Tough minds tender hearts

Jesus is a friend of sinners

105 for an ultrasound to save a baby. 

http://bible.us/Ps29.2.NIV Ascribe to the Lord the glory due his name; worship the Lord in the splendor of his holiness. The voice of the Lord is over the waters; the God of glory thunders, the Lord thunders over the mighty waters. The voice of the Lord is powerful; the voice of the Lord is majestic.

WOW!

Many of the Psalms are just an extended and eloquent way of saying "WOW!" Psalm 29 is one such Psalm. It looks at a particular aspect of this great God we serve-His voice-and leaves us in such a state of awe and amazement that the only real response we can exclaim is "Glory!" That's a biblical way of saying "Wow!"

An ear-splitting, heart-stopping thunderclap that rolls and reverberates from horizon to horizon...the unrelenting force of a hurricane that strips the very skin off of the proudest trees...an earthquake that shatters the strongest foundations of the world... they're all mere whispers of the might and majesty of God's voice.

Couple this with the reality that we're steeped in a society where so many people are struggling and striving to have their voices heard. Our eyes and ears are constantly being ambushed by talking heads, spin doctors, and flavor-of-the-month pundits who are fighting for market share when it comes to our attention. No expense is spared in getting us to listen to their opinions and to hopefully adopt them. There's no void of voices in our world today.

But the voice of the Lord drowns them all. The voice of the Lord is powerful and full of majesty. It rises above anything we could ever speak or say. It shakes the ground we walk on and splits the sky we live beneath. God's voice can't be censored or tamed any more than a volatile volcano in full-fury can be silenced. When God wants to be heard, He is, and the only reasonable response is "Glory!"

Incomparable Creator, we rejoice in the power and majesty of Your voice...and all we want to say today is "Wow!"

What does this passage reveal to me about God?

The voice of the Lord is amazing.  GOD is powerful yet gentle. 

What does this passage reveal to me about myself?

Without God I am nothing. 

Based on this, what changes do I need to make?

Pause more and say wow

What is my prayer for today? 

http://bible.us/Ps24.1.NIV

The earth is the Lord 's, and everything in it, the world, and all who live in it; for he founded it on the seas and established it on the waters. Who may ascend the mountain of the Lord ? Who may stand in his holy place? The one who has clean hands and a pure heart, who does not trust in an idol or swear by a false god. They will receive blessing from the Lord and vindication from God their Savior. Such is the generation of those who seek him, who seek your face, God of Jacob. Lift up your heads, you gates; be lifted up, you ancient doors, that the King of glory may come in. Who is this King of glory? The Lord strong and mighty, the Lord mighty in battle. Lift up your heads, you gates; lift them up, you ancient doors, that the King of glory may come in. Who is he, this King of glory? The Lord Almighty— he is the King of glory.

Lord, please give me a pure heart and clean hands.  My heart has been so full of nonsense lately.   I need to rid my mind of the negative thoughts, of insecurity, so I can continue to be the one you called me to be. 

Father, why do I struggle so with believing my husband loves me?  Why do I struggle so much with seeking approval from others? 

It's All His

Everything belongs to God. Absolutely everything-the earth and all that is in it. That's important to know. Why? Because we're called to trust in His provision, and doing so becomes much easier when we recognize we're trusting in the One who ultimately owns all that there is.

Sometimes we fear that our needs will exceed what the Lord can or will provide for us. But our needs can never be greater than what He actually has at His disposal, which is everything. And if we're lacking and in need, it's a simple matter of the Lord re-distributing His funds and transferring His resources from one account to another.

That's the lesson Peter learned when Jesus called him to cast a line in the sea and pull out the first fish he caught. Jesus promised Peter that he would find a coin inside the fish's mouth that would be sufficient to cover his needs (Matthew 17:27).

Why did Jesus do that? He was showing Peter a practical demonstration of Psalm 24:1. Jesus was showing Peter that He's able to access and allocate whatever is needed, whenever it's needed. He was essentially saying, "Peter all the world's wealth belongs to me, and I will do what I want with it."

That's something we all need to hear for ourselves. When it comes to your needs in this world, don't fret. God knows exactly what you need, and as the ultimate owner of all things, He has what you need reserved and in store for you. It's all His, and He's absolutely able to allocate it accordingly.

Lord of all, may You still all of our anxieties with the knowledge that the earth and everything in it is yours.

What does this passage reveal to me about God?

What does this passage reveal to me about myself?

