STOP LIMITING GOD!

 A widow was approached by a stranger during a severe drought. He asked her to bring him water, which she did. He then asked her to bring him some bread. She told him she only had a handful of flour in a jar and a little oil left to make one more meal for her and her son and then they
would die, they'd have nothing left.

He told her not to be afraid, but to go home and make a small cake of bread for him and use the rest for herself and her son. If she will do this, God will not allow the flour to run dry or the jar of oil to become empty until the Lord gives rain on the land. She believed and did as she was asked. There was food everyday for the Prophet Elijah (the stranger) and Zarephath (the widow) and her son. 

The flour did not run empty and the oil remained full. (1 Kings 17:7-16)

This woman listened to the promptings of the Lord and was blessed because of it. When you feel the Lord directing you, putting certain people or situations in front of you, are you stepping out in Faith? Are you allowing God to bless your life by trusting Him to move in a situation, 

even if you don't know why or completely understand?

STOP LIMITING GOD.

He wants to do a good work in you and through you. More than you can begin to comprehend. Allow Him to move in your life...PRAY, LISTEN & MOVE!

Jesus replied, "You do not realize now what I am doing, but later you will understand." 

(John 13:7)

"God, who has called you into fellowship with his Son Jesus Christ our Lord, is faithful." 

(1 Corinthians 1:9)

"I spread out my hands to you; my soul thirsts for you like a parched land. Let the morning bring me word of you unfailing love, for I have put my trust in you. Show me the way I should go, for to you I lift up my soul. Teach me to do your will, for you are my God; 

may your good Spirit lead me on level ground." 

(Psalm 143:6, 8, 10)

"I am the Lord; that is my name! I will not give my glory to another or my praise to idols. See, the former things have taken place and new things I declare; 

before they spring into being I announce them to you." 

(Isaiah 42:8-9)

A DEVASTATING LESSON

 Daul Kim-Swarovski Campaign by Sofia and Mauro

On November 19th, 2009 I awoke to something devastating. It began a year prior, when I started following Daul, a famous Korean Fashion Model's Blog. She was not only beautiful, but very intelligent, honest, witty, sarcastic & artistic. All the qualities that make for an interesting read, not to mention, I loved her catch phrase, "Say hi to..." As time went by, her posts took a darker turn. She talked about depression and insomnia. I often left upbeat comments and felt a "tug at my heart" to 'talk' to her about the Lord, but I didn't want to seem too "preachy."

On November 18, 2009, I clicked on her post, "Say hi to...Forever." It was a You Tube techno video of her favorite band. I started to leave a comment, but then erased it...I wasn't sure what to say. The next day I saw a news post, she was found dead in her Paris apartment. I felt like I'd been punched in the stomach. I cried. In her anguish & despair she'd taken her life at only 20 years old.

I vowed never again to waste an opportunity to share the healing power of my Savior's love with someone. To never let the fear of rejection or the opinion of others stand in the way of sharing Christ's life saving, life changing, gift. The Lord put it on my heart & I'd ignored the prompting. It was a heart wrenching lesson for me.

Several months later, a young girl from Malaysia began following my Blog via...Daul's Blog. When I clicked on her site, the title read, "I often think of suicide." I couldn't believe I was getting another chance to share! Her posts talked of her deep depression. I began to pray for the Lord's words and not mine before responding to her. I added her to our church prayer list. Over the past year we have become very close & she calls me her, "American Mama." Through Heavenly Father's Restorative Love, she no longer talks about suicide, and is able to see purpose in her life. Her Blog title now reads, "A difficult time can be more readily endured if we retain the conviction that our existence holds a purpose, a cause to pursue, a person to love, a goal to achieve." 

Don't waste an opportunity that Heavenly Father puts before you due to fear or rejection. Trust in the Lord. Ask for His words & guidance in the situation. Be willing to allow Him to use you!

"And you, son of man, do not be afraid of them or their words. Do not be afraid, though the briers and thorns are all around you and you live among scorpions. Do not be afraid of what they say or terrified by them, though they are a rebellious house. You must speak my words to them, whether they listen or fail to listen, for they are rebellious. But you son of man, listen to what I say to you. do not rebel like that rebellious house; open your mouth and eat what I give you."

Ezekiel 2:6-8

And it will be said: "Build up, build up, prepare the road! Remove the obstacles out of the way of my people." For this is what the high and lofty One says-he who lives forever, whose name is holy: "I live in a high and holy place, but also with him who is contrite and lowly in spirit, to revive the spirit of the lowly and to revive the heart of the contrite."

