God's To-Do List

I am [somewhat] of a Type A personality. I say "somewhat" because I only have so much motivation to work as hard as Type A's like to work. I like organization and control. I have good intentions in getting things completed, but the motivation sometimes is lacking. But… I do love a good list. One of my favorite things is a blank piece of paper and a pen. Lists of groceries, to-dos, projects, packing lists. You name it, I'll make it into a list.

Lately I feel like God has some lists for me. A list of things He'd like to me study in His Word. Books I have laying on my shelf that He knows I would benefit from spiritually. Fruits of the Spirit that He knows I need to work on (like patience!). A list of heavy prayer requests, people to lift up, health and healing to pray for. Characteristics He knows I need to better myself on in marriage, like respect, service, and holding my tongue. As a family, we're also looking for a new church home. Which means starting new friendships, and hopefully long lasting ones that will benefit our spiritual lives. But where do I begin? Which list do I start?

When I feel like God is about to make big changes in my life or challenge me spiritually and deepen my growth… that's when I start reacting more emotionally (good and bad) in my every day life. I become more impatient with my almost 2 year old son, losing my temper and yelling. I am quicker to interrupt my husband with my ideas and opinions instead of patiently and quiet listening to the important things he has to say. Worry and doubt sneak their little sly thoughts into my head, and eventually I start to dwell on them more. This is when I stop and realize that God is about to do something awesome. Our Enemy is using, and will use, every war tactic he possibly can so that no growth in Christ can happen. Our minds are battlefields between the Holy Spirit and Satan. I have to press forward with the Truth of the Word of God in my mind, apply it to my life, and let it sink into the depths of my heart.

I don't always know what part of my life God wants to work on, but I do know that some of the main things on His to-do list for me include pressing forward and persevering in Him. If I am consistently studying His Word, then those truths will become more and more a part of my thought life and belief system. If I am not in His Word and not in prayer, then how will I ever hear from Him or feel His leading in my life?! It starts with the Word of God, the Bread of Life. When we start to apply that knowledge into our everyday lives, we'll begin to see how God can work on us. Just today I was very angry at my son at lunch time for throwing his food. I took him upstairs for an early nap, which he was not happy about… but I needed time away from him. He had a hard time falling asleep so I laid down in his bed with him, only a few minutes later to find ourselves full out laughing at each other. I prayed for patience when he was throwing his food, and God relieved my anger through that laughter with my son. The Bible teaches me to be patient and kind. The Bible also teaches me to pray and ask for help when I need it. Because I have taken the time to study the Bible, this knowledge is in my mind. So I applied it to my specific situation, asking Jesus to intervene in my emotions. Jesus not only relieved my anger, but reminded me about how good laughter can be. And how when I ask for something I need, He will give it in His time, and in His way.

You may feel like God has a lot of things to work on in your life. You may even feel overwhelmed because you don't know where to start. Understand that by prayer and petition, we are to present our requests to God - and to do it with thanksgiving in our heart. Think about what may be on God's to-do list for you - dig into the Word and find how God will speak to you on how He wants you to grow. Then apply that to you everyday life - the knowledge and love of Christ, deep in your heart, transforming your life for Him.

I want more

The truth is I want more.

I want more of God.

I want more time in prayer.

More time reading the Bible.

More of God's voice in my ears.

More mustard seed faith.

More promptings of the Holy Spirit.

I want my heart to be more in tune to the things of God.

I want more of the spirit and less of my flesh.

I want to desire heaven things more than the world.

I want more of you God.

Simply, just more.

More time to myself.

More time to sit quietly and hear the voice of God.

More revelations.

Just more of you Jesus.

That's all I ask.

Seek. Pray. Learn

(via pinterest)

Oh my goodness ladies. I am fired up and excited about Jesus! I want to get a little personal today and share with you some things that I am stirred up about and feel like God is leading me to share.

I know things in life can be superficial like decor, makeup,fashion,recipes and so forth but let's get real...none of that should be #1 in our lives.

Every so often God gives me a huge revelation about the most simplest things. I am here to stir your faith up and encourage you because God is GOOD!

I was driving in my car on my way to church and I was asking God why others seem to appear more close to Him. What's so special about them that they are basking in the glory, mountains are moving, they experience the prophetic and  are hearing God unlike anyone else?? When I thought of this Jesse Duplantis came to mind. God immediately spoke to me and said, "You can be as close to me as you want to be"

It clicked! REVELATION!! It's not about God CHOOSING "special" people who only get to experience Him in those ways, it's about YOU! It's your decision not His!! It's about how willing you are to SEEK HIS FACE, communicate with Him all the time and have a relationship with Him. DRAW NEAR TO HIM AND HE WILL DRAW NEAR TO YOU!.  Uh Duuuhh! God is a genius. Just sayin.

How can it be that simple yet nobody gets it? Alot of people don't want to do the work. Yes, it takes work and discipline to be basking in the Glory. Thats the Lord's treasure and if you want some of it, you follow the map and find it. The map is the bible. Read it, study it and learn from it. It is a life manual created by the creator Himself. It contains the secret to getting close to God.

During my drive, I also thought of Moses. . That man obeyed his every command and sought his face. Ask and you shall recieve was definitely shown with his story. He asked God to see His Glory and that's what he got! If you draw near to Him and fully give your heart then God can show you himself in a real way.

Don't get confused with the supernatural and glory. People often are looking for the supernatural and miss God. God isn't smoke and lights. He's LOVE. His glory is his goodness! Don't seek the manifestations, seek His face just for the sake of knowing Him.

I love how God can take a simple question and explain everything in one sentence with the help of the Holy Spirit. Deep revelation for simple things.

Who knew "you can be as close to me as you want to be" meant so much.

