HOW TO NAVIGATE THE VISION

JUNE 15 DAILY READING

Have you ever had a vision for something in which you could see the whole picture before it even happens?


Kinda like planning a trip for the family... you see the whole trip in your mind before the ship leaves the dock or the plane hits the air!


Do you know someone who navigates their VISION well? What I mean  is do you know a person that can steer their ship and chart their course well? 


After many burdens I became a woman of VISION

I have a clear picture in my mind for several different areas of my life. I spend a lot of time and work internalizing my visions. Without careful planning and navigation the vision may never come to pass. Keep reading and I will expose my secret!


When anyone plans a trip/vacation away much planning goes into the process so that the trip is organized with planned priorities from the beginning till the end.


I believe with all my heart that if we take a certain area of our life that seems to be a burden and create a clear picture/vision of what it could and should be then we will see God rebuild what looks ruined.


In the next few days we are going to journey through the book of NEHEMIAH. This is my FAVORITE book in the whole bible.
Nehemiah taught me about the word vision and dreams. He taught me to identify my
specific problem and then cast a vision of what I think it could and should be!


A VISION saved my MARRIAGE


A VISION changed my future


A VISION moved me


A VISION is now forming me to move into Gods greater purposes... still today!


I have a clear picture of my desires in ministry for the upcoming years.


God needs us to create a vision.

He uses the vision to help us navigate toward toward the destiny He has planned for our lives. The VISION helps detour us through the pain and into the rebuilding process


Nehemiah navigated well. He could see clearly a vision for a burden. He had a mental picture for the solution. Nehemiah new what could and should be rebuilt and why. He refused to give up to the enemy's plans.


Nehemiah declared a VISION!

The enemy has a plan to KILL your marriage, SMASH your self worth, STEAL your children, SPIT in your face, MANIPULATE your future and overwhelm you with life.


 NEHEMIAH CREATED A VISION over SATAN!


Sometimes life deals us difficult situations that may be life altering. We need to learn to balance optimism and realism, intuition and planning, faith and fact. These secrets will help you be effective as you navigate the vision.


Nehemiah could see past the pain. He was also able to see more then others because he created a positive vision. I love that Nehemiah did not let others bring him down and away from his vision. The vision kept him FOCUSED~


God wants to step in today and help us formulate strategies to move us into our preferred future.


The first step we learn from today's reading was that NEHEMIAH PRAYED FIRST! Nehemiah 1:4


When Nehemiah seen the burden, he began to pray. Something happens when we pray...


1. Prayer internalizes the burden and deepens our NEED for help


2. prayer insists that we quiet our hearts and wait, slowing us down to turn toward God.


3. Prayer begins the VISIONS, enabling us to see what God wants to do!


4.  Prayer initiates the VISION and creates MOMENTUM (read yesterdays post from Lynnette on "MOMENTUM".)


Look at Nehemiah's prayer below:
Make this prayer specific to your situation.

 Nehemiah was praying for the people of Israel. You can be praying for your children, spouse, ministry, job, finances or whatever the burden may be.

For some days I mourned and fasted and prayed before the God of heaven. Then I said:
“LORD, the God of heaven, the great and awesome God, who keeps his covenant of love with those who love him and keep his commandments, 6 let your ear be attentive and your eyes open to hear the prayer your servant is praying before you day and night for your servants, the people of Israel. I confess the sins we Israelites, including myself and my father’s family, have committed against you. 7 We have acted very wickedly toward you. We have not obeyed the commands, decrees and laws you gave your servant Moses.

8 “Remember the instruction you gave your servant Moses, saying, ‘If you are unfaithful, I will scatter you among the nations, 9 but if you return to me and obey my commands, then even if your exiled people are at the farthest horizon, I will gather them from there and bring them to the place I have chosen as a dwelling for my Name.’  (the vision God has for you)


10 “They are your servants and your people, whom you redeemed by your great strength and your mighty hand. 11 Lord, let your ear be attentive to the prayer of this your servant and to the prayer of your servants who delight in revering your name. Give your servant success today by granting him favor in the presence of this man.”

God wants to help you my friend!

