July 25, 2012 **Wednesday. Starbucks. 7:51am**
2 Chronicles 15:5-7
"During those dark times it was not safe to travel. Problems trouble the people of every land. Nation fought against nation, and city against city, for God was troubling them with every kind of problem. But for you, be strong and courageous, for your work will be rewarded."
In these bible days, The king was King Asa who was Abijah's son, grandson of Rehoboam, great grandson of Solomon, and great great grandson of David. This above conversation was between King Asa and Azariah, son of Oded-a prophet of God. The prophet was telling King Aza stay with God. After Azariah informed the king of God's good news, he removed idols and repaired the altar of Lord. He became so passionate about not straying from God that he had his people killed if they did not seek the Lord and it didn't even matter if you were a man or woman, young or old. When his grandma had made an Asherah pole, he removed her from her royal position! The thing is, is that as I read on about King Asa, at this time of his kingship, he did follow God but something happened that he fell away from the ways of the Lord. In verses 7-9, Hanani, the seer, came up to the king and tried to refocus his eyes back to God. Verse 9 says, "For the eyes of the Lord search the whole earth in order to stregthen those whose heart are fully committed to him. What a fool you have been! From now on you will be at war." Wow, harsh.
Throughout my "spiritual schooling" -- Horizon School of Evangelism and New Hope Christian College, when we approach the end of term or semester, we are advised to "Finish Well". I love that but what about "Keep Your Hand to the Plow"? Sure there will be ups and downs in life but sometimes when I do finish well I start to boast at veer off track -- into myself. I start to pat myself on the back, tend to look back at my accomplishment, and sometimes, I've taken my hands off the plow. These are the moments that I pray about -- the moments where I want to "learn how to jump after being on my knees". I think about the Bruce Lee moves as he's in a squat and all of a sudden he jumps, using his body strength to lift himself off into a standing position. I want to become "strong and courageous" and "keep on going" without loosing sight of what is truly important. I want to learn this Bruce Lee move. To remember that my Lord God is EVERYTHING.
Lord, Help me to keep my eyes on you, not to stray or become so distracted that it takes every effort to go back on the right track. Thank you for keeping your eyes on me. Teach me to have a FULLY COMMITTED heart to you.
In these days, sometimes it is not safe to travel -- the things we see, hear, touch, and do can affect our lives. As long as I walk alongside of Jesus, he keeps my travels safe.
<3
Wednesday, July 25, 2012
Tuesday, July 24, 2012
Abandoning Ship
July 24, 2012 **Tuesday. Starbucks. 8:42am**
2 Chronicles 12:1
But when Rehoboam was firmly established and strong, he abandoned the Law of the Lord, and all Israel followed him in this sin.
Rehoboam was the king of the Kingdom of Judah. Chapter 11 discusses all this road to kingship and his triumphs of the cities he took over. Being the son of Solomon, grandson of David, he had a linage that followed God. He was 41 years old when he became king and ruled for 17 more. In verse 17, the bible says that, "he was an evil king, for he did not seek the Lord with all his heart." For 58 years, King Rehoboam must have had the knowledge of how good God was, because he was successful in all he did, but I believe that because he did not follow God "with ALL his heart" evil was allowed in to his life. Being in David's lineage and having the knowledge of God did not protect Rehoboam from evil. Somewhere along the line of his life, he allowed things to slowly creep in and harden his heart against God.
I inherited my Christianity. I was born into a Christian home. Growing up, I attended church services regularly and was heavily involved in Sunday school. This did not mean I was a Christ follower. I was a fan of Church. The difference between being a fan versus being a follower is that as a fan, a person watches from afar, where as a follower is right there in the mix of things, lives, breathes, and walks in step with what he or she is following. A follower truly engulfs themselves in their passion, sometimes they begin to look like what or who they are following. A follower of Christ truly begins to look like Christ in character, action, speech, and the way they treat others. I hope to apply this fact to my life, for I want to follow Christ-whatever that looks like-I don't want to just be a fan and "like" Him.
Lord, thank you for being God. You truly are amazing and awesome. Help me to follow you, to be in step with you, to allow and give you permission to change, transform my life to imitate you. I want others to see you, not me. Show me my selfish ways, my ungrateful heart, my ugly side and mold my life to how you want it to be. Thank you for the truth that NOTHING can separate you from us. I can only do life with you by my side and I want to follow you not only be your fan.
Abandoning ship means to drown among with the fishes, but God walked on water and that's where I want to be...doing the impossible right along with Him.
