MOVING FORWARD IN HOPE: February 10, 2013

...God appeared to Solomon in a dream: God said, "What can I give you? Ask."

"Here's what I want: Give me a God-listening heart so I can lead your people well, discerning the difference between good and evil. For who on their own is capable of leading your glorious people?" God, the Master, was delighted with Solomon's response. And God said to him, "Because you have asked for this and haven't grasped after a long life, or riches, or the doom of your enemies, but you have asked for the ability to lead and govern well, I'll give you what you've asked for--I'm giving you a wise and mature heart. There's never been one like you before; and there'll be no one after. As a bonus, I'm giving you both the wealth and glory you didn't ask for--there's not a king anywhere who will come up to your mark. And if you stay on course, keeping your eye on the life-map and the God-signs as your father David did, I'll also give you a long life." (1 Kings 3:5, 9-14, MSG).

Living God:

Thank you for being real and eternal! I bow before You to offer my praise and worship.

Forgive me, O God, for my sins. Lately, I have allowed disappointment and frustration to overthrow my joy, hope and peace. Cleanse my heart and filter out anything that is not like You. Pour the fruit of the Spirit into my heart; satisfy me with more of You!

Lord, I ask that you help me govern myself according to Your statutes. Let my lifestyle demonstrate an undying love for You. Give me an optimistic perspective that will sustain me as I wait for my wins. Give me the strength to combat "arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of" You, and help me "take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ." (2 Corinthians 10:5, NIV). Increase my discernment, enhancing my ability to decipher what is good and evil. (1 Kings 3:9, MSG). May my commitment to You overthrow the temptation of sin.

This year, I desire to move forward in hope. Instill within me an unwavering confidence in Your promises. Let my actions be proactive and purposeful, being totally obedient to You, following the life path You have cleared, alert and attentive to everything You have made plain this day. (1 Kings 8:61, MSG).

As I move forward in hope, remind me daily that You, my God who has called me into fellowship with Your Son Jesus Christ my Lord, are faithful. (1 Corinthians 1:9, NIV).

In the name of Jesus...AMEN.

The LORD is faithful to all his promises and loving toward all he has made. You open your hand and satisfy the desires of every living thing. (Psalm 145:13, 16, NIV).

FOLLOW THE SPIRIT: SELF-CONTROL

For God did not give us a spirit of timidity (of cowardice, of craven and cringing and fawning fear), but [He has given us a spirit] of power and of love and of calm and well-balanced mind and discipline and self-control. (2 Timothy 1:7, AMP).

Living God: Giver of Life, thank You for breathing me into existence. (Genesis 2:7, NIV). I kneel before Your throne in worship, extending my gratitude for being with me from my Hell to my Win. In jubilant song, I praise You for being my everything!

When I think about the Spirit of love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, and gentleness, I must glorify You. (Galatians 5:22-23, HCSB).

I am a living, breathing witness, that following the Spirit of self-control has kept me from experiencing a multitude of emotional outbursts. However, I confess that I sometimes suffer from conniptions. Fortunately, my emotional outbursts have been restricted--within the confines of my home, car, and in the company of my closest (empathizing, understanding) friends, I cuss like I'm unconverted.

I admit that I need Your help in being more self-controlled. With my tongue I praise You, and with it I curse people, who have been made in Your likeness--I know this should not be. (James 4:9, 10, NIV). Purify my heart, O God, and assist me in following the Spirit of self-control more closely.

Continue to mature me, LORD; may I be more devoted to following the Spirit of self-control.

In the name of Jesus Christ...AMEN.

Now the works of the flesh are obvious: sexual immorality, moral impurity, promiscuity, idolatry, sorcery, hatreds, strife, jealousy, outbursts of anger, selfish ambitions, dissensions, factions, envy, drunkenness, carousing, and anything similar. I tell you about these things in advance—as I told you before—that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God. But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faith, gentleness, self-control. Against such things there is no law. Now those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. Since we live by the Spirit, we must also follow the Spirit. (Galatians 5:19-25, HCSB).

