Tuesday, October 25, 2022

Don’t Be Foolish

“And this is the confidence that we have toward him, that if we ask anything according to his will he hears us.”
‭‭1 John‬ ‭5‬:‭14‬ ‭ESV‬‬

Have you ever asked God for something to have it only blow up in your face? Why do you think that happened? What were your motives behind the request? 

Perhaps you even thought God didn’t care, but ultimately He cared to the point not to take you down a road that would lead to dire consequences. 

You see He knows the outcome of every request we make and He also knows why we ask. We need to be wise in our asking and make sure that are requests are pure. We don’t want to be self seeking with ulterior gain. We need our requests to be profitable for all concerned. 

Father, help us to be true to You when we come before You. Let us judge our words before speaking them so that we do not ask wrongly. Let us honor You. Keep us from going astray with meaningless endeavors. We desire to focus on truth. In Jesus name, Amen.



Saturday, October 16, 2021

Attitudes

“Be not quick in your spirit to become angry, for anger lodges in the heart of fools.”

‭‭Ecclesiastes‬ ‭7:9‬ ‭ESV‬‬


“Don’t be quick to fly off the handle. Anger boomerangs. You can spot a fool by the lumps on his head.”

‭‭Ecclesiastes‬ ‭7:9‬ ‭MSG‬‬


When we allow anger to overtake us then we are allowing our ego to direct us rather than our spirit. Anger affects not only our spiritual being, but our physical and it breeds discontentment. The atmosphere becomes tainted because you are allowing your anger to rule.


Consider how your attitude affects those around you. Is it positive or negative? What do you want to impress on others? These are queries that we all must consider. 


We need to recognize the pitfalls before they come so that we can avoid them or at least react appropriately if entangled. 


Pray:

Father,

Help us to be led by the spirit and to maintain a strong relationship with you.  Help us to see what is ahead or at least react in right manner when it comes. When we mess up help us to repent immediately and get back onto a straight path once again. 

Thank you for your love and faithfulness towards us.

Amen


"No te apresures en tu espíritu a enojarte, porque la ira se aloja en el corazón de los necios".

Eclesiastés 7: 9 Español


"No se apresure a perder el control. Bumeranes de ira. Puedes ver a un tonto por los bultos que tiene en la cabeza ".

Eclesiastés 7: 9 MSG


Cuando permitimos que la ira se apodere de nosotros, estamos permitiendo que nuestro ego nos dirija en lugar de nuestro espíritu. La ira no solo afecta nuestro ser espiritual, sino también nuestro físico y genera descontento. La atmósfera se contamina porque estás permitiendo que tu enojo gobierne.


Considere cómo su actitud afecta a quienes le rodean. es positivo o negativo? ¿Qué quieres impresionar a los demás? Son consultas que todos debemos tener en cuenta.


Necesitamos reconocer las trampas antes de que surjan para poder evitarlas o al menos reaccionar apropiadamente si nos enredamos.


Rezar:

Padre,

Ayúdanos a ser guiados por el espíritu y a mantener una relación sólida contigo. Ayúdanos a ver lo que está por venir o al menos a reaccionar de la manera correcta cuando llegue. Cuando nos equivocamos, ayúdanos a arrepentirnos de inmediato y a volver al camino recto una vez más.

Gracias por tu amor y fidelidad hacia nosotros.

amén

Tuesday, August 11, 2020

To Speak or To Be Quiet

Have you ever just thought about your tongue? OK, stop looking at me weird. I mean it!


Seriously, just think about it for moment. It is small and yet it puts on a lot of mileage. If left alone I can only imagine the chaos and carnage it may leave in its path.


The word of God in James 3:8 says, 

“But no one can tame the tongue; it is a restless evil and full of deadly poison. “(NASB)


This scripture reminds me what is going on in the world today. The words that are spoken these days are bent towards evil and discontent.  They are judgmental and have no true foundation. They are there just to fuel the fire by putting one ember upon another ember and uniting others to follow suit. 


What we speak affects others and unfortunately the words could be for blessing or for evil. How we present ourselves is paramount. 


Think about what kind of legacy you want to leave for future generations.

What do we want our children to emulate? I know that I want my daughter to choose right over wrong;

kindness over hurtful; peace over anarchy and the list goes on. How about you?


