Daddy (the sequel...I guess)

As I was finishing up journaling I had a urge to read up on what Pastor Dan had written on his blog. "Daddy" with a title like that who wouldn't want to read his latest post. I could just imagine the heart of a father in a moment like that. Today as I read, these verses stood out and the application that P.Dan gives is for us all.

"God wanted them to look for Him and perhaps search all around for Him and find Him, though He is not far from any of us: 'By His power we live and move and exist.' Some of your own poets have said: 'For we are His children."

-Acts 17:27-28

Calling you out!

"While they were at Lystra, Paul and Barnabas came upon a man with crippled feet. He had been that way from birth, so he had never walked. He was sitting and listening as Paul preached. Looking straight at him, Paul realized he had faith to be healed. So Paul called to him in a loud voice, “Stand up!” And the man jumped to his feet and started walking." -Acts 14:8-10

O- The bible is such a great book, it just paints a picture in your mind. I don't know bout you, but can you just imagine and picture those verses from above? It describes the odds against this man "...with crippled feet." but it didn't just end there, "...he had never walked." With his body laying on the floor, no one must have taken notice of him, except for one, Paul. Paul looks at him, with eyes that say "this isn't the way it suppose to be." and immediately he sees what a lot of us fail to see, he sees the potential in this mans life. Paul doesn't look at him as who he is but Paul looks at him as who he could be and who he should be. I believe this is a portrait of how every christian should be. We need to stop judging others because they aren't exactly like us, but we have to call out the gold in them.

A- I stand here today (well I'm actually sitting down) as a product of what God has spoken to me through the lives of others. Let me explain, I honestly never have heard God's voice or seen a burning bush that starts talking to me (closest was the bush man telling me to stop taking any pictures of him) but I do believe that God has spoken to me through many people. Pastors, parents, friend, his Word. Many people have seen some type of potential in me, the potential that I've lacked to see in myself plenty of times. They have been like Paul calling out the Gold in my life. If I could I would personally thank each and everyone of you but there are so many.
Who in your life do you need to call out the gold, the potential in? think about it we walk, we work, we go out, we see several people in one day maybe just maybe someone needs to hear that they are able to do the impossible.

P-Lord I don't have any excuses anymore, you have spoken to me through your word. So right now I pray that I may tune my spiritual senses to your radar and I can see what you see, hear what you hear, and feel what you feel. Use me to call the gold in others.

Who are you telling?

As I read and thought about what I will journal about one verse kept tugging at me, it's found in Luke 21:13 "But this will be YOUR opportunity to tell them about me."
I started thinking about opportunities that I have had to tell others about Jesus? and sad to say I haven't had one, or haven't found one. But then I started thinking about this Blog, and about Twitter, and about Facebook, and about the Internet. Maybe sharing My/Your faith doesn't always have to be a face to face encounter. Who knows someone on the other side of this screen might be clinging on to every word that I am writing because they need to know about the LOVE of Jesus. One thing I've learned in life is that opportunities come in all shapes and sizes, and most of the time they never come in the nice package you were expecting.
With that said I challenge every Blogger, Twitter-er, Face Booker, Myspacer, and what ever other -er is out there, use this or any other platform as your opportunity to tell THEM about Jesus!

Accountability pt. 1

Well it's about to be 5 in the morning and I have been awake since 4 but it's funny how God speaks to one, or at least to me. This morning I woke up to "FaceBook" and saw that some friends are going to try to start a mini Accountability group via Facebook. Now how we will do this, not sure yet, but guessing of making a website (if anyone has experience in this let me know cuz we want to make something tight that isn't just for us but to spread around the web) that is user friendly and has lots of advice, stories, prayers, and links to various help out there.
Well After reading all that and getting pumped up about starting an accountability group I decided to pray and open up my bible. I started reading in Genesis 39. If you don't know what happens in this single chapter it's when Joseph is sent to Potiphars home, and even there God makes him successful! Everyone see's the success of this young man, even Potiphars wife (who I like to call HOT-TIPHAR, c'mon if you work with the king you aint gunna marry just anybody) So Hot-tiphar really really wants to have SEX with Joseph, it says that she came tempting and flaunting all her junk EVERYDAY!! How can a man resist THAT? Well Joseph did, and so can WE. Jospeh refused to lay all his dreams on the bed of sin, and we to may come up against many situations like this.
So gentlemen if HOT-tiphar is around in your life, I have 3 words for you...RUN FOREST RUN!!

