Father,
Please Lord, protect my dearest daughter, that she will know you are for her, all the days of her life.
That she will trust you, and that she will honor you, much more than I have honored you.
That she will truly put you first in her life that all worldly things will come in last to the way she loves you.
Let her love for you overflow into the hearts and minds of others around her.
Let her never pass by someone, without blessing them, and let her smile radiate your joy and peace.
Keep her always close to you Lord, that she may experience your love, all the days of her life, and that she will always appreciate it.
Let her rise, thinking of you, and go to sleep, singing your praise.
Let her days be filled with prayer and thanksgiving.
Help her Lord, to stay pure before you. Help her to resist temptation, and to hide your word in her heart.
Help her Lord to lead a life of grace and humility, that others are inspired by her kindness and love.
Bless her all the days of her life.
She is Yours.
She is yours Lord.
She is Yours.
Monday, July 11, 2011
32: Are you proected?
Dearest Alanna,
I pray that you wear Honesty as a necklace around your neck, and purity as a belt around your waist - that you may be able to stand up when tests and trials come, and remain pure and honest.
That you would wear integrity as a head band around your head, that you will always do what is right, even when no one around you is looking or would ever know...
Because it is by the way you act in Secret, by the way you think, in your mind, where your thoughts are hidden, that God is truly blessed by us.
And when God is truly blessed with us, he can truly BLESS us.
Being honest, pure, and holding your integrity high, while in your youth, will ensure a fabulous lifetime of blessing from the Lord- and being like that all our life, I'm sure will ensure a fabulous eternity.
Psalm 25:21
May integrity and honor protect me, for I put my hope in you.
I pray that you wear Honesty as a necklace around your neck, and purity as a belt around your waist - that you may be able to stand up when tests and trials come, and remain pure and honest.
That you would wear integrity as a head band around your head, that you will always do what is right, even when no one around you is looking or would ever know...
Because it is by the way you act in Secret, by the way you think, in your mind, where your thoughts are hidden, that God is truly blessed by us.
And when God is truly blessed with us, he can truly BLESS us.
Being honest, pure, and holding your integrity high, while in your youth, will ensure a fabulous lifetime of blessing from the Lord- and being like that all our life, I'm sure will ensure a fabulous eternity.
Psalm 25:21
May integrity and honor protect me, for I put my hope in you.
31: Compensation
Alanna,
I realize it might be difficult for you to keep yourself pure, it was hard for me too. But I believe I am belssed by the Lord now, because I did choose the pure life, as the Psalm from David says:
Psalm 18:20
The Lord rewarded me for doing right. He compensated me because of my innocence. For I have kept the ways of the Lord; I have not turned from my God to follow evil. For all His laws are constantly before me; I have never abandoned his principles. I am blameless before God; I have kept myself from sin. The Lord rewarded me for doing right, because of the innocence of my hands in his sight.
I love how it says the Lord will "compensate" us.
So many times, I had the opportunity to do something that was wrong and impure, but I did not, I held myself back, and now, he has compensated me.
All those times I could have gone with someone, mainly, I'm reffering to those "nasty", noughty, or impure things I could have down with a boy - God gave me a husband, in my youth, who has physcially blessed me so much more than any of those boys ever could have.
Many times, I simply sacrificed a good friend, because I knew that God did not see (nor myself0 Our relationship going anywhere healthy, and all those times I forfeited a boyfriend, and especially when I forfeited the idea of having a boyfriend, and told God HE was enough for me.
That is when God compensated me and blessed me with more than I could have imagined.
Psalm: 25:4
Show me the path where I should walk oh Lord; point out the right road for me to follow. lead me by your truth and teach me, for your are the God who saves me.
All day long I put my hope in you.
When you're doubtful if you're doing to right thing, or the wrong thing - chances are you're doing what's wrong if you feel doubtful of yourself)
Then go to God, he'll give you the right direction to go.
Because you trust in him with all you are and do not lean to the left or the right.
I realize it might be difficult for you to keep yourself pure, it was hard for me too. But I believe I am belssed by the Lord now, because I did choose the pure life, as the Psalm from David says:
Psalm 18:20
The Lord rewarded me for doing right. He compensated me because of my innocence. For I have kept the ways of the Lord; I have not turned from my God to follow evil. For all His laws are constantly before me; I have never abandoned his principles. I am blameless before God; I have kept myself from sin. The Lord rewarded me for doing right, because of the innocence of my hands in his sight.
I love how it says the Lord will "compensate" us.
So many times, I had the opportunity to do something that was wrong and impure, but I did not, I held myself back, and now, he has compensated me.
All those times I could have gone with someone, mainly, I'm reffering to those "nasty", noughty, or impure things I could have down with a boy - God gave me a husband, in my youth, who has physcially blessed me so much more than any of those boys ever could have.
Many times, I simply sacrificed a good friend, because I knew that God did not see (nor myself0 Our relationship going anywhere healthy, and all those times I forfeited a boyfriend, and especially when I forfeited the idea of having a boyfriend, and told God HE was enough for me.
That is when God compensated me and blessed me with more than I could have imagined.
Psalm: 25:4
Show me the path where I should walk oh Lord; point out the right road for me to follow. lead me by your truth and teach me, for your are the God who saves me.
All day long I put my hope in you.
When you're doubtful if you're doing to right thing, or the wrong thing - chances are you're doing what's wrong if you feel doubtful of yourself)
Then go to God, he'll give you the right direction to go.
Because you trust in him with all you are and do not lean to the left or the right.
30: Worship : Music
Music can be used to worship God. Exodus 15:1
Music is useful to focus our attention on God. Psalm 81:1-2
We should make music for the glory of God. Col 3:16
I love you Lord, for you are my strength. The Lord is my rock, my fortress, and my savior. My savior my God is my Rock in whom I find protection. He is my shield, the strength of my salvation, and my stronghold.
Sound Familiar?
You are my shelter in the Storm,
Delieverer, comforter, my shield and defense.
You are my fortress my mighty King,
You're the creator of everything.
My salvation you are my rock
You lift my head when my hope is gone.
When I am weak, you make me strong.
Hmm...
Well, I've written and recorded this song twice, but can't seem to remember it.
I encourage you to continue to write your own songs unto the Lord, because you are ALREADY so good at it, and if you continue, you're gonna really make a great album one day soon!
Music is useful to focus our attention on God. Psalm 81:1-2
We should make music for the glory of God. Col 3:16
I love you Lord, for you are my strength. The Lord is my rock, my fortress, and my savior. My savior my God is my Rock in whom I find protection. He is my shield, the strength of my salvation, and my stronghold.
Sound Familiar?
You are my shelter in the Storm,
Delieverer, comforter, my shield and defense.
You are my fortress my mighty King,
You're the creator of everything.
My salvation you are my rock
You lift my head when my hope is gone.
When I am weak, you make me strong.
Hmm...
Well, I've written and recorded this song twice, but can't seem to remember it.
I encourage you to continue to write your own songs unto the Lord, because you are ALREADY so good at it, and if you continue, you're gonna really make a great album one day soon!
29: Smile
My Dearest Princess,
Thank you for making me a better person.
You are always encouraging me to smile- "Smile your LAUGHING smile mommy!" you say whenever you hear good music, whether it's at home, at the store, at church or in an elevator! "Let's Go!" mommy, you also say, constantly keeping me on my toes to try new things, go new places, explore and have fun.
You truly have the joy of the Lord within you and you make it shine for us all to see.
Today was a very long, hectic day, (traveling to Hawaii with you and your Brother Dec 2010) - yet I can honestly say that unless I was catching come zzz's on the plane, I was Smiling!!
And it wasn't just on the outside, or a "show" but I was smiling on the inside as well!
Because of your constant encouragement to turn ordinary into extraordinary or dull into exciting, I have learned to sincerely have an amazing day, to do things I wouldn't have done, try new things, meet new people! Thank you!
Rejoice in the Lord always, and again I say rejoice!
Smile! Don't stop.
Smile while you talk
Smile while you walk
Smile while you listen.
Be the Smile of God.
A man threw himself off the golden gate bridge in San Fransisco. He killed himself Alanna. Reporters looked through his house and found a journal that he had written in on the day he killed himself. The journal entry for that day he had written, " I'm walking to the golden gate bridge to kill myself, if ONE person smiles at me along the way, I won't do it."
Thank you for making me a better person.
You are always encouraging me to smile- "Smile your LAUGHING smile mommy!" you say whenever you hear good music, whether it's at home, at the store, at church or in an elevator! "Let's Go!" mommy, you also say, constantly keeping me on my toes to try new things, go new places, explore and have fun.
You truly have the joy of the Lord within you and you make it shine for us all to see.
Today was a very long, hectic day, (traveling to Hawaii with you and your Brother Dec 2010) - yet I can honestly say that unless I was catching come zzz's on the plane, I was Smiling!!
And it wasn't just on the outside, or a "show" but I was smiling on the inside as well!
Because of your constant encouragement to turn ordinary into extraordinary or dull into exciting, I have learned to sincerely have an amazing day, to do things I wouldn't have done, try new things, meet new people! Thank you!
Rejoice in the Lord always, and again I say rejoice!
Smile! Don't stop.
Smile while you talk
Smile while you walk
Smile while you listen.
Be the Smile of God.
A man threw himself off the golden gate bridge in San Fransisco. He killed himself Alanna. Reporters looked through his house and found a journal that he had written in on the day he killed himself. The journal entry for that day he had written, " I'm walking to the golden gate bridge to kill myself, if ONE person smiles at me along the way, I won't do it."
28: The Climb
1 Corinthians 13
Only faith, hope and Love will Last
And the greatest of these is LOVE.
Only faith, hope and Love will Last
And the greatest of these is LOVE.
Nov. 22, 2010
Dearest Daughter,
As I write this, you are sleeping safely next to me. You are holding your favorite bear, whom you have named "Beary", your first true teddy.
I am sitting in my car, in front of a beautiful scene, I'm sitting out front of a georgeous home and across the street, is a children's park equipped with a new playground and swings. The house, and the spot I sit at, overlooks the West end of the Murrieta Valley, a long range of rolling mountains, with scattered new homes, and a sky filled with gorgeous clouds that the Sun is beaming through.
This is the kind of home I'd love to raise you in.
A home large enough, that you'll stop complaining about it's size. (not your fault we lived in our Del Torino, 3500 sq ft home) and a safe enjoyable park just across the street, with a beautiful neighborhood, good neighbors and friends to love.
That is my dream for you. And I hope I can make it happen for you. There's no reason you can't have everything you desire, we are blessed beyond measure, and our hope remains in the Lord.
Why do I tell you these things?
Because I want to let you know. I am telling you my dreams outloud, not fearful that they won't happen, but confident that it will!
This morning you told me,
"My dreams will never come true."
"...why?"
"Because I always tell them."
The Disney movie, Cinderella has it wrong.
She says if you tell your dreams , they won't come true. - Maybe she felt that way, because she had such a horrible step-mother and step-sisters, but not you Alanna.
Darling,
You can be confident that when you share your dreams with me, I will do my best to support you, and encourage you.
Most of all, tell the Lord your dreams.
Tell him your desires, your hopes, your vision.
All good things come from Him.
If that is true, then He will be proud of you for trusting Him.
Trusting Him to come through for you, to complete what he has begun in you.
You say as a 4 year old, that you want to be a doctor. Because you want to help people feel better. Whether you become a pediatrician, a physiologist, or a mommy putting a bandage on your baby's boo-boo I know if you want it, you'll be the best you can be at it.