<3
2 Chronicles 12:1
But when Rehoboam was firmly established and strong, he abandoned the Law of the Lord, and all Israel followed him in this sin.
Rehoboam was the king of the Kingdom of Judah. Chapter 11 discusses all this road to kingship and his triumphs of the cities he took over. Being the son of Solomon, grandson of David, he had a linage that followed God. He was 41 years old when he became king and ruled for 17 more. In verse 17, the bible says that, "he was an evil king, for he did not seek the Lord with all his heart." For 58 years, King Rehoboam must have had the knowledge of how good God was, because he was successful in all he did, but I believe that because he did not follow God "with ALL his heart" evil was allowed in to his life. Being in David's lineage and having the knowledge of God did not protect Rehoboam from evil. Somewhere along the line of his life, he allowed things to slowly creep in and harden his heart against God.
I inherited my Christianity. I was born into a Christian home. Growing up, I attended church services regularly and was heavily involved in Sunday school. This did not mean I was a Christ follower. I was a fan of Church. The difference between being a fan versus being a follower is that as a fan, a person watches from afar, where as a follower is right there in the mix of things, lives, breathes, and walks in step with what he or she is following. A follower truly engulfs themselves in their passion, sometimes they begin to look like what or who they are following. A follower of Christ truly begins to look like Christ in character, action, speech, and the way they treat others. I hope to apply this fact to my life, for I want to follow Christ-whatever that looks like-I don't want to just be a fan and "like" Him.
Lord, thank you for being God. You truly are amazing and awesome. Help me to follow you, to be in step with you, to allow and give you permission to change, transform my life to imitate you. I want others to see you, not me. Show me my selfish ways, my ungrateful heart, my ugly side and mold my life to how you want it to be. Thank you for the truth that NOTHING can separate you from us. I can only do life with you by my side and I want to follow you not only be your fan.
Abandoning ship means to drown among with the fishes, but God walked on water and that's where I want to be...doing the impossible right along with Him.
<3
Monday, July 23, 2012
Organized Life
July 23, 2012 **Monday. Starbucks. 9:50am**
2 Chronicles 8:14-16
In assigning the priests to their duties, Solomon followed the regulations of his father, David. He also assigned the Levites to lead the people in praise and to assist the priests in their daily duties. And he assigned the gatekeepers to their gates by their divisions, following the commands of David, the man of God. Solomon did not deviate in any way from David's commands concerning the priests and Levites and the treasuries. So Solomon made sure that all the work related to building the Temple of the Lord was carried out, from the day its foundation was laid to the day of its completion.
Solomon was a wise man. His decisions to "not deviate in any way" in regards to the work of God's Temple is extremely important. I don't know the details of what this enormous task involved because of how grand the temple was, but I do know that it must have been a very daunting task! Imagine being in charge of the Temple of the Lord! Just reading how much detail, how many rooms, the complexity of this building! Not only is it just an amazingly piece of architecture, but God's Holy place! The responsibility of managing this place is HUGE!! Solomon must of been a really good manager. I can imagine being a Levite working for this guy. He was the original CEO, the OG Chief Executive Officer running God's first business. He must have been tough but what a great leader he must of been!
I would love to be this kind of leader, who "goes by the book" and does not cut corners. When I was following the path of a business degree, I've always wanted to be a CEO, but it never really mattered what company I worked for, just as long as I got my own parking space. That was my goal in my career: to have my own personal parking space. It's amazing to where God has brought me through in this journey for my own parking space. I know that God has allowed me to become a successful CEO at Permanent Vacation and although my parking space may not be personalized it is personal, even though it changes spots on a daily basis. I want to apply Solomon's character of being a good leader by not deviating from God's law and not to take corners.
Lord, You are good. You are an amazing God. Thank you for being God. Help me to know your ways, to not deviate from your path, to go by the book, and not cut corners. I know that as I organize and straighten my life, you will bring the success that you want for me, the fruits of my labor will not go in vain. I know that with you by my side, with you as my teacher, my divine mentor; as you are strict and discipline me, I know that I will succeed in all that I do.
Organizing my life means to follow His rules, His laws, and His path.
<3
2 Chronicles 8:14-16
In assigning the priests to their duties, Solomon followed the regulations of his father, David. He also assigned the Levites to lead the people in praise and to assist the priests in their daily duties. And he assigned the gatekeepers to their gates by their divisions, following the commands of David, the man of God. Solomon did not deviate in any way from David's commands concerning the priests and Levites and the treasuries. So Solomon made sure that all the work related to building the Temple of the Lord was carried out, from the day its foundation was laid to the day of its completion.
