From Caterpillar to butterfly!

From Caterpillar to butterfly!

A Little Gift To Say Thank You

A little gift to say thank you for walking the journey with me to learn from the Heart Of A Loving Father:


I have compiled some selected devotionals from "The Heart Of A Loving Father". Please visit HERE to download the 31-day devotional of inspiring words from the Heart of Your loving Father. Feel free to share and send to anyone you feel needs it at this time. It is saved under the website EROInspirations. Please feel free to explore the website.

Candid thoughts,
Rita.

Faithful So Far

...Up to this point the Lord has helped us...

[1 Samuel 7:12, NLT]

Beloved Child of the faithful and loving Father, Happy New Year. Whether through wealth or lack, health or sickness, at home or abroad, in honor or dishonor, through difficulties or in joy, in trials, triumps, prayer or temptation, up to this point our Loving Father has helped us. If you look back at 2010, you will realize there are alot to be thankful for, including the mercy, grace, loving-kindness and faithfulness of God.

As you start 2011, realize that you still have some more distance to travel. There are still more trials, joys, temptations, battles, defeats, victories, prayers, answers, toils, and strength yet to come. 

Be strong and take heart, look forward to 2011 with hope and expectation, for the Lord who helped you up to this point is still standing by you to help you all through your journey. May 2011 find you walking in the purpose for which your Loving Father created you. May you experience the peace, joy and fulfilment that comes with having a relationship with God, your loving Father.

Remain blessed.

God’s Love and Mine…

(From The Heart of A Loving Father Devotional will not continue this year. Thank you for being a part of this journey of knowing more about our Loving Father. I pray you have been blessed as I am by the word of our Lord. I will keep you posted on any developments related to this devotional and much more).

Unseparable Love

Who shall separate us from the love of Christ.....For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principality nor powers, nor things present nor things to come, nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
[Romans 8:35a, 38-39, NKJV]

Watch a love relationship grow, you would notice how those that hold on firm through adverse times are those whose love stands the test of time, so it is with our relationship with God.

Past the lists of do's and donts and the rules and regulations lie a relationship with God that has its roots in an intimate knowledge of Gods love for us and the understanding of His worth and faithfulness, that's the kind of relationship the passage today talks about. One that is not fazed by what stays or what goes, one that is not shaken by what did or did not happen, one that is fueled by the understanding of God's faithfulness in this grand scheme called our lives.

Let us seek to know Him in this manner and pray as Paul did for the Ephesians, that Christ may dwell in our hearts through faith, that we being rooted and grounded in love may be able to comprehend what is the width and length and depth and height, to know the love of Christ which passes knowledge; that we may be filled with all the fullness of God.

Prayer: Father, I desire to know You more and more, deeper and deeper with each passing day, to move from the superficial relationship that happens only on Sundays, or whenever I can muster the time. I want to know You as I am known and I ask that through the revelation of Your Holy Spirit, You draw me into Your secret place, where I can commune with You at a deeper level. Amen

One-Year Daily Bible Reading Plan - Dec. 31 2010 - Psalms 113-114 (OT), Mark 14 (NT).

Deceived

There is a way that appears to be right, but in the end it leads to death.
[Proverbs 14:12, NIV]

In 2 Kings 6:20-23, the Syrian army were heading to Dothan to arrest Elisha, however when their eyes were opened, they found themselves in Samaria, as helpless as captives in the midst of their enemies. These one's carried out their activities outside the will of God, seeking to bring their own desire to pass, but in protecting His own and preserving His glory, God led them blindly away from their destination, to their place of destruction.

Often times we take off on a route to satisfy our goals and ambitions following our leading and wisdom. We do not let God go ahead of us to work things out and show us where to go. What happens eventually is that we spend so much energy, time and resources only to get to the end of the road and find it is closed. We become hurt, disappointed and broken, feeling like a failure.

This is not the desire of God for His own. He wants to give us good gifts and prosper our efforts, but only if we give Him the chance. One year is rounding up to a close, and another will begin. This is a time of taking stock of the past and projecting future plans. Remember to put God first by seeking His face fervently in prayer, dwelling in His Word and learning to wait for His leading. Our father who answers prayers will meet us and guide us, moving the Heavens and the Earth to do His good will and pleasure in our lives.