FOLLOW THE SPIRIT: GENTLENESS

We are to be gentle (reasonable, fair minded, and charitable) to those outside the church, and not just to fellow believers. This means we are not to seek revenge against those who treat us unfairly, nor are we to be overly vocal about our personal rights. (Philippians 4:5, NIV Application Notes).

Living God: I thank You for being everywhere. I worship You because You are within my reach--it's remarkable that I can extend my hand and in return You touch me with gentleness. You're so wonderful!

I want to learn more about gentleness, O LORD. Help me to control my thought-life and harness my tongue so my "gentleness is evident to all." (Philippians 4:5, NIV). Engrave Your words of forgiveness upon my heart so my freedom is evident to all. Restrict my pride and help me practice humility.

Since I live by the Spirit, I realize I must also follow the Spirt of gentleness. (Galatians 5: 25, HCSB). As much as I try to be a Vehicle of Compassion, I confess that my thoughts, actions and words aren't always sweet, sometimes they're downright sour. Teach me how to interact with all people reasonably, justly, and graciously. (Philippians 4:5, NIV Application Notes).

I rejoice and extend my gratitude for sending me a gentle King--righteous and having salvation. (Zechariah 9:9, NIV). Let me follow His example, let me follow the Spirit.

In the name of Jesus Christ...AMEN.

Now the works of the flesh are obvious: sexual immorality, moral impurity, promiscuity, idolatry, sorcery, hatreds, strife, jealousy, outbursts of anger, selfish ambitions, dissensions, factions, envy, drunkenness, carousing, and anything similar. I tell you about these things in advance—as I told you before—that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God. But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faith, gentleness, self-control. Against such things there is no law. Now those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. Since we live by the Spirit, we must also follow the Spirit. (Galatians 5:19-25, HCSB).

FOLLOW THE SPIRIT: FAITH

And Jesus, replying, said to them, Have faith in God [constantly]. Truly I tell you, whoever says to this mountain, Be lifted up and thrown into the sea! and does not doubt at all in his heart but believes that what he says will take place, it will be done for him. For this reason I am telling you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe (trust and be confident) that it is granted to you, and you will [get it]. And whenever you stand praying, if you have anything against anyone, forgive him and let it drop (leave it, let it go), in order that your Father Who is in heaven may also forgive you your [own] failings and shortcomings and let them drop. But if you do not forgive, neither will your Father in heaven forgive your failings and shortcomings. (Mark 11:22-26, AMP).

Living God: You are my Endless Love and I thank You for embracing me with Your tenderness! I bow down in worship, acknowledging Your sovereignty. Heavenly Father, I celebrate You!

Grow my faith in You, O LORD, that it may be endless. Like Joseph, let me believe You "will surely come to" my aid and take me to my promised land. (Genesis 50:24, NIV). Like Hannah, let me continue to worship and praise You for honoring my requests. (1 Samuel 1:19; 1 Samuel 2:1-10). Like Stephen, let me be "full of faith and of the Holy Spirit," and have a willingness to forgive those who oppose me. (Acts 6:5; 7:60, NIV).

I want to trust You more, O LORD! I confess that doubt hinders my reliance on You. I confess that I hold grudges from past hurts, imagine how I'd retaliate, and totally blank out on the fact that it's Your role to avenge. (Hebrews 10:30, NIV).

Coach me, O LORD, to follow the Spirit. Train me, O LORD--let my faith be fit to believe that nothing is impossible with You! (Luke 1:37, NIV).

In the name of Jesus Christ...AMEN.

Now the works of the flesh are obvious: sexual immorality, moral impurity, promiscuity, idolatry, sorcery, hatreds, strife, jealousy, outbursts of anger, selfish ambitions, dissensions, factions, envy, drunkenness, carousing, and anything similar. I tell you about these things in advance—as I told you before—that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God. But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faith, gentleness, self-control. Against such things there is no law. Now those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. Since we live by the Spirit, we must also follow the Spirit. (Galatians 5:19-25, HCSB).

