A Loving Reminder: Take up your cross

Then Jesus said to his disciples, “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me. (Matthew 16:24 NIV)

I pray that you all read this with spiritual eyes. There is nothing nice, or sweet about picking up the cross. It is painful, messy and sometimes hard to understand, but very necessary for our walk with Christ!

I believe the hardest part about being in Christ is dying to self and picking up the cross. I did not truly come to understand what it meant to deny myself, until the moment God asked me to give up something that I came to treasure; a distraction that takes me away from God. I found myself on a crossroad, standing there, just me and God. A place where I had to choose to go left onto the path that deemed more appealing, but clearly away from the will of God; or go right onto the path that was a bit rough but pointed to Christ. The moment where I felt God tell me 'You can take the left path, but it's not the path I want for you, it's seems appealing but it's full of destruction.'

In “The Pursuit of God.” A.W. Tozer writes:

“To rip through the dear and tender stuff of which life is made can never be anything but deeply painful.”

“The cross is rough, and it is deadly, but it is effective. It does not keep its victim hanging there forever. There comes a moment when its work is finished and the suffering victim dies. After that is resurrection glory and power, and the pain is forgotten for joy that the veil is taken away and we have entered in actual spiritual experience the Presence of the living God.” 

As I read this, I can't help but to visualize myself as the victim on the cross. Picking the right road keeps me in peace, but it is heavy and painful. Everyday I am reminded of what God has asked of me. The temptation I face daily, to do 'my will' is like a lash that tears at me, and hurts me. The work is still not finished, but I trust that it will be, and I will be resurrected in glory and power. 

 Father, I come boldly before your throne, confessing that I am well aware of the work that you are doing in my life. I ask you that you give me the strength to endure my time on the cross. That I imitate You, my Christ. Keep me focused on the eternal and not on these earthly moments. Father I lift up my lovelies whom are on the cross and are tired. I ask Father that you give them the wisdom, understanding and peace that will sustain them. I pray you give them spiritual eyes to see beyond the now. That they focus on the eternal. Father I lift up those whom have yet to pick up their cross, that You lead them gently to the cross, reminding them that you will be with them every step of the way. Remind them that 'Love Wins' and there is glory beyond the cross. Thank you Father for the grace and mercy that you extend to us on a daily basis. In Your Precious and Powerful name, Jesus.

A Loving Reminder: Everlasting Love

the Lord appeared to him from far away. I have loved you with an everlasting love; therefore I have continued my faithfulness to you. Again I will build you, and you shall be built, O virgin Israel! Again you shall adorn yourself with tambourines and shall go forth in the dance of the merrymakers. (Jeremiah 31:3, 4 ESV)

As I read Jeremiah 31, I identify so well with the people of Israel. I can think of the many times that I have fallen away from God's will and grace, losing my joy, losing my song, broken. I think of how God always draws me back and rebuilds me. Giving me a new song and filling me with joy and His peace. The only peace that surpasses all understanding (Philippians 4:7). 

It is in these moments of brokenness, that we can truly understand God's Grace, His patience, His faithfulness, and His everlasting love. It is when you are most 'unloveable' that God extends Himself drawing you to Him so He can rebuild You. 

Father, I come boldly before Your presence, thanking You for your everlasting love. Your love never changes. (Psalms 136, 138:8). Your Word says that You will never leave us, nor forsake us. (Hebrews 13:5) Even when we are unlovable You still remain faithful, loving us, with an everlasting love. Over and over again You pull our souls back from certain destruction, so we will see the light. (Job 33:29-30msg) Thank You for your patience. Father, I lift up any lovely that is in need of Your love, that You meet them exactly where they are. That You fill them up with your everlasting love and put in them a new song. (Psalms 40:3) Let them bring forth dance full of praise for what You have done for them. Thank you for teaching us along the way, what 'True Love' is. Love builds and never destroys. Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures through every circumstance. (1 Corinthians 13:7 NLT) Help my lovelies and I to remain in 'Love' with one another. Always building each other up. I could certainly speak of Your love forever. (Psalms 89:1) In Your precious name, Jesus.