Prayer: Dear Father, help me to submit my strong will and desires to you. Please help me to submit my efforts to you, that you guide my way instead. I seek to have your peace and prosperity, not following the path that leads to death. Oh God, please help me I pray in Jesus name.

One-Year Daily Bible Reading Plan - Dec. 30 2010 - Psalms 111-112 (OT), Mark 13 (NT).

Getting Rewards For Your Effort

Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.

[1 Corinthians 15:58, NIV]

Whenever there is work, there is corresponding reward for it. We work in our offices for certain reward. We open and run our own businesses for reward too. The reward for every work varies from money to self satisfaction. Even people who do volunteer work get reward for their effort; the joy and satisfaction of joining a noble cause that brings hope to other lives. Likewise, God has put in place several rewards for all who do His work, and the work we do for the Lord is to preach the gospel to the lost and win souls for Christ.

In Matthew 28:20, Jesus promises to be with us always as we go to share the good news. This is a sure reward of having the presence of the Most High with you at all times, seeing you through life’s daily troubles. In Psalm 126:6, we are told that those who go out in tears sowing seed for the Lord, will return with boundless joy carrying sheaves with them. As reward, God has provided abundant joy for those who share the Good News.

In Isaiah 52:7, greater reward is revealed. ‘How beautiful on the mountains are the feet of those who bring good news, who proclaim peace, who bring good tidings, who proclaim salvation, who say to Zion, “Your God reigns!” ‘ With a beautiful feet, you can be assured that doors will open before you as you approach without effort.

Work without reward brings grudge and wasted efforts, but God has blessed us with bountiful rewards for His service, which we can’t outline in any one write-up. As we go about doing the service of our Father, these rewards will be ours in Jesus’ name.

Prayer: Thank you Lord, for your faithfulness of rewarding my effort with your blessings. I show you my gratitude with thanksgivings, and pray for your strength upon my life to continue to do your work tirelessly. As many as hear your Word, dear Holy Spirit bring to the knowledge of you I pray in Jesus’ name.

One-Year Daily Bible Reading Plan - Dec. 28 2010 - Psalms 109-110 (OT), Mark 12 (NT).

Before You Quit

"Now pick up the other arrows, ... Strike the ground." The king struck the ground three times and then quit. The Holy Man became angry with him: "Why didn't you hit the ground five or six times? Then you would beat Aram until he was finished. As it is, you'll defeat him three times only."

[2 Kings 13:18-19, MSG]

Jehoash, king of Israel, thought he had done well when he struck the ground three times and quit. To him, it seemed to be an extraordinary act of his faith, but the prophet Elisha was disappointed because he had stopped halfway.

Yes, he did receive something; in fact, he received what he had believed God for. Yet Jehoash did not receive everything that the Lord wanted to bestow on him. He missed much of the meaning of the promise, and the fullness of the blessing. He did receive more than any human could have offered, but he did not receive God's best.

We know that God is able, through His mighty power at work within us, to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think [Ep 3:20-21], yet there is the following limitation: “according to His power that is at work within us.” He will only do as much for us as we will allow Him to do in us. The same power that saved us, washed us with His blood, filled us with the power of His Holy Spirit, and protected us through numerous temptations will work for us to meet every emergency, every crisis, every circumstance, and every adversary.

You may have been praying for a long time concerning a promise or you may have been standing on the promises of God for a while now. If His promise has not yet come to pass, it is not the time to stop trusting Him. Ask your Loving Father if there is more you should do as you await His promise. Ask Him to search your heart and show you if there is anything that will prevent you from receiving His promise in full. Allow Him to work in you.

 

Prayer: My Loving Father, I thank You for always desire the best for me. You remain my God who is able to do immeasurably above all that I could ask or think. Father, as I await the fullness of the physical manifestation of your promises (you may mention anything you are believing God for), I pray that I do not become complacent nor will I give in to the temptation to quit. I pray that You show me if there is any area of my life where you require more from me. Thank You Father, for I know You hear and answer prayers. In Jesus Name, Amen.