Based on this, what changes do I need to make?

What is my prayer for today? 

Psalm 22

Lord , keep me close time you.   As I read this I know that I have no comparison to your death on the cross.   But I have had pain and insecurity.   Lord Jesus keep me close to you so that I may endure what you require of me.  

Connected To The Cross

The words of Psalm 22 are significant for a couple of reasons. First, they describe David's heartache at this particular point in his life. Secondly, and more significantly, they prophetically point to Christ's suffering on the cross.

We know this, not only because the Psalm gives a graphic account of the then-unknown practice of crucifixion, but also because Jesus directly quoted from this Psalm as He hung on the cross:

And about the ninth hour Jesus cried out with a loud voice, saying..."My God, My God, why have You forsaken Me?" (Matthew 27:46 NKJV)

Even as He endured the shame and pain of the cross, Jesus, the consummate teacher, was instructing the people who were watching Him die. He was pointing them to Psalm 22 so as to say, "See, what I'm doing right here and right now is the fulfillment of David's Psalm!"

There's an unbreakable connection between Psalm 22 and the Cross. But in all actuality, the same can be said of every page and passage in God's Word. One way or another, every bit of the Bible relates to the Cross. No matter where you happen to be, it anticipates and looks forward to the Cross, or it commemorates and looks back at it. The Cross is the central theme and event in the Bible.

Psalm 22 is a powerful reminder of this as it transports us to Calvary. It connects our hearts to the saving scene that determined our destiny. That's a connection we would do well to keep and maintain.

Strong Savior, no matter where we're at or where this day takes us physically, geographically, mentally, or emotionally, may our hearts remain connected to the Cross and what you accomplished for us there.

What does this passage reveal to me about God?

What does this passage reveal to me about myself?

Based on this, what changes do I need to make?

What is my prayer for today? 

Depend on the Lord , not on my own strength or anything else.

http://bible.us/Ps21.1.NIV The king rejoices in your strength, Lord . How great is his joy in the victories you give! You have granted him his heart's desire and have not withheld the request of his lips. You came to greet him with rich blessings and placed a crown of pure gold on his head. He asked you for life, and you gave it to him— length of days, for ever and ever. Through the victories you gave, his glory is great; you have bestowed on him splendor and majesty. Surely you have granted him unending blessings and made him glad with the joy of your presence. For the king trusts in the Lord ; through the unfailing love of the Most High he will not be shaken. Your hand will lay hold on all your enemies; your right hand will seize your foes. When you appear for battle, you will burn them up as in a blazing furnace. The Lord will swallow them up in his wrath, and his fire will consume them. You will destroy their descendants from the earth, their posterity from mankind. Though they plot evil against you and devise wicked schemes, they cannot succeed. You will make them turn their backs when you aim at them with drawn bow. Be exalted in your strength, Lord ; we will sing and praise your might.

Depend As You Ascend

Psalm Chapter 21 was written by David. Not David the simple shepherd-boy, nor David the fleeing fugitive, nor the young David whose place and way in life had been so uncertain. But rather, this particular Psalm was penned by David later on in his life, after he had been established as ruler over Israel and rightful heir to the throne. He composes this as King, as one who had ascended to the summit of power and success.

Notice, however, that even though David had become King at this point, he still declares his trust in the Lord. His title in life had changed, but his guiding principle hadn't. The very feature that distinguished David through every season of his life and propelled him forward was still strong inside him. He was still determined to be absolutely dependant on God.

That's something we need to ponder, because human nature tells us we need God less and less as we grow and gain in power. It's easy to rely on the Lord when we have nothing else in life to rely on. But it's as we start to ascend, as we become "successful" and acquire resources, that we're faced with a challenging choice. Do we trust in our newfound successes, or do we continue to trust in the Lord who remains unseen? Do we continue to depend as we ascend in life?

There's no question what we ought to do, and there's no better time than right now to pray for His help in doing it.

Lord, protect us from trusting in anything or anyone but You, especially in light of any success we experience. Help us to depend as we ascend.

What does this passage reveal to me about God?  GOD alone is in control. All good things in my life aware from His hand.   Negative things are to grow me.   Father please teach me your wisdom.   Teach me how to respond instead of reacting. 

What does this passage reveal to me about myself?   I easily become self confident.   I don't always rely on God.

Based on this, what changes do I need to make? Trust in God in all things.  Focus more on the word and lesson circumstances around me.