(my good friend Linda Evans always dreamed of being a physical therapist, and after she graduated, she got her PhD in 5 1/2 years)
Growing up, I was good at things I tried, and so because, I was already good without trying very hard, I was satisfied with myself, with my "good" job done, despite my effortless attempts.
Darling, please don't be like me!
I always did a "good" job but not my "best" job.
GOOD is the opposite of GREAT.
Imagine if I had actually tried!!
How much more knowledge I'd have!!
How much more wisdom I'd have!
I'd have more talent and skills. I'd be Fit, play the piano like a master artist... most of all, I'd be able to say I gave it my best.
Sometimes, others might tell you "Great job!" "awesome work" "100% A+"
But inside, do you feel you gave it your best?
I believe your Father, Joseph, is one thee hardest persons to please, and also the best person to please.
He won't ever give you an "awesome job!" if you don't deserve it. He might crust you and tell you how horrible it was, but only because he knows how much BETTER you CAN do.
To reach your dreams, your goals, TELL THEM!
DECLARE THEM!
Make them known and do your best to get them done.
Pray. Pray. Pray. And seek God's help, wisdom and counsel.
Put yourself around people like your dad, that will honestly encourage you, tell you "You Can do better!" and push you for greater things.
You might hate these people in the moment, because sometimes, it hurts to hear the truth, but only if you've been believing a lie. So appreciate them, and keep them close in your life.
Keep those great encouragers close too. You need a balance of both. Just cuz some people, and friends, might say everything you do is awesome. It doesn't mean they're a bad person, it's because they honestly believe you're awesome. And believe me, this WILL be the majority of people!! You'll need them around to encourage you too!
And most of all, do YOUR best.
Don't do someone else's best. Don't grade yourself by someone elses's standards. Be the Best YOU can be. Don't lie to yourself about it.
Run farther
Swim harder
Sing Stronger
Read Longer
Study Harder
Love Stronger
You can jump as high as you can. But if you try, you can jump higher.
Don't say "someday" do it today.
"I've got one life to live this life.
I've got one chance to get it Right.
I've got one chance to change a life.
I've got one life, one life.
My someday's have come and gone.
My someday's before me now.
My today's while I'm alive, I've got one life, One life!"
-PressPlay LA Dream Center"
Miley Cirus:
You got in my head the clouds
You got me thinking out loud
The more you dream about me the more that I believe
That nothing's ever out of reach
So dream, dream, dream
Keep dreamers close to you Alanna
Daddy's favorite song right now is "The Climb"
I can almost see it
That dream I am dreaming
But there's a voice inside my head saying
"You'll never reach it"
Every step I'm taking
Every move I make feels
Lost with no direction
My faith is shaking
But I gotta keep trying
Gotta keep my head held high
There's always gonna be another mountain
I'm always gonna wanna make it move
Always gonna be a uphill battle
Sometimes I'm gonna have to lose
Ain't about how fast I get there
Ain't about what's waiting on the other side
It's the climb
The struggles I'm facing
The chances I'm taking
Sometimes might knock me down
But no, I'm not breaking
I may not know it
But these are the moments that
I'm gonna remember most, yeah
Just gotta keep going
And I, I got to be strong
Just keep pushing on
'Cause there's always gonna be another mountain
I'm always gonna wanna make it move
Always gonna be a uphill battle
Sometimes I'm gonna have to lose
Ain't about how fast I get there
Ain't about what's waiting on the other side
It's the climb, yeah!
There's always gonna be another mountain
I'm always gonna wanna make it move
Always gonna be an uphill battle
Somebody's gonna have to lose
Ain't about how fast I get there
Ain't about what's waiting on the other side
It's the climb, yeah!
Keep on moving, keep climbing
Keep the faith, baby
It's all about, it's all about the climb
Keep the faith, keep your faith, whoa
That dream I am dreaming
But there's a voice inside my head saying
"You'll never reach it"
Every step I'm taking
Every move I make feels
Lost with no direction
My faith is shaking
But I gotta keep trying
Gotta keep my head held high
There's always gonna be another mountain
I'm always gonna wanna make it move
Always gonna be a uphill battle
Sometimes I'm gonna have to lose
Ain't about how fast I get there
Ain't about what's waiting on the other side
It's the climb
The struggles I'm facing
The chances I'm taking
Sometimes might knock me down
But no, I'm not breaking
I may not know it
But these are the moments that
I'm gonna remember most, yeah
Just gotta keep going
And I, I got to be strong
Just keep pushing on
'Cause there's always gonna be another mountain
I'm always gonna wanna make it move
Always gonna be a uphill battle
Sometimes I'm gonna have to lose
Ain't about how fast I get there
Ain't about what's waiting on the other side
It's the climb, yeah!
There's always gonna be another mountain
I'm always gonna wanna make it move
Always gonna be an uphill battle
Somebody's gonna have to lose
Ain't about how fast I get there
Ain't about what's waiting on the other side
It's the climb, yeah!
Keep on moving, keep climbing
Keep the faith, baby
It's all about, it's all about the climb
Keep the faith, keep your faith, whoa
I love you darling.
I can only hope that you have faith in the Lord, and in the blessings He's given you, to dream digger, strive for more, and aim for greatness.
Don't get lost on the way to your dream, those are the moments that make you who you are.
It's about the climb.
I love you.
Have a good climb.
27: Can't change alone
James 4:7-8
Resist the devil and He will flee. Draw nearer to God and He will draw nearer to you.
Cleanse your Hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded.
This passage was written by Paul to James, and the church with James. He was frustrated with their sin and their double-minded hearts and He told them to purify their hearts and to cleanse their hands.
Now as your nother, I have a different story to tell you, because I can go to the sink, grab the soap, and cleanse my hands. I can put them under the water and wipe the soap and water away, and have pure hands. However, there's no way to take my heart out and clean it.
I cannot put my soul into the washing machine, the same way I do with dirty jeans. No, I have no way to cleanse or purify my heart. I can know how filthy it is, and I can think of the ways I've been unpure.
But I have no pwer to cleanse my heart.
Neither do you.
The only way to have a pure and clean heart is to get on your knees (physically or spiritually) and ask the Lord to come in and cleanse your heart.
You can try to change on your own, but on your own, you will fail.
Because you have been born a sinner and will stay a sinner without Christ.
I have tried so many times to change my heart. Sometimes I can see what's happening, wrong in my life, and on my own, I try to change. I try to change wrong attitudes, I try to change bad habits, but no matter how frustrated I am with myself, I just become more frustrated when I try to change, and cant. I could never change because I was trying to change on my own.
GOD... desires for you to be a better person.
For you to loose the attitudes and change your old ways.
But you need to call on Him!
And remember to open up and let him change you.
Don't fight it. Obey his commands of your life. His blessings will always go beyond your sacrifice, and always stay thankful!!
Resist the devil and He will flee. Draw nearer to God and He will draw nearer to you.
Cleanse your Hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded.
This passage was written by Paul to James, and the church with James. He was frustrated with their sin and their double-minded hearts and He told them to purify their hearts and to cleanse their hands.
Now as your nother, I have a different story to tell you, because I can go to the sink, grab the soap, and cleanse my hands. I can put them under the water and wipe the soap and water away, and have pure hands. However, there's no way to take my heart out and clean it.
I cannot put my soul into the washing machine, the same way I do with dirty jeans. No, I have no way to cleanse or purify my heart. I can know how filthy it is, and I can think of the ways I've been unpure.
But I have no pwer to cleanse my heart.
Neither do you.
The only way to have a pure and clean heart is to get on your knees (physically or spiritually) and ask the Lord to come in and cleanse your heart.
You can try to change on your own, but on your own, you will fail.
Because you have been born a sinner and will stay a sinner without Christ.
I have tried so many times to change my heart. Sometimes I can see what's happening, wrong in my life, and on my own, I try to change. I try to change wrong attitudes, I try to change bad habits, but no matter how frustrated I am with myself, I just become more frustrated when I try to change, and cant. I could never change because I was trying to change on my own.
GOD... desires for you to be a better person.
For you to loose the attitudes and change your old ways.
But you need to call on Him!
And remember to open up and let him change you.
Don't fight it. Obey his commands of your life. His blessings will always go beyond your sacrifice, and always stay thankful!!
26: Love
Love, and the greatest example of love is this, one who lays down his life for a friend.
Maybe when you read this, you picture someone actually giving their physical self up, for their friend....
maybe it's a train coming and out of love you push them out of the way, and you're hit instead. ...
Maybe it's taking the blame for their crime and getting the death penalty instead.
Something you might be a little more familiar with is a story from your favorite Disney Princess.
Maybe it's that picture of Bell, giving her life as a ransom for her dad to be set free from the beast's prison...
but perhaps we can also look at it on a smaller scale, a much more difficult one.
You see, all 3 of those scenarios are 1 time decisions, that are made in the midst of the action and you jump to be the hero...
but what about the daily trails, of pride and selfishness, that are so much harder to submit too, when it comes to laying down yourself for a friend.
And lets say it doesn't have to be a friend, it could be a brother or sister, a mom or dad, or your own husband.
As I've grown up, I've realized that so many times I have the choice to do what "I" want to do, or to do what "others" want to do... or , to do what's best for others.
I've had the choice to serve my own needs and desires, or to serve others.
It's harder to serve others, because I've got a selfish voice inside that wants to look out for me. But I must be cautious, and realize the GODLY choice, is to serve.
Some people will warn you against this, but the only thing I'd warn you of, is to not feed "pearls to the swine."
Otherwise, if it is wise, Serve!
Love others by putting their needs before your own. Listen to their stories, and hear what they have to say instead of talking all the time.
Play the games THEY like to play, go places they want to go. Be humble, don't think you're better than them. Don't argue to have the last word. Consider their feelings.
Don't be selfish, arrogant or boastful or rude. Don't try to be better than everyone else, instead, just be your best, and encourage them to do the same. Look for opportunities to serve. Bless others whenever you have the chance. Rejoice with them, and mourn with them (don't avoid them in their mourning!)
Be there for a friend in their time of need. (again, don't avoid them in this time, they need you. If you don't know what to do, ask the Holy Spirit to help guide you to do the right thing, but please, don't avoid the situation, you're friendship will grow stronger working through hard life situations together.)
Remember the fruits of the spirit. Pray for them, encourage them. Be quick to forgive.
Love.
Maybe when you read this, you picture someone actually giving their physical self up, for their friend....
maybe it's a train coming and out of love you push them out of the way, and you're hit instead. ...
Maybe it's taking the blame for their crime and getting the death penalty instead.
Something you might be a little more familiar with is a story from your favorite Disney Princess.
Maybe it's that picture of Bell, giving her life as a ransom for her dad to be set free from the beast's prison...
but perhaps we can also look at it on a smaller scale, a much more difficult one.
You see, all 3 of those scenarios are 1 time decisions, that are made in the midst of the action and you jump to be the hero...
but what about the daily trails, of pride and selfishness, that are so much harder to submit too, when it comes to laying down yourself for a friend.
And lets say it doesn't have to be a friend, it could be a brother or sister, a mom or dad, or your own husband.
As I've grown up, I've realized that so many times I have the choice to do what "I" want to do, or to do what "others" want to do... or , to do what's best for others.
I've had the choice to serve my own needs and desires, or to serve others.
It's harder to serve others, because I've got a selfish voice inside that wants to look out for me. But I must be cautious, and realize the GODLY choice, is to serve.
Some people will warn you against this, but the only thing I'd warn you of, is to not feed "pearls to the swine."
