Ginger's Daily Reflections

Let Time With God Take The Place of Worrying

2011-05-14T07:12:00.000-07:00

Taken from Stormie Omarian’s Praying Through the Bible Book of Prayers

“Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life?” Luke 12:25

Dear God, I pray You would help me to stop worrying about things and start spending more time in Your presence, I know the time I waste by worrying is better used to pray and to hear Your voice speaking to my heart. You are my source of strength, hope, love, peace and rest and I want to be connected with You and not the things that concern me.

Read and Consider Luke 12: 22-34.

See Stormie’s Study Bible - Going Deeper thoughts below:

None of us can add a single moment to our lives by worrying. In fact, the opposite is probably more true; we actually lose life when we worry. We are wasting the time we spend worrying and we may be causing health problems that could ultimately shorten our lives.

Jesus tells us to refuse to worry because no matter what problems we have, He has already overcome them. “In this world you will have trouble, but take heart! I have overcome the world” (John 16:33). We can find freedom from anxiety just by spending time with Him. “When anxiety was great within me, your consolation brought joy to my soul” (Psalm 94:19).

When you are anxious, it means you aren’t trusting God to take care of you. But He will prove His faithfulness if you run to Him. “Do not set your heart on what you will eat or drink; do not worry about it. For the pagan world runs after all such things, and your Father knows that you need them. But seek his kingdom, and these things will be given to you as well” (Luke 12:29-31).
God says we don’t need to be anxious about anything; we just need to pray about everything. So instead of worrying, actively bring your cares to Him, Prayer is not empty, powerless ,wishful thinking. It is a powerful connection with the One who is the source of our comfort, strength and hope. So take your worries about the future to the One who holds your future in his hands.

What Do I Do Now Than I’m on My Knees?

2011-05-10T19:46:00.000-07:00

Taken from The Power of a Praying Woman Bible by Stormie Omartian

I used Stormie Omartian’s Notes from the Heart as a portion of my devotional for the Dallas County Cowboy Church Women’s luncheon May 7, 2011. I pray that this prayer guide is as helpful for you as it has been for me - Ginger Lambert

Below are the steps for praying that Stormie Omartian suggests:

1. Tell God you are glad He is your heavenly Father. This establishes your relationship with God in the clearest of terms, because this is who God ultimately is to you.
2. Give God worship and praise.
3. Choose something that you are especially thankful for about God and tell him how grateful you are.
4. Give you day to the Lord. When you lift up your day before the Lord and put Him in charge of it, He will help you walk through it with great success.
5. Present yourself to the Lord. When you present your body as “living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God” you are acknowledging your dependence upon Him physically as well as spiritually and emotionally. (Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to Good—this is your spiritual act of worship. Romans 12:1)
6. Confess your sins before God and ask him to help you live His way. (Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. Psalm 139:23-24) 1 John 1:9 says, “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.”
7. Ask God to help you speak only words that bring life. (May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, O Lord, my Rock and my Redeemer. Psalm 19:14) Prepare your heart by filling it with God’s word.
8. Ask God for what you need. Tell the Lord whatever it is that you need.
9. Pray God’s will in your life. The more we ask God to keep us in His perfect will, the less chance we will end up outside of it.
10. Pray for other people and situations. List all who come to your mind. Pray for any situation that you know needs your prayers.

Note: All scriptures referenced are from the New International Version of the Bible.

Stormie’s suggested prayer following the 10 steps:
1. Lord, I come before you today and thank you that You are my heavenly Father.
2. Lord, I worship You for who You are and all that You have done. (Then Praise him for everything that comes to your mind.)
3. Lord, I thank You that you are more powerful than anything I face or any enemy that opposes me. (Choose another attribute of God you are especially thankful for today.)
4. Lord, I give my day to You and ask You to bless it in every way.
5. Lord, I present myself to You this day as a ‘living sacrifice’ and ask You to help me be a good steward of this temple of your Spirit.
6. Search Me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting. Help me to live in obedience to your ways.
7. Lord may the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart always be acceptable in Your sight. Lord, may the words I say today bring life and truth to everyone who hears them. Lord put a monitor on my mouth so that every word proceeding from my lips is loving, truthful, kind, comforting, edifying, wise, encouraging and God-glorifying.
8. Lord, I ask You to meet all of my needs today. Specifically I ask for the following things....
9. Lord, may Your will be done in my life this day and every day.
10. Lord I pray for the following people.... In Jesus name I pray all these things.

Life is a Walk

2011-04-18T04:57:00.001-07:00

I am beginning a new study and thought now is a very good time for me to start recording my thoughts and blogging again. I like to journal, but don't seem to go back and read my hand written thoughts. I think I will read past posts more often!

I am starting the study Just Enough Light for the Step I'm on by Stormie Omartian. I have her Bible and have been also reading her book Praying through the Bible.

Life is a walk. Each day we take steps. Our tomorrow is determined by the steps we take today. The first words of this book! Lord, I pray that you will order my steps today. I want to make a difference, and seem to be at a crossroads in my life. It seems that the harder I work at slowing down my life, the busier I get! Lord keep me on track. Help me to only do those things that are important. Help me to fill my mind with prayer, scripture and uplifting thoughts. Don't let me fall into a trap of time wasting activities.