I don't have nothing!

S- But Abram said, "Lord God, what can you give me? I have no son, so my slave Eliezer from Damascus will get everything I own after I die." Abram said, "Look, you have given me no son, so a slave born in my house will inherit everything I have." -Genesis 15:2-3

O- I know it's not good to be jealous, but I'm jealous at the relationship that Abram (or Abraham) had with God. At one point in the scriptures it even mentions God standing up and leaving the presence of Abraham. WOW that is a deep one on one with God. But like every person that you like their might be one or two things that bother you and this is one of them. When God is talking one on one with Abraham, he does what ALL of us do, oh sorry what I do often, and that is he looked at what he didn't have instead of what God was telling him he will have. How many of us have been in this same scenario, a tug-o-war with God. He explains how He will use us in BIG and MIGHTY ways but we often can't see it happening b/c we are too focus on what we don't have. For some of us God is calling s to take risks, to give more, to do more but all in all we have to take our sight off the mirror and into the telescope.

A- I have buried many so called "great achievements for God" because of the fact that I look at myself rather than at God. Of course when I looked in the mirror I could see all my weaknesses, all my insecurities, all of my short comings and they have pushed back my walk with God. I'm understanding this in life, that everything I have achieved up to this point is not and could not have been because of ME but it was all because of HIM.

P- God today I don't look at myself, because if I do I will find an excuse not to believe, not to do your work, not to take a risk. I understand that I am in the middle of a turning point in my life and I NEED you. So no more looking at what I don't have but I look up to you and see what you have for me, a bright future.

His love continues forever!

Today was the start of our "Week of Prayer" at CWC. I'm coming in this week with an expectancy like never before. I understand that our launch day is getting closer so the attacks are getting heavier. Tonight I just want to share a quick Psalms that the Lord showed me. During prayer I opened my bible to Psalms 136, it's a quick read and in order to understand what I am going to write you would have to have read the chapter.

Throughout this chapter ONE phrase is repeated several times, ONE phrase stands to be true, ONE phrase that is still applicable today and that is..."His LOVE continues forever!"
as I read through this chapter it seemed like after every sentence I would have to say, "His love continues forever." to my surprise at the end of the chapter I realized and memorized ONE truth about God, "His love continues forever."
I started to think about this chapter and applying it to my life how would this chapter look if I would of written it?

In times of joy, His love continues forever.

In times of Financial chaos, His love continues forever.
On this journey called life, His love continues forever.
When everything looked like it was going to fail, His love continues forever.
The times I cried and no one saw, His love continues forever.
Praying for God to do a miracle, His love continues forever.
Feeling at times like no one loved me, His love continues forever.
Doubts telling me I can't, His love continues forever.
In the middle of all of this, His love continues forever.

So remember no matter what you are facing today in life...His love continues forever.

The Call is all that counts

S-"that night some shepherds were in the fields nearby watching their sheep. then an angel of the lord stood before them. the glory of the lord was shining around them, and they became frightened." -Luke 2:8-9
O- I'm reminded of the first sermon I ever heard from T.D Jakes "the call is all that counts" the call of God is truly all that counts in life. I loved how Luke sets up this story. The birth of our lord & savior, but before he goes any further he mentions those that were called; which were the lonely shepherds. notice one thing though, the shepherds were working, they were living the life that God set out for them to live. In those times no one wanted to be a shepherd but that was who they were and in the middle of their assignment God calls them. Remember the call is all that counts. but look how they received the call...with fear! knowing the call that God has set upon my life to lead others has clinched my heart with fear several times. It seems that every call of God also brings a sort of fear. Just recently for the new years celebration I had a chance to talk with Mike G. about if he ever gets nervous or afraid up on stage, and with his simple answer he replied, "yes all the time." he asked me the same thing & I replied with the same answer but I also mentioned that "knowing myself I would never stand in front of a crowd and dare speak! that's just not me, I know myself." but see when the call is on your life, that's really all that counts. Fear gone, nervousness gone, insecurities or doubts gone. The call is what counts.
A- I know personally that I'm a fearful person, I'm always thinking bout the next step & it usually drowns out the voice of God. if I know that I'm called by God then there isn't a reason to waiver. I need to re-establish a firmer foundation.
P- Lord remind me that your call is all that counts.

