have been accused or thought to have done something, where your world has been torn apart, only it wasn't YOU, you were just minding your own business, doing what you were called to do, and someone else twisted it.  Times where you found yourself in the midst of great distress, maybe with your husband, or your children, or other family.  Perhaps you have found yourself in a time of great struggles within your church...


Whatever "prison" we have or may still find ourselves, we can be assured of one thing... the Lord is with You.


I found great comfort in these words today.  So much had already transpired in Joseph's life.  His own brothers turned against him... because of jealousy.  He was thrown in a pit, then sold as a slave... but whatever situation he found himself in, he prospered, because God was with Him.


My sweet friends, for you who serve the Almighty God, God of Abraham, Jacob and Isaac, He is just the same today as He was long ago.  And He is with us even in the most horrific of times.  God shows us kindness and grants us favor.  We must learn to not "wallow" in our situation... but hold fast to the knowledge we serve such an Incredible and Awesome God.


My Father God, thank you for always being in my "situations".  I know that in my own life, I have found myself in my own pit, my own prison.  But every time, You have been with me.  I give you praise and glory for your "favor" in my life.  Father God, may I always strive to keep You in sight, knowing that You are with me.  I thank You for all that is good in my life, for I know, without You... I would still be in despair!  Amen

Twists and turns...

it is amazing how many twists and turns there have been already in the Bible.  I'm only in Genesis...

Today's Nugget:

Genesis 28:15  I am with you and will watch over you wherever you go...

 I am now through the 28th chapter of Genesis... and I can honestly say that I forget how imperfect those God used in the beginning of time were.

People doubted God to do what He said, because of age.  People took it upon themselves to "do it their way" because of doubt.  Bad choices, haunting decisions, ill-fated attempts to work God's plan ahead of God Himself.  Wait... that sounds just a little too much like me! Lord, how often I have done exactly (well not really) what Abraham and Isaac and Esau and Jacob and Sarah have done.  Trying to do it my way... believing you, knowing you are God Almighty, but maybe just not having the faith and patience to see YOU LORD, bring it to pass!

I am humbled today, that in-spite of all their short comings and failures, God held to His promises and fulfilled His purpose for their life.  There was never a time where it was "too much for God".  His promises, God's very word held as a covenant, continued to cover these imperfect and faltering people!  Lord, does that mean, that I too, regardless of how I have tried to do it "my way", can still be used and blessed and covered by You to do amazing and wonderful things!?!

Father God, I am so very thankful that you see my imperfections and still love me any way.  I am sorry for taking things, great things You have promised me, and totally blowing it. Lord, I admit I need You.  I need Your guidance and direction.  I want a revelation of just where You want me to be and how I am to be used for Your glory.  Show me Lord, that the promises You have given me, even long ago, are still possible.  And Father, allow me to wait patiently as You fulfill them and show me which direction to go.  I am blessed that YOU are watching over me, where ever I go.  That YOU have Your hand and Your eyes ALWAYS upon me.  What sweet peace that brings.

On a journey...

well at least that is how I feel.  I am starting a journey... to find God, and my place in His will.

I love the Lord with all my heart.  But I am seeking His face, His voice, His hand in my life and family in a way I never have. I desire to know God in such an intimate way.. that my life is forever changed!  And that my family is forever changed.

Tonight I started a 90 day challenge to read through the Bible.  I am so very exited!  I read my first day's assignment and wow... I am so happy to see things "pop" out that I never realized or had seen before!  God is so good!  I pray that God will continue to illuminate His word to me as I seek Him deeper and deeper.

Father God, I pray that these beginning days of 2011 will bring a new direction for my life.  Lord I ask that You give me vision and clarity in what Your will is for me.  You know my hearts desire... show me Your way and I will walk in  it!  I praise You Lord... and wait with great anticipation of what YOU have in store!

Anyone want to join me for the challenge?  Today's scripture was Genesis 1:1 through Genesis 16;16.

Today's Nugget:

Genesis 5:24  Enoch walked with God; then he was no more, because God took him away.

I can honestly say I have never read this verse (at least that I remember).  I am totally in awe of the recording of scripture that Enoch walked with God.  For this to be important enough to be forever written, for all the world to see.... I believe Enoch "MUST" have been a man that excelled in Godliness.  God was so pleased with Enoch's life that he did not face a natural death, because God just chose to take him to heaven.  Enoch was special!

Lord, may the history of my life, when I leave this earth be: She walked with God.  May my children, my heirs to come... know that I walked with God.  What an amazing legacy.  May I be forever so faithful!

Starting with a challenge....

we had a wonderful worship service this morning.  I am so very thankful for my church, LifeChurch Birmingham! 

Today our youth pastor, Larry Lamb spoke in the service. He covered 4 aspects of our life that we must put into place for 2011.  I can say that some of these are a real challenge for me....  but God moved my heart today... and I have purposed that this will be NEW in m life this year.  I can honestly say that I have never, ever been as excited, almost giddy with anticipation of what God is going to do in my life this year.  I just know there is going to be some amazing things ahead!

So what are these 4 things:

1.  Forgiveness.  (Forgiving anyone who I hold un-forgiveness for.  We are not hurting them in any way, in fact... most likely they do not even know or have long since forgotten.)

2. Obedience.  (At all cost... I must be in direct obedience to God and His Word... is there any other way?)

3. Thankfulness. (Being thankful for every thing!  I really struggle with this... especially when it seems so many things seem to fall apart at one time.  Lord, help me to be truly thankful for all I DO have... knowing you have more in store for me if I am faithful.)

4.  Faith.  (We must have faith, strong faith.  Faith that says keep on walking God has it all under control, even when we know we have NO control. )

So those are some of the things I'll be focusing on for the beginning of 2011!..

God Bless.