A Loving Reminder: Take Captive Every Thought

We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ. (2 Corinthians 10:5 NIV)

                            

This world is a noisy place. It's so easy to get wrapped up in all the 'he said', 'she said' we hear throughout the day. We base our beauty and our importance on what the culture says is beautiful, and how many likes we get on social medias. We fill our minds with junk from songs we listen to, and images we see. Even when the music stops and the images are long gone they remain in our thoughts. They become one with us, we eventually start acting out what we see and what we hear. 

Worse is listening to those who are suppose to love and protect us talk us down. I've had to ask myself why is it easier to focus on the things the world says than it is to focus on the things God says about us? Why is it easy to believe when someone says we are worthless, but it's difficult to believe that the Word of our creator says "We are fearfully and wonderfully made;" (Psalm 139:14 NIV)

Lovelies we must take our thoughts captive. We must start filling our thoughts with uplifting, Godly things. We should take inventory on what we feed on throughout the day, and make the necessary changes. 

Guard your heart above all else, for it determines the course of your life. (Proverbs 4:23 NLT)

Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. (Philippians 4:8 NIV)

Father, I come boldly before your throne, thanking you and praising you for your unfailing love. I am fully aware that we are in a constant spiritual war. I thank you Father that you have equipped us with the divine power to demolish strongholds! (2 Corinthians 10:4). I choose to put on your full armor. The armor that is especially designed for us, for times such as these. I stand firm with the belt of truth, my breastplate of righteousness, my feet fitted with readiness, my shield of faith, my helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit -Your Word! (Ephesians 6:10-18) Father I lift up my lovelies whom may have put their guard down, those lovelies who are tired, who are walking hopeless, and faithless. I ask you Lord that You intercede on their behalf. Send a legion of angels to protect them. Cover their minds. Remove all things that are not of you! Father take over, take control, take over their thoughts, their hearts, their soul. Meet them exactly where they are. Reveal yourself to them in such a way that there be no doubt that You are the Great I Am! Restore their soul so all who know them will know that You are God! In your powerful name, Jesus! 

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: Stand Guard

A Loving Reminder: 

But we prayed to our God and posted a guard day and night to meet this threat. Therefore I stationed some of the people behind the lowest points of the wall at the exposed places, posting them by families, with their swords, spears and bows. After I looked things over, I stood up and said to the nobles, the officials and the rest of the people, “Don’t be afraid of them. Remember the Lord, who is great and awesome, and fight for your families, your sons and your daughters, your wives and your homes.” (Nehemiah 4:9, 13, 14 NIV)

I recall having a conversation with a loving sister in Christ about how hard life is. One thing she said still resonates in me. She said "Life is hard, but life without God is harder". I think often how much I run in prayer to God for refuge throughout my day, for myself and for others, and then I started to think of those who don't truly know, understand, or believe in the power of the one who created them. The power of the awesome God who fights for us and our homes. 

Lovelies, one thing is for certain, threats will come. They come in all shapes and forms, and sometimes they come disguised. We must remain united and diligent about being on guard daily through prayer and intersession, to meet the threats that come to us daily. 

But stay awake at all times, praying that you may have strength to escape all these things that are going to take place, and to stand before the Son of Man." (Luke 21:36 ESV)

Father, thank you for the reminder that you are the Great and Awesome God that fights for us and our families. I ask that you give us the strength and stamina to be on guard day and night in prayer, not only for ourselves but for each other. Let us meditate on your promises from morning to night, that when the heaviness of the world falls on our shoulders that we be able to withstand it through your grace. In your precious 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! 

Seeds sown in good soil

A Loving reminder:

Still others, like seed sown among thorns, hear the word; but the worries of this life, the deceitfulness of wealth and the desires for other things come in and choke the word, making it unfruitful. Others, like seed sown on good soil, hear the word, accept it, and produce a crop—some thirty, some sixty, some a hundred times what was sown.” (Mark 4:18-20 NIV)

Lovelies, we are constantly surrounded by distractions in this world, quickly losing focus on the promises that are embedded in the Word of God. Instead we concentrate on all the issues that we are facing, putting all of our energy into making are problems bigger than the God we serve. We become distracted by what others have and questioning why we are not as blessed as 'they', losing sight of the blessings that have already been given to us. 

Focusing on these things, keeps us from living a purposeful life, and being fruitful. We Hear the Word of God but it doesn't apply to our lives. 

We cannot witness to someone who needs healing if we don't believe that there is healing for ourselves. Nor can we be a witness of God's sufficient grace  to someone who is less fortunate, if we don't believe it for ourselves and we constantly live desiring what other's have and always wanting more.

 

Father, I come boldly before your throne thanking you for the grace that covers my lovelies and myself. I pray father that we be more like the seeds that are sown on good soil, growing deep roots, during our trials, hearing Your Word and accepting it. I pray that we go forth, being examples of Your promises, and becoming walking testimonies, sowing seeds and speaking life into others, as we walk along in our lives. In your precious name, Jesus, Amen! 

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: True Worship

A Loving Reminder:
Then Mary took about a pint of pure nard, an expensive perfume; she poured it on Jesus’ feet and wiped his feet with her hair. And the house was filled with the fragrance of the perfume. (John 12:3 NIV) 

My lovelies, when I reconciled with The Lord, I thought I knew what true worship meant. I thought that singing along with every song in church and attending every Sunday church service meant I was worshipping God.  

As the years went by, and God started to deal with me, in bringing forth transformation He started stripping things away. He has required me to surrender it all. Myself, my family, my time, my dreams, my hopes, all I aspired to be. I have struggled and still battle with things God ask of me.  I may not completely understand all He requires of me or even agree with them, but I will put all my trust in Him, and continue to offer my praises onto him. 

It is great to praise God when your prayers are answered. But how much more is your worship worth when you can still praise God in the midst of physical pain, in the midst of emotional pain, in the midst of loss, in the midst of trouble. 

Relative to the expensive perfume that Mary poured on the feet of Jesus, my worship to God is expensive, it's cost is measured in my submission to His Will. 

I worship because, I trust that He is the One True and Living God. I trust that He is my Kinsmen Redeemer, and I belong to Him. No matter the circumstances that surround me in the moment, worshipping Him is where I find my peace and my joy, even more so in my moments where I find myself in an emotional hole. 

Father, I come boldly and humbly pouring my praise and worship onto you like the bottle of Mary's expensive perfume. You and only you know the cost of my worship. I pray that the fragrance of my worship reaches you in the heavens. We look at the exterior but you look at the heart, you know what We have had to surrender, and the things we have yet to submit to you. Father I pray that you lead those who find themselves in any situation into an experience of true worship. That even in moments when they don't feel like worshipping because the weight is so heavy, that you strengthen them to lift up their hands in praise. Father I pray that they receive the healing, the joy and the peace that comes from true worship.  Let our praise, and worship along with our prayers be accepted as sweet-smelling incense in your presence, as it says in Psalm 141:2. In your precious name, Jesus, Amen.

Alabaster Box by Cece Winans

http://youtu.be/4Ls8ZfeBmHA