My Thoughts as a Mom of Faith

We Serve a Jealous God

2008-06-12T13:30:00.003-05:00

Or do you suppose that the Scripture is speaking to no purpose that says, The Spirit Whom He has caused to dwell in us yearns over us and He yearns for the Spirit to be welcome with a jealous love? - James 4:5

The original Greek word and meaning for yearns is, epipotheo (ep-ee-poth-eh'-o): intensely crave possession, earnestly desire.

We can be certain that we serve a jealous God. He calls Himself a jealous God in Exodus 34:14 - For you shall worship no other god, for the Lord, Whose Name is Jealous, is a jealous impassioned God.

He longs for us to put Him first. His greatest desire is for us to love Him and pursue a friendship with Him. He wants to be our delight. When we put people, hobbies, entertainment, or anything before Him in our lives we are creating idols. Idols are not just golden statues. They can be anything and anyone.

Instead of writing a passionate speech on putting God first, I am giving you an assignment...

I want you to make, yes make some time to sit down and really examine how you are spending your time and where you find your most joy.

If you find that you have little time with Daddy God or that hobbies...work...friendships...or even your children bring you the most joy, then you need to make an adjustment in your life. Don't get me wrong, our children and loved ones should be a joy to us. However, nothing should be more important to us than our Daddy in Heaven.

We need to make sure that God is our top priority. When we do this we will be the wife, friend, Mother, woman, and child of God that He created us to be. And we will find a joy and fulfillment that is incomparable!

We really MUST make this a priority in our lives...especially in the days to come. This world is getting more and more wicked and our morality is going down hill...FAST. We NEED to personally KNOW the One Who is in control and be in a consistent daily relationship with Him, so that when the trouble comes, we can be assured and firmly set in all that we believe and know.

Be alert, dear sisters....put your Jealous and loving God FIRST!

Let's Pray,

Daddy God, help me today. Help me to examine my priorities and how I spend my time. Show me where I have self made idols in my life and help me to knock them down. I want nothing more that to live my life for You. Help me to put everything in its proper place and to set an example for my children and those who know me. I love You Daddy, and I want You to be my All and All! In Jesus Mighty Name, Amen.

Being the World's Friend is being God's Enemy

2008-04-29T08:20:00.005-05:00

You are like unfaithful wives having illicit love affairs with the world and breaking your marriage vow to God! Do you not know that being the world's friend is being God's enemy? So, whoever chooses to be a friend of the world takes his stand as an enemy of God. - James 4:4

Sometimes I feel like I say the same things over and over. I guess God is trying to get this information to penetrate the thick sculls that make up His Church. LOL!

The Church as a whole is a pitiful example of what Jesus died for us to be. Jesus died for so much more than our Salvation. He also died so that we may have peace, joy, and a sound mind. He left us with a mission. A mission to tell others about His great love through our words, life and deeds. He left us the Holy Spirit to comfort us and His Mighty Name to give us power.

He did not intend for us to let the devil make the rules. He did not intend for us to become friends of this world through indifference. In many ways, you cannot even tell the difference between the world and the Church...

The Body of Christ seems to be asleep, while our very cunning adversary swoops in for the kill. Does that sound like a dramatic statement? I think it is an understatement! Why? To answer this we must ask several questions.

If the Church was awake and active would there even be a hint of legalizing gay marriages in the air?

No. If the Church were awake and STANDING for Truth, there would have been a march on Washington like there has never been seen before. We would not let such a thing slip by.

Would there be pornography displayed at every turn?

No. Christian men would rise up and not tolerate such an attack on their minds. The Church as a whole would push for better laws to prevent our children from having to see these disgusting displays when walking into a convenience store to get a Slurpee.

Would prayer be illegal in schools that we pay taxes in?

No. Honestly, I don't know how we ever let such a thing happen. I mean WHERE was the Church???

Would the divorce rate in the Church be the same and even higher than the world's?

No. We would align ourselves together and help marriages. We would prepare our young people for marriage. We would teach our children that a happy marriage isn't about "feelings" and getting your own way. It is about giving, loving and forgiving for a lifetime. We would LIVE it out before them and forget about our ridiculous "needs."

If the church were awake would the world have such a powerful hold on our entertainment?

No. Unfortunately, the Church has become desensitized. We watch things that I don't believe we would ever watch if Jesus came for dinner and a movie. We watch movies with language that we would never use in front of our pastors. We watch movies with sexually explicit scenes and then wonder why there is a pornography problem in the Church. Yes, the Church! Think about it...honestly, that is how I judge what I should watch. If we could see Jesus in the flesh and have Him over for a movie...would we watch the same things?? Hmmmm. Funny though, He LIVES in us, so He IS there!

Need I go on?

I don't think so.

I hope and pray that somehow the Church will arise from its slumber, grab their weapons, and put the devil back in his slimy evil place. If we do not, what kind of world will our children be left with? What are we teaching them with our apathetic reaction to the chaos that is whirling all around us?

If we do nothing, it is like leaving them alone in a dark room filled with venomous vipers. Can you live with that? I can't.

Let's Pray,

Daddy God, I pray that You open my eyes. Help me to see and to recognize the enemy and his ways to sneak into my mind and life. Help me to not become desensitized, but to remain on fire for Truth and Holiness. Help me to train my children up to be all that You created them to be. Help me to show them this through my living example. Lord, please forgive me if I have become a friend of this world. Thank You. In Jesus Mighty Name, Amen.

Wrong Motives

2008-04-04T10:48:00.006-05:00

...You do not have, because you do not ask.

Or you do ask and yet fail to receive, because you ask with wrong purpose and evil, selfish motives. Your intention is to spend it in sensual pleasures. - James 4:2b-3

God is all about the heart of a person. He could care less how many of our self made faces we put on in life. He looks at the "why" not the "do." He looks deep in our hearts to find our hidden agendas and motives that we even hide from ourselves. He looks beyond the fronts we put up for others.

You have not because you ask not.

This tells me if I ask, I can receive. However...The next verse is the key to the deal.

When we ask with the wrong motives. When we ask for selfish reasons. When we ask out of discontentment. When we ask for things that have no good purpose for our lives. I think that God is like any good parent. He must do what is best for us. Even when WE do not like it or think it is unfair. He would love to give all of His children prosperity. Unfortunately, with prosperity comes the temptation to forget Him, and He knows this, so I believe that is one of His motives for keeping too much abundance from us at times.

We may want something, ask for it, and never receive it. Not because God does not love us, but because He does love us. And He knows us better than we do. He knows what is good for us.

When we are walking closely with God on a regular basis, we gain more and more of His character and we begin to want what He wants . Then when we ask for things, it is not out of selfish motives. It is from a true and faithful heart. Knowing that all things are His and we are not complete in "things." We are complete in Him. And if we lose everything, it is OK, because we know this and understand it! We know that our eternity is what really matters, not the fluff we can get here on earth for a season.

Let's Pray,

Daddy God, thank You for loving me and only wanting the best for me. Thank You for protecting me from my self. I love You Lord, and YOU are enough. You are ALL that I ever need. Thank You for all that You do and the MANY blessings that You have given me. I pray that You continue to show me Your Will for my life and help me to fulfill it. I love You, Lord. I want more than anything in this world to live a life that pleases You. Thank You for Your love, kindness, and mercy. In Jesus Mighty Name, Amen.

Strife and Conflict

2008-03-31T13:41:00.020-05:00

What leads to strife and how do conflicts, quarrels, and fighting originate among you? Do they not arise from sensual desires that are ever warring in your bodily members?

You are jealous and covet what others have and your desires go unfulfilled; so you become murderers. To hate is to murder as far as your hearts are concerned. You burn with envy and anger and are not able to obtain the gratification, contentment, and happiness that you seek, so you fight and war.... - James 4:1-2a

Strife and conflicts usually begin because someone either does not get their way or people do not agree about something. Conflict is a natural part of life. They do not need to be sinful or escalate. However, when we allow conflicts to escalate to arguments and strife, it is most likely rooted in pride. We don't want to be wrong, we don't want to let things go, we don't want to give something up, or we are just plain stubborn. When the Church allows quarrels and conflict to go unchecked it weakens us as a whole. This is why our adversary, the devil, works overtime and relentlessly trying to generate discord in the Body fo Christ.

The only way we can overcome this is to recognize it, and then not allow it to manifest itself and disable the Church. Until we get over ourselves and start loving each other and being peacemaking obedient children of the Most High God, we will continue to see the Church become more and more powerless. And, sin more and more rampant.

James goes so far as to say that when we hate it is like we are committing murder in our hearts. That statement sounds a lot like when Jesus said when He informed us that simply looking at another with lust we have already committed adultery. These are HUGE statements...and somewhat hard to swallow...

We do not allow ourselves to really ALLOW God's Word in our hearts enough to see it for what it is. If we did, would we hate? Would we hate so easily knowing we would be considered a murderer?

It is an issue that begins on the inside. It is a heart matter. And where does it all begin? The mind. Our minds are the first line of attack. The enemy sends all of his demons to the mind, because he knows that if he can get our minds to receive his lies, he will get our hearts.

The only way to protect our minds from becoming the devil's playground is to consistently and daily study...not just read...study God's Word. Most Christians go to church, but few have an active and consistent life in the Word. Most of us are too busy making sure we don't miss the next Survivor or American Idol episode. Most of us hardly ever feed our spirits outside of our weekly church visits. And that my friends is why we have gay marriages and no prayers in school. The Church is overcome with the mind of the world instead of the Mind of Christ.

The more of the Word we have in us, the more peace, the more forgiveness, and the more love we will have pouring out of us. There will be less room...if any for discord, strife, and sinful conflict.

If we would just set our hearts and minds on God and HIS Will, HIS Word, and HIS ways, we would have less discord and more productivity in the Church. And the devil would not have so much control over our entertainment, government, society, and the Body of Christ as a whole.

Let's Pray,

Daddy God, thank You for loving me and making a way through your Word for me to live the life You created me to live. Please forgive me for any strife or sinful conflict that I have caused, encouraged, or have been involved in. Your Word says that blessed are the peacemakers. Well, I want to be blessed. I want my life to please You. Help me to recognize when the enemy is trying to bring any strife into my life. Help me to show Your love and mercy to others and not need to always be right. I ask that You remove any hate or animosity from my heart and replace it with Your love and compassion. Thank You, Daddy God. In Jesus Mighty Name, Amen.

Copyright © Lara Velez

True and Pure Wisdom Brings with it the Gift of Peace

2008-03-27T14:29:00.009-05:00

And the harvest of righteousness (conformity to God's will inn thought and deed) is the fruit of the seed sown in peace by those who work for and make peace which means concord, agreement, and harmony between individuals, with undisturbedness, in a peaceful mind free from fears and agitating passions and moral conflicts. - James 3:18

Last time, we learned that true and pure wisdom comes from a life dedicated to God. We get this wisdom little by little as we grow. Part of this wisdom is learning to submit to God and His will for our lives.

When we lay down our desires and live our lives to please our God, we begin to want the things that He wants for our lives. We begin to turn from the sin that used to so easily entangle us. As we develop the wisdom that comes through a consistently submitted life we also gain a "harvest of righteousness," which is a peaceful mind set. We become people who seek peace rather than our own way.

This is a wonderful gift. It is a quality that can save countless marriages, friendships, and relationships. If more of us would seek peace and strive for peace, there would be a major decrease in divisions, offense, quarrels, and our divorce rate.

Unfortunately, the only way to get this precious gift of peace is to strive for the wisdom we talked about last time. And the only way we can obtain that wisdom is by letting go of "self" and grabbing onto God and His ways. That is the biggest obstacle in this pursuit. We MUST die to ourselves and our desires. We must put others first and make the pursuit of peace a priority. If we do not, we will never have the wondrous fullness of a life that God wants us to have.

Not many of us want to let go of "getting our way." Most of us do not want to give up the things that our flesh loves so much. Not many of us desire to be God pleasers. Most of us are very comfortable living somewhere in the middle. Somewhere not too radical and not too liberal, but just enough middle ground to keep us from real victory and blessings in our lives. Just enough middle ground to be world and self pleasers. Just enough middle ground to keep us "luke warm."
Are you willing to make a change in your life? Are you willing to pursue peace? Are you willing to step out of the middle ground and onto the Holy ground? Do you really want all that Jesus died for you to have? Do you?

Let's pray,

Daddy God, thank You for Your Wisdom. Thank You for Your true and pure Wisdom. Thank You for the gift of peace. Thank You for Your life changing Word of Truth. Please help me to not settle for the middle ground. Help me to never be luke warm...or even cold. Help me to live out loud and be ON FIRE...for YOU! Help me to pursue excellence and be a shining example of a life dedicated to the One Who bore my sins.In Jesus Mighty Name, Amen.

Copyright © Lara Velez

True and Pure Wisdom

2008-03-26T10:05:00.005-05:00

But the wisdom from above is first of all pure; then it is peace-loving, courteous, considerate, and gentle. It is willing to yield to reason, full of compassion and good fruits; it is wholehearted and straightforward, impartial and unfeigned, free from doubts and insincerity. - James 3:17

I believe that there are two types of wisdom. There is the wisdom that we gain through education, trial and error, learning, and life experiences. Then is the True and Pure wisdom that we can only gain from the Word and a consistent walk with God. The later is the type of wisdom we will discuss today.

When we seek after the things of God and make Him and His ways a priority in our lives, we gain a type of wisdom that you will never find in a book, class, or from any type of "worldly" learning venue. It is a gift that the Lord gives His children little by little. He gives it to those who want it and seek it and desire it. The closer we get in our relationship with God the wiser we become. We will make wiser choices. We will speak with wisdom. We will gain better understanding.

It is not the same kind of wisdom that the world classifies as wisdom or that they have to offer. It is a change in your heart and mind. It is an insight and understanding into the very character of God. Just look at the words that James uses to describe it. He says that the wisdom from above is pure, courteous, considerate, and gentle. Who does that sound like? Sounds like our Daddy in Heaven, doesn't it?

The more we seek God and the more we yield to His Will, the more wisdom we will receive. It's almost like fruit. I guess you can call it the fruit of wisdom. A gift from God. True and unblemished by the world kind of wisdom.

How can we get it?

Well, as I mentioned earlier. We can only get this God-given wisdom through His Word AND a consistant walk with Him. A daily seeking of Him and His Will. A hunger for Him and His ways. We must MOVE towards it and reach for it. We must CHOOSE it by choosing to make HIM first in our hearts, minds, and life.

Let's Pray,

Daddy God, I love You. I want to know You more. I want a deeper more intimate relationship with You. Thank You for all the many wonderful gifts that You have in store for me as I grow in my walk with You. Thank You for the wisdom that You have to offer. Help me to be wiser in all that I do. Help me to learn more about You and YOUR ways. Thank You for being such a Wonderful Daddy. I am honored to be Your daughter. I could never walk through life without You. Thank You for loving me...all of me...imperfect me. I love You, Lord. In Jesus Mighty Name, Amen.

Copyright © Lara Velez

Jealousy, Envy, and Selfish Ambition

2008-03-24T10:16:00.007-05:00

Who is there among you who is wise and intelligent? Then let him by his noble living show forth his good works with the unobtrusive humility which is the proper attribute of true wisdom.

But if you have bitter jealousy, envy, contention, rivalry, and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not pride yourselves on it and thus be in defiance of and false to the Truth.

This superficial wisdom is not such as comes down from above, but is earthly, unspiritual animal, even devilish (demoniacal).

For wherever there is jealousy, envy, and contention, rivalry, and selfish ambition, there will also be confusion, unrest, disharmony, rebellion and all sorts of evil and vile practices. - James 3: 13-16

Jealousy and envy are ugly emotions. Throw in selfish ambition and you have a recipe for pain, sin, and heart ache. It is a very sad thing when churches, ministries, pastors, and Christian businesses compete or try to one up each other...or "be better."

A while ago I read over some book proposal guidelines for a few Christian publishing companies. One of the things that they want is for the writer to investigate books that will be in "competition" with their book. I felt a sting in my gut when I read that. Don't misunderstand me, I understand that it is a business.

However, when it comes to the Body of Christ there should be something deeper going on then just "business." Should we "compete?" Shouldn't we ALL have the same goal?? Shouldn't we TRUST God? Doesn't He OWN everything anyway???

We, as Christian have a calling to help the lost and encourage other Believers. There should be a sense of us all striving for the same things...to PLEASE the Lord and help others. Not compete, beat, and get ahead.

There are even rivalries in churches. There are denominational lines, my church is bigger than your church syndrome, we have the better church disease, our music is better than so and so's church, and many more.

Why?

What exactly are we competing for? Do we really think that God is smiling at such behavior? Didn't Jesus say to love one another. To love our neighbor as we love ourselves? Shouldn't the Church as a whole be concentrating on supporting one another?

I believe that rivalry, selfish ambition, and jealousy are one of the causes to the lack of power in the Church today. If we got over ourselves, stood together, and supported each other we would change the world! For sure! We would be a force. We would be UNITED. Can you imagine a world where Christians actually ACTED like CHRISTIANS???

Hmmm...Something to think about, eh?