One Thing Remains - Jesus Culture

http://youtu.be/E3Rv9P92ebU

A Loving Reminder:

The heavens declare the glory of God;  the skies proclaim the work of his hands.  (Psalm 19:1 NIV)

This past week my family and I had the pleasure of visiting with friends on the Island of Anguilla in the British West Indies. Our first evening there we had dinner at Meads Bay Beach. As we watched the sunset my little girl turned and said to me, 'mommy look God painted the sky'.  She then got closer to the water and sat on the sand taking it all in. 

Yes, the skies proclaim the work of his hands, God painted the sky. It was 

breath-taking. How wonderful it would be if we could all have some quiet time, sit, meditate, and see God's glory with child like eyes. 

Father, thank you for allowing me to see the work of your hands through the eyes of my daughter. I pray that you give us all child-like eyes so we can see your glory in the things we take for granted daily. Let us lose focus of our every day hassles, even if just for a few minutes and indulge in the works of your hands, that surround us daily. May we find time to take in a sunrise or a sunset. Let the heavens declare Your glory and proclaim the work of Your hands. In your precious name, Jesus 

A Loving Reminder: Always on His Mind

A Loving Reminder: 

I can never escape from your Spirit! I can never get away from your presence! How precious are your thoughts about me, O God. They cannot be numbered! I can’t even count them; they outnumber the grains of sand! And when I wake up, you are still with me! (Psalms 139:7, 17-18)

Lovelies, one of my favorite Psalm's is 139. It reminds me that I am always on my Father's mind, and that no one knows me better than He that created me. In life we sometimes connect with people in such a way that sometimes words need not be spoken, but no one knows you better than your maker. He examines our soul. Our lives are written in His book. Nothing can happen to us, without Him knowing about it. This includes our grievances and our joys. 

If possible, take time today and read Psalm 139 ( http://bible.us/116/psa.139.1.nlt ) and reflect on your connection with God. Indulge in the facts that:

He knows everything about you.

He knows every thought even when we stray from Him. 

He is with you every waking moment. 

He goes before you and behind you. 

There isn't a place you can run to hide from Him. 

He guides you.

He supports you with His strength. 

He made you wonderfully complex!

And His thoughts of you are like the sand and cannot be numbered! 

I don't know about you but His thoughts about me get me excited!

Father, I come boldly before your throne full of praise. I thank you for You know us well. You knew us in our mother's womb. It was in that place where You created us. 

There is not a thought or a word that we speak forth that you didn't already know. You know our success and our failures, our joys and our grievances. Thank you Father that we cannot escape you. That in All things (not just some) and in all places we are in your presence. Father continue to examine our hearts, to guide us and strengthen us. In your precious name, Jesus, Amen!

A Loving Reminder: He Gathers Us

A Loving Reminder: 

They will follow the Lord; he will roar like a lion. When he roars, his children will come trembling from the west. Hosea 11:10

Lovelies, I have wandered in the desert, where the land is dry and I was left thirsty and hungry, never satisfied. One morning I heard the Lord roar at me. I heard him tell me about me. Tell me about my wrongs, and warning me about changes I had to make.  He didn't use anyone to speak into my life. It was a personal encounter during a fast I was doing in preparation for a testimony I was to share. With fear and trembling I understood everything He spoke into my spirit.

I am not perfect. I am work in progress, but I am certainly not where I use to be. When I thirst I know where to draw water.

When I'm hungry I know where to be fed. 