Solomon was a wise man. His decisions to "not deviate in any way" in regards to the work of God's Temple is extremely important. I don't know the details of what this enormous task involved because of how grand the temple was, but I do know that it must have been a very daunting task! Imagine being in charge of the Temple of the Lord! Just reading how much detail, how many rooms, the complexity of this building! Not only is it just an amazingly piece of architecture, but God's Holy place! The responsibility of managing this place is HUGE!! Solomon must of been a really good manager. I can imagine being a Levite working for this guy. He was the original CEO, the OG Chief Executive Officer running God's first business. He must have been tough but what a great leader he must of been!
I would love to be this kind of leader, who "goes by the book" and does not cut corners. When I was following the path of a business degree, I've always wanted to be a CEO, but it never really mattered what company I worked for, just as long as I got my own parking space. That was my goal in my career: to have my own personal parking space. It's amazing to where God has brought me through in this journey for my own parking space. I know that God has allowed me to become a successful CEO at Permanent Vacation and although my parking space may not be personalized it is personal, even though it changes spots on a daily basis. I want to apply Solomon's character of being a good leader by not deviating from God's law and not to take corners.
Lord, You are good. You are an amazing God. Thank you for being God. Help me to know your ways, to not deviate from your path, to go by the book, and not cut corners. I know that as I organize and straighten my life, you will bring the success that you want for me, the fruits of my labor will not go in vain. I know that with you by my side, with you as my teacher, my divine mentor; as you are strict and discipline me, I know that I will succeed in all that I do.
Organizing my life means to follow His rules, His laws, and His path.
<3
Sunday, July 22, 2012
"Wait for Me" Rebecca St. James
Darling, did you know that I
I dream about you
Waiting for the look in your eyes
When we meet for the first time
And darling, did you know that I
I pray about you
Praying that you will hold on
And keep your loving eyes only for me
CHORUS:
'Cause I am waiting for, praying for you darling
Wait for me too
Wait for me as I wait for you
'Cause I am waiting for, praying for you darling
Wait for me too
Wait for me as I wait for you
Darling wait
Darling did you know
I dream about life together
Knowing it will be forever
I'll be yours and you'll be mine
And darling when I say
" Til death do us part"
I mean it with all of my heart
Now and always faithful to you
CHORUS
Now I know you may have made mistakes
But there's forgiveness, and a second chance
So wait for me, darling wait for me
Wait for me
Darling wait for me
CHORUS
Be faithful
July 22, 2012 **Sunday. 8:03am. Starbucks**
2 Chronicles 7:17-18
As for you, if you faithfully follow me as David your father did, obeying all my commands, decrees, and regulations, then I will establish the throne of your dynasty. For I made this covenant with your father, David, when I said, 'One of your descendants will always rule over Israel.'
Solomon had just finished building the Temple of the Lord and the royal palace. During these verses, the Lord had appeared to Solomon and He told him that he was listening to him, that He, the Lord has heard his prayers. Verse 14 is somewhat quite often used "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." This is the main theme off the bible, to be reconciled with the Lord. Because of the original sin of Adam and Eve, we have become forever separated from Him. The scripture states, "As for you, if you faithfully follow me..." In this verse, it specifically asks for FAITHFULNESS. Not what you can do, what you can say, or how awesome you are; but the Lord just wants us to be faithful to Him.
Being faithful can sometimes be a daunting task. There are so many things, people, and ourselves that take away that faithfulness. We cheat God so many times with so many idols in our lives. In the bible days, they had the idols made of wood, gold, and statutes of different kinds of animals or gods. These days we have other idols: tech-y ones-made of apple, toys that distract our minds, and people we love who takes our heart away from Him. I am very guilty of these idols. As I sit here, I have my iPad2, my laptop, my Starbucks mug, my Skullcandy in my ears, and I'm thinking about a relationship that has captured my heart. Sometimes I think that back in those bible days, they had it easy...they worked HARD but they had less of the distractions as we have now. But then again, I always think that the grass is always greener on the other side. This is one thing that I consistently have to apply in my life: to be faithful.
Lord, help me to be faithful to only you. This life distracts me so much that it's hard to even pay attention and keep my eyes on you. You are the one that matters, not the tech-y stuff, not the toys, or even the relationships of the heart. You are my everything, please help me to desire you, to want you, and to take the time off to "Be still, and know that I am God! I will be honored by every nation. I will be honored throughout the world." Psalms 46:10.