I hope today you will pray and begin to PENCIL a VISION on a piece of paper. Take your burden and move in forward motion today.

STARTING IN FALL, SEPTEMBER 13th for 7 weeks I will be doing a STUDY on NEHEMIAH and it will be available through my website. I will be making more announcements toward the end of the summer. I encourage you to subscribe to my blog by filling out some quick info on the right hand side. This will send you daily updates and keep you informed! You do not want to miss this 7 week study... It will CHANGE your life!

Blessings,

Momentum

My husband, Dan, is an exercise junkie. He loves how he feels after a great (intense) workout.  I have tried to share his enthusiasm and I admit I do feel better when I workout regularly, but I have trouble staying with it. I am really good for a few weeks or even a month and then something happens, and I don’t quite stick with it like I should. For me it is a choice, for Dan, it is a way of life.

Momentum. 

As I was doing my Bible study and praying this week, I began thinking about momentum. I’m not sure why God called it to my attention, but I wrote the word at the top of my page and kept going.

I have been reading the Old Testament and I am currently moving from 2 Chronicles into the book of Ezra. I can’t help noticing the repetition. Each time the writer introduces the new king, we are given his name and whether he did good or evil in the Lord’s sight. At one point, I wanted to start keeping score and I even began cheering when someone pleased the Lord. It seemed like the victories were too short lived, however. A king would come in, rebuild the temple, tear down the high places (pagan shrines), repent for the evil everyone had committed and make sacrifices to the Lord. Then, just as things were moving in the right direction, he would die, his son would take over and return to the wickedness his father had worked so hard to combat.

Why does this happen? 

I think it is human nature, we get so comfortable where we are, that we forget that we have to keep moving, we have to keep striving for more. It is easy to become complacent. The problem is that complacency doesn’t mean we are pausing and standing still, it actually means we are moving backwards. In the times we are satisfied with our surroundings or achievements, it is easy for pride to sneak in. Pride tells us we are good enough, that we don’t need anyone or anything. This is an opportunity for bad habits and sin to develop.

I began thinking about my life, are there times or places that I have become complacent, comfortable, or impatient?

Marriage.

Parenting.

Friendship.

Bible Study.

Joy.

Prayer.

Church attendance.

Momentum.

We have finally made it to the last week of school. Monday morning, the kids and I sat at the table eating breakfast and talking about all the fun activities of the week. It seemed like we had been sitting there an unusually long time when I realized the kitchen clock had stopped. We went from enjoying our breakfast to full out craze! We were running, grabbing school stuff and I was shouting, “let’s go! Let’s go!” I took a minute to wind the clock, reset the time and start the pendulum before running out the door. I didn’t want to get caught by that silly clock again.

After getting the kids to school, I came home to clean up the mess we had left behind. I realized that the clock was still not working. I was concerned because it is an antique, hence the winding, and it is costly to repair. I opened up the pendulum case and pushed it to get it started again. Apparently, in my haste to get everyone to school, I had not pushed the pendulum strongly enough. The momentum wasn’t there to keep it going and the clock stopped.

That is the way I am with good habits that I want to establish (like exercise). I get started, but don’t stay committed. I don’t give it enough of a push to get the momentum going and it dies out. It is the same with faith. It is not enough to do things a few times and then decide it is good enough. We must keep going, keep striving for more, keep learning and keep it fun! We need to stick with it even before we see the results. The pendulum always moves before the hands! We need to have faith that God is working and that the results will come in His time.

What situation needs your attention to get the momentum going?

Father God, thank you for teaching us through your Word and through life. Please speak to us and show us where we need momentum in our lives. Thank you for providing everything we need to live a life of victory. In Jesus name, Amen.

Visit Lynnette at her blog.

Duh, WINNING!

JUNE 9 CLICK HERE FOR READING

I want to be a WINNER in the RACE that I am running. I often sit and COMPARE myself with others that are achieving victory in all areas of life. Marriage, family, ministry, friendships and promotions.

What does it take to be a WINNER?

The alternative to winning is unacceptable to me, I will figure out what must be done to achieve VICTORY and go after the dreams with everything at my disposal.