Let's Pray,

Daddy God, Please forgive me for ever feeling envy, jealousy, or trying to compete with my brothers and sisters. Forgive me for not acting in a manner that pleases You and brings glory to Your Name. I ask that you help me to be a blessing to all people. I pray that you show me ways that I can be a bless others. Help me to love and let go of any and ALL envy, rivalry, jealousy, and selfish ambitions that I may have. Thank You. In Jesus Mighty Name, Amen.

Blessing and Cursing

2008-03-22T12:19:00.004-05:00

With it we bless the Lord and Father, and with it we curse men who were made in God's likeness!

Out of the same mouth come forth blessing and cursing. These things, my brethren, ought not to be so.

Does a fountain send forth [simultaneously] from the same opening fresh water and bitter?

Can a fig tree, my brethren, bear olives, or a grapevine figs? Neither can a salt spring furnish fresh water. - James 3:9-12

Two faced "tongue"...or sword! Do YOU have one?

We have all been guilty of this to some degree. We put on a smile to someone's face and when they are not around we say something rude about them or maybe we participate by listening to gossip about them.

Another example is when you see a woman at church not dressed as conservatively as she should be...or even at the mall...then you may say something not so nice about her because of how YOU feel about her outfit. The real issue is US...NOT her! God does not see her that way. He LOVES her and sees beyond that aspect of her. As followers of Christ, shouldn't we? Who are we to judge anyone?

It can also be something simpler...

Have you ever been nice to someone's face, but then not ever want to get to know them because of status, preconceived ideas you have about them, or some other issue that has nothing to do with being a follower of Christ.

We are daughters to the King of Kings. We should never allow our mouths to become something that brings dishonor to God's Holy Name. When people of the world see us participating in gossip or speak rudely about another person it gives our Savior a bad rap.

Or, in the modern world we live in, if we post negatively about someone on our blogs, in chat rooms, forums or PM's, WHO are we really representing? Surely not Christ??

This behavior gives the world yet another reason to scoff at the Church. When we participate in such talk and behavior, we look like hypocrites. We "say" that we are Christians and then we speak like heathens. We need to remember that we are the ONLY bible that some people will ever read.

We also need to remember that we can affect other Christians too, especially baby Christians. We can either turn them off or mislead them into behaving as sinfully as we are. So, it is always best in all circumstances to speak with love and kindness. We should use our mouths to be a blessing to all who hear us no matter what and no matter who!

Another thing that stands out for me is our dialog. If we cuss and swear when we talk not only do we look uneducated, but we are speaking in a manner that we don't even allow our children to. In school, if a child swears they are disciplined. Why is it OK for us adults to do it?

Look at what these Scriptures say...

Galatians 6:7-10:

7 Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, this he will also reap.

8 For the one who sows to his own flesh will from the flesh reap corruption, but the one who sows to the Spirit will from the Spirit reap eternal life.

9 Let us not lose heart in doing good, for in due time we will reap if we do not grow weary.

10 So then, while we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, and especially to those who are of the household of the faith.

OUCH! We better be VERY careful WHAT we are sowing, ladies!

I look at it this way. If I tell my children they shouldn't do something, should I be doing it? What will I be teaching them? Living as a person who says, "do as I say, not as I do" is nothing more than a hypocrite. And that my dear sisters will cause our children to run from God not to Him when they grow up.

My point: Speak well of others no matter what and speak like intelligent God loving Christian women! Show LOVE...or should I say "SOW" love to ALL people...NO matter WHAT!

Our God deserves nothing less!

Let's pray,

Daddy God, please, forgive me for ever speaking badly about another person. Forgive me for ever participating in gossip. Forgive me for ever using foul language. Forgive me for ever being judgemental, critical, or unloving to others. I repent and submit my mouth, heart, and mind to You and Your ways. I ask that You help me to always remember that I was bought with a very high price. And because of that I only want to bring glory and honor to Your Precious Name with my tongue. I ask that you help me to cultivate a LOVE walk and to see other the way YOU do. In Jesus Mighty Name, Amen.

Copyright © Lara Velez

How to Gain Control of the Tongue

2008-03-20T13:50:00.003-05:00

If we set bits in the horses' mouths to make them obey us, we can turn their whole bodies about.
Likewise, look at the ships: though they are so great and are driven by rough winds, they are steered by a very small rudder wherever the impulse of the helmsman determines.

Even so the tongue is a little member, and it can boast of great things. See how much wood or how great a forest a tiny spark can set ablaze!

And the tongue is a fire. The tongue is a world of wickedness set among our members, contaminating and depraving the whole body and setting on fire the wheel of birth (the cycle of man's nature), being itself ignited by hell.

For every kind of beast and bird, of reptile and sea animal, can be tamed and has been tamed by human genius.

But the human tongue can be tamed by no man. It is a restless, undisciplined, irreconcilable, evil, and full of deadly poison. - James 3:3-8

I think that the tongue can be the most destructive force in a persons life. I think that what James is telling us in these Scriptures must be taken very seriously. The tongue is not to be taken lightly.

I agree that the tongue cannot be tamed. However, if we prevent the tongue from ever becoming contaminated we will have no need to tame it. It will already be under the authority of the Lord.

I believe that our battle with the tongue begins in the mind. II Corinthians 10:5b says; ...and we lead every thought and purpose captive into the obedience of Christ. We need to submit before there is ever a word said. When an unclean, wicked, or useless thought enters our mind, that is when we must reject it and submit it to the Lord.

Let me try to give you a practical example...

Let's say that you and your husband are having a nice day, and you decide to make it nicer by going for a walk. While on your walk a very attractive and scantily clad young woman walks into your husband's line of sight. You see him take a quick peak and move on. At first you say nothing. However, you are thinking up a storm. You are thinking one or more thoughts like these; "Who does he think he is?, I can't believe that he checked out that bimbo!, What a jerk!, How could he do that with me walking right next to him?, I guess I can't blame him...I wish I had a body like that." (You may think different negative thoughts. These were just for my example.)

After a few minutes of useless pondering you may say something like; "I saw you looking at that woman, and I don't appreciate it!" Then he may respond; "What woman?" Then you lose your cool and a fight begins. Why? Because you let your thoughts run amuck. Then you allowed them to form words that are pointless to say.

The point is, think about what you're thinking. If the thoughts are negative or have the ability to go to places that are unhealthy or pointless, then lay them down. Hold EVERY thought captive under the authority of Jesus Christ. Then they will never become a hurricane like force of words that have the power to destroy relationships. This was just one example. You can use this same concept with just about any annoying or troublesome situation.

Let's pray;

Daddy God, please help me to gain control of my thought life. Help me to pay closer attention to what I am allowing myself to think. I want my thought life to be pleasing to You. Help me to recognize my thought before it becomes a sinful and hurtful word. Thank You for Your Word and for loving me enough to warn me of my tongues potential power for destruction. In Jesus Mighty name, Amen.

Forgiving Yourself

2008-03-19T13:04:00.005-05:00

For we all often stumble and fall and offend in many things. And if anyone does not offend in speech, never says the wrong things, he is a fully developed character and a perfect man, able to control his whole body and to curb his entire nature. - James 3:2

This is a very important Scripture to understand for those of us who beat ourselves up with every mistake we make.

I am one of those. I catch myself sometimes, dwelling on what I could have done, should have done, or how all my problems must somehow be because I am not good enough. I can hear the enemy whisper in my ear..."you are just God's 'step child,' you will never measure up." I do my best to fight him and his horrible mental attack. However, there are times when a grenade will slip past my shield and I will receive it and find myself wondering if it IS true!!

We must all understand that we will never be perfect while we live on earth. We can't. It is IMPOSSIBLE. There was only One perfect person and that was Jesus. He was the Only One and there will NEVER be another.

He died so that we no longer have to be slaves to sin. We will still sin, but it no longer has to control our lives. We have the power to overcome sin. As we grow in the Lord, we will most definitely sin less. The closer you get to God, the less and less you will want to sin. However, we are still human in human bodies. We still have a flesh and are still capable of making mistakes.

When we make a mistake, God wants us to repent and then receive His forgiveness. You see, when we ask Him to forgive us, He forgets. He chooses to no longer remember the wrong that we did.

Keep in mind, this doesn't give us license to sin...that can be a dangerous game and is another subject. It does, however, give us the assurance that when we make a mistake, God loves us and will forgive us when we truly repent.

We are the ones who have a problem forgetting. We are the ones who seem to have this ridiculous desire to have a self loathing pity party that never ends. Who are we to throw the gift of forgiveness back in the Fathers face?

If He forgets our mistakes, shouldn't we?

Let's pray,

Daddy God, thank You for loving me and being quick to forgive me when I mess up. Lord, I ask that You help me to forgive myself. I ask that You help me to receive Your forgiveness when I ask for it and then pick myself up and move on. The precious gift you have given me is sometimes overwhelming. I cannot always understand how You can love me so much. I will choose from this day on to accept Your forgiveness and press on! In Jesus Mighty, Loving, and FORGIVING Name, Amen.

The Cost of Leadership

2008-03-17T16:02:00.004-05:00

Not many of you should become teachers, my brethren, for you know that we teachers will be judged by a higher standard and with greater severity than other people; thus we assume the greater accountability and the more condemnation. - James 3:1

Before I knew that God had called me to something more than just wife and Mother, He began to slowly cause me to change my ways. He asked me to give up many things. This was not easy for me. I no longer watch what I used to watch or listen to what I used to listen to. It was very hard to give certain things up. However, I wanted to become all that He created me to be. I am still on that road to "becoming," and will be until I die or Jesus comes back.

I did not understand why I had to stop watching and listening to things that I had been. After all, every Christian friend I had was still watching and listening to the things that the Lord wanted me to stop watching and listening to...

Why wasn't God wasn't pressing them to give up those things? Why me? I would ask God that almost every day. No answer. I slowly began to lose the friends that I had loved and known for so long. This was one of the hardest things I went through. I went through doubting, anger, and sadness. I even became a little depressed, and wondered if something was wrong with me. I tried to go back and do what I stopped doing...LOL. Unfortunately, I couldn't. It was too late. Those things now disgusted me.

I now know why God required me to give up certain things. He has revealed to me that I have a call on my life to teach wives and Mothers. To minister to their hearts. To help Christian women rise up and become a force for the Lord and a living example for their children.

When God asks you to step out and minister to others, you will be put under a microscope. Your life is no longer only about you. It is about others and God's purpose for them. You MUST be above reproach. Unfortunately, the church is filled with hypocrites and secret sins. The world becomes disgusted when they see a "Christian" We give our Saviour a bad name and affect our witness.

If you are in leadership or feel called to it, do not be discouraged with what you must lose. I promise you that it is worth it and your reward will be greater than you could ever imagine. Do not let anyone or anything hold you back. Step forward and do what you were called to do. God will help You with the rest.

A word of caution is what James is giving us. He is reminding us that our lives will no longer be the same. He is making sure that we understand the HUGE responsibility we have and will have as leaders. Be ready to fight yourself. Be ready to lose some friends. Be willing. Then get ready for the most wonderful, joyful, and incredible ride of your life.

Let's pray,

Daddy God, I submit my thoughts, my self, my will, and my life to You and Your purpose. I want to be all that You have created me to be. I do not know or understand all of what that will be, but I am ready and willing to do it. I am ready to live my life for You and You only. I am handing the key to You. I no longer want to be in the drivers seat. Help me to live for You and invite You into ALL that I do, say, hear, and watch. In Jesus Mighty Name, Amen.

Good Works of Obedience

2008-03-14T12:27:00.002-05:00

But someone will say to you then, You say you have faith, and I have good works. Now you show me your alleged faith apart from any good works if you can, and I by good works of obedience will show you my faith.

You believe that God is one; you do well. So do the demons believe and shudder in terror and horror such as make a man's hair stand on end and contract the surface of his skin!

Are you willing to be shown proof, you foolish unproductive, spiritually deficient fellow, that faith apart from good works is inactive and ineffective and worthless?

Was not our forefather Abraham shown to be justified (made acceptable to God) by his works when he brought to the altar as an offering his own son Isaac?

You see that his faith was cooperating with his works, and his faith was completed and reached its supreme expression when he implemented it by good works.

And so the Scripture was fulfilled that says, Abraham believed in (adhered to, trusted in, and relied on) God, and this was accounted to him as righteousness (as conformity to God's will in thought and deed), and he was called God's friend.

You see that a man is justified (pronounced righteous before God) through what he does and not alone through faith, through works of obedience as well as by what he believes.

So also with Rahab the harlot--was she not shown to be justified (pronounced righteous before God) by good deeds when she took in the scouts and sent them away by a different route?

For as the human body apart from the spirit is lifeless, so faith apart from its works of obedience is also dead. - James 2:18-26

Last time we we talked about faith, we mentioned that faith without "doing" is dead. Doing in the sense of not only believing God for something, but putting our faith into action.

Today, we see James go in another direction with faith and works. He talks about faith and good works of obedience. Again, we learn that it is not only what we believe that makes faith work, it is the action behind the faith that makes it a working faith.

It is believing and obeying. When God told Abraham to sacrifice his only son, Abraham did not hesitate. Why? Because he knew that God could not lie. He knew that God would keep his covenant with him. He knew and did not doubt. So, it made it easy for him to be willing to give his promised son as a sacrifice.

Look at it this way, when we are believing God for a financial breakthrough and we are selfish with the little that He has already given us, then we are not operating in good works of obedience. If we were then we would know that it is better to give than to receive. We would know that unless we are sewing seed we cannot reap a harvest.

Let's say someone is believing God for a new car or house. However, the one they have is unkept and dirty. If they were operating in good works of obedience then they would know that we must be good stewards with what God has already given us, before He can bless us with more.
There are countless examples I can give.

Here are a few more...

You are believing for healing, but your eating unhealthy and/or smoking and/or some other unhealthy action...
You are believing God for a better job, but you are a slacker, or your consistently late, or you never quite do your best...
You are believing God for a better marriage, but you have yet to submit to your husband, or your a nag, or you complain all the time, or you are dominating and controlling...

I will stop there. The point that James is trying to make is this:

Faith is more than believing. It is doing. It is good works of obedience. It is believing. All of these things together are what make faith alive. All these actions together are what make faith work!

Let's Pray,

Daddy God, thank You for Your life giving Word of Truth. Thank You that You want me to live a life full of joy and happiness. Thank You that through Your Word, You have shown me how to accomplish this. Help me to live from faith to faith to faith that works. Help me to walk out all I have learned. Thank You. In Jesus Mighty Name, Amen.

Healthy Communication

2008-03-11T16:05:00.008-05:00

Communication is something every human being must do. This mini devotional will focus on healthy communication in our relationships. Issues, offences, and hurts come up, and we need to be able to communicate our feelings in a healthy non damaging way. If we bottle everything up we are basically a ticking time bomb. And, in prime position for the enemy to work his snake like tactics.

When an issue comes up, or you are hurt, offended, or have any sort of negativity, the FIRST thing we must do is wait and pray. By doing this, we allow ourselves time to pray about the issue. We allow God time to work in US. We allow ourselves to have time to think about HOW we should share our feelings in a healthy and GOD pleasing way. It also allows us the opportunity to see how we may be overreacting...or where YOU may have to apologize...if that is the case.

THEN, you MUST go to the person and express what you are feeling...in love. This is a VERY important and Biblical. (ref. Mat. 18: 15-16, Eph. 4:15)

Healthy Communication Tips:

- PRAY! Preferably WITH the person you are having conflict with
- Share your feelings in love without accusing or character assassination
- Listen with your whole body
- Be respectful, no matter what
- No name calling
- No "you this and you that" type of words. Instead; "I feel this, and I that."
- Stay on topic
- Take a break if it gets heated
- Shelf the subject entirely for a bit if you need to
- Ask a pastor, friend, or elder to be a mediator.
- Pray some more

In closing, you CAN exercise healthy communication on a regular basis! Trust in your God, the Great I Am, and remember, the Lord is not looking for perfection. He is looking for a WILLING vessel! His Grace will do the rest.

Application Prayer:

Daddy God, thank You for the friendships, loved ones, and many people you have placed in my life. Thank you that iron many times must be used to sharpen iron. Please help me to be the woman of God that You created me to be. Please help me to put all of my trust, hopes and expectations ONLY in YOU. Help me to communicate in a healthy way to others so that Your Name is glorified. Thank You, Lord. In Jesus Mighty and Loving Name, Amen!

New Look :)

2008-03-10T19:16:00.002-05:00

OK, So I remodeled this blog. :) What do you think?? I LOVE it! I will be posting here more...not just devotionals, but personal thoughts too. :)

I am so EXCITED about my new look! :D

Faith Without Works is Dead

2008-03-10T18:08:00.004-05:00

What is the use, my brethren, for anyone to profess to have faith if he has no good works to show for it? Can such faith save his soul?

If a brother or sister is poorly clad and lacks food for each day,

And one of you says to him Good-bye! Keep yourself warm and well fed, without giving him the necessities for the body, what good does that do?