We need to use the wisdom of God, “First pure, then peaceable, gentle, reasonable, full of mercy and good fruits, unwavering, without hypocrisy.” (James 3:17 NASB)

Anything other than the wisdom of the Almighty will be tainted and those will be seeds filled with poison.


We must sow seeds of peace!


If we want our children to emulate us wouldn’t we rather they choose life over death?


I know that I want my child to have a future that expresses righteousness. 


What will your words be? Life? Death? Think before you speak my friends. Let love and truth guide your ways. Amen.

Monday, June 18, 2018

June 17, 2018

“fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”

Isaiah 41:10 ESV


This is such an encouraging scripture to know that we are never alone. It may be from the Old Testament, but it exemplifies Christ in every way.

Fear not...

Be not dismayed...

I strengthen you..

I uphold you...

He is out help and our confidence. When you don’t know which way to turn, turn to Him.

Don’t let the weight of this world become so insurmountable that you forget about the One that can lead you to still waters. 

Jesus is the Light!

His LOVE is unconditional!

Rest assured that His arms are opened wide and all you have to do is run into them.


Father, touch hearts today. There are so many that are broken and just don’t know which way to turn. Please send your ministering angels to them this day in Jesus name I pray.





"No temas porque yo estoy con vosotros; no te desanimes, porque yo soy tu Dios; Te fortaleceré, te ayudaré, te defenderé con mi diestra diestra ".

Isaías 41:10 ESV


Esta es una escritura tan alentadora para saber que nunca estamos solos. Puede ser del Antiguo Testamento, pero ejemplifica a Cristo en todos los sentidos.

No temáis...

No te desanimes ...

Te fortalezco ...

Te defiendo ...

Él está fuera de ayuda y nuestra confianza. Cuando no sabes hacia dónde dirigirte, acude a Él.

No permitas que el peso de este mundo se vuelva tan insuperable que te olvides de Aquel que puede conducirte a aguas tranquilas.

Jesús es la Luz!

¡Su AMOR es incondicional!

Tenga la seguridad de que sus brazos están abiertos y todo lo que tiene que hacer es toparse con ellos.


Padre, toca los corazones hoy. Hay tantos que están rotos y simplemente no saben qué camino tomar. Por favor envía a tus ángeles ministradores este día en el nombre de Jesús, yo oro.

Sunday, January 28, 2018

January 28, 2018

Verse:

“Do not be afraid of sudden fear,

Nor of the onslaught of the wicked when it comes;

For the Lord will be your confidence,

And will keep your foot from being caught.”

Proverbs 3:25 & 26 NASB 


These verses are so comforting. I love them.


God is always telling us that we do not need to fear, but too often we give into our flesh and succumb. 

We know the truth in our heads, but we haven’t yet gotten it into our spirit. This is where we need to exercise our faith. We all know the old adage of ‘if at first you don’t succeed, try, try again.’ I believe this to be very true with our faith. 


We all have areas in our lives that we struggle with and these are the areas that we must give over to God and trust Him to help us through. Fear ultimately is manifested during those times, but we do not need to give into it.  The devil knows just when to attack and we need to remember that our battle is not with flesh and blood. (See Ephesian 6:12)


How do we exercise our faith?

Constantly remind yourself of what God says in His word. We do not need to fear! Put it on your bathroom mirror. Write specific verses on index cards and carry them with you. 


Most importantly remind yourself of who you are in God! You are a child of the almighty! You are more then a conqueror! You are an overcomer! You are a warrior! You are fearless!


Prayer:

Father, we thank You that You are the one that goes before us and that You are also our rear guard. You are our strong tower in the midst of the storm. We do not fear knowing that you are always at our side. In Jesus name. Amen.



Meditate on Psalm 91


Saturday, December 30, 2017

December 30, 2017

“Therefore, brothers, since we have confidence to enter the holy places by the blood of Jesus, by the new and living way that He opened for us through the curtain, that is, through His flesh, and since we have a great priest over the house of God, let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, with our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water. Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful.”
Hebrews 10: 19-23 ESV

This scripture made me feel it was a great way to start off the new year. It’s really spoke to my heart of God‘s promises.
Our assurance lives in our Savior and if our confession remains truthful to that belief then our New Year should be a good one. No matter what happens around us God is faithful to His promises.
So let us draw near to to Him as He draws near to us. Amen!

Father, as a rule I do not make resolutions, but if there was one resolution for 2018 that I would make it would be to hold truth, love, and conviction of faith close to my heart.
I pray that all that read this will take the promise of Hebrews 10: 19-23 to heart and not only this promise, but all of His promises. He is a loving and faithful God!
In Jesus name! Amen!