I want to practice VICTORY in my failed moments.

 Anything less then success in Gods kingdom is unacceptable. I have no plan B. I will Fight the Fight.

Do you feel my passion for WINNING?


I must keep this passion fueled because the truth is most days I feel like I FAILED.


WINNING is an inside job. The person or team that achieves victory is the one that first WINS its internal battles.

I have many INTERNAL BATTLES and  must learn to achieve these personal victories so that I may RUN the RACE for my DREAMS and finish well.
Satan is very mindful of my dreams and has created some powerful schemes!

How do I seek VICTORY over SELF?
Consider with me how JOSIAH in today's  Gods treading conquered himself...2 Chronicles 34:3-35:19

1. HE REMAINED OPEN AND TEACHABLE
    We must be willing to learn and be open for change. Many Times we can get defensive with Gods word. Allow yourself to be open to God, He will do the work needed in your life. CHANGE always takes you to the next level with God.

2. REMOVE OBSTACLE FROM YOUR PAST 
    Josiah courageously swept the country clean of idols after being confronted with Gods truth.
    We cannot Go with God and Stay the same. God will help you remove the obstacles that are causing you 
    to fail.

3. REALIZE WHAT YOU NEED TO GIVE AND GIVE IT
    Victory carries a personal cost. What are you giving up to go deeper with God?  Friends, jobs, relationships or traditions?  This list is personal to the individual.


4. RECOGNIZE THE KEY TO VICTORY
    After Josiah found the book of the law (bible) He realized after reading... that his KEY  was repentance. He genuinely repented of his own sins. What was your KEY  you found that when turned it opened new doors with God?
My personal Key was Forgiveness and guilt

5. RETAIN A PERSONAL COMMITMENT TO SUCCEED
    Stay committed and train regardless of the rejection and failures. I have realized that I cannot do it all. I need God daily to make up the difference.  Never give up, God is always at work around you. Get into a training group at your church. Friends do not let Friends train alone!

I want to WIN, how about you?
Do you ever hurt enough and need a breakthrough? When you hurt it's considered breakthrough timing!

The best way to  have a breakthrough  is to create a vision in your mind. This is called your BREAKTHROUGH VISION. What could and should be in the midst of your situation.
Now you just gave God something to work with!   It's ok to become Vulnerable, Humble and Ttransparent.
 This is WIN I RUN MY BEST.

May God open your eyes today to His truth. I pray He blesses, encourages, exhorts and accomplishes much in your life! You will WIN when you find the ONE TRUE WAY!

WINNING,

5.

A SIREN FOR SORCERY AND SPIRITUALISTS

JUNE 9 DAILY BIBLE READING (CLICK HERE)

With respect to the evil kind Manasseh who reigned in Jerusalem fifty five years the Bible states in today's reading that...
  
“He did evil in the eyes of the Lord, followed the detestable practices of the nations the Lord had driven out before the Israelites” (2 Chronicles 33:2). “He sacrificed his sons in the fire in the Valley of Ben Hinnom, practiced sorcery, divination and witchcraft, and consulted mediums and spiritualists. He did much evil in the eyes of the Lord, provoking him to anger” (2 Chronicles 33:6).






What the Bible says about Witchcraft, Voodoo, mediums and sorcery?



We all can fail to use discernment, failed discernment can lead us away from the God whom created us in the first place.
 It can be easy to yield to media manipulation, and embrace this “sugar coated” siren of witchcraft.
 We can open the door to Satan who will come in to devour as a roaring lion. Jesus said to Peter, “Simon, Simon, Satan has asked to have you, to sift you like wheat” (Luke 22:31) and that’s exactly what Satan will do if we don’t ask before reading a book, watching a movie, entering a relationship or pursuing any course of action “What would Jesus do?”

Witchcraft involves the manipulation of the demonic host. Witchcraft and other mediums  can also involve communication with demonic spirits impersonating the dead.

The Bible clearly teaches... that the dead cannot communicate with the living as there is a great chasm separating the dead from the living (Luke 16:26). As discarnate spirit entities, these demons possess knowledge regarding the activities of humans and have a limited ability to foretell the future.



