Embrace Works of Faith

Today is a new day. A day to embrace the works of faith that the Father has planned in advance for me. This week of Bible Study has shown me so much.

• Who would I be if I loved Jesus with my whole heart, soul, and mind? The answer to that is what I am meant to look like. Help me with that Father. Help me today to love you with my whole heart, soul, and mind. Let every word I speak, every action I take show that I love you with my whole heart, soul, and mind. 
• Whatever I have been called to do, I cannot do it by myself. Other people are strategic to my development. So true! Thank you for the people you have weaved into and placed on my life path, whether they are those who are with me or those who are against me. I believe that God uses them all. We were meant to be in relationship with others. We do not live in silos, but in a beautiful, if sometimes messy world. 
• Reading and studying God's word is sweeter than honey. I simply love being in Your Word. Your Word has healed me of so much. It speaks to me every day and provides the guidance I need. I love coming across Scripture that has always been there but depending on my life place at the moment, it stands up and shouts at me. Only a living, breathing Word could do that. 
• After beginning by means of the Spirit, are you now trying to finish by means of the flesh? This is one of those verses that I referenced above. I cling to this truth. In the morning immediately after my quiet time, I am more conscious of the Spirit within me and more willing and ready to rely on the Spirit for the day....then life starts, the kids get up and it seems that I almost immediately begin finishing by means of the flesh. HELP ME FATHER....to stay in the Spirit. Help me to continually trust and voice my trust in You. "I trust You, Jesus." Help me to trust in You with my whole heart...then You will make my paths straight. 
• My responsibility is to stay willing to keep doing some good and not quench the Spirit with so much worldliness that I would know Your divine direction if You spelled it on a banner and flew it over my head (Beth Moore). I can only accomplish that if I remain in Your Spirit...if I trust you moment by moment. 

God is always at work in my life. As I walk by faith, I must work by faith. Sometimes I may not see the connection between where I've been and where I am going, but God IS at work always. He knows how hurts in my life can equip me to continue in His work. He knows how a doubt will end up building my faith. He knows who I am meant to be and what He has called me to do. 

He is with me always! HE IS WITH ME ALWAYS!

Father...free me of any disability oppressing or suppressing my calling. Untie me from bondage. I long to do your will today!

A Fresh Resolve

Dearest heavenly Father,
I am simply amazed at the doors You are opening in my life. I don't know where they will lead, but I am excited to continue this adventure with you.

As we walk together on this path, help me to humble myself before you each and every day (Luke 18:14). I believe all that is going on in my life right now has begun with the Spirit. May I not try to attain the goal by human effort, but continue in Your Spirit (Gal. 3:3). You are opening great doors for effective work in my family life, at work, at church, and with my friends. As I come upon opposition, may I stay the course, Father. (1 Cor 16:9).

Thank you for Your Word that speaks so powerfully to me day in and day out. You have given me an instructed tongue to know the Word that sustains the weary. You waken me morning by morning with an ear to listen like one being taught (Isaiah 50:4).

Let my cry come right into Your presence, God; provide me with all the insight that comes only from Your Word. Give my request your personal attention, rescue me on the terms of your promise. Let praise cascade off my lips; after all, you've taught me the truth about life! And let your promises ring from my tongue; every order you've given is right. Put your hand out and steady me since I've chosen to live by your counsel. I'm homesick, God for your salvation; I love it when you show yourself! Invigorate my soul so I can praise you well, use your decrees to put iron in my soul. And should I wander off like a lost sheep--seek me! I'll recognize the sound of your voice. (Psalm 119:169-176, Message).

Father, I resolve to do something good in Jesus name today. This is an extraordinary day ahead of me. Make me fit for what you are calling me to be. Fill me with good ideas and acts of faith with Your energy so that at the end of the day all that I have done (in your strength) will amount to something for You. May my life honor the name of Jesus today! Thank you for your grace that is behind and through all of this.

In Jesus Name,
Amen

Ashes to beauty

Here we go....

Dear God,
I feel You telling me to write. My head and heart are full with all that you are teaching me and have taught me. It is time to start recording and journaling so I can have a record, a marker for future generations perhaps? I am not sure what this will turn into, but am excited to begin this journey with you. Bless my efforts, Father, to write what you speak so clearly to me.

Just as you told the Israelites to leave a stone as a marker, so this will be my "stone." May I never forget how You have and continue to take my ashes and turn them into a thing of beauty. You have bestowed on me a crown of beauty instead of ashes.

Love,
Suzie