FOLLOW THE SPIRIT: GOODNESS

Moses said, "Please. Let me see your Glory." God said, "I will make my Goodness pass right in front of you; I'll call out the name, God, right before you. I'll treat well whomever I want to treat well and I'll be kind to whomever I want to be kind." (Exodus 33:18-19, MSG).

I'm sure now I'll see God's goodness in the exuberant earth. Stay with God! Take heart. Don't quit. I'll say it again: Stay with God. (Psalm 27:13-14, MSG).

Living God: I approach Your throne this evening in reverence, bowing down to thank You for being my Creator. "I am so happy that" You "planned for me to be born in this galaxy, in this universe, on this planet." (Witnessing journal entry of Geralyne M. Holt). I rejoice in Your presence!

I treasure our intimate relationship--to know that You're pleased with me and know me by name is quite an honor. (Exodus 33:17, NIV). To hear You declare that your Goodness will pass right before me is music to my ears. (Exodus 33:19, MSG).

LORD, thanks for being attentive to all of my requests. As I decompress and reflect upon the day's events, I must tell You how grateful I am to experience Your goodness in the land of the living. You treat me well and kind--You give me star treatment.

I confess that I do get discouraged--I don't always possess confident vision and there are times when I want to quit. (Psalm 27:13-14, MSG). Increase my faith, O LORD, and decrease my fears.

I'm fully committed to stay with You! (Psalm 27:14, MSG). I will follow the Spirit of goodness!

In the name of Jesus Christ...AMEN.

Now the works of the flesh are obvious: sexual immorality, moral impurity, promiscuity, idolatry, sorcery, hatreds, strife, jealousy, outbursts of anger, selfish ambitions, dissensions, factions, envy, drunkenness, carousing, and anything similar. I tell you about these things in advance—as I told you before—that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God. But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faith, gentleness, self-control. Against such things there is no law. Now those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. Since we live by the Spirit, we must also follow the Spirit. (Galatians 5:19-25, HCSB).

FOLLOW THE SPIRIT: KINDNESS

I will tell of the kindnesses of the Lord, the deeds for which he is to be praised, according to all the Lord has done for us—yes, the many good things he has done for Israel, according to his compassion and many kindnesses. (Isaiah 63:7, NIV).

Living God: Thank you for being awake and attentive, to hear our song of adoration. You are amazing, O LORD, and we praise You for being kind to Your people.

In our daily living, keep us mindful of the kind things You have done. As we go about our day, let us exhibit kindness to others--greeting them with joyous smiles. Give us opportunities to tell of Your kindnesses to people that need to hear an encouraging, hospitable word.

Purify our hearts, O God--remove anything that is not demonstrative of Your loving-kindness. Forgive us for the times we've been unkind, mean-spirited and vengeful. Help us to adhere to the command given in Ephesians 4:32: "Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you."

We lift our hands in worship and lift our eyes to Heaven to say "Thank You" for being affectionate, benevolent, gracious, and understanding. Keep us faithful in following the Spirit.

In the name of Jesus Christ...AMEN.

Now the works of the flesh are obvious: sexual immorality, moral impurity, promiscuity, idolatry, sorcery, hatreds, strife, jealousy, outbursts of anger, selfish ambitions, dissensions, factions, envy, drunkenness, carousing, and anything similar. I tell you about these things in advance—as I told you before—that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God. But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faith, gentleness, self-control. Against such things there is no law. Now those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. Since we live by the Spirit, we must also follow the Spirit. (Galatians 5:19-25, HCSB).