LEVITICUS 19:31 "`Do not turn to mediums or seek out spiritists, for you will be defiled by them.
I am the LORD your God. NIV




To turn to a medium, spiritist, or a witch, is to place faith in someone, which should only be placed in God.
It is trusting a man or a woman who makes promises and declares a power that does not originate with God or glorify God.

 Instead, to allow witchcraft to enter our mind, our heart, or our soul is to invite defilement and create a chasm between God and us.
There is no middle ground, there is not a way around it "horoscopes, psychic hotlines, palm readers, and anything like this, is an affront to the holiness of God.

I know many people need answers and comfort.

 My mom for years would find psychic mediums comforting in dealing with her past. She often would tell me that she would like to see someone. I told my mom that NO ONE can give you what God intends for you. This will make God jealous and angry. I am so happy to see her not turn toward mediums for answers and peace.

 Manasseh in today's bible reading teaches us that he PLACED HIS FAITH IN the WRONG HIGHER POWERS!

 This evil provoked the Lord to anger in regards to his life.

God had big plans for Manasseh but He turned his heart away from Gods Whole truth.

However...Manasseh felt the affliction and separation from God and later turned repenting and then KNEW that the Lord was GOD! 2 chronicles 33:13  

I  believe that many psychic mediums could make some of the BEST PASTORS and LEADERS if they turned toward Gods power and SOLID truth.

  They understand the powerful energy that flows. 

 This same powerful energy  that flows between God and man...this is what will make a GOOD LEADER, coach or counselor. They have the highest powers of all when that is flowing!   

I pray today's knowledge will convict your heart if this is an area of wonder or concern.

God has the highest plans for you and Satan knows how to deceive and manipulate those plans.

WHEN GODS SUPERS COLLIDE WITH YOUR NATURAL THAT IS WHEN SPARKS WILL FLY

BE EDUCATED AND BE BLESSED TODAY,

ALLOW GODS WORD TO DIRECT YOUR STEPS

REPOSITIONING THE VISIONS

JUNE 8 DAILY READING (CLICK HERE)


2 Chronicles 31:20,21


20Hezekiah did this throughout all Judah, and he did what was good, right, and faithful before the Lord his God.

21And every work that he began in the service of the house of God, in keeping with the law and the commandments to seek his God [inquiring of and yearning for Him], he did with all his heart, and he prospered.

 The past year I have DESIRED to PROSPER with some personal visions!

Do you have a vision in a certain area?
Do you also desire to see it prosper?

VISIONS ARE IMPORTANT AND HEALTHY

 My visions and energy toward God's work/ministry keeps me ticking like a time bomb ready to explode.
However, God has me in a season of transitioning and repositioning.

Prospering for me would be... for God to QUICKLY... position me perfectly for these visions to grow and explode.

A year later...I am still ticking 

A vision will not go very far if it does not have the opportunity to be stewarded creatively through others...

MANY TIMES THIS IS WHY GOD REPOSITIONS YOU.God began to reposition me last year.

REPOSITIONING TAKES TIME!

So I ask myself today...Do I still have what it takes to prosper these WILD DREAMS?

Remember this past week I wrote about how God wants to GIVE YOU SO MUCH MORE! CLICK HERE to read this post

God gives you visions and dreams because He has something to fulfill through you.


The hardest part is when God wants to reposition you to bring about the BIGGER and BETTER for the visions. This season takes a bunch of patience and commitment to walk in obedience to the word of the Lord.

Not easy for a HIGH ENERGY TIME BOMB LIKE ME!


I would like to share 7 points that have been crucial in the REPOSITIONING PERIOD.

1. CHANGE  God is Changing your heart, perspective, friendships, leadership styles and  "spiritual" behavior in order to position you better.

2. LONELINESS  When you step out in obedience with God and accept CHANGE you will feel very alone during the repositioning phase.

3. FAITH IN GOD  Believe daily that God will bless your efforts and that He has an amazing plan.

4. CRITICISM  You will learn to weather the 
HARSH questions of others, wondering what you are doing!
5. HARD WORK AND MONEY    You will GIVE UP time, energy and budget to reach the goals.
 
