Wednesday – January 26, 2011

8:00 a.m. – Devotion – Song “Thank You for your grace”
8:15 a.m. – Prayer
Daily Encouragement

January 26, 2011

Abigail's Choice

Rachel Olsen

"Haughtiness goes before destruction; humility precedes honor."


Proverbs 18:12 (NLT)

Devotion:

Marriages were often arranged in Abigail's era, and I wonder if this was true of hers. On paper her husband Nabal seemed like a "catch." He was wealthy, a good provider, and he liked to have fun and throw parties. But behind the scenes his self-control and integrity was seriously lacking, causing those closest to him to suffer.

Here is what we know about Abigail's husband Nabal from the Bible in 1 Samuel chapter 25:1-41:

*He is wealthy - that's partly due to David's protection of his land and flocks. (vs. 2,8)

*He's crude, and mean in all his dealings. (vs. 3)

*He sneers at guests who come in peace, and questions their character. (vs. 10-11)

*He shouts insults. (vs.14)

*He's stingy, not returning favors or repaying kindnesses showed him. (vs. 16, 21)

*He is so temperamental that people dread talking to him. (vs. 17)

*He thinks more highly of himself than he ought. (vs. 36)

*He drinks too much. (vs. 36-37)

Basically, Nabal was a self-centered, ill-mannered guy who didn't recognize God's provision or blessings in his life. And if you read his story, you'll see he was foolish enough to insult the most powerful man around (King David) but more importantly, he was foolish enough to insult the one true God.

God let Nabal face the ultimate consequence of his character - death (vs. 38-39).

Imagine yourself paired up in marriage to such a foolish, arrogant, sharp-tongued man as this. (I hope you have to imagine, and have not lived this.) How would you react towards him? What do you think living with him might do to your personality, or your character?

Might you grow depressed? Would you become withdrawn or timid? Would you nag him to do better? Would you grow bitter, angry and become argumentative back? Or, would you perhaps just "let yourself go" and decide not to care about anything?

Let's look at Nabal's wife Abigail, from that same passage in the Bible:
*She is smart and sensible. (vs. 3)
*People look to her for wisdom and leadership in times of trouble. (vs. 14, 17)
*She is decisive and wastes no time worrying, pitying her situation, or fussing at those who cause her trouble - instead she takes action to improve the situation. (vs. 18, 23)
*She is generous, (vs. 18, 27) even willing to lay down her life for others. (vs. 22, 24)
*She is humble (vs. 24, 41) and quick to ask forgiveness. (vs. 28)
*She speaks eloquently and tactfully - with a knowledge of God - as she gives one of the longest speeches by a woman recorded in the Bible. (vs. 24-31)
*She looks out for the well-being and reputation of others - even Nabal's. (vs. 25, 31)
*She trusts God, holds her tongue, and waits patiently for the right timing. (vs. 36-38)

Abigail has always been one of my favorite women in the Bible. She has it all - wisdom, character, courage, faith, eloquence, graciousness. She possesses both inner and outer beauty. But her life with this man Nabal was no picnic, and that's really why I admire her.

How many times did Nabal get drunk and say or do something demeaning to her? Yet she chose not to let her spirit die. How many times did she wish for revenge, though not seek it? How many times did he berate her, yet she wasn't paralyzed by his insults?

How many times did his foolishness cost her greatly, or those she cared about? Yet she chose not to count the costs to herself when she put her life on the line to spare his life and the other men's.

Abigail's praiseworthy character ran deep, which tells me her reverence of God did as well.

After Nabal's death, she married King David and they had a son. David would have seven other wives in his lifetime, but only Abigail earned his complete respect. Only she had a positive influence on him.

Abigail challenges me to choose differently - to be humble, wise and courageous. Her example teaches me that I can choose how I will allow my circumstances to shape my character. While Nabal's life clearly shows that haughtiness goes before destruction, Abigail's shows that choosing humility and wisdom allows God to shape my character and my circumstances. And it makes room for God to be glorified in both.

Dear Lord, today I humble myself before You. I confess my sins and ask You to help me develop and display the same wisdom and character as Abigail. In Jesus' Name, Amen.

Tuesday, January 25, 2011 – Daily Devotion

AM – Devotion – “God is Great”

Prayer

Scriptures – Daily Encouragement

Lunch – Gym “Weights --- Lower Body”
====

January 25, 2011

What's the Big Deal about Dwelling on the Past?

Melanie Chitwood

"Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing!"


Isaiah 43:18,19a (NIV)

Devotion:

A young married woman unloaded her marriage frustrations on a radio call-in show. Her husband had forgotten what the word romance meant. He never thought to bring her a sweet card or to plan a date. He didn't thank her or even notice her hard work, like laundry and keeping the house clean, along with working full-time.

I suspected her thoughts were leading her to a dangerous place. Sure enough, the young wife confirmed this with her next statement: After two years of marriage, she wondered if she'd made the right decision about this marriage. Maybe she should have married the guy she dated right after college, the one she regretted letting slip away from her.

Her fantasies of what might have been were leading her to a dangerous place of dwelling on the past. Thoughts of the past, or as today's Scripture puts it, "former things," can bombard our marriage mindset in damaging ways. See if any of these thoughts ring a bell:

• I wonder if I made the right decision about my marriage?

• I wish my husband were romantic (attentive or understanding) the way he was when we were dating.

• What happened to the great listener I used to have in my husband? Now all he wants to do is play sports or watch TV.

• Even though it was years ago, I just can't forgive the way he hurt my feelings.

• This isn't what I imagined marriage would be. What happened to all our dreams?

How can dwelling on the past damage our marriage? When we dwell on the past, we're robbed of the treasures of the present. We don't see the gifts God's given us right now in our husbands and marriage. Maybe he doesn't bring you flowers anymore, but he works hard every day to provide. He doesn't thank you for the clean laundry because he's busy with a house project he hopes will make you smile. He knows he made mistakes in the past, but he's trying hard to change.

The young wife on the radio found the world's answer to her marital frustrations. The radio hostess agreed that this husband was clueless and this young wife should question staying in this marriage.

I wanted to scream, Stop right there! You're going down a dangerous path! Maybe he wasn't a good husband. But I suspect he was just a human husband, one with flaws and shortcomings. Just like the husband had plenty to learn about marriage, so did this young wife.

God has a better answer for what to do when we find ourselves dwelling on the past in a detrimental way. He says, "See, I am doing a new thing!" (Isaiah 43:19) In other words, God asks us to redirect our focus to the good things He can and will do in our marriages. As we continue in Isaiah we come to a question we need to ask ourselves, "Now it springs up; do you not perceive it?" (43:19).

God's is asking, Do you see the good things I'm doing right now... in your life or marriage? Pay attention or you're going to miss out!

To redirect our focus on the new things God is doing in our marriages, we can pray about our marriage mindset, asking God to help us see the blessings, not the drawbacks. We can choose to think about how our marriage has gotten better, and look forward to the future we have together.

Reading this devotion may have triggered thoughts of some unresolved issues in your marriage. This isn't meant to minimize the bigger issues you might be wrestling with in your marriage. These issues may need to be resolved before you can move forward. Pray about it individually and as a couple, talk with your spouse, and seek godly counsel. These steps might be necessary before you can see God "making a way in the desert" (Isaiah 43:19).

Dear Lord, You make all things new. Will You give me new eyes to see the good things I sometimes miss? Help me not to dwell on the past but to focus on the present and future. You are making a way, Lord, and I trust You with my heart, my husband and my marriage. Help us deal with any issues that are damaging our relationship, so we can appreciate the new things You're doing. In Jesus' Name, Amen.

Related Resources:

Visit Melanie's blog for more encouragement and a give-away that include her two marriage books.