1st journal of 2009!!

Well I didn't want to start the year on the wrong foot, so I enjoyed my journaling time on bart so here is the first journal of '09:

Stuck in the middle

S- "Then the Lord God planted a garden in the east, in a place called Eden, and put the man he had formed into it. The Lord God caused every beautiful tree and every tree that was good for food to grow out of the ground. In the middle of the garden, God put the tree that gives life and also the tree that gives the knowledge of good and evil." -Genesis 2:8-9

O- Ok these 2 verses raised up several questions in my spirit first of all, have you ever felt like God has put you in the middle of a certain situation or place? Where it seemed different, uncomfortable, and even at times it may feel like God is not even close! well I've been in this predicament before and all you can really do is rough it out. See the "middle" usually isn't the place where you want to be at. When you're going on a long trip, no one in there right mind yells "I want the middle seat!" also growing up as a middle child I usually felt like the one who gets less attention, less loved, an felt like the odd one out. To make my point the "middle" isn't the best place to be at.
The next part is my favorite though which states that God put the tree that gives life, where? yup you guessed it...in the "middle". See it's in the "middle" of the turmoil that God meets us, it's in the "middle" of the chaos where God brings peace, it's in the "middle" where God shows up. I guess to wrap up talking about the "middle", I'm reminded of an Oreo cookie. we all know that the best part of an Oreo isn't the 2 stale black cookies but rather the cream feeling which is located in the "middle". To receive the life that God intended us to live we too will have to meet him in the "middle", but don't worry that's where we will enjoy his sweet presence.

A- as much as I hate being in the middle, I guess it's not a bad place to be in. I truly believe that if I'm put in the "middle" it will actually build my faith and trust in God.

P-Lord I want to start this new year right, and can't think of a better way to start it than with YOU. I love you and like PD has preached, "We got next!" let that be the anthem for me this year!

Amazed by You

S- "...When I saw the woman, I was very amazed. Then the Angel said to me, "Why are you amazed? I will tell you the secret of this woman and the beast she rides-the one with seven heads and ten horns." -Revelation 17:6-7

O- Wow it seems like getting anything out of Revelation is difficult to do, but this one phrase stood out to me "Why are you amazed?" it's funny how we can look back at this soon to end 2008 year, and we stand amazed at everything that has happened both the good and the bad. For some of us we are amazed at how great this year was! maybe it was a wedding, a graduation, or just achieving a new plateau in life. But maybe for others we stand amazed, but not in a good way, at how crazy this year was in the economics of this nation, at the plunges of housing, and the scorching prices of gas. No matter where you stand in the line of amazement I can just picture God asking us, "Why are you amazed?" See for God there is nothing that is going to catch him by surprise, there is nothing that we as mankind can do to shock Him or even...amaze Him. God knew what was going to happen, like I said the good and the bad, in 2008. God stands as Omnipresent, present at all times, Omniscient, all knowing, and Omnipotent, all powerful. So as this new year comes along, remember that nothing amazes God, why? because he already planned our lives, from beginning to end.
A- As 2009 approaches I want to be ready, but even then all my plans may be put on hold as he unfolds his major plan. I stand amazed not because of what I have achieved but because how great God is, that he can use someone like me to attempt to change the world. I can't wait for another amazing year.
P-Lord I give my life to you. That for me this adventure is amazing but for you, it's just what you ordered. Amen.

Spirit of a Survivor

Well today in class my professor said something that really stirred me up he said "You all have a spirit of a survivor!" He mentioned this as he told us to look around the room, there is only a few of us that have lasted this far and we have yet to quit. A spirit of a survivor! how awesome is that.
Today's journaling had a verse that made me think about this "Survivor Spirit" it says:

"I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith."

