Resting, waiting, expecting.

I have recently returned from my second trip to Israel. God is so amazing and show me love and favor beyond what I deserve. The number one question that people have been asking is, "Did you have fun." Well, the honest answer is that I did not have "fun". God called me to walk in an area of obedience and be his hands and feet. I was GREATLY BLESSED for this obedience, but would not categorize the experience as fun. Being a desciple is not always about enjoyment and satisfaction, in fact it is usually the opposite. Joy comes from just being in the center of His will and that is enough. God gave me some new and fresh words in Israel and just to hear His voice is worth all the sacrifice-no matter where I am.
He is God over all, reigning supreme, in total control. So Why do we fear the economy, elections and things of this world. He will shake things up but as long as you are not the man who built his house on the sand you won't be moved by the tremors.
Holy spirit pour out a FRESH FIRE upon us. Once again wake up the sleepers and bring a new revelation to those who have forgotten--YOU ARE STILL GOD!

Trust

The source of greatest stress for most of us is being disappointed by others. We want to be able to put our trust in those we love and care about. By trusting people we are misplacing our trust and placing an undue burden on the other party to fullfull our expectations. Only God can be trusted and never fails. Instead we should put them in the Father's hands and trust Him. Only our Father can meet and exceed our expectations EVERY time. So teach me to trust you more and not others. Let me be a person that is steady and dependent upon you to be who you want me to be--even if that's not what everyone else expects. Most of all help me to meet your expectations, Abba. May your kingdom come in my life today and forever.

What do you want me to do, say, be? Lead me--I'll move.

Amputation.

As you walk the narrow way there will definately come a time when you are faced with the a choice. Are you going to compromise God's principles in your life or will you stand firm on His promises even in the face of incredible pressure. Sometimes you have to cut off people and habits in order to keep yourself from temptation. "But if anyone causes one of these little ones who believe in me to sin, it would be better for him to have a large millstone hung around his neck and to be drowned in the depths of the sea." Matt. 18:6 My Pastor gave a wonderful analogy using the story of the hiker who amputated his arm. He didn't want to live without his arm but it was necessary for his survival. If only we felt that way about obedience--like our lives depended on it. Abba, show me what areas of my life need to be amputated. Give me the courage to let go of those areas. I love you--May your kingdom come on earth and in my life. May your perfect will come swiftly like a rushing wind. May the bowls in your throneroom overflow with my petitions and may they accelerate your purposes on earth. Complete that which you have started. May no act of disobedience from me stand between you and your perfect plan.

Narrow the gate.

Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it." Matthew 7:13-14 I pray that you will seek the Lord so that you know for certain that you are on the Lord's road to righteousness and holy living. That road is narrow as the Lord teaches us, but the wide road is headed the wrong way. When someone is on the wrong road, the Lord is going to be calling their name and giving them His hand to pull them back to the main road over and over again. "Turn to me and have mercy on me, as you always do to those who love your name. Direct my footsteps according to your word; let no sin rule over me." Psalm 119:132-133 You and I have a choice every day, every hour and every minute, if we choose to pick up our cross and follow our Lord Jesus Christ which means going through the gate of true repentance and denying ourselves to follow God's ways. Keep your eyes on the Lord. Ask Him questions. Remember, God does speak to His children! Are you on the right road today or do you need to turn around and get off that detour road? "I have kept my feet from every evil path so that I might obey your word. I have not departed from your laws, for you yourself have taught me. How sweet are your words to my taste, sweeter than honey to my mouth! I gain understanding from your precepts; therefore I hate every wrong path. Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path." Psalm 119:101-105
Guard your heart, your ears and eyes. Guard your heart so that it may be pure and holy. Guard your actions and thoughts so that they may be found pleasing to the Lord.