What a Husband Needs from His Wife by Melanie Chitwood

What a Wife Needs from Her Husband by Melanie Chitwood

When you purchase resources through Proverbs 31 Ministries, you touch eternity because your purchase supports the many areas of hope-giving ministry we provide at no cost. We wish we could, but we simply can't compete with prices offered by huge online warehouses. Therefore, we are extremely grateful for each and every purchase you make with us. Thank you!

Application Steps:

Speak words of blessing to your husband such as, "Our marriage keeps getting better. Thank you for being an awesome husband."

• Tell your husband something specific that makes you thankful for him. For example, "Thank you for playing with the kids last night while I took a walk. That was a great break."

• Let your husband overhear you praising him to your kids or to friends.

• Send him an email telling him you can't wait to have some private time with him later that night.

• In your prayers tell God how thankful you are for your marriage.

Reflections:

Have I gotten stuck in a damaging pattern of seeing what my marriage lacks instead of seeing the blessings?

When I'm with my friends, do we criticize and complain about our husbands and marriage? Or do we help each other look for and see the "good things" we have?

Do I need to get counseling to help me move beyond unresolved past hurts?

Power Verses:

Isaiah 43:18-21, ""Forget about what's happened; don't keep going over old history.

Be alert, be present. I'm about to do something brand-new. It's bursting out! Don't you see it? There it is! I'm making a road through the desert, rivers in the badlands. Wild animals will say 'Thank you!' —the coyotes and the buzzards—Because I provided water in the desert, rivers through the sun-baked earth, Drinking water for the people I chose, the people I made especially for myself, a people custom-made to praise me." (MSG)

2 Corinthians 5:17, "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!" (NIV)

Tuesday, January 25, 2011 - Girlfriends

A Poem about our girlfriends.

Someone will always be prettier.

Someone will always be smarter.

Some of their houses will be bigger.

Some will drive a better car.

Their children will do better in school.

And their husband will fix more things around the house.

So let it go, and love you and your circumstances.

Think about it…

The prettiest woman in the world can have hell in her heart.

The most highly favored woman on your job may be unable to have children.

The richest woman you know, she ' s got the car, the house, the clothes ~ might be lonely.

And the Word says, ' If I have not Love, I am nothing. ' So, again, love you.

Love WHO you are

Look in the mirror in the morning and smile and say,

'I am too Blessed to be Stressed and too Anointed, to be Disappointed! '

'Winners make things happen~~ Losers let things happen. '

Be ' Blessed ' Ladies and pass this on to encourage another woman.

'To the world you might be one person, to me you are special!

Monday, January 24, 2011 - DAILY DEVOTION

7:30 a.m. - Devotion - Song "Thank You Lord (for all you've done)" - Walter Hawkins
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4FXq1Eff4M4

7:45 a.m. - Prayer

Study/Meditate
Daily Encouragement

Evening - Cardio Exercise

===

January 24, 2011


Made to Crave

Lysa TerKeurst

"No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful, he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it."

1 Corinthians 10:13 (NIV)

Devotion:

I was walking through the airport when an incredible aroma suddenly grabbed my attention and taunted, "Do you know how happy I can make you?" A candy shop had just made a fresh batch of nutty, caramel popcorn.

There's nothing wrong with caramel popcorn except that it definitely wasn't on my healthy eating plan to which I'd committed. I felt my knees get weak, because I love caramel popcorn. I started to rationalize buying this special treat, thinking, "I can't get this flavor at home, and I'll take half home to my kids. What harm will a little caramel popcorn do?" I felt an extreme gravitational pull straight to the object of my desire in that moment.

The only thing that stopped me was redirecting my thoughts away from the popcorn and onto a new truth God had been teaching me: desperation breeds defeat. This truth was the perfect match for my temptation and helped me walk away.

In the book of Genesis, the Bible tells an interesting story about twin brothers who illustrate this point. The elder son, Esau, was favored by his father, Isaac, because of his prowess as a hunter. In contrast, the younger son, Jacob, was a quiet homebody.

One day, Esau returned home from an unsuccessful hunting trip totally famished, and demanded some stew from his brother. "I'll give you food," agreed Jacob, "but first, trade me your birthright." Esau replied, "Okay, I'm so hungry, I'm about to die." So Esau traded the honors due to him as the firstborn son for a simple meal of stew.

Upon first glance, it's easy to ridicule Esau's decision. I cannot imagine selling my whole birthright for a pot of soup. But I had to look at my own life and ask, "What great thing have I traded for so little in return? How often do I trade healthy food for junk food? What temporary pleasure have I craved so much that I gave up lasting victory?"

Desperation does indeed breed defeat. But God promises answers for desperate situations in 1 Corinthians10:13, which is the key verse in this devotion.

The "way out" that God provides is the ability to decide in advance what I will and will not eat each day.

I plan my meals right after breakfast when I'm feeling full and satisfied. The absolute worst time for me to decide what I'm going to eat is when I've waited until I'm depleted and feeling hungry. So I prepare a healthy snack to have on hand or keep in my purse.

When I'm unprepared or I've rushed through a proper meal, my stomach screams for something quick. And quick options usually come in a variety of unhealthy temptations, just as I experienced at the airport. However, that day I had decided ahead of time that I would keep an apple in my purse for a snack, rather than trade my healthy progress for something like caramel popcorn.

Let me be clear. I'm not saying that we should flee food. However, we must prevent the control that food can take over our lives. In my book Made to Crave, I unpack the reality that we were made to crave God, not food. To crave means to desire greatly and to think about intently. Interestingly, we are reminded in Matthew 6:33 to, "seek first His kingdom and His righteousness..."

I was shocked to discover the original Greek word for seek is "zeteo," which means, "to crave." In other words, we were made to crave God first and foremost. In a practical sense this means consuming food without letting food consume me. It means never trading my identity- my birthright -the victorious woman I'm meant to be, for any kind of temporary physical pleasure.

If we purposely begin to think before we eat, we'll be better able to see the "way out" that God promises when we are tempted. And keep our cravings centered on God alone.

Dear Lord, I acknowledge that I need You. I need You in my times of desperation and I also need You in times of jubilation. Help me to think ahead so I won't be weak when I am faced with a desperate situation. In Jesus' Name, Amen.


Application Steps:
Reflections:
What is a temporary physical pleasure you crave?
How does it inspire you to learn the meaning of "seeking God" is actually "craving God?"

Power Verses:
2 Timothy 2:22, "Flee the evil desires of youth, and pursue righteousness, faith, love and peace, along with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart." (NIV)

1 Timothy 6:12, "Fight the good fight of faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called when you made your good confession in the presence of many witnesses." (NIV)

Friday, January 21, 2011 – Are we ignoring God when he desires to spend time with us, or are we too busy with our “TO DO” LIST..OUCH!

6:50 A.M. – DAILY ENCOURAGEMENT

7:00 A.M. – DEVOTION SONG / PRAYER – “Moving Forward”

7:30 A.M. - WEIGHTS "Upper Body"

January 21, 2011

Return the Call

Karen Ehman

"Answer me when I call to you, O my righteous God. Give me relief from my distress; be merciful to me and hear my prayer."


Psalm 4:1 (NIV)

Devotion:

"Ughhh!" I sighed as the telephone rang that morning...again. My frustration mounted as I replayed my morning's activities thus far in my mind.

I'd already answered a phone call from church, one from my son's teacher and yet another one from my other son's coach. I'd chatted with my hairdresser and made an appointment with the dentist, among about a half-dozen more connections that had to be made by phone. And it wasn't even noon yet!

My mind pondered as my heart began to race. "When am I ever going to get to the bottom of my never-ending "to do" list?"