Paul, the greatest apostle of all is coming to the end of his legacy and knows without a shadow of a doubt that he has left everything in that ring! that everything he was sent to do has been FINISHED. Although Paul suffered greatly he survived the fight. Any time the bible talks about fighting I can't but help think about Rocky! and I enjoyed his latest movie when he says "It's not about how hard you hit, it's about how hard you can get hit and keep moving forward."

We have all taken some big blows in life, and just like my teacher asked the classroom to look around and see how many people are left, I ask you to look around...See you're still here, you're still standing, You're a survivor.

Guest Journal

Well tonight's journal comes from someone close to my heart my BIG brother, Orlando. I have and will always look up to him he uses simple words but his words seem to always reach deep to everyone's heart, so I pray that this quick journal entry gives you hope, brings back joy, and challenges you.

"For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light" -Ephesians 5:8

My old ways aint gunna cut it no more. Ever since I accepted the Lord as my savior I'm challenged to be the light, I represent the big man “GOD”. Not my will be done but his will.
Living out here alone away from every body has been tuff I have to admit, out of all the test or challenges I have faced walking the righteous path is the most difficult of all but yet it is rewarding. I thank God for every opportunity he has given me and the people he has surrounded me with. I just try to remember to lead by example you can talk the talk and play the part but if you aint living or practicing what you preach well its all in vain.

Characters is all you have and character is what people see so watch your thoughts, for they become words. Watch your words, for they become actions. Watch your actions, for they become habits. Watch your habits, for they become character.Watch your character, for it becomes your destiny......

Thank you Lord for all that you have done help me to continue to stay strong in your word guide me and use me I love you and I need you amen……………………….

Knowing God's Promises

"I pray also that you will have greater understanding in your heart so you will know the hope to which he has called us and that you will know how rich and glorious are the blessings God has promised his holy people." -Ephesians 1:18


One of my favorite spots to hang out and read the bible or any other book is Starbucks. I just enjoy the people, the music, the setting, oh yeah and the iced chai latte (or Horcahta that's what I like to call it) It seems like everything makes my experience there a great one! So as I was in Sbux yesterday I came along this verse and I started to think "How do I KNOW the promises of God? What do they SAY about me?"
For the longest of time I always wished I had internet service here at Sbux, it would just make my experience even better. I remember times when I'd bring my laptop and just stare at it in hopes that I would magically receive internet someway somehow, but nothing. Not to long ago I asked my mom what kind of service plan we have and what is included in our plan, to my surprise our plan ALREADY includes free wifi at any AT&T hotspot!
So what I'm trying to say is this, that the internet service, the one I so desperately wished I had, I already had it. It was already mine, but because of my lack of KNOWING I wasn't able to receive it.
Many of us live life that way, walking around with the promises of God right in front of us but because our lack of knowledge we aren't able to receive them. Dig through the scriptures and search for the promises of God and once you have it hold on to it and come into agreement that HIS promise is YOUR promise.

Set Margins

Moses told the Lord, "The people cannot come up on Mount Sinai, because you yourself told us, 'Set a limit around the mountain, and set it apart as holy.' " -Exodus 19:23

The Lord teaches Moses and the the Israelite the Law of "Margins." In each of our lives we need margins or how this text put it, limits. Ever seen a football game where the receiver makes not just a tremendous catch but he also manages to keep both feet in bounds which in return makes it a fair catch. Margins help the game stay in control and also helps our lives stay in control. I have recently been introduced to the real world. Working 8 hours, leading a team, expected performance, school, relationship, ministry, and a whole lot of driving. My life can seem and is real draining. I need to develop margins in my life to gain control of it or else I will be living life aimlessly.
Another thing I enjoyed about this verse was the last 5 words "...set it apart as holy." As we make margins in our lives we also have to set apart margins that are HOLY. These margins are the ones that are irreplaceable, unmovable, priceless. No matter what comes I already know and understand that I have set apart some time for what is holy. Now Holy doesn't always have to mean something spiritual. For some your Holy Margins are time with your family, Date night, or exercise.
As I think about these words that I'm writing i'm asking myself what are my margins that are HOLY, set in stone? So I gathered my top 5

Holy Margins

1. Devotion with the Lord in the mornings.
2. Watching "House of Payne" every Wednesday with my sister.
3. Telling Amanda Goodnight anyway possible .
4. Spending time with my family.
5. Encouraging my team.