Otherwise, if it is wise, Serve!
Love others by putting their needs before your own. Listen to their stories, and hear what they have to say instead of talking all the time.
Play the games THEY like to play, go places they want to go. Be humble, don't think you're better than them. Don't argue to have the last word. Consider their feelings.
Don't be selfish, arrogant or boastful or rude. Don't try to be better than everyone else, instead, just be your best, and encourage them to do the same. Look for opportunities to serve. Bless others whenever you have the chance. Rejoice with them, and mourn with them (don't avoid them in their mourning!)
Be there for a friend in their time of need. (again, don't avoid them in this time, they need you. If you don't know what to do, ask the Holy Spirit to help guide you to do the right thing, but please, don't avoid the situation, you're friendship will grow stronger working through hard life situations together.)
Remember the fruits of the spirit. Pray for them, encourage them. Be quick to forgive.
Love.
Monday, June 20, 2011
25: Guildlines for Using HIS name
Dearest Daughter,
Jesus has told us to ask ANYTHING using His name, and it will be granted.
I also see Jesus giving guidlenines as to how this works.
You see, it won't work for just anyone, you've got to follow HIS direction He gives here.
1. "Remain in Me."
Read John 15:7-10 again.
We read here that Jesus wants us to REMAIN in him. What does this mean? How can we do this? Well, he tells us here in verse 10. Jesus says:
John 5:10 - When you obey me, you remain in my love.
So we can remain in him, by OBEYING.
2. OBEY HIM (Jesus)
In order to Obey the Lord, we need to know what the rules are. It's easy to break the rules, if you don't know what they are!!!
The best way to know what the Lord excepts of us, is to READ the rulebook, the bible. Which, by the way, is NOT only a rulebook, it's a love letter, it's a guidebook, it's a counselor giving you his best pieces of wisdom, it's your FATHER, writing HIS book, to YOU.
His greatest commandment:
John 15:17 I command you to LOVE each other.
3. LOVE each other.
John 15:16-17
... so that the Father will give you whatever yo ask, using my name. I COMMAND you to love one another.
So here's His Guidelines:
If we love Jesus, Obey His Commands.
If we Obey His Commands, then that means, we are LOVING others.
If we Love Others, We're obeying His Command, and He says he'll REMAIN in us.
And if he REMAINS in us, we'll have whatever we ask for when we use His Name.
That's SO Powerful!!!
Can you imagine having that kind of favor with God Almighty?!?!
But!!..................................................................... it only comes with LOVING OTHERS.
Jesus talked about how it's easy to Love the ones who love us, but it's hard to love everyone else. But we still must do it. LOVE the unlovable. (not the devil, I know)
I say "not the devil" because whenever we talk about how it's important to lvoe others, or we pray for others, you always say, "Except the Devil!!!"
You always wanna make sure to leave him out of any blessings! (so cute!)
I love you!
LOVE One another, as Christ Has Loved YOU!
Jesus has told us to ask ANYTHING using His name, and it will be granted.
I also see Jesus giving guidlenines as to how this works.
You see, it won't work for just anyone, you've got to follow HIS direction He gives here.
1. "Remain in Me."
Read John 15:7-10 again.
We read here that Jesus wants us to REMAIN in him. What does this mean? How can we do this? Well, he tells us here in verse 10. Jesus says:
John 5:10 - When you obey me, you remain in my love.
So we can remain in him, by OBEYING.
2. OBEY HIM (Jesus)
In order to Obey the Lord, we need to know what the rules are. It's easy to break the rules, if you don't know what they are!!!
The best way to know what the Lord excepts of us, is to READ the rulebook, the bible. Which, by the way, is NOT only a rulebook, it's a love letter, it's a guidebook, it's a counselor giving you his best pieces of wisdom, it's your FATHER, writing HIS book, to YOU.
His greatest commandment:
John 15:17 I command you to LOVE each other.
3. LOVE each other.
John 15:16-17
... so that the Father will give you whatever yo ask, using my name. I COMMAND you to love one another.
So here's His Guidelines:
If we love Jesus, Obey His Commands.
If we Obey His Commands, then that means, we are LOVING others.
If we Love Others, We're obeying His Command, and He says he'll REMAIN in us.
And if he REMAINS in us, we'll have whatever we ask for when we use His Name.
That's SO Powerful!!!
Can you imagine having that kind of favor with God Almighty?!?!
But!!..................................................................... it only comes with LOVING OTHERS.
Jesus talked about how it's easy to Love the ones who love us, but it's hard to love everyone else. But we still must do it. LOVE the unlovable. (not the devil, I know)
I say "not the devil" because whenever we talk about how it's important to lvoe others, or we pray for others, you always say, "Except the Devil!!!"
You always wanna make sure to leave him out of any blessings! (so cute!)
I love you!
LOVE One another, as Christ Has Loved YOU!
24: Power in His Name
My Dearest Daughter,
When you were only 4 years old, we were attending Elsinore First Assembly in my home town. The Senior Pastor at the time was Pastor Fred Rodriguez, who had been the Pastor there for 20 years at the time. Needless to say, he had major respect in the church, and throughout the city,and his name held great authority.
One day the church put on a huge Outdoor Harvest Festival for the Community, and tons of people were at the church, getting ready for the event and going in and out of the church building. Pastor Fred came out to the entrance doors, locked them, and then he turned to you, and said, "Alanna, no one is allowed in. If anyone wants to come in, tell them Pastor Fred said no one is allowed in."
You took this responsibility VERY seriously.
People would try to come in, but when you'd say, "Pastor Fred said no one is allowed in." You used HIS authority, not your own. And the people who Feared Pastor Fred, would obey you, even though you were only a 4 year old little girl.
In the Same manner, Jesus has told us to ask ANYTHING, using His name, and it will be granted.
Jesus our King, walked among the earth, and taught his disciples all He could in 3 short years. He taught them how to follow HIm, how to trust Him. He revealed himself as the Son Of God to them.
John 14-16, he introduces a new idea to them... praying, using "His" name, the name of Jesus.
John 14:12, words of Jesus.
The truth is, anyone who belives in me will do the same works I have done, and even greater works, because I am going to be with the Father. You can ask for anything in my name, and I will do it, because the work of the Son brings glory to the Father. Yes, ask anything in my name and I will do it! If you love me, obey my commandments.
John 15:7
But if you stay joined to me and my words remain in you, you may ask any request you like, and it will be granted! My true disciples produce much fruit. This brings great glory to my Father. I have loved you even as the Father has loved me.
Remain in my Lofe.
When you obn me, you remain in my love, just as I sobey my Father and remain in His love. "I have told you this so that you will be filled with my Joy."
John 15:16-17
You didn't choose me, I choose you. I appointed you to go and produce fruit that will last so that the Father will give you whatever you ask, using my name. I command you to love each other.
John 16:23
AT that time, you won't need to ask me for anything. The truth is, you can go directly to the Father and ask Him, and He wil grant you r request because you use my name. You haven't done this before. Ask, using my name, and you will receive, and you will have abundant joy.
John 16:26
Then you will ask in my name. I'm not saying I will ask the Father on your behalf, for the Father Himself lvoes you dearly because you love me and believe that I came from God.
Here I repeatedly see Jesus telling the disciples to: Ask, using His name.
There is POWER in His Name.
When you were only 4 years old, we were attending Elsinore First Assembly in my home town. The Senior Pastor at the time was Pastor Fred Rodriguez, who had been the Pastor there for 20 years at the time. Needless to say, he had major respect in the church, and throughout the city,and his name held great authority.
One day the church put on a huge Outdoor Harvest Festival for the Community, and tons of people were at the church, getting ready for the event and going in and out of the church building. Pastor Fred came out to the entrance doors, locked them, and then he turned to you, and said, "Alanna, no one is allowed in. If anyone wants to come in, tell them Pastor Fred said no one is allowed in."
You took this responsibility VERY seriously.
People would try to come in, but when you'd say, "Pastor Fred said no one is allowed in." You used HIS authority, not your own. And the people who Feared Pastor Fred, would obey you, even though you were only a 4 year old little girl.
In the Same manner, Jesus has told us to ask ANYTHING, using His name, and it will be granted.
Jesus our King, walked among the earth, and taught his disciples all He could in 3 short years. He taught them how to follow HIm, how to trust Him. He revealed himself as the Son Of God to them.
John 14-16, he introduces a new idea to them... praying, using "His" name, the name of Jesus.
John 14:12, words of Jesus.
The truth is, anyone who belives in me will do the same works I have done, and even greater works, because I am going to be with the Father. You can ask for anything in my name, and I will do it, because the work of the Son brings glory to the Father. Yes, ask anything in my name and I will do it! If you love me, obey my commandments.
John 15:7
But if you stay joined to me and my words remain in you, you may ask any request you like, and it will be granted! My true disciples produce much fruit. This brings great glory to my Father. I have loved you even as the Father has loved me.
Remain in my Lofe.
When you obn me, you remain in my love, just as I sobey my Father and remain in His love. "I have told you this so that you will be filled with my Joy."
John 15:16-17
You didn't choose me, I choose you. I appointed you to go and produce fruit that will last so that the Father will give you whatever you ask, using my name. I command you to love each other.
John 16:23
AT that time, you won't need to ask me for anything. The truth is, you can go directly to the Father and ask Him, and He wil grant you r request because you use my name. You haven't done this before. Ask, using my name, and you will receive, and you will have abundant joy.
John 16:26
Then you will ask in my name. I'm not saying I will ask the Father on your behalf, for the Father Himself lvoes you dearly because you love me and believe that I came from God.
Here I repeatedly see Jesus telling the disciples to: Ask, using His name.
There is POWER in His Name.
23: The Lords Prayer: Part 5
"And do not let us give in to temptation, but deliver us from evil."
Please pray this over your life my dear daughter! It's not just an empty prayer. Jesus commanded us to pray this prayer and He will most definitely answer this prayer!
What does this mean??
Well, you have many temtations that are put in your life everyday by the "evil one" (the devil's team)
Temptations are ideas, or voices, telling you to do the wrong thing.
Growing up, I prayed this over my life, and God surely answered it.
While my friends were getting into trouble by cheating on tests, God put it deep in my spirit to NOT cheat, and I didn't want to have anything to do with it. And not only did God put that deep in my heart, he also protected me from the temptation.... meaning, He gave me friends who never asked me to cheat for them. They would ask other people, but I believe He's stop them from asking me. And if someone DID ask me, He gave me the courage to say no, and protected me afterwards, cuz they never made fun of me.
I never had anyone tempt me, asking me to ditch class with them, to sneak out of my house, to go to a "bad" party. I never had friends tempt me to use bad language, instead, they would try to protect me from it.
I never had friends asking me to drink (alchohol) or do drugs with them or smoke with them.
And I never had boys tempting me to do notty things with them.
God protected me!!
and if anyone, who wasn't my friend, asked me to do something wrong, God helped me say no.
Please pray this over your life my dear daughter! It's not just an empty prayer. Jesus commanded us to pray this prayer and He will most definitely answer this prayer!
What does this mean??
Well, you have many temtations that are put in your life everyday by the "evil one" (the devil's team)
Temptations are ideas, or voices, telling you to do the wrong thing.
Growing up, I prayed this over my life, and God surely answered it.
While my friends were getting into trouble by cheating on tests, God put it deep in my spirit to NOT cheat, and I didn't want to have anything to do with it. And not only did God put that deep in my heart, he also protected me from the temptation.... meaning, He gave me friends who never asked me to cheat for them. They would ask other people, but I believe He's stop them from asking me. And if someone DID ask me, He gave me the courage to say no, and protected me afterwards, cuz they never made fun of me.
