National Day of Prayer

Today is the National Day of Prayer in America. Thousands of churches, ministries, organizations, families, and people are making a special group effort today to pray. With so many issues plaguing our world... so many challenges facing our nation... so many troubles impacting our communities... so many crises capturing our minds... prayer is definitely in order.

I encourage you to take time yourself to pray today. Take some time to go before the Lord to intercede for this nation. Talk to Him about what's going on in your part of the world, ask Him for His wisdom and guidance with the issues that are impacting your sphere.

In addition to that, I would like to encourage you to pray daily. I don't mean rattling off a list of wants and needs, but intentional, purposed, faith-filled prayers. So often we (yes, me too!) pray for all the wrong reasons. We pray to get something, we pray out of habit, we pray out of duty...

Yet prayer can do so much when it is done correctly. ...The earnest prayer of a righteous person has great power and produces wonderful results. (James 5:16b NLT) Our prayers have power! Our prayers can change things for the better!

It was prayer that helped Moses navigate the Israelites through the wilderness to the Promised Land. Prayer sustained Jesus through His time of ministry and prepared Him to go through His crucifixion. The united prayer of the apostles created an atmosphere for the Holy Spirit to arrive. Prayer raised people up from their sickbeds, revealed the hearts of man to believers, rescued men from prison, and caused the foundations of our faith to be laid.

How has prayer impacted your world lately? Let's keep our hearts and minds in communication with the Lord not just today, but every day.

Verse of the Day: Then if my people who are called by my name will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sins and restore their land. 2 Chronicles 7:14

Ask And You'll Receive

 

Verily, verily, I say unto you, Whatsoever ye shall ask the Father in my name,
 he will give it you.

Hitherto have ye asked nothing in my name: ask, and ye shall receive,
 that your joy may be full.

John 16:23, 24

 

Asked anything of the Lord lately?

 

God is ready, willing and able to fulfill your request. He doesn't want you to lack any good thing. The Bible says that when we ask according to God's will, we can be confident that the Lord will not only hear but answer our request.

 

Are you lacking full joy? Maybe it's because you have yet to ask of God what you really need. Often we make our own (selfish) requests to the Lord for what we want, but we neglect to petition Him for what we need.

 

Today, I want to challenge you to take some time and go before the Lord. Settle into His presence and examine your life. Look at what is missing. Look at what is lacking. What do you need? Ask of your Heavenly Father what you need. Ask Him, in the name of Jesus, to fill out what is missing so that your joy may be full.

 

Jesus came that you might have life and have it more abundantly. Are you living that abundant life? Maybe it's because you did not ask the Lord for what you need.

 

Verse of the Day: And this is the confidence that we have in him, that, if we ask any thing according to his will, he heareth us: And if we know that he hear us, whatsoever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we desired of him. 1 John 5:15, 16

Strength With Others

I am independent by nature. I like to go at things on my own, tackle my own problems, and face my weaknesses alone with God. I know in my head that being a Christian means that I am in a community of believers, a family who worships the Lord as a unit. However, my own inner pride and self-sufficiency keeps me keeping my own pains, faults and mistakes private. I feel that I can remedy my situations alone with God.

However, this is not scripture. The Bible explicitly tells us that we are to share our weaknesses, so that we can help each other walk the road of righteousness together:

Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed.

The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.

James 5:16

 

Sometimes in order to attain healing, we need the prayers of our brothers and sisters in Christ. We need to share our burdens with each other and allow our righteous brothers and sisters to minister the healing power of God into our lives. We need to share in order to be repaired.

 

We cannot be too prideful to share our faults, especially when we cannot overcome those weak spots. We cannot distrust those who are walking in Christ with us. We cannot afford to be afraid of being embarrassed and stop ourselves from reaching wholeness in Christ.

 

So, if you are like me, independently trying to battle through your weaknesses and shortcomings alone, please take heed to the Word of the Lord today. Find yourself someone who is standing righteously before the Lord, ask the Lord to show you one of His men or women whom you can confide in. Confess your faults and allow them to pray for you and counsel you in the things of God.

 

None of us can walk this spiritual walk alone. All of us need someone to help us through.

 

Verse of the Day: Instead, we will speak the truth in love, growing in every way more and more like Christ, who is the head of his body, the church. He makes the whole body fit together perfectly. As each part does its own special work, it helps the other parts grow, so that the whole body is healthy and growing and full of love. Ephesians 4:15, 16 (NLT)

 

The Lord's Prayer (Part Three)

We've reached the final portions of our look at the Lord's Prayer.