Father, I come before your throne with a grateful heart, for I am redeemed. I know who's I am.  I wandered, I was unsettled but you gathered me. You relentlessly pursue me. You roar like a lion and back I am with trembling and fear, but in the hands of Unfailing Love! This is my story Lord, you have brought me to a place where I'm settled. As David said in Psalm 40  I proclaim your saving acts....; I do not seal my lips, Lord, as you know. I do not hide your righteousness in my heart; I speak of your faithfulness and your saving help. I do not conceal your love and your faithfulness... Father I pray that you gather those hearts that are wandering from east and west, from north and south. Hear their cries and show them your unfailing love. Do not withhold your mercy from your children, Lord; may your love and faithfulness always protect us. In Your precious name, Jesus, Amen

A Loving Reminder: God goes before us

A Loving Reminder: 

I will go before you and will level the mountains; I will break down gates of bronze and cut through bars of iron. (Isaiah 45:2 NIV)

What a beautiful reminder to know that when you walk in the will of God, He makes a way where it sometimes seems impossible. 

In life we face many mountains. 

Mountains of financial difficulties.

Mountains of loss.

Mountains of pain.

Mountains of uncertainty.

Mountains of change.

Mountains of worries.

We see the mountains ahead of us and we become overwhelmed with anxiety and concern on how we will get over them.  

But God says  'I will go before you and will level the mountains'.

He will make a way, a path for you to get through. 

But God says 'I will break down gates of bronze and cut through bars of iron'. He will make doors open for you to get through. 

The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.” (Deuteronomy 31:8 NIV)

Father, I come before You with a grateful heart, knowing that in all walks of life, as long as I remain in Your will and not mine, You go ahead of me. Father I lift up those lovelies to you that may be facing mountains today. I pray that You give them spiritual eyes, revealing to them how big YOU are. Showing them You are bigger than any mountain they can ever face. That You have gone ahead of them paving a way for them to get through. Your Word says that You will go before us and with us and that You will never leave us or forsake us. Let my lovelies choose to stand on the promises You have laid before us, in Your Word. Father fill them with a peace that goes beyond their understanding. I pray this in Your precious and powerful name, Jesus, Amen!

A Loving Reminder: First thing in the morning

A Loving Reminder: 

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

How I start my morning makes all the difference on how my day develops. When I start my morning with a grateful heart, praising God and covering myself with His Word, my day seems to go smoother. I have spiritually nourished my soul and I am better prepared for the attacks of this world.  But on days that I'm rushing out my door and I don't give God my first, I am ill prepared and I am a mess. 

Father, I come with a grateful heart before your throne. I give you thanks and praise that You gently wake me up each morning before sunrise and I get to spend that waking moment with you. You hear my praise, my thoughts, my desires, and my sorrows. I lay them down on your throne early in the morning, and in exchange You sustain me through my day. Thank  You father, that you never fail me. When I sleep you are there and when I wake your presence is the first thing that greets me. I pray that my lovelies experience what it is to be greeted by You every morning. In your precious name, Jesus, Amen! 

A Loving Reminder: A prayer for you

A Loving Reminder:

And it is my prayer that your love may abound more and more, with knowledge and all discernment, (Philippians 1:9) 

Blessed are those who find wisdom, those who gain understanding, Her ways are pleasant ways, and all her paths are peace. She is a tree of life to those who take hold of her; those who hold her fast will be blessed. (Proverbs 3:13, 17, 18 NIV)

My lovelies, It is important that we seek God and read His Word with intention of growing more in relation with Him. I love the Word because its full of great advice that still holds true today. 

Give careful thought to the paths for your feet and be steadfast in all your ways. (Proverbs 4:26 NIV)

Father, I come before you, thanking you and full of praise, for allowing me to have a relationship with you. Thank you for showing me the difference between being religious and walking in relation to You and your Word. I pray that my lovelies and myself seek you in all things and at all times. That they seek You in every decision they make, in every step that they take. I pray that we grow in your abounding love, that we grow in knowledge of You and your will for our lives and discernment to go forth in all we do and say. I pray this in your precious name, Jesus, Amen!

A Loving Reminder: Never Changing

A Loving Reminder: 
Teach me your way, Lord, that I may rely on your faithfulness; give me an undivided heart, that I may fear your name. Psalm 86:11 NIV

Lovelies, so often we depend on the ever changing things of this world. Things like jobs, money, the homes we live in, people we love and trust. Putting all of our energy into them, not thinking that from one morning to the next it can all change. We can lose our jobs, we can go bankrupt, our homes can be destroyed in an unexpected natural disaster, we can lose a loved one or become disappointed by someone we loved and trusted. 