Sharing The Good News

Then they said to each other, “What we’re doing is not right. This is a day of good news and we are keeping it to ourselves. If we wait until daylight, punishment will overtake us. Let’s go at once and report this to the royal palace [2 Kings 7:9, NIV]

Good news prompts a person to tell it to others. It begs to be shared with as many as care to listen. By nature, good news advertizes itself even when unspoken by the attitude of the bearer; one of excitement, joy and overwhelming satisfaction.

The lepers in our text today stumbled across food in a time of severe famine. They were overwhelmed and overjoyed, they instinctively gathered some to themselves but immediately recognized that they couldn’t contain this good news alone. They ran off to share it with others, thereby sharing their joy with a multitude of other hungry people.

The birth of Christ has introduced great news to our lives, He has brought us salvation that makes us right before God, He has given us victory over oppressions of the Devil and hell, He has given us hope to spend eternity with God. He has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in heavenly places. This is great news. Let us imitate the lepers of old, not keeping this news to ourselves. Let’s share the news with others who are still held in captivity of their old ways, and are headed in the wrong direction ignorantly. Let’s share the good news of Christ’s salvation with all others, thereby spreading the joy, liberty, happiness and delight.

Prayer: Dear Lord, I thank you immensely for the gift of the Lord Jesus Christ you’ve given me that sets me free. Thank you for my peace, righteousness and hope. Thank you for my life and the lives of my loved ones. I commit myself dear Lord to tell your goodness to all I encounter, and pray for the courage and boldness to speak your words without fear. I trust you Holy Spirit to convict men to give their lives to you in Jesus name.

One-Year Daily Bible Reading Plan - Dec. 26 2010 - Psalms 105-106 (OT), Mark 10 (NT).

Christmas For The Nation

For to us a child is born,

to us a son is given,

and the government will be on His shoulders.

And He will be called

Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,

Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

Of the greatness of His government and peace

there will be no end.

[Isaiah 9:6-7a, NIV]

It is the season again to celebrate our Lords birth, a great gift to mankind and the beginning of our faith. In the midst of the joy, the giving, the receiving and the mingling with friends and family, let us take a moment during the season, to thank God also for the hope we as a nation have in His birth.

One of the reasons Christ came is to establish His Kingdom here on earth, so let us take the time to commit our government before Him, as the word says, "the kings heart is in the hand of the Lord, as are the water-courses; He turns it whichever way He wills" [Prov 21:1]. So this season, may God's government and peace increase in our nation, and may He reign in our nation as the Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father and the Prince of Peace. Amen

 

Prayer: Loving Father, we bless You for the gift of Your son. Today, as we gather all round the world to celebrate You once again, we want to thank You for the hope that we have in You, because of You. When others say there is a casting down, we can boldly proclaim, there is a lifting up. We praise You for our nation and ask today that Your will be done in this land as it is in Heaven. In Jesus Name. Amen.

Trusting God's Abilities

When he had gone indoors, the blind men came to him, and he asked them, “Do you believe that I am able to do this?”

“Yes, Lord,” they replied.

[Matthew 9:28, NIV]

The Bible tells us that it is impossible to please God without faith. Anyone who wants to come to God must believe that He exists and that He rewards those who sincerely seek Him [Hebrews 11:6]. The blind men in today's verse of scripture demonstrated their belief that God was able to heal them. Their level of faith was such that they believed God could do it for them all by Himself. Today, God still expects us to demonstrate our trust and belief in His abilities.

God has allotted to each of us a measure of faith [Romans 12:3]. Not everyone is at the same level of faith and this is because not all have developed their initial portion of faith. We may know by reading, hearing and seeing from the lives of others that "nothing is too hard for God". But it is worth it to experience that part of our loving Father who delights in impossibilities.

There is nothing that is too difficult for God to do. He can deal with your past and your present. He is the one who does miracles so great. He is the one who can restore you the years that seemed to be taken from you. Today your loving Father speaks to you concerning whatever you are believing Him for. He asks, "Do you believe that I am able to do it for you?" If you search yourself deeply and you realize the answer is "no", it is simply an opportunity to grow and develop your faith. If your answer is "yes", it is time for you to start exercising your faith on God's word. Trust in God and His ability to do it for you.
 