And lead us not into temptation,

but deliver us from evil...

Other versions of the Bible phrase this section differently. The New Living Translations says: And don’t let us yield to temptation. God is never going to tempt you with sin. However, the devil is going to use every open door to try to trip you up.

When we are tempted, we have to acknowledge that God will always provide a way of escape for us. Temptations rise up every day. We don't have to give in to them. There is always a way for us to avoid sin.

For thine is the kingdom, and the power,

and the glory, for ever.

Amen.

Jesus closes his prayer the same way He opened it: acknowledging the awesomeness of God. It is the Lord's Kingdom that will last forever. His power will outlast all others. His glory will shine for eternity. He is the One who will reign forever!

It is important that we keep this fact always before us. We serve the one true God. Our God is above all others. He is the Mighty, Omniscient, Omnipresent, Omnipotent One. And He has granted us the privilege to go before Him personally in prayer.

In your prayer time today, lift up those areas where you are being tempted. Rebuke the devil, and ask the Lord for help to keep you from sin. Remember the mighty God you serve! He is so magnificent, and He is taking time to hear from you. Give Him glory and praise as you pray.

Have an awesome day today!

Verse of the Day: And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen. Matthew 6:13

The Lord's Prayer (Part Two)

Moving on in our study of the Lord's Prayer, let's look over some more of Jesus' model.

Give us this day our daily bread.

 

I interpret this portion of the prayer as Jesus showing us that we are to ask the Lord to give us what we need. Think about it. If our daily needs are tended to by the Lord, we have no real reason to complain.

 

So often, we are looking at what we don't have that we neglect to acknowledge what we do have. Asking the Lord to supply what we need will remind us of how much we already have. It will show us that often what we want is not necessary to live a happy life in God.

 

And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors.

 

It is so easy to keep a record of what others have done against us. I tend to have a long memory and have to consistently work on not holding grudges. One thing that helps is to think about how often I have sinned against God. I don't know about you, but my list is kind of lengthy. Yet, God has forgiven every single one of my sins.

 

He's forgiven every single one of yours as well.

 

Kind of makes it easier to forgive someone else, doesn't it?

 

Today as you pray, remember to ask for what you need. God knows your heart's desires. He also knows what is best for you. He will never leave you with less than what you need. And, that's in everything... spiritually, physically, and emotionally.

 

Also, make a point to lay out your faults before the Lord, and choose to forgive those who've wronged you. It is best to make the decision to forgive in your prayer time because sometimes true forgiveness will only come with the help of the Holy Spirit!

 

Have a wonderful day!

 

Verse of the Day: Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. Matthew 6:11, 12

The Lord's Prayer (Part One)

I've been meditating on the Lord's prayer lately. Working at a Catholic school, it's almost like the 'default' prayer for people to say. Yet, when you sit and think about it, this prayer is pretty powerful.

When His disciples came asking Jesus how to pray, Jesus responded with this model for them to follow. If we go along with this example as well, we will find our prayer lives prospering.

After this manner therefore pray ye:

Our Father which art in heaven,

Hallowed be thy name...

 

Jesus opens His prayer with worship. He begins by acknowledging how holy and sovereign God is. This not only shows the Lord respect, but it gives us the opportunity to remind ourselves of the great One that we have been privileged to talk to one-on-one.

 

Thy kingdom come.

Thy will be done in earth,

as it is in heaven...

 

After acknowledging the greatness of the Lord, who else's will would suffice? Nothing can trump God's awesome power, infinite wisdom, and omniscient wisdom. Opening ourselves up to the Lord's heavenly will allows us to walk out His kingdom desires on the earth. Isn't it amazing that God trusts us with the privilege of carrying out His plans in our daily lives?

 

In your prayer time today, start off in worship to the Lord. Remind yourself of how great He is. Meditate on His grand splendor. Then, open yourself up to His great will. Relinquish your plans to Him, and allow your Heavenly Father to orchestrate your day.

 

Verse of the Day: After this manner therefore pray ye: Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven. Matthew 6:9,10

Anchored in God

With floods washing away whole communities in Colorado, fires wiping out the progress in New Jersey, and a shooter on the loose in DC, America has been buffeted by one tragic scene after another these past few days.