Monday, May 22, 2017

Decisions

“For the eyes of the LORD move to and fro throughout the earth that He may strongly support those whose heart is completely His. You have acted foolishly in this. Indeed, from now on you will surely have wars."”

2 Chronicles 16:9 NASB


This scripture made me think about how my decisions can either be pro or con. 

Did I act foolishly? Did I ask God for His advice first? Did I jump when I should of stood?

I don't want to be the one who ends up in needless conflicts because I did not put my full trust in God. 


Father,

I want my heart to be totally yours. 

I want to know that my decisions are supported by You. 

Thank you for the Holy Spirit who can nudge me when I start to go off in a wrong direction.

In Jesus name.

Amen

Monday, April 3, 2017

Time Well Spent

“Oh come, let us sing to the Lord; let us make a joyful noise to the rock of our salvation! Let us come into his presence with thanksgiving; let us make a joyful noise to him with songs of praise!”

Psalms 95:1-2 ESV


When I read this today it was like getting hit with a two by four! This is how I should be starting off my day. 

Somehow I allow every other little thing to get in the way of what is most important. It isn't like I don't talk with Him through out the day. Still it isn't the same as just setting aside time to really be in His awesome present and give Him the time He deserves. 

He deserves my undivided attention with no interruptions and my expressions of love just for Him and Him alone. 

He gave His all for me so I should at least be able to set a portion of my time aside for Him.


Forgive me Jesus when all I do is start off my day and not to put You at the forefront. Forgive when I don't set aside a time for just You and me. It is inexcusable! Even in this I will need You to spur me on. Give me a swift kick to what is most important and that is spending time with You. 

Amen.

Monday, March 27, 2017

If in Distress...

"From my distress I called upon the Lord;
The Lord answered me and set me in a large place."
(Psalm 118: 5 NASB)

When we find our selves in dire needs are we to call upon those in the world to help us? 
Those in the world may mean well, but will usually let us down. God will never let us down. 
The psalmist continues in verse 6 to say, "The Lord is for me; I will not fear; What can man do to me?"
We can see here that man himself was not a help, but in this case an enemy of the psalmist. 
Jumping to verses 8 and 9 he stated that it was better to put your trust in the Lord and rely on Him for your protection rather than trusting in man or princes.
So now whom do we call upon when we find ourselves in insurmountable problems? We call upon the Lord!

Thank You Lord for always being just a shout away. Thank you for always knowing our every need before we even present it to you. You are so faithful. We love you. Amen.

Monday, March 6, 2017

Jeremiah 23

I was reading Jeremiah 23 today where God was warning the people not to listen to those that called themselves 'prophets', as they were not sent by Him. These were men that were leading the people away from God rather than towards Him.

I started thinking about how many disguises false prophets come in besides the obvious of palm readers, fortunetellers, and the big one psychics. I mean even the devil himself came camouflaged as an 'angel of light'.

What about teachers? That one is scary! It only takes one teacher to draw a student away and that student will draw another student and then another student and then a snowball effect takes place.

What about a priest/minister? Is he speaking biblical truth or traditional feel good, go in peace sermons?

How observant are we to what is really happening around us?

Please don't think I am putting prophets, teachers, or ministers down. Far from it! What I am saying is that we need to be in tune with the spirit and to recognize God's voice in all situations. We are not to assume something is correct just because it sounds plausible. We need to know it, unequivocally, in our spirit. We must know that it lines up with God's word. Amen.

Bless you,
Shifra

Sunday, March 5, 2017

Shalom My Friends

I am sure you are curious why you haven't seen anything from me recently. I have gone through a lot, but as always God has been right at my side through it all. 
Even with all the upheaval of a non-evasive brain surgery for a aneurism and my mom's passing God still helped me to complete and publish another book. It is called "The Willow Bay Series." You can find it at Barnes & Noble, Book-A-Million and Amazon. I'm sure you can find it at Christian bookstores too. It can also be found as an ebook.
I also want to invite you to follow my Facebook page called Shifra's Books. You can follow me on my journey. I am now trying to write my own story. It isn't easy. You would think writing about yourself would be easy, but it is the opposite. Trying to decide what is important and what isn't comes into question and wording things so people can understand it is another issue. I went through it, but it is a whole different thing trying to put it into words.
I tried writing this for about a week, but then found out I needed to update the app. The old app kept knocking me out. 
Anyway, I am so glad I finally got a chance to hit base with you. I will try to get back with you again shortly, in the meantime, be safe and be blessed in the name of our Lord and Savior Yeshua.
Shifra

Tuesday, October 11, 2016

Portrait of God

Unto You, O Lord, I lift my voice in praise and wonder. I am in awe of You. You are marvelous in all Your ways. I look around and see the works of Your hands. It is a tapestry! It is like looking at a beautiful piece of art that has been brought to life. 