Looking at your life what "MARGINS" do you need to set? which are your "Holy Margins?"

Guest Journal

I suddenly woke up real early today not sure why? so I decided I was going to pray but all of a sudden I was lead to read a journal entry that one of my friends sent me. Samson Lepisi, is one of the strongest men I know, he truly lives up to his name "Samson." Anyways I love that I have been able to see this young man grow in the ranks of Masters Commission. So this morning I want to say thank you Sam, and with his permission I want to share the same journal that encouraged and challenged me to keep going!

S- "Examine yourselves, to see whether you are in the faith. Test yourselves. Or do you not realize this about yourselves, that Jesus Christ is in you?—unless indeed you fail to meet the test! I hope you will find out that we have not failed the test. But we pray to God that you may not do wrong—not that we may appear to have met the test, but that you may do what is right, though we may seem to have failed." -2 Corinthians 13:5-7

O- What I believe Paul is talking about is never giving up. test yourself, whether you are in the faith. I thank God so much for a free will because if we didn't have it then what cause we are fighting for. I mean don't get me wrong having a good perfect life is good but imagine how much growth we will have spiritually if we've gone through difficult situations. Paul is saying, test yourself. You know sometimes we believe that once we are saved then we are always saved. Listen, "God is far more than just one miracle in your life and if we live off of just one, than we have limited ourselves of more." A test is an opportunity to overcome, we cant look at it as a downfall, a stumbling block but a chance to look at our problems as stairs, "the more steps you take, the higher you go." We will fail, don't get me wrong! we will fail but just know that failure is not an option in life, its a tool to help others overcome.

A- I apply this word to my walk this day and also in life. I found out my popz in the hospital. I know through this, my faith is being tested and i believe that my faith will grow stronger. Only God brings the increase.

P- God I thank you so much for what you have done. God through the good and the bad i will still worship you. God give me strength. I love you so much. Thank you. Amen

Now What?

"They went past the first and second guards and came to the iron gate that separated them from the city. The gate opened by itself for them, and they went through it. When they had walked down one street, the angel suddenly left him." -Acts 12:10

Peter finally experiences freedom! The Angel of God leads him out of prison but all of a sudden disappears. Now What? I don't know but I could just imagine Peter asking himself that very question, "Now What God? you took me out of the first and second guards and we passed the gates of the prison, and now you just leave me out here in the middle of the streets, Now What?" Doesn't it feel sometimes like God is leading us, and we can feel it too, then all of a sudden He is no where in sight. I have experienced those moments myself, but I don't think God leaves us half way just because, but I think he plays a little game of hide and seek. He wants us to search more passionately, more intimately, and with more persistence. Just because God is doing a great work in our lives does not mean we have to let down our pursuit for him.

There will come times when I do feel like God has left me alone and I too might ask my self that question, "Now What?" but it's in those times where I have to remember Deuteronomy 31:8 It's these times where I have to remind myself that I am not alone, but GOD is on my side!

Lord I just want to say how grateful I am to be called your son, that even when I think you're not there and I may question your integrity, you are a man of your word and you say that you will never leave me nor forsake me. Forgive me for ever not believing you, I take this word as a reminder and as a word of comfort that lets me know you are with me and I am with you.