Looking at this kind of news and seeing the devastation just reminds me of how important it is for people to be anchored in the Lord. We were never promised perfectly happy lives. God never told us that He would make every single day for us a perfect one. Some sort of storm will rain on our parade through the course of our lives.

God has given us the tools to make it through anything that comes our way. Even when it seems like everything is falling apart and tragedy is all around, God has made a way for us to go through with His strength, wisdom, and peace. We just have to stay anchored in Him.

Being anchored in the Lord means that whatever we go through, we keep ourselves firmly planted in Him. We stay in touch with Him through prayer, we continue to follow the path He has for us, and we walk according to His will in all things.

It's best to get anchored in God while the sun is still shining and no storm clouds are in sight. It's hard to hunker down when the wind is whipping and the waves are crashing into you.

Anchoring yourself in God consists of knowing His voice, having His word planted on the inside, and building a firm foundation of faith in Him.

God's voice will guide you when you don't know where to turn. Having God's word on the inside of your spirit will allow the Holy Spirit to bring those verses to your remembrance when your hope is fading. A firm foundation of faith will keep you from giving in to despair and will give you assurance to keep going.

Are you anchored in God? If a storm passed your way today, would you be able to stand firm in faith? Take some time while the sun is still shining to gird up yourself in the things of God, so you can successfully walk through whatever comes your way.

Verse of the Day: So God has given both his promise and his oath. These two things are unchangeable because it is impossible for God to lie. Therefore, we who have fled to him for refuge can have great confidence as we hold to the hope that lies before us. This hope is a strong and trustworthy anchor for our souls. It leads us through the curtain into God’s inner sanctuary. Hebrews 6:18, 19

Wednesday's Word: Send Out Some Prayers

The LORD is my shepherd;

I have all that I need.

He lets me rest in green meadows;

he leads me beside peaceful streams.

He renews my strength.

He guides me along right paths,

bringing honor to his name.

Even when I walk

through the darkest valley,

I will not be afraid,

for you are close beside me.

Your rod and your staff

protect and comfort me.

You prepare a feast for me

in the presence of my enemies.

You honor me by anointing my head with oil.

My cup overflows with blessings.

Surely your goodness and unfailing love will pursue me

all the days of my life,

and I will live in the house of the LORD forever.

Psalm 23 (NLT)

 

God is faithful.

 

Despite all that has happened... In the face of all that is brewing on the horizon... God is faithful.

 

He has never left us or forsaken us. Ever.

 

As we are remembering the events of 9/11 today, please pray for all those affected by the tragedy. Yet, praise God for how he has guided us. He kept us through war, He stabilized us through choppy political waters, and He is yet keeping America strong.

 

Pray for our leaders. Pray for our President. Pray for Congress. Pray for all those who work behind the scenes.

 

Pray over your state, your city, and your community. Cover your place of residence in prayer.

 

Our Heavenly Shepherd has been faithful. In spite of it all our cup is yet overflowing with blessings. Praise the Lord for His guidance and love.

Stay Faithful!

This past week, my church has been reading the book of Nehemiah. This man of God was a bold, determined, prayerful man of God. I encourage you to read his story. It has definitely helped push me back into what I know God has placed in my hands.

When Nehemiah heard about the state of the wall of Jerusalem, he was so moved that he gave up his distinguished position in the king's palace and travelled back to Jerusalem to make things right. He gathered together the people of Israel and inspired them to work as a team to rebuild the walls.

There were people who ridiculed Nehemiah's mission. There were naysayers who dissed the quality of his work. Enemies sent up threats to attack his efforts.

At every turn, Nehemiah consulted the Lord in prayer. His resolve to stay prayerful kept him from making mistakes. His connection to God maintained his strength and resolve to finish what had been placed on his heart.

Nehemiah's faith led him to do what would have seemed impossible. With his leadership, the group was able to rebuild the walls of the city of Jerusalem in fifty-two days.

What did God lay on your heart? What moved your spirit so much that you knew God was calling you to action? What 'wall' is waiting on your rebuilding touch?

Don't allow the haters, the detractors, or your enemies to keep you from completing what God has placed in your hands. Stay faithful to what you have been called to complete. You are in the midst of walking out a miracle. You can't give up!

Today, purpose in your heart to keep going. Stay prayed up, so you can finish the work. God gave you the project. Don't let it fall to the wayside.

Verse of the Day: So built we the wall; and all the wall was joined together unto the half thereof: for the people had a mind to work. Nehemiah 4:6

My Apologies

I have been missing.