One thing is for certain, our circumstances will change, people will walk in and out of our lives; But, Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever. Hebrews 13:8

Thus says the Lord : "Cursed is the man who trusts in man and makes flesh his strength, whose heart turns away from the Lord. He is like a shrub in the desert, and shall not see any good come. He shall dwell in the parched places of the wilderness, in an uninhabited salt land. "Blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord, whose trust is the Lord. He is like a tree planted by water, that sends out its roots by the stream, and does not fear when heat comes, for its leaves remain green, and is not anxious in the year of drought, for it does not cease to bear fruit." The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately sick; who can understand it? (Jeremiah 17:5-9 ESV)

Father, I come boldly before your throne, grateful for your faithfulness, and your unfailing love. Forgive us for the many times we rely on the things of this world, and putting our trust in man, rather than relying and putting our trust on You and what your word promises us.  Teach us your way, teach us to rely on Your faithfulness. Lord give us an undivided heart. Father I pray for a heart that aligns with Your word and Your will for our lives. Your word says Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the Lord our God. (Psalm 20:7) Thank you Father for giving us something solid to stand on. I pray that You may dwell in our hearts through faith, so we grow rooted and grounded in your love.  In your precious name, I pray, Jesus, Amen.

A Loving Reminder: True Friendship

A Loving Reminder:

Ointment and incense make the heart rejoice, likewise the sweetness of one’s friend from sincere counsel. Proverbs 27:9 

My lovelies,

We should choose our close friends wisely. I have a close friend whom I don't have to pretend with. We are as transparent with each other as we can be. We are kindred spirits. We always point to God, holding each other accountable, even when the truth stings. Proverbs 27:6 says Wounds from a sincere friend are better than many kisses from an enemy. Because she and I know each other well, we are able to pray for each other with true intention.

Our sisterhood blossomed during a very dark time in my life. She brought God's light and love with her. God used her to draw me back to him at a moment when I started walking away. She is a sister that was born for a time of adversity.

A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for a time of adversity. Proverbs 17:17

We all should have at least one friend whom we could be completely honest with, knowing that we will not be judged harshly, but instead have the Truth spoken to us lovingly. 

Father, I come before your throne with a grateful heart and full of praise. I thank you for the friend that You placed in my life, knowing that she will always point to you. I thank you that I have someone I can be fully transparent with knowing that she will not judge me, but lovingly speak Truth to me. Father, I pray that I too be that friend. Not only for her but for others as well. Father I ask that you appoint heavenly friendships for all of my lovelies. Friendships that are transparent and always speaking truth. Friendships that bring wise sincere counsel, but most important friendships that always point to you. In your precious and powerful name, Jesus, Amen! 

A Loving Reminder: Resting on God's Promises

A Loving Reminder: 

For no matter how many promises God has made, they are “Yes” in Christ. And so through him the “Amen” is spoken by us to the glory of God. Now it is God who makes both us and you stand firm in Christ. He anointed us, set his seal of ownership on us, and put his Spirit in our hearts as a deposit, guaranteeing what is to come. (2 Corinthians 1:20-22)

How beautiful is the Word of God. I love that this verse says 'for no matter how many promises God has made, they are “Yes” in Christ.'  It doesn't say His promises are a maybe (uncertainty) but that they are "Yes" (definite) in Christ. 

Through Christ, God fulfilled the most important promises of all. The promise of a savior, the promise of salvation. Guaranteeing whats to come!  

Gods Word is full of promises to us. They are treasures, full of declarations that are infinitive. 

'I AM': Jesus answered, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. The only way to the Father is through me. (John 14:6)

'I Will': I will walk among you, and I will be your God and you will be my people. (Leviticus 26:12)

'So Have I': As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Abide in my love. (John 15:9)

Remind yourself who God is and what He promises you. 

Personally, I hold on to the promises behind His names. I rest knowing that He is who His Word says He is.

