I Testify..

Dear Lord, I just want to say thank you for everything. You build me up, give me so much confidence, You hear my prayers and You answer my questions. You are God! Elohim! You are almighty. 

I testify that you still speak to your children. You answer when we call. I testify to the fact that when we draw near to you, you will draw near to us! I testify that you are good, merciful, gracious and kind! I testify that you are indeed God with us! Truly your ways are not the ways of men! You reward those who diligently seek you! You show yourself to those who hunger and thirst for you! You fill us up with bread from heaven! 

You have indeed begun a good work in me please keep me in you! I truly surrender all to you; take all of me! Have your way. I thank you for a wonderful walk with you in August! Thank you for what you have begun in my life! 

I just want to say I love you. Thank you for giving me the strength to seek you!  Hide me now under your wings take me all of me! Have your way in me!!

Prayers...

Dear Lord, please increase my capacity to absorb your word and all that the Holy Spirit is teaching me. Break through my tendencies and for my weaknesses, please give me Your strength; for your strength cannot fail me. Please grant unto me, wisdom, knowledge, and understanding. Lord you promised not to hold back; you promised to give me liberally. 

Dear Lord, please pour on me the anointing and the grace to pray always; (to wait on You) like Elijah did, and even more. Pour it out on me without limit. Help me also to surrender my ALL to You in every area of my life. I want all of you as I give you my all. 

Dear Lord help me to be ready when I close my eyes to this world. Help also my husband, my children, my family, my brothers, sisters, friends and all I come in contact with. Save us your children Dear Lord. For in Jesus mighty name I pray. Amen. 

I Used To Envy The People Of The Old Testament...

I used to envy the people of the Old Testament like Abraham, Moses, Samuel, Daniel, David just to mention a few (especially Moses and Abraham). 

I thought, they heard God speak oh so clearly surely it would have been more encouraging and easier to obey. They had His voice, His clear instruction to guide them he appeared to Moses in the burning bush or to others through His glorious angels. I felt He revealed Himself to them more! 

I even prayed sometimes that I could see Him, and hopefully hear Him speak to me in a loud thundering voice... I prayed sometimes with my children "Lord make me an obedient child like Samuel" or "I want to be your best friend like Abraham." 

My heart would sink each time I felt I was asking for too much that it may never happen or that I was asking for the impossible. I feared to tell people my deep desire because I knew they'd say I'm just not serious! I shared this desire once and I remember being told they admired my zeal but I'm just funny. But who would read these amazing stories and not desire such! Well, I think these amazing stories helped me in the sense that it kept me desiring to know God more and have a close walk with Him. I don't regret this!  

Today I came across 2 Corinthians 3v3-18. And as I meditated on it I realized I have it even better. If so be it that the word of God says so, then I accept!! 

³ Clearly, you are a letter from Christ showing the result of our ministry among you. This “letter” is written not with pen and ink, but with the Spirit of the living God. It is carved not on tablets of stone, but on human hearts.⁴ We are confident of all this because of our great trust in God through Christ. ⁵ It is not that we think we are qualified to do anything on our own. Our qualification comes from God. ⁶ He has enabled us to be ministers of his new covenant. This is a covenant not of written laws, but of the Spirit. The old written covenant ends in death; but under the new covenant, the Spirit gives life.

The Glory of the New Covenant

⁷ The old way, with laws etched in stone, led to death, though it began with such glory that the people of Israel could not bear to look at Moses’ face. For his face shone with the glory of God, even though the brightness was already fading away. ⁸ Shouldn’t we expect far greater glory under the new way, now that the Holy Spirit is giving life? ⁹ If the old way, which brings condemnation, was glorious, how much more glorious is the new way, which makes us right with God! ¹⁰ In fact, that first glory was not glorious at all compared with the overwhelming glory of the new way. ¹¹ So if the old way, which has been replaced, was glorious, how much more glorious is the new, which remains forever!

¹² Since this new way gives us such confidence, we can be very bold. ¹³ We are not like Moses, who put a veil over his face so the people of Israel would not see the glory, even though it was destined to fade away. ¹⁴ But the people’s minds were hardened, and to this day whenever the old covenant is being read, the same veil covers their minds so they cannot understand the truth. And this veil can be removed only by believing in Christ.¹⁵ Yes, even today when they read Moses’ writings, their hearts are covered with that veil, and they do not understand.

¹⁶ But whenever someone turns to the Lord, the veil is taken away. ¹⁷ For the Lord is the Spirit, and wherever the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. ¹⁸ So all of us who have had that veil removed can see and reflect the glory of the Lord. And the Lord—who is the Spirit—makes us more and more like him as we are changed into his glorious image.

I am glad I have new hope. I wasn't crazy  after all! The word confirms it. I have it better!!! I receive it by faith! 

