Listen...It's For You!

I started my morning like every other day, spending time praying, reading my devotional & my Bible. I then go on to posting scriptures & thoughts on my Twitter account, typing up a message to email to a few people then rush to get ready for work.  

As I headed out the door, I had no idea how important the things I just finished reading would be for me. I sometimes think, “I'm good, I've got this whole, stress, worry, and fear thing under control. I've learned to seek the Lord daily and feel like nothing's going to shake me.” I know the truth of Jesus Christ for goodness sake. I carry it on my heart, in my mind & spirit.

But...the enemy is always lurking, waiting to hit a weakness. 

I walked right into my first obstacle the second I reached my car. There were two parking control guys standing at my oldest son's car. I asked, "Is there a problem?" "Yes, this car's registration is expired & we're towing it." I tried everything I could to talk them out of it. I was so frustrated, knowing my son was in Utah with my sister, didn't have any money to get the car out and he's the only one on the pink slip. His car didn't pass smog even though he paid all his fees; he hasn't been able to complete the registration. I was so upset, I started to cry. Then a few more things transpired to continue my down ward spiral. I cried on the way to work, just feeling overwhelmed. Once I reached the parking lot, I sat in my car and prayed. I knew the enemy was throwing everything at me, playing with my emotions & overwhelming me with so many things at once. 

As I prayed, Anthony called me and said, "Re-read the Devotional you just sent out to everyone this morning. It's perfect for what you’re facing." I opened the e-mail on my Blackberry and began soaking in each and every word. I always read it before I send it to everyone. What I didn't realize were those words were specifically for me! (Try saying, "I trust You, Jesus" in response to whatever happens to you.)  Don't get me wrong, I know when I read them that it's for my benefit first & foremost, but sometimes, I find myself thinking, "Oh, this will be perfect for so & so, they’re going through a really difficult time right now."

But the truth of the matter is, when the Lord sends words your way, you need to soak them in & apply them to everything you face during the day. It's not for someone else...it's for you. He's giving you guidance and direction, which enables you to be comforted when the enemy overwhelms you...attempting to send you into a tailspin. The Lord's words are there to grab hold of your instable, human emotions. He knows what's outside that front door waiting for you. He is arming you with His protection. He has already defeated the enemy. He is leading you to this same victory. Listen to what the Lord is telling you & just as Jesus replied to the enemy's lies, with God's written word, follow His example (Read Luke 4:1-13) For the enemy loses his power in the face of God's Truth.

Jesus answered, "It is written: 'Worship the Lord your God and serve him only.'
Luke 4:4

He replied, "I saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven. I have given you authority to trample on snakes & scorpions and to overcome all the power of the enemy; nothing will harm you."
Luke 10:18

"A man's steps are directed by the Lord. How then can anyone understand his own way."
Proverbs 20:24

"Many are the plans in a man's heart, but it is the Lord's purpose that prevails."
Proverbs 19:21

Do You Play The Blame Game?

It was the big day, I took my son to school early, visited with people for a few minutes, then headed home. He wasn't presenting until 10:30, and it was only 8:30, plenty of time to do a Bible study/devotional message and get back before the big presentation started. Time flew by, at 10:00, I noticed my hair had gone flat and frizzy from the early morning beach air. I decided to re-curl it (thinking I still had plenty of time.) We arrived at the school by 10:25, but...the door to my sons presentation room was shut. We were not allowed to go in!

The kids, blocking the closed door, informed us that they were running ahead of schedule and decided to send them in early. I was so angry! My son had been working on this business project for months. I didn't hide the fact that I was upset, (as the tears threatened to pour down my cheeks,) I stood at the door, face pressed close to the tiny glass window, watching my son, in his black suit, standing handsomely in front of the judges, calmly portraying confidence and poise, as he presented the groups closing remarks and answered several questions.

I wanted to bust through that door and dare those kids to try and stop me!

But I didn't, I just stood there, seething with anger and frustration, blaming the kids for allowing it to start early, as they singled out the boy, who was the master mind behind the sabotage to keep me out. His face was red, as he tried to explain what happened and why he let them go early.

LET THE BLAME GAME BEGIN!

Who's fault was it? Did it change the fact that I wasn't there to support my son? Did it change the fact that "I" chose to curl my hair instead of getting there 15 minutes early? G U L P...yes, there it was! As I blamed them and they blamed the boy, ultimately it came down to ME! My issues with being late to EVERYTHING! Yet another conviction in this area. But this one not only hurt me, but my son too.