Stormie says, "It doesn't matter what your situation is at this moment, Wherever you are, God has a path for you that is filled with good things. Show me the way in which I should walk and the thing I should do" Pray that the Lord your God will tell us where we should go and what we should do. Jeremiah 42.3 NIV. "Every time we ask God to show us what to do in a situation, we also need to ask Him to help us do it." The Lord must really want me to keep this verse in my heart. I read this verse and Stormie's prayer and wrote it in my journal only three days ago! Now as I start reading this new book it is the very first verse I come across.

Stormie's prayer with this verse: LORD God, I pray You would show me where to go and what to do. I want to always be in the right place at the right time. I lift up to You the specific decisions I need to make today with regard to certain situations in my life. Enable me to hear Your voice instructing me, and help me to do what You are showing me to do. I also added, Lord, give Dr. Muller wisdom in how to best treat my knee. Lord help me to do what I need to do to keep my knee healthy. Lord heal my knee and shoulder! Thank You Lord that my knee is so much better, after the injection, I really did hurt and wondered if my knee would ever feel right again. Only three days later, I am no longer in such pain and it feels so much more normal! Thank you Lord for Dr. Muller's wisdom in treating me.

Stormie's Prayer Light - Father God, I don't want to take one step without You. I reach up for Your hand and ask that you lead me in Your way. Thank You that no matter where I am right now, even if I have gotten way off course, in this moment as I put my hands in Yours, You will make a path from where I am to where I need to be. And You will lead me on it. I love that Your grace abounds to me in that way. Keep me on the path You have for me and take me where You want me to go. "Cause me to know the way in which I should walk, for I lift up my soul to You. Let the morning bring me word of your unfailing love, for I have put my trust in you. Show me the way I should go, for to you I lift up my soul. Psalm 143:8 NIV. I know that when I try to run the race without You, I get off course. So I commit this day to walk Your way. Thank You that even if I become weak and stumble, You will help me to rise again and continue on. And though I can't see exactly where I am going, I'm certain that You can and will enable me to get to where I need to be. Thank You, Lord and You are teaching me how to walk in total dependence upon You, for I know therein lies my greatest blessing.

A man's heart plans his way, But the Lord directs his steps. Proverbs 16:9

The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord, And He delights in his way. Psalm 37:23

For some time now, I have known that the Lord is leading me to teach in some way. I feel that I am being prepared for something. I have come across a Preceipt training class in July, and am going to be praying to know if this is where the Lord is leading me.

Titus teaches us to be eager to do what is Good!

2010-11-19T05:52:00.000-08:00

Pray that God will help you to depend more and more on Him as you live and serve in this godless age. From Stormie Omartian:

Praise God for the promise that He is a God of truth and His Word can always be trusted. a faith and knowledge resting on the hope of eternal life, which God, who does not lie, promised before the beginning of time. Titus 1:2
Ask the Holy spirit to show you what specifically you need to do (or stop doing) in order to live in a way that honors God. Likewise teach the older women to be reverent in the way they live, not to be slanderers, or addicted to much wine, but to teach what is good. Then they can train the younger women to love their husbands and children, to be self-controlled and pure, to be busy at home to be kind and to be subject to their husband. Titus 2:3-5
Ask God to give you a pure heart that is "eager to do what is good." Titus 2:14

Praying Titus 2:11-14 - Jesus, enable me to rise above the lusts of the flesh and the temptations of the world so that I might be purified and made ready for the work You have for me to do.

From Charles Spurgeon's daily devotions:

Do I believe in the Lord Jesus Christ?
Am I renewed in the spirit of my mind?
Am I growing in grace?
Does my conversation adorn the doctrine of God my Savior?
Am I looking for the coming of the Lord and watching as a servant should do who expects his master?
What more can I do for Jesus?

Such inquiries as these urgently demand our attention. Let us be peacemakers and endeavor to lead others, both by our precept and example to "avoid foolish questions." Titus 3:9

Prayer is Never out of Season

2010-11-11T06:07:00.000-08:00

Prayer is never out of season--in summer and in winter its results are precious. True prayer is true power. You may not always get what you ask, but you will always have your true needs supplied. When God does not answer His children according to the letter, He does so according to the Spirit. If you ask for course grain, will you be angry because He gives you the finest flour. Do not forget to make your request for the Lord is ready to grant your desires. Prayer is an open door which none can shut.
... "and their prayer came up to His holy dwelling place, to heaven." 2 Chronicles 30:27

Prayers are instantly noticed in heaven. Do not think that your prayer, however weak or trembling, will be unregarded. Our God not only hears prayer but also loves to hear it.
"He does not forget the cry of the humble." Psalm 9:12

God marks prayers down in the registry of his memory. He puts our prayers, like rose leaves between the pages of His book of remembrance, and when the volume is opened at last, there will be a precious fragrance springing up from it.

(From daily devotional of Charles Spurgeon)

Meditate

2010-09-28T10:38:00.000-07:00

Peace, beauty and love, it surrounds us and is practicing meditating and it is working!- My daughter-in-law posted this on FB today. As I was doing my morning Bible Study - (I am doing a Precept study of Psalm 119), meditate was the word that kept jumping off the page to me me. I have a special journal I am using for my precept study, on the front of that journal is - Rejoice in the Lord always Philippians 4:4. As I read in Philippians again I got a message on meditating--- ok Lord, you want me to really use this today. So I decided it was time for me to start documenting some of my devotionals as blog posts.