So I encourage you to seek, pray and learn. When you are in the presence you learn new things about Him every time. Show yourself faithful and you will be rewarded because God is faithful and a rewarder who diligently seek him.

God thinks your beautiful! Pass it on!

I Thessalonians 5:16-18 - PRAY CONTINUALLY (Part 2)

"Be joyful ALWAYS.; 

pray CONTINUALLY; 

give THANKS in ALL circumstances, 

for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus." 

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

Last week I wrote about the first three words of this verse - "be joyful always." How did that go for you? What did you choose to find joy in? I hope you continue to find joy in the best and worst and most normal of time. It's God's will for you that you are joyful!

Today we're talking about praying continually. To some people, prayer is a foreign thing; to some it's scary. I've known people that think their prayers aren't heard, that they just talk to a wall or ceiling. I've know Christians that are afraid to pray because it won't be "good enough." Prayers can be short or long; on your knees, aloud, or in your heart; it can be a shout to God, it can be a cry for help. Prayer is about talking and about listening.

The simple fact is - prayer is a conversation.

For me, prayer is an ongoing conversation throughout my day with my King, Protector, Comforter, Creator, and Shepard. I need God in so many different ways, depending on the day and sometimes my prayers start by calling Him by the name I need him. "Jesus, my King, I am in awe of your blessing...", "My Comforter and Protector, I need your now as I am afraid", "Savior, like a Shepard, lead me!" I ask God for what I need in my prayers, I tell him why I am afraid and how I don't want to be, I share with God my hopes and dreams, I ask Him for strength on the tough days, and I seek His will and plan for my life when I may be lost. I thank God for blessings, big and small, I pray for those in need of healing or grace, I pray for my marriage that it would grow and flourish into what God intended it to be, I pray for my son that he would grow big and strong and come to know Jesus. My prayers are asking, telling, listening, begging, seeking, thanking, praising. 

Prayers are active, ongoing, conversations with God.

In her book, The Power of a Praying Woman, Stormie Omartian writes, 

“The battle for our lives, and the lives and souls of our children, our husbands, our friends, our families, our neighbors, and our nation is waged on our knees. When we don't pray, it's like sitting on the sidelines watching those we love and care about scrambling through a war zone, getting shot at from every angle. When we do pray, however, we're in the battle alongside them, approaching God's power on their behalf. If we also declare the Wordog God in our prayers, then we wield a powerful weapon against which no enemy can prevail.” 

If we're not praying for the loved ones in our lives, who is? If we're not praying for the salvation of our friends and neighbors, who is? Who is covering them in prayer and protection? There is an enemy among us who will do anything to devour our souls, to ruin our lives, and to stop anything and anyone from praising the name of Jesus or growing in Him. If we are not praying against Him, who is? There is POWER in the prayer. Never doubt what God can do and how much he loves to have a conversation with you.

Pray continually... this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus.

3 Simple Steps

Happy Thursday my friends! I hope your week is going well! I want to share some simple steps with you today about how to grow in a deeper relationship with God. And these are from my personal experience! Sometimes the hardest thing is knowing where to start. There have been lots of times through my walk with Christ that I needed another "starting point" and some guidance of how to begin growing again. That's the beauty of Jesus... No matter how long it's been since you've prayed or opened your Bible, God's grace opens the door for us every time we want to return. Christ is always wanting our hearts to be in tune with His and in order to do that we have prioritize our time with Him, begin and continue conversations with Him, and meditate on His Word.

1. Prioritize Your Time

    Get up 30 minutes earlier than normal in the morning. Or shut off the TV or close the computer 30 minutes before you normally go to bed. Think about the time you spend on social media or Pinterest or in front of the TV. Would you consider that time spent more important than the time you want to spend with God? Get real and honest with yourself. If you want to grow and have a deeper relationship with God, you have to choose to make Him and time with Him a priorty in your life.

Here's what I'm doing: I recently have chosen to enter my solitude with God in the morning. I've always done my deovtional and prayer journal at night right before I go to bed, but God put it on my heart to change that. So I did, and now I make a commitment (even setting my alarm) to be awake, in the Word and reading my Bible study/book before 7am. My husband is up and getting ready for work so by the time he leaves, I turn on my nightstand lamp and get my day started with God.

2. Begin AND Continue the Conversation

     This is prayer. And your relationship with God... Is a two way street. Just like a marriage or friendship, communication is vital to growth and understanding. So start talking and start listening. Start your day with prayer. Ask for what you need to get through the day. Pray for those in your home, including your spouse and children, and pray for wisdom, patience, and love toward them. Seek out God's guidance and ask Him for clear signs of His will in your life. Be specific, and continue this conversation throughout the day. Pray out loud in your car on the way to work. Pray over your meals, thanking Him for the blessing of healthy food.  Thank God for people you come across and ask Him how you can be used in their lives for His glory

Here's what I'm doing I start with prayer in the morning. I ask God for what I need and ask Him to help me retain the Words I just read in my Bible study. When I make the bed, I pray for my husband that just slept there; when I make breakfast I pray for God to give me the strength to get through the day with my one year old; I pray over my son's room when I lay him down for a nap; I pray for my husbands safety as he drives home; etc etc etc. I continue the prayer and conversation throughout the day because I need God every moment! And I pray aloud every chance I get!

3. Meditate on Scripture

     When God's Word enters in your mind when you read it, sometimes it's just words. But the more you study it, read the background behind why it was written/said, read different versions of the same verse... The more it becomes written on your heart, and the overflow will spill out in your words and actions. When we study and know how Jesus wants us to live, we should act on it; this is when we grow. When we read and leant how to believe and have faith in His examples of deliverance, protection, and trust... We learn how to trust Him and know He will be our Provider. 