So also faith, if it does not have works, deeds and actions of obedience to back it up, by itself is destitute of power, inoperative, dead. James 2:14-17

The original Greek word for works is ergon (er'-gon) and means; an act, deed, doing, labor, work.

Faith is something that does not stand alone. There must be some kind of "doing" behind it to make it work, otherwise it is dead! Following is an example of faith that works and faith that is dead.

FAITH THAT WORKS:

Mary has just lost her job due to downsizing. She is a single Mother and is in desperate need of a job. She calls out to God and asks for favor in her search for a job. She hits the pavement every day. And every day she prays and believes that God will provide for her and her children. By the second week, Mary gets a job that pays better than the one she lost.

FAITH WITHOUT WORKS = DEAD:

Mary has just lost her job due to downsizing, She is a single Mother and is in desperate need of a job. She calls out to God and asks Him to help her. She looks through the paper and makes a few calls a day. Then she sits on the couch and watches soap operas while waiting for some one to call her. She puts forth no real effort. She just expects it to happen. She then gets angry at God for not giving her a job. After all she asked and believed didn't she?

You can believe and believe and believe and never receive. If you do not step out and DO, then your faith is worthless and dead. Even when we accept Jesus as our Savior, it requires us to step out in faith and confess our sins and believe that we are saved. It requires an action. If we never opened our mouth to confess and receive then we would never have received Salvation.
It is the same for everything that we are believing for....

If we are believing for healing, then we need to be reading books and gaining knowledge about ways to promote healing, or we need to be attending healing services on a regular basis and keep pressing in. Oh, yes! God still heals miraculously today!

If we are believing for a job promotion, then we need to show up for work on time every day and put forth that extra effort. We need to be working as unto the Lord.

If we are believing for a financial miracle, then we need to be exploring practical ways to increase our income and gain wealth. We need to be good stewards with the money that we have now. We need to thankful.

The point is that no matter what we are believing God for, we need to speak it out every day, open our arms to receive, and step out and do (responsibly, of course).

Let's Pray,

Daddy God, than You that You want to keep no good thing from me. Thank You for sending Your Word to teach and help me to understand Your ways. Daddy, I ask that You would help me to slowly but surely build my faith. Help me to live from faith to faith to faith. Thank You so very much for loving me. In Jesus Mighty Name, Amen.

Copyright © Lara Velez

Note: All Scripture is taken from the Amplified Bible, unless otherwise stated. Also, the Webster's dictionary, Random House Thesaurus, Strong's Concordance, and/or The Complete New Testament Word Study may have been used.

Judgement and Mercy

2007-08-22T14:56:00.007-05:00

For whosoever keeps the Law as a whole but stumbles and offends in one area has become guilty of breaking all of it.

For He Who said, You shall not commit adultery, also said, You shall not kill. If you do not commit adultery but do kill, you have become guilty of transgressing the whole Law.

So speak and act as people should who are to be judged under the law of liberty, the moral instruction given by Christ, especially about love.

For to him who has shown no mercy the judgement will be merciless, but mercy exults victoriously over judgement. James 2:10-13

We must always keep in mind that we are all saved by Grace. We cannot assume that because one of us may have a weakness in an area that seems to be a more "severe" sin than our own sin that we are better than our brother or sister in Christ.

James makes it very clear here with the comparison of adultery and killing someone. James is pointing out that sin is sin. Sin is sin. When we accept the free gift of Salvation we are free from the bondage of sin...but that is another lesson altogether. :)

Our sin v/s another's sin:

When we show no mercy and judge others, we are forcing God to judge us with no mercy. We must never assume that we are better or know more than another. They may be struggling in areas that we do not struggle in, but we all have our own personal struggles to deal with.

I know of many Christians who judge others by the "degree" they place on their sin. For example; many Christians have a not so nice attitude towards gay people. They never get to know the person and build a relationship so that they can share the love of Christ with them. No, they judge them and hate the person instead of the sin.

Or, we see a news cast about a Mother who killed her children. We get all high and mighty and never feel any compassion towards the person...the lost soul...who committed the sin. We act as though their sin is much worse than ours.

We put labels on sin. To God, we ALL fall short. We ALL sin. That is why He HAD to send His Son Jesus to redeem us ALL from sin. All sin. Sin is sin.

Who are we to judge ANYONE? We were ALL sinners before we accepted the Blood of Jesus Christ. We ALL fall short. There is not ONE person or ONE sin that we have ANY right to judge. ONLY God has that right and authority.

Our ONLY job is to LOVE. Love the sinner. Hate the sin. Love the person and reach out to them with LOVE, MERCY, and COMPASSION.

We, as Christians are FREE from sin. However, even with this freedom through the Blood of Jesus Christ, we still struggle. We ALL struggle with something. For example; smoking, swearing, over eating, lying, gossiping, unforgiveness, judgemental, unmerciful, stealing, self made idols, etc.

Oh, yes, Christians struggle in these areas. Who are you or I to judge though? It is no different to to rob a bank than it is to lie to your sister in Christ when you want to avoid having to spend time with her because she "annoys" your flesh. Sin is sin.

However, if we choose not to judge, and show love, mercy, and forgiveness. Pray for that person, and try to help that person, then we are operating in the realm of mercy and we have no worries. We have removed any judgement from us. We will also be judged with mercy.

This goes for self too. Don't be so hard on yourself when you mess up. Take it to God, pick yourself up, and try again. The wonderful thing about God is that He is faithful to forgive when we repent. He loves you. He forgives you. Put yourself in His Loving Hands and He will help you through your struggles.

Let's Pray,

Daddy God, forgive me for times when I have been judgemental and looked down on another. Forgive me for not showing love, mercy, and forgiveness to those who have wronged or hurt me. Forgive me for taking on the a job that is not mine. You are the Judge. I am not. I release all judgement and now, by faith will operate in the realm of Mercy. The same Mercy that You show me every day of my life. Thank You, Daddy. I love You. In Jesus Mighty Name, Amen.

Copyright © Lara Velez

Note: All Scripture is taken from the Amplified Bible, unless otherwise stated. Also, the Webster's dictionary, Random House Thesaurus, Strong's Concordance, and/or The Complete New Testament Word Study may have been used.

2007-07-24T12:45:00.000-05:00

Prejudice and Favoritism

My brethren, pay no regard to people, show no prejudice or partiality. Do not attempt to hold and practice the faith of our Lord Jesus Christ together with snobbery!

For if a person comes into your congregation whose hands are adorned with gold rings and who is wearing splendid apparel, and say to him, sit here in this preferable seat! While you tell the poor man. stand there! Or, sit there on the floor at my feet!

Are you not discriminating among your own and becoming critics and judges with wrong motives?

Listen, my beloved brethren: Has not God chosen those who are poor in the eyes of the world to be rich in the faith and in their position as believers and to inherit the kingdom which he has promised to those who love Him?

But you have insulted, dishonored, and shown contempt for the poor. Is it not the rich who domineer over you? Is it not they who drag you into the law courts?

Is it not they who slander and blaspheme that precious Name by which you are distinguished and called?

If indeed you really fulfill the royal Law in accordance with the Scripture, You shall love your neighbor as you love yourself, you do well.

But if you show prejudice and and favoritism for people, you commit sin and are rebuked and convicted by the Law as violators and offenders. ~ James 2:1-9

We all have preconceived ideas about people. We stereotype, and yes, we have all been guilty of showing favoritism. James is pretty clear in these Scriptures that prejudice and favoritism are sins.

It does not matter if a person is of a different class, race, or education. We are all equal in the eyes of God, and as soon as we step out and become judgemental and stereotype we are stepping into some serious sin.

Think about it this way:

God's chosen people were the Jews. When many of them rejected Him, He decided to allow us, the "Gentiles" to be grafted into the family of God. Christians are all adopted children. God looks past our faults, race, class, education, and sex. He looks into our hearts and loves us from the inside out for who we are and who we will become though Him.

We are all sisters and brothers. We are all children of the same Almighty God. We are all heirs to the same Kingdom. We should act like it. We should all be doing what Jesus said to do and Love our neighbor as we love ourselves.

If the Body of Christ will obey the Word of God, and begin to show love for one another, we will surely get the attention of this dark and lost world. Unfortunately, if we continue to back bite, gossip, judge, take offense, and allow favoritism and prejudice to rule us, we will remain ineffective for Christ and a joke to the world.

Love...Love...LOVE!

Let's pray,

Daddy God, thank you for grafting me in to your plan of Salvation. Thank you for choosing me to be Your very Own. Help me to look at others with Your eyes. Help me to look past worldly stereotypes. Help me to show love to my brothers and sisters. Help me to forgive and let go of offenses. Help me to not gossip and judge others. Help me to represent You in my walk. I love You, Lord! Thank You, for loving me! In Jesus Mighty Name, Amen.

In His Love and Service,
Lara ;)

Copyright © Lara Velez

2007-06-02T14:42:00.000-05:00

True and Pure Worship

External religious worship, religion that is expressed in outward acts that is pure and unblemished in the sight of God the Father is this: to visit and help and care for the orphans and widows in their affliction and need, and to keep oneself unspotted and uncontaminated from the world. ~ James 1:27

The first part of this verse clearly explains that worship that is pure and pleasing to God is unselfish. It is when we care for those in need with our wallets, time, and actions that we are truly worshipping God.

The second part of this verse is very interesting to me. James just told us that we must take care of those in need in order to really be expressing true worship. However, there is a very important word after that, "and."

And to keep oneself unspotted and uncontaminated from the world.

Those of you who are faithful readers have heard me say that the Church as a whole is like a carbon copy of the world. The Church has embraced the ideas and ways of this world. As a body, we watch movies that we would never invite Jesus to come and watch with us. We read garbage gossip magazines that are filled with lies and information that is really none of our business anyway. We live our lives as "closet Christians." We tolerate sin to the extent of participation. We have become desensitized. We have forgotten our First Love.

God had this problem with the Israelites and I believe that what He said in 2 Chronicles 7:14 is fitting for the Body as a whole today.

If My people, who are called by My name, will humble themselves and pray and seek My face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven...and will heal their land.

Let's Pray,

Daddy God, help me to have the eyes to see those who are in need. Help me have the ears to hear when someone is in trouble. Help me to lay down my life for You. Help me to live my life as a testimony of Your Great Love and Mercy and not my flesh. Help me to turn from things that are unhealthy for my spirit and displeasing to You. In Jesus Mighty Name, Amen.

In His Love and Service,
Lara ;)

Copyright © Lara Velez

2007-04-23T20:57:00.000-05:00

The Tongue

If anyone thinks himself to be religious and does not bridle his tongue but deludes his own heart, this person's religious service is worthless. ~ James 1:26

The original Greek word for worthless in this text is mataios (mat'-ah-yos) and means; empty, profitless, an idol, vain, vanity.

We all know that the tongue is a dangerous weapon. It can cause the same kind of destruction that a catastrophic category five hurricane can...and worse. The words we speak are either life or death. They cannot be taken back, and they are more powerful than you or I could ever imagine.

As Christian Mothers we can destroy our children's self esteem, courage, performance, happiness, stability, and future. We can do all this with the words we speak to them day after day. When we take our frustrations out on them, when we expect more than they can give, anytime we speak negative words to our children we are harming them. We are creating scars that a lifetime will not heal.

I know this from personal experience. Throughout my entire childhood my Mother blamed me for everything, and spoke very cruel things to me. She continues to use her words to this day to cause me pain. As an adult I now know that she has many issues, and only when she makes the choice to submit her mouth to God will she change. However, the words spoken to me as a child and teenager, and young adult still ring in my ears. I must call out to God, and quote Scriptures with my mouth in order to get through those dark moments.

I share this with you because we must be very careful how we speak, and what we speak to our children, as well as others. We must not be foolish and let our tongues run rampant. We must learn and train ourselves to be slow to speak and quick to submit our mouths to Jesus Christ.

There is another harmful consequence to letting our tongues run wild. That is what James is trying to tell us. He makes it clear that when we allow our tongues to be used as a destructive force we are no longer effective in our ministry or service for the Lord.

And trust me that does not mean you must be working in a church. As wives our ministry is our husbands. As Mothers our ministry is our children. As Christian women our ministry is to the Lord and being an example for Jesus to a very dark world.

Letting our tongues run amuck will destroy anything we are trying to do as a wife, Mother, and Christian woman. It is very important that we be very careful and choose our words with wisdom. I know that I want to train my daughters up to be well balanced women, who love the Lord, have a great self-esteem, confidence, are strong, and know how to use their tongues to speak life. I'm sure that you want the same thing for your children.

The only way we can do this is to model it before them. To show respect to our husbands with our actions and words. To discipline them with love and not verbal abuse. Finally, we must walk the narrow road in front of them and show them how it's done.

The tongue is an issue I can just keep going and going on like the Energizer Bunny. LOL...I will stop here though. We will talk more about the tongue another time....

Let's Pray,

Daddy God, thank You for giving me a tongue. Thank You for entrusting me with a very powerful weapon. Forgive me for the times that I have abused that trust. Forgive me for the selfish, unkind, hurtful, and destructive words that I have spoken to my husband, children, and others. Help me to learn and train myself to use my words to produce life in the lives of others. Convict me strongly when I even begin to use my words in a way that displeases You. Thank You, Daddy God. In Jesus Mighty Name, Amen.

In His Love and Service,

Lara ;)

Copyright © Lara Velez

2007-04-12T17:08:00.000-05:00

Be Doers of the Word, part two

For if anyone only listens to the Word without obeying it and being a doer of it, he is like a man who looks carefully at his own natural face in a mirror.

For he thoughtfully observes himself, and then goes off and promptly forgets what he was like.

But he who looks carefully into the faultless law, the law of liberty, and is faithful to it and perseveres in looking into it, being not a heedless listener who forgets but an active doer who obeys, he shall be blessed in his life of obedience. ~ James 1:23-25

The word blessed is the same as from verse 12.

Blessed - makarious (mak-ar'-ee-os): supremely blessed, fortunate, well off, happy

Again we can see that God never asks us to do something that will not benefit us in some way. In this case we can hold onto the promise that when we live out loud and become active doers of the Word we will be supremely blessed. Notice how it doesn't just say blessed. It says SUPREMELY blessed.

When we live our lives as "closet Christians," and never stand up for the Truth, we are hindering what God wants to give us. What could we possibly gain by being fleshly people pleasers? We will gain nothing but sorrow and disappointment. We will train our children to be fleshly people pleasers too, and never have all that Jesus died to give us.

Instead let's stand together right now as a force. As Moms on a mission for Christ and not only become SUPREMELY blessed, but raise God pleasers. Won't you join me?

Let's pray,

Daddy God, Precious Daddy, thank You so much for always having benefits to a life of obedience. I want this promise. I want to be SUPREMELY blessed. I will not settle for less. I want my children to be SUPREMELY blessed. I will train them up so they can be equipped to be a You pleaser and not a man pleaser. Thank You so much for sending Your Son to die for me, and for Your Life giving Word. In Jesus Mighty Name, Amen.

In His Love and Service,

Lara ;)

Copyright © Lara Velez

2007-03-20T22:48:00.000-05:00

Be Doers of the Word, part one

So get rid of all uncleanness and the rampant outgrowth of wickedness, and in a humble spirit receive and welcome the Word which implanted and rooted in your hearts contains the power to save your souls.

But be doers of the Word, obey the message, and not merely listeners to it, betraying yourselves into deception by reasoning contrary to the Truth. ~ James 1:21-22

These are great verses. These are not merely milk. They are meat. These are very powerful Scriptures. Some of you may find this devotional too hard to swallow, and others may want to rise up and make a change.

The Body of Christ...as a WHOLE...is filled with sin and worldliness. We do not separate ourselves from the ideas, ways, and and foolishness of the world. Instead, we embrace it and "go with the flow." We allow our children to watch and listen to things that we our selves shouldn't be.Then, we say that; "we must choose our battles."

We go to church, and we put our Jesus stickers on our cars. However, do we really take the Truths of God's Word to heart...and walk them out? Do we even look like Jesus lives in us? Or do we do what makes us feel good? It's like we are afraid to be who God called us to be.

I think that most of today's Christians are hiding in a closet somewhere. No, I take that back. I KNOW that most Christians are hiding in a closet. I know this because; evolution is taught in our schools, gay couples get married, television is filled with sex, drugs, and violence, pornography runs rampant, children have no respect for authority, the countless gossip magazines, we have the same if not higher divorce rate than the secular world, and I can keep going...but, I think you get my point.

The Church MUST humble itself before the Lord. We need to DO what the Word tells us. We need to LIVE our lives for the Lord. We are aliens. This world is not our home.

Why do we embrace it so? We embrace it because we are cowards. If even half of those who "claim" to be Christians would pry their way out of the closet and get a back bone, we would see incredible changes in the world. Instead we sit back and make it easy for the devil to run rampant.

As Christian Mothers we have a HUGE responsibility to raise the next generation for Jesus. We must raise our children to stand for the TRUTH. We must train them to live out loud. We must train them to stand up and speak out. We must model this in our own lives. They must see us standing for Truth.

If we do nothing, and just "go with the flow," and remain closet Christians, our grand children will grow up in a world unbelievably more wicked than what we must endure.