PRAYER.

Dear Lord, thank You! Thank You For the finished work of the Cross of Calvary. The more I read Your word the more I hear you clearly saying to me how awesome and mighty a thing you did for us, when You sacrificed Your own Son on the cross. You gave us a gift that keeps giving many more other gifts. The implication of His death is so mighty! I may never fully comprehend the depth of it! Thank You Lord! Your word is true when You said that The glory of this latter house shall be greater than of the former, saith the LORD of hosts. Thank You Lord, for what You have done. I praise Your name for I have renewed faith and hope that I have it better than Moses and Abraham! Glory be to Your Holy name!!! You are awesome, I love You and I will wait on You!!!! In Jesus mighty name I pray Amen!

The Secret To Wealth and Riches

The word of God is complete. I once heard that it is the instruction manual for living. Living by its instruction, truly guides us through life, Jesus makes us know that He is The Way, The Truth and The Life.(John 14v6) The way I interpret this is- His word is the truth. He will show us the way (because he is the way) and give us life!! This word is given to us through the Bible. 

There are so many principles given to us by various authors on how to get wealth, how to be rich and so on. While these books are helpful, my choice of read is still the Bible. The words in it come alive in my life and thats no wonder because it is The Life! There are so many treasures and promises that would remain hidden till I search them out! So many principles to live by that are True. 

As I wait on Him, I discover them (promises and principles) and I will hold on tightly to them. I will practice these principles so that they will be activated in my life. While there are so many of them, I came across one today, and it is a clear principle on not only riches, but honor and long life. 

Proverbs 22v4- True humility and fear of The Lord lead to riches, honor, and long life!!!

(Matt 6v33, Ps112v3 also say similar things.)

Simple! Though my focus and my wait is on knowing God, obeying His instructions, having a rich relationship with Him close fellowship with His Holy Spirit and living the new life given to me by my Savior and King, My Lord Jesus Christ, it's such an advantage that these blessings come along with it! 

No wonder, I saw the same principle at work in the life of Solomon in the Bible (1kings3 and 2Chron1). 

Solomon asked for wisdom and knowledge but God gave him wisdom, knowledge, riches, honor and long life!

I must add that from scripture, Prov1v7, Ps111v10, Prov9v10 and Job 28v28 all say one thing "The fear of God is the begining of wisdom."

Could it be that by asking for wisdom and knowledge, King Solomon automatically asked for The Fear of God?

I am greatly encouraged to wait on The Lord!! To seek Him, know more about Him! This journey is the sweetest journey ever!!!! Such discovery! Such joy I feel in my heart!!! The word of God is Loaded!! :)

PRAYER. 

Dear Lord, teach me to fear you! Teach me your ways. I want to dwell in your courts forever keep me deeply rooted in you! Keep me focused on you. For in you I find my rest, my peace, my joy! Have your way in me, refine and purify me cause people to see and come to you!!!!!! Everyone should know you! You are big enough for all of us. Call many to have this same wonderful experience. Teach me to fear you Lord! To obey you! To cling tightly to you!! Where will I be without you! Teach me to fear You Lord! You are wonderful and I love you! 

 

I Will Watch What I Do!!

I have learnt a lot of things in my walk with God! One of the things I have noticed as I wait on God (to know him more), is my consciousness of not wanting to sin against Him. The more I practice His presence,the more I am careful of what I allow myself to think and what I do! Psalm 39v1 explains this feeling precisely- I said to myself "I will watch what I do and not sin in what I say. I will hold my tongue when the ungodly are around me." NLT. 

It's wonderful! His presence truly guides me. I don't want leave!!! I want to remain here! I'm far from perfect that's why I need to be close to the one who is-Perfect! 

Yesterday, I needed a word to use in my defense when the enemy comes to plague my mind, or even tempt me! After all, 1Peter5v8 warns me to -Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour. 

He is at the hem of my clothes waiting for an opportunity to derail me. In my worry not to offend God I prayed "Lord give me a word to use against the enemy when he attacks. If he was bold enough to tempt Jesus, who am I that he can't tempt". 

Jesus had his own weapon. (Mat4v1-11). To fight against the enemy I needed mine! I knew better than to worry so I prayed.- Father give me a word! Give me my "it is written"  so that the enemy won't take advantage of me! God answers prayers! Today I found a word that spoke to my spirit! It was in 1Cor15v57- But thank God! He gives us victory over sin and death through our Lord Jesus Christ.NLT. 

I'm so glad he answered my prayer. I have the victory over sin!!! Answer to prayer sure encourages one to pray more!! My eyes have been open to this scripture and I know I will see even more. I know what to say! I'll practice the use of it!... But I have one more worry!- I'll tell it to Him. After-all, He hears, He answers!!!!

PRAYER. 