He is Yahweh Tsebaoth - Lord God of Host 1Samuel 17:45-46 

He fights for me!!

He is El Kanna - The Jealous One Exodus 34:14 

He relentlessly pursues me!!

He is Sar Shalom - Prince of Peace Isaiah 9:6

He covers me with His peace!!

He is Elohim - God Mighty Creator Genesis 2:4 

He made me wonderfully and with a purpose!!

He is Yahweh Roi- The Lord is my Sheperd  Psalm 23:1 

He brings me back everytime I wander!!

He is Yahweh Tsuri - The Lord My Rock Psalm 62:2 

He steadies me, I will not be shaken!!

He is El Roi - The God Who Sees Me Genesis 16:13

I cannot hide from him! He sees me in my strengths and He sees me in my weakness!!  

He is Yahweh Rophe - Our Lord who Heals Psalm 103:3 

Your my healer!!

He is Logos - The Word John 1:14

He stands behind his name!!

He is The Great I AM - Exodus 3:14

What is difficult for The Great I AM. He is everything,  in everything, at all times.. 

Father, 

I come boldly before you thanking you for who You are. You are everything to me! You are my maker, my healer, my protector, my strength, my peace. I thank you for the many promises you left behind for me. It is written that You are not a man that You should lie so, I choose to stand firm on your promises. I surrender myself completely to you knowing that you created me for Your purpose and that you know what's best for me, even if I don't always understand it. Always give my lovelies and I spiritual eyes to see beyond what is physically in front of us and to never lose focus of you and your promises. You remain the same yesterday, today and forever. Thank you Lord for you are good and your love endures forever and ever. In your precious name, Jesus, Amen

A Loving Reminder: Bridegroom

I will betroth you to me forever;

I will betroth you in righteousness and justice, in love and compassion. 

I will betroth you in faithfulness, and you will acknowledge the Lord. Hosea 2:19 - 20

My Lovelies, I love meditating on the names of God. One of my favorite names is Bridegroom. Often I like to envision The Lord stretching His hand out to me saying:

"Ali I am your Bridegroom, I have betrothal you. I have paid the price for your life. Ultimately I AM the one who full fills your need for intimacy. I AM the one who draws you out of isolation and loneliness by uniting myself to you."

What a beautiful thought, to know that we are God's Beloved, that we are his Bride. 

I wait eagerly for the day that God will rejoice over me as the bridegroom rejoices over his bride (Isaiah 62:5)

Father, I come boldly, but humbly with praises from within the deepest part of my soul thanking you for your unfailing love. Your word says that You will betroth me to you forever. That you will betroth me in love, compassion, and faithfulness. Thank you for your perfect love. There is no love like yours. I pray on behalf of myself and my lovelies that when we forget that we are loved that You remind us of your promises to us. That you remind us that we are your beloved and that you delight in us, and that you rejoice in singing over us. (Zephaniah 3:17)  May we keep our lamps full with oil as we await the arrival of you, our Bridegroom. In Your precious name Jesus, Amen.

My Beloved by Kari Jobe

http://youtu.be/2H9delPTKbI

A Loving Reminder: Because I Love You

A Loving Reminder: 

But now, this is what the Lord says— he who created you, Jacob, he who formed you, Israel: “Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; you are mine. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze. Since you are precious and honored in my sight, and because I love you, I will give people in exchange for you, nations in exchange for your life. “You are my witnesses,” declares the Lord, “and my servant whom I have chosen, so that you may know and believe me and understand that I am he. Before me no god was formed, nor will there be one after me. I, even I, am the Lord, and apart from me there is no savior. Yes, and from ancient days I am he. No one can deliver out of my hand. When I act, who can reverse it?” (Isaiah 43:1-2, 4, 10, 11, 13 NIV)

My, Lovelies, this past weekend, I was reminded of God's wonderful love for me, of His love for us.  How great it is to remember that: 

He has ransomed me. (Isaiah 43:1) 

He has called me by name. (Isaiah 43:1)