We hold the future in our arms each day. We kiss them good night each evening. We must teach them the Truth. We must rise up and make a mark in this world. So that when our children grow up, they will not tolerate evil. They will not sit back and let the devil have an easy win. They will go to battle for our God. They will be bright lights for our Precious Savior Jesus!

Let's Pray,

Daddy God, forgive me for times when I have expressed my unhappiness about the evil in this world, but did nothing to help change it. Help me to be brave and stand for your Truth, even when it will make me unpopular and disliked. Help me stand for Your Truth. Help me to raise my Child(ren) to be your warriors and to fight the good fight. I love You, Lord and I want to stand before You one day and hear the words "WELL DONE!" In Jesus Mighty Name, Amen.

Ready for Battle,

Lara ;)

2007-03-08T17:58:00.000-05:00

Be Quick to Hear and Slow to Speak

Understand this, my beloved brethren. Let every man be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to take offense and get angry.

For mans anger does not promote the righteousness God wishes and requires. ~ James 1:19-20

I am a very head strong woman with a sometimes big mouth. God has been dealing with me about this for years. I have struggled with trying to be a good quiet Christian woman. Thank God I was delivered from that. God does not want me to become what I am not. He wants me to use my voice and strength for His glory. It is when I step out into the flesh that I become out of alignment. It is when I speak without thinking. ;)

For me, verse 19 can be really challenging. I am not always quick to hear and I can whip a slew of words out faster than a thought can form. I don't get offended too often. However, I ask God's forgiveness on a semi regular basis for my temper, and for offending others. I am much better than I used to be. Praise the Lord!

However, I am still a work in progress though and have by no means "arrived."

The best advice I can give those of you who struggle in these areas is to keep pressing in. Continually get into the Word. Keep asking God to help you. And one day you will wake up and realize how far you have come. It will happen if you choose to never give up and never let your mistakes get you down.

That is the key. The devil loves to make us feel like big fat failures. He loves to throw our faults and mistakes in our faces. In order to find victory we must begin to recognize these attacks and refuse to receive the lies of the enemy. Stand up against the little slime ball. He has no authority overus. He was placed under our feet by the Blood of Jesus. The only way he can get out from under us is when we let him.

Verse 20 is what keeps me from staying down when I slip. I do not want to be the kind of Christian that makes our God look bad. I do not want to be a poor example of my Beloved Savior.

I want my light to shine so bright that every demon in hell will be blinded, and people will know Who and what I stand for. That is why I do these devotions...even though most days I feel completely UNqualified. However, I know that God has called me to encourage and equip Christian wives and Mothers to be all that He created them...us to be.

In closing, be quick to hear and slow to speak. And, when you fail, do not give up. GET up. Brush yourself off, and move on.

Let's Pray,

Daddy God, Thank You for Your Life-Giving Word. Thank You for supplying me with all the information I need to live a peace filled life here on earth. Thank You for Your Love and Mercy. Lord, forgive me for the times I let my mouth get ahead of me and my anger overcome me. Forgive me for the times I have been a poor example for You. You know my heart longs to live my life for You. I will keep pressing on and NEVER give up. I will be all that You created me to be. I will! I love You, Lord. In Jesus Mighty Name, Amen.

In His Love and Service,
Lara ;)

Copyright © Lara Velez

2007-01-04T23:35:00.000-05:00

Count Your Blessings, Big and Small

Do not be misled, my beloved bretheren.

Every good gift and perfect gift is from above; it comes down from the Father of all that gives light, in Whom there can be no variation or shadow cast by His turning.

And it was of His own free will that he gave us birth by His Word of Truth, so that we should be a kind of firstfruits of His creatures, a sample of what He created to be consecrated to Himself. ~ James 1:16-18

It is very easy to forget where all of our many blessings come from. We remember where the "big" blessings come from (house, job promotion, ect.). However, many times we don't realize that ALL good things come from God. Even the seemingly small blessings.

Have you ever noticed that when money is tight it seems like everything that you need is on sale, or you have all the right coupons?
Do you ever wonder how your clunker car still starts every day?
Did you ever get that one parking place near the door when it's raining?
Have you ever been given grace for a late fee?
Have you ever eaten chocolate? ;)
When it's hot, have you ever felt a refreshing cool breeze on your face?
Have you ever heard a bird sing or smelled a rose?
Are you breathing?

There are many things that may seem like normal every day life. I am here to tell you the same thing James is telling us. DO NOT BE MISLED! EVERY good thing comes from Your Daddy in Heaven.

We should walk through life with our eyes wide open to His many constant blessings. When ANYTHING good or positive happens to us, we should immediately thank the Creator of all things.

Another thing that we should realize from these Scriptures is, consecration.

He created us to be His very own. The best way that we can thank Him for life and Salvation is by dedicating our lives to Him and His purpose. Making every day about Him. Every Christian on this planet should be living their lives for the Lord. Unfortunately, that is not always the case.

Most Christians look like carbon copies of the world. That is a very sad thing. We as a Body, should be a shining example of the Love and Mercies of our Wonderful and Mighty God! We should be living lives totally and completely consecrated to Him!

Let's stand together and begin to make changes in our lives for God. Let's commit our daily lives to the One Who loves us more than His Own life. Let's begin to look more like reflections of Christ than mirror images of a world that hates God.

Let's show God how much we love Him, and know that every good and perfect gift comes from Him. Including our very lives.

Let's pray,

Daddy God, thank You for evey breath that you have given me. Thank You for loving me and giving me life. Thank You for the flowers, birds, fresh air, gas in the car, the laughter of my children, chocolate, and coupons! I love You, Lord God. I want my life to reflect You and Your ways. I commit to living my life as an example of You and Your Great Love. I am ready to really see all of what You bless me with each day. Help me to recognize You in all of my day to day life. Thank You. In Jesus Mighty Name, Amen.

In His Love and Service,

Lara ;)

2007-01-02T22:32:00.000-05:00

One of my favorite all time Christian Artists is, Jennifer Knapp. Her songs are so real to my life, and they have helped me get through many storms. I find myself going back to certain songs when I have bad days or things going on in my life that have me down...

There are two that I am really relating to again these days...Let me share them with you...If you can, buy the CD with them on it (Kansas) ... Her voice really makes these songs come alive. However, I am sure the lyrics alone will move you!

Undo Me

Papa I think I messed up again
Was it something I did?
Was it something I said?
I don't mean to do you wrong
It's just this way of human nature!

Sister I know I let you down.
I can tell by the fact you're never comin around.
You don't have to say a thing..
I can tell by your eyes exactly what you mean.

That it's time to get down on my knees and pray.
Lord undo me
Put away this flesh and bone
Til you own this spirit threw me.
Lord undo me.

Mama I know I made you cry
But I never meant to hurt you
I never meant to lie.
While the world shook it's head in
shame I let you take the blame.

Brother I know you labored so hard to please
But I cut you down and I left you on your knees
Well I know it must be

Time To get down on my knees and pray.
Lord undo me
Put away this flesh and bone
Til you own this spirit threw me.
Lord undo me....

I am wanting, needing, guilty & greedy.
Unrighteous, unholy undo me.

Abba Father, you must wonder why
More times than Peter I have denied.
Three nails and a cross to prove
I owe my Life eternally to you!

Well its time to get down on my knees and pray.
Lord undo me
Put away this flesh and bone
Til you own this spirit threw me.
Lord undo me.

AND....

Refine Me

I come into this place, burning to receive your peace
I come with my own chains, for wars I fought for my own selfish gains

Your my God and my father, I've accepted your Son
But my soul feels so empty now, what have I become?

Lord...Come with your fire, burn my desires
Refine me
Lord...My will has deceived me, please come and free me
Refine me

My heart can't see,
when I only look at me
My soul can't hear,
when I only think of my own fears.

And they are gone in a moment,
your forever the same
Why did I look away from you,
how can i speak your name?

Lord...Come with your fire, burn my desires
Refine me
Lord...My will has deceived me, please come and free me
Come rescue this child, cause long to be reconciled to you...
It's all I can do, to give my heart and soul to you, and pray.....
and pray..... and I will pray...

Lord...Come with your fire, burn my desires
Refine me
Lord...
My will has deceived me, please come and free me
Refine me

Refine me... Refine me...Refine me............

2006-12-24T00:34:00.000-05:00

Trials and Temptation

Let no one say when he is tempted, I am tempted from God; for God is incapable of being tempted by evil and He Himself tempts no one.

But every person is tempted when he is drawn away, enticed and baited by his own evil desires.

Then the evil desire, when it has conceived, gives birth to sin, and sin, when fully matured, brings forth death. ~ James 1:13-15

When we go through trials and temptation, we have this need to put the blame anywhere except the face looking back at us in the mirror. We put the blame on God, the world, our spouses, our children, other people, the way we were raised, our past hurts, and of course the most common one, the devil.

The truth is, God has given us free choice, and if we choose to allow temptation to overtake us, then it will. We are the ones that choose to be drawn away. We are the ones with the evil thoughts and desires. We are the ones that allow ourselves to be baited.

When we allow temptation to go from a thought to an action, weÂ will sin, and when we sin, we are opening the door to death and destruction. This doesn't necessarily mean we will physically die. Depending on the sin, it could mean the death of a relationship, finances, dreams,Â a job, and of course physical death.

The only way to really overcome temptation is to renew our mind. And, the only way we can renew our mind is to study God's Word.

Every sin that we commit started in our mind. When we allow our minds to go astray, we open the door to sin, death, and destruction. This does not have to happen. God has given us power over sin. God has shown us through His Word how to overcome sin and death.

However, it is our choice. We can choose to be overcome by temptations or we can choose to overcome temptations.

I wrote an article awhile back that deals with the mind and tongue. The example I use in the article is anger, but the basic principal is the same. All sin starts in the mind. This article helps us to learn how to hold every thought captive under the Authority of Jesus Christ. We must submit our thought life to Him, and stop the thought before it ever becomes a manifestation.

Here is a link if you want to read it

Let's Pray,

Daddy God, thank You for freeing me from the chains of sin through the Blood of Your Precious Son, Jesus. Thank You that I no longer have to be overcome by temptation. Thank You, that Your mighty Word holds all the ammunition and help that I need to overcome the enemy and sin. Daddy God, I choose right now to turn away from sin and renew my mind daily. And when I mess up I will pick myself up and try again. Thank You. I receive Your strength right now, IN Jesus Mighty Name, Amen.

In His Love and Service,

Lara ;)

2006-12-02T22:54:00.000-05:00

The Importance of Patience Under Trials

Blessed is the man who is patient under trial and stands up under temptation, for when he has stood the test and been approved, he will receive the victor's crown of life which God has promised to those who love Him. ~ James 1:12

Let's start with the original Greek text for blessed.

Blessed - makarious (mak-ar'-ee-os): supremely blessed, fortunate, well off, happy.

That sounds good to me! If I am patient and stand firm when I am tempted and under trials I am blessed. It doesn't stop there though. I also earn treasure in Heaven. Treasure that no thief can steal and no moth or rust can destroy. It is a promise of God.

He wants to give us something we can have while we are here on earth. When we stand firm and remain patient under temptation and trial we become SUPREMELY blessed. We gain true happiness. Why? Because we trust and are confident in our Mighty God and His Hand over our lives.

God also wants to give us an eternal reward for standing strong. He wants to give us a crown. WHOO HOO! I will wear mine proudly! I plan on getting that crown! I hope you do to.

Standing firm is an act of will. We must want to do it. It is never a matter of "can we." It is always ONLY a matter of will we. God has given us the power to do all things. It is our job to receive that power and exercise it by faith.

As far as the patience part of this promise, that's another devotional! LOL!
Here is a link to it.

The wonderful thing about when God wants us to do something is, He always has some awesome benefit or reward to give us for our obedience.
What a GREAT DADDY!

Let's Pray,

Daddy God, I just want to thank You for always making life as Your child a joy. Thank You for always giving rewards for my obedience. You are truly an AWESOME God. You are the perfect model of what a parent should be. I would be blessed to be even a fraction of the parent You are. I love You Daddy. I love You very much and I trust You completely. In Jesus Mighty Name, Amen.

In His Love and Service,
Lara ;)

Copyright © Lara Velez

2006-11-01T14:26:00.000-05:00

Materialism

And the rich person ought to glory in being humbled by being shown in his human frailty, because like the flower of the grass he will pass away.

For the sun comes up with a scorching heat and parches the grass; its flower falls off and its beauty fades away. Even so will the rich man wither and die in the midst of his pursuits. James 1:10-11

Last time, we talked about lack and finding things to be thankful for. Today, we talk about when we have plenty.

These two verses can almost appear to scorn the rich. However, two things stand out to me.

The first thing is verse 10. This verse is explaining that being rich may give you many material possessions, but it cannot protect you from the trials of life. When you are rich you are still human with human problems and circumstances. Remembering that will humble you. Lest you get "puffed" up.

The second thing that stands out for me is in the next verse. Even so, will the rich man wither and die in the midst of his pursuits. This is an extremely powerful statement. The pursuit of riches can be a very dangerous one. We can get so caught up in having material things and luxuries that we forget what is really important.

This verse clearly says that the person who spends all of their time pursing the riches of this world, will die in the midst of it. Our purpose is to fulfill God's purpose, not what our own. Money will NEVER make you happy. The treasure you earn that is waiting in Heaven is what our focus should be on. That is eternal treasure where neither moths nor thieves can take it from us. When we put all of our time and effort making wealth in this world we are fools. This is only a grain of sand in eternity.

Am I saying wanting wealth is wrong? NO WAY! I want to be wealthy and have requested it from God. However, my life does not revolve around pursuing it. It revolves around God and His will for my life. If HE makes me wealthy...YIPPEE!! If not, YIPPEE! Either way, I know that He knows better than I.

Another thing to remember, if God has blessed us with wealth, it is NOT only for us to enjoy and give scraps here and there. It is meant to further His Kingdom, help others when we see a need, give MUCH, and then think about ourselves.

When we spend it all on ourselves, and only give a small portion of what's left over, then we are being poor stewards. We will grieve the Holy Spirit when we are selfish. That is something that I never want to do.

Let's Pray,

Daddy God, help me to see the "big" picture. Help me to let go of the pursuit of earthly riches and grab hold of my eternal treasures. Help me to understand what that is. I want to please You, and live my life in Your will, not my own. I trust you, Daddy. I know that You will never do anything or give anything to me that would harm me. I also know that You would not keep anything good from me unless it was not good for me. I release all of my desires to You. In Jesus Mighty Name, Amen.

In His Love and Service,
Lara ;)

2006-10-11T20:09:00.000-05:00

THANKFULNESS

Let the brother in humble circumstances glory in his elevation as a Christian, called to the true riches and to be an heir of God. James 1:9

In this verse we are being told that if we lack in finances, we should be content. Content in knowing that even though we do not have earthly riches we are an heir to eternal treasure in Heaven.

This can be a very difficult thing. It is very hard to "feel" content when you don't know how you'll pay your rent or where your next meal will come from. I have been there. it can bring bitterness and frustration. It almost did me in. Praise God, though, He said he will never give us more than we can bare...even if we "think" we cannot bare anymore.

No matter what you financial burdens are the way to break free of the mental poverty is to be thankful. And yes, there is ALWAYS something to be thankful for.

~ If you have arms and legs, be thankful you have them.

~ If you have eyes, be thankful you can see your child.

~ If you have a roof over your head, be thankful your not in the streets.

~ If you have health, be thankful you have no diseases.

~ If you have children, be thankful for their laughter.

~ If you have a bed to sleep in, be thankful your not on the floor.

~ If you had a meal today, be thankful you did. Many did not.

~ If you have even one outfit to wear, be thankful your not naked.

~ If your reading this, be thankful you have electricity and internet access.

~ If you have a car, be thankful you don't have to walk.

And....

If you are saved, be thankful that you won't burn in hell for all eternity!

These examples were only to get you started. I'm sure you can come up with MANY more reasons to be thankful.

The most important thing to remember is exactly what James said, "Glory in your elevation as a Christian, called to the true riches and to be an heir of God!"

Let's Pray,

DaddyGod, thank You for calling me from my mother womb. Thank You thai I am Your child and heir. Thank You for saving me from hell. Thank You for loving me. Thank You for the MANY blessings that I have but do not always see. Help me to see them and realize that I could be in MUCH worse circumstances. I love You. In Jesus Mighty Name, Amen.

In His Love and Service,
Lara ;)

2006-08-31T19:43:00.000-05:00

Double-Mindedness

A man of two minds (hesitating), he is unstable and unreliable and uncertain about everything he thinks, feels, and decides. James 1:8

Most people have probably been double-minded about something at one time. Some people may even struggle with it on a regular basis. Either way this is not a place that you want to spend a lot of time in. It is a very unstable and unhappy place to be.

When we are double-minded we are not giving God 100%. We are giving Him just enough to get by and be considered a "good" Christian. If we are serving God with our whole heart then we have a close relationship already established with Him. And if we have a close relationship with the Lord we have no reason to doubt. We trust Him. We trust Him, because we know Him. We know that He does not lie. We know that He is true to His Word. We know His character. We have faith. We go from faith to faith. We give no place to doubt.

