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Surrounded

Numbers 6:24-26 (AMP) The Lord bless you, and keep you [protect you, sustain you, and guard you]; The Lord make His face shine upon you [with favor], and be gracious to you [surrounding you with lovingkindness]; The Lord lift up His countenance (face) upon you [with divine approval], and give you peace [a tranquil heart and life].’

Yesterday started off pretty rough. I am not going to go into all of the details of it. Just know it was getting my stress level up. Then I had my emotions get in a mess with a statement my husband made. My biggest stressor was getting tickets to see our youngest son play in the game this week.

The tickets for our home games go on sale the week of the game. This week’s game is on Thursday, but the tickets were not going on sale until Tuesday because Monday was a holiday. The tickets were not going to be released until noon. We live in the south, in central Alabama. We do not have professional sports here. We have college sports and high school sports. Football being the biggest fan base. Our youngest has been playing full tackle since he was five and this is his senior year. This game is the biggest rivalry game in our city. It is the 100th game for Opelika verses Auburn. This is usually a sold-out game. Being a stay-at-home mom, you might say, then just get there early and get in line.

Tuesday’s we also have Corporate Prayer. The only time I miss is I am out of town, then I ask someone else to open up the building so it can still happen. I believe the church should not just gather for teaching, but for community and for prayer. Prayer starts at eleven in the morning, and we usually wrap up around noon, giving time for the Word to come forth and not rushing out. It is very important that when we pray, we also listen.

Ephesians 2:22 (AMP) In Him [and in fellowship with one another] you also are being built together into a dwelling place of God in the Spirit.

Before going into prayer, I handled the business side of things, so my mind would be clear. Then I settled things that were going on with my husband. If you have an offense or in strife with someone, settle it. The Bible talks about before you bring an offering to the altar, and you have offense or know of someone with an offense to you, make it right before presenting your offering. We can nurture an offense and hold onto things that will result in interfering with our relationship with God. All of these are from the teaching of Jesus in the first five chapters of Matthew. I just read those chapters this week, and would you know it I would be tested in it.

Matthew 6:33 (AMP) But first and most importantly seek (aim at, strive after) His kingdom and His righteousness [His way of doing and being right—the attitude and character of God], and all these things will be given to you also.

We had a great time in prayer. We encouraged each other in the Word, then it was time to make my way to buy tickets. I checked the parent football messaging board, and they said the line was around the building. On the way there I am praying, “God, You know that seeing his son play is a big deal to his father. You said that if I put you first that You would take care of everything else. I did not cancel prayer to get in line for tickets, I put You first. I do not know how, but You will give me favor.” I get there at ten minutes after twelve and the sign on the door says, “SOLD OUT.” I am upset and just praying for the one ticket for my husband. I am thinking about putting my plea on the messaging board. I type it out and another message pops up deleting mine before I can send. I am just going to run in and ask for advice. They advised that they reserve some tickets to sell at field on game day at five thirty. I am disappointed, my face shows it. I tell them I have a senior playing. One employee calls me to the side, she has a booklet of tickets in hand, pulls out two. She says, “I see you mama, you can buy two of mine.” Right then it was if God said, “I see your faithfulness.” I gave her my gratitude, but He is getting the praise. He is getting the glory. He is good. He surrounds us with loving kindness. He even cares about the little things like football tickets.

Jehovah, our Father, You are so Wonderful. You are Holy. Thank You for Your Son, the One who brought us into adoptions to be Your sons and daughters. Thank You for Your Holy Spirit, our Teacher and Comforter. Thank You for Your Word, so that we may know You more. We repent for the times we have placed ourselves before You. The god of ‘self’ has to be dethroned. We choose to surrender our thoughts and our ways to You. Thank You for the grace to grow in letting go of offenses and not living in anger. The most precious relationship we have is with You. Thank You for caring about even the little things. You deserve all of the Honor and all of the Praise. In Your Presence is fullness of Joy. We choose forgiveness today. We choose love today. We choose hope today. We choose joy today. In Jesus Name, Amen.

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Faithful (Loved) or Lazy (Selfish)

Matthew 25:21 (AMP) His master said to him, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant. You have been faithful and trustworthy over a little, I will put you in charge of many things; share in the joy of your master.’