Summing it all up, friends, I'd say you'll do best by filling your minds and meditating on things true, noble, reputable, authentic, compelling, gracious--the best, not the worst; the beatiful, not the ugly; things to praise, not things to curse. Put into practice what you learned from me, what you heard and saw and realized. Do that, and God, who makes everything work together, will work you into his most excellent harmonies. Philippians 4:8-9 (The Message Bible)

Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable--if anythuing is excellent or praiseworthy--think about such things. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me--put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you. Philippians 4:8-9 (NIV)
What more can we ask for than for the God of peace to be with us! Lord today I claim that promise!

Stormie Omartian Prayer Themes for Philippians:

Pray often for your family and friends, and tell them that you thank God for them every time you remember them in your prayers (1:3-6)
Pray for an overwhelming hunger and thirst to know Christ and that He would become the greatest passion in your life (3:7-11)
Take to heart Paul's suggestion to not worry about anything but "in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving present your requests to God" 4:6

"Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your reqests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus" Philippians 4:6-7 These verses always remind us to go to the Lord in prayer, but remember to worship and prase God for who he is, and to also go to him with THANKSGIVING for everything!

"Thank you Lord, that You have promised to give us everything we need and give us the desires of our hearts."

I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. Philippians 4:13

Thank you Lord for today is the day you have made - let me be happy in it!

Prayer -- The Responsibility of the Church

2010-04-12T08:06:00.000-07:00

April 11, 2010-Cowboy Church

Scripture Acts 12 - Peter's Miraculous Escape from Prison -

That's when King Herod got it into his head to go after some of the church members. He murdered James, John's brother. When he saw how much it raised his popularity ratings with the Jews, he arrested Peter--all this during the Passover Week, mind you--and had him thrown in jail, putting four squads of four soldiers each to guard him. He was planning a public lynching after Passover. Acts 12: 1-5 (MSG)

All the time Peter was under heavy guard in the jailhouse, the church prayed for him most strenuously. Acts 12:5 (MSG)

Then the time came for Herod to bring him out for the kill. That night, even thought shackled to two soldiers, one on either side, Peter slept like a baby. And there were guards at the door keeping their eyes on the place. Herod was taking no chances! Acts 12: 6 (MSG)

Suddenly there was an angel at his side and light flooding the room. The angel shook Peter and got him up.: "Hurry!" The handcuffs fell off his wrists. (NIV - "Quick get up.")The Angel said "Get dressed. Put on your shoes" Peter did it. Then, "Grab your coat and let's get out of here." Peter followed him, but didn't believe it was really an angel--he thought he was dreaming. Acts 12:7-9

Past the first guard and then the second, they came to the iron gate that led into the city. It swung open before them on its own, and they were out on the street, free as the breeze. At the first intersection the angel left him going his own way. That's when Peter realized it was no dream. "I can't believe it--this really happened. The Master sent his angel and rescued me from Herod's vicious little production and the spectacle that the Jewish mob was looking forward to."
Still shaking his head, amazed, he went to Mary's house, the Mary who was John Mark;s mother. The house was packed with praying friends. When he knocked on the door to the courtyard, a young woman named Rhoda came to see who it was. But when she recognized his voice--Peter's voice! she was so excited and eager to tell everyone Peter was there that she forgot to open the door and left him standing in the street. .....Finally they opened up and saw him--and went wild! Peter put his hands up and calmed them down. He described how the Master had gotten him out of jail, then said,"Tell James and the brothers what's happened." He left them and went off to another place. Acts 12: 9-17 (MSG)

Prayer is the most important mission of church members.

When we earnestly pray heaven comes to our rescue. The help of heaven is sent to our side. The power of heaven is dispersed to us. Acts 12:5 tells us that the church was praying for Peter. Although, Peter was facing certain death the next day, he was at peace. He trusted God completely.

There is light in the darkness. In Verse 7 when the Angel appeared, it flooded the room with light

God raises us up. The Presence, the Power, the Light of God will lift us up. God's Angel was an answer to the Church's prayers! Peter was lifted up and saved from certain death by Herod.

When we pray-the chains that bind us drop off. Prayer looses the chains that bind us.

Get ready to go! Peter did not hesitate, he obeyed the Angel, even though he thought he was dreaming.

Follow me. We must follow God even if we do not understand. Peter followed even though he did not understand.

God silences the opposition. God removed the chains, kept the guards from reacting, and rescued Peter from the prison and delivered him to the City where Peter could joined his friends at Mary's house. Mary's house was packed with friends praying for Peter.

When God is answering our prayers he opens all doors for us. The chains fell from Peter. The guards did nothing to keep Peter from leaving the prison, and the gate to the city opened for Peter.

In time we will understand all that God has done. We may not understand God's answer all the time, but our prayers are answered in God's time not our time.

You will see the answer to prayer.

Praise God for the great things he has done.

God answers the prayer of a sinner immediately, when he asks for forgiveness and God's saving grace.

As the Church it is our daily responsibility to pray for the church, the pastor, the elders and leadership, members and one another. Only when the church prays will our desires, dreams, goals and purpose be fulfilled. Our prayers are always heard by God and he answers our prayers, but in his time not our time.