Here's what I'm doing: The verses that have spoke to me over and over are the ones that I need to read, recite, memorize, and dwell on.  God uses His Word to speak to us in time of need. So to help me remember and meditate on Scripture, I write them down on note cards and post them to my bathroom mirror, in my Bible, on the top of my to-do list, on the background of my phone, etc. I put them where I can see them! I read them out loud! One new verse each week and all week I focus on that verse.

One small step at a time can turn into one giant turn around in your spiritual life. Start somewhere! God is anxiously awaiting!

Just Ask

Several times throughout my recent devotionals and Bible study, this thought has been written and discussed. It's really quite simple and yet we often find it so hard to do.

Asking for what we need.

Seems easy enough, right? Well, maybe when it comes to everyday life. Like asking for help with cleaning around the house, or asking the hubby to take care of the kids for an evening. But what about asking your husband to pray with you at night before you go to bed? Or telling him you don't feel appreciated and asking him to help build you up with his words? What about asking your sister or best friend to watch your kids for an afternoon because you don't know how much more you can take and you just need a break? Or asking your boss for support on a project because you want to know someone has your back? These mental and emotional needs are tough, and they're tough to ask for help in. But if you don't ask for what you need, then you'll never get it.

What about your spiritual life? You might find it easy to thank God for your blessings, to ask for healing, protection, or help for others... but what about you? Do you find it hard to pray for yourself? Personally, I've never had an problems praying for myself - I knew only God could help me! But lately I've learned a little bit more about praying for specific things and asking for specific answers. No I'm not demanding of God, but I pray that if something is in His will, that He can grant me what I'm needing.

Lately, I've learned to ask for help to get through tough days with my teething one year old. I ask God to help me forgive my husband for things he says that are hurtful, and he doesn't even know it. I struggle with my thought patterns. My mind always leads to horrible things, thoughts of what-ifs, accidents, disease, etc. I've always struggled with it and recently God has revealed to me that I need to stop believing fears, doubts, and lies that do not come from Him. So I've been specifically praying for my through patterns to change. And when I feel like my mind is going down the wrong path, quickly, I stop and pray for God to take over my mind. I'm learning to ask for what I need and to be specific, because I know that God hears my prayers, He loves me, and He wants me to live an abundant life.

“Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. ⁸ For everyone who asks receives; the one who seeks finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened."

Matthew 7:7-8

Prayer: A Private Discipline

This past Sunday morning, the way I thought about prayer shifted a little. It got better and deeper. A guest speaker named Scott Williams, formally from LifeChurch.tv in Oklahoma, was doing a series a Private Disciplines; this Sunday was prayer. As he spoke, I took notes and realized what I thought I already knew about prayer and how to prayer, was just the surface.

We've all heard about Daniel and the Lions den from the book of Daniel in the Bible. Do you know why he was sent the Lions Den? In Daniel 6 it describes how Daniel, a high ranking, trustworthy "politician" (imagine that?!), was target by other jealous peers because of his religion. His "haters" went to King Darius and convinced him to sign a law that people could only pray to him, and no other gods, and if they did, they would be sent into the Lions den. Once Daniel had learned that the law had been signed, the FIRST thing he did was pray.

Daniel 6:10 "But when Daniel learned that the law had been signed, he went home and knelt down as usual in his upstairs room, with its windows open toward Jerusalem. He prayed three times a day, just as he had always done, giving thanks to his God."

Here's what I learned Sunday about prayer:

1. HUMBLE yourself before God.
     Daniel knelt before God. Kneeling is a sign of servanthood, lowering yourself before someone or something that is greater than you. To get on your knees is a representation of humbleness before God. It says, I am not worthy, I need help, I can't do it on my own.
     Taking time to humble ourselves before God allows us to be in a position of servanthood. Especially when we are in solitude. With our busy lives it's so hard to find a truly quiet place. Solitude = no TV, no music, no phone, no computer, no distractions, no to-do lists, etc. Hey, praying on-the-go is okay too! God still hears those prayers and knows sometimes we need to ask for His help quickly. But He desires just us, just as we are, humble before Him.

2. Be PERSISTENT
     Daniel 6:10 says, "...he went home and knelt down AS USUAL. ... He prayed THREE TIMES A DAY, JUST AS HE HAD DONE BEFORE."
     Daniel was persistent about his prayers. He prayed everyday, three times a day. We know this to be true because it says, "just as he had done before." It was a normal occurrence. And, as "usual" he knelt before God.
     When was the last time you prayed everyday for an entire week? Not counting praying for meals or quick, "Lord give me strength" prayers. But actual everyday, on your knees, in solitude, conversation with God? Gotta be honest... I do a lot of "Lord give me strength" prayers, and praying aloud in the car. But personally, I need to be better at being persistent about devoting time and solitude into my prayers - talking AND listening! Making it a daily occurrence! You can't just jump into devoted prayer and expect all your prayers to be answered at once. It takes time! And persistence!


Daniel was caught praying to God by his "haters" and they ran to King Darius telling him about Daniel's betrayal. King Darius was disturbed by this because he loved Daniel, but he also knew he could not go back on the law he signed. So when Daniel was arrested and as he was put into the Lions den, King Darius said to him, "May the God, whom you serve so faithfully, rescue you." King Darius had a prayer of his own.