This is one of my daily prayers: ‘Lord, let me be a good steward today with everything that you have placed in my hands.’ I want to honor God with everything that I do and say. Most of that has to do with the value I put on the people and things that are presented before me. Do I love them more or less than God? I have to love God more. One of the things I have learned is that we have misunderstood what the love of God means, and we become selfish. One such story of not understanding the love of God is found in the parable of the talents. The man that received the one talent in this parable buried it.

Matthew 25:24-25 (AMP) “The one who had received one talent also came forward, saying, ‘Master, I knew you to be a harsh and demanding man, reaping [the harvest] where you did not sow and gathering where you did not scatter seed. So I was afraid [to lose the talent], and I went and hid your talent in the ground. See, you have what is your own.’

From what we know about Jesus, does this match His nature? Did this servant know the true heart of who He was serving? Would the Master have put it in the servant’s care if He did not trust him?

Matthew 25:26-30 (AMP) “But his master answered him, ‘You wicked, lazy servant, you knew that I reap [the harvest] where I did not sow and gather where I did not scatter seed. Then you ought to have put my money with the bankers, and at my return I would have received my money back with interest. So take the talent away from him, and give it to the one who has the ten talents.’ “For to everyone who has [and values his blessings and gifts from God, and has used them wisely], more will be given, and [he will be richly supplied so that] he will have an abundance; but from the one who does not have [because he has ignored or disregarded his blessings and gifts from God], even what he does have will be taken away. And throw out the worthless servant into the outer darkness; in that place [of grief and torment] there will be weeping [over sorrow and pain] and grinding of teeth [over distress and anger].

There were two responses:1) “You were faithful.” 2) “You were lazy.” The Greek word for lazy is okneros, defined as to delay, slow, tardy, slothful, lazy. Another terminology defines it as, “pertaining to shrinking from or hesitating to engage in something worthwhile, possibly implying lack of ambition.” Rick Renner says about okneros, “It carries the idea of a person who has a do-nothing, lethargic, lackadaisical, apathetic, indifferent, lukewarm attitude toward life.” It is hard to be faithful when you do not know your worth. This is why it is so important that we seek God as our vital necessity. This is cultivating a relationship with Him.

Did the third servant lack anything to perform the way the others did? Their strong hold was their mind. Love is a powerful force. When you know who you are in Christ there is no holding you back from seeing your talents and gifts as valuable to what they were given to you for. You will start seeking out ways to glorify Him through them. Keeping your focus on Him and not them.

2 Peter 1:3 (AMP) For His divine power has bestowed on us [absolutely] everything necessary for [a dynamic spiritual] life and godliness, through true and personal knowledge of Him who called us by His own glory and excellence. 

Ephesians 6:10 (AMP) In conclusion, be strong in the Lord [draw your strength from Him and be empowered through your union with Him] and in the power of His [boundless] might. 

Ephesians 6:10 (TPT): “Now my beloved ones, I have saved these most important truths for last. Be supernaturally infused with strength through your life-union with the Lord Jesus. Stand victorious with the force of explosive power flowing in and through you.”

This word “strong” is an explosive power that has been deposited within us as a vessel. God is the giver, and we are the receptacles into which this power is deposited.

Ephesians 1:19 (AMP) and [so that you will begin to know] what the immeasurable and unlimited and surpassing greatness of His [active, spiritual] power is in us who believe. 

This is real power. A demonstrated power that raised Jesus from the dead that now lives in you. Here is the best part, it is backed by His might. It is backed by His strong hand, like He is the body builder with the great big muscles backing us up. This makes me feel wrapped in His love even more. One last thing. This will put a balance check in our why. We are backed by His power. We can do and still have pride, which will totally make it wrong. My stewardship has nothing to do with me and all to do with Him.

Philippians 2:3 (AMP) Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit [through factional motives, or strife], but with [an attitude of] humility [being neither arrogant nor self-righteous], regard others as more important than yourselves.

I am deeply loved, but so are you. My gift and talent are not more important than anyone else’s. Actually, it is not mine; it is His, it was given to me to manage. I want to steward well and that means I also must love well. Good and faithful has to do with how I value what He values. The most precious gift that He gave me is my salvation, my new life in Christ. Which means I am now a minister of reconciliation (2Corinthains 5:18). My gifts and talents were meant for this ministry (ministry of reconciliation), not “MY MINISTRY”. When selfishness sets in, we have become like the person with one talent and buried it. We have buried it in self.

