A Loving Reminder: Commitment

 A Loving Reminder: Commitment

Into your hands I commit my spirit; deliver me, Lord, my faithful God. (Psalm 31:5)

My Lovelies, often times when we find ourselves in a difficult place we commit our spirit to fear, hatred, anger, to our struggles, to our grief, etc... We should follow King David's example and commit our spirit to the only one who can deliver us. The Word says - for God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control. (2 Timothy 1:7) Lets commit our spirits into the hands of the Lord daily. 

....The Lord preserves those who are true to him, but the proud he pays back in full. Be strong and take heart, all you who hope in the Lord. (Psalm 31:23-24)

I come boldly before You Abba Father, committing my spirit and my all into your hands. I thank you Father for You are faithful in all things. I thank you because your love is perfect, because your plan for me is perfect. I may not always see it that way but I trust it is, because your word says - For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. (Jeremiah 29:11) I pray that my lovelies commit their spirits and their all to You as well. That at the moment they rise that they commit their day, their situations, their struggles, and their griefs into your hands. Remind them that You are Jehovah Nissi, The Lord their Banner (Exodus 17:15-16) Father, I pray that You give us spiritual eyes to see Your faithfulness in All things, not just some. In your precious, and powerful name Jesus, Amen.

A Loving Reminder: Acknowledge

A Loving Reminder: Acknowledge

Let us acknowledge the Lord; let us press on to acknowledge him. As surely as the sun rises, he will appear; he will come to us like the winter rains, like the spring rains that water the earth.” (Hosea 6:3 NIV) 

My Lovelies, in all things, at all times, we should acknowledge God. From the moment the sun rises to the moment the sun descends and the moon rises. Acknowledging Him as we acknowledge the very air that we breathe, we can not see it, but there is no doubt that it is there. 

 

Father, I come before you acknowledging that You are the Great I Am! That You are King of Kings! That You are Lord of Host! That You are El Roi! That You are Jehovah Jireh! That You are Jehovah Shalom! 

Father, You are above all sitting in the throne and in total control! You are the one who fight our battles, if we would just surrender them completely. You are the God who sees it all. There's nothing kept in secret from You. You see every desire, every pain, every struggle, every disobedience, every tear shed. There is nothing hidden from You. You are the one who provides. You provide joy, you provide comfort, you provide healing, you provide love and You are the God who brings peace! Father, this is just scratching the surface of who You are. I pray that my lovelies acknowledge You in all things, in every situation, in every minute of their day. That You reveal yourself to them daily, who You are, meeting them exactly where they are. Father I thank you for your greatness! There is none like you. Surely if we acknowledge You, we will see you rise like the sun, and see you come down like the rains that water the earth. In Your Precious and Powerful Name(s), Amen

Names of God - Laurell Hubick

http://youtu.be/T5-6gwssX0Y

A Loving Reminder: Lord,You hear my voice

A Loving Reminder: Lord,You hear my voice

In the morning, Lord, you hear my voice; in the morning I lay my requests before you and wait expectantly. (Psalm 5:3)

I love God's promises, His Word is like a nice cool glass of water on a hot, sticky summer day! I want more and more of it. I want more and more of God, of Jesus, for He is the Word. His treasures are endless and if you seek them you will find them. 

Father, In the morning first thing I want to do is seek your face! I thank you that I can come to your Word and get to know You. I find peace just laying here soaking in your sweet presence, and your promises to me. Thank you that you are with us all the time and that I can come to you with a grateful heart but that I can also come to you in boldness with my request, and know that not a single word is wasted because You hear it all and You see it all! Father, I lift everyone of my lovelies asking You that you bring them to that very same place where You meet me, where Your presence is so thick and sweet that the tears just begin to overflow with joy. That even if they find themselves in a dark place at this very moment that there be no doubt in their minds and in their hearts that You are with them. Meet them Father where they are always drawing them close to you! In your precious and powerful name, Jesus! 