Prayer: My Loving Father, there is nothing too hard for You to do. I thank You for when it comes to my life, there is no problem You cannot solve. As I search myself today, help me identify my actual level of faith. Where I need to grow and develop, please show me how I can do so. May I experience the sweetest discoveries of You as I begin to trust in Your ability to perfect that which concerns me. In Jesus Name, Amen.

A Different Mindset

The Lord has given me a strong warning not to think like everyone else does. He said,

“Don’t call everything a conspiracy, like they do,

and don’t live in dread of what frightens them.

Make the Lord of Heaven’s Armies holy in your life.

He is the one you should fear.

He is the one who should make you tremble..."

[Isaiah 8:11-13, NLT]

Israel was surrounded by powerful neighbors and was under constant threat of attack, hence alliance with other strong nations was a common survival strategy for its kings. Yet here was God warning Isaiah not to follow that same pattern of thinking, worrying about who to make an ally to prevent defeat, or who was strongest and had the greatest armies. Israel was to fear the Lord of hosts because no other King or kingdom compares to Him.

We too as children of God in this generation are called to think differently, not as everyone else does. The bible says in Romans 12:2 that we are to be transformed by the renewing of our minds, that is the only way not to be conformed to this world. Our world is filled with such prevalent thoughts that are contrary to Gods way of thinking like "if it feels good, do it", “if everyone is doing it, do it,” or "what's in it for me”.

God's word today reminds us that our way of living above all this is by living according to His principles, being empowered by the Holy Spirit. Let us not allow ourselves to be swayed by the supposed norm that surrounds us. Rather, let us submit ourselves in all totality to God for He is a sanctuary to those who fear Him but a stumbling block and a rock of offence to those who reject Him [1Peter 2:6-8].

Prayer: My Loving Father, I thank You for Your Holy Spirit who guides me and teaches me to apply your word in my everyday life. Thank You for the comfort of knowing that in You I cannot go wrong. Let Your word continually transform my life, with its wisdom. I totally surrender to You.  In Jesus Name, Amen.

Beware Of Rust

But you, man of God, flee from all this, and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance and gentleness.
[1 Timothy 6:11, NIV]

If metal is left idle for a while, not being used and exposed to the elements of water and oxygen, it begins to rust. If nothing is done about the growing rust, it gets to a point when the metal becomes useless to perform it's functions, deserving only to be trashed.

Spiritual inactivity also corrodes the soul like moisture acting on metal. Paul urged Timothy to 'pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance and gentleness'. This command has no expiration date attached to it. Spiritual discipline requires continued attention throughout our lives. If 'rest' becomes a goal or an indulgence, then 'rust' is right behind.

Complacency, negligence, 'it doesn't matter', are the greatest undoing of the practicing child of God. The brain works with the greatest intensity when it works continually, likewise the more you do something, the more you can do, the better you become. We must keep working to keep trim for God, cleaning off any existing rust by doing the will and pleasure of God. Though our capabilities may vary with age, pursuing the righteous life to which God has called us should never end. Beware of rust.

Prayer: Thank you Father for your words of insight and encouragement today. For everything in which I feel weary and tired, I receive strength from your love. By your power dear Lord I stand to avoid every rustiness in my service to you. Use me for your good pleasure my Father I pray in Jesus' name.

One-Year Daily Bible Reading Plan - Dec. 21 2010 - Psalms 97-98 (OT), Mark 6 (NT)

When The Refiner Is At Work

He will sit as a refiner and purifier of silver...

[Malachi 3:3a, NIV]

A refiner is a specially skilled person who removes impurities or other unwanted matter from something (or in this context - someone). He knows the right temperature at which the unwanted matter will be removed. He sets and watches to ensure the refining process is done effectively.

There are times when God allows us to pass through a fire in order that He may refine us, purify us, and bring out the best in us. Today's scripture tells us that He "sits" as a refiner and purifier. He does not see us in the fire and walk away. He does not let the fire get too hot (that we may be burned) or get too cold (that we may not come out refined as He intended). He "sits", watching closely and keeping the temperature right. What others may think would destroy us would make us stronger and much better people - if we allow God. 