3. Be SPECIFIC
    Can you imagine what Daniel's prayers were like in that dark den filled with hungry, wild lions? You better believe that Daniel prayers were filled with exact requests for God: "Lord, close the mouth of this lion looking at me right here!" and "In the powerful name of God, I pray no harm, not even a scratch would come to my body the entire night!" You get the picture! He was specific in his prayers! Daniel ASKED FOR WHAT HE NEEDED.
     A lot of times we ask for protection, healing, peace, direction. But what exactly are we asking for protection over and when are we asking for that? What exactly is hurting in our bodies and why do we want it gone? What types of decisions do we face everyday? Not just big ones like job changes, children, moving, etc. But what about little things like, "Lord please give me a clear sign and wisdom if I should wake up my teething 1 year old early from his morning nap, just so I can get my grocery shopping done sooner?" I prayed that prayer this week and guess what?! God gave me a clear sign (that mommy "instinct", aka God's voice, really kicked in!) that my child needed to keep sleeping!
     ASK GOD FOR WHAT YOU NEED! You don't get what you don't ask for! It's God's decision as far as the timing or specific way that He will answer.

4. Be EXPECTANT
Don't let your outward circumstances effect your inward faith. We have a BIG, POWERFUL God. Expect BIG, POWERFUL answers. You may have something tough going on in your life right now, but why should that make you doubt God less? Do you still have faith and trust in Him? Prayers should be expectant. Expect God to listen and to answer. Don't underestimate the power of Jesus Christ!

Refresh your mind

 

Let the dew of My Presence refresh your mind and heart.

 

So many, many things vie for your attention in this complex world of instant communication.

 

The world has changed enormously since I first gave the command to be still and know that I am God.

 

However, this timeless truth is essential for the well being of your soul.

 

As dew refreshes grass and flowers during the stillness of the night, so My Presence revitalizes you as you sit quietly with Me.

 

A refreshed, revitalized mind is able to sort out what is important and what is not.

 

In it's natural condition, your mind easily gets stuck on trivial matters.

 

Like the spinning wheels of a car trapped in mud, the cogs of your brain spin impotently when your focus on a trivial thing.

 

As soon as you start communicating with Me and the matter, your thoughts gain traction and you can move on to more important things.

 

Communicate with Me continually, and I will put My thoughts into your mind.

 

Be still and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth. -- Psalm 46:10

 

For God is not the author of confusion but of peace, as in all the churches of the saints.-- 1 Corinthians 14:33 NKJV

 

-Jesus Calling

 

 

Monday's Verse & Prayer {Psalm 119:105}

I hope that you have found what I started last Monday encouraging! I pray that you all desire to be mature Christians like I do. Engrave His Word in your heart with me!

Starting in May we will be giving you a prayer each day to pray over your children (if you do not have children we apologize) but we are focusing on mothers for the month of May for Mother's Day. And I also heard something about a giveaway? So I'd be on the look out for that because I heard it's pretty bomb diggity. :)

Psalm 119:105 -- Your Word is a lamp to my feet & a light for my path.

Father,
I pray that I seek Your Word for guidance, always. I pray that I love out those clear instructions of Your Word. For I know when I walk in accordance to Your Word & ways my feet are guided by Your lamp & my pathway is lit from Your Truth. Help me to not sway into the devils dark path but to always to look You for my light.
Amen.

Monday's Verse & Prayer {Ruth1:16}

Since this blog has started I've always wanted to something weekly rather than just post. You will still get my posts but God has answered what He wants me to do.

This week I've had several moments during quiet time, a 40 fast I am doing, bible studies, a book I am reading & spending time in the Word, God has prompted me - "Tiffany, you need to start penning My Words on your heart." I know what the Word says, I read it, I soak it in but I tend to forget the exact wording & my actions show it.

In the book I am reading I was slapped in the face. I was slapped in the face because I didn't feel like the mature Christian I should be after almost 8 years. I still feel like a baby. But one thing is I am growing. Over the years I do not think I was growing at the pace I should have been. But now. I know I am growing.

Every Monday I will give you a verse I challenge you to memorize with me over the course of a week & a prayer to go along with that verse.

If you know me, you know this is my favorite verse & I thought it'd be a perfect way to start it out.

Ruth 1:16 -- Where You go, I will go. Where You stay, I will stay. 

Father, 
I pray that my eyes are open to Your will for me. I pray that I have a mind of understanding & wisdom for when You say go with me, I go. I pray my heart stays when you tell me to stay & not to do things that are pleasing to me by taking matters into my own hands. Humble me, mold me so I can clearly hear your instructions.
Amen. 

Forming Healthy Habits: Spiritual Life

The next few weeks I will be doing a series on forming healthy habits. Why you might ask? Because it's something I've been working on myself and this is one way to help me stay accountable. I'm a bit of a lazy person.. okay maybe not lazy, but yeah a little lazy. I try things like diets, exercise, bible studies with all the intention and motivation to complete them until the end. But let's be honest... that rarely happens! So far I've done 3 important things every day for the last week. I've been in the Word, I've run/walked/or hiked, and I have eaten healthy. So that's what I'm going to challenge you with too. Forming healthy spiritual, physical, and emotional/mental habits.

First and most important - is our spiritual habits. Our daily walk with God, our prayer time, and how we live and love others.

Daily time in the Word:
     This has always been one of the hardest things for me to do everyday. Whether I have time for it or not, I struggle with doing this daily. I don't know why... sometimes I don't have bible studies to do and don't know what to read. Sometimes I get busy or tired and forget. But here's some pointers that I have found helpful:
     1. Pick the same time everyday to be in the Word. Whether it's morning, lunch hour, or right before bedtime, choose the same time each day and work it into your daily routine. Make it a priority. Turn off the TV, get off the computer, stay off your phone and social media. Make your Bible, your priority.
     2. Get a book/bible study that applies to something you want to learn. I used to just pick a spot in my Bible and start reading. Yes, God can use anything in His Word to speak to you. But you are more likely to continue reading daily if you have a little bit of a guide. I am currently doing The Power of a Praying Woman (book and study guide) by Stormie Omartian and want to continue with Power of a Praying Wife and Praying Parent. It has challenged not only the way I pray but the way I think.
     3. Find someone to keep you accountable. I'm working on this. I need good friends to keep me spiritually accountable. I've been in different relationships where I'm the mentor and or I'm the mentee. I don't know where God wants me in this moment of my life, but I know that good friends who can keep you spiritually accountable in your actions, behaviors, and thoughts are a blessing.