Thank you dear Lord for your Son, thank you for answers to prayer. Thank you for making a way of escape. Thank You for you guide me, you lead me in the paths of righteousness and you are at work in me both to will and to do of your good pleasure. Dear Lord, I don't want to forget your word! etch them on my heart and in my mind! Impress them upon my spirit. I never want to forget. Help me sweet Spirit of God teach me and I will never forget the word of God! I can only succeed if You help me my own arm will fail me. Thank you for I know you will exceed my expectation! I thank you for what you have prepared for me from eternity!! Oh how I love You Lord. Keep me deeply rooted in You!! I bless Your Holy name.  For in Jesus mighty name I pray!! Amen!

To Those Who Wait!

Thank you for Your promises to those who wait on You dear Lord! 

Psalm 40v1-4

I waited patiently for the Lord;

and he inclined unto me, and heard my cry.

 He brought me up also out of an horrible pit, out of the miry clay,

and set my feet upon a rock, and established my goings.

 And he hath put a new song in my mouth,

even praise unto our God:many shall see it, and fear, and shall trust in the Lord.

 Blessed is that man that maketh the Lord his trust,

and respecteth not the proud, nor such as turn aside to lies.

•The Lord will hear my cry, he will lift me out of the pit of despair. 

•He will set my feet on solid ground and steady me as I walk along. 

•I will sing a new songs hymn of praise to My God.

•Many will see what He has done and be amazed-They will put their trust in The Lord.  

I will hold on to this promise! I will gaze at it again and again anytime I am discouraged -for this is my destination. I am encouraged that my wait will not be in vain because God is more than able and He is not a man that he should lie...

I went to bed yesterday, weak but today I woke up strengthened! I went to bed hungry but today, I am satisfied. I went to bed needing comfort but today I am comforted and encouraged! 

It gives me great pleasure to know that my desires are aligned with his promise. It gives me great hope!!!!!

PRAYER

Thank You Lord for You are gracious and kind! Merciful and mighty. Thank you Lord because You are able there is no limit to Your awesome power! Oh thank You Lord. It is so amazing that a God of your magnitude and might will turn to me and hear my cry- then go ahead to lift me up! Only a great God like you can do this!!!!

I thank for giving me a glimpse of my destination. I have hope and I am greatly  encouraged! I praise your name for you alone are worthy! Thank you for where You are taking me to. I give You my praise. 

Now dear Lord my heart is open engrave your words upon my heart. My mind is open and my ears are wide open. Instruct me and lead me. Do with me what so ever you will. Take all of me. Have your way. I am yours after all, you created me and I know I am safe in your arms. 

My heart is full of thanks. Be glorified Lord for I pray in Jesus mighty name. Amen. 

You are my strength!!

Dear Lord, 

Lead me on the paths in which I should go! Keep my feet from stumbling. Order my steps for your name sake!!! Show me Your ways for I look up to You Lord every step of the way. 

When my eyelids are heavy with sleep, even when my body is weak to my will. When I'm downcast and discouraged even then oh Lord God almighty pour out more strength on me and lift me up for you promised dear Lord that your eyes goes to and fro to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to You.(2Chron16v9)

Keep my eyes fixed on You! Help me that I may not loose focus. Help me grow in You dear Lord! Keep me rooted in You for I cannot bear the cost of having it any other way!! 

I have made up my mind to trust in You! Trust I will! Keep me from falling! Help me to be aware of your presence always for I'll have it no other way!! To You be all the glory,honor, power and might!  

For in Jesus mighty name I pray!!!!

I wait...

Open the eyes of my heart Lord. I want to know You more. As I come into Your presence hungry, thirsty with my arms and heart open wide please feed me! Fill me draw me close to You. Into Your warm and loving embrace and let the sweet perfume of Your Holiness, Your love and kindness rub off on me! 

I can't do anything or make it on my own please don't let my coming be in vain! I need Your Spirit. 

I have resolved in my heart that whether I like it or not, feel anything or not see anything or not You are The Lord. Regardless of how I feel. And I wait patiently knowing that growth and change cannot take place in a day; it takes time and You are too mighty and too awesome for me to know in just a day. And it takes time to develop rich lasting relationships.  However, I am determined to show how much I love You by waiting on You. Even if it takes a lifetime. 

But Lord, give me strength pour out even  more grace please dear Lord and feed me each time. That I may not go weary. I will wait... You are worthy. 

Concerning Spiritual Gifts...(2)

Dear Lord, 

Please pour upon me your good Spirit. Enable me Lord even as I desire to speak in true tongues and even more so, the grant into me the grace to interpret tongues. That I may be strengthened and built up in You!!!

You word says to be eager to do these things. To prophesy and to speak in tongues. Yet Lord not my will but let Your will be done! Be it done unto me according to Your word. 