Choosing Right Thoughts - The Mind of Christ - Study Notes

2010-04-02T09:38:00.000-07:00

1. Read 1 Corinthians 2:16 - According to the Scripture why is it possible for
us to think as Jesus did? We have his mind and a new heart and spirit.

2. Read Ezekiel 36: 26,27; Romans 8:6; Amos 3:3

a. Why did God give us His Spirit--a new nature, a new heart and mind--with the New Birth? He knew we would need them to heed His ordinances and His statutes.
b. What is the result of following the mind of the flesh? Death What is the result of following the mind of the Spirit? Life
c. What is the first thing we must do in order to flow in the mind of Christ? Think positive thoughts
d. What type of outlook and attitude did Jesus display? A positive outlook and attitude
e. The mind of Christ in us is positive; therefore, anytime we get negative, we are Not operating in the mind of Christ - this is Satan taking our joy!
f. What is the dictionary definition of the word "depress"? "To lower the spirits SADDEN" How does this word apply to us? We regularly have the opportunity to think negative thoughts, but they will only press us down further.

3. Read Psalm 143 3-10

a. What are the eight steps we can take to overcome depression?

1. Identify the nature and cause of the problem.
2. Recognize that depression steals life and light.
3. Remember the good times.
4. Praise the Lord in the midst of problem.
5. Ask God's help.
6. Listen to the Lord.
7. Pray for deliverance.
8. Seek God's wisdom, knowledge and leadership.

b. Give a description of someone who is depressed. "Dwelling in dark places as one is long dead."

4. Read 2 Corinthians 10:4,5; Isaiah 26:3

a. Why does Satan use depression? To drag millions into the pit of darkness and despair.

b. Where do negative feelings come from? From negative thoughts.

c. What is the second thing we must do in order to flow in the mind of Christ? Be God-Minded

5. Read Psalm 64:5,6; 77:12; 119:15; 143:5; 17:15
a. If you want to experience victory, what will need to to be a regular part of your thought life? Meditating on God and His ways and works

b. What is the advantage of fellowshipping with God early each morning?It is the one sure way to begin enjoying life.
6. Read John 16:7; Matthew 28:20; Hebrews 13:5; 1 John 4:16
a. Nothing is closer to us than our own thoughts.b. Since God is always with us, how do we become conscious of His presence? By thinking about him
c. What is the third thing we must do in order to flow in the mind of Christ?
Be God-Loves-Me Minded
7. Review 1 John 4:16, and read Romans 8:35,37
a. How can we experience God's Love for us? The "conscious knowing" of God's love.
b. What is the result of meditating on and confessing Romans 8:35, 37? A "conscious knowing" of God's Love.
8. Read 1 John 4:18 KJV, Romans 5:8 KJV
What is the result of righteousness-based thoughts? a Righteousness-consciousness
9. Read 2 Corinthians 5:21; Romans 12:8
a. Why should thinking about guilt and condemnation be avoided? Thoughts of
guild and condemnation are a waste of time and turn into action.
b. What must we do instead of feeling guilt and condemnation? Rebuke the devil and start going forward and thinking right thoughts
c. What is the fourth thing we must do in order to flow in the mind of Christ?Have an exhortative mind
10. Review Romans 12:8 and read Ephesians 4:29; 1 Corinthians 13:7; Psalm 100:4
a. Based on the ministry gift of exhortation spoken of in Romans 12:8 what is exhortation? Saying something encouraging or uplifting--something that makes others feel better and encourages them to press on.
b. What happens when you begin thinking loving thoughts about others?You
will find them behaving in a more lovable manner.
c. Why do many people never see the answer to their prayers? They negate what they have asked for with their own thoughts and words before God ever gets a chance to work in their behalf.
d. What is the fifth think we must do in order to flow in the mind of Christ. Develop a thankful mind.
11. Review Psalm 100:4 What is a sign that a person is flowing in the mind of Christ? He will find his thoughts filled with praise and thanksgiving.

12. Read Hebrews 13:15; Psalm 34:1
a. How can we be a blessing to the Lord? By letting His praise continually be in our thoughts and mouths.
b. Why is expressing appreciation so beneficial? It is not only good for the other person, but it is good for us, because it releases JOY!
13. Read Ephesians 5:18-20; John 5:38
a. How can we let the Holy Spirit ever fill and stimulate us?By speaking to ourselves (through our thoughts) or to others (through our words) in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs. In other words, by keeping our thoughts and words on and full of the Word of God; by offering praise at all times and for everything, giving thanks.
b. What is the sixth thing we must do in order to flow in the mind of
Christ? Be Word-minded
14. Review John 5:38
a. According to the verse, what is God's Word?A written expression of His
thoughts, how HE thinks about every situation and subject.
b. Why was it given? So people could believe and experience all the good
results of it.
c. How is this accomplished? By meditating on it
15. Read Joshua 1:8; Psalm 1:2,3 How do we put the Word of God into practice physically? By first practicing it mentally.

16. Read Proverbs 4:20-22 The words of the Lord are a source of health and healing to the flesh.

17. Read Mark 4:24 How does the principle of sowing and reaping apply to this verse? The greater the amount of time we put into thinking about and studying the Word of God the more we get out of it.

18. Read Mark 4:22 Where does the power to do the Word of God come from? The practice of meditation on it.

19. Read James 1:21 How does the implanting and rooting of the Word of God take place in our hearts?Through attending to it--by having it on our mind more than anything else.