I will be faithful to you alone.
<3
2 Chronicles 7:17-18
As for you, if you faithfully follow me as David your father did, obeying all my commands, decrees, and regulations, then I will establish the throne of your dynasty. For I made this covenant with your father, David, when I said, 'One of your descendants will always rule over Israel.'
Solomon had just finished building the Temple of the Lord and the royal palace. During these verses, the Lord had appeared to Solomon and He told him that he was listening to him, that He, the Lord has heard his prayers. Verse 14 is somewhat quite often used "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." This is the main theme off the bible, to be reconciled with the Lord. Because of the original sin of Adam and Eve, we have become forever separated from Him. The scripture states, "As for you, if you faithfully follow me..." In this verse, it specifically asks for FAITHFULNESS. Not what you can do, what you can say, or how awesome you are; but the Lord just wants us to be faithful to Him.
Being faithful can sometimes be a daunting task. There are so many things, people, and ourselves that take away that faithfulness. We cheat God so many times with so many idols in our lives. In the bible days, they had the idols made of wood, gold, and statutes of different kinds of animals or gods. These days we have other idols: tech-y ones-made of apple, toys that distract our minds, and people we love who takes our heart away from Him. I am very guilty of these idols. As I sit here, I have my iPad2, my laptop, my Starbucks mug, my Skullcandy in my ears, and I'm thinking about a relationship that has captured my heart. Sometimes I think that back in those bible days, they had it easy...they worked HARD but they had less of the distractions as we have now. But then again, I always think that the grass is always greener on the other side. This is one thing that I consistently have to apply in my life: to be faithful.
Lord, help me to be faithful to only you. This life distracts me so much that it's hard to even pay attention and keep my eyes on you. You are the one that matters, not the tech-y stuff, not the toys, or even the relationships of the heart. You are my everything, please help me to desire you, to want you, and to take the time off to "Be still, and know that I am God! I will be honored by every nation. I will be honored throughout the world." Psalms 46:10.
I will be faithful to you alone.
<3
Saturday, July 21, 2012
Struggling with the flesh
July 21, 2012 **Saturday. Starbucks. 4:09p**
Romans 7:14-15
So the trouble is not with the law, for it is spiritual and good. The trouble is with me, for I am all too human, a slave to sin. I don't realy understand myself, for I want to do what is right, but I don't do it. Instead, I do what I hate. In this time of my life, I constanly struggle with the flesh. As Paul wrote in these verses that he totally understands and knows what the laws are but it is the struggle with the flesh that he is a slave to. Struggling with the flesh is somewhat uncomprehendable because I know what I should or shouldn't do, what is right and what is wrong, but the flesh makes us do it anyway.
Yesterday was the biggest example of my struggle with the flesh. I was in predicament where I had to choose right vs. wrong. I choose wrong because it was what I was used to, what my fleshly body knew. As I allowed my flesh to go down the wrong path, I struggled with knowing what was right and what I knew in my heart that what I was doing was wrong. I literally cried out to God to help me and He did come through. I'm not going to say that I was saved from this predicament that God carried me out of the dark path I was on, but He did allow me to see the light. That light that shines to let me know that there is a way out. I just have to follow the light and put my feet to the pavement. Applying this very truth that there will always be a constant struggle with the flesh allows me to be very wary of the paths and choices that I do make. I need to become aware of those boundary items, those rocks that trip me up, and especially those who walk alongside of me and sometimes place their foot under mine so they can watch me fall. I need to learn how to jump EVERY time I fall to my knees.
Lord, I struggle with the flesh not only daily, but every moment I am not in step with you. Teach me to walk in your ways, to desire your path of righteousness, and have a heart to take the discipline you give me when I stray. Psalms 119:124-125 says, "I am your servant; deal with me in your unfailing love, and teach me your decrees. Give discernment to me, your servant; then I will understand your laws."
Struggling with the flesh is a constant battle, but I have a God that has eliminated the condemnation because I belong to Him! (Romans 8:1-2 NLT)
<3
Romans 7:14-15
So the trouble is not with the law, for it is spiritual and good. The trouble is with me, for I am all too human, a slave to sin. I don't realy understand myself, for I want to do what is right, but I don't do it. Instead, I do what I hate. In this time of my life, I constanly struggle with the flesh. As Paul wrote in these verses that he totally understands and knows what the laws are but it is the struggle with the flesh that he is a slave to. Struggling with the flesh is somewhat uncomprehendable because I know what I should or shouldn't do, what is right and what is wrong, but the flesh makes us do it anyway.