I never had anyone tempt me, asking me to ditch class with them, to sneak out of my house, to go to a "bad" party. I never had friends tempt me to use bad language, instead, they would try to protect me from it.
I never had friends asking me to drink (alchohol) or do drugs with them or smoke with them.
And I never had boys tempting me to do notty things with them.
God protected me!!
and if anyone, who wasn't my friend, asked me to do something wrong, God helped me say no.
22: The Lords Prayer: Part 4
"And forgive us our sins just as we have forgiven those who have sinned against us."
Yes, daily ask God to forgive your sins. It's best to ask forgiveness the moment you realize, you have donw wrong, or you feel convencted. But if you maybe forget about one, it's ok to ask a general "forgive my sins" as long as you mean it and try to change.
In addition to teaching us to pray, and ask forgiveness, he also teaches a VERY IMPORTANT lesson:
Matthew 6:14
"If you forgive those who sin against you, your Heavenly Father will forgive you. But, if you refuse to forgive others, Your Father will not forgive your sins."
These are the words that Jesus Himself spoke, so we know they are unmistakable
We aren't talking about missing a blessing if we don't forgive, or about having some hard days if we don't forgive. He is saying, if you don't forgive someone, you are forfeitting God's forgiveness, and ultimately His Salvation!
Forgiving others is a commandant, and we must be obedient. Working with teenagers, and young adults, I hear "I can never forgive him/her for what they did to me!"
What that attitude comes pride, bitterness, disobedience, hate, and selfishness. And it only leads to death.
Death of love, death of healthy relationships, death of your physical life, and your salvation.
Jesus says we should be praying: "forgive me, as I forgive others."
I have made it a habit to consider this everything I've been hurt by someone.
When someone would hurt my feelings by forgetting about me, I consider how I often forget about God, but He still forgivers me. When I'm hurt because someone doesn't do what I ask them to do, I remember how I often disobey God, but he always forgives me. When I'm hurt because a friend does something mean to me, or says something mean about me, I think about how sometimes I am mean to God, or who sometimes, we as people say very mean things about Him, but He always forgives me for everything I do, it's very easy to decide I also must forgive. I pray and ask God to help me forgive me.
Sometimes, forgiving someone can be extremely difficult, but Since Jesus Commands us to forgive, He also promises to Help us try and obey Him. He helps us to forgive others and keep all the hatred, bitterness and ugly thoughts out of our mind.
It's important to ask Jesus for help!
Continue to ask Him for help, as long as your need it.
Never EVER feel bad for asking God to help you. Even if you have asked 20 times! or 100 times !
He loves helping His chidlren ! He's not impatient like your mom or dad, He's ready and waiting to help no matter how much help you need.
Yes, daily ask God to forgive your sins. It's best to ask forgiveness the moment you realize, you have donw wrong, or you feel convencted. But if you maybe forget about one, it's ok to ask a general "forgive my sins" as long as you mean it and try to change.
In addition to teaching us to pray, and ask forgiveness, he also teaches a VERY IMPORTANT lesson:
Matthew 6:14
"If you forgive those who sin against you, your Heavenly Father will forgive you. But, if you refuse to forgive others, Your Father will not forgive your sins."
These are the words that Jesus Himself spoke, so we know they are unmistakable
We aren't talking about missing a blessing if we don't forgive, or about having some hard days if we don't forgive. He is saying, if you don't forgive someone, you are forfeitting God's forgiveness, and ultimately His Salvation!
Forgiving others is a commandant, and we must be obedient. Working with teenagers, and young adults, I hear "I can never forgive him/her for what they did to me!"
What that attitude comes pride, bitterness, disobedience, hate, and selfishness. And it only leads to death.
Death of love, death of healthy relationships, death of your physical life, and your salvation.
Jesus says we should be praying: "forgive me, as I forgive others."
I have made it a habit to consider this everything I've been hurt by someone.
When someone would hurt my feelings by forgetting about me, I consider how I often forget about God, but He still forgivers me. When I'm hurt because someone doesn't do what I ask them to do, I remember how I often disobey God, but he always forgives me. When I'm hurt because a friend does something mean to me, or says something mean about me, I think about how sometimes I am mean to God, or who sometimes, we as people say very mean things about Him, but He always forgives me for everything I do, it's very easy to decide I also must forgive. I pray and ask God to help me forgive me.
Sometimes, forgiving someone can be extremely difficult, but Since Jesus Commands us to forgive, He also promises to Help us try and obey Him. He helps us to forgive others and keep all the hatred, bitterness and ugly thoughts out of our mind.
It's important to ask Jesus for help!
Continue to ask Him for help, as long as your need it.
Never EVER feel bad for asking God to help you. Even if you have asked 20 times! or 100 times !
He loves helping His chidlren ! He's not impatient like your mom or dad, He's ready and waiting to help no matter how much help you need.
21: The Lords Prayer: Part 3
"Give us our Food for today."
Many times we think of God as a genie in a bottle who we can make wishes and see our fantasy dreams come true. But here, Jesus teaches us to ask God to humbly supply all we need for Today.
Yes, we could ask God for a Billion dollars, and then just plan on using that as our supply for the rest of our life, but then, if God did that, we'd have no need to come to Him, and ask for more, until we needed Him again.
He doesn't want to make life so easy for us, that we no longer have the need to ask Him for anything, or stop coming to Him with our cry for help.
No.
He desires a daily relationship with us. He wants us to DAILY tell God how much we need Him.
Let's face it, we don't just need His provision for food and drink, money and clothes. We need him daily to give us our joy, life, passion, grace and mercy.
So, pray daily for him to supply all you need FOR TODAY, and HE WILL!
Many times we think of God as a genie in a bottle who we can make wishes and see our fantasy dreams come true. But here, Jesus teaches us to ask God to humbly supply all we need for Today.
Yes, we could ask God for a Billion dollars, and then just plan on using that as our supply for the rest of our life, but then, if God did that, we'd have no need to come to Him, and ask for more, until we needed Him again.
He doesn't want to make life so easy for us, that we no longer have the need to ask Him for anything, or stop coming to Him with our cry for help.
No.
He desires a daily relationship with us. He wants us to DAILY tell God how much we need Him.
Let's face it, we don't just need His provision for food and drink, money and clothes. We need him daily to give us our joy, life, passion, grace and mercy.
So, pray daily for him to supply all you need FOR TODAY, and HE WILL!
20: The Lords Prayer : Part 2
Dearest Daughter,
You know it's a lovely morning, when you rise to pray and spend time with your creator.
As a very young little girl, you are a champ at your prayers, but I also want to teach you to pray, in the same way that Jesus taught his disciples to pray.
Luke 11:1-3 - Please take the time to read it.
A disciple asks Jesus to teach them how to pray, and Jesus responds, "Pray Like:
"Father, may your name to honored, May Your kingdom come soon. Give us our food, day by day, and forgive us our sins, just as we forgive those who have sinned against us. And do not let us yield to temptation."
Let me begin to teach you, in the same way as I was taught by my mother, following the pattern Jesus gave his disciples that day he spoke those words.
"Father, may your name be honored."
The first thing Jesus does, is HONOR THE FATHER. He comes, not with requests and complaints, He comes and first focuses on the greatness of God. Come into prayer with this same attitude, taking time to realize you are talking to God Almighty. Honor Him, tell Him you Love Him, acknowledge His Holiness.
"May Your Kingdom Come Soon."
Take time to acknowledge His return, and remember that this world and all it's issues, (and yours) will soon pass.
"May Your will be done here on earth, just as it is in Heaven."
Pray to God that His Will be done. This is a prayer of the heart, confessing that yes, you may have plans of your own, but ultimately, you desire for God's will to be done, because you know it is best for you and all the Kingdom. God's will is done in Heaven, and it's a wonderful place, if we all followed God's will, Earth would be just as wonderful as we could imagine... so pray to God, that HIS will be done in your life, and do not be upset when it comes to pass!
You know it's a lovely morning, when you rise to pray and spend time with your creator.
As a very young little girl, you are a champ at your prayers, but I also want to teach you to pray, in the same way that Jesus taught his disciples to pray.
Luke 11:1-3 - Please take the time to read it.
A disciple asks Jesus to teach them how to pray, and Jesus responds, "Pray Like:
"Father, may your name to honored, May Your kingdom come soon. Give us our food, day by day, and forgive us our sins, just as we forgive those who have sinned against us. And do not let us yield to temptation."
Let me begin to teach you, in the same way as I was taught by my mother, following the pattern Jesus gave his disciples that day he spoke those words.
"Father, may your name be honored."
The first thing Jesus does, is HONOR THE FATHER. He comes, not with requests and complaints, He comes and first focuses on the greatness of God. Come into prayer with this same attitude, taking time to realize you are talking to God Almighty. Honor Him, tell Him you Love Him, acknowledge His Holiness.
"May Your Kingdom Come Soon."
Take time to acknowledge His return, and remember that this world and all it's issues, (and yours) will soon pass.
"May Your will be done here on earth, just as it is in Heaven."
Pray to God that His Will be done. This is a prayer of the heart, confessing that yes, you may have plans of your own, but ultimately, you desire for God's will to be done, because you know it is best for you and all the Kingdom. God's will is done in Heaven, and it's a wonderful place, if we all followed God's will, Earth would be just as wonderful as we could imagine... so pray to God, that HIS will be done in your life, and do not be upset when it comes to pass!
Tuesday, June 7, 2011
19: The Lords Prayer: Part 1 - Making it Real.
Dearest Daughter,
I know for a fact that God answers your prayers even though you do not use this format for each prayer, but Jesus DID tell his disciples this passage of scripture, So I need to make sure I teach it to you as well. Please don't make the mistake of trapping yourself in the religion of this prayer, because it's NOT the only way to pray, I know this because I remember your "Thank you for my Daddy's owie." prayer that worked miracles. But I still want to teach you what Jesus taught his disciples.
Through the next few chapters I'll brake apart the famous "Lord's Prayer", but here, I'm going to share with you the version that I've come to learn from Jesus. I hope as you study this passage, you too, will be able to pray your own version of this prayer as well. It's not about "memorizing" it and saying it outloud as a group, it's about learning what Jesus was teaching us, and applying the teaching to our regular prayer life.
For today, pray this over your life.
"My Father in Heaven, your name is Holy. You are Holy and Worthy of Praise.
I love you.
Father, I pray you complete your will for my life. I give my life to you, do whatever you dsire with me, I am yours.
Continue to provide my every day needs. I do not fear, I know you are taking care of me.
Please forgive me of all my sin, and help me to completely fogive others for the sin they make against me and others.
Protect me from Satan's evil schemes, and help me say NO to sinful temptations.
My life is Yours. "
I know for a fact that God answers your prayers even though you do not use this format for each prayer, but Jesus DID tell his disciples this passage of scripture, So I need to make sure I teach it to you as well. Please don't make the mistake of trapping yourself in the religion of this prayer, because it's NOT the only way to pray, I know this because I remember your "Thank you for my Daddy's owie." prayer that worked miracles. But I still want to teach you what Jesus taught his disciples.
Through the next few chapters I'll brake apart the famous "Lord's Prayer", but here, I'm going to share with you the version that I've come to learn from Jesus. I hope as you study this passage, you too, will be able to pray your own version of this prayer as well. It's not about "memorizing" it and saying it outloud as a group, it's about learning what Jesus was teaching us, and applying the teaching to our regular prayer life.