Today's scripture is consistent with His promises. He said, "When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze" [Isaiah 43:2]. We know that "the temptations in your life are no different from what others experience. And God is faithful. He will not allow the temptation to be more than you can stand. When you are tempted, he will show you a way out so that you can endure" [1Corinthians 10:13].

No matter what you go through, be rest assured that your loving Father is with you, watching, and ensuring that the situation does not burn you. In the midst of the situation, ask Him to show you what impurities He wants to remove or what characteristics He wants to bring out of you. His plans for you are always good - plans to give you the future you hope for.

Prayer: My Loving Father, I thank You, for You desire the best for me. When it seems I am passing through a fire which You have allowed, may I have the right attitude about it. May I realize that I am not alone but You are with me, ensuring that the fire does not consume me. May I look to You for what good You want to bring out of me and what impurities You want to remove from me. May I remain submissive to Your will. In Jesus Name, Amen.

Giving That Brings Life

I wash my hands in innocence, and go about your altar, LORD

[Psalm 26:6, NIV]

God is not only interested in our offerings, but also concerned about the state under which it is offered. Whenever an offering is given there could be many dispositions or possibilities to the state of the giver’s mind. Of all these possibilities, there’s one that makes God’s heart delighted, and commands reward upon the giver.

2 Corinthians 9:6-8, gives us a highlight on different kinds of giving, and that which brings life. [Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. ⁷ Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. ⁸ And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work]

It is therefore important to pause at the point of giving, to check the state of the heart and the motive behind giving, as this will ultimately determine the result. Do you give out something and later analyze why you allowed yourself to fall into such care-free mood, and then make a point to be more careful next time?

In Matthew 5:23-24, Jesus also taught that giving any offering or sacrifice when there is a grudge in the heart (despite how remote it is or who it is targeted at) nullifies the effort. Offenses always come, but if we hold it as a grudge against a person, there is the risk of losing every reward for the gift given to God, whether it be a material gift or service to God. A clear conscience and innocence is required at Gods alter. Let us wash our hands of all things that make our offering to God unacceptable, and the reward that follows a good gift will be ours.

Prayer: Dear Lord, teach me to be aware of the state in which I give, helping me guard against grudges and inward complaining. Clear my heart dear Holy Spirit of grudges against people that take away my blessing at your alter, I pray in Jesus name.

One-Year Daily Bible Reading Plan - Dec. 18 2010 - Psalms 93-94 (OT), Mark 4 (NT)

Keeping Your Promises

Eli would bless Elkanah and his wife, saying, “May the LORD give you children by this woman to take the place of the one she prayed for and gave to the LORD.”

[1 Samuel 2:20, NIV]

Hannah made a vow to God that if God would give her a son, she will give him to the LORD for all the days of his life, and no razor will ever be used on his head. [1 Samuel 1:11]. God answered her prayer for a child and gave her a son. Hannah kept her promise and dedicated her son to the service of God. Eli the priest prayed that God will give Hannah and her husband more children from her because she kept her promise. The bible records that Hannah, who was once classified as a barren woman, gave birth to three sons and two daughters.

There are times when we find ourselves making vows or promises to God. Sometimes it could be habits or addictions we want to stop. Sometimes it could be sin we are fighting to overcome. We find ourselves still going back to do those things we promised we would not do. Your loving Father knows that with sin and addictions, we as humans cannot overcome it on our own hence He sent His Son to die for our sins and restore us the rights we have as children of God. He also gave us the Holy Spirit to help us in our daily walk with Him. Though our Father is gracious and loving, it is not His will that we take the grace of God for granted.

But there are promises we make to God that are within our control. For instance, you may promise God that you will sow all of your first salary if He gives you a job. Or you may promise to sow a seed once you get the breakthrough you have been waiting for. Today's verse of scripture reminds us of the blessings that come with keeping our promises. It is better you did not make the promise than you did and do not keep it. Your loving Father is faithful and can do much more than you can ask or think. If you make a promise to Him, keep it. See if He will not bless you much more than you could imagine.

