Are You Available???

I have begun reading into the new book by Francis Chan entitled Forgotten God. Be on the lookout for a review in the coming week. The whole premise of the book is how we talk about Jesus and the Father, but too often discount the working of the Holy Spirit in our lives. Thus, the image to your left!

In the trailer for the book, Francis looks at Acts 4:13, which we will first view in the KJV..."Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were unlearned and ignorant men, they marvelled; and they took knowledge of them, that they had been with Jesus." As you know, I like to see the way the Amplified Bible brings out the meaning in passages, and this one is no different..."Now when they saw the boldness and unfettered eloquence of Peter and John and perceived that they were unlearned and untrained in the schools [common men with no educational advantages], they marveled; and they recognized that they had been with Jesus."

I realize we no longer can say we have physically been with Jesus, but can others around us see that we have been touched by the Spirit? Are we walking a walk that exemplifies the Lord? Are our actions, words, thought, intents, and desires showing forth the leading of the Holy Spirit? If you are like me...there is no way you would want yours published for others to see. It's a daily battle to hand over control of self...and a battle that too often ends in defeat.

But, there is hope! If you notice what was said of these in the passage...they weren't doctoral students, highly-skilled promoters...they were unlearned, untrained, and even ignorant men. But, because the Master's hand had been made evident in them, great and mighty things were done through them. We aren't called because of what we have to offer, but because of what God can do through a willing vessel.

I am willing to be used today...are you? Pray with me..."Lord, I want You to have the reigns in my life. I want to take a step back, so you can step up. May others see You in my every word and deed. May not only my thoughts but also the things I look upon be of the purest nature. My prayer is to be available and open for you to work through so I might reach others for you."

Please let me know if you have a special prayer request I can word on your behalf today!!!

My eyes are to Thee...

Many of you know that a group from our church went to the "Returning to God" conference this past weekend in Moore, OK. One of the things that stuck out to me for the time was our personal prayer time in our lives. God spoke to my heart about being sincere in my life, both in speech and action.

This morning, my reading comes from Psalms 141:8-10..."But mine eyes are unto thee, O God the Lord: in thee is my trust; leave not my soul destitute. (9) Keep me from the snares which they have laid for me, and the gins of the workers of iniquity. (10) Let the wicked fall into their own nets, whilst that I withal escape."

If we keep our eyes upon the Lord in all we do and ask for His guidance, we can escape the sin that the world tries to indwell us with. Too many times, we as Christians try to make it by how WE live and OUR actions. True, good actions aren't a bad thing, but when led by human efforts, have the ability to fall. God's way is not our way. His thought are above our thoughts and are above reproach.

To be triumphant in your walk, lay down your burdens upon Him. In our prayers, we need to be open and sincere. Not only our prayers, but also our walk. Read verses 1-4 of this chapter when you get the chance...it's all about turning over to God and being steadfast.

May we every day be willing to put our lives in God's hands to lead us. May our eyes be on His will. Alow God to be your escape from the nets of the wicked.

If you ever have a need or prayer request, feel free to drop a line that I can know how to pray for you. Your feedback is also appreciated!