FOLLOW THE SPIRIT: PATIENCE

Don’t forget all the hard times you went through when you first received the light. Sometimes you were abused and mistreated in public, and at other times you shared in the sufferings of others. You were kind to people in jail. And you gladly let your possessions be taken away, because you knew you had something better, something that would last forever. Keep on being brave! It will bring you great rewards. Learn to be patient, so that you will please God and be given what he has promised. (Hebrews 10:32-37, CEV).

Living God: I bow down in reverence because You are majestic. Serving You is an honor and I want to thank You for entrusting me to do good works here on Earth. My ever-present God--I love You more each day!

When I think about the times I could've lost all of my marbles, it was your Spirit of patience that maintained my composure. Memory won't let me forget life's challenges--I've experienced abuse and mistreatment, and I've "shared in the sufferings of others." (Hebrews 10:33, CEV). Yet, because of the relationship I have with You, I am sane and more than satisfied.

Forgive me for being impatient. For You know what irks me, and my (body) language sometimes reflects intolerance.

Teach me to be patient, O LORD. I long to please You and I have a willingness to follow the Spirit, so I may obtain Your promises. (Hebrews 10:36, CEV). Anoint me with an attitude of bravery as I navigate the journey You've set forth.

In the name of Jesus Christ...AMEN.

Now the works of the flesh are obvious: sexual immorality, moral impurity, promiscuity, idolatry, sorcery, hatreds, strife, jealousy, outbursts of anger, selfish ambitions, dissensions, factions, envy, drunkenness, carousing, and anything similar. I tell you about these things in advance—as I told you before—that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God. But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faith, gentleness, self-control. Against such things there is no law. Now those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. Since we live by the Spirit, we must also follow the Spirit. (Galatians 5:19-25, HCSB).

FOLLOW THE SPIRIT: PEACE

"I was pouring out my soul to the LORD." .... Eli answered, "Go in peace, and may the God of Israel grant you what you have asked of him." (1 Samuel 1:15, 17, NIV).

Living God: On bended knee, I sing Your praises. I welcome Your presence and give thanks because Your peace resides with me. Attune my ears to the calm You bring when You enter the atmosphere. In adoration, I lift my hands in worship and pour out my soul to You, O LORD. (1 Samuel 1:15, NIV).

Master, I come interceding for the world today, asking:

• that trouble be replaced by tranquility;
• that stress be replaced by serenity;
• that rage be replaced by rest;
• that hatred be replaced by harmony;
• that fighting be replaced by forgiveness.

In stillness, we know that You are God. (Psalm 46:10, NIV). However, life is challenging when deafening sounds fill our surroundings. Forgive us for the times we've been fearful and fickle, not recalling that Jesus rebukes the wind and says to the sea: "Peace, be still!" (Mark 4:39-40, NKJV).

Increase our faith to truly believe that life is good and You, O God, will grant what we've asked of You.

Let us follow the Spirit and continue to tell the world that life is abundant because Jesus is the giver of peace. (John 14:27, NIV).

In the name of Jesus Christ...AMEN.

Now the works of the flesh are obvious: sexual immorality, moral impurity, promiscuity, idolatry, sorcery, hatreds, strife, jealousy, outbursts of anger, selfish ambitions, dissensions, factions, envy, drunkenness, carousing, and anything similar. I tell you about these things in advance—as I told you before—that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God. But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faith, gentleness, self-control. Against such things there is no law. Now those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. Since we live by the Spirit, we must also follow the Spirit. (Galatians 5:19-25, HCSB).

FOLLOW THE SPIRIT: JOY

He is not here! For He has been resurrected, just as He said. Come and see the place where He lay. Then go quickly and tell His disciples, ‘He has been raised from the dead. In fact, He is going ahead of you to Galilee; you will see Him there.’ Listen, I have told you.” So, departing quickly from the tomb with fear and great joy, they ran to tell His disciples the news. Just then Jesus met them and said, “Good morning!” They came up, took hold of His feet, and worshiped Him. Then Jesus told them, “Do not be afraid. Go and tell My brothers to leave for Galilee, and they will see Me there.” (Matthew 28:6-10, HCSB).