I do not wonder if You exist. It is so obvious with all the beauty that surrounds us. Even with things like hurricanes, tornadoes, and earthquakes it still shows Your hand at work.

Let me be aware each and every day of what You have accomplished in my life and be ready for the next step along the way. Give me Your knowledge, wisdom and discernment and let me do Your will.

In Jesus name. Amen.


Saturday, March 26, 2016

Joy in the Midst of Grief

“"Let not your hearts be troubled. Believe in God; believe also in me. In my Father's house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also.”
John 14:1-3 ESV

My husband went home to reside with the Lord a year ago yesterday, March 25th. I may be grieving, but I also rejoice knowing that he is truly home.
This scripture reminds me that I will one day, in the future,  also be truly home. 
God has a place for me and for anyone who believes upon the name of the Messiah, Jesus. One day I will also walk the streets of gold just as John is. (“And the twelve gates were twelve pearls, each of the gates made of a single pearl, and the street of the city was pure gold, like transparent glass.”) 
Revelation 21:21 ESV
I am in awe of the fact that I will be part of the 'marriage supper of the Lamb'. (“And the angel said to me, "Write this: Blessed are those who are invited to the marriage supper of the Lamb." And he said to me, "These are the true words of God."”) 
Revelation 19:9 ESV

Prayer:
Daddy, I pray for all those who may be in a similar place as I am. I pray that they will take comfort in knowing that they too have a mansion waiting for them. Help us to remember that we may live here on earth, but our true home is not here. Our true residence is in heaven and we can look forward to that day. Yes, mourning is a must, but it is just another season in our lives. We may not always be happy, but Daddy, because of Jesus, we can still have joy. 
Amen

Thursday, February 18, 2016

Be Strong and Courageous


"Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go." Joshua 1:9 ESV

Why are there times that I end up feeling fearful and discouraged? Why do I tend to act like a wimp? Your word, O Lord, continuously tells us to be courageous. I am not to be fearful as you are always right near my side. There is scripture after scripture that assures me that I am loved and protected. You go before me and all I need to do is follow your lead.
 
Prayer:
Thank you, O Lord. Help me to be a person who lives by faith and not only talks about it. Let me exemplify what I speak. Let me not use my own understanding, but to rely on the truth of your word. Amen.

Supporting scriptures:
Numbers 13:20; Deuteronomy 31:6, 7, & 23; Joshua 1:6, 7, 18, & 10:25; 
2 Samuel 10:12; Psalm 27:14; 31:24.

¿"Yo no os he mandado? Sé fuerte y valiente. No os asustéis y no desmayes, porque Jehová tu Dios está contigo dondequiera que vayas. Josué 1:9 ESV

¿Por qué hay veces que termino sintiendo temerosos y desanimados? ¿Por qué tiendo a actuar como un cobarde? Tu palabra, oh Señor, continuamente nos dice que ser valiente. No quiero ser temeroso como siempre tienes razón cerca de mi lado. Hay escritura tras escritura que me asegura que soy amado y protegido. Vas antes de mí y todo lo que necesito hacer es seguir su ejemplo.
 
Oración:
Gracias, oh Señor. Ayúdame a ser una persona que vive por fe y no sólo habla de él. Permítanme ejemplificar lo que hablo. Me dejó no usar mi propio entendimiento, pero to confiar en la verdad de su palabra. Amén.

Apoyo a las escrituras:
Números 13:20; Deuteronomio 31:6, 7 y 23; Josué 1:6, 7, 18 y 10:25; 
2 Samuel 10:12; Salmo 27: 14; 31:24.