20. Read Romans 8:6; Philippians 4:8; 2 Corinthians 10:5 KJV
What do you achieve by continually "watching over" your thoughts? You begin to take every thought captive unto the obedience of Jesus Christ

Choosing Right Thoughts-The Mind of Christ

2010-04-01T06:48:00.000-07:00

For several weeks, I have been reading and studying the book Battlefield of the Mind by Joyce Meyer. I have come to what I think is the most important chapter in the book.

Our thoughts lead us to our actions. Negative thoughts lead us to a negative life. Our thoughts govern what we become. Choosing right thoughts or right thinking lead us to a positive life.

For as he thinks in his heart, so is he...Proverbs 23.7. You cannot live a positive life and have a negative mind! Joyce Meyer says " If we think fleshly thoughts, wrong thoughts, negative thoughts, we cannot walk in the Spirit. God-like thinking is a vital necessity to a successful Christian life. Choosing right thoughts - making a decision to improve our thoughts and have a Mind of Christ is a conscious decision. We will never be perfect like Christ, but our Christian walk will certainly improve if we follow scripture and strive for a more perfect walk.

I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you; I will remove from you your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh. And I will put my Spirit in you and move you to follow my decrees and be careful to keep my laws. (NIV) Ezekiel 36: 26-27

I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit within you; I will take a heart of stone out of your flesh and give you a heart of flesh. I will put My Spirit within you and cause you to walk in My statutes and you will keep My judgements and do them. (NKJV) Ezekiel 36: 26-27

I'll give you a new heart, put a new spirit in you. I'll remove the stone heart from your body and replace it with a heart that's God willed, not self-willed. I'll put my Spirit in you and make it possible for you to do what I tell you and live by my commands. (The Message) Ezekiel 36: 26-27

This Bible verse is self explanatory - Once we have accepted Christ as our savior, we have a new spirit - if we live by God's Commandments, study the Word of God, the Holy Spirit will lead us to live a fuller Christian life.

Joyce Meyer gives us a list of things to do in order to follow in the mind of Christ. I felt this chapter was important enough to write my notes out for me to review from time to time and for anyone who reads my notes. (If you have not read Joyce Meyer's book, Battlefield of the Mind I certainly recommend it .)

1. Think positive thoughts. Have a positive outlook and attitude. Maintain
positive thoughts and expectations. Engage in positive conversation.

Overcome Depression - Psalm 143:3-10 gives a
description of depression and how to come it.

-Identify the nature and cause of the problem (Notice that the cause or
source of this depression, this attack upon the soul, is Satan) For the enemy has pursued and persecuted my soul, he has crushed my life down to the ground; he has made me to dwell in the dark places as those who have been long dead. Psalm 143:3

-Recognize that depression steals life and light.

Depression oppresses a
person's spiritual freedom and power. Therefore is my spirit overwhelmed and faints within me (wrapped in gloom); my heart within my bosom grows numb. Psalm 143:4

-Remember the Good times. Remembering, meditating, and pondering are functions of the mind. I remember the days of old; I meditate on all Your doings; I ponder the work of Your hands. Psalm 143:5

-Praise the Lord in the midst of the problem. I spread forth my hands to You; my soul thirsts after You like a thirsty land (for water). Selah (pause, and calmly think of that)! Psalm 143:6

-Ask for God's help. Answer me speedily, O Lord, for my spirit fails; hide not Your face from me, lest I become like those who go down into the pit(the grave). Psalm 143:7

-Listen to the Lord. Cause me to hear Your living kindness in the morning, for on You do I lean and in You do I trust. Cause me to know the way wherein I should walk, for I lift up my inner self to you Psalm 143:8

-Pray for deliverance. Deliver me O Lord, from my enemies; I flee to you to hide me. Psalm 143:9

-Seek God's Wisdom, knowledge and leadership. Teach me to do Your will, for You are my God; Let Your good Spirit lead me into level country and into the land of uprightness. Psalm 143:10

-Pray for deliverance.Deliver me, O Lord, from my enemies; I flee to you to hide me. Psalm 143:9

-Seek God's wisdom, knowledge and leadership.Teach me to do Your will, for You are my God; let Your good Spirit lead me into a level country and into the land of uprightness. Psalm 143:10

Remember: Negative feelings come from negative thoughts. Choose today to be positive--casting down every negative imagination--and bringing your thoughts into the obedience of Jesus Christ. (2 Corinthians 10:5 KJV)

2. Be God-Minded - MEDITATE ON GOD AND HIS WORKS - Meditating on God and his ways and works will need to become a regular part of your thought life if you want to experience Victory. I shall be fully satisfied, when I awake (to find myself) beholding your form (and having sweet communion with you). Psalm 17:15 Fellowshipping with God early in the morning is one sure way to begin enjoying life. He is always with us, but we need to think on Him and be aware of His presence.

3. Be "God-Loves-Me" Minded - the love of God is meant to be a powerful force in our lives, one that will take us through even the most difficult trials into victory. FEAR NOT - There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear... 1 John 4:18
BE RIGHTEOUSNESS-CONSCIOUS NOT SIN-CONSCIOUS--think deliberately according to the Word of God; don't just think whatever falls into your head, receiving it as your own thoughts. Rebuke the devil and start going forward by thinking right thoughts.