Living God: I praise You for being three-dimensional--Father, Son & Spirit! I bow down in worship because You are alive. I extend my thanks to You because You are a  Promise-Keeper. With abundant joy, I exalt You.

As I reflect on Matthew 28 verses 6 through 10, it is an honor to be greeted by the Son. As challenging as life gets, I can be certain that joy comes in the morning. (Psalm 30:5, KJV). LORD, keep me mindful at all times that You gifted a Savior to me with resurrection power. Ready my feet to run and tell the good news about Jesus Christ, "the Son of the living God." (Matthew 16:16, KJV).

Increase my faith, that it may be unwavering. Forgive me for the times I've been hesitant and fearful to follow Your instructions. Give me the determination to follow the Spirit, so I may share the joy of having a relationship with You.

Enhance my vision to see Jesus today and enable my voice to say: "in Your presence is fullness of joy." (Psalm 16:11, AMP).

In the name of Jesus Christ...AMEN.

Now the works of the flesh are obvious: sexual immorality, moral impurity, promiscuity, idolatry, sorcery, hatreds, strife, jealousy, outbursts of anger, selfish ambitions, dissensions, factions, envy, drunkenness, carousing, and anything similar. I tell you about these things in advance—as I told you before—that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God. But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faith, gentleness, self-control. Against such things there is no law. Now those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. Since we live by the Spirit, we must also follow the Spirit. (Galatians 5:19-25, HCSB).

FOLLOW THE SPIRIT: LOVE

Jesus answered, The first and principal one of all commands is: Hear, O Israel, The Lord our God is one Lord; And you shall love the Lord your God out of and with your whole heart and out of and with all your soul (your life) and out of and with all your mind (with your faculty of thought and your moral understanding) and out of and with all your strength. This is the first and principal commandment. The second is like it and is this, You shall love your neighbor as yourself. There is no other commandment greater than these. (Mark 12:29-31, AMP).

Living God: I lift my hands in praise and worship because You are real. I enter Your presence with a heart filled with thanksgiving because Your love for me is so abundant that I am not consumed. (Lamentations 3:22, NIV).

LORD, please forgive me of my sins--for I have said, done, and thought things that are not representative of Your love. It is my desire to show and tell how much I love You, so please purify my heart, remove hateful thoughts from my mind, change my life that I may imitate Christ, and empower me to love You more and extend love to others.

I ask that your Holy Spirit fall upon me now, that I may go forward in faith, demonstrating how much I love You with all of my heart, mind, soul and strength. (Mark 12:30, AMP). Let me follow Your command and practice bearing the fruit of Love--may my life be pleasing to You, and use me, O LORD, to encourage others to live by the Spirit and follow the Spirit. (Galatians 5:25, HCSB).

In the name of Jesus Christ...AMEN.

Now the works of the flesh are obvious: sexual immorality, moral impurity, promiscuity, idolatry, sorcery, hatreds, strife, jealousy, outbursts of anger, selfish ambitions, dissensions, factions, envy, drunkenness, carousing, and anything similar. I tell you about these things in advance—as I told you before—that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God. But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faith, gentleness, self-control. Against such things there is no law. Now those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. Since we live by the Spirit, we must also follow the Spirit. (Galatians 5:19-25, HCSB).

WAIT FOR THE WIN

It is right to pray for a sign of God’s goodness. As David found, it may be just what we need. But let us not overlook the signs he has already given, the support of family and friends, the fellowship of other Christians, the light of each new day. And we can be confident that he knows our situation no matter how desperate it becomes, and he cares. (Psalm 86:17, NIV Application Notes).

Q: God, how long must I wait for what I want?

A: “Be still, and know that I am God . . . .” (Psalm 46:10, KJV).

Q: God, You know I'm not getting any younger, I didn't think I'd be waiting this long?!