In what area of your life are you playing the blame game? Is there something that keeps popping up over and over again, causing you to give excuses and get angry? Yes? Then it's time to stop pointing the finger...you're trapped in this deceptive game too. The important thing is to recognize that you're part of the problem (it's not always everyone else.) Once you realize you need help in a certain area, then begin to pray and ask the Lord for His help. Break the 'blame game' cycle and take responsibility for your actions, the Lord will guide you in truth as He helps you change.

Tend your vine, water the areas that need it, get rid of the heavy, dead branches that hold it back from growing.

Jonah 4:10 But the Lord said, "You have been concerned about this vine, though you did not tend it or make it grow. It sprang up overnight and died overnight."

Hosea 11:4 "I led them with cords of human kindness, with ties of love; I lifted the yoke from their neck and bent down to feed them."

Hosea 10:12 "Sow for yourselves righteousness, reap the fruit of unfailing love and break up your unplowed ground; for it is time to seek the Lord, until He comes and showers righteousness on you.

Lord I Want It

Story By: Lisa Petrarca

As children many of us learned how to use manipulative tactics to get our way, (temper tantrums, pouting, bullying, crying, pleading, smiling sweetly). We all learned what worked for our benefit.

When we became adults, we somehow have forgotten to leave our selfish ways behind.

I was thinking about how many times we ask for the Lords help in our lives. We pray & pray for that “thing” that is so important to us.

Then when we are blessed with an answer, (usually something even better than we hoped for), we become too self absorbed or busy to go to church, pray, read the Bible, or help others in need.

Are we really too busy or do we no longer need God? We received what we asked for and like a spoiled child...off we go to enjoy it.

Then when the next crisis comes...we drop to our knees, show up at church and promise to change...if only He will get you out of the mess your in.

The Lord shows each of us a small sample of His love by granting our requests. But like I said, “It is a SMALL sample of what He has in store for your life.”

He gives you this gift to see how faithful you will be. Will you continue to seek Him daily and develop a closer relationship with Him? Will you turn everything over to Him and let Him guide and direct your life, or will you continue to act like a self centered child?

You can’t imagine the incredible plans and blessings God has in store for you. Don’t run away from him after you receive the sample...stay close, learn how to take on the nature of Christ, receive your true inheritance!

Matthew 6:19-21

Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is there your heart will be also.

Isaiah 54:4

Do not be afraid; you will not suffer shame. Do not fear disgrace; you will not be humiliated.

Isaiah 56:1

Maintain justice and do what is right, for my salvation is close at hand and my righteousness will soon be revealed.

THE DOOR

Story By: Lisa Petrarca

I sat, locked away, wondering how to open the door. A prisoner behind a wooden fortress. Each day spent frantically searching for a way out. By nightfall, completely worn out. I knew that if I could open the door, everything would be better in my life. All the anger, hurt and frustration would be gone. On the other side, I would find the answer, happiness would finally be a part of me. Pounding, pushing hitting only produced deep rivets in the wood, but it wouldn't give.

My sins had trapped me here. My past haunting me, searching to find freedom on the other side. My mental focus on that door. Years past, the days spent consumed with the door, now deeply scarred, chunks ripped out, exposing lighter wood and splinters. My hands torn and bloody, my soul still longing to be free. Breathless and exhausted, the time spent looking at my captor, my burden, had taken its toll.

No more! Throwing myself to the floor, tightly curled in a fetal position, crying from the pit of my stomach, gasping for air, unable to look at that door. I cried out to God to save me. This was the first time I had thought of anything but the door. I cried over and over, "Please release me from this prison. I have tried to get out...I have nothing left, I give up, I can't look at it for another minute."

The Lord replied, "My child, that door represents your sin. You have focused on it for far too long, keeping you away from all that I have for you. Your past has held you prisoner. It has kept you away from Me. You were too blinded by sin to see the other door. My door...which I provided for you, through my only begotten son, Jesus Christ. He provided the key. Through His sacrifice you no longer need to look at the door of your sins. You are forgiven, My door is open...YOU ARE FREE."

"Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives, and he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks it will be opened." Matthew 7:7,8

Don't continue to let your sin keep you away from a relationship with your Heavenly Father. Stop spending so much time focusing on it and ask the Lord to set you free!