The only way to be free from double-mindedness is to develop a personal relationship with God and give Him your WHOLE heart...not just a piece of it. We went into some practical ways that we can begin to know God in our final Flesh vs Spirit series. If you need a refresher, click here.

How do we give God our whole heart? How do we know when we are not giving Him our whole heart? Let me list the some examples for you. I may not hit on an area that you need to hear about. So, I suggest that you pray, and ask God to reveal where you may be lacking in your dedication to Him.

- You don't attend church on a regular basis.
- You don't go to church because your husband won't.
- You think that it's OK to tell "white" lies when necessary.
- You become offended easily or regulary.
- Your Bible has dust on it.
- You can't remember the last time you spent time with the Lord.
- You get irritated when you are under conviction.
- You frequently watch immoral programming and "feel" no conviction.
- You rarely make prayer a priority.
- You feel stressed out and/or irritable on a regular basis.
- You have become very negative.
- You feel like things are hopeless.
- Your children are more important to you than spending time with God.

I could go on for quite awhile....

If you are experiencing two or more of these symptoms, then you may be someone who has begun the to lose their focus. You are becoming desensitized. You are no longer pursuing God with your whole heart.

It does not have to continue. You can get joy, peace, contentment, and a sound mind. All you have to do is let go of the world and self. Then hang on tight to God. And begin a new relationship with Him. He is waiting with open arms for you. He longs for you to give Him your whole heart. He will cherish it and never break it. He is all you need. Begin to put Him first in your life and your life will become more than you had ever hoped it could be!

Let's pray,
Daddy God, I want my life to shine for You. Forgive me for the times I have let go of Your Loving Hand and took matters into my own hands. Forgive me for putting You in any position other than first in my life. Help me to make right choices. I love You, Lord. I love You more than anything in the entire Universe. Thank You for loving me always. Even when I forsake You. In Jesus Mighty Name, Amen.

In His Love and Service,
Lara ;)

2006-08-24T23:45:00.000-05:00

How to Acquire Wisdom, part 2

James 1:6-7

Only it must be in faith that he asks with no wavering (no hesitating or doubting). For the one who doubts is like the billowing surge out to sea that is blown hither and thither and tossed by the wind.

For truly, let not such a person imagine that he will receive anything he asks for from the Lord.

This is the key to anything that we want from God. We must have faith. Without faith, God is unable to grant our requests. For we must believe before we can ever receive. First, we ask, then we believe without doubting, and finally we receive. In God's timing, of course.

I often wonder why we doubt God. All of us have doubted, will doubt, or are doubting God. It amazes me that we do this. Why would we doubt the Creator of all things? Why would we doubt a God that cannot lie? Why would we doubt the One Who sent His Precious Son to die for us? Why?

The only answer I could come up with is, our flesh. It is our flesh that doubts. Our spirit man knows how to operate in the spiritual realm. When we are living and walking in the spirit we are more likely to stand firm. However, when we step out in our flesh and start trying to figure things out. That's when we doubt.

Our minds (a.k.a. flesh) cannot wrap around the things of God. And the things of God all operate in the spiritual realm. Our flesh cannot understand that God created time. Our flesh cannot understand how God can be three distinct Persons, yet one. Our flesh cannot understand how God can come down from Heaven and live as a man, and then die and be resurrected.

Even though our fleshly minds cannot understand many things, it does not change the fact that they are the Truth. When we renew our minds with the Word, we are letting go of our earthy, fleshly thinking mind and gaining the Mind of Christ. We begin to understand the things of God and we begin to trust Him.

Starting today, I challenge you to let go and let God. I challenge you to ask and believe. I challenge you to trust the One Who loves You, and will never leave you or forsake you. I challenge you to renew your mind daily. I challenge you to challenge yourself and get into the Word and learn how to trust your God.

Let's pray,

Daddy God, thank You for Your powerful Word. Thank You for making things clear. I ask that You give me a measure of faith and help me to understand Your ways. I ask that You teach me to trust You, Lord. I know that I can trust You in my spirit. But sometimes I give in to my flesh and doubt what I already know. Help me to recognize when this happens, so that I can reject the doubts and trust You, my Loving Daddy in heaven. In Jesus Mighty Name, Amen.

In His Love and Service,
Lara ;)

2006-08-16T23:02:00.000-05:00

How to Acquire Wisdom, part 1

James 1:5

If any of you is deficient in wisdom, let him ask of the giving God, Who gives to everyone liberally and ungrudgingly, without reproaching or fault finding, and it will be given to him.

What an incredible verse!

It makes me think of Solomon. He had the opportunity to ask God for anything, and he asked for wisdom. God was so moved that he didn't ask for wealth that He made Solomon not only the wisest man to ever live, but also the richest! Wisdom is to be sought after much more than wealth. For with wisdom we can attain wealth and much more.

I would love to have an abundance of wisdom. There are times I wish I knew what to do or how to handle a certain situation. When we are given the gift of wisdom we have a direct line to the same wisdom that Solomon had. A God given wisdom. A God glorifying wisdom. The kind of wisdom that helps us to lead happy and productive lives.

Another thing that comes to my mind when I read this verse is ask and receive. If we go before the throne of God and ask Him for wisdom, He will give it to us. However, there is an "if" involved. We'll get into that tomorrow.

So, we know there is a way to get this wisdom. Tomorrow we will dig deeper into how to not only obtain this godly wisdom, but keep it.

Let's pray,
Daddy God, thank You that You have made wisdom available to me. Thank You that You love me so very much that You want me to lack nothing. I am truly blessed to be one of Your chosen. I look forward to learning all I can about You and Your glorious ways. In Jesus Mighty Name, Amen.

In His Love,
Lara ;)

2006-08-11T21:05:00.002-05:00

Patience and a Good Attitude

JAMES 1:1-4

James, A servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ, to the twelve tribes scattered abroad [among the Gentiles in the dispersion]: Greetings (rejoice)!

Consider it wholly joyful, my brethren, whenever you are enveloped in or encounter trials of any sort or fall into various temptations.

Be assured and understand that the trial and proving of your faith bring out endurance and steadfastness and patience.

But let endurance and steadfastness and patience have full play and do a thorough work, so that you may be [people] perfectly and fully developed [with no defects], lacking in nothing. Amplified Translation

We will start with the original Greek.

Joyful - chara (khar-ah'): cheerfulness, calm delight, exceeding joy.

Temptations - peirasmos (pi-ras-mos'): a putting to proof, provocation, adversity, try.

Proving - dokimion (dok-im'-ee-on): a testing, trial, trustworthiness.

Bring Out - katergazomai (kat-er-gad'-zom-ahee): to work fully, accomplish, to finish.

Patience (both verses) hupomone (hoop-om-on-ay): cheerful endurance, constancy.

I think these verses are very interesting. Two things stood out the most for me.

First, in order to get the fruit of patience we must go through trials. The trials are what make us strong and help us to learn patience. The trials are like a training ground. You don't just get patience. You must earn it through experience and endurance.

Second, not only do we have to go through the trials, but we must be calm and have a cheerful enduring attitude. As if the trial itself wasn't enough. LOL.

I don't know too many people that get excited over trials. The first thing that most of us do is ask God to take the trial away. Then we ask Him for patience. That is too funny. I think God has the best sense of humor. He truly is an AWESOME GOD!

What I believe James is trying to explain to us is that in this world we will have trials. There is no way out of it. It is part of life. I guess you can thank Adam and Eve for it. It is just the way it is. James is telling us that even though we must go through these trials, our Wonderful and Mighty God threw in a benefit.

The benefit is that when we go through these trials calmly, with a good attitude, and stand strong in our faith, we will become fully developed and lack nothing. Can you imagine lacking nothing?

I believe that this means we will be so focused on the victory, and the more we find joy in the midst of the trials, they will eventually have no affect on us. That is truly a wonderful gift. To get to a point in your walk that your emotions do not run amuck every time something goes wrong in your life. To get to a place where you have a calmness, and are cheerfully enduring.

That is my goal. I want that kind of faith. I want to lose the emotional upheaval and gain the victorious calm.

Let's Pray,

Daddy God, I come before you with a thankful heart. I am so very thankful that even though I must endure trials and suffering in this life, You have made ways for me to find joy and peace in the midst. You love me so much that You made a way for me to be free of the emotional burden of trials. Lord, I ask that You help me to calmly endure the troubles that I am facing and will face. I ask that You help me to have a good attitude, and remember that it is only for a season and one day I will sit at your feet and never hurt again. I love You, Lord. I love You. Thank You. In Jesus Mighty Name, Amen.

In His Love and Service,
Lara ;)

2006-08-04T13:59:00.000-05:00

We Serve a Jealous God

James 4:5 ~ Or do you suppose that the Scripture is speaking to no purpose that says, The Spirit Whom He has caused to dwell in us yearns over us and He yearns for the Spirit to be welcome with a jealous love?

The original Greek word and meaning for yearns is, epipotheo (ep-ee-poth-eh'-o): intensely crave possession, earnestly desire.

We can be certain that we serve a jealous God. He tells us Himself in Exodus 34:14; For you shall worship no other god, for the Lord, Whose Name is Jealous, is a jealous impassioned God.

He longs for us to put Him first. His greatest desire is for us to love Him and pursue a friendship with Him. He wants to be our delight. When we put people, hobbies, entertainment, or anything before Him in our lives we are creating idols. Idols are not just golden statues. They can be anything and anyone.

Instead of writing a passionate speech on putting God first, I am giving you an assignment for today. I want you to make, yes make some time to sit down and really examine how you are spending your time and where you find your most joy.

If you find that you have little time with God or that your children bring you most of your joy, then you need to make an adjustment in your life. Don't get me wrong, our children and loved ones should be a joy to us. However, nothing should be more important to us than our Daddy in Heaven.

We need to make sure that God is our top priority. When we do this we will be the wife, Mother, and woman that He created us to be. And we will find a joy and fulfillment that is incomparable!

Let's Pray,

Daddy God, help me today. Help me to examine my priorities and how I spend my time. Show me where I have self made idols in my life and help me to knock them down. I want nothing more that to live my life for You. Help me to put everything in its proper place and to set an example for my children and those who know me. I love You Daddy, and I want You to be my All and All! In Jesus Mighty Name, Amen.

In His Love and Service,
Lara ;)

2006-07-27T20:31:00.000-05:00

Names of God (a series)

LORD GOD

This is the history of the heavens and of the earth when they were created. In the day that the Lord God made the earth and the heavens ~ Genesis 2:4

In this text, Lord comes from the Hebrew word, Yehovah (yeh-ho-vah') or Yahweh and it means The Self-Existent. It is one of the most prominent names for God mentioned in the old testament. It appears 6,823 times!

What is the signifigance of this Name?

Well, think about it...God just Is. He does not "need" anything or anyone to keep Him going. He is SELF-EXISTENT. He just IS! That says a TON to me!

Knowing that He doesn't "need" me or anyone...yet He shows us each such profound love and mercy...the kind of love and mercy we do not even begin to bestow upon others...not even our children.

He loves us just because we are HIS. He could wipe us all out tomorrow if He so desired. However, that is not in His nature. He is filled with such warmth and compassion for us, even with all of our frailties...He just ADORES us...simply and profoundly!

So, the next time you are feeling down or depressed, remember, LORD GOD, The Self-Existent...TRULY and COMPLETELY LOVES YOU!

Let's Pray,

Daddy God, You are all I ever need. You are Lord God, The Self-Existent. I love You, Daddy. Thank You for loving me even though You do not have to love me. Thank You that I matter greatly to You. Thank You for calling me Your very Own. Thank You, Thank You, Thank You! In Jesus Mighty Name, Amen.

In His Love and Service,
Lara ;)

Note: All Scripture is taken from the Amplified Bible.

2006-07-20T14:53:00.000-05:00

Names of God (a series)

OMNISCIENCE (ALL-KNOWING)

I John 3:20 says; ...For He is above and greater than our consciences (our hearts), and He knows and understands everything, nothing is hidden from Him.

Just knowing that God knows what I am going through in the deepest parts of my heart and soul makes me feel loved and special.

We cannot hide anything from Him. Not a sin or a thought. He KNOWS everything about us...even the number of hairs on our head! (Matthew 10:30)

And with that knowing comes a love and compassion that we cannot even begin to fathom. We may think, "If God really loved me, He wouldn't let me go through this..." But, in reality, it is BECAUSE He loves us that we are even able to go THROUGH our storms.

If we would just open our hearts and minds to His Truths and His Word, we would see that He has a perfect and wonderful plan for each of us. And, building our character will help us get there.

Isaiah 64:8 says; You are our Father; we are the clay, and You are the Potter, and we are all the work of Your hand. Sometimes we must go through the fire...just like a clay pot must go through the kiln before it can become a beautiful piece of pottery.

Psalm 145:8 says; The Lord is gracious, and full of compassion, slow to anger and abounding in mercy and loving-kindness. Through it all we can rest in the assurance that our loving Father knows, understands, and cares for every trial, every pain, and every hurt that we must endure. (Ps 78:38, 111:4, Jas 5:11)

Let's Pray,

Daddy God, thank You for loving and caring for me. Thank You that You know everything about me and I do not need to wear any masks with You. Most of all, I am thankful that even knowing everything about me, You still love me! I love You, Daddy. I am honored to be one of Your precious daughters! Praise be to Your Holy and Mighty Name! You are Worthy of ALL my praise! In Jesus Mighty Name, Amen.

For further study read James 1:2-12

In His Love and Service,
Lara ;)

Note: All Scripture is taken from the Amplified Bible.

2006-07-15T22:13:00.000-05:00

The Prodigal Son, part two

Luke 15:17-32

Then when he came to himself, he said, How many hired servants of my father have enough food, and, even food to spare, but I am perishing (dying) here of hunger!

I will get up and go to my father, and I will say to him, Father, I have sinned against heaven and in your sight.

I am no longer worthy to be called your son; just make me like one of your hired servants.

The key here is that he recognized that he had sinned, and came to a place of repentance.

There are many times in our lives where we will fall away in one way or another...even if it is relatively minor. The most important thing we can do when we come to our senses is to REPENT!

So he got up and came to his father. But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and was moved with pity and tenderness for him; and he ran and embraced him and kissed him fervently.

And the son said to him, Father, I have sinned against heaven and in your sight; I am no longer worthy to be called your son [I no longer deserve to be recognized as a son of yours]!

First he repented in his heart. Now, he takes it a step further, and goes to his father and asks for forgiveness.

We need to take our sins and mistakes to the throne and ASK God to cleanse us. And when we have wronged or hurt another, we need to ASK for their forgiveness.

The key here is the ACTION of repentance.

But the father said to his bond servants, Bring quickly the best robe and put it on him; and give him a ring for his hand and sandals for his feet.

And bring out that fattened calf and kill it; and let us revel and feast and be happy and make merry,

Because this my son was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found! And they began to revel and feast and make merry.

His Daddy was HAPPY to have him back home. The fact that he messed up was NOT what he was thinking about. His beloved son had returned! He wanted to throw a party and celebrate!

It's the same for us. When we go to our Daddy God with a repentant heart, He is quick to forgive. And when we have fallen away, and find our way back to Him...He throws a party in Heaven, and ALL the angels rejoice!

But his older son was in the field; and as he returned and came near the house, he heard music and dancing.

And having called one of the servant boys to him, he began to ask what this meant.

And he said to him, Your brother has come, and your father has killed that fattened calf, because he has received him back safe and well.

But the elder brother was angry with deep-seated wrath and resolved not to go in. Then his father came out and began to plead with him,

But he answered his father, Look! These many years I have served you, and I have never disobeyed your command. Yet you never gave me so much as a little kid, that I might revel and feast and be happy and make merry with my friends;

But when this son of yours arrived, who has devoured your estate with immoral women, you have killed for him that fattened calf!

And the father said to him, Son, you are always with me, and all that is mine is yours.

But it was fitting to make merry, to revel and feast and rejoice, for this brother of yours was dead and is alive again! He was lost and is found!

There will always be those that are judgemental. Those who think they are not quite as bad a sinner as you. Those who are filled with jealousy and pride.

You must shrug them off, and KNOW that Daddy loves you. And He does NOT play favorites!

Let's Pray,

Daddy God, thank You so much for Your love and forgiveness. Thank You for making a way for me to be able to come boldly before You. I love You, Lord. I love You, and I want nothing more than to be with You and know You. Thank You for loving me FIRST! In Jesus MIghty Name, Amen.

In His Love and Service,
Lara ;)

2006-07-05T21:36:00.000-05:00

The Prodigal Son, part one

And He said, There was a certain man who had two sons;

And the younger of them said to his father, Father, give me the part of the property that falls to me. And he divided the estate between them.

And not many days after that, the younger son gathered up all that he had and journeyed into a distant country, and there he wasted his fortune in reckless and loose living.

And when he had spent all he had, a mighty famine came upon that country, and he began to fall behind and be in want.

So he went and forced (glued) himself upon one of the citizens of that country, who sent him into his fields to feed hogs.