4. Have an exhortative mind. He who exhorts (encourages) to his exhortation......Romans 12:8 The person with the mind of Christ thinks positive, uplifting edifying thoughts about other people as well as about himself and his own circumstances. Remember that whatever is in your heart will come out of your mouth. Do some "love thinking" on purpose. Send thoughts of love toward other people. Speak words of encouragement to them. The simple rule is: if it's not good, then don't think it or say it. Love always believes the best of everyone. To live in victory you must begin by lining up our thoughts with God's words.

5. Develop a thankful mind. Enter into his gates with thanksgiving and a thank offering and into His courts with praise! Be thankful and say so to Him bless and affectionately praise His name. Psalm 100:4

BE THANKFUL AT ALL TIMES - Through Him, therefore, let us constantly and at all times offer up to God a sacrifice of praise, which is the fruit of lips that thankfully acknowledge and confess the glorify His name. Hebrews 13:15 We should offer thanksgiving at all times--in every situation, in all things --and by so doing we enter into the victorious life where the devil cannot control us. I will bless the Lord at all times; His praise shall continually be in my mouth. Psalm 34:1 Show appreciation in your family, mentioning certain things specifically that we are thankful for. Expressing appreciation is not only good for the other person, but it is good for us, because it releases joy in you. Meditate daily on all the things you have to be thankful for. Rehearse them to the Lord in prayer, and as you do you will find your heart filling up with life and light.

OFFER THANKS ALWAYS FOR EVERYTHING - We can be filled with the Holy Spirit by speaking to ourselves (through our thoughts) or to others (through our words) in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs and by keeping out thoughts and words full of the Word of God offering praise at all times for everything giving thanks.

6. Be Word-minded - Meditating on the Word of God is one of the most important principles we can learn. Vines Dictionary of the New Testament defines the words translated meditate as follows: "...to care for," "to attend to, practice," to "be diligent in" "to murmur or to mutter.

HEAR AND HARVEST - And he said to them Be careful what you are hearing. The measure (of thought and study) you give (to the truth you hear) will be the measure ( of virtue and knowledge) that comes back to you -- and more (besides) will be given to you who hear. Mark 4:24 The greater the amount of time you and I spend personally put into thinking about and studying the Word we hear, the more we will get out of it.

READ AND REAP - (Things are hidden temporarily only as a means to revelation.) For there is nothing hidden except to be revealed, nor is anything (temporarily) kept secret except in order that it may be made known. Mark 4:22 The word has hidden in it tremendous treasures, powerful life-giving secrets that God wants to reveal to us. They are manifested to those who meditation, ponder, study, think about, practice mentally and mutter the Word of God. The Lord keeps revealing His secrets to those who are diligent about the Word. Study the Word and allow the Holy Spirit to bless our life with truth. Remember the power to do the Word comes from the practice of meditating on it.

RECEIVE AND WELCOME THE WORD-So get rid of all uncleanness and the rampant outgrowth of wickedness, and in a humble (gentle, modest) spirit receive and welcome the word which implanted and rooted (in your hearts) contains the power to save your souls. James 1:21 The Word has the power to save us from a life of sin, but only as it is received, welcomed and implanted and rooted in our hearts (minds). This implanting and rooting takes place through attending to God's Word--by having it on our minds more than anything else.

CHOOSE LIFE! Now the mind of the flesh (which is sense and reason without the Holy Spirit) is death (death that comprises all the miseries arising from sin, both here and hereafter). But the mind of the (Holy) Spirit is life and (soul) peace (both now and forever) Romans 8:6

As a born again Christian you have the mind of Christ, begin to use it. If Christ wouldn't think it, you shouldn't think it either.

...whatever is true, whatever is worthy of reverence and is honorable and seemly whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely and lovable, whatever is kind and winsome and gracious, if there is any virtue in excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think on and weigh and take account of these things (fix your minds on them). Philippians 4:8

Whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable--if anything is excellent or praiseworthy--think about such things. Whatever you have learned or received from me, or seen in me--put it into practice. And the God of Peace will be with you. Philippians 4:8-9 (NIV)

Summing it up friends, I'd say you'll do best by filling your minds and meditating on things true, noble, reputable, authentic, compelling, gracious--the best not the worst, the beautiful not the ugly; things to praise not things to curse. Put into practice what you have learned from me, what you have heard and saw and realized. Do that and God who makes everything work together will work you into his most excellent harmonies. Philippians 4:8-9 (The Message)

Five Principles for Doing the Will of God

2010-03-08T16:37:00.000-08:00

Dallas County Cowboy Church March 7, 2010 - Notes from Pastor Mike's sermon.

Scripture Proverbs 3:1-10

These principles/times are for an individual or for a church.

1. Nesting Time - This is the time when an idea begins to formulate, and the heart begins to seek. Prayer is a very important component. You must let the words of God be on your heart. Proverbs 3: 1-2

2. Testing Time - This is a time of temptation. When we decide to do the will of God. Are you serious? Proverbs 3: 3-4

3. Investing Time - The time for you to pour your life into the will of God. You begin to sacrifice Proverbs 3: 5-6

4. Arresting Time - The time to be stopped, bound up, held. The enemy wants to stop you completely. You must keep your eyes on the Lord and lean on Him. Proverbs 3: 6-7

5. Cresting Time - This time comes from God himself - when God shows you his power and his blessings. Proverbs 3 8-10

These principles or times can be found in Jesus life.