Everyone loves money

Today was an interesting day, I listened to my podcast as I walked to school and then started my journaling session. What was surprising was that both my journal and the Podcast both related to FINANCES. Finances is something that all of us deal with, money makes this world go around, but God has a different twist on the way the world looks at money. I heard this message by Perry Noble on Money. He says that 16 out of the 28 parables are about money!
So my journey started off here in Malachi 3 and just a couple of verses into it God asks a profounding question, "Should a person rob God?"
Well this question kind of irritates you, or at least it does for me. I was raised in church and was always preached by my parents, "Remember to take 10% for your tithes." As a kid i really just wanted to say HECK NO! I didn't understand the principle that my parents were trying to instill in my life. Well I have to thank my mom and pops for that valuable lesson that I will cherish and instill in my family one day. As I got older and started sweating for my money I also noticed something else, and here is a confession, "It started getting harder to TITHE!" Just because my paychecks were getting larger and larger (yeah right) my hand held my money tighter and tighter. Today I realized the many times that I robbed God. Several times that I missed giving my tithes, or didn't give when I should've, but before I get all down I'll never forget how God came through for me. See I have given tithes and I still do, but I remember my biggest check that I ever received. I honestly didn't want to give all my tithe because that would be almost $100. I wrestled with God, and finally he challenged me to give, not just 10% but 15% and guess what I was OK with that. I really didn't see any fruit but in His time God blessed me, double of what I tithed. I stood there with a new check and I remember telling God thanks because He kept his promise.
There is something that Perry Noble says in his message, "God doesn't need your money, you need Gods blessing!" this is so true, we need Gods blessing for our lives. If we trust God with our money, we will see more of Him in our lives.

Who are you pleasing?

Keeping up with this weeks series "Change Happens" I have to say sorry for not posting anything yesterday, but I was CHANGING things up in my room I gave it a new look! I like it, there is more space and hey it looks cleaner!
Today's reading brought up one verse that just bothered me. I mean WHY would Jesus want this for our lives? I think Luke must have been writing this real late and must have gotten some words mixed up. So what is this scripture that I'm talking about you might be asking? well here it is...

Luke 21:17 says "ALL people will HATE you because you follow ME."

I mean how could this be, why would Jesus say that ALL (and that is a lot of people) people will hate me because I follow Him? The lifestyle that Jesus lived is contrary...wait let me go back, the lifestyle of this world is contrary to the lifestyle that Jesus lived. Ever since Jesus stepped into the picture, starting in Matthew, He seemed to do everything a tad bit different. Being born from a virgin wasn't really the proper way to come here on Earth, performing miracles on sacred days was cool but went against every religious leaders calendar, giving up one's life for people that He didn't even see (like me and you) has us in awe. Jesus seemed to do things just a little bit different. It really shook up the norm, irritated the status quo, and for those reasons and many more the people HATED Jesus.
So I came to think that if everyone is always happy and loving you, are you living the lifestyle of Jesus? The biggest struggle, I think, is when we get caught up pleasing man rather than pleasing God. We put all our focus in catering what man wants that we forget this is not our church but it's Gods church. So if you haven't experienced HATE in one way or another, you must question your lifestyle, "Am I living a life that is contrary to Jesus or constantly like Jesus?"
If our life is to be Christ followers mustn't we EXPERIENCE his lifestyle. I mean if we are expecting to be hated on by this world, I'm also expecting those miracles, those multitudes, the out of the box teachings, and everything else that was and is Christ.
if we do find ourselves trying to please man we have to CHANGE our methods and minds and remember that the only way to please Him is by FAITH!

Change Happens

Have you ever had a hard time seeing, finding, or just experiencing Jesus? I know I have. In our reading today Zacchaeus also had a hard time seeing Jesus. Luke 19:3-4 explains that Zacchaeus had a hard time seeing Jesus mainly because of his height, most of us might remember singing this song when we were younger.
So what happens when our view of Jesus gets faint? what can we do? well I am trying some new things to freshen up my quiet time with the Lord.

1. Changing the scene- I don't know where you journal or spend time with the Lord, but I usually spend my devotion time in front of the computer in my office (not really an office but it's my room) I've decided to change things up!
   •first I'm going to try changing the look of my room, the feeling of something NEW makes all the difference.
   •I'm also going to try journaling in different places this week, changing the scene.
2. "Brand" your week- I remember Ant used to pick a word or a phrase to start his week, and he would apply that word or phrase throughout the week in his journaling. Every month our church tries to "brand" a new series. This month was "Everyone" and soon we will be entering into "One Month to live." Try branding your week by making titles for your focus point. This weeks series, for myself, is entitled "Change Happens."
   