And he would gladly have fed on and filled his belly with the carob pods that the hogs were eating, but they could not satisfy his hunger and nobody gave him anything better. Luke 15:11-16

Have you ever been a prodigal daughter? Have you ever backslidden? Have you ever fallen? I have. And it is not a very pleasant place to be. I really don't know how it happens...or why we would want to leave the comforts of home to live in the chaos of the world. Yet, many of us have.

I am here to tell you that if you have fallen Daddy WILL take you back! Daddy loves you, and is ALWAYS faithful to forgive a repentant heart.

One of the hardest parts of falling is picking yourself back up. You are scared, humiliated, and unsure of your legs. You want to crawl in a hole and disappear. At least that's what the enemy wants you to feel and do...

GOOD NEWS:

You don't have to!!! You NEVER have to feel unsure or scared! God ALWAYS loves you! He loves you good, bad, and EVERYTHING in between.

HE LOVES YOU!!!

Perhaps you have not fallen...but you feel that you are about to....Let me help you out...

RUN TO DADDY!!!!

Don't fall! Don't let the enemy convince you to. I promise you that the only thing you will find there is pain. RUN TO DADDY!!!

Ok...maybe you are reading this and are thinking, "This devotional is not for me. I would never turn away from God." Well, good for you...BUT...be careful...you may already have.

Let's pray,

Daddy God, I just want to come and sit in Your Lap. I need You to hold me and keep me close. Help me to never leave You, help me to run back when I need to, and help me to recognize the enemy when he whispers discontent in my ear. I love You, Daddy. And I KNOW that Daddy knows best. I know that this world has NOTHING to offer me other than pain. Help me to never forget that! In Jesus Mighty Name, Amen.

In His Love and Service,
Lara ;)

2006-06-26T20:04:00.000-05:00

And I am convinced and sure of this very thing, that He Who began a good work in you will continue until the day of Jesus Christ [right up to the time of His return], developing that good work and perfecting and bringing it to full completion in you. Philippians 1:6

We must remember this Scripture when we are going through difficult times, feeling down, and when we fail. We are a work in progress. God is not finished yet. He is perfecting and preparing us. And He is FAITHFUL. He will complete His work in us.

When things go wrong or when we fail, the enemy just loves to come around and whisper negative things into our ears..."you'll never get this right...what's wrong with you...you're not good enough...you're fat....you're ugly...God doesn't really love you...God's mad at you...when will you ever get it right...you're this...you're that...you'll never...you'll always..."

THE devil IS A LIAR!!!

The WORD says that You are a child of The Most High, and that He that has begun a good work in you...WILL complete it...

The Word of God says that you are the head and not the tail...(Deut 28:13)

The Word of God says that you are above and not beneath...(Deut 28:13)

The Word of God says that He knew you and formed you in your Mother's womb...(Isa 49:1; Jer 1:5; Gal 1:15)

The Word of God says that GOD LOVES YOU...(John 3:16, and MANY more!)

The Word of God says that no weapon formed against you shall prosper and every tongue that shall rise against you in judgement you shall show to be wrong...(Isa 54:17)

The Word of God says that the devil is a LIAR! And the father of lies...(John 8:44)

Who are you going to believe?

Let's Pray,

Daddy God, THANK YOU! You are an Awesome and Mighty God. You are Worthy of ALL the glory, honor, and praise! Thank You for loving me and calling me Your very Own. Thank You for Your life giving Word. Help me to remember Who and Who's I am. Help me to overcome the enemy and his lies with Your Mighty Word. Thank You that You will complete Your Work in me and that I am a work in progress. Thank You for Your love! In Jesus Mighty Name, Amen!

In His Love and Service,
Lara ;)

P.S. - Do a further study....Look in the concordance in the back of your Bible to not only find the references of what the Word says about you (from above), but find MORE! Get the Word IN You...then you will have the ammo to blow the enemy away when he comes whispering lies in your ears!

2006-06-13T14:31:00.000-05:00

By faith Abel offered unto God a more excellent sacrifice than Cain, by which he obtained witness that he was righteous, God testifying of his gifts...Hebrews 11:4a (KJV)

I would like to start by looking at two words in their original Greek meanings...

Excellent - pleion (pli'-on): Figuratively of worth, importance, dignity, meaning more, greater, higher, to abound.

Testifying - martureo (mar-too-reh'-o): Emphatically, to testify strongly, bear honorable testimony, to be well testified about, to have good witness.

It wasn't so much "what" they gave that made one better than the other. It was how they gave. Abel gave the first born of his sheep. That was a HUGE step of faith. Cain gave with the wrong heart and motive. He gave without faith. God was more pleased with Abel's offering because of the FAITH behind it. He even went so far as to testify about it.

Can you imagine GOD speaking well about you? Can you imagine the King of Kings Himself bearing good witness about YOUR offering? Well, you don't have to imagine, if you give by faith with a pure heart and motive.

We can give and give and give without ever pleasing God. Giving in and of itself is fine. However, when we give by FAITH, then we are going to a whole new level. Please don't misunderstand me, you cannot just give to get. It's not only a matter of faith, it's a matter of the HEART. Faith is what will sow the seed properly. The right heart is what will help it to reap a good harvest.

I encourage you to pray about how you can give a "faith offering." Do not limit yourself to "materialistic" things. You can offer your time or talents too. The point of the exercise is to help you to DEVELOP your faith. If you never use your faith, it will never become all that God intended it to be.

Keep this in mind...Not one person was healed by Jesus while He was here that did not already BELIEVE that He could heal them.

Faith is what makes things happen!

Let's pray,

Daddy God, thank You for the gift of faith. Thank You for all that You want me to become. Help me to learn how to exercise and develop my faith. Help me to learn how to give faith offerings unto You. I know that You are my Abba Father. I know that You will provide ALL of my needs, because by faith, I believe what your Word says. And by faith, I know that You love me and want ONLY the best for me. Thank You, Daddy God. I love You. In Jesus Mighty Name, Amen.

In His Love and Service,
Lara ;)

2006-06-10T16:18:00.000-05:00

Repay no one evil for evil, but take thought for what is honest, and proper and noble, aiming to be above reproach in the sight of everyone. Romans 12:17

Unfortunately, this is the opposite of what we see in this world. We live in a world where real love does not exist. It's all about self.

Real love is self-LESS.

Let me give a practical example of this Scripture in action:

You are having one of those days with your husband...you know...the kind of day where one wrong word and there could be a fight. We have ALL had them I am sure...

Well, let's say that you're the one that triggers the bomb, and your husband explodes. He says something without thinking, and hurts your feelings.
You have two options...you could bite back (NOT recommended!)...or you could really create a shock wave and apologize for whatever triggered the response. EVEN if it really wasn't "apology worthy." EEEK! LOL!

The point is to show character and replace the wrong (no matter who did the wrong) with LOVE.

This is NO EASY task.

Honestly, there are days my flesh would love to get in a ring with my husband for just five minutes. However, I know that the only thing that will produce is more rotten fruit and more fighting.

On the flip side, when I extend UNDESERVED grace, love, and mercy towards him, it almost always cools the fire. Doesn't God show us this same UNDESERVED grace, love, and mercy EVERY day?

When we let our flesh die, and submit to God's ways, it WILL ALWAYS turn out better. Even when we do not see an immediate manifestation of our obedience, it IS working!!

So, the next time your husband, friend, or beloved child sends you...Do what will put a smile on your Daddy's Face...LOVE 'EM!

Let's Pray,

Daddy God, thank You for Your UNDESERVED Grace, Love, and Mercy. Thank You for always looking past my imperfections and focusing on the positive. Help me to show that same character towards others. Help me to NEVER repay a wrong. Help me to always take the high road even when I may be right. Help me to lear to not need to be right. Thank YOU!!! In Jesus Mighty Name, Amen.

In His Love and Mercy,
Lara ;)

2006-03-10T22:18:00.000-05:00

Think you can't forgive that one person who hurt you really bad?

THINK AGAIN!

Tonight was a HUGE step for me....Let me give a brief history...

Last year there was a dispute between a leader in children's ministry (at my church) and myself. I was going to bat for an injustice against my daughter and lost the fight. I prayed and prayed and prayed...no grace was given from the lady in charge. She seemed to be a very cold hearted person...

I still feel that she was wrong and unkind...no, I KNOW she was. HOWEVER, God allowed my daughter...and our whole family to go through this VERY hurtful situation for a greater purpose. And it has taken almost a year for me to finally understand what that purpose was.

Forgiveness...We all get it freely from the Father...but do we freely give it?

Fast forward to tonight...

I was invited to come to a couples group from church and that lady would be there. I haven't seen her since our awful confrontation almost a year ago.

Anyway, it was VERY difficult to go...but I did...AND...there was a miraculous light bulb moment! During the praise and worship God completely cleansed me and I forgave her in my heart. I even had nice feelings towards her!

You must understand....this woman DEEPLY hurt my daughter...my husband...and myself. It was a VERY difficult thing to come to terms with. I was very angry...you know the Mother hen type of anger?

I asked God to scold her. Silence. I asked God to help me. Silence. I begged God to help me forgive her. Silence. I did not give up though. And when the opportunity came to be in a room with her again...I didn't run and hide like I wanted to. I stood tall...asked for Daddy's help...and GOT THE VICTORY!!!

Are you struggling with forgiving someone? Have you asked and asked and asked? Your answer may be right under your nose...your answer may be this...

How willing are you to forgive? How willing are you to make the first move? How willing are you to be vulnerable? If you are willing, like I was...your victory is right before you...just reach out and GRAB IT!!

God Bless YOU!!

Walking in His forgiveness...and freely giving mine,

Lara ;)

2006-03-02T20:46:00.000-05:00

Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and they who indulge in it shall eat the fruit of it for death or life. Proverbs 18:21

I think it's important that we really get this Scripture. Our tongue is VERY powerful. It can produce life or death...our choice.

If you are someone who spends a lot of time...

~ Bad mouthing yourself by saying things like; I'm stupid, I'm fat, I'm ugly, I'll never, I can't, What's wrong with me, I'm such a this and I'm such a that...

~ Verbally judging others....

~ Speaking negatively...

Then you will produce the fruit of death in your life. We need to speak the Truth about ourselves. We need to understand who we are in Christ.

We need to say things like...

~ I have the mind of Christ, which means I am pretty smart.

~ I was created in the image of God, which means I am GORGEOUS!

~ I can do ALL things through Christ Who strengthens me.

If we speak the Truth of what God says about us over our lives, we will produce an awesome harvest of life, and be much happier, filled with peace, and able to go the distance.

Start thinking BEFORE you speak. Change your mind and speak the Truth...even if you don't believe it with your "mind" right away. After speaking Life for a while, you will not only begin to believe the Truth, you will KNOW the Truth, and the Truth WILL set you free!

This wasn't my brilliant idea...it's in the WORD, and the God does NOT lie! Trust God...believe what God says about you in His Word...know who you are...and SPEAK IT OUT LOUD!

Let's Pray,

Daddy God, thank You for giving me the opportunity to change my life for the better simply by putting the principals of Your Mighty Word into daily practice. Please help me to remember Your Truth and to speak it out every day. I am Your precious baby girl and I want to WALK in the knowledge of that. Thank You! In Jesus Mighty Name, Amen.

In His Love and Service,
Lara ;)

2006-02-18T20:12:00.000-05:00

Be Anxious for Nothing

In the Webster's dictionary anxious means...full of mental distress or uneasiness because of fear of danger or misfortune; worried. The thesaurus had an even clearer picture...tense, uptight, troubled, disquieted, concerned, fretful, alarmed, over-wrought, anguished, and fearful.

This does not sound like an emotion that is pleasant to live with. Today, we will discuss what Jesus said about anxiety in Luke 12:22-30...

And Jesus said to His disciples, Therefore I tell you, do not be anxious and troubled with cares about your life, as to what you will have to eat; or about your body, as to what you will have to wear.

When financial troubles come, we quickly forget that our God cares for us, and wants to provide for our needs. When we worry and fret about what we will eat, how we will clothe our children, and troubling situations in our lives, we are hindering the help that He so longs to provide us with. It does not just fall in our laps. We must have faith. If Jesus says not to be anxious, then we should obey and not worry. We must trust Him.

For life is more than food, and the body [more] than clothes.

This is very true...our lives here are just a grain of sand in the vast Universe. There are more pressing matters...like the salvation of the lost.

Observe and consider the ravens; for they neither sow nor reap, they have neither storehouse nor barn; and [yet] God feeds them. Of how much more worth are you than the birds!

Have you ever seen a bird falling apart over what it will eat or how it will find it's next meal. Have you ever seen them afraid to fly? There feathers are never in a ruffle...ever. They know the Creator has already provided. And if He has already provided for the birds...don't you think He has you covered? You are after all one of His precious daughters.

And which of you by being overly anxious and troubled with cares can add a cubit to his stature or a moment [unit] of time to his age [the length of his life]?
The only thing we will do by living lives with worry and anxiety is shorten our days.

If then you are not able to do such a little thing as that, why are you anxious and troubled with cares about the rest?

This verse just shows the awesome power of Almighty God. To Him, adding time to a life is a simple task. If we would just realize that He really is that powerful...why would we worry about the rest?

Consider the lilies, how they grow. They neither [wearily] toil nor spin nor weave; yet I tell you, even Solomon in all his glory (his splendor and magnificence) was not arrayed like one of these.

But if God so clothes the grass in the field, which is alive today, and tomorrow is thrown into the furnace, how much more will He clothe you, O you [people] of little faith?

Think about the beauty of a flower. He put such care into each kind of flower. They are all so different...yet beautiful. Shouldn't we have faith enough to know that He would clothe His own children?

And you, do not seek [by meditating and reasoning to inquire into] what you are to eat and what you are to drink; nor be of anxious (troubled) mind unsettled, excited, worried, and in suspense;

This takes it beyond mere food and clothing. When you are anxious about a pregnancy, health of a loved one, a business venture, your car starting, money to fix the car, money period, a test result, when your children are away from you, etc. (If your issue was not mentioned...it still counts! ;)

You need not worry for nothing!

For all the pagan world is [greedily] seeking these things, and your Father knows that you need them.

Your Daddy knows what you need. Trust Him.

I am leaving you with two more Scriptures that I want you to read. These Scriptures will back up what Jesus is saying in Luke. They will give you more confirmation that you do not have to be anxious for any of life's circumstances!

Philippians 4:6 ~ Do not worry about anything!

I Peter 5:7 ~ Cast your cares! He wants them!

When worry threatens to knock on the door of your mind pull these Scriptures out and speak them OUT LOUD over your circumstances. Those little worry demons will go running...And when the forget Who's you are and come back...pull those weapons out again and repeat!

Let's pray,

Daddy God, thank You for taking care of me. Thank You for supplying all of my needs. Thank You for caring about the things that matter to me. Thank You for wanting my burdens so that I don't have to carry the load. Lord, I can't carry the load any longer. Please take the burden of (fill in the blank). I just give it to You. I trust You with it. Thank You for loving me enough to take this burden from me. I choose to cast my cares on You! Praise Your Holy Name! In Jesus Mighty Name, Amen.

I'm letting go of worry...won't you join me?

Worry Free,
Lara ;)

2006-02-11T10:18:00.000-05:00

Do you know what you are up against?

Ephesians 6:12-13

For we are not wrestling with flesh and blood [contending only with physical opponents], but against the despotisms, against the powers, against the master spirits who are the world rulers of this present darkness, against the spirit forces of wickedness in the heavenly (supernatural) sphere.

Therefore put on God's complete armor, that you may be able to resist and stand your ground on the evil day of danger, and, having done all to stand firmly in your place.

It is EXTREMELY important that we understand that we are NOT dealing with what we see. Demons and evil are VERY real. The devil is not just a metaphor. He is very real, hates you very much, and is out to get you.

Evil spiritual forces are whirling all around us, from the pulpit to the government. We MUST learn to recognize the enemy at work, and learn how to fight!

Following are some examples of the enemy at work today...

~ Division: Strife, disagreements, and the like are crippling to the Church. And the enemy knows this. He is very aware of what unity can do for his cause. So, he and his slimy followers work overtime to divide...divide...divide...They help divide marriages, friendships, family, and the Church as a whole.

Take Action! FORGIVE QUICKLY!
(Matthew 6:14-15; 2 Timothy 2:23-24)

~ Apathy: We have a Church that does not fight for righteousness. If it did then we would not be a society over run with pornography, endorsement of homosexual lifestyles, sexually charged entertainment, and the like. It's like the Church keeps hitting the snooze button and the early bird (devil) is getting the worm.

Take Action! WAKE UP!
(2 Timothy 2:25-26; Revelation 3:15-16)

~ Distraction: We live in a very fast paced society. Everyone is busy. Everyone has places to go and people to see. How many Christians have an active daily prayer life? Read the Word consistently? Are actively involved in their Father's business?

Have you ever "planned" to read your Bible or pray, and then go distracted? Or said, "I just don't get this...I don't have time...I can't "get into" this..." ? The enemy is helping you my dear sisters. He will do EVERYTHING he can...He will pull out ALL the stops to get you to believe that it's OK to just "be good." It is a FATAL lie!