I glanced at my caller ID to see who it was this time. The number flashing on my phone was a familiar one; that of my father. He is a retiree who has a great love for his grandkids and lots of time on his hands. I reasoned, since his schedule isn't nearly as full as mine, that I could call him back later at a time more convenient for me. So I ignored his call and turned my attention to my list.

On it were many tasks; some noble, some mundane. Normal errands such as "Pick up bread and milk" "Return library books" or "Fill car up with gas." But there were important items too like call a relative who was struggling with depression and ask the neighbor next door, who'd just had surgery, if he'd like our family to mow his lawn. There were even kingdom-building, ministry activities; finish my Bible study lesson and pray for a friend's operation taking place later that day.

Yes, my day was full; full of people and purpose. Why then did I feel so empty?

My thoughts returned to the call from my father. How many times had I ignored his calls, reasoning that, since his life as a retiree wasn't packed with activity, I could easily chat with him at a later time? But the reality of my hectic schedule, along with other relationship commitments, often meant that connecting with my father took a nearly permanent place on the back burner of life.

He was waiting; I was ignoring. I refused to return his call. And our relationship was at risk of suffering because of it.

It isn't just earthy fathers that sometimes get ignored. How many times have we "ignored" our Heavenly Father because of our screaming schedule and earthly relationship demands? Even though our lives may be full of good and "God" things—duties at church, connections with people—oft times we are so busy serving God and loving it, that we don't make time to actually love the God that we serve.

Today's key verse paints a picture of our loving God who is never too busy to answer us when we call. And He not only hears and answers, He gives us relief from our distress—even the too-busy-for-my-own-good kind of distress. The problem in our connection lies with us. He is calling. We ignore. And then, we don't bother returning His call.

Thankfully, God never gets tired of hitting or answering a "redial." He is waiting and longing, as He always has been, to have a deep, intimate relationship connection with us; one that requires we make one simple switch: We put Him at the top of our "to do" and our "must call" lists.

He is willing to answer, if only we will call.

Dear Lord, forgive me for ignoring Your calls to come and connect with You, free from any distractions. I'm ready now. Speak. I'm listening. In Jesus' Name, Amen.

Thursday, January 20, 2011 – Daily Devotion

6-7 a.m, P90X Legs and Back

7:45 a.m. Devotion – Song “Lord, You Reign”

Prayer

Study Sunday School Lesson

“The Servants Mission in the World”

Scripture Isaiah 49:1-6

Golden Text – “I will also give thee for a light to the Gentiles, that thou mayest be my salvation unto the end of the earth” Isaiah 49:6



Isaiah 49:1-6 (New Living Translation)

Isaiah 49

The LORD’s Servant Commissioned

1 Listen to me, all you in distant lands!

Pay attention, you who are far away!

The LORD called me before my birth;

from within the womb he called me by name.

2 He made my words of judgment as sharp as a sword.

He has hidden me in the shadow of his hand.

I am like a sharp arrow in his quiver.

3 He said to me, “You are my servant, Israel,

and you will bring me glory.”

4 I replied, “But my work seems so useless!

I have spent my strength for nothing and to no purpose.

Yet I leave it all in the LORD’s hand;

I will trust God for my reward.”

5 And now the LORD speaks—

the one who formed me in my mother’s womb to be his servant,

who commissioned me to bring Israel back to him.

The LORD has honored me,

and my God has given me strength.

6 He says, “You will do more than restore the people of Israel to me.

I will make you a light to the Gentiles,

and you will bring my salvation to the ends of the earth.”

LESSON OUTLINE

I. God’s Servant – Isa. 49:1-4

II. God’s Strength – Isa. 49:5

III.God’s Salvation – Isa. 49:6

1. The servant in Isaiah 42:1-43:7 is Israel

2. Most scholars believe the servant is Israel’s Messiah, “The Lord Jesus” (Luke 2:32)

However, the Jews did not agree!

3. The “Isles” (Isa. 49:1) refers to the distant lands to which the servant’s message will be sent.

Note: The servant is to be a “light” to the Gentiles (vs 6)

The Great Commission is for “all Nations” (Luke 24:47)

47 and repentance for the forgiveness of sins will be preached in his name to all nations, beginning at Jerusalem.



4. God called his Servant “from the womb” (Isa. 49:1) is reminiscent of both Jeremiah’s prophetic call (Jer. 1:5) and Paul’s apostolic call (Gal 1:15)

5 “Before I formed you in the womb I knew[a] you,

before you were born I set you apart;

I appointed you as a prophet to the nations.”

15 But when God, who set me apart from my mother’s womb and called me by his grace, was pleased

Note: Who God calls, He will qualify

5. The servant’s mouth will be “like a sharp sword” (vs. 2)

Rev. 1:16; 2:16; 19:15,21

16 He held seven stars in his right hand, and a sharp two-edged sword came from his mouth. And his face was like the sun in all its brilliance.

16 Repent of your sin, or I will come to you suddenly and fight against them with the sword of my mouth.

15 From his mouth came a sharp sword to strike down the nations. He will rule them with an iron rod. He will release the fierce wrath of God, the Almighty, like juice flowing from a winepress.

21 Their entire army was killed by the sharp sword that came from the mouth of the one riding the white horse. And the vultures all gorged themselves on the dead bodies.

Stopped at Outline 1

This you want to read! - Sugar is Your Enemy

SUGAR IS YOUR ENEMY

Our bodies are not burning FAT the way God designed is because one, we consume to much sugar as Amercians. Two, we eat too many processed foods and consume empty calories in the form of beverages (soda, fruit juices, alcohol beverages) etc. Your liver over works itself to attempt to shift through all the processed foods, so when it come times to help burn fat, it’s too tired and over work to do the job that it was designed to do.. LETS HELP OUR BODIES AND GIVE IT GOOD THINGS!

Carbs You don't need that FDA approves
whole wheat pasta, whole wheat bread

Carbs that will help you burn fat:
1. bread - sprouted grain bread, rice, spelt (Any Whole Food Store will sell these kind)
2. rice - Millet and quaino rice
3. potatoe - sweet potatoes
4. any fruit and vegetables

Good Fats vs Bad Fats
Fat does NOT make you Fat
Eat Good Fat = Burn Body Fat

fats to avaoid:
- Hydrogenated oils, canola oil, margarine, substitute butters (i.e. I can’t believe it’s not Butter)
fats to consume:
real butter
whole eggs
coconut oil
olive oil
avocados
raw nuts
Note: Eat the above in moderation

PROCESSED FOODS - ENEMY #2
ARITIFICIAL SWEETNERS, (i.e. Splenda, Sweet and Low, Aspartame)
FRUIT JUICES – (has HIGH FRUCTOSE CORN SYRUP..even if it promises..real juice, check the labels).. Moms give this to their children and wonder why their children are over weight
CEREAL – (Fruit Loops, Frosted Flakes, Apple Jacks)..check for High Fructose Corn Syrup
HIGH FRUCTOSE CORN SYRUP, (i.e. read labels; Probably about 80% of the foods you eat have it..)
Hydrogenated oils
SOY MILK
DIET BARs (i.e Fiber One bars – some have high fructose corn syrup)

Stick to stuff that contain one ingredient
- i.e. steak, tilapia, vegetables, chicken
READ LABELS - The more ingredients it has, you probably want to avoid it

its the quality of foods you eat
Eliminate the process food, bad stuff

Calories - starving yourself = "starvation mode" = holding onto all your 'BAD' food
Eat good foods in moderation, along with exercise and rest..it will equal a healthier you and in shape!!!