Prayer
     1. Prayer Journal A prayer journal as been a staple in my life. I can write out my prayers to God, keep track of the people and purposes I'm praying for. I can look back and see how God has answered prayers, write down verses that God puts on my heart, etc.
     2. Pray for Confession, Forgiveness, and Growth Another important component of prayer is confession and forgiveness. "If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins, and purify us from all unrighteousness." 1 John 1:9 Not only should we confess and ask forgiveness but
     3. Pray for others  We all know family or friends that do not know Christ and one of the biggest reasons to pray for others, is to pray for their salvation. But praying for health, healing, guidance, relationships for others is important as well.

The Greatest Commandments
"Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: Love your neighbor as yourself." Matthew 22:37-38

     1. Serve Others Christ calls us to serve others and a great example of this is washing of his own disciples feet, the dirtiest part of their body in their time. So humble yourself and serve someone. Be willing to help others in way that they need it without expecting anything in return. Do something because you know your spouse loves it, even if you don't. Help your church in their service day. Give of your time because it's for the glory of God. Just make sure your heart is in the right place.
     2. Love Others Christ's second commandment is to love one another just as you love yourself. This is simple. Love people where they are at. Don't judge them, don't gossip about them. You don't always know their story and it's wrong to assume things about their lives. Just be there for your family and friends... love them, respect them, and pray for them.

Follow along with me the next few Thursdays as we develop more healthy habits.

Shock and Awe

Last night, after I gave my 7 month old son a bath and put him in his PJs, I sat down and started scrolling through Facebook. I live in Arizona and all of my family and most of my friends live in Michigan or Indiana. Facebook is kind of my way of keeping up with their lives. Little did I know that what I read... would create a shock and awe in my heart.

My junior year at Bethel College in Mishawaka, Indiana I roomed with 3 other girls, all of them golfers. I was the odd one out, being a cheerleader. I didn't know them well, had just had a few classes with one of the girls the previous year and found out they needed a 4th roommate. Throughout the year, getting to know these girls was such a blessing. They were so sweet and we shared life together for a time. A few years ago, one of them lost their mom in a solo car accident in Michigan. It was before she got engaged or even married. Tonight, I learned that another roommate, Kayla, lost her husband suddenly.

They have an 11 month old daughter.

I can't even begin to imagine. I instantly called my husband, who had just left our house to head to our church to help with youth group, and told him how much I loved him. I asked him to be careful as he drove and not be looking at his phone or be in a hurry. I can't imagine losing my husband, and I felt that I needed to to him for the 13th time today that I loved him. But as I sat there reading these posts about how people were shocked to learn this news, how their hearts go out to the family... the most important thing I read was... "Brad is with Jesus. Thank God for his salvation."

Do you know where you're going when God decides your time on Earth is through?

Jesus says in the Bible that He is the Way, the Truth, and the Life. There is no other way to the Father (God), except through Jesus. Jesus commands us to love him with all our heart, all our soul, and all our strength. That is the greatest commandment. In John, Jesus tells us that in Heaven, His Father's house, there are many mansions built for those coming to live with Him eternally. Jesus died the most excruciating death ever recorded, on a cross, for the sins that anyone has ever committed or will ever commit. BECAUSE HE LOVES US AND WANTS TO SPEND ETERNITY WITH US.

But that means we have to take action. Do you know Jesus? Do you have a personal relationship with Him? If He were to take you from this Earth tomorrow, do you know where you're going?

I do. Praise God, I do.

God asks us to come to Him, with honest, open hearts; to ask forgiveness of the sins we've committed. If you want to live a life that brings glory to God, ask Him to fill your heart and come into your life. God will help you live out His commandments and teachings. But you have to be willing to let go of yourself, to be on fire for Christ and sharing Him with others; you have to learn to change. The reward is so great my friends. God is so great. We may not understand His ways, His timing, or why He allows things to happen. But His blessings and His love for people is amazing.

Jesus loves you.

Be Still

Be still and know that I am God

So much easier said than done, isn't it? I have a hard time being still. My natural tendency is to go go go... I'm guessing I'm not the only one like this! My alone time with God is usually in bed when I pray for my family, for my friends, thank the Lord for the day etc., but there have been times in my life when I have been in the habit of speaking to the Lord throughout the day. It becomes so easy to talk to God like he's a friend sitting right next to me when I make it a habit to include him in every part of my day. When I'm driving I thank him for the view of the snowy mountains in the distance. When I'm reminded of people I automatically say a prayer for them. When I see people on the street who look cold/hungry/lonely I pray for them, when I'm happy I talk to the Lord, when I'm sad I talk to the Lord, when I'm afraid I talk to the Lord... he's always in the front of my mind!

About 9 months ago we were talking about this in a Bible study and I decided to be very intentional about carving out quiet time for myself with the Lord. I decided to set an alarm on my phone to go off every 4 hours throughout the day, and wherever I was I would stop and have a meaningful time with God (meaning not rushed, spending time talking to him but also just sitting in quietness to listen for his voice). The first time my alarm went off was at 8am. At the time my son was almost 3 and my baby had not yet been born. I put my little one in front of the t.v. and told him that I needed a few minutes of quiet time. I went in my room and closed the door. I sat down on the floor with my Bible and decided to start by reading a passage and then move on to prayer. I did my reading and then sat quietly with my eyes closed to allow the Lord to speak. I think my eyes were closed for about 30 seconds when my little one started knocking on the door. "Moooooom." Sigh. This was going to be harder than I thought! I took him back to the living room and tried again. I think I only got about 5 minutes total with the Lord but you know what? It felt good to start my day this way! The next alarm went off at noon. I was able to stop where I was at and say a long uninterrupted prayer. The 4:00 alarm went off while I was tutoring so that didn't quite work, but I made sure as soon as I got to my car to stop and have a moment with the Lord before I set out into rush hour traffic. My evening alarm went pretty much unanswered. Oops.