A Loving Reminder: Like Gold

A Loving Reminder: Like Gold

He will sit as a refiner and purifier of silver; he will purify the Levites and refine them like gold and silver. Then the Lord will have men who will bring offerings in righteousness, (Malachi 3:3)

My lovelies,  the refining of gold and silver is one that requires patience. Gold and silver is extracted from the earth and they are one of the most precious metals that can withstand corrosion. However when extracted from the earth, they are mixed with other metals and materials such as lead, copper, zinc, sulfides and quartz. A refining process must take place to separate the gold and silver from other metals and materials to bring it into its pure state.  One process used for refining gold and silver is called Cupellation. In this process the ores / solid material extracted from the earth are melted in cupellation furnaces under excessive high temperatures. At these high temperatures the silver and gold become separated from other base metals and materials.

Like sifting for gold, God sifts us, looking in us, in our hearts, to isolate what is useful. He allows us to go through the furnace, by allowing us to undergo trials and tribulations that refine us, separating us from others. Sifting us, removing what is not of him. Removing the impurities from our lives that hinder us from being righteous. We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they help us develop endurance. And endurance develops strength of character, and character strengthens our confident hope of salvation. (Romans 5:3-4)  for you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. (James 1:3) Like gold at it's purest form withstanding corrosion, we will stand firm when being tested. Persevering through the attacks of the enemy. Therefore making us more effective for the Kingdom. 

But God knows the way that I take, and when he has tested me, I will come out like gold. (Job 23:10)

Father, I come boldly before your throne thanking you for the process of refining and purifying. I thank you because you know All things and you bring forth transformation where transformation is needed. That what the enemy intends for bad in our lives You use for good. Your word says that You know how I test, and that when You have tested me I will come out like Gold. Like Gold withstanding corrosion, I will develop strength and confidence in the hope of salvation, withstanding the attacks from the enemy!  Father I come on behalf of all my lovelies that when we find ourselves in the midst of a fiery furnace, that we may find comfort in knowing that You are there and in control siting as a refiner of silver and gold, refining us, separating us from the impurities that bind us. Preparing us for greater things. That when we endure the fire that we are going to come out like gold! Incorruptible! In your powerful name, Jesus, Amen

Gold - Beckah Shae
http://youtu.be/OPBOz1a1Ql8

A Loving Reminder: Running The Race

A Loving Reminder: Running The Race

Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. (Hebrews 12:1-2)

My Lovelies, God has brought me to a place of understanding that all things that happen, wether good or bad have a set purpose. When things are going great and life is wonderful, it is easy to forget our main purpose. Our purpose to Fear God, and keep His commandments (Ecclesiastes 12:13) and to share it with others. (Matthew 28:16-20)

Sometimes God allows us to be burdened by something great because we have lost sight of our duty as creations of God. It isn't until that struggle, that pain, that tragic moment that we come to know who Christ really is, learning to fix our eyes on Him. It is in these moments that we learn and begin to process God's Sovereignty. It is in this time where we come to understand God's grace, God's mercy. It is here where He begins to bring forth transformation in us. When we start to have joy and praise in the midst of these things, you begin to fulfill His purpose.

In All things, the good and the bad, let us keep our eyes fixed on our maker. The author and finisher of our faith. The Alpha and the Omega. Let us keep our eyes on the prize. Knowing that at the end there is Victory!

Jesus suffered the price of the cross that leads us to Victory. Despite what He had to endure, the beatings, the mockery. He knew the end was Victorious. We are not exempted from suffering. We are running a race and we must endure what comes our way, and be 'Christ like' always pointing to the Victory after the cross!

These are the words of him who is the First and the Last, who died and came to life again. I know your afflictions and your poverty — yet you are rich! . . . (Revelation 2:8-9)

Do not be afraid of what you are about to suffer.....Be faithful, even to the point of death, and I will give you life as your victor’s crown. (Revelation 2:10)

He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. He who overcomes will not be hurt at all by the second death. Revelation 2:8 - 11

Father, I thank you for all things. For both the blessings and the afflictions allowed in my life. Your Word says that nothing will happen to me without you knowing it. (....But not a single sparrow can fall to the ground without your Father knowing it. And the very hairs on your head are all numbered. So don’t be afraid; you are more valuable to God than a whole flock of sparrows. (Matthew 10:29-31)). I trust that All that comes my way serves a greater purpose. I trust that what the enemy intends to use to harm me You, God intended it all for good. (Genesis 50:20) I choose to remain focused on You my Creator, the Author and Finisher of my faith. And fixed on the Victory at the end! In Your Powerful name, Jesus, Amen!