3. New translation- There are several translations out there, but which one is the best for you? well only you can decide that. I have always used the 'NKJV' just because that's all I really knew that was out there, but now I have been reading the 'NCV' version which I really enjoy and recommend but I think I'm coming to a point where I might choose a new translation, thinking about 'NLT'. What has worked for you?
4. Accountability- This one might be something that I have heard for a long time but at times I refuse to do. Staying accountable helps me stay focus and on track. Even this blog is a great way to stay accountable to all of you. Accountability isn't meant to condemn you but to challenge you. I'm going to choose around 2-3 ppl to stay accountable to with my devotional time.
   

Change

“In the same way, I tell you there is more joy in heaven over one sinner who changes his heart and life, than over ninety-nine good people who don’t need to change.”
-Luke 15:7

Throughout this presidential campaign one candidate has proposed one word, and with this one word it brings a whole heap of responsibilities and a lot of work. So what is this one word and which candidate am I talking about? Well it’s none other than Barack Obama with his one word slogan “Change!” I thought to myself, “It’s going to take a lot to change this world.” Change is and will always be a difficult thing to do. But before we can change anything we have to identify what it is that we need to change. In this verse there are two things that change 1. His heart and 2. His Life. Our hearts are the first thing that need to change. In Matthew 6:21 Jesus goes on to explain that whatever we treasure the most there our hearts will be also. If I treasure my money then that is where my heart is, if I treasure a sports team that is where my heart is, or if I treasure an individual that is where my heart is. But God wants our HEARTS! Our first thing we need to change is our hearts, God needs to be above everything else. My dad once told me, “God is so big that he fits that He fits the world in His hands, yet so small He can fit inside your heart.” The second thing that needs to change is our Life. If our lifestyle does not match our hearts than what are we preaching, a false Jesus? First point I have to make is that change is a process! It definitely is not an over night wish upon a shooting star kind of thing. Like P.Nick said one time, “We are habitual creatures.” In our lives we have learned both good and bad things whether it was from our parents, media, or peers, we pick up things. Our Christian walk is going to be a process rolled up with problems only to find Gods promises. Change is needed!

I loved these two areas of change because they display a spiritual and a physical area of our lives. In my life I know I still need to change things. As much as I want to say or think that as soon as I said yes to Jesus that all my urges and slight addictions were going to be removed, their not. Now I’m glad I can say that I am free of major addictions but it doesn’t mean that I don’t get tempted. In order for me to live a life that is changed I have to be willing to change. The willngness to change depends on the willingness to stand and fight. Like I said earlier change is not an easy subject, it’s taking everything that you and I were and transforming it to everything that God designed us to be. Are you willing to change? I am.

Lord Help me to change from the inside out. Amen

What are you praying for?

"Then he continued, "Do not be afraid, Daniel. Since the first day that you set your mind to gain understanding and to humble yourself before your God, your words were heard, and I have come in response to them." -Daniel 10:12

We've all have probably heard the story about Daniel, Shadrach, Meshach, & Abed-Nego and if you haven't well please read! Anyways looking at this scripture what stood out the most to me was that the decision for understanding visions and dreams was the decision of Daniel. It says that he "SET his mind to gain understanding..." but I also started to think how things looked at on the other side of the coin? how did God see this young mans heart? I think since God already knows our ends from our beginnings he must have known that Daniel was going to be a young man who was committed, because I think anyone who was going to face all the challenges that he did had to be committed to God. I think about myself? how committed am I? I don't even have to face persecution, accusations, or Lions and I still have a hard time staying committed to Christ. One scripture that pops to my head is 1 Corinthians 10:13 which brings a statement that we must all remember and that is that God wont give us anything we can't handle. I believe God looked deep within Daniels heart before he looked at Daniels end, and he saw that this young man was going to be able to handle IT.
I realize that I have prayed for several things; boldness, challenges, more of God, Giants, humility, revelation...etc. but looking at this verse I wonder if God is doing me a favor and not giving me those things, why? because maybe He just knows that I'm not committed fully yet or I can't handle it yet. And maybe I'm praying for understanding today, but God is trying to teach me a lesson about pride that I still haven't grasped.
Lord as you look into my heart you know what "things" I can handle, and maybe it might not be much but I pray that in whatever area that you are stretching me or whatever lesson that you are teaching me help me to stay committed to learn.