I know the title of this blog will get a lot of passes, but if you read through, I pray you hear my heart. I want you to be in freedom and understand the dynamic love Christ has for you. It is through that love that we have been given everything needed for this dynamic spiritual life in Christ. When we surrender to that freedom, we live bigger lives than we could have ever dreamed of for ourselves (Ephesians 3:20). It is all for His glory. I want to hear “well done good and faithful servant.”

Adonai, our Jehovah, our Rock, You are Marvelous and Wonderful. Your Glory is what we seek. Thank you for Your Son, to be our Salvation. Thank You for the Holy Spirit to be our Teacher. Thank You for Your Word to be the Light in our lives. We repent for making decisions on our talents and gifts based on how we feel or how we want to be seen. All of it is for You and should be done with You. Jesus came so that we can have a dynamic spiritual life, and that takes surrender. We choose a life of surrender. We choose faithfulness instead of laziness. We choose to give of ourselves freely instead of holding onto what cannot last forever. You are our eternity. You are our mighty fortress. You are our strength. You are Holy. We are deeply loved by You. Let all that You put in our path be for Your glory. Let us be good stewards with whatever we have been given today. We choose peace today. We choose joy today. We choose hope today. We choose forgiveness today. We choose love today. In Jesus Name, Amen.

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Without a Doubt

Matthew 7:7-8 (AMP) Ask and keep on asking and it will be given to you; seek and keep on seeking and you will find; knock and keep on knocking and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who keeps on asking receives, and he who keeps on seeking finds, and to him who keeps on knocking, it will be opened.

My husband and I have been in a series called Relational Maintenance for the past year it seems. We minister together, not that I asked to, it is because with topics like this I would bring something to add. This Sunday I added a perspective of Job and how the vocabulary of our minds will influence our expectations. Job was a righteous man. “Consider my servant Job,” is what we are reminded of as to why he was chosen for this test. Another comes to mind, “For the thing which I greatly fear comes upon me, and that of which I am afraid has come upon me (Job 3:25).” What had Job feared? We can see that in Job 1:5, “When the days of their feasting were over, Job would send [for them] and consecrate them, rising early in the morning and offering burnt offerings according to the number of them all; for Job said, “It may be that my sons have sinned and cursed God in their hearts.” Job did this at all [such] times.”

Psalms 111:10 (AMP) The [reverent] fear of the Lord is the beginning (the prerequisite, the absolute essential, the alphabet) of wisdom; a good understanding and a teachable heart are possessed by all those who do the will of the Lord; His praise endures forever.

What are you seeking God for? What is your expectation when you come into the community of your church? I have been praying Colossians 1: 9-10 over my church: “I do not cease to pray for Connect Church and to ask that they may be filled with the knowledge of His will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding; that they may walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, pleasing to all, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God (MEV).” This is the same prayer I have for my children. I want them to have health, a family of their own and a happy life, but none of that compares to their relationship with Christ. Wisdom is far more precious than any wordly experience they can have. Why grasp for anything that is not centered on Christ? Wisdom is not just smarts or head knowledge. Christ was full of compassion, mercy and loving kindness and was known for His wisdom. They even called Him great teacher.

Philippians 2:5-11 (AMP) Do not merely look out for your own personal interests, but also for the interests of others. Have this same attitude in yourselves which was in Christ Jesus [look to Him as your example in selfless humility], who, although He existed in the form and unchanging essence of God [as One with Him, possessing the fullness of all the divine attributes—the entire nature of deity], did not regard equality with God a thing to be grasped or asserted [as if He did not already possess it, or was afraid of losing it]; but emptied Himself [without renouncing or diminishing His deity, but only temporarily giving up the outward expression of divine equality and His rightful dignity] by assuming the form of a bond-servant, and being made in the likeness of men [He became completely human but was without sin, being fully God and fully man]. After He was found in [terms of His] outward appearance as a man [for a divinely-appointed time], He humbled Himself [still further] by becoming obedient [to the Father] to the point of death, even death on a cross. For this reason also [because He obeyed and so completely humbled Himself], God has highly exalted Him and bestowed on Him the name which is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee shall bow [in submission], of those who are in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and that every tongue will confess and openly acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord (sovereign God), to the glory of God the Father.