I am sorry.

Originally, I was just going to be taking a break to complete my master's degree. I got it. (Hallelujah!) Then, I was taking a break to recover.

One week turned into two. Two weeks flipped into a month. Before I knew it, several months had passed, and I had not returned to writing.

It wasn't for a lack of desire. I love writing these posts. I enjoy praying and asking God what to share. I consider it a blessing to be able to use my gift to inspire, equip, and uplift the body of Christ.

Yet, I allowed complacency, laziness, and procrastination to steal these last few weeks from us. I apologize to you, and I have apologized to my Heavenly Father. I am so thankful for your words of encouragement and inquiries about the status of this blog. It meant so much to me to hear that you all missed your "Morning Ti". I pray you can forgive me. I ask you to keep me in your prayers moving forward.

Morning Ti, anyone?

See you in the morning!

Tiara

Afternoon Ti: Fortress of Solitude

I love to be alone. There's something about getting away from other people that helps me to focus. I am a natural thinker, and I like to go through my own process in making decisions or working through a problem. I'm not one to share a lot of what's going on with me. I just keep things to myself and only open up if I feel I really need to.

One of the biggest advantages to this method is that the only other major voice in my ear is the voice of the Lord. He's the only One who knows it all, so when I turn to Him, He's always ready with an answer. He hits right at the root of the issue, and then it's up to me to listen to His voice or choose otherwise. Where another person may bring in confusion or a suggestion that may or may not work. God's way is the best way 100% of the time.

There is a time and place for friendly advice, other people's wisdom, and collaboration with others. Yet, you can't pay too much attention to other people and what they think. When it comes down to it, you need to know what you think and what God thinks. Then you have to determine if those two beliefs are in line with each other. If not, yours is definitely the one that needs to be changed.

Today, take some time to get by yourself. Quiet the noise of those around you and focus in on the One voice that really matters. Allow the Lord to speak to you in your solitude and gain strength from His wisdom.

Verse of the Day: Thou wilt shew me the path of life: in thy presence is fullness of joy; at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore. Psalm 16:11

Day of Prayer

Today is the National Day of Prayer. It's the perfect time to practice prayer without ceasing! (1 Thessalonians 5:17)

Prayer is simply talking with God. Adam enjoyed face to face prayer when he was able to walk with God in the garden of Eden. Moses' every footstep was ordered by prayer when he led the Israelites in the wilderness. David stayed in a state of prayer and worship both in the fields watching sheep and in the palace. Daniel was willing to be fed to lions just because he wouldn't stop praying. Jesus used prayer to get God's instructions on what to do in His ministry. The apostles were in prayer when the Holy Spirit came.

What has prayer done for you? How have your prayers impacted your life?

Today, let's enjoy our time of prayer. Let's lay out our requests, listen for God's take on things, pray for someone else, and watch what God does!

Prayer is not a ritual, a habit, or something just to soothe our minds. Prayer works. Prayer is reaching out to the Lord and Him reaching back with His all-powerful hand.

Today is going to be an awesome day!

Verse of the Day: The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much. James 5:16b

Pray For Boston

Seeing the tragedy that occurred in Boston on yesterday, I am encouraging you to take a moment to pray for the individuals, the families, and the city that was affected. Even though we can thank God that more lives were not lost, there still are countless people who will be affected by this for the rest of their lives. Send up a prayer for them today.

Wednesday's Word: God's On It!

In the third year of the reign of King Cyrus of Persia, Daniel (also known as Belteshazzar) had another vision. He understood that the vision concerned events certain to happen in the future—times of war and great hardship.


When this vision came to me, I, Daniel, had been in mourning for three whole weeks. All that time I had eaten no rich food. No meat or wine crossed my lips, and I used no fragrant lotions until those three weeks had passed.

On April 23, as I was standing on the bank of the great Tigris River, I looked up and saw a man dressed in linen clothing, with a belt of pure gold around his waist. His body looked like a precious gem. His face flashed like lightning, and his eyes flamed like torches. His arms and feet shone like polished bronze, and his voice roared like a vast multitude of people.

Only I, Daniel, saw this vision. The men with me saw nothing, but they were suddenly terrified and ran away to hide. So I was left there all alone to see this amazing vision. My strength left me, my face grew deathly pale, and I felt very weak. Then I heard the man speak, and when I heard the sound of his voice, I fainted and lay there with my face to the ground.