For today, pray this over your life.
"My Father in Heaven, your name is Holy. You are Holy and Worthy of Praise.
I love you.
Father, I pray you complete your will for my life. I give my life to you, do whatever you dsire with me, I am yours.
Continue to provide my every day needs. I do not fear, I know you are taking care of me.
Please forgive me of all my sin, and help me to completely fogive others for the sin they make against me and others.
Protect me from Satan's evil schemes, and help me say NO to sinful temptations.
My life is Yours. "
18: Living Sacrifice: Part 4 - Knowing His Will
KNOWING HIS WILL
"Therefore, as brothers and sisters in Christ, Offer your bodies as living sacrifices for the Lord, Holy and Pure, for this is your spiritual act of Worship. And do not be conformed any longer to pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, then you will know what God's will is For your Life- His Holy, Perfect and Pleasing Will."
Romans 12:1-2
You wanna know what God's will is for you life?!
His PERFECT will?!
This passage says:
"Be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is for your life, his Holy, Perfect, and Pleasing will."
Wow!!
Once we allow the Holy Spirit to Transform our lives, we'll be able to "Test and Approve", meaning perhaps before your mind was thansformed you loved to sing and dance, and you thoughty you wanted to be a holly wood rock star, but now, when you think to be a Hollywood rockstar, but now when you imagine your life like that, you don't feel comforatble... you don't approve. And then, God opens the door for Him to use your giftings for the purpose He created you for - and you imagine your life like that - and you do approve - it's because God has transformed you. Many times I have have had a hard time "approving" my new life as a full time minister, mom and wife- until God "transformed" my mind. Then I was able to approve of my life- because I saw it as the blessing God had always created it to be for me.
Thank you Jesus!
17: Living Sacrifice: Part 3 : RENEWING your Mind
RENEWING YOUR MIND
Romans 12: 1-2
Therefore, as brothers and sisters in Christ, offer your bodies as living sacrifices for the Lord, holy and pure, for this is your spiritual act of worship. And do not be conformed any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind- then you will know what God's will is for your life- His holy, Perfect and pleasing will."
Romans 12: 1-2
Therefore, as brothers and sisters in Christ, offer your bodies as living sacrifices for the Lord, holy and pure, for this is your spiritual act of worship. And do not be conformed any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind- then you will know what God's will is for your life- His holy, Perfect and pleasing will."
Paul says not to be conformed to the world, but be transformed by the renewing of our minds.
When I read the word transformed, I picture the final scene from Beaty and the Beast, when the Beast is set free by Bells love and magically raises from the ground, his body spining around as his beastly hands and feet turn to a handsom prince.
I only wish it was that quick and easy for us to be transformed, but, it's not that easy, it only happens by the renewing of your mind.
IF we're not careful, our minds are influenced by this world, by watching worldly lifestyles, most TV, reading worldly magazines and listening to worldly music.
Most of it doesn't scream "This is Bad! It will destroy your spirit man!" but trust me, Satan is Tricky, he won't even let you know he's leading you down a bad path, he'll only trick you there.
Our easy downfalls, are wanting love and being selfish.
Well, those are my downfalls of how I fall into a worldly nature.
Keep your mind pure, by listening to worship music, reading your bible or christian book, watch Christian new and radio. Be a faithful church attender, (pick one that you really enjoy!), and remember when you're tired and really don't feel like going to church, that's the Service that God is really going to bless you the most!
Continue to Ask the Lord to Transform you. He will. And sometimes he will use hard situations to help you grow, don't be discouraged when that happens!
James 1:2-4
2 Dear brothers and sisters,[a] when troubles come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy. 3 For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow. 4 So let it grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be perfect and complete, needing nothing.
You're wise. Already at four years old, you stop in the middle of a "problem" we're having and say, "Oh, I get it... This is a test, right?" You understand that God tests us, and helps us grow through each test he gives us. Stay alert, keep growing, He's got a great prize awaiting you baby girl.
I love you.
16: Living Sacrifice: Part 2 : Spiritual Worship
Spiritual Act of Worship
Romans 12:1-2
Therefore, as brothers and sisters in Christ, offer your bodies as living sacrifices for the Lord, Holy and pure, for this is your spiritual act of worship. And do not be conformed any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, then you will know what God's will is For your life, His Holy, Perfect and Pleasing Will.
Romans 12:1-2
Therefore, as brothers and sisters in Christ, offer your bodies as living sacrifices for the Lord, Holy and pure, for this is your spiritual act of worship. And do not be conformed any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, then you will know what God's will is For your life, His Holy, Perfect and Pleasing Will.
My Dearest Daughter,
Being in our family, it's easy to be good at musical praise and worship. It's a part of who we are. We are always leading worship at the church, and you and your brother have grown up singing praises. I see you with our book and pen and at only 4 years old, you're writing worship songs to the Lord. You are good at this part of worship, it comes easy to you.
Here, Paul speaks of a new kind of worship - a "spiritual act of worship" and it's to offer ourselves as a living sacrifice to God. - Meaning to give Him control over our lives.
Darling, this world can be so evil - young girls having boy-friends, kissing, holding on to a bad relationship, having oral and open sex.... these are all things that shows Satan has control, not the Lord.
When God has control of your life, you will have these "fruits" in your life -
Read all about these in Galatians 5.
-Love, Joy, Peace, Patience, Gentleness, Kindness, Goodness, Faithfulness, Self-control.
When the Lord control you these will be evident in your life. I think personally that self-control is the hardest one is self control, because without it, none of the others are possible, but the most imporant is Love. A Love for Christ also means a love for others- and with love, you will begin to grow in the rest of these fruits.
Be a LIVING SACRIFICE, give him your ALL.
When I lead worship, I often let the people know that one of the reasons I open up my arms in worship, is because it's an act of surrender... I'm actually picturing GIVING him, handing him, ALL of me.
But the most beautiful part about opening up my arms, and giving God my all, is that I'm not only in the position to GIVE him my all, I'm also in the position to RECEIVE all the God has to offer. And believe me... God a lot more to offer me, than all I have to offer him. (that's a little confusing, but it makes sense when you really think about it).
So offer him your all today, I'm sure you'll be blessed with what he has to offer you in return.
I love you.
15. Living Sacrifice Part 1: Be Holy and Pure
Be Holy and Pure
Romans 12:1-2
"Therefore, as brothers and sisters in Christ, offer your bodies as living sacrifices for the Lord, holy and pure, for this is your spiritual act of Worship. And do not be conformed any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, then you will know what God's will is for your life, His holy, prefect and pleasing will."
There is So much to Gather from this passage of scripture, Four big points come clear to me. So I've split it up in the next 4 chapters for us to review.
This first thing I notice is Paul says to the Roman Church, to offer our pure bodies to the Lord.
Without stain, without sin. Now of course I know we are sinners, all of us are guilty - However, God's grace, is enough to wipe all of our sins away and make us pure again.
Daily, you would make it a habit of waking and asking the Lord to keep you PURE throughout the day. He will gaurd your ears from bad words, your eyes from evil, your heart sin - if you ask and daily, you need to ask for forgiveness for the sin you have done.
He won't ever get tired of you coming and asking him to purify you, infact, He rejoices in it. So do it daily, with a humble heart, thankful of Christ's Sacrifice.
Pray the prayer David taught us:
Psalm 139:23
Search me God and know my Heart.
Test me and know my Anxious Thoughts.
Search me God and know my Heart.
Test me and know my Anxious Thoughts.
See if there is any offensive way in me and
lead me to the Road of Everlasting Life.
14. Jesus Isn't Make Believe
Hey Baby Girl,
I was just thinking about all of the fun we have playing make-believe.
Sometimes we pretend we're tigers, sometimes you say we're princesses, running from the wicked witch. Sometimes, many times, you say 'let's pretend you (mommy) are the mommy, daddy is the daddy, baby is the baby, and I'm the sister!" I'm not sure how you get such a kick out of that one, but somehow you always do.
As much as we play make-believe, I want you to understand that this whole spiritual world that I tell you about,is NOT pretend. God is the creator, Jesus his Son, the Holy Spirit our Comfortor, the Angles and Demons they are all very real.
We're not playing games when we call on the name of Jesus.
He is our Master, the Boss, the Boss of everything we do. He is always there with us. He is not here to catch you when you do something bad, but to walk through life with you, as a Father, a friend, as your God.
Jesus isn't make Believe.
He's real, He's alive, and one day, he's gonna take you home with him, to that beautiful place he's made for you.
In John 14, Jesus talked about how he is gone to prepare a place for us, a place with many manions.
He's coming for you baby girl, just wait and see!
I was just thinking about all of the fun we have playing make-believe.
Sometimes we pretend we're tigers, sometimes you say we're princesses, running from the wicked witch. Sometimes, many times, you say 'let's pretend you (mommy) are the mommy, daddy is the daddy, baby is the baby, and I'm the sister!" I'm not sure how you get such a kick out of that one, but somehow you always do.
As much as we play make-believe, I want you to understand that this whole spiritual world that I tell you about,is NOT pretend. God is the creator, Jesus his Son, the Holy Spirit our Comfortor, the Angles and Demons they are all very real.
We're not playing games when we call on the name of Jesus.
He is our Master, the Boss, the Boss of everything we do. He is always there with us. He is not here to catch you when you do something bad, but to walk through life with you, as a Father, a friend, as your God.
Jesus isn't make Believe.
He's real, He's alive, and one day, he's gonna take you home with him, to that beautiful place he's made for you.
In John 14, Jesus talked about how he is gone to prepare a place for us, a place with many manions.
He's coming for you baby girl, just wait and see!
13. Love Others
My Dearest Daughter,
He has made you with so much personality and social skills, I imagine that gifting will be working with people.
Don't dimish your gifting, or act as thought it's not special. People, lost people, are the most important thing to Jesus. People are the ONLY THING you can take with you to Heaven.
But beware, as you focus on telling others about Jesus, and how to have a relationship with him, make sure YOU strive for more of Christ.
Never be satisfied!
This is not just your mom's advice. Jesus himself didn't tell the disciples the most important thing was to preach or save souls, or cast out demons, but rather he spoke this in Mark 12:29-31.
Someone asked "What's the Most Important?"
Jesus replied,
"The most important commandment is this: "Hear, O Isreal! The Lord our God is the one and only Lord. And you must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul and all your mind and all your stregnth.
The second is equally important: Love your neighbor as yourself. No other commandment is greater than these."
I challenge you baby girl, to memorize these scriptures, and say them every morning when you wake up, and ask Jesus to help you keep his commandments. Tell him how much you love him, tell him how you need His love to overflow in you.
Love Jesus is easy, he only blesses us and loves us. Loving people, if we try to love them with our won efforts, can be very hard sometimes, because people might not be as loving as Jesus. But we Must love them, and not just any love, the love we have for ourselves, you must love them with that love as well.
So how can you show God you love HIm more than anything?
You cannot just put on a show, and pretend to love him most. He see's intro your soul. You cannot trick Him. You must abandon all else, and just love him.
Spend time in worship, sitting in His presence, Praising Him, Bowing to Him, loving Him for all His is and does loving Him in blessing and in sorrow -
And people - Think you how love yourself... you feed yourself, you feed others... you clothe yourself, you clothe others. You spend money on yourself, spend money on others. If we really did love others and we love ourself, we would never think of putting our won needs first. Never think of taking care of yourself, because you deserve it, no , instead you would think of blessing others, as equally as yourself. You would seek ways to bless others, to love them as best as you know how.
You, Alanna, are already an example to me of this love.