Job made it all about his kids. We can do the same. We can go to the Father and make it all about what we would like for our lives to be like. Jesus did not model this. So why are we modeling that in our churches and in our families? We should be known for our generosity to the world. We have in an inheritance through Christ and we should be grateful and full of gratitude. Solomon was given the task of ruling all of Israel. Solomon prayed for wisdom (1 Kings 3), this pleased God because he did not ask for a long life, wealth or to conquer over his enemies. God heard his prayer giving him wisdom, but also wealth and honor. Kind of like what Jesus tells us in Matthew 6:33, “But first and most importantly seek (aim at, strive after) His kingdom and His righteousness [His way of doing and being right—the attitude and character of God], and all these things will be given to you also.” God’s character did not change, our empowerment did with the Holy Spirit.

James 1:5-6 (AMP) If any of you lacks wisdom [to guide him through a decision or circumstance], he is to ask of [our benevolent] God, who gives to everyone generously and without rebuke or blame, and it will be given to him. But he must ask [for wisdom] in faith, without doubting [God’s willingness to help], for the one who doubts is like a billowing surge of the sea that is blown about and tossed by the wind.

It was a faith issue with Job. He did not make the list of the great men and women of faith as listed in Hebrews 11. You can tell that by what he feared and how he tried to compensate for that fear. My children attended public school. Why do I know that was a good choice for them? It goes according to the mission we set as a family. They are not of this world, but that does not mean they need to be taken out o f it. We are called to go into all the world and to spread the gospel. Our mission field is our community. They have served in the community that they are planted into (we have to model and teach empathy). Jesus came to serve. We are not better than anyone, and we want to see the best for others. We are not self seeking, so it is not about us grasping for success. God is our fortress, not our brick and mortar home. God is their protector, not mom and dad. They have the mind of Christ and are filled with the same spirit that raised Christ from the dead. They dwell in the shelter of the Most High and they are secure in Him (not in man). Even if they walk in the valley of the shadow of death, they shall not fear (and neither shall I), for they are protected by the Great Shepherd and they have the wisdom to listen to His guidance. My husband and I have been charged to train them in the way they should go, and that is to Christ. I cannot manipulate God to protect my family. I have to surrender them to Him. I have to live surrendered too. My identity is not found in my husband and kids, it is found in Christ. Who would I be without them? I would still be His. I cannot doubt God. He cannot lie.

God, our Father, our Shield and our Banner, we want to glorify You today with every thing that is within us, including our thoughts. Thank You for Your Son, who paid the price for our freedom. Thank You for the Holy Spirit, who is our Counselor and Teacher. Thank You for being our High Tower, for being our Peace and for Your Mercy and Loving Kindness. We repent for doubting Your Goodness and Grace by keeping control of areas of our lives. We repent for not being enveloped in the fullness of Your Love, by allowing fear to rule our minds. We surrender everything back into Your will. You are the Great Shepherd. Lord, we pray for wisdom. Wisdom in raising our families, wisdom is making good financial choices, wisdom in how to lead well in our community. We do not take the task of the Great Commission lightly, and we repent for limiting the spectrum of influence that You have mapped out for our mission. We choose to forgive anyone that has made a stumbling block in our lives to fulfill what You have called us to, the ministry of reconciliation. We repent for taking any bait of offense and allowing roots of bitterness to be planted. We choose love today. We choose hope today. We choose forgiveness today. We choose joy today. In Jesus Name, Amen.

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Strength to their minds, to their bones and to their resolve

Proverbs 3:7-8 (AMP) Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear the Lord [with reverent awe and obedience] and turn [entirely] away from evil. It will be health to your body [your marrow, your nerves, your sinews, your muscles—all your inner parts] and refreshment (physical well-being) to your bones.

“Strength to their minds, to their bones and to their resolve” is what I was praying over our church yesterday. The word I looked up at the end was “strength”. Then I remembered Proverbs 3:8. My children are athletes. They will come home bruised and/or sore from that days practice. Often the soreness lasts through the weekend. Praying Proverbs 3:8 has become something I do daily. However, I cannot be so selfish in my prayers that I do not focus on the precept that God laid out. It is not me who makes things happen. My prayers are no more special than any one else. It is all about our reverent awe and obedience to the Lord. I can now stand on the promise that our muscles, our bones and our full bodies will be healthy.