Take Action!

READ the WORD...EVERY day!
(Psalm 37:4; 2 Timothy 2:15; Philippians 1:10-11; Hebrews 12:11)

PRAY...EVERY day!
(2 Chronicles 7:14; Ephesians 6:18; James 5:16b; 1 Peter 3:12, 14)

We MUST! If we do not, we are playing right into the slime balls hands.

Let's Pray,

Daddy God, thank You for Your Word. Thank You for loving me enough to take the time to send Your Word. And to warn me of what I am dealing with. Help me to learn. Help me to recognize the enemy when he is at work in my life. Help me to take action. I love You, Lord. I do not want to be a "luke warm" Christian. I want to be on fire for You and Your Truth. I need You. I can't do it without You. Thank You, Daddy. In Jesus Mighty Name, Amen.

In His Love and Service,

Lara ;)

2006-02-06T13:10:00.000-05:00

A Mother’s Battle
By: Lara Velez

The tongue is such a tiny little organ. Yet, it can be one of the most powerful weapons. James 3 has a lot to say about the tongue…I suggest that you read the entire chapter. (It’s very short)…Anyway, verse 6 says; And the tongue is a fire. The tongue is a world of wickedness set among our members, contaminating and depraving the whole body… Whew, those are some strong words…but, wait, that’s not all. Proverbs 18:21 tells us; Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and they who indulge in it shall eat the fruit of it for death or life. It is scary to think that my mouth has that much power.

As Christian Mothers we have a great call on our lives to train our children up…Are we speaking life to them? If not, it is never too late with God. He makes all things new. I know that in my own life…I do not always choose my words wisely. I get angry and say stupid things. Do you? Proverbs 29:11 says; A self confident fool utters all of his anger, but a wise man holds it back and stills it. The original Hebrew word for “utters” is ruwach (roo’vakh). It means a violent exhalation, anger, unsubstantiability, blast, and whirlwind.That means, when we lose our temper and spew out our anger…it’s like what a hurricane does when it hits land. It destroys everything in its path. I don’t know about you, but I can have some pretty nasty storms come out of my mouth at times…

Ephesians 4:26 says; When angry do not sin; do not let your wrath last until the sun goes down. This tells me that it’s OK to get angry…it’s normal. We don’t have to walk around holding everything in. We do however, have to express our anger without yelling, cursing, violence, name calling, etc. That is where the anger becomes sin. How do we accomplish getting angry without sinning?
Well, before we can learn that, we must explore the subject of anger more deeply.

There are two types of anger mentioned in the Bible; justifiable and unjustifiable. Here are some examples of both:

UNJUSTIFIABLE ANGER

Cain – in Genesis 4:5-6: His anger came from not getting praise and approval that he felt was deserved. He thought too highly of himself and, was filled with jealousy.

Jonah – in Jonah 4:1-9: His anger came from rebellion. First, he ran from doing what God told him to do. Then, when he finally did, he had distain and apathy towards the people that he was called to minister to. He thought too highly of himself and lacked pity.

The Sadducees – in Acts 5:17: They were filled with jealousy, indignation, and rage. Why? Because, the Apostles were held in high regard, for the signs and wonders God gave them the power to perform.

JUSTIFIABLE ANGER

Moses – in Exodus 32:19: Moses was up on the mountain pleading with God, not to destroy the Israelites. And, there down below building a golden calf to worship. When he came down and saw their disobedience, he got very angry…and burned it!

Samuel – in I Samuel 15:16-31: Samuel was angry with Saul because, he had disobeyed the Lord. He had become rebellious and stubborn. Samuel then told Saul that God had rejected him as king…high price for disobedience.

Jesus – in Mark 3:5: Jesus became angry with the Pharisees because, of the hardening of their hearts. He was going to heal a man on the Sabbath. They had a religious spirit.

When I looked at these examples, it became clear to me what sinful anger is…

Cain wanted praise for himself. Jonah was a snob. He looked down on others who didn’t perform the way he thought that they should. And, the Sadducees were jealous because they wanted to have the admiration and respect of the people.

What do they all have in common? They all had a selfish, self-centered anger.

On the other hand, Moses got angry at the lack of faith and the disobedience to God’s ways. Samuel was angry for the exact same thing. And, guess what? Jesus was too! They all had a righteous anger. Anger at sin and disobedience.

Now, we will look at a couple of examples of unjustifiable anger…. how it begins…and how to counteract it. (I have left out justifiable anger, because, we just learned that justifiable anger has to do with a righteous indignation at sin. None of the examples are rage filled.)

Example One:
Your child spills a drink for the twentieth time, on the carpet that you just cleaned from the last spill. Grrrr. You explode. You begin a full verbal attack with questions the child is unable to answer, and comments that will leave them in tears. This is selfish anger. It is about you. Who cares about a rug, tablecloth, or broken dish? Are they going with you when you go to Heaven?
In this example you need to stop…bite your tongue…and leave the room. Take a deep breath, and think; “OK, this is my beloved child. God gave me this child to love and care for. I must show grace…after all, God has shown me more Grace than I could ever deserve. I love this child. I love my child. Thank you Lord, for this wonderful and precious child.”I know what your thinking. “Yeah, right!” What you need to understand is that you must train yourself to do this…write it down, and keep it near by. Pull it out when you feel the anger building up inside. If you continue to do this over and over again, it will become your natural response…instead of an outburst of anger.

Example Two:
Your husband comes home from work and plops down in front of the television. He puts on some program that he enjoys (or in my case plays Nintendo;). Grrrr. You begin to think: “Doesn’t he know how hard I work to keep this house clean and take care of his kids?” “I wish I could just plop down on the couch…but, noooo, I can’t even go to the bathroom without an audience!” You blow up. Look out…here comes Hurricane Mom!

As you can plainly see in this example, you have thought your way right into a melt down. Does any of this sound familiar? I’m sure you can think of some of your own examples. In a situation like this, it would be a good time to start thinking about how thankful you are to have a husband that goes out and works, so that you can stay home (if you’re a stay at home Mom)…or how you love his smile, laugh, whatever. ACCENTUATE THE POSITIVE!

Any time that we feel rage, for any reason, we need to think about what we’re thinking about. The Word says in Colossians 3:2 - …set your mind on things above, not on the things that are on the earth. In verse 13 of the same chapter it says; Be gentle and forbearing with one another and, if one has a difference, a grievance, or a complaint against another, readily pardoning each other; even as the Lord has freely forgiven you, so you must also forgive. I encourage you to read the whole chapter. It is very good.

“But, I cant do all this!” you say. Yes, you can! You have the Mind of Christ (I Cor. 2:16). “How” you ask. The Word tells us to renew our minds (Romans 12:2). You must get into the Word…and, study the Word. That is the only way that you can renew your mind.

Can you see how the mind affects the tongue? First, it becomes a thought. Then, we allow that thought to pour out of us, and…BOOM! The mind is the root of most of our fears, low self esteem, some forms of depression, doubt…it all starts in the mind…then we speak it into existence. Renew your mind!

Please, understand that if you truly want to gain victory in your life, and you begin to pursue it, the enemy WILL attack! When he does…you must go straight to the Word. Fill your mind with Truth. And, when you fail, don’t beat yourself up. Pick yourself up, and press on!

Here are some Weapons to get you started:

II Chronicles 7:14
Psalm 103
Psalm 139
Proverbs 3:5-6
Proverbs 14:1
Proverbs 15:4
Proverbs 16:24
Proverbs 31:26
Isaiah 54:17
Mark 11:24
Romans 8:31-39
Philippians 4:13

I hope that these Scriptures are helpful to you in the battle of your mind and mouth. As you study the Word for yourself…you will find more. Write them down. Keep them with you. Memorize them. I know that you and I can overcome this battle!

If you need prayer, please feel free to contact me any time. I will stand in prayer with you. Simply fill out a prayer request at this address; http://www.momsoffaith.com/prayerrequests.html

God Bless You!

Lara VelezLara@momsoffaith.com

Copyright ©

2006-02-01T13:20:00.000-05:00

A Sleeping Church

You are like unfaithful wives having illicit love affairs with the world and breaking your marriage vow to God! Do you not know that being the world's friend is being God's enemy? So, whoever chooses to be a friend of the world takes his stand as an enemy of God. James 4:4

The Church as a whole is a poor example of what Jesus died for it to be. Jesus died for so much more than our Salvation. He also died so that we may have peace, joy, and a sound mind. He left us with a mission to tell others about His great love through our words and deeds. He left us the Holy Spirit to comfort us, and His Mighty Name to give us power. He did not intend for us to let the devil make the rules. He did not intend for us to become friends of this world through indifference.

The Body of Christ seems to be asleep, while our cunning adversary swoops in for the kill. Does that sound like a dramatic statement? I think it is an understatement! Why? To answer this we must ask several questions.

If the Church were awake and active would there even be a hint of legalized gay marriages in the air?

No. If the Church were awake there would have been a march on Washington like there has never been seen before. We would not let such a thing slip by.

Would there be pornography displayed at every turn?

No. Christian men would rise up and not tolerate such an attack on their minds. The Church as a whole would push for better laws to prevent our children from having to see these things when walking in a 7-11 and then have sexual sin problems as adults.

Would prayer be illegal in schools that we pay taxes in?

No. Honestly, I don't know how we ever let such a thing happen.

Would the divorce rate in the Church be the same and even higher than the world's?

No. We would align ourselves together and help marriages. We would prepare our young people for marriage. We would teach our children that a happy marriage isn't about "feelings" and getting your own way. It is about giving, loving and forgiving for a lifetime.

If the church were awake would the world have such a powerful hold on our entertainment?

No. Unfortunately, the Church has become desensitized. We watch things that I don't believe we would ever watch if Jesus came for dinner and a movie. We watch movies with language that we wouldn’t dare use in front of our pastor. We watch movies with sexually explicit scenes and then wonder why there is a pornography problem in the Church. Yes, the Church!

Need I go on? I don't think so. I hope and pray that somehow the Church will arise from its slumber, grab their weapons, and put the devil back in his slimy evil place. If we do not, what kind of world will our children be left with? What are we teaching them with our apathetic reaction to the chaos that is whirling all around us?

If we do nothing, it is like leaving them alone in a dark room filled with vipers. Can you live with that? I can't.

Let’s START making a difference one decision at a time. Let’s start living OUT LOUD for Jesus!

2006-01-28T22:47:00.000-05:00

PRAISE Daddy Day!

Psalm 150

Praise the Lord! Praise God in the sanctuary; praise Him in the heavens of His power!

Praise Him for His mighty acts; praise Him according to the abundance of His greatness!

Praise Him with trumpet sound; praise Him with the lute and harp!

Praise Him with tambourine and dance; praise Him with stringed and wind instruments or flutes!

Praise Him with resounding cymbals; praise Him with loud clashing cymbals!

Let everything that has breath and every breath of life Praise the Lord! PRAISE THE LORD! Hallelujah!

I am declaring this PRAISE Daddy Day! Just praise Him today! All day!

Let's Praise...

Daddy God, You ARE Worthy. You are Holy. Bless Your Holy Name. You are Mighty. You are Loving and Kind. You ARE Truth. You are full of Grace and Forgiveness. You are Mighty in Battle. You are King of Kings and Lord of Lords. You are the Great I AM! You are my Rock and my Shield. You are Wise and Perfect. You are the Creator of all things. You are the Great Physician. You are my everything. I love You, Lord. I praise Your Name. Thank You Jesus. Thank You. Praise You. (feel free to keep praising your King!) In Jesus Mighty Name, Amen!

In Love with my Daddy,
Lara ;)

2006-01-27T22:24:00.000-05:00

Philippians 3:13 (KJV)
Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before.

I have the memory of an elephant. LOL. I can tell you who, what, where, how, and why I was hurt or abused...If I let myself dwell on the past. Maybe you don't have the "beat a dead horse" syndrome...hey, more power to ya! I'm speaking to anyone with the following symptoms...

~ Holds a grudge.
~ Has difficulty letting go of hurts, anger, disappointments, etc.
~ Brings up the past in an argument.
~ Dwells on the coulda, shoulda, woulda's...
~ Let's their mind reflect on the past.
~ Can't let go of the past.

If you suffer from one or more of the above symptoms, I have FANTASTIC news! There is a CURE! And guess what? There are no harmful side affects...well, other than a sore flesh.

THE CURE:

Step One: Give it to the Father

Step Two: LET it GO!

Step Three: Look forward. Press on.

Step Four: REPEAT until it works!!!

Bottom Line: LET GO OF THE PAST!

You will NEVER find happiness there. The only thing you will find is anger, pain, and disappointments. Don't keep reminding yourself and your husband of all his past failures. Get OVER it! I'm sorry if this seems abrasive, but it's the Truth. LET IT GO! If you don't YOU will be miserable until you do. YOU will only hurt yourself and those you really love. Release it to your Daddy and LEAVE it there!

It's YOUR choice. You CAN do it....IF you really want to.

Let's Pray,

Daddy God, Thank You for Your Word. Please help me to let go of (you fill in the blank). I no longer want this baggage. PLEASE take it from me and help me to look forward and press on. Please send Your Holy Spirit to remind me to let it go when I try to pick it up again. Thank You, Daddy. I RELEASE it to You. Thank You so much for taking this burden from me. Thank YOU! THANK YOU! Praise You Jesus! Thank YOU! I receive Your Peace, Lord. I receive it. In Jesus Mighty Name, Amen.

In His Love and Service,
Lara ;)

2006-01-24T13:54:00.000-05:00

Prayer Life

Prayer should be a very important part of every Christian's life. One reason that we should pray is that it delights the Lord.

Proverbs 15:8 - The sacrifice of the wicked is an abomination, extremely offensive to the Lord, but the prayer of the upright is His delight!

Another reason we should pray is, we can be assured that He hears our prayers. Just knowing that the Almighty God takes the time to listen to us should make us want to talk to Him.

Proverbs 15:29 - The Lord is far from the wicked, but He hears the prayer of the righteous.

I Peter 3:12 - For the eyes of the Lord are upon the righteous, and His ears are attentive to their prayer...

Prayer brings healing and restoration.

James 5:15-16a - And the prayer [that is] of faith will save him who is sick, and the Lord will restore him; and if he has committed sins, he will be forgiven. Confess to one another you faults (your slips, your false steps, your offenses, your sins) and pray also for one another, that you may be healed and restored...

As Christian wives and Mothers it is especially important that we pray. Our prayers are very powerful weapons. Our prayers are vitally important to our husbands and children. We can impact their lives in a huge way with our prayers.
James 5:16b ...The earnest (heartfelt, continued) prayer of a righteous man makes a tremendous power available [dynamic in its working]. Amplified
...The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.(KJV)

If you are reading this devotional, and you do not have a consistent daily prayer life, this is your wake up call. You are no longer ignorant. You must...we must pray. We must pray every day.

Romans 12:12 Rejoice and exult in hope; be steadfast and patient in suffering and tribulation; be constant in prayer. Amplified
Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. NIV

Philippians 4:6 - Do not fret or have any anxiety about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition (definite requests), with thanksgiving, continue to make your wants known to God.

You don't need a special book of formula. Just talk to God like you would a close friend. That is what He wants from you more than anything. He wants a personal relationship with you. You cannot have a relationship with someone you never talk to...or only talk to when you’re in trouble...

Let's Pray,

Daddy God, thank You for hearing my prayers. Thank You for wanting to hear me. Lord, I want to have a closer relationship with You. Forgive me for the times I have put the cares and activities of life before You. I commit to You today...I will actively pursue a consistent daily prayer life. I will pursue You, Daddy God. Thank You for loving me. In Jesus Mighty Name, Amen.

Prayerfully,
Lara ;)

2006-01-21T13:27:00.000-05:00

The Two Most Important Commandments - LOVE (part 4 -Final)

At the beginning of this study, I gave you our foundation Scripture Matthew 22:37-38. In it Jesus was telling a lawyer about two commandments. The first was what we have been discussing.

I would like to end this study with the second commandment that Jesus gave in Matthew 22:39; And a second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as you do yourself.

I don't know about you...but...that is a very hard thing to do. It is not impossible though. We have to choose to Love.

Other Christians can be very difficult to love...for a variety of reasons that I am sure you are aware of. Yet in the book of John, Jesus tells us why it is important to love each other. John 13:34-35 says; I give you a new commandment; that you should love one another. Just as I have loved you, so you too should love one another. By this shall all men know that you are my disciples, if you love one another [If you keep on showing love among yourselves].

Jesus doesn't just mean our brothers and sisters in the Lord...He means our enemies too. In Matthew 5:44 Jesus said, ...Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you. But wait...He goes even further in Luke 6:27-28; But I say to you who are listening now to me: Make it a practice to love your enemies, treat well (do good to, act nobly toward) those who detest you and pursue you with hatred. Invoke blessings upon and pray for the happiness of those who curse you, implore God's favor upon those who abuse you and misuse you.

WHEW...those are some pretty strong words. This is no easy task. Let's go deeper...