I thank You in advance for where You have brought be from and where You are taking me to. I bless Your name. In Jesus mighty name I pray. Amen.  

Concerning Spiritual Gifts...

Even though love as I have learnt is the ultimate. The word of God through Paul the apostle instructs that we should also desire the special abilities the Spirit gives. 

I honestly do desire these gifts and special abilities. (1Corinthians 12,13 & 14.) 

I fully understand these gifts are for strengthening each other in the body of Christ and I do honestly desire that we all be strengthened as we also strengthen one another. 

PRAYER. 

Thank You Lord for the gifts of the Spirit. Not my word but You word says to desire them. Lord please make me a beneficiary of these gifts. Pour them down on me without limit Dear Lord.

Your word says that i should delight my self in You oh Lord and you will give me the desires of my heart. Your Holy word also says thou hast heard the desire of the humble: thou wilt prepare their heart, thou wilt cause thine ear to hear; Prepare my heart Father, give ear to my prayers Lord and answer. Be it done to me according to Your word, according to Your promises. 

I thank You in advance knowing You will exceed all my expectations. Let me experience You like never before. I wait on You Dear Lord. In Jesus Mighty name I pray. Amen. 

Be Still...Wait Patiently...

It's easy to be discouraged when you want something and it seems like you are never going to have it. Giving up usually becomes an attractive option. Resentment for the thing we so desperately wanted in the first place may also come into the picture. Waiting isn't such an easy thing to do. We become anxious impatient,doubtful or we even give up. 

But the truth simply is that it takes time to build solid and lasting structures. Fine wine becomes rich with time, good things take time to harvest. There must be a reason why babies take nine months sometimes more in the womb before they are born. Trying to get there quicker has its risks and side effects and probably, also, faults. But nothing is usually found wanting when a thing is left to full maturation. 

While waiting on something (anything) or someone it usually seems like nothing is changing. Like we are wasting time and especially when whatever we are waiting for or on, is the center of our attention. This could be very discouraging. 

I'm waiting on The Lord ... And sometimes I can't help but get the feeling that nothing is ever going to change. And even though I'm very hopeful with a clear image of my expectations of which I know God has promised to exceed, once in a while, I find myself almost slipping into this phase of the cyclic monotony of repetitive actions, unconsciously. 

But I'm encouraged. Because there's bread while I wait. Freshly baked each day. Today's bread truly satisfied my specific hunger. It came from the oven of Psalm 37v7- "Be still in the presence of The Lord and wait patiently for Him to act. Some days back I read (ate)in Psalm 27v14- "wait patiently for The Lord. Be brave and courageous. Yes, wait patiently for The Lord. 

It is important to me that I eat because I don't know how long I might be waiting for. I will not waste the bread. I am determined to wait for Him because I love Him and since I can't buy Him gifts I will show Him how much I love him and need him by waiting on Him. 

I'm also encouraged because I'm excited to see what he has in store for me. 

I know that though I can't see growth,  growth happens. I know I have grown. I cant see change either but change sure happens and I am changing. Though I cannot see where I'm going I know I will get there because I strongly believe and I have faith that what my eyes cannot see and what my mind cannot comprehend, where my feet cannot carry me to and where my strength fails my God is more than able to carry me through. 

PRAYER

Heavenly Father, I don't need to see You to know You are real. I accept You just the way You are. You know my hearts desire, a closer walk than Moses had, a deeper friendship than Abraham had, more fear than Daniel had more respect and obedience for You than Samuel had more Praise and worship than David gave You and so much more... is my desire and that's why I wait on You. I love You so much Lord I want to please You in all my ways. I want to be a song that continuously sings of Your goodness and mercy, grace and power, glory and splendor, majesty and  authority. 

Lord please exceed my expectation. Where I am now, I know is a far cry from all these things but I hope in Your mighty and powerful ability that is able to make me into what You want me to be.  I know without a shadow of doubt that You can and will exceed my expectations. 

  Father please I need more of Your Spirit more of your grace, more Dear Lord while I wait. 

I thank You in advance because You have done it. I give You my praise because because You are more than able. Glory, honour, strength, wisdom, power and majesty be to Your Holy name    In Jesus mighty name I pray. Amen. 

Dry Spells

We all go through this phase as Christians and I'm glad to know its not peculiar to me. I couldn't help but be thankful for this piece by one of my favorite Devotionals by Andrew Mark Scott. It's really reassuring to know that we serve a God that sees us through ALL our trials. 

ANDREW MARK SCOTT'S DEVOTIONALS

Taking God At His Word. 

Friday August 16, 2013. 

Dry Spells

There are times when prayer seems like a trickle. The pump to our spiritual well has run dry and the words are just a whimper, a sigh or a moan. You may not feel far from God, but the passion for prayer, reading the word and worship has all but evaporated by the heat of life's circumstances. 