I stand on that promise for other’s as well. I have especially been praying that promise over a precious woman of the Lord that I love dearly. A few months ago she had a procedure done and has been using a walker. I have noticed that she now has an attendant with her to drive her, to help her through doors and other needs she has. Yet I stand on the promise. I know she is a woman of faith and loves the Lord dearly. She is obedient and has the resolve to continue with her calling in the Kingdom. She has not stopped.

Psalms 118:14 (AMP) The Lord is my strength and song, and He has become my salvation.

Psalms 28:7 (AMP) The Lord is my strength and my [impenetrable] shield; my heart trusts [with unwavering confidence] in Him, and I am helped; therefore my heart greatly rejoices, and with my song I shall thank Him and praise Him.

David understood that the Lord is his strength. David knew God on an intimate level because revered and honored Him. David was in awe of God. He wanted God’s Presence. He was willing to look foolish to man in order to bring His Ark of the Covenant back to Jerusalem. Did he make a mistake the first go round? Yes he did. That did not stop his resolve.

Proverbs 3:1-6 (AMP) My son, do not forget my teaching, but let your heart keep my commandments; for length of days and years of life [worth living] and tranquility and prosperity [the wholeness of life’s blessings] they will add to you. Do not let mercy and kindness and truth leave you [instead let these qualities define you]; bind them [securely] around your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart. So find favor and high esteem in the sight of God and man. Trust in and rely confidently on the Lord with all your heart and do not rely on your own insight or understanding. In all your ways know and acknowledge and recognize Him, and He will make your paths straight and smooth [removing obstacles that block your way].

Proverbs 3 is one of my favorites. Why? I believe it holds quite a few keys to my prayer yesterday. Strength of the mind has to do with if we have surrendered it or not. Whether I am going to have mercy, kindness and stand on the truth is going to start in the privacy of my mind. My trust is the Lord begins on how I think about Him. The Word tells us not to rely on our own insight and understanding. That is why I am quick to check it against the Word: Finally, believers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable and worthy of respect, whatever is right and confirmed by God’s word, whatever is pure and wholesome, whatever is lovely and brings peace, whatever is admirable and of good repute; if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think continually on these things [center your mind on them, and implant them in your heart]. (Philippians 4:8)

We have already gone through verses 7-8 about strength to our bones. What about the resolve (determination) that I prayed about? David’s resolve was to have His Presence. Our resolve should be the same. I have found that through the avenue of faith and honor (obedience) we can stay on track with that resolve.

Proverbs 3:9-17 (AMP) Honor the Lord with your wealth and with the first fruits of all your crops (income); then your barns will be abundantly filled and your vats will overflow with new wine. My son, do not reject or take lightly the discipline of the Lord [learn from your mistakes and the testing that comes from His correction through discipline]; nor despise His rebuke, for those whom the Lord loves He corrects, even as a father corrects the son in whom he delights. Happy [blessed, considered fortunate, to be admired] is the man who finds [skillful and godly] wisdom, and the man who gains understanding and insight [learning from God’s word and life’s experiences], for wisdom’s profit is better than the profit of silver, and her gain is better than fine gold. She is more precious than rubies; and nothing you can wish for compares with her [in value]. Long life is in her right hand; in her left hand are riches and honor. Her ways are highways of pleasantness and favor, and all her paths are peace.

Yikes the first thing was about our money. When we get into the understanding that we are honoring God with our first, then our resolve will be aligned with His. Discipline is another thing we do not like. Especially in a culture today that tells us to do what makes us happy. We do not even like to be corrected from the Word. We will find a church that will not talk about such things as repentance. I would rather be challenged by the Word than live a life in darkness. Peace is a promise with this kind of resolve. How many of us would like peace in our lives? It takes faith to honor God is such a manner.

I have included the rest of this Proverb at the end of the blog. If you desire to read more I encourage you to take a look. It is quite insightful.

This is my continual prayer for my church and for the entire body of Christ: That the Lord is your strength and He brings strength to your mind, to your bodies and to your resolve to follow after Him.