A Loving Reminder: I Surrender

A Loving Reminder: I Surrender

You can make many plans, but the Lord ’s purpose will prevail. (Proverbs 19:21)

My lovelies as I abide more in Christ and He in me, I've come to realize how much control God has over my life. Most of my life has been spent trying to run away from God wanting to draw me closer. I could pinpoint moments where God closed doors, removed people from my life, opened other doors, planted other people. I was trying to fulfill MY desires..trying to fill MY emptiness. Thinking, acting and prancing along like I belong to ME.

Painful moments, moments of joy all leading to that encounter, that moment where God says 'you can keep trying to do what you want to do and I can keep closing doors and removing things from your life, or You can follow me and live the plans I have for you. “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." (Jeremiah 29:11)

I do not belong to Me. You do not belong to you. I was created for a higher purpose. You were created for a higher purpose. Jeremiah 1:5 says that He knew me and you before He formed us. Psalm 139:13 says that He created our inner most being. That He knit us in our mothers womb.

But even before I was born, God chose me and called me by his marvelous grace.... (Galatians 1:15)

God had to bring me to the place where I had to decide, I can keep trying to do things my way and keep facing hurt, and disappointment or I can surrender totally and find joy and peace in Him. I chose to surrender.

In the book of Ecclesiastes, King Solomon seeks for meaning and fulfillment in his riches and in everyday life, and as he goes day to day living life to 'his fullest' he concludes that everything is meaningless. “Meaningless! Meaningless!” says the Teacher. “Utterly meaningless! Everything is meaningless.” (Ecclesiastes 1:2) Everything you do on your own for 'your' purpose is meaningless. He concludes that at the end all that matters is that you fear God and follow Him. "Now all has been heard; here is the conclusion of the matter: Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the duty of all mankind. (Ecclesiastes 12:13)

My lovelies take some time to think if you have totally surrendered to Gods plan, to His Will, or if you are still trying to follow your own plans, and your will. 

Father,

I come boldly before your throne with a grateful heart. You are exactly who you say You are. El Kanna- (the jealous one) forever with us and pursuing us with all of Your love-filled heart. I thank you Father for your relentless pursuit of us. You don't stop until we surrender, how long we run is up to us. I surrender it all, my dreams, my desires, my thoughts, my coming and my going. Father I lift up any lovely that is running. Lord that you meet them in the very place where they stand and you reveal yourself to them. In your powerful and precious name Jesus, Amen!

I Surrender - Kim Walker

http://youtu.be/LhaVB_7ejK4

A Loving Reminder: All things In Love

A Loving Reminder: All things In Love

And yet I will show you the most excellent way. If I speak in the tongues of men or of angels, but do not have love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal. (1 Corinthians 13:1)

My Lovelies, we are called to be a reflection of Christ. Whoever claims to live in him must live as Jesus did. (1 John 2:6)

When I reconciled with Christ about eight years ago, I climbed on a 'White Horse' riding around thinking because I was saved I was better than those who were not. Instead of love I spoke noise.  I rode like this for a few years until I was knocked off the horse into a pit. Therefore let him who thinks he stands take heed lest he fall (1 Corinthians 10:12). The lord humbled me and showed me that I will fall, that I will face trouble, that I will face temptation, but at best He showed me that He is compassionate, and loving to ALL those who will accept Him. Better off yes, because, I acknowledge that I was redeemed, but not any better than the next person. I am just as unworthy only difference between me and an unbeliever is that I have accepted that Christ stands before me in the eyes of the Father, and now, humbly I lay my praise at His feet. 