What is my prayer for today?father , I need your peace.  I am feeling dread and I'm not sure why.   Too many conflicts.   Father please give me your confidence , your wisdom and your strength.  

How to abide in God

http://bible.us/Ps15.1.NIV Lord , who may dwell in your sacred tent? Who may live on your holy mountain? The one whose walk is blameless, who does what is righteous, who speaks the truth from their heart; whose tongue utters no slander, who does no wrong to a neighbor, and casts no slur on others; who despises a vile person but honors those who fear the Lord ; who keeps an oath even when it hurts, and does not change their mind; who lends money to the poor without interest; who does not accept a bribe against the innocent. Whoever does these things will never be shaken.

Abiding Isn't Automatic

The modern English language has strayed away from using the word abide. The word is considered old-fashioned, and that's a shame because it's one of the most important and insightful words in all the Scriptures.

The word abide literally means "to settle down and dwell comfortably along with." Harmony, unity, communion, and peace are all assumed under the umbrella of abiding with someone. In Psalm Chapter 15, David asks, "Lord, who may abide in Your tabernacle?" Another way of saying that would be: "What kind of person can rest easy and be at home in Your presence?"

We'd all like to be in sync and in step with God's heart. But it's important to understand that it isn't automatic. There are certain conditions that need to be met on our part in order to arrive at this place of abiding. David enumerates them as he continues the Psalm; a person who walks righteously (v.2), speaks truthfully (v.2), doesn't gossip (v.3), is a faithful neighbor and friend (v.3), despises evil (v.4), honors God (v.4), keeps his or her word (v.4), and isn't greedy for personal gain (v.5).

Don't misunderstand. David isn't declaring that we can become right with God by virtue of our good works. But he does describe the kind of heart a person has when he or she is at peace with God-a person who is able to abide with God. This should cause us to hold up a mirror and examine whether or not these conditions are being kept in our own lives.

Abiding isn't automatic, but it is attainable. May the Lord help us to be completely honest with ourselves and fill us with His Spirit so that we can meet the conditions needed in order to abide.

Father God, help me to walk in sync and in step with You. Enable me to meet the conditions outlined in Psalm 15.

What does this passage reveal to me about God?

What does this passage reveal to me about myself?

Based on this, what changes do I need to make?

What is my prayer for today? 

Keep your eyes on Jesus

Psalm 19:1-14 NIV

The heavens declare the glory of God;
the skies proclaim the work of his hands. Day after day they pour forth speech;
night after night they reveal knowledge. They have no speech, they use no words;
no sound is heard from them. Yet their voice goes out into all the earth,
their words to the ends of the world.
In the heavens God has pitched a tent for the sun. It is like a bridegroom coming out of his chamber,
like a champion rejoicing to run his course. It rises at one end of the heavens
and makes its circuit to the other;
nothing is deprived of its warmth.

The law of the Lord  is perfect,
refreshing the soul. 

Thank you lord for your word and refreshing me.

The statutes of the Lord  are trustworthy,
making wise the simple. The precepts of the Lord  are right,
giving joy to the heart.
The commands of the Lord  are radiant,
giving light to the eyes. The fear of the Lord  is pure,
enduring forever.
The decrees of the Lord  are firm,
and all of them are righteous. They are more precious than gold,
than much pure gold;
they are sweeter than honey,
than honey from the honeycomb. By them your servant is warned;
in keeping them there is great reward. But who can discern their own errors?
Forgive my hidden faults. Keep your servant also from willful sins;
may they not rule over me.
Then I will be blameless,
innocent of great transgression. May these words of my mouth and this meditation of my heart
be pleasing in your sight,
Lord , my Rock and my Redeemer.

Lord, thank you for your word and for answered prayer!  Thank you for drawing Craig to me, and asking to pray with me.   YOU know my heart and you have refreshed it today! 

Getting back on track part 2

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If you have a Prayer Request, please feel free to share below.

Psalm 37:1-7
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Psalm 37:1-7 (NIV)
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Do not fret because of those who are evil or be envious of those who do wrong; 
for like the grass they will soon wither, like green plants they will soon die away. 
Trust in the lord and do good; dwell in the land and enjoy safe pasture. 
Take delight in the lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart. 
Commit your way to the lord; trust in him and he will do this: 
He will make your righteous reward shine like the dawn, your vindication like the noonday sun. 
Be still before the lord and wait patiently for him; do not fret when people succeed in their ways, when they carry out their wicked schemes.