Lord, we are in awe of You. You are Marvelous and Holy. We do not need anything other than You. Thank You for sending Your Son to be our Yeshua, our Rescue, our Savior and our Deliverer. Thank You for the gift of the Holy Spirit. The same power that raised Christ from the dead not dwells in us. The Holy Spirit gives us wisdom and knowledge of Your Word. Thank You for the gift of Your Word. Passages like Proverbs 3 are dear to us. Your whole Word is full of Your Love. We choose to honor You through applying the precepts of Your Word. We repent for not trusting You at Your Word. We repent for picking and choosing what parts of Your Word we thought did not apply to our lives. We repent for our lack of understanding of how precious it all is. Thank You for the banquet of Your Word. Let it full us up. Thank You for the opportunities to carry our the precepts so that we can glorify Your Name. Thank You that You are our Strength. You are the strength to our minds. You are our strength to our bones and to the fullness that You can only bring. You are the strength to our resolve to honor and trust You. Your Presence is all we need. We choose love today. We choose forgiveness today. We choose hope today. We choose joy today. In Jesus Name, Amen.

Proverbs 3:18-35 (AMP) She is a tree of life to those who take hold of her, and happy [blessed, considered fortunate, to be admired] is everyone who holds her tightly. The Lord by His wisdom has founded the earth; by His understanding He has established the heavens. By His knowledge the deeps were broken up and the clouds drip with dew. My son, let them not escape from your sight, but keep sound wisdom and discretion, and they will be life to your soul (your inner self) and a gracious adornment to your neck (your outer self). Then you will walk on your way [of life] securely and your foot will not stumble. When you lie down, you will not be afraid; when you lie down, your sleep will be sweet. Do not be afraid of sudden fear nor of the storm of the wicked when it comes [since you will be blameless]; for the Lord will be your confidence, firm and strong, and will keep your foot from being caught [in a trap]. Do not withhold good from those to whom it is due [its rightful recipients], when it is in your power to do it. Do not say to your neighbor, “Go, and come back, and tomorrow I will give it,”
when you have it with you. Do not devise evil against your neighbor, who lives securely beside you. Do not quarrel with a man without cause, if he has done you no harm. Do not envy a man of violence and do not choose any of his ways. For the devious are repulsive to the Lord; but His private counsel is with the upright [those with spiritual integrity and moral courage]. The curse of the Lord is on the house of the wicked, but He blesses the home of the just and righteous. Though He scoffs at the scoffers and scorns the scorners, yet He gives His grace [His undeserved favor] to the humble [those who give up self-importance]. The wise will inherit honor and glory, but dishonor and shame is conferred on fools.

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Glory and Honor

Isaiah 6:3 (AMP) “Holy, Holy, Holy is the Lord of hosts; the whole earth is filled with His glory.”

This was a vision of Isaiah as he is peering into the Heavenlies. He is gazing at the throne of God and sees the seraphim (angelic beings) standing all around Him singing. I do that in my prayer time as well. A song will come up within me and I will sing it to the Lord. Open the Eyes of My Heart was the song and I kept singing “to see You high and lifted up, shining in the light of Your Glory.” Then the words glory and honor were given to me.

When we are in prayer our Bibles should be near. I don’t know about you, but sometimes my mind will wonder during prayer. My Bible helps me stay on track. My Bible will also confirm the words given to me during my prayer time. If the rhema (revealed word) does not match the logos (Word of God as it is written), then I am thinking on the wrong things.

The first word I looked up was ‘Glory,’ and this verse came up. Then I went to look into the verses around it for context. “In the year that King Uzziah died I saw the Lord sitting on a throne, high and lifted up, and His train filled the temple (Isaiah 6:1 MEV).” My heart lept when I saw the words ‘high and lifted up,’ just as I had been singing moments before. Following shortly after was about His Glory. The whole earth is filled with His Glory. I am one of those that are about of this earth. My prayer every day is to have an opportunity to glorify His Name. This confirms that my heart cry is what I am created for.

Then I looked up ‘Honor.’ Honor is not something that He is looking for that just comes out of mouths. The Bible calls that ‘lip service’ (Isaiah 29:13). Honor is shown. When I refuse to do what His Word says, I am showing dishonor. When I refuse to go when He says go, I am showing dishonor. When I refuse to give when He says to give, I am showing dishonor. To be disobedient is to show dishonor. That is why the Bible tells children to obey their parents (Ephesians 6:1-2).