I am His. (Isaiah 43:1)

He walks with me through high waters. (Isaiah 43:2)

He walks with me through the fire. (Isaiah 43:2)

I am precious to Him. (Isaiah 43:4)

I am honored. (Isaiah 43:4)

I am loved. (Isaiah 43:4)

I am a witness. (Isaiah 43:10)

I am chosen. (Isaiah 43:10)

Apart from God there is no other. (Isaiah 43:11)

Nothing and no one can take me away from His hands (Isaiah 43:13)

God is so personal.  My favorite part of these verses is 'because I love you'.  Because I love you, says The Lord. Re-read the list of reminders again slowly, meditating on each one. Think about what each one means to you. 

Father, I come boldly before your throne full of praise and just grateful. 

You are perfect love. 

Thank you for the ransom you've paid. 

Thank you for calling me by name.

Thank you for reminding me that I am yours.

Thank you for walking with me through my trials and pains.

Thank you for reminding me that I am honored, precious, and loved. 

Like you there is no other. I pray on behalf of my lovelies, that they are daily reminded of your unfailing love. In your precious name, Jesus, Amen

A Loving Reminder: The Intercessor

A Loving Reminder: 

In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us through wordless groans. And he who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for God’s people in accordance with the will of God. (Romans 8:26-27 NIV)

Lovelies, sometimes there are moments where we find ourselves to be in such pain be it emotional or physical, be it for yourself or for a loved one, that you find it difficult to utter words into a prayer. 

I recall one time during an alter call being led by the spirit to pray for a sister I love dearly, whom I know was struggling. She was not at the alter for prayer, she was simply standing alone in the front row, and with the intentions of praying for her to encourage her, I gravitated towards her, but I could not utter a word I just groaned. God is amazing! The alter call was not in any way related to her struggle but she was certainly in need of prayer. The beauty of this all is that not a single word would came out my mouth, but I knew in my heart that God understood the groans. The Spirit stepped in immediately and interceded on her behalf according to God's will instead of me praying from my heart what I thought my sister needed.

 

Father, thank You for your word says that in our weakness your spirit intercedes for us through wordless groans. What a beautiful thought that in the very midst of our darkness You are there interceding for us. You know our needs better than we know them ourselves. I come on behalf of myself and your lovelies, asking that you reveal yourself to us in each of our situations, whatever they may be. Father that You search and know our hearts when we come to you so broken that we have no words to piece together into a prayer. Cover us from the crown of our heads to our toes, rushing to us and interceding for us according to Your Will over our lives. Your word says that you never leave us nor forsake us. Thank you for your unfailing love.

Thank you for being our provider in time of need.

Thank you for being our Intercessor, our one and only true mediator.

In your precious, name I pray this Jesus, Amen

A Loving Reminder: Always With You

A Loving Reminder: 

.....And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age." Matthew 28:20

What a beautiful sentiment. I love knowing that I am never alone. That in All things and at All times the Lord is with me. That when Im at my lowest He is there. That when I'm full of joy He is there. 

When I step out my home He kisses me with the sun, showers me with rain drops of love, and serenades me with the wind. He not only dwells in me but I find Him in all things He created.

Father, I come boldly and humbly before your throne. Thanking you for your unfailing love. Not only do You dwell in me but You surround me. Psalm 84:11 says that You are our sun and our shield. Thank You for shining down on us with your glory and thank you for shielding us with your grace. Father, I lift up every lovely who reads this, that if they are in need of Your touch that You meet them exactly where they are, kissing them with your rays of sunshine, showering them with your raindrops of love. Reminding them that You are with them. Let them hear You in the winds that blow, in the trees that sway and in the birds that sing. Jeremiah 29:13 says that if we seek You wholeheartedly we will find You. Soften the hearts that need to be soften again and give them spiritual eyes to see You in All things, so as they go along their days they are reminded that You are indeed present. Thank you Father for never leaving us. Even when we walk away, You are with us always to the end of age, relentlessly pursuing us. In Your precious name I pray, Jesus, Amen