I just wanted to remind my lovelies, that Jesus did not walk around with attitude, he did not speak down to people. He spoke in Authoritative Love, everyone he approached he approached in Authoritative Love. He brought correction in Authoritative Love. Although He was perfect He did not walk around with a hard shell. Because of his Love people gravitated towards Him. He showed love and compassion and drew near to those whom society claimed to be the lowliest! It is those that were seen as unworthy that He drew near to. It was those that were unworthy that drew near to Him. 

Let us never think that we are now so clean, so worthy that we don't need just like the next person.  If you have reached that level of worthiness and holiness then there is no longer any need for Christ. 

I have a reminder that says Ali you are mine, don't forget what I have done for you. Reminding me of God's Compassion and Love towards me. A reminder that makes me speak love to those in darkness because I know first hand what it is to be blind and then to be given sight..

Lovelies, walk in Love, speak in Love. It is the greatest commandment!  

And yet I will show you the most excellent way. And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love. (1 Corinthians 13:13). 

Father I thank you, that You have brought and continue to bring forth transformation in our lives! You are so faithful to us! Relentlessly Pursuing us! I come boldly before your throne on behalf of myself and my lovelies asking Lord that You shine your light through us, today, tomorrow and always. Father that when others encounter us that they see you, that they see Love, that they hear Love! That they see that open letter of Christ that Paul talks about in his letter to the church of Corinth! That we simply be a reflection of Your ministry in us.

In your precious name, Jesus, Amen

John316- Jékob
http://youtu.be/WdtoVOX8eBc

Reign In Me- Jeremy Camp

http://youtu.be/cLFWlzUyPwE

The Way You Love Me- Jeremy Camp
http://youtu.be/zsecYbgoXzU

A Loving Reminder: Love that is Unfailing, Everlasting and Perfect

My Lovelies, A Loving Reminder: Love that is Unfailing, Everlasting and Perfect

Let the morning bring me word of your unfailing love, for I have put my trust in you. Show me the way I should go, for to you I entrust my life. (Psalm 143:8)

I went to bed last night meditating on Psalm 143:8. I laid quietly in the dark thinking how often I try to follow my own agenda. I'm going to do this. I'm going to do that. I'm going to blog about this. I'm going to blog about that. But I know that without the Lord I am nothing. If God is not in it, the Words will not come out.

In one of Paul's Letters to the church in Corinth, Paul states that clearly they (the church) are a letter of Christ showing the result of their ministry. Clearly, I want to be a letter of Christ, showing the results of my walk with Him! A 'letter' not written in ink but with the Spirit of the living God carved in my heart! (2 Corinthians 3:3) I want every Word that comes out of my mouth, every Word that I blog to speak Love. 

My lovelies, put your complete trust in God's unfailing love, let him show you where you should go, and what you should say. Strive to be that open letter of Christ, a letter that reads unfailing love, a letter that reads everlasting love, a letter that reads perfect love. 

Lord, I thank you for all you have done in my life. I thank you for the good and the bad. I thank you for the joys and for the pains. I thank you for what you have given me and what you have taken away. I place my life, in Your hands. Surrendering all I am. My desires. My strengths. My weakness, My struggles, My fears Surrendering it all to Your Unfailing Love, that supports me when I feel like I'm slipping. I surrender it all to Your Everlasting Love, that continues to draw me with kindness despite of me. I surrender it all to Your Perfect Love, the love that casts out ALL fear! How precious is Your Love for us! Everlasting, Unfailing, and Perfect. Lord, make us an open letter that reads Love, everywhere we go. In your precious and powerful name, Jesus, Amen! 