Questions, please ask!
msstayfit@gmail.com
aka Andrea Ransom

Wednesday, January 19, 2011 - Daily Encouragement

5:20 a.m.- Devotion/Study

5:33 a.m. - Encouragement

5:45 a.m. - P90x Kenpo / Ab Ripper

Listening to God

Renee Swope

"The Son can do nothing by Himself; he can do only what He sees the Father doing, because whatever the Father does the Son does also." John 5:19 (NIV)

Devotion:

I want to be a woman who listens to God. But, sometimes I'm not sure if it's God talking or just me thinking. And if I'm really honest, when I do sense Him whispering to my heart, I'm not always crazy about what I sense He's telling me to do. Like the time I knew without a doubt God was calling me to share my testimony publicly. I pretty much ran from that assignment for a decade.





Yet, I've learned over the past twenty years that when I listen to God I discover His best for me. And, I grow my trust in Him. I've seen again and again that His ways lead to His goodness. And when I follow Him, His mercy follows me.



At the end of my ten-year spiritual sprint away from what scared me most — sharing the story of my brokenness with others — I surrendered to what God was calling me to do. I started listening closely to Him and trusting completely in Him, so that I could experience a day-by-day abiding in His presence and promises. From there, His plans unfolded day-by-day.





Honestly, I thought I had been listening to Him all that time. But one day while I was praying about God's direction in some decisions, the Holy Spirit showed me that I had a habit of asking God what He wanted me to do and where He wanted me to invest my time. Then I went about doing that, without depending on Him for direction each step of the way.





Oftentimes, I would seek God for the larger plans in life, convinced that if I figured out what He wanted me to do then I could become the person He created me to be and fulfill the calling He had for me.



Have you ever thought: "If only God would show me what job to take; what man to marry; what church to attend, what ministry to serve in - then my life would be complete and I could trust Him with my whole heart"?



The problem is that sometimes we get a glimpse of where He wants us to go and then assume we know how to get there. Or we get a peak at what He wants us to do and think we know how He wants us to get it done. How many times have I made that mistake and then wondered why I wasn't getting anywhere?





Over time, God has taught me that He wants my spiritual ears more than my spiritual efforts. He wants daily dependence, interaction and intimacy with me. And He is more concerned with my character than my calendar.



You know, Jesus depended on the Father for the large and fine print written in His life plan. He listened closely and obeyed quickly. In today's key verse, John 5:19, we see His absolute dependence: "The Son can do nothing by Himself; he can do only what He sees the Father doing, because whatever the Father does the Son does also."



Like Jesus, we will discover God's purpose for our lives through dependent hearts that seek to listen to His — day by day, moment by moment. Let's position our hearts, minds and souls to hear Him speak to us today.







Dear Lord, I want to become a woman who listens to You. I come to You today with a seeking heart, asking not only for direction but for discernment, humility and dependence on You -- each step of the way. In Jesus' Name, Amen.

Monday, January 17, 2011 – DAILY DEVOTION

Monday, January 17, 2011 – DAILY DEVOTION


AM

MUSIC/PRAYER/SERMON NOTES (REVIEW)

PM

Insanity – Pure cardio, P90x AB RIPPER (50 minutes)

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY – Corinthian 7 Chapter

2 Corinthians 7

1Having therefore these promises, dearly beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God.

2Receive us; we have wronged no man, we have corrupted no man, we have defrauded no man.

3I speak not this to condemn you: for I have said before, that ye are in our hearts to die and live with you.

4Great is my boldness of speech toward you, great is my glorying of you: I am filled with comfort, I am exceeding joyful in all our tribulation.

5For, when we were come into Macedonia, our flesh had no rest, but we were troubled on every side; without were fightings, within were fears.

6Nevertheless God, that comforteth those that are cast down, comforted us by the coming of Titus;

7And not by his coming only, but by the consolation wherewith he was comforted in you, when he told us your earnest desire, your mourning, your fervent mind toward me; so that I rejoiced the more.

8For though I made you sorry with a letter, I do not repent, though I did repent: for I perceive that the same epistle hath made you sorry, though it were but for a season.

9Now I rejoice, not that ye were made sorry, but that ye sorrowed to repentance: for ye were made sorry after a godly manner, that ye might receive damage by us in nothing.

10For godly sorrow worketh repentance to salvation not to be repented of: but the sorrow of the world worketh death.

11For behold this selfsame thing, that ye sorrowed after a godly sort, what carefulness it wrought in you, yea, what clearing of yourselves, yea, what indignation, yea, what fear, yea, what vehement desire, yea, what zeal, yea, what revenge! In all things ye have approved yourselves to be clear in this matter.

12Wherefore, though I wrote unto you, I did it not for his cause that had done the wrong, nor for his cause that suffered wrong, but that our care for you in the sight of God might appear unto you.

13Therefore we were comforted in your comfort: yea, and exceedingly the more joyed we for the joy of Titus, because his spirit was refreshed by you all.

14For if I have boasted any thing to him of you, I am not ashamed; but as we spake all things to you in truth, even so our boasting, which I made before Titus, is found a truth.

15And his inward affection is more abundant toward you, whilst he remembereth the obedience of you all, how with fear and trembling ye received him.

16I rejoice therefore that I have confidence in you in all things.

Saturday, January 15, 2011 –Daily Study

12:45-1:45 pm – Insanity Pure Cardio – Weights (Upper Body)

7:18 pm. - Devotion ("Faithful")

7:24 pm – Prayer

7:30 pm – Study SSLesson

“Reassurance for God’s People” – Isaiah 48:1-22;

Isaiah 48:1-22 (New Living Translation)

Isaiah 48

God’s Stubborn People

1 “Listen to me, O family of Jacob,

you who are called by the name of Israel

and born into the family of Judah.

Listen, you who take oaths in the name of the LORD

and call on the God of Israel.

You don’t keep your promises,

2 even though you call yourself the holy city

and talk about depending on the God of Israel,

whose name is the LORD of Heaven’s Armies.

3 Long ago I told you what was going to happen.

Then suddenly I took action,

and all my predictions came true.

4 For I know how stubborn and obstinate you are.

Your necks are as unbending as iron.

Your heads are as hard as bronze.

5 That is why I told you what would happen;

I told you beforehand what I was going to do.

Then you could never say, ‘My idols did it.

My wooden image and metal god commanded it to happen!’

6 You have heard my predictions and seen them fulfilled,

but you refuse to admit it.

Now I will tell you new things,

secrets you have not yet heard.

7 They are brand new, not things from the past.

So you cannot say, ‘We knew that all the time!’

8 “Yes, I will tell you of things that are entirely new,

things you never heard of before.

For I know so well what traitors you are.

You have been rebels from birth.

9 Yet for my own sake and for the honor of my name,

I will hold back my anger and not wipe you out.

10 I have refined you, but not as silver is refined.

Rather, I have refined you in the furnace of suffering.

11 I will rescue you for my sake—

yes, for my own sake!

I will not let my reputation be tarnished,

and I will not share my glory with idols!

Freedom from Babylon

12 “Listen to me, O family of Jacob,

Israel my chosen one!

I alone am God,

the First and the Last.

13 It was my hand that laid the foundations of the earth,

my right hand that spread out the heavens above.

When I call out the stars,

they all appear in order.”

14 Have any of your idols ever told you this?

Come, all of you, and listen:

The LORD has chosen Cyrus as his ally.

He will use him to put an end to the empire of Babylon

and to destroy the Babylonian[a] armies.

15 “I have said it: I am calling Cyrus!

I will send him on this errand and will help him succeed.

16 Come closer, and listen to this.

From the beginning I have told you plainly what would happen.”

And now the Sovereign LORD and his Spirit

have sent me with this message.