Just then a hand touched me and lifted me, still trembling, to my hands and knees. And the man said to me, “Daniel, you are very precious to God, so listen carefully to what I have to say to you. Stand up, for I have been sent to you.” When he said this to me, I stood up, still trembling.

Then he said, “Don’t be afraid, Daniel. Since the first day you began to pray for understanding and to humble yourself before your God, your request has been heard in heaven. I have come in answer to your prayer. But for twenty-one days the spirit prince of the kingdom of Persia blocked my way. Then Michael, one of the archangels, came to help me, and I left him there with the spirit prince of the kingdom of Persia. Now I am here to explain what will happen to your people in the future, for this vision concerns a time yet to come.” Daniel 10:1-14 (NLT)

Right now you may be standing in prayer, seeking God's face, fasting, and searching for God's answer for you. Time may have passed, and you may feel like God has not heard you or that God doesn't care. It may seem like your answer will never come, and you may be thinking of giving up.

Don't lose hope!

Just as He heard Daniel's first prayer, the Lord has heard your prayer as well. Your answer is on it's way! God has you in mind. You are precious to Him, and He loves you. The Lord will not leave you hanging.

Continue to trust in the Lord, and He will prove Himself faithful to you.

Going Through The Storm

Sometimes you can see a storm coming. You look at what is coming down the line, and you see the obstacles in your path. You feel the winds change. You see the dark clouds start to gather. And often we know we have to walk through the storm to get to the other side. We can't avoid it. We can't escape it.

Going through the storm strong requires full reliance on the Lord. We have to put away fear and trust that God has our best interests in mind.

When facing His greatest challenge, Jesus knew He had to walk through it. Even though He prayed for the Father to take the situation away, Jesus knew that He could only reach His ultimate goal by going through. (Luke 22:42)

So, Jesus prayed. He put His full being into communicating with the Lord. As He prayed, He received strength from heaven. (Luke 22:43) And when He got up, He was able to face His greatest challenge head-on. And He went on to win.

What storm clouds are gathering in your life? What obstacle is standing waiting up ahead for you?

Don't give in to fear. Don't look at the problem. Look to the Lord who is your help!

Continue in prayer. Communicate with the One who holds this entire world in His hands. Allow heaven to strengthen you in what you're about to face. You can do all things through Christ who strengthens you! (Philippians 4:13) And that means you can make it through the storm.

Verse of the Day: But the time is coming—indeed it’s here now—when you will be scattered, each one going his own way, leaving me alone. Yet I am not alone because the Father is with me. 33 I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world. John 16:32, 33

Getting Up

This morning it was hard for me to get up out the bed. I hate it when I wake up and still feel tired. So I laid there. I laid there and thought about all the things I have to complete today. My mind started whizzing, and I wanted to go back further under my covers.

I took a break from analyzing my upcoming day and took a moment to pray. I prayed about my day. I prayed for strength. I prayed for the Lord's help.

And then I got up.

What's facing you today? What is piling up on your plate already and making your head spin? What is trying to keep you from moving forward?

Take a moment to pray. Ask the Lord for strength. Ask the Lord for help. And then get up and keep moving.

God is always there for you. He will lead you, guide you, strengthen and keep you. You're not facing anything alone. You don't have to do it all on your own. The Lord is there, ready and willing to help you. Whether your problems seem great or small, God wants to help carry you through it all.

Allow Him to keep you on today.

Verse of the Day: God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Psalm 46:1

All You Need

This morning I got frustrated. I mean really frustrated. I could feel the tension building up in my shoulders and I felt my mood turning darker.

I caught myself and said a prayer. I laid everything on the altar, gave my frustrations over to the Lord, asked Him to fight my battle - and left it all there with Him.

I could feel the weight lift and my emotions calm down. The Lord gave me peace, and I was able to move on with my day. I'm so glad we have the blessing of prayer!

Something so simple as having an honest, open conversation with the Lord can change so much! Trusting Him to be Who He has said He is can make all the difference. He has told us in His Word that He is our source of peace, joy, comfort, strength, and love. When we find ourselves in need of those things, we should have the faith to come to the Lord and receive those gifts from Him.

Far too often we turn to other people, food, shopping, other vices, the internet, or anything else we can find for the comfort we seek. God has already told us the foolproof way to get what we need! All we have to do is turn to Him with open hearts in complete surrender.

God will not berate us. He won't ignore us. He won't leave us hanging. He will fill us up with all that we need. He will embrace us with His love.

