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!
Monday, June 20, 2011
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!
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