Proverbs 3:9-10 (AMP) Honor the Lord with your wealth and with the first fruits of all your crops (income); Then your barns will be abundantly filled and your vats will overflow with new wine.

There are rewards with Honor. Look all through the Bible. God is a rewarder of our faith and honor. What if your faith was linked to your honor? It takes faith to give God your first of your wealth. Without faith it is impossible to please God (Hebrews 11:6). Faith without the works of obedience is dead (James 2:26). You can claim to have faith and honor. In James 2:18 the author states to show me your faith without works (if you can), I will show you my faith by my works (by what I do). Honor is shown by what I do, the same with my faith.

Isaiah 6:8 (AMP) Then I heard the voice of the Lord, saying, “Whom shall I send, and who will go for Us?” Then I said, “Here am I. Send me!” 

When I realize that His Glory is a part of me because I am His created, then I have all I need to walk in faith and honor to Him. They should be flowing out of me just as His glory does. I am not to get the glory. When I honor Him with my actions, He gets the glory. When I have faith to move, He gets the glory.

Father, our Creator and Maker, we come before Your throne room. Your Glory fills the earth. Your Name is Holy. We were made in Your image. We desire to Glorify Your Name, to life up Your Name in this earth. Thank You for sending Your Son to pay the price for our sin, so that we may be restored to our glorious purpose. Thank You for the gift of the Holy Spirit so that Your logos Word may become Rhema Word. Thank You that with all of these gifts that we are full and abundant in life. We repent for not be obedient and showing your dishonor. We repent for not allowing the Word and Spirit to transform us. We repent for being in so much control that we did not realize that surrender was faith. We desire to honor you. We desire to be known as faith filled believers. We lay everything down and listen for Your “Go.” We repent for being dishonoring You by not going. We repent for being selfish and not loving others to see the best for them. You have given us everything we will ever need because we have sought Your Kingdom first. We choose forgiveness today. We choose hope today. We choose joy today. We choose love today. In Jesus Name, Amen.

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Celebrate People

My oldest, Ari, and I

Romans 15:2 (AMP) Let each one of us [make it a practice to] please his neighbor for his good, to build him up spiritually.

1 Thessalonians 5:11 (AMP) Therefore encourage and comfort one another and build up one another, just as you are doing.

Romans 1:11-12 (AMP) For I long to see you so that I may share with you some spiritual gift, to strengthen and establish you; that is, that we may be mutually encouraged and comforted by each other’s faith, both yours and mine.

We had a busy weekend at the Brogdon house. Our oldest son (my mother’s first born grandchild) graduated from high school. We spent the weekend celebrating him. We prepared the home to have family and friends over to celebrate. We put steaks and chicken on the grill. Friends came early and helped pitch in. It was a wonderful time. He felt so loved and is looking forward to going out into the world…because that is what we have been preparing him for.

There were some family that did not come. We did not leave our focus there. We cannot focus on those that do not show up, we have to appreciate the ones that do.

The same is true in all aspects of our lives. Some of you start a business and would love the support of your friends of family. They do not always show up for you the way that you hope. Appreciate the ones that do.

On the other hand, if you are one who struggles to show up for people, why? There are times that I do not feel like it, but I do not want to be known for not being there. I want to be someone that people can count on. I want to be a person that people look forward to coming around because they know that I will celebrate them. Honestly, I am one that avoids the people that want to put me down by comparing what others are doing. I will duck and hide, I will quickly walk the other way and I will even move in a hurry.

We recently have had someone in our lives that is constantly telling us about how much they enjoy attending this other service before they attend the afternoon service we have on Sundays. For the past three years we have been in transition and having to rebuild financially. The place we are able to meet in gave us an availability for us to have Sunday services at one thirty in the afternoon. Some really enjoy it. We have never discouraged anyone from watching or attending someone else’s church. We never imagined how much it would hurt to find out that loyalty and honor are not a part of culture anymore. How easy it is for others to tell you how much they are learning at so and so’s church. We tell them, good for them, but honestly it makes me want to hide.

Hebrews 11:24-25 (AMP)  Let us consider [thoughtfully] how we may encourage one another to love and to do good deeds, not forsaking our meeting together [as believers for worship and instruction], as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another; and all the more [faithfully] as you see the day [of Christ’s return] approaching.