17 This is what the LORD says—

your Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel:

“I am the LORD your God,

who teaches you what is good for you

and leads you along the paths you should follow.

18 Oh, that you had listened to my commands!

Then you would have had peace flowing like a gentle river

and righteousness rolling over you like waves in the sea.

19 Your descendants would have been like the sands along the seashore—

too many to count!

There would have been no need for your destruction,

or for cutting off your family name.”

20 Yet even now, be free from your captivity!

Leave Babylon and the Babylonians.[b]

Sing out this message!

Shout it to the ends of the earth!

The LORD has redeemed his servants,

the people of Israel.[c]

21 They were not thirsty

when he led them through the desert.

He divided the rock,

and water gushed out for them to drink.

22 “But there is no peace for the wicked,”

says the LORD.

SUMMARY:

1. God challenges Isaiah to obey and remind them of How HE is the TRUE AND ONLY Living God and How he saved them from their Enemies; Gave them water when they were thirsty

2. God reminds them of How God uses a Pagan King to Punish Babylon and was with this Pagan King (God can uses anyone He wants, including Unbelievers to accomplish His Goals)

3. He reminds them of Jesus Peace (John 14:27)

4. We need to obey God’s Word and then we can experience peace!!!!

Thursday, January 13, 2011 – Daily Journal

6:00-6:33 – Max Insanity Circuit

8:00 a.m. – Prayer

8:15 a.m. – Daily Encouragement

January 13, 2010

Time and Again

Rachel Olsen

"Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and your plans will succeed."

Proverbs 16:3 (NIV)

Devotion:

We are creatures of habit, aren't we? Whether those habits are beneficial to us - or even if we regret them time and again - we tend to repeat the same behaviors day after day:

• We light another cigarette, even though we just said yesterday we want to quit.

• We eat the brownies in our pantry, even though we're aiming to lose weight in the New Year.

• We camp in front of the TV for hours most evenings, even though we want to be the kind of person that goes for walks and reads novels instead.

• We leave things laying where we last used them, even though we long for uncluttered surroundings.

• We buy a new Bible, figuring that will propel us to get in the Word more. Two weeks later it sits on the shelf.

We want to be the person God calls us to be, so we use January to make New Year's resolutions about how we're going to change this year. We give voice to that longing in our hearts to be different - to be somehow better. And we decide to give a heart-felt go at changing.

And there's nothing wrong with that. On the contrary, it's a move in the right direction. However, the Bible advises us to check our plans against the Lord's, and then ground our commitments in His truth and power in order to succeed.

Remember this, for the Holy Spirit to facilitate God's work and purposes in us, He must first (re)define our definition of reality, and our priorities.

For example, say that you wish to spend time in God's Word in 2011. Great - that's God's will for you as well. For that to happen, your habits must change. And for that to happen, your perception of reality must be redefined.

I'm guessing you currently believe, and your current actions demonstrate, that you don't have time to really pursue God like you want to. You're convinced you're too busy to join a Bible study, or have a regular quiet time of prayer and Bible reading, without quitting your job or neglecting your family in the process. But is that true?

"God has given everyone enough time to seek Him. It is there," says Francis Frangipane. He continues, "Those who would find God, find time." "For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven" (Ecclesiastes 3:1, ESV).

When a favorite TV show comes on, we find time to watch. When a favorite store announces a big sale, we find time to go. When a friend wants to meet for coffee, we make time to meet her. We find or "make" time all the time! So rest assured that if you live a healthy, God-honoring life, there is plenty of time there to grow in your knowledge of, and connection with your Creator.

It is true that in our busy lives we cannot do everything. But we can choose which things absolutely will get done. We can choose what to do first. And that's precisely what the Bible tells us to do. Jesus calls His followers to seek first God's kingdom and His righteousness, and then He promises we will have all we need (Matthew 6:33).

It is also true that our willpower is limited. Our dedication wanes. Our intentions are good but our follow-through is shaky. We don't have what it takes to revolutionize our entire lives. But God does — and He lives in us. "By his divine power, God has given us everything we need for living a godly life. We have received all of this by coming to know him, the one who called us to himself by means of his marvelous glory and excellence" (2 Peter 1:3, NLT).

You absolutely have time to spend 10 or 20 minutes a day getting to know God and His promises for you in His Word. You also have the extra eight seconds it typically takes to put an item back in its place. Watch one less TV show a night and you'll have created time to read three or more books every month, and take a brisk walk after dinner. Seek God first - time after time - and you'll even have the power you need to put down the brownies or cigarettes.



We are creatures of habit - let's make it our habit in 2011 to seek God first each day and commit our plans to Him. I think we will marvel at the results, time and again.

Dear Lord, today I seek Your face, wisdom and Your will. I give my plans to You and I ask that I may operate in Your power. In Jesus' Name, Amen.

Wednesday, January 12, 2011 – Daily Devotion

Wednesday, January 12, 2011 – Daily Devotion


9:00 a.m. – Devotion Song “I Need You”

9:15 a.m. – Pray

9:27 a.m. Scriptures – Mar 30 Reading (Deuteronomy 13:1-15:23; Luke 8:40-9:6; Psalm 71:1-24; Proverbs 12:5-7



PM Workout – P90x (Legs and Back – Ab Ripper)

Evening Workout – Insanity Interval Circuit

Summary – Deuteronomy



God gave specific commands for the Israelites to obey regarding What they could eat, how they should treat poor people and slaves; How to release people of their debt after 7 years

DAILY ENCOURAGEMENT

Would I Know Him?

Glynnis Whitwer

" ... his sheep follow him because they know his voice."

John 10:4b (NIV)

Devotion:

Imagine if Jesus walked into your church this week. Would you recognize Him? When I was younger, I would have said "yes," believing He would wear a flowing white robe and look just like the painting on my Sunday school wall.

Now, I'm pretty sure He'd blend in.

But what would He wear? Some might say Jesus would show up in a coat and tie. Others would insist He'd wear a polo shirt and khakis. I think He could show up in a t-shirt and jeans, depending on what others were wearing. He seemed to be quite comfortable in whatever crowd He joined.

The question is academic, because the Bible says it will be obvious when Jesus returns (read Jesus' own words in Matthew 24:23-27). Yet the question has value because it guides me to the place of longing to know Jesus so well I'd recognize Him no matter what He looked like or wore.

It is possible to know someone you've never met. I began to know Jesus by reading the Bible. I love reading the New Testament - both the stories of Jesus' life and teachings, and of those who built His church after His resurrection. But if I closed the Bible, set it on my bedside table, and did nothing more - I would have a knowledge about Jesus.

Instead, I've chosen to know Jesus personally. Believing that it's possible is important.

Then, just as I would a friend, I seek to understand what Jesus thinks about certain things. His opinions and values are important to me. Reading His words, I try to sense His heart. Developing intimacy with Jesus takes practice and honesty, just like it does in any intimate relationship.

One busy morning, I abandoned the breakfast dishes, dirty clothes, and looming deadlines and sat at the breakfast table. My hands wrapped around a warm cup of coffee, I took a deep breath and finally rested after the rush of getting five children out the door. In that quiet moment, I pictured Jesus sitting at the table with me. He kind of looked like the pictures I'd seen, with dark hair, a gentle face and kind eyes. He wasn't impatient but offered me His full attention. It was divine.

I knew Him because I'd spent time seeking to know Him. In my longing to know Jesus, He continues to reveal Himself more. Our key verse today is John 10:4. Jesus was warning the religious leaders of the day about those who would lead people far from the truth. Jesus, however, loved the people, and cared for them tenderly, as a shepherd cares for his sheep. Jesus said speaking of Himself, "... his sheep follow him because they know his voice."