WHAT IS LOVE?

I'm sure you've heard it and/or read it...

I Corinthians 13:4-8 - Love endures long and is patient and kind; love is never envious nor boils over with jealousy, it is not boastful and does not display itself haughtily. It is not conceited; it is not rude and does not act unbecomingly. Love (GOD'S LOVE IN US) does not insist on its own rights or its own way, for it is not self-seeking; it is not touchy or fretful or resentful; it takes no account of the evil done to it [it pays no attention to a suffered wrong]. It does not rejoice at injustice and unrighteousness, but rejoices when right and truth prevail. Love bears up under anything and everything that comes, is ever ready to believe the best of every person, its hopes are fadeless under all circumstances, and it endures everything [without weakening]. Love never fails...

There really isn't anything more I can add. God has explained "what" love is thoroughly. The next question would be...how?

HOW DO WE LOVE?

In part one of this study we learned that the Scriptures tell us that if we love God...we will keep His commandments. Well, this is one of His commandments. Obviously, we don't just snap our fingers and suddenly have the kind of love described in I Corinthians. It comes gradually over time as we study and learn His Word (His ways). The Word says that God is Love in I John 4:16. So, if we pour enough of God into our lives and spirits...we will automatically love more like He loves. It is what naturally happens as we submit our lives to Him and His will. We grow the "fruit" of love.

We cannot beat ourselves up when we fail. The enemy would love that. We must press on. Make it a point to read I Corinthians 13 as often as you can. Get it in you. And PRAY!

Note: All Scripture was taken from the Amplified Translation.

2006-01-19T18:00:00.000-05:00

In a Moment of Time...It can all be gone.

I just experienced one of those "defining moments." Let me explain...

I live DIRECTLY across the street from a convenience store/gas station. And today, I could've died.

I was busy cooking dinner when the dog began to bark persistently. Someone was banging on the back door. I looked and it was the lady next door. She was frantic. She yelled, "get the kids and get out, FIRE!"

Apparently a car had caught on fire right next to the gas pump and the fire men could not get it out. There was REAL concern that the pumps could blow. I walked into the house calm on the outside and panicked on the inside...I needed to GET OUT. I told my 12 year old to get the baby and both of their baby dolls and then I grabbed my 20 + pound cat, my 10 pound cat, and my mini Yorkie and slammed them into crates. Then I put everything into the car and drove away.

I was crying on the inside...It took EVERYTRHING in me not to lose it in front of my girls...Then I realized something...I didn't care about ANYTHING in the house. The only thing that mattered was that my babies (and their little babies ;) were safe. And the animals, of course.

Honestly, I was surprised that I didn't go for the pictures and stuff. You see, when we were getting ready for the hurricanes two years ago, I made sure all that "materialistic" stuff was safe. However, when put in a GO NOW situation, that "stuff" didn't even cross my mind. And you know what? The only regret my 12 year old had was not grabbing her BIBLE! WOW! Praise the Lord!

I guess I am sharing all of this to remind you what the Word says...(I can't think of the reference right now...) Where your treasure is there your heart will be also...

Don't hang onto your "stuff" so tightly that you can't live without it...it doesn't matter...you can't take it with you...We should only be concerned with the children God gave us, souls, and Him! Because when push comes to shove...all that "stuff" is worthless without God, our children, and the Blood of Jesus Christ!

Oh, and PRAISE THE LORD!!! No one was hurt...just a car!

2006-01-19T09:50:00.000-05:00

The Two Most Important Commandments - Love (part 3)

HIS GOODNESS

Oh, yes, the Lord is Good. I can think of countless situations in my life where His goodness, (manifested in compassion, mercy, and forgiveness) brought me out of very dark places. You should take some time to meditate every day on the goodness He has shown to you in your life.

No time? Yes, there is. In the shower, driving here and there, as you lay in bed, blow drying your hair, putting make up on, cooking dinner, washing dishes, get up earlier, go to bed later, and right now. We say, “we don't have time." Yes, we do. We should always find time to think about the goodness of God and praise His Holy Name!

The Bible has many Scriptures on the Goodness of God. I have listed a few of my favorites.

Titus 3:4-6 ...when the goodness and loving-kindness of God our Savior to man appeared, He saved us, not because of any righteousness that we had done, but because of His own pity and mercy...

Psalm 31:19 Oh, how great is Your goodness, which You have laid up for those who fear, revere, and worship You. Goodness which You have wrought for those who trust and take refuge in You before the sons of men!

Acts 14:17 Yet He did not neglect to leave some witness of Himself, for He did you good and showed you kindness and gave you rains from heaven and fruitful seasons, satisfying your hearts with nourishment and happiness.

Psalm 145:7-9 They shall pour forth like a fountain the fame of Your great and abundant goodness and shall sing aloud of Your rightness and justice. The Lord is gracious and full of compassion, slow to anger and abounding in mercy and loving-kindness. The Lord is good to all, and His tender mercies are over all His works, the entirety of His creation.

Psalm 86:5 For You, O Lord, are good, and ready to forgive our trespasses, letting them go completely and forever; and You are abundant in mercy and loving-kindness to all those who call upon You.

And let's not forget the Israelites in the Book of Exodus. They wandered around the desert for forty years...griping, complaining, unthankful, and unfaithful. Yet, our loving and merciful God still fed them every day, kept them safe, and even prevented their shoes from aging!

God is GOOD! We should never forget His goodness. If we would just reflect on His goodness in our lives and the Scriptures...we would have a whole lot more peace.

2006-01-17T13:45:00.000-05:00

The Two Most Important Commandments - Love (part 2)

Why Should We Love Him?

I'm sure this would seem like an obvious answer. Yet, I think it is important that we really understand the depth of the answer. Why do we or why should we love God? Well, there are more answers to this question then could be answered in a lifetime. But, I will give the best answer I can...

- HE IS INCOMPARABLE. THERE IS NONE LIKE HIM: II Samuel 7:22 says; Therefore You are great, O Lord God; for none is like You, nor is there any God besides You... No other religion has a God like ours. HE IS!

- HIS WAYS ARE PERFECT. HE IS PERFECT: Psalm 18:30 says; As for God, His way is perfect!

- HE IS OUR ROCK AND SHIELD: Psalm 18:30-31 says; ...He is a shield to all those who take refuge and put their trust in Him. For who is God except the Lord? Or who is the Rock save our God? It says it right there...if we will take refuge...He will shield us. How many of us actually take refuge in Him?

- HE IS THE CREATOR OF ALL THINGS: This is covered in Genesis 1. Isaiah 40:12, 22 & 26 as well as countless other verses. What other God created the Universe?

- HE IS EVERLASTING: Habakkuk 3:6 says; He stood and measured the earth; He looked and shook the nations, and the eternal mountains were scattered and the perpetual hills bowed low. His ways are everlasting and His goings are of old.

- HE IS JUST, TRUE, MIGHTY AND SOVEREIGN: Revelation 15:3 says; ...Mighty and marvelous are Your works, O Lord God the Omnipotent! Just and true are Your ways, O Sovereign of the ages. Sing that for a while and you'll feel His presence all around you.

- HE IS MY STRENGTH AND MY SONG: When I am weak I know I can count on Him to be my Strength. Exodus 15:2 says; The Lord is my Strength and my Song....Keep reading that chapter alone for many reasons to love Him.

- HE LOVED US FIRST: I John 4:19 says; We love Him, because He first loved us.

- HE IS OMNIPOTENT (ALL-POWERFUL): Jeremiah 32:17 says; Alas, Lord God! Behold, You have made the heavens and the earth by your great power and by Your outstretched arm! There is nothing too hard for you.

- HE IS OMNIPRESENT (EVER-PRESENT): Read Psalm 139:7-12. He is always here...He is always there. You are never alone. What other "god" can say that?

- HE IS OMNISCIENCE (ALL-KNOWING): I John 3:20 says; ...For He is above and greater than our consciences (our hearts), and He knows and understands everything, nothing is hidden from Him.

These aren’t even the tip of the iceberg...There is not enough time or words to tell all the reasons to love our God. He is The Great I Am, The King of Kings, The Lord of Lords, Jehovah-jireh (my Provider), Jehovah-nissi (He reigns in victory), Jehovah-shalom (my Peace), God Almighty, Heavenly Father, Abba (Father), Holy, Loving, Kind, Gentle, Patient, Worthy, Good, Gracious.....

Do you see what I mean? I really could go on forever.

There is however, another area of "Why" that we will talk about next time...

2006-01-15T13:41:00.000-05:00

The Two Most Important Commandments - LOVE (part 1)

I want to share an article that I wrote for Moms of Faith.
I will post it in several segments...

Love is mentioned well over 350 times in the Bible. I'm sure God must be trying to tell us something. We will start our study with Matthew 22:37-38; And He replied to him, You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the most important and first commandment.

I am sure that we have all heard this verse many times in our Christian lives. But, do we really get it? How do we love God? Why should we love God? Let's explore How to love God today, and tomorrow we'll get into why.

How Do We Love Him?

It is very simply stated by Jesus in John 14:15, If you really love me, you will keep (obey) my commands. As simple as it sounds....it seems to be a very difficult task....or is it? Well, yes and no. If we study the Word, get it into our hearts and minds; it is easier to submit to the Holy Spirit...

However, when we fill our minds with the world, i.e.,

Soap Operas - which encourage adultery, lust, impurity, fornication, lies, deceit, and many other sinful desires. I struggled with these for years. I didn't just watch one...not even just one channel. I would watch one channel and tape another. I was watching six different daytime dramas and several evening ones. I eventually cut back and convinced myself that was good enough. But, no, God wanted me to lay them all down. My mind had become so absorbed with this unrealistic, ungodly world. I didn't want to let go. Of course I eventually did...not without a fight though. The enemy was on full attack mode when I decided to submit to the Lord (obey His commands). I kid you not my TV would just turn on at the precise moment, my VCR would start taping when I didn't set it to, and the grocery store checkout...It was ugly. I didn't give up...and now I am FREE!

Entertainment Magazines - which are filled with gossip, wrong information, slander, hurtful situations in human lives, and really none of our business anyway. These were another stronghold in my life. My favorite was In Touch...or like my husband used to call it, "in touch with the devil." LOL. Let me tell you, I loved these things. I had to know who was cheating on whom, and what this one said about that one....I'm sure there are some of you who know exactly what I am talking about.

Guess what? God wanted these put down too. My flesh fought hard. Honestly, I still have to catch myself. Those grocery store checkout lines are filled with them...I try hard not to even look at them. I am happy to say that I no longer buy them...or even touch them.

Secular music - which is mostly provocative lyrics, self, and worldly principals.
Don't get me wrong. I'm not saying that every non-Christian song is sinful. I'm saying be careful what goes in. It will come out. The Bible says in Galatians 6:7 that we reap what we sow. If we sow junk into our minds we will reap junk. If your searching through the stations looking for a good song to listen to...make sure it is good for your spirit not your flesh.

These examples are ones many Christian women face. You may be thinking I have gone too far...I don't know what I'm talking about. Yes, I do. I know because the Word tells me so.

In I John 2:15 it says, Do not love or cherish the world or the things that are in the world. if anyone loves the world, love for the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world - the lust of the flesh and the lust of the eyes and the pride of life or stability of earthly things - these do not come from the Father, but are from the world itself. And the world passes away and disappears, and with it the forbidden cravings of it; but he who does the will of God and carries out His purposes in his life abides forever.

Next time we will discuss WHY we should love God...

Note: All Scripture was taken from the Amplified Translation.

2006-01-13T21:57:00.000-05:00

And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose. Romans 8:28 (KJV)

I was getting ready to take my girls for a walk today and I had the hardest time finding my shoes and then my keys. It took us a good ten to fifteen minutes. LOL...

Anyway, we finally got out the door. It looked a bit cloudy, but I figured we would be OK. Well, we didn't even get one minute into our walk and it started to rain. So, we ran back to the house and decided to go to the grocery store instead.

From the back seat my 12 year old daughter said, "See Mom, all things work for the good to those that love the Lord. If you didn't misplace your shoes and keys, we would have gotten soaken wet!"

I was stunned by her child like obersavation and how wise and trusting of the Word that it truely was. And you know what? She's right!

We forget this Scripture in our day to day lives....ALL things...not just the big stuff, but the little stuff too. God is always working things out in our favor. Sometimes it takes a child to point out what should be obvious.

I am encouraging you and myself to look for these moments in our lives. Take the time to "see" all the ways God works things our for us....big AND small!

Have a wonderful morning, afternoon, and evening!

Lara ;)

2006-01-12T13:18:00.000-05:00

Be a Doer of the Word

Matthew 7:24-29

So everyone who hears these words of Mine and acts upon them [obeying them] will be like a sensible (prudent, practical, wise) man who built his house upon the rock.

And the rain fell and the floods came and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had been founded on the rock.

And everyone who hears these words of Mine and does not do them will be like a stupid (foolish) man who built his house upon the sand.

And the rain fell and the floods came and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell--and great and complete was the fall of it.

When Jesus had finished these sayings [the Sermon on the Mount], the crowds were astonished and overwhelmed with bewildered wonder at His teaching,

For He was teaching as One Who had [and was] authority, and not as [did] the scribes.

We must be doers of the Word. If we only listen and then go out and contradict what we have learned with our lifestyle, then we are not living the way we should. We must walk the walk. We must be obedient children.

I would like to give you two assignments for the day...

First, PRAY. On and off, under your breath, out loud, ALL day. Seek God, and ask Him to show you the areas in your life that HE wants you to submit, lay down, improve, and/or work on. Then...DO it!

Second, read and meditate on James 1:21-25

Let's Pray,

Daddy God, thank You for making Your Will clear through your life giving Word. Help me to submit to You and be a DOER of the Word and not just a hearer. Help me to walk the walk before my children and live my life completely and totally consecrated to You and YOUR Will. Please show me ANY areas of my life that are out of Your Will for me and I will GLADLY lay them down. Thank You for loving me and teaching me. In Jesus Mighty Name, Amen.

In His Love and Service,

Lara ;)

2006-01-11T21:26:00.000-05:00

Here is my devotional that I posted on the site...

Matthew 7:21-23

Not everyone who says to Me, Lord, Lord, will enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father Who is in heaven.

Many will say to Me on that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in Your name and driven out demons in Your name and done many mighty works in Your name?

And then I will say to them openly (publicly), I never knew you; depart from Me, you who act wickedly disregarding My commands.

We don't like to hear Scriptures like this. I makes us uncomfortable. Unfortunately, ignoring them does NOT make them go away and does NOT help us.

I tried to find a loop hole, Ladies. I looked up every word. It is what it is.
We MUST live our lives the way we are called to. It is unwise and foolish to willfully live in sin and try to 1 John 1:9 it or claim the "grace" card. Don't misunderstand me, God WILL forgive us when we sin. However, when we willingly CHOOSE to reject His Word and adapt it to society we are playing a VERY dangerous game.

Galatians 6:7 says; Do not be deceived and deluded and misled; God will not allow Himself to be sneered at (scorned, disdained, or mocked by mere pretensions or professions, or by His precepts being set aside.) [He inevitably deludes himself who attempts to delude God.] For whatever a man sows, that and that only is what he will reap.

We are NOT called to live fleshly carnal lives.

We are NOT called to be imitators of this world.

We are NOT called to change the Word to fit with "the times."

We are NOT called to be friends of this world.

We ARE called to be a LIGHT in a dark world.

We ARE called to be aliens waiting to go home.

We ARE called to speak the Truth.

We ARE called to stand up for the Truth.

We ARE called to SUBMIT and OBEY God's Word.

We ARE called to live a CONSECRATED life.

Let's STOP making excuses to sin and START shining the light of TRUTH. Let's get into alignment and start listening to Daddy's voice.

2005-12-20T00:52:00.000-05:00

I realize that I haven't posted in a while....I started this at a bad time...However, I will be posting more VERY soon. This is something that the Lord has put on my heart...I think I just jumped the gun...LOL...please check back soon ;)

2005-12-02T15:06:00.000-05:00

I decided to start a special Blog just for devotionals and my thoughts as a Christian. I have another one that I share my business and website struggles and triumphs...But I thought this would be a great opportunity to express myself as a Christian and hopefully minister to other Christian women...

Let me begin with when God started to reveil His call on my life...

A few months ago God called me to create a wesite for Christian Mothers while I was sitting at my dining room table working on some writing. He then gave me the idea for a Daily Devotional. I dove right in without any thought. I just wanted to obey...As I wrote every day the enemy began his attack. He began to attack me at church, at home, friendships, and my marriage.

It is not always easy to walk the road that God calls for us. We can however, be assured of God always walking with us. He never leaves us...even when it seems to be a lonely road that He has put us on. He puts us in these places to build our character and to help us become all that He created us to be.

It is in these times that we must remember what Proverbs 3:5 says...Lean on, trust in, and be confident in the Lord with all your heart and mind and do not rely on your own insight or understanding. We need to trust in the One Who loves us more than we could ever imagine. We must trust that He will walk with us through the valley's, cry with us through the pain, and finally rejoice with us when we accomplish our call.