This challenge was a little harder than I thought it would be but I actually enjoyed it. My goal was/is to make a habit of talking to God throughout the day (not just before bed!), and finding times throughout the day to just BE STILL.

What is your main priority?

Have you ever felt like there needed to be some changes in your life? Most importantly, changes of putting more effort into your time spent with God? Yes, we know He's always there, always listening, and will never leave nor forsake us, so is that why we neglect time with Him sometimes? It's almost like oh well He's always there and will be there tomorrow but right now I'm just so stressed and busy. You can wait just a minute right God? SO wrong, but you know what? God really is always there and always waiting for us to come to Him. For fellowship, conversation and friendship because that is what we were created for in the first place.

There are some important things to remember when we are too busy for God.

1. Life sucks when God's priorities aren't first.
 
 It seems like when God isn't first then everything falls apart. We fall into wrong thinking. We put church off and we backslide. Everyone does this at one point or another so there is no need to feel horrible. Faith is a fight! So keep fighting! I know I fall guilty of this. I start thinking negatively about situations in my life and then somehow everything feels like it just sucks, but that's not true!

2. God requires our TIME, TALENT & TREASURES
    
Time= prayer, praise, worship, reading our bibles and going to church

Talent= Using what God gave me for HIM. Volunteer at church also. God gave us our talents for his kingdom purposes anyways.

Treasure= tithes. When we tithe the windows of Heaven are open for us. It's like having life insurance. We are protected against the schemes of the enemy and our children are protected!
     
So, if we are needing change in our life and a fresh fire for Him to set our priorities straight then look to His word! The bible is our life manual. It's a way for God to speak to us anytime we want. How cool is that?

When we dive head first into out life manuals every single day we are getting drenched in His word and promises. When we are drenched with His word and promises then we are motivated to set out priorities straight and put Jesus first!

So, what is your main priority?

Pray About "That"

I feel this past week God has been speaking to each of us writers (Andrea, Teryn, Tiff, and I) about things that intertwine. Even though I have never met Andrea and Teryn.. and even though I haven't talked to Tiff in over a week...and they live in California and I live in Arizona... I feel like God has put specific things on our hearts to share that help minister to each other as well as our readers. From asking God for what we really want to remembering that we were born to praise our King and learning to TRUST that He has a plan for our lives, each of these posts have tugged at my heart. And I hope you are learning from them too.

Last week I wrote about when things don't go my way. This week God has been reminding me that even though I think I know His plan and what is going to be best for me, He just requires patience, trust, and obedience until He really reveals that path to us.

Wanna know something???  

I put in my two weeks notice at my job last week. I love my job and the people I work with, but I also drive 45 minutes to an hour each way with my 4 month old in the carseat. And it takes away way too much time with my family. So God told me it was time for a change.

Wanna know something else? 

I haven't officially been offered a new job yet. -RISKY, I KNOW- I've had 2 interviews and one more to go to be in a position that I never thought would be an option for me. It was been really really hard to get through last week. I've been waiting for a phone call. Waiting to know if it's just time to give my notice. Waiting, waiting, waiting. And I have been praying for patience. Well God's been giving me plenty of time to practice what I prayed for. And now He's asking me to continue to be obedient to Him by TRUSTING HIM.

Then my mom sent me this email below from Wisdom Hunters. Just a weekly blurb, but definitely something I needed to read. Maybe this will be a good reminder for you too in whatever it is you are going through.

---------------------        ----------------------       ----------------------

“Pray that the LORD your God will tell us where we should go and what we should do” (Jeremiah 42:3).

 

There is wisdom in praying about “that,” whatever “that” may mean. It may mean waiting on marriage because one parent has yet to bless the engagement. “That” could represent a check in your spirit over a business deal or an additional financial obligation. Praying about “that” is the Lord’s way to protect, preserve, and provide for His children.

What are you currently facing that needs your prayerful attention? Perhaps it is a career transition—pray about that, consider changing churches—pray about that, tempted to quit school—pray about that, or weigh an opportunity to volunteer—pray about that. Prayerfully ask, “What does the Lord want for my life and what is best for His kingdom?”

“Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart” (Jeremiah 29:12–13).

It is in the discipline of waiting that we discern the best course of action. Consider cloistering yourself with Christ for twenty-four hours just to listen and learn. It is rare that prayer is a waste of time; indeed, it saves time. When you pray about “that,” you allow the Holy Spirit to tap on the brakes of your busy life. Slow down and listen to Him.

Prayer positions you to be productive in the ways of God. Abraham’s senior servant experienced this. “Then he prayed, ‘LORD, God of my master Abraham, make me successful today, and show kindness to my master Abraham’” (Genesis 24:12).

When you, your family, your church, your company, or your ministry prays about “that,” you receive liability insurance for your life from the Lord. Where He leads, He commits to provide. Where He reroutes, He creates the necessary resources. Where He shuts doors, He opens another with greater kingdom possibilities. So pray about that knot in your stomach, and watch Him free you in effective service for your Savior Jesus.

“Lord, let your ear be attentive to the prayer of this your servant and to the prayer of your servants who delight in revering your name. Give your servant success today by granting him favor in the presence of this man” (Nehemiah 1:11).

© 2012 by Boyd Bailey. All rights reserved.