It's beautiful.
Whenever we go out shopping for a new toy, you want one for you, and one for your friend.
Whenever you see a new dress you like, you want one for you and friend!
Whenever you grab something to eat from the fridge, yo grab enough for you and whoever is home with you.
Whenever you paint a picture, it is for someone else, to bless them.
In all of these, you are doing as God said, and Loving others as yourself!
Keep it up Baby Girl! And think of ways to continue doing it each and every day!
Your Heavenly Father is so Proud of you.
He has made you with so much personality and social skills, I imagine that gifting will be working with people.
Don't dimish your gifting, or act as thought it's not special. People, lost people, are the most important thing to Jesus. People are the ONLY THING you can take with you to Heaven.
But beware, as you focus on telling others about Jesus, and how to have a relationship with him, make sure YOU strive for more of Christ.
Never be satisfied!
This is not just your mom's advice. Jesus himself didn't tell the disciples the most important thing was to preach or save souls, or cast out demons, but rather he spoke this in Mark 12:29-31.
Someone asked "What's the Most Important?"
Jesus replied,
"The most important commandment is this: "Hear, O Isreal! The Lord our God is the one and only Lord. And you must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul and all your mind and all your stregnth.
The second is equally important: Love your neighbor as yourself. No other commandment is greater than these."
I challenge you baby girl, to memorize these scriptures, and say them every morning when you wake up, and ask Jesus to help you keep his commandments. Tell him how much you love him, tell him how you need His love to overflow in you.
Love Jesus is easy, he only blesses us and loves us. Loving people, if we try to love them with our won efforts, can be very hard sometimes, because people might not be as loving as Jesus. But we Must love them, and not just any love, the love we have for ourselves, you must love them with that love as well.
So how can you show God you love HIm more than anything?
You cannot just put on a show, and pretend to love him most. He see's intro your soul. You cannot trick Him. You must abandon all else, and just love him.
Spend time in worship, sitting in His presence, Praising Him, Bowing to Him, loving Him for all His is and does loving Him in blessing and in sorrow -
And people - Think you how love yourself... you feed yourself, you feed others... you clothe yourself, you clothe others. You spend money on yourself, spend money on others. If we really did love others and we love ourself, we would never think of putting our won needs first. Never think of taking care of yourself, because you deserve it, no , instead you would think of blessing others, as equally as yourself. You would seek ways to bless others, to love them as best as you know how.
You, Alanna, are already an example to me of this love.
It's beautiful.
Whenever we go out shopping for a new toy, you want one for you, and one for your friend.
Whenever you see a new dress you like, you want one for you and friend!
Whenever you grab something to eat from the fridge, yo grab enough for you and whoever is home with you.
Whenever you paint a picture, it is for someone else, to bless them.
In all of these, you are doing as God said, and Loving others as yourself!
Keep it up Baby Girl! And think of ways to continue doing it each and every day!
Your Heavenly Father is so Proud of you.
12. Friends
The man of many friends [a friend of all the world] will prove himself a bad friend, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother. Proverbs 18: 24
Make no friendships with a man given to anger, and with a wrathful man do not associate. Proverbs 22: 24
He who covers and forgives an offense seeks love, but he who repeats or harps on a matter separates even close friends. Proverbs 17: 9
Proverbs 27:6 (American Standard
"Friends mean well, even when they hurt you. But when an enemy puts his arm around your shoulder, watch out!"
are better than many kisses from an enemy.
I can honestly say that your Daddy, Joseph Lee Rountree, is my very best friend.
There's a great confidence I have in him, as a friend and as a mentor. He is my greatest support in life, but there's many times, I feel like he's my greatest
To have a good friend, you have to BE a good friend.
I pray you are even closer to your friends in adulthood than I.
Remember to listen to their needs and be there to help them. Friends appreciate eachother, they value each-other.
If you find yourself having a hard time with a friend, just sit back and see if it seems your having a hard time, because she's challenging you, encouraging you to be a better person and challenging your expectations.
Love you Darling!
Make no friendships with a man given to anger, and with a wrathful man do not associate. Proverbs 22: 24
He who covers and forgives an offense seeks love, but he who repeats or harps on a matter separates even close friends. Proverbs 17: 9
Proverbs 27:6 (American Standard
"Friends mean well, even when they hurt you. But when an enemy puts his arm around your shoulder, watch out!"
Proverbs 27:6 (New Living Translation)
6 Wounds from a sincere friendare better than many kisses from an enemy.
I can honestly say that your Daddy, Joseph Lee Rountree, is my very best friend.
There's a great confidence I have in him, as a friend and as a mentor. He is my greatest support in life, but there's many times, I feel like he's my greatest
To have a good friend, you have to BE a good friend.
I pray you are even closer to your friends in adulthood than I.
Remember to listen to their needs and be there to help them. Friends appreciate eachother, they value each-other.
If you find yourself having a hard time with a friend, just sit back and see if it seems your having a hard time, because she's challenging you, encouraging you to be a better person and challenging your expectations.
Love you Darling!
11. You CAN
Phillipians 4:13
"I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me."
Dearest Daughter,
My precious baby girl, I believe with all of my heart that you can do anything you put your mind to.
Whether it's learning a new language, passing a test, making new friends, staying pure, recording an album, being on TV.... I believe you can do it.
If God gives you a dream or a vision to do something that seems to big for you to do, then be excited! Because it means He will lead the way for you, and give you the wisdom, understanding and open doors for you!
Unfortunately, there is a high chance, that because God has given you a dream, an annointing, and a calling, our Enemy is upset and wants to steal, kill and destroy your vision, your hope and your future.
He is sneaky, and might use people you love and trust the most to put you down, or give you the spirit of defeat, and make you think these Bad words:
"I can't."
Watch out for these words. Don't let them enter your vocabulary. They have demons attatched to them!
Remember what Paul said,
"I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me."
Paul said that, after reflecting how hard he had faught to stand for Christ - he was vicously persucted, yet He had decided to stand for truth. And God gave him strength to do so.
Jesus said to us:
"All things are possible for those who believe."
Sometimes you might even feel off with how much confidence you have, but it is not self-confidence, it is God confidence.
I am amazed by the wonderful woman you are, and can think of so many perfect ways to describe you.
YOU are amazing, beautiful, talented, gifted, wise, intelligent, loving, powerful, kind, sassy, friendly, giving, classy and Confident in who You are.
Fight to stay this way!!!
You can, and you will.
"I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me."
Dearest Daughter,
My precious baby girl, I believe with all of my heart that you can do anything you put your mind to.
Whether it's learning a new language, passing a test, making new friends, staying pure, recording an album, being on TV.... I believe you can do it.
If God gives you a dream or a vision to do something that seems to big for you to do, then be excited! Because it means He will lead the way for you, and give you the wisdom, understanding and open doors for you!
Unfortunately, there is a high chance, that because God has given you a dream, an annointing, and a calling, our Enemy is upset and wants to steal, kill and destroy your vision, your hope and your future.
He is sneaky, and might use people you love and trust the most to put you down, or give you the spirit of defeat, and make you think these Bad words:
"I can't."
Watch out for these words. Don't let them enter your vocabulary. They have demons attatched to them!
Remember what Paul said,
"I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me."
Paul said that, after reflecting how hard he had faught to stand for Christ - he was vicously persucted, yet He had decided to stand for truth. And God gave him strength to do so.
Jesus said to us:
"All things are possible for those who believe."
Sometimes you might even feel off with how much confidence you have, but it is not self-confidence, it is God confidence.
I am amazed by the wonderful woman you are, and can think of so many perfect ways to describe you.
YOU are amazing, beautiful, talented, gifted, wise, intelligent, loving, powerful, kind, sassy, friendly, giving, classy and Confident in who You are.
Fight to stay this way!!!
You can, and you will.
Friday, June 3, 2011
10. Loving Others as Yourself
So how can you show God you love Him more than anything? You cannot just put on a show, and pretent you love him most.... He see's into your soul. You cannot truck Him. You must abandon all else, and just love God. Spend time in worship, sitting in His presence, Praising Him, Bowing to Him, loving Him for all His is and does loving Him in blessing and in sorrow -
And people - Think you how love yourself... you feed yourself, you feed others... you clothe yourself, you clothe others. You spend money on yourself, spend money on others. If we really did love others and we love ourself, we would never think of putting our won needs first. Never think of taking care of yourself, because you deserve it, no , instead you would think of blessing others, as equally as yourself. You would seek ways to bless others, to love them as best as you know how.
You, Alanna, are already an example to me of this love.
It's beautiful.
Whenever we go out shopping for a new toy, you want one for you, and one for your friend.
Whenever you see a new dress you like, you want one for you and friend!
Whenever you grab something to eat from the fridge, yo grab enough for you and whoever is home with you.
Whenever you paint a picture, it is for someone else, to bless them.
In all of these, you are doing as God said, and Loving others as yourself!
And people - Think you how love yourself... you feed yourself, you feed others... you clothe yourself, you clothe others. You spend money on yourself, spend money on others. If we really did love others and we love ourself, we would never think of putting our won needs first. Never think of taking care of yourself, because you deserve it, no , instead you would think of blessing others, as equally as yourself. You would seek ways to bless others, to love them as best as you know how.
You, Alanna, are already an example to me of this love.
It's beautiful.
Whenever we go out shopping for a new toy, you want one for you, and one for your friend.
Whenever you see a new dress you like, you want one for you and friend!
Whenever you grab something to eat from the fridge, yo grab enough for you and whoever is home with you.
Whenever you paint a picture, it is for someone else, to bless them.
In all of these, you are doing as God said, and Loving others as yourself!
Wednesday, May 25, 2011
9. Unto the least of these
My Dearest Daughter,
The bible speaks of trusting in the Lord. His thoughts and ways are so much higher than ours.
The book of Job, speaks of a story of, yes, you guessed it, a man named Job.
God describes him as, " the finest mn in all the earth, a man of complete integrity. He fears God and will have nothing to do with evil."
God had blessed him tremendously, and even after great testing from God he stayed true to God and pure. God was frustrated with his ignorant questions towards him, and teased Job about it a bit, but still said Job didn't sin, and blessed him much more than ever before.
I was reminded of what's really important to God as I read Job's chapter (Job 29) on the good old days. He spoke of how he took care of the poor, the needy, the orphans and the widows!
Jesus spoke about caring for orphans and widows. Please make it a priority in your life. For God will bless you more than you can imagine.
Make it a part of your life.
Be a foster parent, think about adopting a child, bring a widow into your home, or visit them often.
Find someone that's hungry and feed them.
Visit the lonely in the prisons, and the families they have left behind.
Doing this unto the least of these, is doing unto the Father in heaven. And he will greatly bless you.
The bible speaks of trusting in the Lord. His thoughts and ways are so much higher than ours.
The book of Job, speaks of a story of, yes, you guessed it, a man named Job.
God describes him as, " the finest mn in all the earth, a man of complete integrity. He fears God and will have nothing to do with evil."
God had blessed him tremendously, and even after great testing from God he stayed true to God and pure. God was frustrated with his ignorant questions towards him, and teased Job about it a bit, but still said Job didn't sin, and blessed him much more than ever before.
I was reminded of what's really important to God as I read Job's chapter (Job 29) on the good old days. He spoke of how he took care of the poor, the needy, the orphans and the widows!
Jesus spoke about caring for orphans and widows. Please make it a priority in your life. For God will bless you more than you can imagine.
Make it a part of your life.
Be a foster parent, think about adopting a child, bring a widow into your home, or visit them often.