I do not give myself permission to hide. My heart goes out to all those who fight the same battles that I do, and that are not longer in the five fold ministry. We know many who have left the assembly of a church and gone to online church due to just what I have described above. Online church was not meant to replace assembling together, it was meant to supplement when you could not (not choose not). It hurts to not be encouraged. So here is my encouragement for you today, learn to celebrate people. Learn to build people up. When you get in the middle of a life giving community, the ones that did not show up for you and the ones who try to tear you down with comparison, will not have the power to keep you from doing what God put you on earth to do.

God created us unique. God created us with a purpose. Jesus was accepted by everyone, so why should it surprise you that you are not. Celebrate each other and encourage each other. We are stronger together. Do not allow the discouragements to put you into hiding. You are called out to be a light. Why would He bring us the light for us to hide it? You are wonderfully and beautifully made. The glory of His being is within you. You are celebrated!

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Where does worry lead?

In the times we live in today it is easy to just spill out our opinions for the world to read. Is that not what blogging and social media was created for? It is easy to follow into the flow of judgement and dishonor. I am guilty of it myself. I try my best not to let it out on social platforms, but I can tell you I have to battle this stuff in my mind.

Pastor Steven Furtick posted late last night, “Father, we worship you in the moment. I declare dreams come alive in this moment, hope come alive in this moment. Do what only You can do, God. Resuscitate, revive, restore, move, heal, save, deliver. Spirit of God, have Your way in our lives. Have Your way in our situation. Nobody is greater than You. Amen.” As I read that this morning I had this unction to cast down the thought of disappointment of people and practice honoring them anyways.

Philippians 4:8 tells us, “Finally, believers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable and worthy of respect, whatever is right and confirmed by God’s word, whatever is pure and wholesome, whatever is lovely and brings peace, whatever is admirable and of good repute; if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think continually on these things [center your mind on them, and implant them in your heart].” (AMP)

That means that whatever I think, whatever I post, whatever I speak about should line up with this so that I can get that heart change. I do not want to dwell on the other stuff, because I do not want it to effect my heart. I do not need to dwell on when they did not show up, that does not mean I have to stop showing up for them. When I choose to honor, when I choose to see the value and virtue in others, I am glorifying my Father.

Philippians 4:4-7 (AMP) “Rejoice in the Lord always [delight, take pleasure in Him]; again I will say, rejoice! Let your gentle spirit [your graciousness, unselfishness, mercy, tolerance, and patience] be known to all people. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious or worried about anything, but in everything [every circumstance and situation] by prayer and petition with thanksgiving, continue to make your [specific] requests known to God. And the peace of God [that peace which reassures the heart, that peace] which transcends all understanding, [that peace which] stands guard over your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus [is yours].”

“Let your gently spirit be known to all people.” To be honest, most of the time I can admit that I do not fall into this category. That does not mean that I do not want to. I desire to be gentle. I desire not to worry so much, which I can say is the root of why I do not walk in grace, mercy, unselfishness, mercy, tolerance and patience at all times. There are times that they will flow out of me and I praise God in those moments, because that is reflecting a work in me. It shows that the Lord is near. That is where I desire to be, where the Lord is near. Worry is not there, peace is. Worry does not lead to honor.

Jesus even says in Matthew 6:25, “Therefore I tell you, stop being worried or anxious (perpetually uneasy, distracted) about your life….” Jesus goes on to talk about food and clothing,but how about relationships? Thoughts and rehearsals of conversations you have had? Events that you were not invited to? People who do not show up for you? This is all rooted in worry, which will ultimately distract us. I am done with being distracted! I want to be free of worry. Verse 27 Jesus says, “And who of you by worrying can add one hour to (the length of) his life?” This is what He does tell us to do, verse 33, “But first and most importantly seek (aim at, strive after) His kingdom and His righteousness [His way of doing and being right—the attitude and character of God], and all these things will be given to you also.”

Alright God, I hear what you are telling me today. Putting my focus back on you. Laying down the thoughts and worries of yesterday and the days to come. I am going to worship and praise moment by moment today. Worry brings distractions and I am tired of being distracted!

Praying for you all this week!! Be blessed!!!