When I said, “My foot is slipping,” your unfailing love, Lord, supported me. (Psalm 94:18)

.... “I have loved you with an everlasting love; I have drawn you with unfailing kindness. (Jeremiah 31:3)

There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love. (1 John 4:18)

Perfect Love - Jesus Culture / Kim Walker

http://youtu.be/VbnNamc4jfs

A Loving Reminder: Called By Name

My Lovelies, A Loving Reminder: Called By Name

When the angel of the Lord appeared to Gideon, he said, “The Lord is with you, mighty warrior.”  (Judges 6:12)

When the angel of the Lord appeared to Gideon and called him a mighty warrior, Gideon was immediately filled with doubt. Me? A mighty warrior? Instead of seeing himself through the Lords eyes, he saw himself through worldly eyes. He saw his limits as they were, he saw himself standing alone.  His clan was the weakest, and he was the least in his family.

“Pardon me, my lord,” Gideon replied, “but how can I save Israel? My clan is the weakest in Manasseh, and I am the least in my family.” The Lord answered, “I will be with you, and you will strike down all the Midianites, leaving none alive.” Gideon replied, “If now I have found favor in your eyes, give me a sign that it is really you talking to me. (Judges 6:15-17)

When God calls you to a task be sure to know that He the most High is with you! That if He is with you, you are automatically equipped to do all that He has called you to do. 

God doesn't call you to do something and then just walks away leaving you alone, without opening the doors and providing the means to get the job done. 

Standing alone, Gideon was correct of all these things. He was the least in his family and his clan was the weakest but the Lord said 'I will be with you'. That immediately changed his status. With the Lord, he was now the greatest in his family, his clan was now the strongest. He was now standing with The Lord of Host! 

Father, I thank you for you are Jehovah Shammah, The Lord who is ALWAYS present and providing. I praise you for if we call on You, You make your presence known. You are the Lord of Host, and where we walk, we walk with you. You never leave us nor forsake us. Father, I pray that you provide for the needs of my lovelies for what you have called them to do. I pray that you pour out a fresh anointing and words of encouragement to cast out doubt where there is doubt. I pray for wisdom and discernment not only in my life but also in the lives of each and every individual that you have called out by name! In your precious and powerful name, Jesus, Amen!

A Loving Reminder: Jehovah-Raah, He guides me

My Lovelies,  A Loving Reminder: Jehovah-Raah, He guides me

I will bless the Lord who guides me; even at night my heart instructs me. I know the Lord is always with me. I will not be shaken, for he is right beside me. No wonder my heart is glad, and I rejoice. My body rests in safety. (Psalms 16:7-9)

Woke up recently with a nudging from the Holy Spirit whispering Hebrews 4:11.. Let us, therefore, make every effort to enter that rest, so that no one will perish by following their example of disobedience.  In obedience, I started preparing to write my devotional for the day, based on this verse that was put in my heart. But not a word came to mind. I don't consider myself a writer by any means, but for the sake of explaining how I felt, I had so called 'writers block'. Over and over I read Hebrews 4:11 and nothing. I started to pray, Lord what is it that you want me to share with my Lovelies? Why this verse? Rest? Give me the words Lord... Let them be from you..

I waited on The Lord and started meditating on the Word given to me that morning. As I started preparing myself to go to work, I quietly heard The Lord whisper 'this Word is for you Ali...I need you to enter Rest...so you don't fall into 'their' example of disobedience..'

I am usually on the run. Between work, family and church ministries I keep myself very busy. I am also a very sensitive person and I take things to heart. Someone else's pain can easily become my pain. When I don't get some quiet time, I quickly start to sink... 

There is so much hurt out there, so much pain, I have to admit that the heaviness of other peoples pain was becoming overbearing, and after having a conversation with a loved one whom is in a bad place, I went to bed the night before with a heavy heart. Almost lost my focus and forgot all the great things that God has already done and all that I know He has yet to do. Was focusing on the pain and remembering what it felt like when I was struggling. Instead of focusing on the victory I was focusing on the battle.

But God! 

But God is right beside me! 

He guides me - Jehovah-Raah

In Him I rest - Jehovah-Shammah

In Him I find my strength -Jehovah Ez-Lami

How awesome is God that He knows exactly what we need and when we need it... That He is always with us, not sometimes, but ALWAYS says the Word. That He directs us in the steps we should take. Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, “This is the way; walk in it.” (Isaiah 30:21)

My ears hear Your voice, behind me Lord, saying ' Ali...I need you to enter Rest..'