Psalm 37:23-24
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Psalm 37:23-24 (NIV)
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The lord makes firm the steps of the one who delights in him; 
though he may stumble, he will not fall, for the lord upholds him with his hand.

Psalm 37:25-26
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Psalm 37:25-26 (NIV)
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I was young and now I am old, yet I have never seen the righteous forsaken or their children begging bread. 
They are always generous and lend freely; their children will be a blessing.

Psalm 37:23
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Psalm 37:23 (NIV)
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The lord makes firm the steps of the one who delights in him;

1. Even The...
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1. Even The RIGHTEOUS Get Out Of Step With God.
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psalm 72.   blessed be the name of the lord.   its hard to be a visionary because you have all of these things in your heart how it should be, but are always faced with the reality of how it is.      david struggled, God told him what would be - but he couldn't always see it.

a.  A blessing...
===============
a.  A blessing GIVEN too soon is not a blessing at all.
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like the difference of giving a 17 year old a car or giving a 5 year old a car. - something is to be said about waiting.

b.  Beware of things...
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b.  Beware of things that come too FAST.
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something's are better waited for..... see the prodigal.

2.  No One Gets To...
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2.  No One Gets To SKIP Steps With God.
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the race isn't given to the swift or strong. the race is given to the one the Lord gives it too.   God is ordering my steps.  not everyone is ready. 

not doing any better under one boss then the next....time to look at yourself in stared of always looking at someone else.  (forgive me father for my attitude towards heather, thank you father for ordering my steps).

things I've gone through cause me to be more thankful to God.

3.  God Rejoices...
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3.  God Rejoices Over EACH Step.

a.  Don’t put too much...
===============
a.  Don’t put too much ENERGY in a place you are about to leave.
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rejoice with what God has given you but don't get stuck on the step.   - buying  3 year old - a  $150 pair of jeans.  outgrowing the steps

b.  Don’t...
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b.  Don’t JUDGE life by where you are right now.
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if you don't like where you are.....keep moving.... Adele / Taylor swift

4.  God Doesn’t...
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4.  God Doesn’t OFFER Steps, He Orders Them.
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what do I do in the meantime?  read the word.  stay in the word.  though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death-       job, kept stepping on.   blessed be the name of the lord.   refuse to get stuck on a step.    there is nothing new under the sun.

Online Giving
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We have several options to allow you to send your tithe, an offering or donation to the ministry of Visalia First Assembly. All transactions are safe and secure for your protection. If you have any questions please feel free to contact us at email or the church number 559.733.9070 or email us. Your gift is tax deductible. Visalia First Assembly is a non-profit organization.
http://v1ag.com/online-giving-mobile

Sad 1/11/13

Feeling sad..
We don't even talk

Never thought I'd be in this place. 

Hopefull

Seasoned with grace.   This is how I want to be known.   The peace of God filling my heart and mind.   That I would not show favoritism to students but would connect with all.  God loves everyone of them. 

Acts 10:34-35 NIV

Then Peter began to speak: "I now realize how true it is that God does not show favoritism but accepts from every nation the one who fears him and does what is right.

Something to consider

http://bible.us/Ps149.6.NIV 6 May the praise of God be in their mouths and a double-edged sword in their hands,

How does God use our praise as a double edge sword?  I'm not sure how this works, but I know I am supposed to think upon good noble things , how much more effective may my witness to if I speak of these things and season everything with praise?  I have to praise God in my mind first in order to get out of the funk I feel I am in. Especially the marital funk.  Maybe Craig and I are supposed to praise God together.   Actually I am sure we should.  Lord lead him. Lead me.  I feel that I have to lead in many ways and I am tired. Thank you God that you know my heart. Please give me a heart of thanksgiving and praise.  

They didn't get it

http://bible.us/Mark6.47.NIV Later that night, the boat was in the middle of the lake, and he was alone on land. He saw the disciples straining at the oars, because the wind was against them. Shortly before dawn he went out to them, walking on the lake. He was about to pass by them, but when they saw him walking on the lake, they thought he was a ghost. They cried out, because they all saw him and were terrified. Immediately he spoke to them and said, "Take courage! It is I. Don't be afraid." Then he climbed into the boat with them, and the wind died down. They were completely amazed, for they had not understood about the loaves; their hearts were hardened.

These people were WITH Jesus yet they didn't get it.  No wonder people today have such a hard time understanding Him!  Vivid reminder to pray for the lost by asking God to send his spirit to open their eyes.