The verse indicates a close connection, of knowing and trust, between the shepherd and the sheep. All it took was a word ... the sound of His voice ... and they knew it was Him.

If Jesus walked into the room, and we were faced the other way, would we need to turn around? Or would we recognize His voice? I hope we would smile and nod, saying, "Jesus is here!"

Dear Jesus, I long to know You so well that I recognize Your voice amidst the noise of this world. Help me learn new ways of knowing You better. I ask for wisdom and discernment as I read Your Word. In Your name, Amen.

Related Resources:

Do you long to know Jesus personally? You can - click here to learn how.

http://www.proverbs31.org/doyouknowJesus/doYouKnowJesus.php

Tuesday, January 11, 2010 - Daily Devotion

5:00 a.m. Devotion, Lord, How I love You

5:10 a.m. Prayed

5:15 a.m. Daily Encouragement

5:45-6:45 a.m.
Exercise - Cardio, Weights (Arms, Biceps and Triceps) /Ab Ripper

Lunch - Weights (Upper Body)

7:30 pm. Zumba

January 11, 2011


Company's Coming!

Lynn Cowell

"Jesus replied, 'I tell you the truth, everyone who sins is a slave to sin.'"
John 8:34 (NIV)
Devotion:

My kids knew the drill when company was coming. We would go through my cleaning notebook (yes, I have a cleaning notebook) room by room, and clean the house from top to bottom. That's the good part.

Doing my best to make everything perfect, the worst of me would show. That's the bad part. No hand prints on the windows. No streaks on the kitchen island. No spots in the bathroom sink. I wanted my house as close to perfection as I could get it; at least until company left. After that, all could go back to life as usual.

So what went through my kid's minds when this insanity happened? Did they just see this as my idiosyncrasy or something deeper? What was I teaching my kids? If lessons are better caught then taught, I have a feeling they might have caught the "performance bug" from me - the contagious belief that we need to perform in order to feel accepted.

Like catching a cold in the middle of the summer, the performance bug creeps up on me when I least suspect it. "Lynn, you're a terrible neighbor. Why don't you invite your neighbors over more often?" are my thoughts as I walk down my street.

"Lynn, you should be a better daughter. Look at your friend; she calls or stops by her parent's house every day!" assaults my heart as I prepare to give my mom a call.

Thoughts of "better" and "more" constantly pound my mind. In the past, the low immune system of my heart would catch the bug every time, flattening my sense of self-worth for the rest of the day. I allowed it to drive me. Pushed by the voice of my own insecurity, I forced more and more into my schedule. I tried to please everyone, everywhere, all for acceptance.

That is, until the Lord shined His light on the true motivations behind my performance: pride and fear. I was a slave to my sin. Once I admitted the source of my weakness, He could set me free! When the whispers came, I could shout back, "The Son has set me free; free of pride and fear. Now I am free indeed!"

I'm not saying I never struggle with performance, but the grip it once held on me is gone. With the Holy Spirit as my daily guide, I'm no longer a slave to performance. I'm released to live in true freedom.

Do you struggle, my friend, to do all and be all? Here is His promise, Jesus said, "If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth and the truth will set you free" (John 8:31, NIV). If you are His disciple, cling to this truth. If you have yet to become His disciple, click on "Do you know Him?" below and find His freedom today!

Dear Lord, freedom is what I want to live in every day. Freedom to ask, "What is Your will for me today?" And freedom to obey only what You are saying. In Jesus' Name, Amen.

Monday, January 10, 2011 – Daily Devotion

Monday, January 10, 2011 – Daily Devotion


5:45 a.m. – 6:45 a.m. - Max Insanity Cardio Conditioning

8:32 a.m. – Studying One Year Bible – March 29

9:26 a.m. - Song "Faithful"

Scriptures: Deuteronomy 11:1-12:32; Luke 8:23-29; Psalm 70:1-5; Proverbs 12:4



Luke 8:23-29

View commentary related to this passage

23 As they sailed across, Jesus settled down for a nap. But soon a fierce storm came down on the lake. The boat was filling with water, and they were in real danger.

24 The disciples went and woke him up, shouting, “Master, Master, we’re going to drown!”

When Jesus woke up, he rebuked the wind and the raging waves. Suddenly the storm stopped and all was calm. 25 Then he asked them, “Where is your faith?”

The disciples were terrified and amazed. “Who is this man?” they asked each other. “When he gives a command, even the wind and waves obey him!”

Jesus Heals a Demon-Possessed Man

26 So they arrived in the region of the Gerasenes,[a] across the lake from Galilee. 27 As Jesus was climbing out of the boat, a man who was possessed by demons came out to meet him. For a long time he had been homeless and naked, living in a cemetery outside the town.

28 As soon as he saw Jesus, he shrieked and fell down in front of him. Then he screamed, “Why are you interfering with me, Jesus, Son of the Most High God? Please, I beg you, don’t torture me!” 29 For Jesus had already commanded the evil[b] spirit to come out of him. This spirit had often taken control of the man. Even when he was placed under guard and put in chains and shackles, he simply broke them and rushed out into the wilderness, completely under the demon’s power.

Footnotes:

a. Luke 8:26 Other manuscripts read Gadarenes; still others read Gergesenes; also in 8:37. See Matt 8:28; Mark 5:1.

b. Luke 8:29 Greek unclean.

New Living Translation (NLT)

Holy Bible. New Living Translation copyright © 1996, 2004 by Tyndale Charitable Trust. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers.




Psalm 70:1-5

View commentary related to this passage

Psalm 70

For the choir director: A psalm of David, asking God to remember him.

1 Please, God, rescue me!

Come quickly, LORD, and help me.

2 May those who try to kill me

be humiliated and put to shame.

May those who take delight in my trouble

be turned back in disgrace.

3 Let them be horrified by their shame,

for they said, “Aha! We’ve got him now!”

4 But may all who search for you

be filled with joy and gladness in you.

May those who love your salvation

repeatedly shout, “God is great!”

5 But as for me, I am poor and needy;

please hurry to my aid, O God.

You are my helper and my savior;

O LORD, do not delay.

New Living Translation (NLT)

Holy Bible. New Living Translation copyright © 1996, 2004 by Tyndale Charitable Trust. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers.




Proverbs 12:4

View commentary related to this passage

4 A worthy wife is a crown for her husband,

but a disgraceful woman is like cancer in his bones.



Verse from OT that stuck with ME

Deuteronomy 11:1-12:32

CH 11 – THE BLESSING OF OBEDIENCE

13 “If you carefully obey all the commands I am giving you today, and if you love the LORD your God and serve him with all your heart and soul, 14 then he will send the rains in their proper seasons—the early and late rains—so you can bring in your harvests of grain, new wine, and olive oil. 15 He will give you lush pastureland for your livestock, and you yourselves will have all you want to eat.

16 “But be careful. Don’t let your heart be deceived so that you turn away from the LORD and serve and worship other gods. 17 If you do, the LORD’s anger will burn against you. He will shut up the sky and hold back the rain, and the ground will fail to produce its harvests. Then you will quickly die in that good land the LORD is giving you.

Saturday, January 08, 2011 – Daily Devotion

Saturday, January 08, 2011 – Daily Devotion


11:30 a.m. Devotion “Lord you reign”

11:35 a.m. Pray

11:45 a.m. Study Sunday School Lesson / Review

Sunday School Lesson “Turn to Me and Be Saved”

Isaiah 45:18-24 a

18 For the LORD is God,

and he created the heavens and earth

and put everything in place.

He made the world to be lived in,

not to be a place of empty chaos.

“I am the LORD,” he says,

“and there is no other.

19 I publicly proclaim bold promises.

I do not whisper obscurities in some dark corner.