A: Since before time began no one has ever imagined, no ear heard, no eye seen, a God like Me who works for those who wait for Me. (Isaiah 64:4, MSG).

Q: Surely I'm not asking You to do something that's outrageous and out of your scope of work, so what's the holdup?

A: But I'm not finished. I'm waiting around to be gracious to you. I'm gathering strength to show mercy to you. I take the time to do everything right--everything. Those who wait around for Me are the lucky ones. (Isaiah 30:18, MSG).

Q: Okay, but my friends and relatives got what they wanted years ago, don't You think it’s about time for me to get what I want?

A: I know what I'm doing. I have it all planned out—plans to take care of you, not abandon you, plans to give you the future you hope for. When you call on me, when you come and pray to me, I'll listen. When you come looking for me, you'll find me. Yes, when you get serious about finding me and want it more than anything else, I'll make sure you won't be disappointed. (Jeremiah 29:11-13, MSG).

Q: Well, why does it appear that my enemies have everything they want?

A: Be still before ME and wait patiently for Me; do not fret when people succeed in their ways, when they carry out their wicked schemes. (Psalm 37:7, NIV).

Q: I know I am not perfect. I also know that I seek You daily, I read Your Word, I study Your Word, I practice Your Word, I'm a vehicle of compassion, and I pray for others. Don't I qualify to receive what I desire?! Uuuuugh . . . I'm tired of waiting!

A: Why would you ever complain, . . . saying, "God has lost track of me. God doesn't care what happens to me"?

Don't you know anything? Haven't you been listening?

I don't come and go. I last. I am the Creator of all you can see or imagine. I don't get tired out, I don't pause to catch My breath. And I know everything, inside and out. I energize those who get tired, give fresh strength to dropouts. For even young people tire and drop out, young folk in their prime stumble and fall. But those who wait upon Me get fresh strength. They spread their wings and soar like eagles, they run and don't get tired, they walk and don't lag behind.  (Isaiah 40:27-31, MSG).

God, there are moments when I get so anxious about my future, I start grumbling. Considering my résumé and credentials, I believe I should've already achieved certain milestones. I get so caught up in thoughts of where I think I should be, I don't give my entire attention to what You're doing right now. (Matthew 6:34, MSG).

Forgive me, O Lord, for being impatient and prideful. Please accept my sincere apology for not always respecting Your authority over my life. I know I shouldn't get worked up about what may or may not happen tomorrow" and I am truly sorry for not honoring Your timeline. (Matthew 6:34, MSG). When I'm frustrated and life is challenging for me, please remind me to go off by myself. Enter the silence. Bow in prayer. Don't ask questions: Wait for hope to appear." (Lamentations 3:28-29, MSG).

God, I appreciate our conversations. Like Abraham, I can approach You and we can engage in a Q & A session.  Life is good because You show me "that asking for anything is allowed, with the understanding that" Your answers come from Your perspective. (Genesis 18:33, NIV Application Notes).

LORD, I am serious about finding You and I really do want it more than anything else! (Jeremiah 29:13, MSG). While I wait for my win, strengthen my faith and remind me that life is abundant because You reward those who earnestly seek You. (Hebrews 11:6, NIV). While I wait for my win, let me acknowledge all of what You are doing for me right now, and let me be grateful.

While I wait for my win, I wait for YOU, my whole being waits, and in Your Word I put my hope. (Psalm 130:5, NIV).

In the name of Jesus Christ...AMEN.

WORDS OF ENCOURAGEMENT

Calm down & stop fidgeting! God heard you at Question 1 and replied.

God is working; remain confident & expect to be wowed by God!

That is why waiting does not diminish us, any more than waiting diminishes a pregnant mother. We are enlarged in the waiting. We, of course, don't see what is enlarging us. But the longer we wait, the larger we become, and the more joyful our expectancy. Meanwhile, the moment we get tired in the waiting, God's Spirit is right alongside helping us along. (Romans 8:24-26, MSG).