At the feet of Jesus

 

 

Everything we ever need is at His feet. In His presence. Worshiping, praising, taking all the expensive oil that you have and washing His feet. That expensive oil represents what means the most to us and laying it at His feet.

 

What would you give up for Him? Would it be the last drop of your perfume?

 

I have found that by constantly being at his feet, there is peace and a love that you cannot explain. Understanding and revelation. You cannot find these things anywhere else.

 

At His feet there is forgiveness, healing and miracles.

 

 

What is so important about being at his feet? By living at His feet you are positioned for success and God does not let anyone miss their mark when they are at the feet of Jesus.

 

 We can learn so much from Mary of Bethany.

 

She positioned herself at Jesus' feet and gave her most fragrant expensive oil that she had.

 

When you read the story of Martha & Mary in Luke 10: 38-42 you notice 3 things.

 

1. Martha hears & listens

2. Martha asks

3. Martha gives.

 

When Martha gave she gave what was costly and broken for her. She gave a very fragrant offering so that meant everyone had to smell it. This costly offering was prized by Jesus.

 

She sits and hears

She sits and asks

She sits and gives

 

These are the 3 things we should be doing at His feet.

 

Jesus wasn't as concerned with what she was giving him but the time she was spending with Him. Yes it was costly but it's not what you give but the time you spend with God.

 

People rebuked her for giving such a costly thing... Mark 14:4

They didn't understand and thought it was wasteful.

Jesus got on to them saying, "Why are you bothering this woman? She has done a beautiful thing to me." Matthew 26:10

 

When we give something to God like our time, praise, worship and money, many people do not understand. They see it as too costly... but when you are at the feet of Jesus nothing is too good for Him! We are willing to do anything because we know he will always take care of us.

 

We can stay at the feet by worshiping, praising, worshiping and seeking his face all the time. Be in a state of constant communion. Remember it's about a relationship with Him.

 

So I remind you to LIVE AT THE FEET OF JESUS because at the feet of Jesus that is where we find our strength.

 

 

 

Draw near to Me, and I will draw near to you

Every so often God gives me a huge revelation about the most simplest things. I am here to stir your faith up and encourage you because God is GOOD!

I was driving in my car just thinking and praying one day. I was asking God why others seem to appear more close to Him. What's so special about them that they are basking in the glory, mountains are moving, they are experiencing the prophetic and are hearing God unlike anyone else?? When I thought of this Jesse Duplantis came to mind. God immediately spoke to me and said, "You can be as close to me as you want to be"

It clicked! REVELATION!! It's not about God CHOOSING "special" people who only get to experience Him in those ways, it's about YOU! It's your decision not His!! It's about how willing you are to SEEK HIS FACE, communicate with Him all the time and have a relationship with Him. DRAW NEAR TO HIM AND HE WILL DRAW NEAR TO YOU!. Uh Duuuhh! God is a genius. Just sayin.

How can it be that simple yet nobody gets it? Alot of people don't want to do the work. Yes, it takes work and discipline to be basking in the Glory. Thats the Lord's treasure and if you want some of it, you follow the map and find it. The map is the bible. Read it, study it and learn from it. It is a life manual created by the creator Himself. It contains the secret to getting close to God.

During my drive, I also thought of Moses. . That man obeyed his every command and sought his face. Ask and you shall recieve was definitely shown with his story. He asked God to see His Glory and that's what he got! If you draw near to Him and fully give your heart then God can show you himself in a real way.

Don't get confused with the supernatural and glory. People often are looking for the supernatural and miss God. God isn't smoke and lights. He's LOVE. His glory is his goodness! Don't seek the manifestations, seek His face just for the sake of knowing Him.

I love how God can take a simple question and explain everything in one sentence with the help of the Holy Spirit. Deep revelation for simple things.

Who knew "you can be as close to me as you want to be" meant so much.

So I encourage you to seek, pray and learn. When you are in the presence you learn new things about Him every time. Show yourself faithful and you will be rewarded because God is faithful and a rewarder who diligently seek him.

Let Praise be the problem to YOUR PROBLEM!

Friends!

I have been praying over this post all day. Praying that God will lead me in the right direction with what I have to say. Originally I had another idea of what I wanted to talk about

 (maybe next week)...but after this weekends life changing experience...God had other plans.

See, this weekend I had the opportunity to attend a local Fall Conference. As Tiffany talked about on Mondays post. There were amazing Pastors from all over the country who spoke.  

Quite frankly...it was life changing!

I am talking, walking in one way...and leaping and turning cartwheels for Christ when we left.

My heart was beating out of my chest. I was and still am on a spiritual high.

I would like to consider this conference a Prayer, Strength and Renewal.

I prayed my little heart out, strengthened my relationship with Christ and I am renewed!

The church was standing room only, the alter was flooded with people refilling and giving themselves to Christ. It was so AMAZING! *gooseies just thinking bout it*

 

One Pastor who really touched me was Carl Lentz from Hillsong NYC.

 

 His words...well Gods words that flowed through him...

they took hold of my heart and literally whip lashed it. Shaken and stirred.

A message that is worth sharing. I will do my best to portray what Carl Lentz said...or how the Lord spoke to me through this message. I promise to be short and to the point...Stay with me.

 

"A problem called Praise"

(source) Sorry no original creditor to link to

 

Funny how we only praise God when our life is good. What about all those other times when life's storms are weighing us down? Are our arms outstretched towards the heavens giving praise?

 Easier to say "yet will I trust and praise him" right?

How are we supposed to praise God when we are dwelling in sickness,

financial strain, relationship troubles...Come on...

What if we praised him through the storm?

Your PRAISE can be a problem for your PROBLEM.

Do you hear what I am saying...

All those problems and tribulations the enemy is throwing at you...

Praising God through them will cause a problem for your problem.