Your soul is parched for water, but you are too weary even thinking of filling a glass of cold water no less find it. Then you are gripped by hunger pains only to be overwhelmed by thirst in this endless cycle of need. A deep weariness overtakes you and all you do is want to sleep even if you are famished and parched. You really don't know which need to satisfy because the demands are too great. Distractions all around you threaten to swallow your last ounce of strength.

We all go through dry spells in our Christian walk. This wilderness experience will be re-visited many times over our lifetime. While the first time may be the most difficult, it still can be a challenge even for the most seasoned believer. Before the dry spell, often there is a mountain top experience where fellowship with God is sweet. His power and strength is known. Worship flows freely. The Scriptures are alive and promises almost jump off the page. There is an excitement and renewed vision for the things of God. Passion to love Him surges to new heights.

Then the Enemy stops up our wells like Isaac experienced in Genesis 26:15. He tries to prevent the flow of fresh water to sustain our lives in the wilderness (or the wild places where beasts and enemies dwell). 

But God gives us a promise to carry us through these tough wilderness experiences where we are stripped of pride, self-reliance and ego. A place where God tests our hearts. Will we be just as passionate and loving toward Him when our wells have run dry? When the noon day heat threatens to scorch our souls? Or will we complain and accuse of Him of neglect and question why He has forsaken us?

It says in Isaiah 58:11, "And the LORD shall guide thee continually, and satisfy thy soul in drought, and make fat thy bones: and thou shalt be like a watered garden, and like a spring of water, whose waters fail not" (KJV).

Dig deep beloved, in those dry times, there is a hidden spring in Christ to be found. It will burst forth with living water but only to those who resign themselves to His care in times of dryness and weariness.

http://andrewdevotional.blogspot.com/?m=1

Blessed in Your Presence.. (Reflections)

It's been seven days now since I have been consistently in Your presence. I'm  happy to have come this far and I know that I have learnt a lot. 

I am learning that Your presence changes me. I'm learning to be aware that You are always with me even though I cannot see You and that You are Lord irrespective of my feelings or thoughts...learning to take it that way.

I am also learning the importance of Your word! I noticed you comfort and guide me; especially my emotions and actions by what You say in your word (The Bible) as I read daily. You leave words of promises, assurance, comfort, instruction and direction that at first I just read alone but now I am carrying through out my day as I recite them to myself or tell them to others given the opportunity. 

Today is particularly special because I woke up glad like I had a special delivery waiting for me and I realized it was Your grace that You daily pour out and have always been pouring out faithfully, but today I felt it. The realization of this daily allocation, made me thank You more when I praised Your name. You are truly faithful Lord. 

Lastly I realize what a great privilege and a beautiful opportunity it is to be in Your presence. I feel blessed. I don't want this to end I want it to be my life. Not just visiting but abiding, living, dwelling daily in Your presence. This is where I want to be...

PRAYER. 

Lord of Lords, King of Kings, Maker and Ruler of every living thing who sits on the throne. My Lord, My God! Thank You for Your grace and Mercy, for Your faithfulness and Your presence. Thank You for You hear me when I call I'm glad to call You Father receive my praise Lord. 

You are a rewarder of those who diligently seek You Lord, Father I ask for more grace to seek Your face that I may receive the reward of Your presence. 

I ask Dear Lord that You give me the wisdom to apply everything You instruct and teach me in my daily life. 

Help me to lay up Your word in my heart and help me to grow richer in You. Don't allow me seek You in vain please mould me and make me into what You want me to be. My eyes are on You and I wait patiently Lord. I thank You in advance for where You are taking me to and for making me complete into whom You have called me to be. Blessed be Your name forever and ever. For in Jesus Mighty name I pray. Amen.  

My Morning Prayer

Good Morning Dear Lord, thank You for waking me up into your presence with a song in my heart and praises upon my lips. I cannot thank You enough for You  oh Lord are the very air I breathe, the song I sing. The shouts of a million angels are not enough to praise You and Your kingdom and dominion is forever more. Thank You for your awesome presence. Thank you for everything.   

Dear Lord, I pray that Your gracious had will be upon me today. Pour out your good Spirit without limit over me. Help me to please You in all my ways.I hide myself and all that concerns me in You. Pour out more grace upon me today. 

Thanks be to Your Holy Name. Be thou exalted above the Highest heaven. May Your name be praised forever and ever. Amen. 

This is my desire

Oh how I want to know You Lord! Not from a distance not from far but close to me!  So close that I can hear what you are saying to me. 

How happy that day will be; for then I will know what to do, where to go and where not to go, how to conduct myself and what to say. 

For indeed You will guide me in the paths in which I should go and I will not be ashamed. You will instruct me, lead me and guide me. 