6. DAILY DISCIPLINE  This needs to be number one!  You need to instill a daily regimen to bring about the discovery of your dreams. God will position but you still need to work in the dream or vision. God then begins TO HINGE YOU into your position. CLICK HERE and Listen to Jon Acuff speak about Closing the Gaps for the Bigger Dreams.

7. CONSTANT PRESSURE Endure the pressure of possible failure and misunderstanding. I write this in a unique font because I want to stress that rejection is part of the molding process. Allow God to work in the PRESSURE AREAS of THE PAST to mold you!

My Father's Work

I went to school to be a Graphic Artist. I always loved art and the thought of being creative all day seemed like my dream job. After graduating, it took me a couple of years to actually get a job in Graphic Design and when it finally happened, I loved it. I was working for a screen printing and embroidery shop. I enjoyed the people I worked with. I delighted in creating artwork and I loved working through problems to find the perfect solution. Eventually, I began to notice changes around the office and in my heart. At one point, I can remember thinking, “I am decorating t-shirts, how am I making the world a better place?” 

I was laid-off from this job while I was 9 weeks pregnant with our first child. Although I was devastated, I eventually learned that God had a better plan. It has now been 8 years since I worked outside of our home. 

Today as I was reading John 17, I started thinking about the work that God has given me in this season. As a stay-at-home mom, sometimes I get caught up with the monotony of the laundry, cleaning, dishes, homework and activities routine. But as I thought longer today, God reminded me that there is more to mothering than providing for my children’s physical needs. God has called me to disciple my children, to share the Good News with them. I need to be a good witness to them whenever I can and I need to talk about Jesus at every possible opportunity.

Before Jesus died on the cross, it was his responsibility to preach to the Jews, give proof that he was the Messiah, and teach the disciples how to follow God without being caught up in the the laws being taught by the Pharisees. Just before being arrested, Jesus was praying, and he said, “I have brought you glory on earth by finishing the work you gave me to do.” John 17:4

That passage really jumped out at me today, because that is what I want more than anything. At the end of my life, I want to be able to say to God, “I brought you glory by finishing the work you gave me.”

There are days that I feel overwhelmed by the work He has given me. Thinking about everyday until the end of my life is too much to absorb at one time. I need to break it down into smaller pieces. I realized that I want to live everyday that way. At the end of each day I want to say, “I brought you glory today by finishing the work you gave me to do”.

This seems much more doable for me. I will do my best today. 

And then God reminded me. I am not alone. There are big things He will ask me to do, but He doesn’t expect me to conquer them by myself. God is ahead of me working things out for my good. He knows what I need for today and He will provide exactly what I need, if I ask.

As for those times I feel overwhelmed, I often realize that I am trying to tackle my work alone. I have not asked for God’s power or blessings or the provisions that He wants to give me. Ultimately, my job for today includes trusting in Him and relying on His perfect provision for whatever we face.

God thank you for Jesus and for giving me the tools I need to be a good disciple and a good parent. I confess that I have not followed Jesus’ example the way that I should. I want to change that and I want work better today. I want to bring you glory by the work that I finish this day. Thank you for providing the power, patience, wisdom and strength that I need and thank you for being with me through each task. Amen.

Click here to read more by Lynnette at her blog.

REDISCOVER YOUR DREAMS

June 6 Reading


 Early Sunday morning I was sitting outside on my dads patio, lakeside with a cup of coffee under the  beautiful sun.

 I knew it was going to be a gorgeous day on the lake.  I began to have a battle in my mind that looked like this...
Friends, family, swimming, boating, tanning and relaxing verses driving an hour back home to hear a message about DREAMING and CLOSING THE GAPS.   All I knew was that another DREAMER was preaching that morning and that is all it took to win that  battle for me.

I am a DREAMER!
When one DREAMER speaks into another DREAMERS life that can be a pivotal hinge moment that will swing open doors in the mind helping you walk through bigger and better doors. So glad God pushed me past the beautiful lake yesterday morning!