Yesterday was the biggest example of my struggle with the flesh. I was in predicament where I had to choose right vs. wrong. I choose wrong because it was what I was used to, what my fleshly body knew. As I allowed my flesh to go down the wrong path, I struggled with knowing what was right and what I knew in my heart that what I was doing was wrong. I literally cried out to God to help me and He did come through. I'm not going to say that I was saved from this predicament that God carried me out of the dark path I was on, but He did allow me to see the light. That light that shines to let me know that there is a way out. I just have to follow the light and put my feet to the pavement. Applying this very truth that there will always be a constant struggle with the flesh allows me to be very wary of the paths and choices that I do make. I need to become aware of those boundary items, those rocks that trip me up, and especially those who walk alongside of me and sometimes place their foot under mine so they can watch me fall. I need to learn how to jump EVERY time I fall to my knees.
Lord, I struggle with the flesh not only daily, but every moment I am not in step with you. Teach me to walk in your ways, to desire your path of righteousness, and have a heart to take the discipline you give me when I stray. Psalms 119:124-125 says, "I am your servant; deal with me in your unfailing love, and teach me your decrees. Give discernment to me, your servant; then I will understand your laws."
Struggling with the flesh is a constant battle, but I have a God that has eliminated the condemnation because I belong to Him! (Romans 8:1-2 NLT)
<3
Friday, July 20, 2012
What would you ask from God?
July 20, 2012 {Aloha Friday. 7:20 am. Sbux.}
2 Chronicles 1:11-12
God said to Solomon, "Because your greatest desire is to help your people, and you did not ask for wealth, riches, fame, or even the death of your enemies or a long life, but rather you asked for wisdom and knowledge to properly govern my people--I will certainly give you the wisdom and knowledge you requested. But I will also give you wealth, riches, and fame such as no other king has had before you or will ever have in the future!"
It was God who started this converstion, He loved Solomon so much that one night (vs 7) he asked Solomon what he wanted. Imagine God, who is God, who has everything, who could do all, were to ask you "What do you want?" My mind begins to fill with my every want and desires. But Solomon, the humble guy that he is, only asks for wisdom and knowledge to lead the people. What a humble heart! He knows that he is in a place to rule over God's people and out of everything that he could desire, he simply requests for the right mind to lead others. By applying this humble heart of Solomon to ask not for riches or fame, I can ask for the same. The mind to know how to connect with God's beloved, the heart that breaks for what His heart breaks for, the hands and feet to do something about it. It's not the riches or glory that I should ask for, because, in the end God gives it to Solomon anyway; but it's the clean heart to love God and to love others.
Lord, give me a humble heart. Teach me wisdom and give me knowledge to walk alongside of you, to give me the eyes to see your broken hearted, ears to hear the pain of your loved ones, hands and feet to serve others as you would. Give me the desires of your heart, not mine.
What would I ask from God? It would be to have a humble heart.
<3
2 Chronicles 1:11-12
God said to Solomon, "Because your greatest desire is to help your people, and you did not ask for wealth, riches, fame, or even the death of your enemies or a long life, but rather you asked for wisdom and knowledge to properly govern my people--I will certainly give you the wisdom and knowledge you requested. But I will also give you wealth, riches, and fame such as no other king has had before you or will ever have in the future!"
It was God who started this converstion, He loved Solomon so much that one night (vs 7) he asked Solomon what he wanted. Imagine God, who is God, who has everything, who could do all, were to ask you "What do you want?" My mind begins to fill with my every want and desires. But Solomon, the humble guy that he is, only asks for wisdom and knowledge to lead the people. What a humble heart! He knows that he is in a place to rule over God's people and out of everything that he could desire, he simply requests for the right mind to lead others. By applying this humble heart of Solomon to ask not for riches or fame, I can ask for the same. The mind to know how to connect with God's beloved, the heart that breaks for what His heart breaks for, the hands and feet to do something about it. It's not the riches or glory that I should ask for, because, in the end God gives it to Solomon anyway; but it's the clean heart to love God and to love others.
Lord, give me a humble heart. Teach me wisdom and give me knowledge to walk alongside of you, to give me the eyes to see your broken hearted, ears to hear the pain of your loved ones, hands and feet to serve others as you would. Give me the desires of your heart, not mine.
What would I ask from God? It would be to have a humble heart.
<3
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