The Nesting Time for Jesus was his boyhood, his early years. The time he spent in the temple as a 12 year old.

The Testing Time for Jesus was after he left the carpenter shop to start his ministry - The 40 days and nights he was tested in the wilderness by Satan.

The Investing Time for Jesus began when he started his ministry, preaching the Gospel!

The Arresting Time for Jesus was the Crucifixion and all the acts that lead up to the cross, from the betrayal to the Crucifixion.

The Cresting Time for Jesus was the Resurrection! The power of the Resurrection from God. God gave Jesus the name King of Kings, Lord of Lords - Gods power working through Jesus.

Cowboy Church 7/12/09 - Tithe

2009-07-19T05:45:00.000-07:00

Scripture: Joshua 11:21-22...they remained only in Gaza, in Gath and in Ashdod.

Joshua was given a commandment to clear the Promised Land of all Pagen people in Israel. God's commandment was not obeyed. Many times a gradegy occures when a commandment is not obeyed.

Put God 1st and he will Bless you

Betty Crocker Recipe for Titheing

Don't fudge - dont skrimp

Don't Budge

Don't Grudge - be a cheerful giver

Don't Judge

Any area of disobedience must be removed from your life for you to receive his full blessings

Your tithe belongs to God, anything above that is giving!

You cannot out give God!

Commit thy works to the Lord and they thy thoughts shall be established. This is my prayer, that my daily efforts will be committed to the Lord and that I will grow in his grace.

Prayer for our Country and President

2009-02-06T06:23:00.000-08:00

After the election last November, I felt moved to get to a more positive place regarding our president elect. I returned to a web site I had found after 9/11. The Presidential Prayer Team was born out of the national tragedy of September 11, 2001. Since then, millions have joined together through PPT to pray for the President, his cabinet, the nation and our Armed Forces. PPT is the largest organization dedicated to praying for our President and our nation. To visit the site: http://www.presidentialprayerteam.org

I followed this site between the election and inauguration. There are daily scripture references and prayer points. I find this a good way to begin my morning devotional time. Today's thoughts were especially moving.

So that by God's will I may come to you with joy and together with you be refreshed. —Romans 15:32 (NIV)

PRESIDENTIAL QUOTE FOR THE WEEK
Much has been given us from on high, and much will rightly be expected of us in return. Into our care the ten talents have been entrusted; and we are to be pardoned neither if we squander and waste them, nor yet if we hide them in a napkin; for they must be fruitful in our hands. Ever throughout the ages, at all times and among all peoples, prosperity has been fraught with danger, and it behooves us to beseech the Giver of all things that we may not fall into love of ease and luxury; that we may not lose our sense of moral responsibility; that we may not forget our duty to God, and to our neighbor. —President Theodore Roosevelt, October 26, 1907

Today's Prayer from PPT: Gracious God, You call us into fellowship, not only with Yourself, but also with one another. We praise and thank You for creating us with the need to spend time with You as we spend time in worship, fellowship and praise with one another. We love You Lord, and thank You for the gift of the Church, Your means of accomplishing and working out your will in the world.

I have not been in church fellowship for the past several years. I have known for some time that I needed that fellowship. Last Sunday I joined the Dallas County Cowboy Church and I know that God is working in that church and he is going to bless me in my worship there.

Prayer of Jabez

2009-02-03T06:26:00.000-08:00

I have prayed this prayer before and God gave me almost more responsibility than I would accept. I felt inadequate! I did not keep up the journey of receiving God's Blessings. I guess I just was not ready. As I again begin the study of the prayer of Jabez, I feel that I am in a place where I am ready to believe and understand what God has in store for me. I have just completed reading the Bruce Wilkerson Book The Prayer of Jabez.

The Prayer of Jabez NKJV

And Jabez called on the God of Israel saying,

"Oh that You would bless me indeed

and enlarge my territory,

that Your hand would be with me,

and that You would keep me from evil,

that I may not cause pain!"

So God granted him what he requested.

1 Chronicles 4:10

Amplified Bible

Jabez cried to the God of Israel saying,

Oh, that You would bless me and enlarge my border,

and that Your hand might be with me,

and You would keep me from evil

so it might not hurt me!

And God granted his request.

I am going to follow the 30 day plan as outlined in Wilkinson's book:

1. Pray the Jabez prayer every morning, and keep a record of daily prayer prayer.
2. Write out the prayer and keep it where you'll be reminded of your new vision.

3. Reread the Bruce Wilkinson Book once a week.

4. Tell another person of your Commitment and ask him/her to check up on you.

5. Begin to keep a record of changes in your life.

6. Start praying the Jabez prayer for your family, friends, and local church.

To bless means to favor, honor, or bestow special gifts or status. Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits" Psalm 103:2

Wilkinson is talking about the kind of blessing where God's favor on us--His supernatural gifts that we don't earn that we can't receive from any one else.

The blessing of the Lord--it makes [truly] rich, and He adds no sorrow with it [neither does toiling increase it.] Proverbs 10:22 Amplified Bible--The Criswell Study Bible notes say: "The blessing of the Lord," not chance or labor, give the increase. This blessing, found in the path of obedience, is completely by grace from the hand of the loving heavenly Father (James 1:17) Nothing is added to that blessing which is totally efficient and sufficient in itself, in order to complete it.