Isaiah 57:14-15

But the Lord said to me, "Do not say, 'I am only a child.' You must go to everyone I send you to and say whatever I command you. Do not be afraid of them, for I am with you and will rescue you. Then the Lord reached out his hand and touched my mouth and said to me, 
"Now, I have put my words in your mouth." 
Jeremiah 1:7-9


"Get yourself ready! Stand up and say to them whatever I command you. Do not be terrified by them, or I will terrify you before them."
Jeremiah 1:17

A Legacy of Prayer

Story From: "God's Little Devotional Journal"

In the early days of the formation of the United States, a stranger once asked how he might identify George Washington among those present at Congress. He was told, "You can easily distinguish him when Congress goes to prayer, Washington is the gentleman who kneels."

Washington had a long-standing reputation as a man of prayer. At Valley Forge, he frequently found rest and relief in prayer. One day a farmer approaching the military camp heard an earnest voice. When he drew nearer, he saw Washington on his knees, his cheeks wet with tears. The farmer returned home and said to his wife: "George Washington will succeed! George Washington will succeed! The Americans will secure their Independence!"

"What makes you think so, Isaac?" his wife asked. The farmer replied, "I heard him pray, Hannah, out in the woods today, and the Lord will surely hear his prayer. He will, Hannah; thee may rest assured He will."

One person willing to humble himself and pray can leave a legacy of faith and hope, giving courage to future generations.

"I call on you, O God, for you will answer me; give ear to me and hear my prayer. Show the wonder of your great love, you who save by your right hand those who take refuge in you from their foes." Psalm 17:6-7

"It is God who arms me with strength and makes my way perfect." Psalm 18: 32

"Surely it was for my benefit that I suffered such anguish. In your love you kept me from the pit of destruction; you have put all my sins behind your back." Isaiah 38:17

Needing Change?

 If we truly grasped the Power our Heavenly Father has given us through prayer, DIRECT COMMUNICATION with Him; we'd let go of our fears and burdens. Recognizing that we are able to be renewed; hearts, minds, body & soul. He transforms us through our prayers to Him. He hears us and see's our struggles. Prayer is our Power, the strength God has given us to lay everything down and allow His Holy & Mighty Power to change things. He loves us and hears our cries. Prayer establishes a loving, all-trusting relationship with Him.

Don't waste  an opportunity to Pray today. It may only be a simple prayer, but it speaks volumes to God. Showing that you are putting your Trust and Faith in your Heavenly Father to change all things.

"Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it." 

Isaiah 43:18-19 

"Yet you have not called upon me, O Jacob, you have not wearied yourselves for me, O Israel."
Isaiah 43:22

"O Lord, be gracious to us; we long for you. Be our strength every morning, 

our salvation in time of distress." 

Isaiah 33:2

"Let us come before him with thanksgiving and extol him with music and song. For the Lord is the great God, the great King above all gods. In his hand are the depths of the earth, and the mountain peaks belong to him. The sea is his, for he made it, and his hands formed the dry land. come, let us bow down in worship, let us kneel before the Lord our Maker; for he is our God and we are the people of his pasture, the flock under his care..."

Psalm 95:2-7

.

Are You Causing Ripples?

 I've always found the ripple effect of water fascinating. It starts with a small disruption, causing motion to take shape throughout the entire body of water, often small, barely detectable movement. If you're not pay attention, you might miss it. However, if you pause for a moment by a pond or lake...you see it, leaves dropping, the wind blowing, a fish swimming, a duck paddling...motioning the water to move.

 We too can cause a ripple effect in the lives of others. One prayer at a time. One kind act of unselfish love...going out of your way to comfort or help someone. A simple smile at a stranger, a hug, a kind gesture, something as small as allowing someone behind you in the grocery store to go in front of you. 

It causes a ripple. 

It shows Christ's unconditional love in a small way. Just enough to stir movement. To brighten the life of another. We may not see it, but acts of unselfish kindness, reveal the love of Christ that is in us. Allowing Him to move in their life through a simple ripple.

 

 Today, pause, look for opportunities to cause a ripple in someone's life.

May the Lord make your love increase and overflow for each other and for everyone else,  just as ours does for you. May he strengthen your hearts so that you will be blameless and holy in the presence of our God and Father when our Lord Jesus comes with all his holy ones.

1 Thessalonians 3:12-13 

Therefore encourage one another and build each other up,  just as in fact you are doing.

1 Thessalonians 5:11

And we urge you, brothers, warn those who are idle, encourage the timid, help the weak, be patient with everyone. Make sure that nobody pays back wrong for wrong, but always try to be kind to each other and to everyone else. Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus.

1 Thessalonians 5:14-18

We always thank God for all of you, mentioning you in our prayers. We continually remember before our God and Father your work produced by faith, your labor prompted by love, and your endurance inspired by hope in our Lord Jesus Christ. For we know, brothers loved by God, that he has chosen you, because our gospel came to you not simply with words, but also with power, with the Holy Spirit and with deep conviction.