Oh how I long to hear Your voice ever so clearly and all the time like Moses, and all the prophets. 

I'm comforted dear Lord knowing that nothing I will ever ask is beyond Your ability. Instead, You go ahead to exceed my expectation. For this I'm grateful and I thank You in advance as I patiently wait excited to see where You will take me. I love You Lord and there is no one like You. 

I Am with you ALWAYS.

Thank You Lord for waking me up this morning. What a blessing it is to come before His Majesty. 

 I often tell myself that the breath  in my lungs and the blood flowing through my veins are indications that You haven't given up on me and You are giving me the opportunity of a second chance. For this Lord I'm truly grateful and encouraged. Thank You Lord.

As I read my Bible, waiting on You, I have faith that I heard You ask me "what will you do if you knew I were right there with you?" 

My mind went far as I began to ponder on and answer the question. I will not do some things I do. Won't say some things too and I will certainly talk to Him more, ask more questions. I won't feel so afraid and alone. Surely the way I conduct myself will be totally different. 

Then I also believe you instructed me to go about my day KNOWING YOU ARE RIGHT THERE.... 

Lets try this today Lord, together, and see how today goes. 

PRAYER. 

Dear Lord please pour out more grace to obey Your instruction as I determine in my heart to go about my day with full consciousness that's You are right there by my side. Remind me when it seems like I'm forgetting. I pray my ways pleases You today. Open my eyes to see and appreciate how Great You are.  Thank You for where You are taking me to. I give you all the glory. You are awesome and I love You. Blessed be Your Holy Name. In Jesus mighty name I pray. Amen. 

Ps Lord help me make it here tomorrow, for I truly want to know You More and More. 

Oh Lord My Eyes Are On You...

Who can help me when all else fails me? Where or to whom can I run to when there's no one arround? Who can I trust when I have been disappointed? Who will hear my desperate cry?

Even when my own wisdom fails me, and my strength gives way. When my abilities, skills and even when my body is weak to my will... When sorrows and trouble and worries torment me. When it seems like there is no way out. When fear consumes me, when sadness lays with me and I am left all alone with no where to turn...

When my heart is troubled and I seek understanding for where I got it all wrong. When I'm deep in confusion and need answers that I may make some sense out all that seems to be going on. When I don't know where to turn. 

Even in this I have learnt! I know better than to look at the depth of my pit but to look to your High and Lofty Mountain. 

Oh Lord my eyes are on You... Whose arms are ever wide open? Whose embrace gives me peace and warmth? Even when my heart fails me Your grace cannot fail me. 

I hear You say again and again why don't you trust me? Why don't you allow me help you?  Why are you still carrying this heavy burden? Why don't you come to me? My arms are wide open and I can handle it! 

Lord from where I stand I will give You Praise as I fix my eyes on You. I am thankful for You can see beyond my eyes would ever see. You know more than my mind would ever imagine. You can do all things and can fix the toughest problems. All power belongs to You, and I can rest in Your strength. I learnt in church today, to give You Prophetic praise because You oh Lord exist in eternity. You know and have experienced me and Your Kingdom reigns over the kingdoms of men. I will sing Your praise oh Almighty God because nothing is to difficult for You. When I cast my mind back you have always been there. I thank You for You and see the end from the beginning  therefore, I will put my trust in You!! Oh Alpha and Omega. 

I only ask my Lord, that I will continue to dwell in Your courts all the days of my Life. I praise You oh Lord.  

I wait on You....

I woke up this morning Dear Lord  and You were the first thing on my mind as I rushed out of bed to Your presence. So many thoughts came to my mind as I sat quietly like "will I know what to say?", "will I say enough?" One of my worries is that I may not be able to fully express myself to You. But when words fail me I know my heart won't so Lord, I give you my heart. 

Every good relationship is built on so many things as I have come to realize and one of which is time. My Lord, as I sow these few hours please help me grow to know You more as this is my desire. I refuse to believe You wont grant my humble request as Mathew 7 v 7-11 and Luke 11 v 5-13 comes to mind. Please Lord, I need You. I ask for more of You. I don't want to live my life without Your full influence after all, we are influenced by who we keep constant company of. 

As a seed Dear Lord I sow these few hours with the hope that soon, we will grow so fond of each other that I won't be able to stay away from You for even a second. Here's my hand Lord take me deeper....

Oh just one more thing Lord, thank You for waking me up by 5am this morning. I know I should have slept earlier. Please Lord, I ask for the grace to make it back here by 4am tomorrow. Thank You Father in advance. I love You and I think You are the best gift anyone could ever have. (Words are not enough). Praises, Honor, Strength, Wisdom, Glory, Power and Majesty be to Your Holy and wonderful name. In Jesus mighty name I pray. Amen

Mathew 7 v 7-11.

7Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you:
8For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened.
9Or what man is there of you, whom if his son ask bread, will he give him a stone?
10Or if he ask a fish, will he give him a serpent?
11If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children, how much more shall your Father which is in heaven give good things to them that ask him?

And Luke 11 v 5-13.

5And he said unto them, Which of you shall have a friend, and shall go unto him at midnight, and say unto him, Friend, lend me three loaves;

6For a friend of mine in his journey is come to me, and I have nothing to set before him?
7And he from within shall answer and say, Trouble me not: the door is now shut, and my children are with me in bed; I cannot rise and give thee.
8I say unto you, Though he will not rise and give him, because he is his friend, yet because of his importunity he will rise and give him as many as he needeth.
9And I say unto you, Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you.
10For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened.
11If a son shall ask bread of any of you that is a father, will he give him a stone? or if he ask a fish, will he for a fish give him a serpent?
12Or if he shall ask an egg, will he offer him a scorpion?
13If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children: how much more shall your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to them that ask him?

Just Keep Coming....

I love swimming. The fact that I can derive so much benefit from something that gives me so much pleasure is such a blessing. I decided to take my interest to the next level and improve on my strokes, endurance and basically get better at it. 

It wasn't long before I started getting frustrated with the fact that I couldn't get past my current status. I felt stuck. Is this all I'm ever going to be? I knew I could do better. I wanted more....Faster,  precise, and I sure didn't want to pant as much after each lap. 

In my quest for better, I asked the lifeguard "how come I'm not getting any better at this?" And his answer was simple " just keep coming". 

I knew he was right. The only struggle I now had to face, wasn't the struggle in water, but to do my best and make sure that I made it to the pool and I'll be just fine. One lesson I learnt is not to struggle 'with' the water, but struggle 'to' water. (I mean to make it to the pool).

Like swimming, I really want to know God more than I currently do. I want to know how to Praise him more, obey Him more, hear Him speak to me clearly, fear only Him. I want closer, I want deeper. I believe that if I can achieve this, prayer will be a delight...something to hunger for, worship will be quite an experience. And serving only Him won't be such a struggle. 

So I started again, and this time I won't struggle in His presence, but struggle to His presence. The first step is to make out time. I dragged myself out of bed by 4am today and I said this prayer....

PRAYER

My dear Father, I thank You for waking me up this morning. Thank You for telling me to come boldly before Your throne of grace. I realize that Your grace is sufficient to carry me through. Your hands are more than able and You are more than able to mould me. Your blood is more than powerful enough to wash me clean. Your strength is enough to energize me because You are Jehovah  El-Shadai the God that is more than enough.

Dear Lord, here I am. I made out time to seek You. Please help me make it back here 4am tomorrow. I will do my best and struggle if I have to because I realize, that's all I need to do. Then You'll do the rest. 

Dear Lord, You know I love You and more than anything in the world I want to know You. Please Lord, help me for in Jesus mighty name I pray. Amen. 

Discipline Me Lord.

I remember when I was much younger. Mom was the worst thing I could ever imagine. Never letting me have my way always yelling about one thing or the other. Always talking and talking.... Endlessly. So strict and tough. But I always loved her wanted her to love me back the way I wanted her to. Which will include a little yes to what I wanted. More tv, more outings etc. Little did I know that she saw ahead. Loved me in a different way. Loved my future didn't want me to "use the fleeting pleasures of now, destroy my tomorrow." Today I can stand tall. And it all makes more sense now what she was trying to do to me....for me. All she was doing was  trying to mould me, shape me and even though it hurt soooo badly, it was good for me in the end. Now we get along nicely  I value her more and I see clearly now what she was trying to do. I will be eternally grateful to her for who I am today is a direct result of her sacrifice for me. 

PRAYER

Dear Lord. Please discipline me like mom did and even more. So I may come out pure. I realize I might not like it at all and I'm even almost scared to ask you to..... But I also realize its what I need. Discipline me Lord but not in your anger. For it is better for me to be at your mercy than at he mercy of anyone else. Teach me to obey, honor, trust and fear You. Teach my lips to praise and worship You. Mould me. Make me into what pleases You.  Please Lord don't relent when I cry for pain for it will be good for me in the end. Mom didn't give up on me please Lord don't give up on me because you are mightier and more powerful. Hear and answer my desperate cry Lord for in the end I know I will not be ashamed. Only You knows my future. Thank You Lord for You hear and answer prayers, for I pray in Jesus mighty name.  Amen.  

This one's for you Mom, thanks for making me stand tall on the happiest day of my life!!! God bless you and renew your youth like that of the eagle! Thank You Lord all glory be to Your Holy name! 

Psalm 27

Psalm 27

Of David

New International Version (NIV)

¹ The Lord is my light and my salvation—
    whom shall I fear?
The Lord is the stronghold of my life—
    of whom shall I be afraid?