". אני שלא ציוויתי? להיות אמיץ. . אל תהיה מודאג ומדוכדכת לא, כי יהוה אלוהיך הוא איתך בכל מקום שאליו תלך. יהושע 1:9 אשד מזרקות

למה זה פעמים שם בסופו של דבר אני מרגיש מהתערבות ו מיואש? למה אני נוטה להתנהג כמו פחדן? המילה שלך, אדוני, אומר לנו ללא הרף, זה להיות אמיץ. אין לי לחשוש מפני כמו תמיד אתה צודק ליד הצד שלי. כתוב לאחר הכתיבה שמבטיחה לי כי אני אני אהוב ומוגן. תלך לפניי, כל מה שאתה צריך לעשות זה לבוא בעקבותיו.

תפילה:

. תודה, אדוני. לעזור לי להיות אדם שחי על ידי אמונה, לא רק לדבר על זה. . הרשו לי להדגים מה אני מדבר תן לי את ההבנה שלי, אלא להאמין באמת של המילה שלו. . אמן.

תמיכה כתבי הקודש:

המספרים 13:20; דברים 31:6, 7 ו- 23; יהושע 1:6, 7, 18 ו- 10:25; 
Samuel 2 10:12; תהילים 27:14; 31:24.

Tuesday, February 16, 2016

True Repentance

Scripture:
"Godly sorrow brings repentance that leads to salvation and leaves no regret, but worldly sorrow brings death.”
2 Corinthians 7:10 NIV

"Tristeza según Dios produce arrepentimiento que lleva a la salvación y no hay que arrepentirse, pero la tristeza del mundo produce muerte."
2 Corintios 7:10 NVI

"צער צדיק מייצרת תשובה המוביל הישועה ללא חרטה, אבל הצער של העולם מייצר את המוות".

הקורינתיים 7:10 ניב


What does it mean to have Godly sorrow? 
How can you tell whether you or someone else has truly repented?
I'm sure these are questions not only I have asked, but others as well. 
The scripture that comes to mind is:
“Thus, by their fruit you will recognize them.”
Matthew 7:20 NIV
My heart or a heart of another will exemplify what we are truly believing and it will show in our actions and speech.
“You brood of vipers, how can you who are evil say anything good? For the mouth speaks what the heart is full of. A good man brings good things out of the good stored up in him, and an evil man brings evil things out of the evil stored up in him.”
Matthew 12:34-35 NIV

Prayer:
Father, I pray that we will be men and women of integrity. That we will speak truth in love. That what comes out of our hearts will bear good fruit and not destructiveness. Help us to fall to our knees when we sin and be truly repentive. Teach us to be in awe of you with Godly fear.
In Jesus name I pray.
Amen

¿Qué significa tener tristeza Santa? 
¿Cómo puede saber si usted o alguien más ha arrepentido verdaderamente?
Estoy seguro que estas preguntas que no sólo te he pedido, pero otros también. 
La escritura que viene a la mente es:
"Así, por su fruto reconocerás."
Matthew 7:20 NVI
Mi corazón o un corazón de otro que ejemplifican lo que verdaderamente estamos creyendo y se mostrará en nuestras acciones y discurso.
"Usted cría de víboras, ¿cómo pueden ustedes que son malos decir algo bueno? Para la boca habla lo que el corazón está lleno de. Un buen hombre trae cosas buenas de la mercancía almacenada en él, y un hombre malo trae cosas malas del mal almacenada en él.
Matthew 12:34-35 NVI

Oración:
Padre, oro para que seamos hombres y mujeres de integridad. Que hablamos la verdad en amor. Que lo que sale de nuestros corazones dé buenos frutos y no de destrucción. Ayúdanos a caer de rodillas cuando hemos pecado y ser verdaderamente retentiva. Nos enseñan que en el temor de con temor de Dios.
En nombre de Jesús oro.
Amén

מה יש עצבות סנטה? 

ידוע אם אתה או מישהו אחר דאינו באמת?

. אני בטוח את השאלות האלה, זה לא רק שאלת, אבל לאחרים גם... 

כתבי הקודש שעולה על הדעת הוא:

"לפיכך, על ידי פירות שאתה תזהה."

Matthew 7:20 ניב

הלב שלי או לב אחד מהשני המדגימים מה הם באמת להאמין, יוצגו ב שלנו פעולות של דיבור.

"אתה שבוחרים של נחשים, איך? אתה יכול מי רשעים משהו טוב" בשביל הפה מדבר מה הלב הוא מלא. אדם טוב מביא דברים טובים של הטובין המאוחסנים בו, ומביא רשע מרושע דברים רעים המאוחסנים בו.