My lovelies do you hear Gods voice behind you? 

Are you receptive to His direction?

The reflective life is a life that is attentive, receptive, 

and responsive to what God is doing in us and around us. 

It's a life that asks God to reach into our heart, 

allowing Him to touch us there.

Ken Gire

Father, 

I come before you with a restful heart full of praise! I thank you Jehovah Jireh, you provide all we need, I thank you Jehovah-Raah for you guide us. In you Jehovah-Shammah we find rest. In you Jehovah Ez-Lami, we find our daily strength. Everything we are depends on you. I rejoice in you, I will not be shaken, for you are right beside me. In Your precious name Jesus, Amen

A Loving Reminder: Finisher

A Loving Reminder: Finisher

being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus. (Philippians 1:6)

My lovelies, Philippians 1:6 is one of my favorite verses. I hold on to this verse for dear life. It is full of hope, full of promise that God will keep molding me and transforming me till the day of His return. He will not just decide one day that I am not His, and That He no longer wants me. Oh Lord how I praise You! For there are none like You in All the Earth! For there is No Love that compares! 

It is the promise I stand on when it comes to my loved ones being saved. I marvel at the way God starts drawing us to Him. I've witness Him draw some of my loved ones and although they may at times resist, He relentlessly continues to pursue them. I've seen him bring forth transformation not only in my life but in the lives of loved ones. He plants seeds of hunger and of thirst and He will not render until His work is finished.

My lovelies, in all things, stand firm on the Word of God. It says that it goes out and will not return empty! It is the same with my word. I send it out, and it always produces fruit. It will accomplish all I want it to, and it will prosper everywhere I send it. (Isaiah 55:11) Search for His promises and let them fill you with hope. Let them fill you with the peace that surpasses all understanding. Knowing that we change but He never changes! Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever. (Hebrews 13:8)

Father, I come boldly before your throne, simply praising You for there is none like you. Thanking you for the work you started in me as a child your still doing. Even when I walked away from you, You were still present. I can pinpoint moments in my life where you were there interceding for me. Saving me from myself. I believe the same for my lovelies! In your precious name, Jesus, Amen 

A Loving Reminder: Take Heart

A Loving Reminder: Take Heart

“.....In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33 NIV)

My lovelies, 

Like the disciples, after the crucifixion of Christ we all face seasons of waiting seasons of disappointments, of pain, grief and/or _________ (you fill in the blank). But we must remember that we are covered by the blood of lamb and He has surely overcome the world through His Resurrection! In our pain and in our struggles He walks with us. 

And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another advocate to help you and be with you forever— the Spirit of truth. The world cannot accept him, because it neither sees him nor knows him. But you know him, for he lives with you and will be in you. Before long, the world will not see me anymore, but you will see me. Because I live, you also will live. (John 14:16-17, 19)

Sometimes in these seasons of trouble we become filled with doubt, but let us not be like the world. Let us have the boldness that the disciples had after their encounter with the resurrected Christ. If you are in Christ then the Comforter/ Advocate has already revealed Himself to you for when you accept and surrender to God, you invite Him to dwell in you. Let our fears, our pains, our disappointments transform into boldness, healing, and victories! 

Just as the disciples underwent transformation from fear, doubt, confusion after the death to boldness, joy in pain, courage and assurance after the Resurrection!  

Lets tap daily into that power, that power that gave the disciples the courage to face persecution, by looking through spiritual eyes and not focusing on the events of the death of Christ but focusing on the Resurrection of Christ! 

Father, I come boldly before your throne, knowing that You are the Great I AM, that there is none higher than you. Thank you for the promises you have left us, they comfort us, they fill us with hope. Like David wrote 'Your promise revives me; it comforts me in all my troubles. Psalms 119:49-50'. Father I ask that you give your lovelies spiritual eyes in the midst of anything they may be facing. That you fill them with courage, that you remind them that they could do anything as long as they remain in You. In your precious name, Jesus, Amen.