² When the wicked advance against me
    to devour me,
it is my enemies and my foes
    who will stumble and fall.
³ Though an army besiege me,
    my heart will not fear;
though war break out against me,
    even then I will be confident.

⁴ One thing I ask from the Lord,
    this only do I seek:
that I may dwell in the house of the Lord
    all the days of my life,
to gaze on the beauty of the Lord
    and to seek him in his temple.
⁵ For in the day of trouble
    he will keep me safe in his dwelling;
he will hide me in the shelter of his sacred tent
    and set me high upon a rock.

⁶ Then my head will be exalted
    above the enemies who surround me;
at his sacred tent I will sacrifice with shouts of joy;
    I will sing and make music to the Lord.

⁷ Hear my voice when I call, Lord;
    be merciful to me and answer me.
⁸ My heart says of you, “Seek his face!”
    Your face, Lord, I will seek.
⁹ Do not hide your face from me,
    do not turn your servant away in anger;
    you have been my helper.
Do not reject me or forsake me,
    God my Savior.
¹⁰ Though my father and mother forsake me,
    the Lord will receive me.
¹¹ Teach me your way, Lord;
    lead me in a straight path
    because of my oppressors.
¹² Do not turn me over to the desire of my foes,
    for false witnesses rise up against me,
    spouting malicious accusations.

¹³ I remain confident of this:
    I will see the goodness of the Lord
    in the land of the living.
¹⁴ Wait for the Lord;
    be strong and take heart
    and wait for the Lord.

PRAYER

Dear Lord I pray this psalm of David today; truly my heart says to seek your face dear Lord please do not hide your face from me. Truly I do not deserve to stand in your awesome presence I stumble and fall again and again but Lord, who can help me? who do I have on earth but You? Who can I call on in heaven but You oh Lord. Whose grace and mercy is powerful even more powerful than my shortcomings? Whose arm is strong enough to deliver me? Dear Lord. The only thing I'm sure of Lord is that I'm lost without You.  Please do not pass me by. Help me! I want to see your face.  I want to hear your voice. I want to dwell in your house. Please Help me Lord. I know I cant make it on my own but Your word says "come to me" "call on me". Lord You are beautiful for all situations I come to You. Here I am.  You said blessed is he who hungers and thirsts for righteousness for he shall be filled. Here i am Lord hungry and thirsty. Here's my cup Lord. Fill my cup Lord. For I ask in Jesus Mighty Name. Amen. 

Little Prayers

Dear Lord, 

I want to be close to You but I'm aware of my limitations and my imperfections. My difficulties and short comings. 

But Lord I know your power is able to break through my difficulties because You are Almighty. 

Thank you Lord for You hear and answer prayers. In Jesus mighty name I pray. Amen. 

PRAYER

"Lord I don't know how to start but I know I have things  in my heart that I have to pour out please help me Lord. 

Lord I'm scared I just don't know why. Please I run to You. In you I hide myself."

I just muttered these out and thought to myself as I wondered why I don't pray often. I love God  no doubt but why is it so hard to spend time just conversing and praising and talking to the Lord in prayer. Why is it such a task. Talking to God in prayer should not be this difficult it should be something I long to do, or something I can't live without. A delight.  To be truthful, most times I feel like I'm just reciting or repeating and I'd rather not dishonor God  that way. I'll just keep shut. Other times I feel like I should be saying something smart, or praying in a particular manner for a certain duration and all these just take me further away.  Other times I feel bound and limited for lack of words. Like something trapped on the inside and will take only a special grace to let out....The burden of prayer. 

Then it hit me. This is where I'm going to start from. I'll let Him know my burdens. How much I need Him, His help, His grace. How I long and desire to have long conversations with Him but don't know. How I get so dried up with lack of words to express how I feel. How I get oh so distracted with so many worries that take me further and further away. How I need Him more of Him. 

I'm not going to even try to sound smart, or gratify myself that I know what I'm doing.... I'm going to do just this; open my mouth and start by saying anything and everything that burdens me. By letting Him know when I'm grateful, sad, or how much he means to me and how I don't want things He has given me to take all my attention away from Him. I will say four letter words like "I love you Lord" "I need You Lord".  Like learning to talk, I will start gradually. Little at a time.  I will look up from where I stand. I will plant the seed and I know I will grow. 

Trying to pray a certain way has left me dry, tired and prayer less. I will just open my mouth and and trust that Lord, you will fill it with words that give You all honor and Glory.

PRAYER

Dear Lord, I want to talk more with You. I want prayer to be a delight.  Something I long to do. I want to pray at all times. I want You to lift the burden of  prayerlessness  away from me. Please help me Father for I pray in Jesus mighty name. Amen.