Miranda
Zach
Sarah
Alex
Sonia
Troy
Adam
Logan
Dad
Kathie
Sharon
John...
Staci
Deven
Sam
Tony
Alan
Wendy

Who do I work with that is in need of you still? 

My time with God - today

A Love Relationship with God - AnGeL Ministries - Anne Graham Lotz

1 John 4:4-19 NIV

You, dear children, are from God and have overcome them, because the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world. They are from the world and therefore speak from the viewpoint of the world, and the world listens to them. We are from God, and whoever knows God listens to us; but whoever is not from God does not listen to us. This is how we recognize the Spirit of truth and the spirit of falsehood.7 Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God.8 Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love.9 This is how God showed his love among us: He sent his one and only Son into the world that we might live through him.10 This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins.11 Dear friends, since God so loved us, we also ought to love one another.12 No one has ever seen God; but if we love one another, God lives in us and his love is made complete in us. This is how we know that we live in him and he in us: He has given us of his Spirit. And we have seen and testify that the Father has sent his Son to be the Savior of the world. If anyone acknowledges that Jesus is the Son of God, God lives in them and they in God. And so we know and rely on the love God has for us.
God is love. Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in them. This is how love is made complete among us so that we will have confidence on the day of judgment: In this world we are like Jesus. There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love. We love because he first loved us.

As I read this God spoke to me .  there are many people who love Jesus, and will be with us in eternity, yet they have not been cultivating that love while here on earth.  I have been praying that God would give me a desire for my husband.  I love him. But don't always want to cultivate that relationship.  Just lime when I am not up to spending time in the word.  I do but it is more rote, than from a desire to be with Him. 

I remember when Craig and I started dating.  How I so looked forward to seeing him and being with him. When we were apart, I longed for him.  I want that back, for both my Father in heaven, and for my husband.  

Maybe its not as strong for my husband because we keep our spiritual lives separate.  At one time we prayed together.  We no longer do. 

We also don't serve together which was something we both said we wanted.

Prayer is the start.  Months ago - even years ago I brought up a budget.  He didn't want a budget because we wouldn't be able to do what we wanted because money is budgeted.  However, we found we can't do it anyway, because its not there.  This week, without prodding, see set up a budget.   Thank you Lord, that even though my feelings were hurt, we did it.   - you even sent me a word later, regarding perspective.   Thank you Jesus for loving me.  Please draw my heart back to you and serving you, and to love my husband in more than words.    

Grace filled days 1-5-13

January 5

Scripture from today's reading.....learning to see life through grace filled eyes.   Kingdom eyes..

http://bible.us/1John4.7.NIV 7 Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God.8 Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love.9 This is how God showed his love among us: He sent his one and only Son into the world that we might live through him.10 This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins.11 Dear friends, since God so loved us, we also ought to love one another.12 No one has ever seen God; but if we love one another, God lives in us and his love is made complete in us.

This is not natural for me Lord.  I struggle with love.  My feelings get hurt and...do I want to punish?  Forgive me.  Lord help me to be strong and to live my husband with your grace.

Psalm 72:1-19 NIV

Endow the king with your justice, O God,
the royal son with your righteousness. May he judge your people in righteousness,
your afflicted ones with justice. May the mountains bring prosperity to the people,
the hills the fruit of righteousness.

May he defend the afflicted among the people
and save the children of the needy;

may he crush the oppressor. May he endure as long as the sun,
as long as the moon, through all generations. May he be like rain falling on a mown field,
like showers watering the earth. In his days may the righteous flourish
and prosperity abound till the moon is no more. May he rule from sea to sea
and from the River to the ends of the earth. May the desert tribes bow before him
and his enemies lick the dust. May the kings of Tarshish and of distant shores
bring tribute to him.
May the kings of Sheba and Seba
present him gifts. May all kings bow down to him
and all nations serve him. For he will deliver the needy who cry out,
the afflicted who have no one to help. He will take pity on the weak and the needy
and save the needy from death. He will rescue them from oppression and violence,
for precious is their blood in his sight. Long may he live!
May gold from Sheba be given him.
May people ever pray for him
and bless him all day long. May grain abound throughout the land;
on the tops of the hills may it sway.
May the crops flourish like Lebanon
and thrive like the grass of the field. May his name endure forever;
may it continue as long as the sun.
Then all nations will be blessed through him,
and they will call him blessed. Praise be to the Lord  God, the God of Israel,
who alone does marvelous deeds. Praise be to his glorious name forever;
may the whole earth be filled with his glory.
Amen and Amen. 