This weekend Northridge Church had Jon Ancuff for a guest speaker. He spoke on how to pursue the BIGGER DREAMS and close the Gap that holds us back. Click on the title and view the powerful service!


 JON ANCUFF,made a statement that is still ringing deep...


"DREAMING IS NOT AN ACT OF DISCOVERY BUT RECOVERY"

In today's daily reading, which if you click the date at the top of this post you can read the bible through the year with me. Anyhoo, I came accross a very powerful sentence today.

 This sentence really ties in Jon's entire message from service Sunday! Just another way God reminded me that He can do much more!


2 Chronicles 26:9 "THE LORD CAN GIVE YOU MUCH 
                                      MORE THAN THAT"


Yes! God has bigger and better for you... Why do we often settle for the ordinary day job that we hate?


How do we REDISCOVER or DREAMS?
 Let me share 4 main points that Jon greatly unwrapped.

1. Figure out your passions, Jon explains so well and with great humor, how to find and discover that true passion and calling. Then he challenges you to find the HINGE MOMENTS, those tiny whispers from God that can have you walking through a door and into the DRE AM JOB.

Jon will convince you to embrace a VISION. He will teach you how to find your VISION.
This is great stuff, I was totally understanding every word He said about VISION! I believe everyone should find their VISION!

We must learn to rise above the mundane living and embrace a vision filled life.


God wants to give you so much more friends!

Our divine destiny can remain dormant inside of us because LIFE gets in the way and pushes our desires deep down inside!

I promise you will REDISCOVER YOUR DREAMS if you click on the title above and view Jon's message!

2. GIVE GOD "ALL" OF YOU
    This was all powerfully explained! I URGE you to watch the online talk.
    .
God wants ALL our pieces so he can tell the BIGGER story.
 Sometimes the word ALL can be intimidating and threatening. I promise that you will have the desire to give God your ALL in some shape or form. I challenge you to take 45 minutes to view the talk and then let me know how it stirred you past the present.

3. PATIENCE,  many times when discovering your dreams you feel even more disconnected.
This is my season.
I know my passion and I have a clear vision. However, after stepping out in faith the past couple years I have felt a bit disconnected. I am waiting for the BIGGER moment. Jon identified my feelings during the discovery of his own personal dreams. The PATIENT period is the most important season to REDISCOVER and become intimate with God.

Many times God puts us on a DESSERT ROAD to learn to have patience. God can give much more in His timing. Keep wrestling with God during this intimate season!

4. STOP TRYING TO FIX YOURSELF AND YOUR DREAMS
   
After taking time to view the TALK ... your pulse will be pumping hard and you will understand that God has so much more in mind for your existence on this earth than murely surviving behind your mundane life.

Be stirred as your REDISCOVER YOUR DREAMS!

I pray that today you will understand that God can give you so much more than just "That."
What is your that? God wants to give you the bigger desires of your heart.

Also I have a great CONFERENCE that I  personally do called "DREAMING OUTLOUD"
Check it out on the side of my blog or at my website www.heatherbaxter.com
I would love to help you rediscover your dreams!



Blessings,

HOW TO MANAGE YOUR BATTLES

JUNE 3, READING

2 Chronicles 20:15

‘Do not be afraid or discouraged because of this vast army. For the battle is not yours, but God’s!


For we have no power to face this vast army that is attacking us. We do not know what to do, but our eyes are on you.”

In my own life, I have had major battles. Each battle positioned me to change my life for the better. I am very strong willed and many times instead of going forward with what I was called to do, I became disobedient and tried to live by my own plans and desires. The result manifested many battles!

Battles that attacked my physical, mental and emotional being. I came to a personal point in my life in which I decided to Turn more toward God. Why would I let my life slip by without experiencing the God who can and will show Himself mightily on my behalf?


What are you facing this past week?


What does your personal battle look and feel like?


How is it attacking you?


Remember, you have NO POWER to face it...

The battle belongs to God!

Do not loose heart friends, choose to keep walking in the ways of the Lord. When you choose to set your eyes on God,you will enjoy the recompense for everything you have suffered.

Your eyes must be on God to experience life in its fullness and abundance.