Matthew 12:34-35 ניב

תפילה:

. אבא, אני מתפללת שאנחנו הגברים והנשים של שלמות. אני דובר אמת באהבה. זה מה מגיע מתוך הלבבות שלנו לתת פירות טובים, לא של הרס. לעזור לנו לרדת על ברכיהם, כאשר אנחנו חוטאים ולהיות באמת לפרטים. ללמד אותנו את יראת כבוד של פחד אלוהים.

בשם ישו זהב.

אמן

Tuesday, February 9, 2016

Just Ask

“‘Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know.’”
Jeremiah 33:3 NIV

All I need to do is to call to You and You are right there for me. So many times I forget that and go on as if there is no way out of a particular crisis or situation. Then there are the times I think I can accomplish it without Your guidance. So foolish! I know better, but in my humanness I still falter. All I can do is strive to do better next time and again know You will be there when I call.

Prayer:
Thank You Father for knowing what I need even before I ask for it. Thank You for leading me to the streams of living water. Continue to show me things that I would not think possible.
In Jesus name. Amen.

"Clama a mí y yo te conteste y te diga cosas grandes e inescrutables, que no sabes.'"
Jeremías 33: 3 NVI

Todo lo que necesito hacer es llamar a usted y usted está ahí para mí. Tantas veces yo olvidarlo y seguir como si no hay forma de una crisis particular o situación. Luego están los tiempos que creo que puedo lograr sin su dirección. Tan necios! Sé mejor, pero en mi humanidad aún vacilan. Todo lo que puedo hacer es esforzarse por conocer mejor a siguiente otra vez y usted estará allí cuando llamo.

Oración:
Gracias Padre por saber lo que necesito incluso antes de que pida. Gracias por me lleva a los arroyos de agua viva. Seguir para mostrarme cosas que no creo posible.
En nombre de Jesús. Amén.

"קוראים לי, ואת אני אענה לך, לומר לך נהדר דברים ואין עוד מלבדו, לא יודעת.'"

ירמיהו 33:3 ניב

כל מה שאתה צריך לעשות הוא להתקשר אליך ואתה שם בשבילי. כל כך הרבה פעמים. תשכח ממנה, להמשיך כאילו שאין דרך משבר מסוים או מצב. אז יש פעמים שנדמה לי כי אני יכול להגיע ללא כתובת שלך. כל כך מטופשת! הכי טוב, אבל באנושיות שלי אפילו מהסס. כל מה שאני יכול לעשות זה לשאוף לדעת טוב יותר בפעם הבאה, אתה תהיה שם. כשאני מתקשר.

תפילה:

תודה לך אבא כדי לדעת מה צריך אפילו לפני שהם מבקשים. תודה עבור הפניות לי לזרמי מים חיים. המשך להראות לי דברים. אני לא חושב אפשרי.

בשם ישו. . אמן.

Thursday, November 12, 2015

Team Players


“I planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the increase. So then neither he who plants is anything, nor he who waters, but God who gives the increase. Now he who plants and he who waters are one, and each one will receive his own reward according to his own labor.”
I Corinthians 3:6-8 NKJV

This scripture made me realize that we are to be team players and not to be patting ourselves on the back. Our works do not get us into heaven, but our works are to be done in faith and glorify God.
We are partners in the family of Christ---brothers and sisters---so we should not think more highly of ourselves. We are to be humble before God and one another.

Prayer:
Father, please help us to strive each day to reach out to others. To give the good news, be a listening ear, cry with one another and laugh with one another. Whatever the need may be help us to be the 'light' that is shed upon it. Most importantly we want our actions and words to glorify You.
In Jesus name,
Amen

Friday, October 9, 2015

Isaiah 43

“But now thus says the Lord, he who created you, O Jacob, he who formed you, O Israel: “Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name, you are mine. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you; when you walk through fire you shall not be burned, and the flame shall not consume you. For I am the Lord your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior. I give Egypt as your ransom, Cush and Seba in exchange for you. Because you are precious in my eyes, and honored, and I love you, I give men in return for you, peoples in exchange for your life. Fear not, for I am with you; I will bring your offspring from the east, and from the west I will gather you. I will say to the north, Give up, and to the south, Do not withhold; bring my sons from afar and my daughters from the end of the earth, everyone who is called by my name, whom I created for my glory, whom I formed and made.”

I, I am the Lord, and besides me there is no savior.