See Satan wants you to feel like there is NO HOPE. There is NO light at the end of tunnel.

You can not worship God when you are burdened down with trials. This is why he bombards our life.

Don't ask God to pull you out of the storm...ask God to push you through it! Praise him!

 

Paul and Silas were thrown in prison after being badly beat...

Acts 16:25-26 (NIV)

²⁵ About midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the other prisoners were listening to them. ²⁶ Suddenly there was such a violent earthquake that the foundations of the prison were shaken. At once all the prison doors flew open, and everyone’s chains came loose.

 

Rejoice in the Lord always...Paul and Silas were in such a bad situation...what did they do...praising and singing...through their prayers, ALL...chains came loose. Our prayers and praise are SO POWERFUL...not even the chains of life can stand a chance. Our God is THAT ABLE! Not Limited! Awesome in Power!

 

Psalms 34:1 (AMP)

¹ I will bless the Lord at all times; His praise shall continually be in my mouth.

 

An old hymnal that comes to mind with this scripture...

I will bless Thee, O Lord, I will bless Thee, O Lord, With a heart of thanksgiving,

I will bless Thee, O Lord. With my hands lifted up, And my mouth filled with praise,

With a heart of thanksgiving, I will bless Thee, O Lord.

 

Christ wants to bless us abundantly. Christ is using our PRESENT storms in life to STRENGTHEN us for the future. He is testing our will...our faith in him. Yet I will praise him in the storm.

 

I too have fallen prey to Satan and allowed him to seduce me in with problems. Causing me to fall off my walk with Christ. Dwelling on my problems got me no where. I lost out on a great blessing. Christ was trying to teach me something...to TRUST him. Praise him at all times. When all resolve seemed lost...he was there, waiting for me to reach out. Did I seek him and praise him, thank him for everything else that was positive in my life? Sadly I have to shake my head in shame. This message really got to me. I am human...I make mistakes and I too have problems. But from here on out...I will praise him in the storm. I am so thankful for strong Christian women that I have in my life. These 3 ladies here on GOGH...I know I can count on them to intercede for me in prayer if I ever need it.

 

This is what our Blog is about...Praying and Praising God right along with you...even in the storm. If you need prayer please just contact one of us...private message us. We would love to speak with you. We are about encouraging each other. On Christ the solid rock we will stand...but it is also nice to have a pillar to lean on.

 

XX

Andrea

 

 

 

 

 

Silence your lips

This goes right along with Kelly's post - about being intentional prayer. 

And you know what I am so guilty of this but I definitely "catch" myself more & more every day.

Take it the Lord first. 

 

source

Being Intentional: Prayer

Hello. My name is Kelly and I'm a list-a-holic. I have been a to-do-er for a long time. I like organization, schedules, and control. I have at least 5 different calendars I look at almost every day. These things help my life as a wife, mom, full-time employee, and friend run a little smoother. However... I am not this way in my spiritual walk. I struggle with being intentional and making time for daily prayer and devotion with God. And it's something I want NEED to work on.

Being intentional can come in many forms. Over the next few Thursdays, I will be writing a series on being intentional in your walk with God and in life. Whether it is getting into the Word, praying, worshipping, friendships, or being bold in your faith, we all need reminders and encouragement on how to be intentional every day. 

Let's start with prayer. I'm already learning a lot about praying in a Bible study Tiffany (one of our founders and my dear friend) and I have just started. Prayer is a two way conversation with the Holy Spirit. It's listening and speaking, (and listening some more). Prayer can occur at any time of day, in any circumstance, when you're happy or mad and God will always hear you. But do you only pray when things are going wrong or you need something? Do you pray for yourself or others more? Do you tell others that you will pray for them and then don't take the time to do it? (I'm so guilty of this and I feel horrible about it.) I believe that prayer changes hearts and circumstances. I believe that God listens to our cries for help, our longings and desires, and our praises. He answers prayers in His timing and in His way. But just as with any relationship, it takes two. If we are constantly talking and not listening, we don't receive the blessing of feeling the presence of the Holy Spirit and the whisper of His gentle reminders of love and grace. If we never talk to Him, then how are we growing? Prayer is the outpouring of our hearts and the receiving of the gift of His guidance and spirit.

One of my favorite verses is Psalm 116:1-2 which says, "I love the Lord, for He heard my voice; He heard my cry for mercy. Because He turned His ear to me, I will call on Him as long as I have breath." God... the KING, the Creator and Ruler, the Almighty... He chose to turn His ear to my moaning, and begging, my pleading, my despair, and my desires. God listens to me because He loves me and cares about me. I will pray to Him and call out to Him as long as I have breath.

 In God's Word, He instructs us specifically on praying to Him in the morning.

Psalm 5:3
In the morning, O LORD, you hear my voice; in the morning I lay my requests before you and wait in expectation.

Psalm 88:13
But I cry to you for help, O LORD; in the morning my prayer comes before you.

Lamentations 3:22-24
22 Because of the LORD's great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. 23 They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. 24 I say to myself, "The LORD is my portion; therefore I will wait for him."

Psalm 90:14
Satisfy us in the morning with your unfailing love, that we may sing for joy and be glad all our days.

Isaiah 33:2
O LORD, be gracious to us; we long for you. Be our strength every morning, our salvation in time of distress.

Psalm 143:8
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 lift up my soul.

Psalm 59:16
But I will sing of your strength, in the morning I will sing of your love; for you are my fortress, my refuge in times of trouble.

My challenge to you is to pick a specific time in the morning to spend time in prayer. It can be during your morning shower, on your drive to work, etc. Take time to just be in peace and quiet communion with God. Prayer is not only about talking to God about what we need, what others need, or how we can grow... but also listening for God's voice. It's a two way conversation that can begin to change your life.