Many people experience huge battles and cannot even make the time to turn toward G od on Sunday morning. God wants to see an active faith. Do not choose to sleep through your breakthrough.

Rise above the battle with God friends.

He will give you a NEW VISION for your finances, marriage, relationships, shame/guilt, bondage, addiction and more.

Every battle great and small belongs to the Lord. When you are a wounded soldier God wants to restore and rebuild what is broken.
Ask God today to take over your battles, allow Gods truth and presence to illuminate the divine destiny that is ahead!

Blessings and have a blessed weekend

 










“Give thanks to the LORD,
for his love endures forever.”

A TITLE OR A TOWEL?

JUNE 2, BIBLE READING

John 13: 4-6
"so he got up from the meal, took off his outer clothing, and wrapped a towel around his waist. 5 After that, he poured water into a basin and began to wash his disciples’ feet, drying them with the towel that was wrapped around him. "

There are all kinds of towels.
 Some are meant for decoration. ( That does not work in my house)
 Some have sentimental value in our lives. Some have a special purpose or are better for a particular need.
But a towel always symbolizes a need being met or a service being rendered. Jesus knew what a towel did for others and how he needed to serve.The savior of the world proved himself to be the greatest servant of all times.


A towel is nothing new to us. It wipes sweet off our faces. It dries our hands. It cleans things up. A towel is used to serve. Left by itself, a towel is of no use.

 Pick it up, let it do what it was created to do.



Jesus possess a security that allows Him to serve others.
The insecure are into TITLES and the secure into TOWELS. Jesus' security enabled Him to both stoop and stretch.

Jesus put others ahead of His agenda.

How can we walk through the business of today and recognize a need and take the initiative or even risk to perform a small act of love?

Where can you be a towel today? Ask God to show you an opportunity?

Blessings,

 

THE DIFFICULTY OF FINISHING WELL

JUNE 1 READING

I cannot believe it is already JUNE!
 This is truly my favorite month of the whole year.  In June I will celebrate two of my kids birthdays, my anniversary, fathers day and big family BBQ'S, every weekend is already filled.

 This month can be enjoyed with family because of a simple truth I strive to live for daily...

"FINISH WELL EVEN IF ITS DIFFICULT."

Finishing well allows another year of celebrations~ 

A year can bring its share of difficulties with children, marriage and personal tests.

Its hard to celebrate when you feel hollow and fail to finish the difficulties well.

In today's reading we find a timeless principle:
 "The Lord is with you when you are with Him (2 Chronicles 15:2).

Many times we fail to walk with God in our marriages and with our children. We do not rely on God!

Secret sin begins to take root in our lives and a pattern of failure stems from that secret!

We then FAIL to FINISH well.

 I have discovered this timeless truth and I know that I cannot finish one day well without walking with God.

Look at King Asa in today's reading... He failed to finish well. Asa after several years walked away from God and returned to his old self and patterns and eventually died a hollow leader who FAILED to FINISH well.

Asa stands today with majority who FAIL to FINISH well. I urge you today to not let the pattern of failure stem from any secret sin. It is never to late to turn to God in your difficult time. God will help you finish strong!

Lets look at King David and how this worked with Him... He started out as an anointed King, mighty warrior, faithful and loyal man and great leader. David took a turn away from God and became disloyal, committed adultery, committed murder, tried to cover his sins and brought judgement to his family.

When we turn our hearts from God we will not FINISH WELL. Our marriages will FAIL and the rest falls apart.

BUT ITS NOT TO LATE FRIENDS!

God takes what is ROCK BOTTOM and RECREATES YOU!

DO NOT GIVE UP...RUN WITH GOD!

Today is national running day. I challenge you to go out for a RUN with God.
If you can only run a half a block then give what you can to God. Take this time to tell HIM you want to FINISH WELL and not FAIL!

God loves a runners heart. If you can I  challenge you to RUN 1 MILE WITH GOD!

Let God know you want to celebrate the victories in life by learning to finish well!

RUN LIKE YOU MEAN IT FRIENDS!

Let me know if you ran your mile and I will continue to pray for you TO FINISH WELL!