Today, when you find yourself in need, turn to the One Who can completely satisfy all your needs. Allow the Lord to be your Everything.

Verse of the Day: And the LORD shall guide thee continually, and satisfy thy soul in drought, and make fat thy bones: and thou shalt be like a watered garden, and like a spring of water, whose waters fail not. Isaiah 58:11

Give God the Floor to Speak to You

We are a week and a half into this new year, and I pray that you are basking in new blessings to go along with it!

This week I've started my annual consecration and fasting time. I make it a practice every January to fast, pray, and seek the Lord about the upcoming year. I have found it to really help me to cleanse my mind, body, and focus my spirit to what God has for me.

I would like to encourage you to take some time to God before the Lord as well. Take some serious time to sit down with the Lord and really hear what He would like to share with you. Use this time to listen. You may have your requests, issues, and concerns - and God knows that. But take some extra time just to hear from Him.

When we quiet down ourselves, turn off or own dialogue, and get still before God, He is free to unleash His all-knowing wisdom on us. He is able to share with us His secrets, His desires, and His insights. God is just waiting for us to get before Him and allow Him the floor to speak to us.

So, today find some quiet time. Get still before God and let Him speak to you. Let Him share with you His plans for your life. Let Him reveal the next steps He wants you to take on your journey.

He may not address your current issues, requests, or even your desires... But, you can trust that whatever the Lord reveals to you now is far more important than anything you may have on your agenda.

Verse of the Day: Call unto me, and I will answer thee, and shew thee great and mighty things, which thou knowest not. Jeremiah 33:3

Prayers Going Up Today

First of all, let me apologize for the spotty posts last week. I was fighting an illness, and I missed some days as a result. Thankfully, I am back, healed and whole, and I'm ready to go full steam ahead!

Today, my heart is carrying the families and loved ones who were affected by the senseless violence that occurred at Sandy Hook Elementary School last week. I cannot even imagine what their hearts are going through. Only God has all the answers and can piece it all together, and I am trusting Him to heal those who are brokenhearted and suffering loss.

I want to encourage you to pray for our country today. Like our president said last night, we are seeing too many of these mass shootings and something needs to be done. We need to pray for wise leadership who will enact and enforce the right legislation. We need to intercede for those who are struggling with mental health issues and those that are caring for them. We need to pray for our parents who are trying to raise children at such times as these.

Lift up our country. Pray for God's protection and love. Pray for your family and loved ones. Cover them with the blood of Jesus and commission angels to their care.

Pay attention to the leading of the Holy Spirit. He is our Guide and Comforter. We have to be sensitive to His leading as He knows all things.

Don't take this life for granted. No matter how old or young, none of us is promised tomorrow. Life is too short to hold a grudge, not apologize, or to hold ill will for anyone.

As you pray today, ask God to give you a heart like his own, one that will reach out to others in love no matter what the circumstance.

Verse of the Day: But Jesus said, Suffer little children, and forbid them not, to come unto me: for of such is the kingdom of heaven. Matthew 19:14

Get God's Instructions First

In walking with the Lord, it is always important to keep our ears tuned to hear His voice and instructions for our journey. He has blessed us with the ability to come straight to His throne with any question, problem, or conversation we want. And He responds to us with His wisdom! We should take advantage of our privilege.

Too often, though, we take it upon ourselves to make decisions arbitrarily. We go through our own decision-making process without seeking the Lord's infinite wisdom. Many times our decisions lead us down the wrong roads.

When armies came to attack Judah, Jehoshaphat went into fasting and prayer with the nation. He chose to seek God's wisdom before making a move. God instructed Jehoshaphat to stand still. As Judah lifted up songs of praise, God Himself sent forth armies to fight for Judah that killed every single one of their enemies. (2 Chronicles 20)

What might have happened if Jehoshaphat decided on his own to go out and fight? What if he had chosen instead to surrender? Yet, the king saw the miraculous power of God on display just because he chose to stop and ask God what to do.

Today, make the choice to stop and ask God what to do. When you come up to a decision, don't go into your normal routine of rationalizing, strategizing, or planning on your own. Take a moment to consult the Lord.

You just may see some of God's miraculous moves take place in your life.

Verse of the Day: Thus saith the LORD unto you, Be not afraid nor dismayed by reason of this great multitude; for the battle is not yours, but God's. 2 Chronicles 20:15b