Find someone that's hungry and feed them.
Visit the lonely in the prisons, and the families they have left behind.
Doing this unto the least of these, is doing unto the Father in heaven. And he will greatly bless you.
Monday, May 23, 2011
8. Ask and you will receive
My dearest Daughter,
I grew up thinking that my parents only told me they loved me and thought I was amazing, because I was their daughter, and they had to say that.
Now that I am grown, I see they were speaking a deep foundation for who I would see myself to be.
I see myself as a daughter of the King, a Princess in the Kingdom of God.
I believe my heavenly father can meet all of my needs, and that He is constantly looking to bless me, because I have followed after Him with a desire to please Him.
You, my dearest daughter, are too, a Princess, not just in fantasy world, but in THIS very world.
God in heaven is pleased with you, because He created you, and loves your joyful, trusting heart.
You can ask Him for Anything, and He promises, it's yours!
Your Daddy, loves you so much. He is constantly looking for ways to bless you. On Father's Day, he took you to Disneyland, because he knew it would make you happy. He usually buys you whatever you want, especially when you keep asking.
And if your earthly Father, who is bound by earthly things, desires to bless you, surely, your Father in Heaven will give you all you need and meet your hearts desires. After all, he gave you those desires!
Jesus said in John 16:24
"Until now, You have asked nothing in My name. Ask and you will receive, that your joy may be full."
And in Mark 9:23
"If you can believe, all things are possible to him who believes."
Believe everything the bible says Dear Daughter, not just some of it.
Believe for it, and it is yours.
I grew up thinking that my parents only told me they loved me and thought I was amazing, because I was their daughter, and they had to say that.
Now that I am grown, I see they were speaking a deep foundation for who I would see myself to be.
I see myself as a daughter of the King, a Princess in the Kingdom of God.
I believe my heavenly father can meet all of my needs, and that He is constantly looking to bless me, because I have followed after Him with a desire to please Him.
You, my dearest daughter, are too, a Princess, not just in fantasy world, but in THIS very world.
God in heaven is pleased with you, because He created you, and loves your joyful, trusting heart.
You can ask Him for Anything, and He promises, it's yours!
Your Daddy, loves you so much. He is constantly looking for ways to bless you. On Father's Day, he took you to Disneyland, because he knew it would make you happy. He usually buys you whatever you want, especially when you keep asking.
And if your earthly Father, who is bound by earthly things, desires to bless you, surely, your Father in Heaven will give you all you need and meet your hearts desires. After all, he gave you those desires!
Jesus said in John 16:24
"Until now, You have asked nothing in My name. Ask and you will receive, that your joy may be full."
And in Mark 9:23
"If you can believe, all things are possible to him who believes."
Believe everything the bible says Dear Daughter, not just some of it.
Believe for it, and it is yours.
7. Joy of the Lord
"The joy of the Lord is your strength."—Nehemiah 8:10.
The joy of the Lord shines through you.
Your smile lights up your face, and gives me and everyone around you a glimpse of pure joy.
I believe God has given you this sun-shine personality, to shine "His Light" on everyone around you.
I'm so blessed by your high spirits of joy and smiles.
You are so quick to forgive, and it's something about you that I so deeply admire.
I make many mistakes, but you don't hold a grudge, you are quick to forgive, love me, and move on.
And you're a great encouragement, you're always pushing me to do better, to keep going, to get up and go.
I appreciate all of those things about you.
You have the joy of the Lord, and through your joy, He gives me strength. =)
The joy of the Lord shines through you.
Your smile lights up your face, and gives me and everyone around you a glimpse of pure joy.
I believe God has given you this sun-shine personality, to shine "His Light" on everyone around you.
I'm so blessed by your high spirits of joy and smiles.
You are so quick to forgive, and it's something about you that I so deeply admire.
I make many mistakes, but you don't hold a grudge, you are quick to forgive, love me, and move on.
And you're a great encouragement, you're always pushing me to do better, to keep going, to get up and go.
I appreciate all of those things about you.
You have the joy of the Lord, and through your joy, He gives me strength. =)
6. Trust Him
Isaiah 55:9
"For the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts are higher than your thoughts." Says the Lord
"For the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts are higher than your thoughts." Says the Lord
2 Samuel 22:31
"As for God, his way is perfect." - David
My Dearest daughter,
Don't ever forget that God is in control and He knows what He is doing.
There may be times when you don't understand what God is doing, or why He let something happen, or why He is putting you through such a tough battle, but please stop and focus on these scriptures.
For His ways are higher than our ways.
Remember, He created the universe in 7 days! haha! Yes! His thoughts are MUCH higher than ours, and I take comfort in all areas of life, when I remember these things.
Do Not Fear.
You can trust Him.
When you can let go of the fear of the unknown, the stress of trying to understand, the insecurity of doubt, then you will be able to embrace our Savior's peace, His comfort, His strength.
You can find Rest, when you stop questioning God, and start thanking Him for His grace, provision and faithfulness, even when you can't understand.
If you ever feel like God should be handling your situation a different way, you're not alone.
Even Jesus himself when he was about to be handed over to die, he didn't like the situation - (duh!) - He was "deeply distressed and horrified" according to Mark 14:33.
He even prayed that if there was any other way for God's plan to work, to please use the other way! - Luke 22:42
But he also, in the same prayer, said to his Father,
"But even if I must go through this, it's not my will, but YOURS!"
This prayer teaches us that sometimes there might be situations that come our way, that are so horrible, we might become stressed or even horrified, but just like Jesus, we can find comfort knowing that GOD's will is being done. His ways are HIGHER than ours.
Remember, God has good things in store for your and He will always take care of you.
I love you so much.
You're such a blessing of joy to everyone you come in contact with.
=)
I'm so proud of you!
5. Go!
The reason we were created was to worship Christ, the Father, and the Spirit, and to make this choir of worshipers bigger, louder and Prouder.
What do I mean?
I mean our job is to teach others about Jesus, so that they'll have the same passion and love for Him that you and I have.
The last words I ever speak to you, especially if I know they are my last, will be very special to you. You will probably remember those words often, and if I made a request or demand, you'd probably try your best to accomplish my request.
Far more special than my last words to you, were the Last words spoken by our Savior, Christ, before leaving the earth.
"All Authority in Heaven and Earth has been given to me. Therefore, go, and preach the Good news to all creation, baptizing them in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, teaching them to obey all that I have commanded you, and remember, I am always with you, to the very end of the age."
This was our Savior's last request, his final command to us, to GO, some versions say, "Make Disciples" and GO, teach others about Jesus and his teachings.
It is your Dad and my own passion and commitment to make disciples of the gospel. We understand that no matter how many awesome toys, trucks, houses or possessions you could own, the only thing that you can take with you to heaven, are the lives you've changed for all eternity.
Today was our 2010 Launch Graduation. It wasn't just an accomplishment for all those students, but it was something that your daddy and I were proud of as well. We have sacrificed so much, just to have these students come and be discipled for the cause of Christ's demand. I mean, we gave up our Free House and Utilities and then Rented somewhere else for 2 years for the program and student's sake (That's a lot of mullah!) along with all the hard work, the time, the energy... woah. It was a huge job, but we knew (Daddy fasted for 40 days about it!) that God called us to this, and we did it. ( Sorry to say, not without complaining, and I am sorry to you, because I probably forfeited blessings upon our lives because of my complaining spirit) but through it all, we were obedient.
I pray that you look and even create opportunities to preach the gospel to others. Not necessarily preach a sermon style message, but teach others about Christ's love. Maybe you do preach a sermon (or many) or maybe you just teach them about God's love and Jesus' commands, the same way a mother teaches a child, here and there, in everyday living, little opportunities will appear to teach God's word and Jesus' commands. We take advantage of those and preach the gospel!
I want to change the world's destination of hell, into heaven. But that can only completely happen, if we TELL them about Heaven and tell them how to get there.
It cannot happen on accident.
You cannot just be someone's best friend for 5 years, waiting for the best opportunity to tell them about heaven and how to get there, you HAVE to be bold, and just tell them. TRUST ME, they'll appreciate it! (When they're in heaven!)
I told my daddy about heaven, about following Jesus for YEARS, he would always tell me, "I'm catholic!" But, he never did anything "catholic", ever! He was just saying that, because that's what he was raised to say. But your parent's religion or relationship with Christ isn't enough for YOU. You have to have a relationship with HIM yourself.
My daddy called my mom and I, "Jesus Fanatics" and said we were crazy for our obsession with Church and serving God. He just wanted us to be "good" people.
But, NO ONE is truely good, no one. (Says the Lord.)
So, please, first, seek the Lovely relationship that I enjoy with the Lord, for yourself, and then, go, and make disciples. Please, It's all that matters!
You are my most precious and highest priority disciple. That is why I am writing this book to you. The Lord came and taught His disciples, and their words they learned from him are now OUR bible.
But my Jesus is still alive, and He still walks with me daily, and He has taught me so much, and I want to pass that on to you.
I love you.
I hope I can demonstrate my love to you, so you can understand how much I love you. You are so smart and talented. You have a sweet personality and are so thoughtful. That alone will teach others.
I know.
Because you have already taught me so much of a cheerful spirit of giving, or servant-hood and gentleness. You are so caring and thoughtful. Encouraging and uplifting.
It sounds weird I'm sure, but I hope I can be like you when I grow up.
=)
What do I mean?
I mean our job is to teach others about Jesus, so that they'll have the same passion and love for Him that you and I have.
The last words I ever speak to you, especially if I know they are my last, will be very special to you. You will probably remember those words often, and if I made a request or demand, you'd probably try your best to accomplish my request.
Far more special than my last words to you, were the Last words spoken by our Savior, Christ, before leaving the earth.
"All Authority in Heaven and Earth has been given to me. Therefore, go, and preach the Good news to all creation, baptizing them in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, teaching them to obey all that I have commanded you, and remember, I am always with you, to the very end of the age."
This was our Savior's last request, his final command to us, to GO, some versions say, "Make Disciples" and GO, teach others about Jesus and his teachings.
It is your Dad and my own passion and commitment to make disciples of the gospel. We understand that no matter how many awesome toys, trucks, houses or possessions you could own, the only thing that you can take with you to heaven, are the lives you've changed for all eternity.
Today was our 2010 Launch Graduation. It wasn't just an accomplishment for all those students, but it was something that your daddy and I were proud of as well. We have sacrificed so much, just to have these students come and be discipled for the cause of Christ's demand. I mean, we gave up our Free House and Utilities and then Rented somewhere else for 2 years for the program and student's sake (That's a lot of mullah!) along with all the hard work, the time, the energy... woah. It was a huge job, but we knew (Daddy fasted for 40 days about it!) that God called us to this, and we did it. ( Sorry to say, not without complaining, and I am sorry to you, because I probably forfeited blessings upon our lives because of my complaining spirit) but through it all, we were obedient.
I pray that you look and even create opportunities to preach the gospel to others. Not necessarily preach a sermon style message, but teach others about Christ's love. Maybe you do preach a sermon (or many) or maybe you just teach them about God's love and Jesus' commands, the same way a mother teaches a child, here and there, in everyday living, little opportunities will appear to teach God's word and Jesus' commands. We take advantage of those and preach the gospel!
I want to change the world's destination of hell, into heaven. But that can only completely happen, if we TELL them about Heaven and tell them how to get there.
It cannot happen on accident.
You cannot just be someone's best friend for 5 years, waiting for the best opportunity to tell them about heaven and how to get there, you HAVE to be bold, and just tell them. TRUST ME, they'll appreciate it! (When they're in heaven!)