Lord, remind me to see YOU in everything.   This passage reminds me of school and how You are working through those that love you. 

Mark 6:34-44 NIV

34 When Jesus landed and saw a large crowd, he had compassion on them, because they were like sheep without a shepherd. So he began teaching them many things.35 By this time it was late in the day, so his disciples came to him. "This is a remote place," they said, "and it's already very late.36 Send the people away so that they can go to the surrounding countryside and villages and buy themselves something to eat."37 But he answered, "You give them something to eat."
They said to him, "That would take more than half a year's wages! Are we to go and spend that much on bread and give it to them to eat?"38 "How many loaves do you have?"  he asked. "Go and see."
When they found out, they said, "Five—and two fish."39 Then Jesus directed them to have all the people sit down in groups on the green grass.40 So they sat down in groups of hundreds and fifties.41 Taking the five loaves and the two fish and looking up to heaven, he gave thanks and broke the loaves. Then he gave them to his disciples to distribute to the people. He also divided the two fish among them all.42 They all ate and were satisfied,43 and the disciples picked up twelve basketfuls of broken pieces of bread and fish.44 The number of the men who had eaten was five thousand.

Thank you for the compassion you so freely give us Father.  Fill me with your spirit so that I would have compassion on others.  Thank you Lord for where you have placed me at this time in my life. 

Active word day 2

http://bible.us/Ps3.1.NIV Lord , how many are my foes! How many rise up against me! Many are saying of me, "God will not deliver him." But you, Lord , are a shield around me, my glory, the One who lifts my head high. I call out to the Lord , and he answers me from his holy mountain. I lie down and sleep; I wake again, because the Lord sustains me. I will not fear though tens of thousands assail me on every side. Arise, Lord ! Deliver me, my God! Strike all my enemies on the jaw; break the teeth of the wicked. From the Lord comes deliverance. May your blessing be on your people.

I am dependent upon God for everything. 

Perpetually Protected

In biblical times, sleeping was a much different experience than it is today, especially for David, who wrote Psalm Chapter 3. Back then, there weren't house alarms to alert them to intruders or people seeking to harm them. And in David's case, he frequently found himself as a fugitive on the run, which forced him to sleep without the benefit of locks, gates, or even walls. So when we see sleep mentioned in this Psalm, it carries a real sense of vulnerability. And that's what makes David's declaration here all the more meaningful. He says that the Lord sustained him as he slept. In other words, David is acknowledging the fact that God was the one who was presiding and watching over him as he entered into the most vulnerable phase of daily life. When he had no ability to protect himself from the advancing attack of an enemy (and there were many), God was there to protect him. For us, sleeping usually doesn't entail the same risks as it did for David, but the truth of this passage still profoundly applies to us. All of us are vulnerable at some time or another. There's bound to be moments when we are simply incapable of protecting ourselves. When we find ourselves in that situation, it's then that God Himself is our Great Protector. As a matter of fact, He's our Great Protector at all times. Even when we think we've got ourselves covered, God guards us and watches over us. But His protective presence in our lives is most evident as He guards us throughout those vulnerable "night watches" of life.

Lord, help us recognize your perpetual protection over us. May it sustain us so we are able to rest securely.

What does this passage reveal to me about God?

God is a protector and a provider.

What does this passage reveal to me about myself?

I think I am in control, but I am not. It is the Lord in control. 

Based on this, what changes do I need to make?
Trust and obey

What is my prayer for today? 
Show me how to live for you.

Active word day 1

http://bible.us/r/v.1.5t Today I am reading day 1 of Active Word Daily Devotional:
Psalm 1:1 NIV

1 Blessed is the one
who does not walk in step with the wicked
or stand in the way that sinners take
or sit in the company of mockers,

What does this say about God?
Jesus was the only man who was really able to do this. God is perfect. 

What does it say about myself?
In often find myself spending more time enjoying the world than I do other believers.  

What changes do I need to make?
Get involved with a small group - men and women that Craig can also relate too

WHAT IS MY PRAYER?
Lord' please give me the desire for real fellowship with others. Not just friendships with believers, but friends who can share your word and your live. Father I want this sweet fellowship with my husband as well.  I don't want to be unrelatable or holier than thou but I want to be the woman you've called me to be.