“I, I am he who blots out your transgressions for my own sake, and I will not remember your sins.”
Isaiah 43:1-7, 11, 25 ESV


I love this Chapter of Isaiah. 
Father God You love me and have called me by name. When I go through rough times You are there to lift me up. You have saved me and pulled me from the road of destruction. You have told me not to fear because You are always with me. You formed me. You made me into what I am today. You have blotted out my sins and You see me clean. You see me as a new creation through the blood Your Son shed for me. 
Thank You father. I praise You and give You Glory.

Prayer: 
Father, 
I pray that You will touch lives this day and that they will know Your insurmountable love for them. That You take them out of the miry clay. Call them by name and show them what Your Son Jesus did for them.
In Jesus name.
Amen.

"Pero ahora, así dice el Señor, el que te creó, oh Jacob, él que tú, oh Israel:"no temáis, porque yo he redimido; Te he llamado por su nombre, eres mío. Al pasar por las aguas, yo estaré contigo; y a través de los ríos, que no se te abruman; cuando caminas por el fuego no será quemado, y la llama no te consumirá. Yo soy el Señor tu Dios, el Santo de Israel, tu Salvador. Doy a Egipto como su rescate, a CUS y a Seba a cambio de. Porque eres precioso a mis ojos y honrado, y te amo, daré a hombres a cambio de ti, pueblos a cambio de su vida. No temas, porque yo estoy contigo; Traeré tu descendencia desde Oriente y de Occidente se reunirán. Diré al norte, dar para arriba y hacia el sur, no retener; trae de lejos mis hijos y mis hijas desde el extremo de la tierra, todo el que es llamado por mi nombre, que he creado para mi gloria, quien formado y hecho."

Yo, yo soy el Señor, y además de mí no hay ningún Salvador.

"Yo, yo soy el que borro tus rebeliones por amor a mi, y no recordaré tus pecados".
Isaías 43:1-7, 11, 25 ESV

Me encanta este capítulo de Isaías. 
Padre Dios me amas y me han llamado por su nombre. Cuando voy a través de tiempos difíciles usted está allí para que me levante. Me salvó y me sacó de la carretera de destrucción. Se me han dicho no debe temer porque tú estás siempre conmigo. Se me formó. Me has hecho en lo que soy hoy. Ha borrado mis pecados y me ves limpiar. Me ves como una nueva creación a través de la sangre derramado de tu hijo para mí. 
Gracias Padre. Yo te alabo y te glorifiquen.

Oración: Padre, pido que se le toque vive este día y que sepan su amor insuperable para ellos. Que los saque del barro cenagoso. Llamarlos por su nombre y muestran lo que hizo tu hijo Jesús por ellos.
En nombre de Jesús.
Amén.

Wednesday, October 7, 2015

Pondering Psalm 139:1-16

“O Lord, you have searched me and known me! You know when I sit down and when I rise up; you discern my thoughts from afar. You search out my path and my lying down and are acquainted with all my ways. Even before a word is on my tongue, behold, O Lord, you know it altogether. You hem me in, behind and before, and lay your hand upon me. Such knowledge is too wonderful for me; it is high; I cannot attain it. Where shall I go from your Spirit? Or where shall I flee from your presence? If I ascend to heaven, you are there! If I make my bed in Sheol, you are there! If I take the wings of the morning and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea, even there your hand shall lead me, and your right hand shall hold me. If I say, “Surely the darkness shall cover me, and the light about me be night,” even the darkness is not dark to you; the night is bright as the day, for darkness is as light with you. For you formed my inward parts; you knitted me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works; my soul knows it very well. My frame was not hidden from you, when I was being made in secret, intricately woven in the depths of the earth. Your eyes saw my unformed substance; in your book were written, every one of them, the days that were formed for me, when as yet there was none of them.”
Psalm 139:1-16 ESV
 
I read this Psalm and know that I am loved. People of the world may reject me, but never My Lord. 
Perhaps family or friends may even reject us. Church members may even be among those, but God sees us in a totally different way. He knows our hurts and He shows us compassion and unconditional love.
Then I think of those little ones that are aborted out of rejection and selfishness. My heart aches over that and I know God cries for them. "He formed our inward parts," meaning we are his creation. He knew us before we were even formed in the womb. Abortion is murder! I don't believe our Founding Fathers would of stood for this.
Then there are those times that I may want to just hide away, but I can't because God always knows where I am. Jonah could not run and hide. Adam and Eve could not hide after they sinned. I cannot pretend that the confines of walls and a roof could keep me hidden. He sees through every nook and cranny. You know, I am thankful that He does. I am protected.