I would not have told the people of Israel[a] to seek me

if I could not be found.

I, the LORD, speak only what is true

and declare only what is right.

20 “Gather together and come,

you fugitives from surrounding nations.

What fools they are who carry around their wooden idols

and pray to gods that cannot save!

21 Consult together, argue your case.

Get together and decide what to say.

Who made these things known so long ago?

What idol ever told you they would happen?

Was it not I, the LORD?

For there is no other God but me,

a righteous God and Savior.

There is none but me.

22 Let all the world look to me for salvation!

For I am God; there is no other.

23 I have sworn by my own name;

I have spoken the truth,

and I will never go back on my word:

Every knee will bend to me,

and every tongue will confess allegiance to me.[b]”

24 The people will declare,

“The LORD is the source of all my righteousness and strength.”

And all who were angry with him

will come to him and be ashamed.

SUNDAY SCHOOL REVIEW – Class #1

1. Isaiah told the people, if they wanted to be free and safe, Look to God and he will save them.

2. Can an idol God save you? No Why? Cause it is a fake God w/ no POWER

3. God knows that no trouble is to hard for him , because He is Strong enough to help.

4. God made earth, mountains, rivers and stars.

5. God is wise, he made people, animal, plants

6. He knows we need water to drink and air to breathe.

7. God knows exactly what we need and we should trust him for everything.

Friday, January 07, 2011 – Daily Devotion

Friday, January 07, 2011 – Daily Devotion
5:40 a.m. Devotion “Alpha and Omega”, “Because Of Who You Are”
6:13 a.m. Pray

6:19 a.m. – Studying One Year Bible – Mar 28 Reading
Deuteronomy 9:1-10:22; Luke 8:4-21; Psalm 69:19-36; Proverbs 12:2-3
7:00 a.m. – Sunday School Lesson “Turn to Me and Be Saved”
Isaiah 45:18-24 a
AM WORKOUT – Insanity “PlyoMetrics”
LUNCH – WEIGHTS “UPPER BODY”
January 7, 2011
In Tune
T. Suzanne Eller

"I will sing of steadfast love and justice; to you, O Lord, I will make music."
Psalm 101:1 (ESV)
Devotion:
God seems to do an incredible amount of things for people, almost like a personal valet. "I found the perfect pair of shoes on sale," someone once told me. "It's like God knew I needed that little boost." Or the time that God helped another person find their glasses. They prayed and "poof" they found them.
This sometimes makes me question. How is it that people give God credit for helping them find shoes on sale, or that really great parking spot, and yet other people suffer? Loved ones get hit with disease. Financial problems cause sleepless nights. A hurricane hits Haiti as they struggle to overcome the effects of a devastating earthquake.
Maybe you too have pondered such things. Maybe it's caused you to question how much God loves His creation.
God is deeply interested in and intimately involved with us according to verses such as this one: "The LORD your God is with you, he is mighty to save. He will take great delight in you, he will quiet you with his love, he will rejoice over you with singing" (Zephaniah 3:17).
The fact that God allows you to find that perfect-for-you little blessing one day, and come down with the flu the next doesn't negate His love for you. God's song plays strong and consistent over you, regardless of the good times or the hard times. His individual notes dance around us, inviting us to find Him, and then to find our part in His song.
Living in harmony with God, and finding our note in His song can compel us to look for ways to reach out to others who are needing to hear Him sing over them in their suffering. I also believe it can help us live in joy despite our circumstances. And I believe living out those notes will lead us to live lives of peace, even when times are not peaceful.
Today, let's close our eyes and open our hearts as we listen for our God singing over us. And let's take the time, eyes still closed, to imagine what it would look like for us to live in tune with Him.
Dear Lord, You do care about the intimate details. Just like the sparrow, You feed us; just like the lily, you clothe us in beauty. Father, for that I am immensely grateful. Help me to stay in tune with You and not stridently sing my own song over top You. In Jesus' Name, Amen.

Encouraging others Spiritually and Physically: Wednesday, January 5, 2010 - Studying "The Whole Armor of God"

Encouraging others Spiritually and Physically: Wednesday, January 5, 2010 - Studying "The Whole Armor of God"

Thursday, January 06, 2011 – Daily Devotion

Thursday, January 06, 2011 – Daily Devotion




4:45 a.m. Pray

5:18 a.m. Devotion “Moving Forward:”

5:30-5:45 / 6:55-7:10 a.m. – Studying One Year Bible – Mar 27 Reading

6:00-6:40 a.m - Insanity Cord and Cardio Balance

Deuteronomy 7:1-8:20; Luke 7:36-8:3; Psalms 69:1018; Proverbs 12:1

What really touch me this morning was Psalm 69:1-18;



Psalm 69:1-18 (New Living Translation)

Psalm 69

For the choir director: A psalm of David, to be sung to the tune “Lilies.”

1 Save me, O God,

for the floodwaters are up to my neck.

2 Deeper and deeper I sink into the mire;

I can’t find a foothold.

I am in deep water,

and the floods overwhelm me.

3 I am exhausted from crying for help;

my throat is parched.

My eyes are swollen with weeping,

waiting for my God to help me.

4 Those who hate me without cause

outnumber the hairs on my head.

Many enemies try to destroy me with lies,

demanding that I give back what I didn’t steal.

5 O God, you know how foolish I am;

my sins cannot be hidden from you.

6 Don’t let those who trust in you be ashamed because of me,

O Sovereign LORD of Heaven’s Armies.

Don’t let me cause them to be humiliated,

O God of Israel.

7 For I endure insults for your sake;

humiliation is written all over my face.

8 Even my own brothers pretend they don’t know me;

they treat me like a stranger.

9 Passion for your house has consumed me,

and the insults of those who insult you have fallen on me.

10 When I weep and fast,

they scoff at me.

11 When I dress in burlap to show sorrow,

they make fun of me.

12 I am the favorite topic of town gossip,

and all the drunks sing about me.

13 But I keep praying to you, LORD,

hoping this time you will show me favor.

In your unfailing love, O God,

answer my prayer with your sure salvation.

14 Rescue me from the mud;

don’t let me sink any deeper!

Save me from those who hate me,

and pull me from these deep waters.

15 Don’t let the floods overwhelm me,

or the deep waters swallow me,

or the pit of death devour me.

16 Answer my prayers, O LORD,

for your unfailing love is wonderful.

Take care of me,

for your mercy is so plentiful.

17 Don’t hide from your servant;

answer me quickly, for I am in deep trouble!

18 Come and redeem me;

free me from my enemies.

Wednesday, January 5, 2010 - Studying "The Whole Armor of God"

4:45 a.m. Pray


5:12 a.m. Devotion "Thank You for your grace"

5:19 a.m. Studying - The Whole Armor of God

5:45 a.m. Max Interval PlyoMetrics





Eph 6:11-17; James 4:7



Eph 6:11-17 Put on the whole armor of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.

For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. Wherefore take unto you the whole armor of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked.



And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God:



He speaks of the wiles (methodeia) of the devil. Methodeia is a Greek word that denotes a path or roadway that is traveled over. This is because the devil continuously attempts to secure a foothold so that he may begin construction of a roadway to your mind.



For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities (chiefs) against powers (authorities) against the (world) rulers of the darkness (obscurity) of this world (age or time) against spiritual (supernatural) wickedness (malicious hurtfulness) in high places (above the sky).



This is the hierarchy of the devil and all his lower level devils and demons. From his perspective, he is the god of this world and has a pecking order of intelligent princes and mindless grunts to do his works of oppression (influence, depression, oppression, obsession and possession).



