Daily Devotional Day & Night

HAPPY THURSDAY!

I pray all is well with you, and you're enjoying another glorious Friday eve. I'm doing well, looking forward to the weekend, because it's been the longest short week ever. I did get some good news last night, my Father has been granted a hearing for Thursday, September 10, 2009 at 9am. Praise God! This is the day we've been waiting for, and I thank you for your continued prayers, and I ask that you to keep praying that the Judge rules in his favor, and allow him to come home. I spoke with him recently, and he said he feels like this is his time, and I feel the same. He's been away for 24 years, and it's time for him to move to the next step, educating people about the love of God. His lawyer is asking that we pack the Court Room, so the Judge could see the overwhelming support that he has. I'm asking that those of you, who can make the necessary arrangements, be there at 9am sharp. If you can't be there physically, send up your prayers, this will be a glorious day! Have a wonderful day.

Today's scriptures are about the Lord's corrections. One of the most quoted scriptures are "all things work together for our good", along with others like John 3:16 "for God so love the world...” etc. Putting a verse of scripture in memory doesn't necessarily mean we be live by it. When we read the bible, and memorize scripture, it is meant to feed our soul the fruits of wisdom, which in turn strengthens our Spirit. We don't always live by the word because we're an experimental, rebellious nation, which strive on self-sufficiency and pleasing the flesh. God, being our Heavenly father must correct our behavior by chastising or correcting us. The word correct is defined: To punish for the purpose of improving or reforming. When we were born again, God promised to work on perfecting us, and bringing us to full perfection when we reach Heaven. Jesus says: The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly. We know that Jesus came so that we could have an abundant life, but sin hinders our growth. Hence the reason God has to correct us; so that we could live our life the way Jesus intended it to be. It's written in Hebrews 12:1-3: We are surrounded by a great cloud of people whose lives tell us what faith means. So let us run the race that is before us and never give up. We should remove from our lives anything that would get in the way and the sin that so easily holds us back. Let us look only to Jesus, the One who began our faith and who makes it perfect. He suffered death on the cross. But he accepted the shame as if it were nothing because of the joy that God put before him. And now he is sitting at the right side of God's throne. Think about Jesus' example. He held on while wicked people were doing evil things to him. So do not get tired and stop trying. Praise God! Sometimes giving up is easier than trying to do the right thing. The flesh seems so much more appealing because of that instant gratification. We are a very impatient people, especially in today's age. We want things now, now, now, and as fast as possible. Everything we invent is always faster, and easier then the model before, such as cars, computers, food, etc. Nobody ever slows down and smells the roses anymore, and we serve a God that constantly reminds us to be patient. It's written that we should run with patience the race we call life, because if we're moving too fast, we're bound to miss something important, or mess things up. When rushing, more often than not, we make mistakes, which sometimes take longer to correct, had we taken our time to begin with. Jesus walks with us side by side in our Faith walk, and through the Holy Spirit, guides us on the right path. When we start to get ahead of Him, we start to stray off that path, and this is where the correction process happens. It's in our nature to want to move ahead quickly, but it's not always practical, and could cause unnecessary hurt and pain. Therefore we’re reminded often to seek God first. We must learn to look upon the Lord, and understand that when we go through rough times, we're being taught life lessons. We're given a chance to learn from our mistakes, and we're often forced to slow down, in order to gain the necessary wisdom, which will not only help us, but also become a testimony to help others. Yes, when we're going through it, it seems like it'll be the end of the world. Almost like the pain will never ends, and we will surely die. Not only are we put through the fire to correct us, but so we could better depend on God to get us through it. God wants our close fellowship, and He's able to greater show His love to us when we humble ourselves, and come to Him for the answers. It's written in Matthew 11:28-29: Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. It is possible for us to be going through heartache and pain, and still have peace, and it isn't a secret. My good friend told me once "God isn't a secret, yet we treat Him that way". I thought long and hard about that, and it's true. God offers His love to everyone, and it’s free because of His grace! As Christians, we have our own little groups that we confine ourselves too, and often look down our noses to anyone who isn't "like us". We allow pride and arrogance to rule our lives, and that's the exact opposite of who Jesus is, and who we're supposed to be. That's God's ultimate goal in our chastisement and correction. We have a job to do, and it needs to be done daily. Sin and Righteousness cannot mix, and once Jesus is in our hearts we're righteous, and God will do what it takes to have our entire life transformed to reflect it. If and when you're going though rough periods in life, always look for the lessons in them, because that is the point of it all. If you don't know Jesus, then you're suffering will lead to more suffering, until you see the light. You can start getting know Him right now, just ask Jesus to come into your heart as your Savior, and He has you covered. Having Him don't guarantee a stress free life, it simply gives us peace while running the race. My favorite verse today is: Now no chastening for the present, seemeth to be joyous, but grievous: nevertheless afterward it yieldeth the peaceable fruit of righteousness unto them which are exercised thereby. (Hebrews 12:11)

ENJOY! http://www.bible.com/scripture-detail.php?juli=2455050&dtype=Scripture
http://www.intouch.org/site/pp.aspx?c=cnKBIPNuEoG&b=4943197
http://www.intouch.org/site/apps/nlnet/content2.aspx?c=cnKBIPNuEoG&b=5336537&ct=7241229

I love you!