I told my daddy about heaven, about following Jesus for YEARS, he would always tell me, "I'm catholic!" But, he never did anything "catholic", ever! He was just saying that, because that's what he was raised to say. But your parent's religion or relationship with Christ isn't enough for YOU. You have to have a relationship with HIM yourself.
My daddy called my mom and I, "Jesus Fanatics" and said we were crazy for our obsession with Church and serving God. He just wanted us to be "good" people.
But, NO ONE is truely good, no one. (Says the Lord.)
So, please, first, seek the Lovely relationship that I enjoy with the Lord, for yourself, and then, go, and make disciples. Please, It's all that matters!
You are my most precious and highest priority disciple. That is why I am writing this book to you. The Lord came and taught His disciples, and their words they learned from him are now OUR bible.
But my Jesus is still alive, and He still walks with me daily, and He has taught me so much, and I want to pass that on to you.
I love you.
I hope I can demonstrate my love to you, so you can understand how much I love you. You are so smart and talented. You have a sweet personality and are so thoughtful. That alone will teach others.
I know.
Because you have already taught me so much of a cheerful spirit of giving, or servant-hood and gentleness. You are so caring and thoughtful. Encouraging and uplifting.
It sounds weird I'm sure, but I hope I can be like you when I grow up.
=)
4. Stay True
I have always tried to teach you how important it is to tell the truth, and be an honest person in all you do. Some people will teach you that at times, it might be ok to lie in order to protect someone or yourself, but I believe that God is the only one who will truly protect us, and if we are truthful, then we carry His Blessing in our life.
Act 5:4 It's a very tough situation, because the husband has done something wrong towards the church, and asked his wife to go along with the sinful deed. Peter says to the husband, "You have not lied toward men, but to God." and ask you know, his wife was buried right beside him that day, when she lied to Peter as well.
Peter nor the people did anything to them, instead, they were struck by the Lord because of their lie. And the Lord did not protect her because she was obedient to her husband.
In Proverbs 6:16, we see a list of 7 things that the Lord hates, and TWO of them, are LYING!
- a lying tounge
- a false witness who pours out lies
I know very well that the Lord will use you to do great things, and I pray that you STAY TRUE and honest when share about the good things He is doing. Do not fall into the trap that exaggeratting a little is okay when telling a story or something that GOD did.
Is what GOD is doing in your life or your ministry not enough for us, that we need to 'spice' up the story? No! Stay true!
You can be honored by God in heaven for being honest about everything your tongue speaks, or, you can be hated by God, just to make your story sound better in front of men, or to protect yourself, so man won't think ill of you.
Who's approval do you want?
Mans? or the Lords?
To me, it's a clear answer. I don't want the Lord to have cause to hate me, or stop his annointing from flowing through me, so I stay clear from lies, even if that means I might get into some mankind trouble.
Neither do I want the Lord to have cause against you, so Stay True. You are Good enough, just stay true.
Act 5:4 It's a very tough situation, because the husband has done something wrong towards the church, and asked his wife to go along with the sinful deed. Peter says to the husband, "You have not lied toward men, but to God." and ask you know, his wife was buried right beside him that day, when she lied to Peter as well.
Peter nor the people did anything to them, instead, they were struck by the Lord because of their lie. And the Lord did not protect her because she was obedient to her husband.
In Proverbs 6:16, we see a list of 7 things that the Lord hates, and TWO of them, are LYING!
- a lying tounge
- a false witness who pours out lies
I know very well that the Lord will use you to do great things, and I pray that you STAY TRUE and honest when share about the good things He is doing. Do not fall into the trap that exaggeratting a little is okay when telling a story or something that GOD did.
Is what GOD is doing in your life or your ministry not enough for us, that we need to 'spice' up the story? No! Stay true!
You can be honored by God in heaven for being honest about everything your tongue speaks, or, you can be hated by God, just to make your story sound better in front of men, or to protect yourself, so man won't think ill of you.
Who's approval do you want?
Mans? or the Lords?
To me, it's a clear answer. I don't want the Lord to have cause to hate me, or stop his annointing from flowing through me, so I stay clear from lies, even if that means I might get into some mankind trouble.
Neither do I want the Lord to have cause against you, so Stay True. You are Good enough, just stay true.
Friday, May 20, 2011
3. It was then that I carried you
Psalm 139:16
You saw me before I was born.
Every day of my life was recorded in your book.
Every moment was laid out
before a single day had passed.
Every day of my life was recorded in your book.
Every moment was laid out
before a single day had passed.
This is a beautiful passage of scripture.
But sometimes, when the days get rough, it's a very hard piece of scripture to believe and hold on to.
Stay faithful to Him.
Stay strong, knowing that He is in control.
There is a poem called footprints about how Jesus "carried" us through the tough times. It's hard to believe, but sometimes, perhaps even always, God is not only "with" us, and carrying us through hard times, but walking us towards them, fully allowing the bad days to come, or even putting us in those hard situations.
Listen to the trust Joseph has in the Lord.
Because of Joseph's trust in God throughout the good days and the bad days, Joseph was able to save his family (ALL of the Israelites) from starving to death!
Just remember Baby girl, that God loves you, and has good things in store, if you just hold on and trust Him.
God put Jesus in a horrible situation to be beaten and killed, yet it was God's plan. Sometimes, God's plans for good, involve us going thru hard times first, but it doesn't stop God from being perfect, or from holding your hand.
Trust Him Baby Girl.
Trust Him Baby.
Trust Him.
Trust Him Baby.
Trust Him.
2. Faith like a Child
As a small child, a baby even, your Faith, has impacted the world.
When you were only 2 years old, you began to pray to Jesus to heal people's sicknesses and we would see them healed.
I remember one day specifically, we were all the beach, and you were having a wonderful time playing in the ocean waves. You saw your daddy way off in the distance, and what happened was amazing.....
"Come play with me Daddy!"
"Sorry Baby, I can't play right now. I have a really bad headache."
"Aww, Daddy, you have an owie? It's ok, I'll pray for you. Jesus, Thank you for my daddy's owie."
...Then you pushed your eyes shut really tight, as if you were making a wish, and then you were done.
"You feel better now Daddy?"
"Haha! Wow! Yes, I do!"
"Ok, come on, let's go play."
You're faith was solid. You knew God could heal your dad, and you acted upon that. Your prayer wasn't one of fancy words or theoretical in any way. You didn't even really pray out loud for your dad to be healed, you just said, "Thank you for my Daddy's owie."
See, it wasn't about the words you used, how long you prayed, or how loud your voice was. It wasn't about the length of your prayer, and it certainly wasn't confined by your age. It was about your solid faith - your 'without a doubt' faith. You knew that God brings healing, and your hearts desire was to see your daddy healed!
There has been many times when you laid hands on someone and they were healed. And your faith has brought encouragement to so many others.
Brother Brent Wood would call you into our prayer meetings, as a 2 year old, to pray for the sick, and build our faith.
Missionaries around the world, hear about you, and release your testimony as they pray for a miracle.
You, Alanna, have changed lives, near and far, young and old. And this is just the beginning.
God is still the same today, that he was when you first began to believe.
Don't stop.
Keep this faith, that you have as a child.
Strive for it.
Protect It.
Ask the Lord to daily renew your Child like Faith and ask Him to help you protect.
What are way you can protect your Child Like Faith?
When you were only 2 years old, you began to pray to Jesus to heal people's sicknesses and we would see them healed.
I remember one day specifically, we were all the beach, and you were having a wonderful time playing in the ocean waves. You saw your daddy way off in the distance, and what happened was amazing.....
"Come play with me Daddy!"
"Sorry Baby, I can't play right now. I have a really bad headache."
"Aww, Daddy, you have an owie? It's ok, I'll pray for you. Jesus, Thank you for my daddy's owie."
...Then you pushed your eyes shut really tight, as if you were making a wish, and then you were done.
"You feel better now Daddy?"
"Haha! Wow! Yes, I do!"
"Ok, come on, let's go play."
You're faith was solid. You knew God could heal your dad, and you acted upon that. Your prayer wasn't one of fancy words or theoretical in any way. You didn't even really pray out loud for your dad to be healed, you just said, "Thank you for my Daddy's owie."
See, it wasn't about the words you used, how long you prayed, or how loud your voice was. It wasn't about the length of your prayer, and it certainly wasn't confined by your age. It was about your solid faith - your 'without a doubt' faith. You knew that God brings healing, and your hearts desire was to see your daddy healed!
There has been many times when you laid hands on someone and they were healed. And your faith has brought encouragement to so many others.
Brother Brent Wood would call you into our prayer meetings, as a 2 year old, to pray for the sick, and build our faith.
Missionaries around the world, hear about you, and release your testimony as they pray for a miracle.
You, Alanna, have changed lives, near and far, young and old. And this is just the beginning.
God is still the same today, that he was when you first began to believe.
Don't stop.
Keep this faith, that you have as a child.
Strive for it.
Protect It.
Ask the Lord to daily renew your Child like Faith and ask Him to help you protect.
What are way you can protect your Child Like Faith?
1. My Dearest Alanna
My Dearest Alanna,
As this year's Mother's Day passes, I realize how much I have learned from my own Mothers love and care. Now I see that all her years of wisdom and guidance which she poured into me are now being tested by time. I'm the kind of girl who tries to remember, but tends to forget... and sadly, I realize as the years go on, I'll begin to forget her words and teachings, as she is no longer here for me to learn from.
I hope I have the blessing to stay and watch you grow and to also see your children grow, but even if the Lord's will differs from my own, I want to leave you with my words of wisdom, care and love, that even if time grows between us, my words will always be with you.
My hope is that I can teach you all I know and that you will grow into a woman after God's heart, seeking to serve, love and care for the world around you.
My prayer is that you always look to the Lord to be your first love, your best friend, your comfort and your Father. He has brought peace and comfort to my life in a way I can not describe. I am IN LOVE with my Savior Jesus, and I hope you experience that Love with Him too.
You are beautiful, inside and out.
I will always love you, no matter what.
You make me proud every single day.
I am so blessed to be your mother and share your life of joy with you.
I am so glad we decided to have you at such a young age. You came at the perfect time, and I am blessed to stop everything and spend my days with you.
I love you more than I can say. Thank you for bringing me joy, smiles and laughter.
My life would be lost without you.
As this year's Mother's Day passes, I realize how much I have learned from my own Mothers love and care. Now I see that all her years of wisdom and guidance which she poured into me are now being tested by time. I'm the kind of girl who tries to remember, but tends to forget... and sadly, I realize as the years go on, I'll begin to forget her words and teachings, as she is no longer here for me to learn from.
I hope I have the blessing to stay and watch you grow and to also see your children grow, but even if the Lord's will differs from my own, I want to leave you with my words of wisdom, care and love, that even if time grows between us, my words will always be with you.
My hope is that I can teach you all I know and that you will grow into a woman after God's heart, seeking to serve, love and care for the world around you.
My prayer is that you always look to the Lord to be your first love, your best friend, your comfort and your Father. He has brought peace and comfort to my life in a way I can not describe. I am IN LOVE with my Savior Jesus, and I hope you experience that Love with Him too.
You are beautiful, inside and out.
I will always love you, no matter what.
You make me proud every single day.
I am so blessed to be your mother and share your life of joy with you.
I am so glad we decided to have you at such a young age. You came at the perfect time, and I am blessed to stop everything and spend my days with you.
I love you more than I can say. Thank you for bringing me joy, smiles and laughter.
My life would be lost without you.
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