Prayer: My Loving Father, You are the one who is able to do exceedingly, abundantly, above all that I can ask or think. You are faithful to Your promises. Father, I am sorry for times I have made promises to You and did not keep them. I pray that as Your child, made in Your image, if You put a need in my heart and if I make a promise to You, I will be faithful to keep my promise. In Jesus Name, Amen.

One-Year Daily Bible Reading Plan - Dec. 17 2010 - Psalms 91-92 (OT), Mark 3 (NT)

God’s Love and Mine…

Broken for Purpose

When a farmer plows the ground for planting, does he plow continually?

Does he keep on breaking up and harrowing the soil? 

After he has leveled the surface of the ground, does he not sow dill and scatter cumin? 

Does he not plant wheat in furrows, barley in its appointed plot,

and spelt along the edge of the field?

[Isaiah 28:24-25]

 

God is a God of order and plan, and just like in nature, things follow a preset process, so it is with our walk with Him. For the seed within us to bear fruit, the soil of our lives would need to first be plowed (broken or tilled), this process can be extremely uncomfortable, but we have a comfort in knowing that we are being broken for the fulfillment of our divine purpose.

Allowing God's work of plowing to be completed in us, allowing ourselves to be totally broken before Him, allows Him to move on to the next phase. The plowing period is not forever, after the plowing comes the sowing, without the plowing, there is no sowing, without the sowing there would be no fruits, without fruit, what then is our purpose for life? So if indeed our hearts desire is to bear much fruit, let us surrender to Gods plowing process.

God uses several methods in breaking His people, depending on the unique weakness or blind spots of each individual, but all for the same purpose, to bring us to the end of self and to the place of total surrender. This does not mean that the process of brokenness would bring us to a state of sadness or depression, on the contrary, when we yield to God's working, it becomes the flavor of the our joy and praise and witness as Christians.

The LORD is near to them that are of a broken heart; and saves such as be of a contrite spirit (psalm 34:18), its is a blessed thing to be broken before God, because, this marks the start of a wonderful walk with Him, and we never get beyond it in this life but it marks our walk for as long as we remain on earth .We  remain broken and contrite all the way home

Prayer: Lord, daily I ask that You break me and mold me till I become all that You desire me to be. No matter how much I may squirm at each new phase, I surrender to the totality of Your will for my life. I thank You for Your love that instructs, Your love that corrects and Your love that perfects. In you I am made whole. Help me embrace your process throughout my walk with You, In Jesus Name. Amen

One-Year Daily Bible Reading Plan - Dec. 16 2010 - Psalms 89-90 (OT), Mark 2 (NT)

Move Forward

And they rose up in the twilight, to go unto the camp of the Syrians; and when they were come to the uttermost part of the camp of Syria, behold, there was no man there.[2 kings 7:5, KJV]

As God’s own beloved child, when you dare the thing you are afraid of, you’ll find out that what you thought would destroy you does not even exist. The lepers in our text took a step forward in the direction of their greatest fear. They soon found out that all their enemies were no where to be found and abundance awaited them. When you are in a challenging situation and you refuse to move forward for fear of the future, and instead prefer to cling to familiar unpleasant situations, you are choosing sorrow, sickness and problems over hope, joy, health and prosperity. You are deciding to hang around the comfort zone of a tormenting situation, instead of daring to choose freedom and deliverance.

In Exodus 14:15, God asked the children of Israel to move forward. They feared the impossibility of the Red Sea ahead, and preferred the destruction of the Egyptians behind them. However, when they moved forward, God parted the impossibility before them and provided dry ground for them to pass through. God is pleased with His own who show faith in Him, without faith it is impossible to please God.

When the four lepers advanced towards the camp of the Syrian army expecting the worst, they were pleasantly surprised to find no soldier in sight. The things you are afraid of as a child of God are not capable of delivering their threat. Never stop your advance because of fear, march forward in the direction of God’s lead. It is time to reject every thought of fear, failure, disappointment, dryness, delay or death. Read the Word of God and meditate daily on it. It will increase your faith. Engage in activities that increase your faith and move forward.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, I bless you for the provisions you’ve made ahead of me to part every Red Sea on my way. I bless you for taking the threat out of everything i fear in the future, I bless you for leading me safely into the abundant life that only You gives. Thank You Jesus. I put my trust and faith in you, I move forward continually to your glory and I claim victory over every challenges that threaten me in Jesus name.