Prayer:
Father, I thank You that You know our every thought and You know each tear we have shed. I thank You as You hold us in the palm of Your hand.
Father, protect the innocent babies yet to be born. 
Protect and gather up, in Your arms of love, those whom have felt rejected
and abused.
Be with us when we feel like hiding and allow the Holy Spirit to show us Your divine direction.
In Jesus name I pray. Amen.

"Oh Señor, usted me buscó y me conocen! Sabes Cuándo me siento y Cuándo me levanto usted discernir mis pensamientos desde lejos. Buscar mi camino y mi mentira abajo y conoce todos mis caminos. Incluso antes de una palabra en mi lengua, he aquí, oh Señor, tú sabes en conjunto. Me dobladillar a en, detrás y antes y pone su mano sobre mí. Tal conocimiento es demasiado maravilloso para mí; es alta; No puedo alcanzarla. ¿Dónde me iré de tu espíritu? ¿O dónde huiré de tu presencia? Si ascienden al cielo, allí estás! Si hago mi lecho en el Seol, allí estás! Si tomo las alas de la mañana y habitan en las partes interior del mar, aun allí tu mano me dará lugar, y que su mano derecha se me. Si digo: "seguramente me cubrirá la oscuridad, y la luz de mi noche," incluso en la oscuridad no es oscura la noche es luminosa como el día, para la oscuridad es como la luz con usted. Porque tú formaste mis entrañas; usted me punto juntos en el vientre de mi madre. Te alabo, porque soy formidable y maravillosamente hecho. Maravillosas son tus obras; mi alma lo sabe muy bien. Mi marco no estaba oculto de ti, cuando me se hicieron en secreto, intrincado tejido en las profundidades de la tierra. Tus ojos vieron mi sustancia sin formar; en su libro fueron escritos, cada uno de ellos, los días que se formaron para mí, cuando aún no había ninguno de ellos."
Salmo 139:1-16 ESV
 
Leí este Salmo y saber que soy amado. Gente del mundo puede rechazar mi, pero nunca mi Señor. 
Quizás familiares o amigos pueden incluso nos rechaza. Miembros de la iglesia pueden ser incluso entre las personas, pero Dios nos ve de una manera totalmente diferente. Conoce nuestras heridas y nos muestra compasión y amor incondicional.
Entonces pienso en aquellos pequeños que son abortados de rechazo y egoísmo. Mi corazón dolores sobre eso y sé que Dios llora por ellos. "Él formó nuestras partes internas," lo que significa que son su creación. Nos conocían antes incluso nos formamos en el vientre. El aborto es asesinato! No creo que nuestros padres fundadores sería de estado parado para esto.
Luego están esos momentos que puedo quiero a esconderse, pero no puedo porque Dios siempre sabe donde estoy. Jonás no podían correr y esconderse. Adán y Eva no podían ocultar después de que pecaron. Yo no puedo pretender que los confines de las paredes y un techo podrían mantenerme oculto. Él ve a través de cada nook y cranny. Sabes, agradezco que lo hace. Estoy protegido.

Oración:
Padre, te doy gracias que conoce cada pensamiento nuestro y sabes cada lágrima que hemos derramamos. Le agradezco que nos sostienes en la palma de su mano.
Padre, proteger a los inocentes bebés aún por nacer. 
Proteger y recoger, en tus brazos de amor, de aquellos a quienes se han sentido rechazados
y abusados.
Estar con nosotros cuando nos sentimos como escondite y permitir que el Espíritu Santo para mostrarnos su divina dirección.
En nombre de Jesús oro. Amén.

Monday, September 21, 2015

A Dwelling

Joshua 24:15 b
"But as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord. "

Do you dwell in a house? You see the house is strictly a house. It is a building with walls and coverings and that is all.
Now what if it had love in it? Now it is no longer strictly a house, but a home. Let us take it even further. What if your home also has the love and grace of God in it? Now your house is even more than a home it has now become a haven. So what is your dwelling? 

Prayer:
Father, fill our dwellings with love and grace and let us be havens for all who enter. Let your glory shine throughout our dwellings and may they bring honor to Your name.
In Christ we pray.
Amen.