1 Thessalonians: 1:2-5

FREE-Lenny Kravitz & U2 Tickets!

We received free tickets to a U2 & Lenny Kravitz concert. We'd been looking forward to it all day...very excited. I drove (with my lead foot), making sure we'd arrive early. I didn't want to miss Lenny performing. As I was just about to turn into the paid parking ($25.00+) I noticed a sign off to my left which said, $1.00 Parking. In a split second decision, I checked my rear view mirror, ignoring the police waving me forward, swerved across 3 lanes to get into the left hand turn lane. I saw the $1.00 sign & NOTHING else mattered! The tail end of my car, unfortunately didn't make it all the way into the lane, cars were trying to get around me, horns blaring.

The policemen were glaring at us, shaking their heads...as we waited anxiously for the signal to turn green, uncomfortably avoiding their intimidating stares. When the light didnt change after 3 times, the cop started yelling at us. I was part way in the intersection in my attempt to get my rear end out of the fast lane...too far up to trigger the light, and someone was behind me stopping me from backing up. It was very stressful! When the light finally changed, I knew I'd still have to walk past the officer's after we parked. I was feeling incredibly anxious and didn't want to get out of the car. My night of fun was starting out full of stress and anxiety.

Sin can often affect you in the same way, making you feel guilty, believing everyone will know what you did and judge you for it. You start to avoid church, friends and family. You begin to isolate yourself. This is a trick of the enemy. He wants to get you alone, so the people who love you can no longer encourage and help pick you back up and lead you towards Christ's forgiving love.

Eventually I got out of car and reluctantly headed across the street. The police didn't notice or say anything to me as I walked with the crowd of people. I'm sure, had I been alone, it would've been a different story. I'd allowed a rash decision, stress, worry and fear, almost ruin my night.

Don't allow the enemy to continue to deceive you. Recognize his devices and grab hold of the outstretched hand of a friend or loved one. They are not there to judge you for your mistakes. The Lord has placed certain people in your life to help lead you back on the path towards peace, love and forgiveness.

"Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit of life set me free from the law of sin and death. Romans 8:1-2

"What, then, shall we say in response to this? If God is for us, who can be against us? Romans 8:31

"I took you from the ends of the earth, from its farthest corners I called you. I said, 'You are my servant'; I have chosen you and have not rejected you. So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God." Isaiah 41:9-10 

Moses answered the people, "Do not be afraid. Stand firm and you will see the deliverance the Lord will bring you today." Exodus 14:13

"To him who is able to keep you from falling and to present you before his glorious presence without fault and with great joy-to the only God our Savior be glory, majesty, power and authority, through Jesus Christ our Lord, before all ages, now and forevermore! Amen." Jude 24-25

PRAYER TRIGGERS

I've found there's nothing more important than learning the habit of 'PRAYER TRIGGERS.' This one simple word of advice will be life changing once you begin to form a habit of it. A Prayer Trigger, is something that triggers your brain to instantly pray. When worry, fear, anxiety, doubt, sadness, etc...begins to fill your mind and body, that should instantly trigger you to Pray. No matter where you are, stop what you're doing and say a quick prayer.

example: "Heavenly Father, please remove all these thoughts and feelings that are not of you. Carry my burdens, lift them from me and please fill me with Your complete peace right now, in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.

Prayer overcomes all negative situations, circumstances, emotions and thoughts. Prayer should not only be restricted to the morning and evening. It should be all day. The enemy doesn't limit his attack on you to only certain times. He is filling your mind with negative, self-defeating thoughts constantly. Why should you allow him free reign over you during the day?

Let each negative thought and emotion begin to be your 'Prayer Triggers.' Once this amazing, transforming habit is formed, you will begin to see changes in your daily thoughts. Start today and focus on your personal Prayer Triggers. It's time to let the Lord help you overcome the enemy's devices. You are not alone! He is faithful when you call upon Him. He will never leave you nor forsake you.

Genesis 4:6 "Then the Lord said to Cain, "Why are you angry? Why is your face downcast? If you do what is right, will you not be accepted? but if you do not do what is right, sin is crouching at your door; it desires to have you, but you must master it."

Genesis 28:15 "I am with you and will watch over you wherever you go, and I will bring you back to this land. I will not leave you until I have done what I have promised you."

1 Thessalonians 5:6 "So then, let us not be like others, who are asleep, but let us be alert and self-controlled.

1 Thessalonians 5:23 "May God himself, the God of peace, sanctify you through and through. May your whole spirit, soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. The one who calls you is faithful and he will do it."