Every good gift and every perfect (free, large, full) gift is from above; it comes down from the Father of all (that gives) light, in [the shining of] Whom there can be no variation (rising or setting) or shadow cast by His turning [as in an eclipse]. James 1:17 Amplified Bible

When reading in my Chriswell Bible, I came across these notes I had written many years ago from a sermon on 7/10/83:

God speaks in three ways: 1) through the scripture 2) through the sermon 3) through the spirit.

Three things we all should do: 1) Tune in - swift to hear 2) Tone down - slow to speak 3) Sweeten up - slow to wrath

Cinnamon Buns, Chicken Necks and Hippies

2009-02-02T06:48:00.000-08:00

Pastor Mike has a since of humor as you can see from the sermon title.
Scripture: Luke 9:23-26
23 And he said to them all, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me.
24 For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: but whosoever will lose his life for my sake, the same shall save it.
25 For what is a man advantaged, if he gain the whole world, and lose himself, or he cast away?
26 For whosoever shall be ashamed of me and of my words, of him shall the Son on man be ashamed, when he shall come in his own glory, and in his Father's, and of the holy angels.

Have you ever had whop rolls? you know you whop the package on the counter, then put the rolls in the pan and walla, cinnamon rolls. Pastor Mike's granddaughter likes the whop rolls! You know how the center roll is soft and has lots of icing. Do you ever find yourself wanting the best one for yourself???

Chicken Necks - Pastor mike tells about his wife growing up in a big family and thinking that the chicken neck was the most special piece of chicken. Her mother always called the chicken neck, pastor's wife was in her mid teens before she realized the sacrifice of her mother, wanting to be sure all her children got a good piece of chicken!

Hippies - Can we turn those hippies to cowboys??? Not the purpose at all - In the Mid 60s Chuck Smith of the Calvary Baptist Church in LA developed a big following of hippies --actually called the Jesus Movement. History shows that every 40 to 60 years there is a time of revival and spiritual awakening. That church began a very important movement. The hippies seemed to be attracted to Chuck Smith's church. Elders and others began complaining that their beads, clothes, buckles, etc were scratching the church pews and that the pastor needed to do something. At the next service he told the congregation - I have pondered the problem, and have a solution to our scratched pews - we will just remove them. The kids are more important than any pew. He did remove the pews and the kids brought in bean bag chairs. His ministry grew and he baptized as many as 300 in one day. Think what an influence those young Christians had on the world around them.

Who are you in these examples, the self centered person thinking only of one's self, the sacrificing mother only think of her children, the pastor sharing Gods plan for salvation!

Today every other person you met is lost. Can you answer the call of sharing the hope of Christ with every person in Texas? What is Texas Hope 2010? Sharing the hope of Christ with every person in Texas within their own language and context by Resurrection Sunday 2010. Pastor Mike challenged us to Pray at noon every day for Texas.

PRAY: "Lord Jesus Christ, have mercy on Texas!" I am accepted that challenge and will begin the month long program today.

Next Sunday is the grand opening of the Cowboy Church of Dallas County, I look forward to the weeks and month ahead for this new church.

New Chruch - New Beginnings

2009-02-01T20:26:00.001-08:00

I started blogging about 7 months ago when I started my retirement blog. I have really enjoyed blogging, but want to start recording my daily Christian journey separately. I have just joined a new church and have begun truly studying the Bible daily. I was born and raised in a Baptist Church. My dad was a deacon in his later years. My husband and I were very active in the Church when my sons were in their teens, but have drifted away from weekly fellowship in the past years.

I retired in 2007 and have begun a new phase in my life, and feel that I really have a purpose to fulfill God's plan for my life. I am still looking for that plan--my niche. I have known for several years that I needed to be active in the church--but just which church is that? Since I moved from my home of 39 years about two years ago, I have wanted to find a church home that is close to home. I have found that Church. I started attending services at the Cowboy Church of Dallas County a month ago, and filled out the paperwork to join the church today. The church was established last May, and has just moved to its permanent location. The grand opening will be next Sunday.

I grew up in a small Baptist Church. If we had 300 people on an Easter Sunday, we were breaking records! My father and I were baptized together on Christmas Eve when I was 10 years old. If the church doors opened, we were there. It was a small church with a wonderful preacher. I had the same preacher from the time I was in the third grade until I married. I went back to my home town church many times over the years to hear the Pastor. He preached the sermon at my daddy's funeral, both grandparents, and my brother's funeral. My Pastor counseled with my husband and I before we married. I am looking for the feeling of that small church again. What has prompted me to find a small church are visits to my best friend's church in East Texas. She has such a good little church with wonderful music and very worthwhile programs for the youth. Visiting that little church has really tugged at my heart making me aware that it was time for me to have my own church. I have felt the need to find a church that has that small town atmosphere. My husband really likes the casual atmosphere of the church--He never enjoyed wearing a suit, and the casual dress at Cowboy Church is defiantly a plus for him.

The sermons seem to touch us in a very special way. This is just where God needs us to be! I feel the need to recap these sermons as they seem to really touch my heart. Since I am just formulating my thoughts on how I am going to proceed with this blog, I may do a Sunday evening post with a recap of that day's sermon and then journal a few times a week regarding the study I am working on at that time. My next post will be the recap of today's sermon: "Cinnamon Buns, Chicken Necks, and Hippies".