One-Year Daily Bible Reading Plan - Dec. 15 2010 - Psalms 87-88 (OT), Mark 1 (NT)

Acknowledging Your Provider

She doesn’t realize it was I who gave her everything she has -

the grain, the new wine, the olive oil;

I even gave her silver and gold...

[Hosea 2:8, NLT]

Today's verse of scripture speaks about the Israelites whom God gave not only corn for necessity, wine for delight, and oil for ornament, but He multiplied their silver and gold. However, Israel robbed God of the honour of His gifts. They forgot their relation to their great benefactor and their obligations to Him. They did not consider what they had as blessing from God, and they did not return thanks to Him for His gifts. Instead they dishonoured God with those gifts - they adorned their images with gold and silver, and adorned themselves for the worship of their images.

It is quite easy for us to act like the Israelites as described above. This we may do knowingly or ignorantly. You may encounter people who say, "I got the one of my dreams because I fasted and prayed very well", "I got that promotion because I worked so hard", "I got into the best school because I studied tirelessly", or "I am where I am today because my parents made the right decisions". 

While we should acknowledge that there is a role we have to play in receiving what we have from God, we should not forget that it is God who has given us all that we have. It is God, our loving Father who gives us the ability to get wealth. He is the one who gives us strength to do what we do. He is the one surrounds us with favour as a shield. He is the one who equips us, and provides us with open doors of opportunities.

You may not have all you want, but your loving Father has provided for you all you need. If you reflect on this year, you will realize that He has done many great things for you. Spend time today thanking God for His provision, for thanksgiving opens doors to receiving more from Him.

Prayer: My Loving Father, I thank You for being my provider. You have provided me with all I need, even those things I do not know are important for me. I am sorry for times when I have assumed that what I have is of my own abilities and effort. Please show me if there is any way I dishonour You with the blessings You have bestowed on me. I pray, Father for Your help, that I may be a good steward of all You have blessed me with. May I always remember that what I have is from You, and acknowledge You with a heart of gratitude. In Jesus Name, Amen.

Living Beyond Self

..and if you spend yourselves in behalf of the hungry and satisfy the needs of the oppressed,
then your light will rise in the darkness, and your night will become like the noonday.
The LORD will guide you always; He will satisfy your needs in a sun-scorched land and will strengthen your frame.
You will be like a well-watered garden, like a spring whose waters never fail. 

[Isaiah 58:10-11] 

The world has somehow made us believe that our fulfillment comes from how much we can obtain and gather for ourselves, many of us live life in search for higher paying jobs, bigger contracts, better cars, bigger houses...and the list goes on. We tell ourselves, if I can just get that house, then I'd be satisfied, then we get the house, and realize, it wasn't all we thought it would be after all, and the struggle continues.

We have become a selfish generation, so much so that even the plight of the under privileged does not stir our hearts anymore. Or maybe we believe we are too busy, tied up with tight schedules, we tell ourselves that we really have no time to do anything else. But this is the kind of Christianity we have been called to , to feed the hungry and  help the helpless and oppressed, then the Lord would guide, satisfy and strengthen us.

As much as it is a good thing to increase and acquire material wealth, even more expedient is the grace to reach out to other with the increase that we have received from God. There is one who scatters, yet increases more, and there is one who withholds more than is right,but it leads to poverty. So today, and through the days to come, take a step outside of the me cocoon, and ask the Lord to show you ways to be a blessing to those who need your touch, you would be amazed how much more fulfilling it is to give than to recieve.

 

 

Prayer: Lord, today I ask for the grace to be used as your vessel to bless another. You have blessed me with so much and I know that the blessings are not just for me but that I may share and spread your love abroad. i am here as an ambassador of your kingdom and so Lord, i submit to you, touch lives through me as I yield to give of myself to others. Help me look beyond myself to see the many opportunities for ministering that abounds. Amen

One-Year Daily Bible Reading Plan - Dec. 12 2010 - Psalms 83-84 (OT), Matthew 27(NT)