Wherefore take unto you the whole armor of God, that ye may be able to withstand (resist) in the evil day, and having done all, to stand, stand therefore



So here again we see that we are to take a stand of resistance against the devil and all of his cohorts. And by extension, we are to stand in resistance against all the works of the devil. James 4:7 says resist the devil, and he will flee from you.

Tuesday, January 4, 2010 - Daily Devotion

Tuesday, January 04, 2011 – Daily Devotion




Bible Study

10:39 a.m.

Devotion – “Lord You are Worthy”, “I will Bless the Lord”

Pray

Study “One Year Bible” – Mar26

Deuteronomy 5:1-6:25; Luke 7:11-35; Psalm 68:19-35; Proverbs 11:29-31



Daily Encouragement

January 4, 2011

The God of Story

Ariel Allison Lawhon

She Reads Co-Director & Featured Author



"I am the Alpha and the Omega, the First and the Last, the Beginning and the End."

Revelation 22:13 (NIV)

Devotion:

I think of Him first as a storyteller, this Jesus of mine. That might sound odd to some. He is after all Savior and Redeemer. Lion and Lamb. But I would not know Him as any of those had He not spoken to me first in the gentle whisper of story.

Given half a chance, I would sit at His feet and listen even now. I'd follow Him through those dusty streets. Stop and ponder in that crowded marketplace. Or lounge on a grass-filled hillside. Prodigal sons and lost coins, rich fools and fig trees, talents and tares - I would cross my legs and sink to the ground, chin on hands, to hear His stories.

So kind of Him to write them down so I can read them at my leisure.

As a writer I am intrigued by the parables of Jesus. Those thirty short anecdotes sprinkled through the first four books of the New Testament are the subject of countless sermons. Yet they are so personal to each of us. In many ways, they are our stories. The rich young ruler walked away from Jesus. At times we've turned our back to Him as well. The older brother stayed outside instead of joining the celebration thrown in honor of his prodigal sibling's return. He symbolizes our self-righteousness.

And that's the power of story, isn't it? To see ourselves in the narrative. To squirm and wrestle. To clap and celebrate. Jesus never says, "Oh, by the way, that bit about the prodigal son is really about you and God. Wanted to make sure you caught that. Instead, He lets us see our reflection in the story. He leaves us to wrestle over which part we play.

The Dictionary of Biblical Imagery explains why the stories of Jesus are so personal and profound:

"Only one of the characters (Lazarus) is named, yet as we encounter the characters of the parables we sense that we have known them already. They are universal types, possessing the traits that we and our acquaintances possess. Never has such immortality been thrust upon anonymity. We do not need to know the name of the woman who first loses and then finds her lost coin: she is every person. The family dynamics of the parables of the prodigal son and the two brothers whose father asks them to work in the vineyards could be observed at any family's breakfast table... We come to realize that it is in the everyday world of sowing and eating and dealing with family members that people make the great spiritual decisions and that God's grace works." (emphasis mine)

God's grace works. That is shown through the power of story and that is why He told them. In His simple tales we see grace and holiness in the everyday tasks of life: planting and harvesting, a wedding invitation, baking bread, lighting a lamp, traveling to a distant town. The parables teach us to trust that all those made in the image of God understand the unspoken language of story. He is the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End, and every time we open His Book He says, "Come, let me tell you a story."

Dear Lord, You are the beginning and the end of this great narrative called history. Thank You for writing me into the story. Though I play only a small part, may I play it well. May I honor You with my days and my choices and may I truly know that Your grace works. In Jesus' Name, Amen.

Monday, January 3, 2010 - Daily Journal

Monday, January 3, 2011 – Daily Encouragement


Bible Study

10:39 a.m.

Devotion – “Lord You Reign”

Pray

Study “One Year Bible”

Deuteronomy 4:1-49; Luke 6:39-7:10; Psalm 68:1-18; Proverbs 11:28



Daily Encouragement



January 3, 2011

Honestly

Lysa TerKeurst

"Be diligent in these matters; give yourself wholly to them, so that everyone may see your progress." I Timothy 4:15 (NIV)

Devotion:

I think we all get to a place sometimes in our life where we have to honestly assess, "How I am doing?"



It's not really a conversation I have with a friend or family member. It's one of those middle of the night contemplations where there's no one to fool. There's no glossing over the realities staring me in the face.



I know certain things about myself need to change, but it's easier to make excuses than tackle them head on. Rationalizations are so appealing:



I'm good in every other area.

I make so many sacrifices already.

I need this comfort in this season of life - I'll deal with it later.

I just can't give this up.

The Bible doesn't specifically say this is wrong.

It's not really a problem; if I wanted to make a change, I could - I just don't want to right now.

Oh for heaven's sake, everyone has issues, so what if this is mine?



And on and on and on.



Excuses always get me nowhere fast. That's why a few years ago I had to get honest in the area of healthy eating. Even if that's not your issue, I suspect these same scripts of rationalization have played out in your mind over other things.



So, the cycle continues day after day, week after week, year after year.



A whole lifetime can be spent making excuses, giving in, feeling guilty, resolving to do better, mentally beating ourselves up for not keeping our resolve, feeling like a failure, and then resigning that things can't change.



One day, I finally decided I didn't want to spend a lifetime in this cycle.



Nothing changed until I made the choice to change. I had to want it, spiritually, physically and mentally. The battle really is in all three areas.



Spiritually: In Colossians 3:1-5 we are told to set our minds and our hearts on things above. In order to do this, I have to put to death whatever belongs to my earthly nature which sets itself up as an idol in my life.



Idolatry is trying to get my needs met outside the will of God. I couldn't deny it. This described food for me at times.

For the sake of my spiritual health, it was time to get honest.

More times than I cared to admit, I turned to food when I should have turned to God. I relied on the temporary high of food to try and quiet the cries of my spiritually hungry soul. And no matter how I tried to excuse away my struggles with my weight, I wasn't at peace.

Physically: I couldn't keep my weight stable in a medically healthy range for any period of time. I would loose weight, but then I would always gain it back. And then to top it all off, when a doctor did some tests to determine my body mass index, my percentage of body fat had crept up to the "danger" category.

What?! I knew I was feeling sluggish and frustrated by the extra weight, but no one would have looked at me and thought I was at risk. Except now a doctor was telling me that if I didn't make some changes, I could be in trouble. The tests told me things the naked eye couldn't.

For the sake of my physical health, it was time to get honest.

I needed a healthy eating plan - not a fad diet. I needed a plan that would help me make realistic changes to improve my overall health and help me shed the excess weight the right way.

I couldn't deny it. It does matter what I eat. My weight is a reflection of what I consume.



Mentally: Don't settle. Don't compromise. What happens when you cut the "com" off of the word compromise? You're left with a "promise."



We were made for more than compromise. We were made for God's promises in all areas of our life. I am made for more than a vicious cycle of eating, gaining, stressing - eating, gaining, stressing...

For the sake of my emotional health, it was time to be honest with myself.

I was made to consume food. But, food was never supposed to consume me.

Sweet friend, getting honest with myself- spiritually, physically, and mentally- in my struggles with my weight was a crucial first step to finding victory. Is there an honest admission you need to make today?

I'd love to walk with you through the process of change. It's why I wrote my new book, "Made to Crave: Satisfying Your Deepest Desires with God, Not Food." And it's why I'm sharing realistic, researched-based eating plans I now use on my blog today.

Remember, as a Jesus girl, it is possible to rise up, do battle with our issues, and using the Lord's strength in us, defeat them - spiritually, physically, and mentally - to the glory of God.

Dear Lord, help me be courageous enough to speak honestly to You and to myself in those areas I'm giving in to compromise. Show me how to rely on Your strength for more self-discipline in my life - not for my glory but for Yours. In Jesus' Name, Amen.