Friday, December 31, 2010
My Divine Devotions: Changing the way we approach life
1 John 5:3 Loving God means keeping his commandments and his commandments are not burdensome.
When all is said and done, it takes knowing God to love him. Loving God with our entire heart, mind and soul means we will care what he thinks. If God says: we will not worship other gods (things, people); we will not make images (material possessions, etc.) to worship; we will not use his name irreverently; we will observe a day of rest; we will honor our father and mother; and that we will not commit murder, adultery, steal, lie and be envious of our neighbor, then we will obey for one simple reason: love.
Loving God means changing the way we approach life and relationships. After a while, we detest the loathsome things we did and we change the way we think because God opens our minds and gives us a new way of thinking. Our minds are opened to receive the truth.
Truth is freedom.
Freedom is love.
God is love. ♥ ♥
Thursday, December 30, 2010
My Divine Devotions: Life in God’s will
1 John 5:14 We can be confident that he will listen to us whenever we ask him for anything in line with his will.
Learning to obey God’s will opens doors that the human mind cannot understand in the natural. But, therein is our human challenge: wanting God’s will. For if wanting God’s will means hardship or unpleasantness, how can our hearts want the will of God?
Yet the will of God is perfect for our lives. A life lived in God’s will is the most effective, powerful and peaceful. God’s will allows us to be effective in living a life of purpose. God’s will allows us to live a life that is powerful in our mission fields. God’s will allows us to live a peaceful life amid storms.
Want God’s perfect will.
Learning to obey God’s will opens doors that the human mind cannot understand in the natural. But, therein is our human challenge: wanting God’s will. For if wanting God’s will means hardship or unpleasantness, how can our hearts want the will of God?
Yet the will of God is perfect for our lives. A life lived in God’s will is the most effective, powerful and peaceful. God’s will allows us to be effective in living a life of purpose. God’s will allows us to live a life that is powerful in our mission fields. God’s will allows us to live a peaceful life amid storms.
Want God’s perfect will.
My Divine Devotions: God always makes a way
December 29, 2010
1 Kings 11:10-15 (NIV) 10 Although he had forbidden Solomon to follow other gods, Solomon did not keep the LORD’s command. 11 So the LORD said to Solomon, “Since this is your attitude and you have not kept my covenant and my decrees, which I commanded you, I will most certainly tear the kingdom away from you and give it to one of your subordinates. 12 Nevertheless, for the sake of David your father, I will not do it during your lifetime. I will tear it out of the hand of your son. 13 Yet I will not tear the whole kingdom from him, but will give him one tribe for the sake of David my servant and for the sake of Jerusalem, which I have chosen.”
God stands by his word and always makes a way for us to get out of the situations we create as a result of our disobedience. Parents understand how difficult it is to discipline a child--yet the result of discipline is personal excellence.
God’s tenderness is revealed in his love for David and Israel. David was an imperfect man after God’s heart and God honored his faithfulness by having mercy on Solomon. God is waiting to reveal his tenderness to his children.
What a beautiful season to remember God’s tenderness, his mercy and his love for us. Our God is a powerful, personal God who doesn’t forget those who love him.
1 Kings 11:10-15 (NIV) 10 Although he had forbidden Solomon to follow other gods, Solomon did not keep the LORD’s command. 11 So the LORD said to Solomon, “Since this is your attitude and you have not kept my covenant and my decrees, which I commanded you, I will most certainly tear the kingdom away from you and give it to one of your subordinates. 12 Nevertheless, for the sake of David your father, I will not do it during your lifetime. I will tear it out of the hand of your son. 13 Yet I will not tear the whole kingdom from him, but will give him one tribe for the sake of David my servant and for the sake of Jerusalem, which I have chosen.”
God stands by his word and always makes a way for us to get out of the situations we create as a result of our disobedience. Parents understand how difficult it is to discipline a child--yet the result of discipline is personal excellence.
God’s tenderness is revealed in his love for David and Israel. David was an imperfect man after God’s heart and God honored his faithfulness by having mercy on Solomon. God is waiting to reveal his tenderness to his children.
What a beautiful season to remember God’s tenderness, his mercy and his love for us. Our God is a powerful, personal God who doesn’t forget those who love him.
Tuesday, December 28, 2010
My Divine Devotions: Use your God-given gifts to be the change
Jeremiah 29:11 (The Message) 10-11 This is GOD's Word on the subject: "As soon as Babylon's seventy years are up and not a day before, I'll show up and take care of you as I promised and bring you back home. 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.”
Jeremiah 29:11 (NIV, ©2010) 11 “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”
For days I had this verse in my mind, as I’m finalizing my ministry and life plans for 2011. This morning God put the specific book name and verse number in my mind. When God speaks, I’m learning to listen.
The message is two-fold: 1) God has a plan to give us a hope and a future and 2) By executing God’s plans we will feel empowered, hopeful and loved by our Creator.
Those who trust God have the freedom and sound mind to work out the plans he has for them. Do not sit idly and let time pass without using your God-given gifts impact your family, church, community and the world.
God does not intend for us to live an ordinary life! He knows how tough it is to do life on our own and he wants his children back home. Trust God when he says that he will take care of you and he will not leave you. Do your part and work God’s plan for your life.
Be the change.
Monday, December 27, 2010
My Divine Devotions: Stability in a chaotic world
1 Kings 8:57 May the LORD our God be with us as he was with our ancestors; may he never leave us nor forsake us.
God calls your name in subtle ways throughout your life. However, many of us refuse to open up our hearts to God because we’ve been abandoned by the very people who were supposed to care: Our parents, spouse, children, bosses, friends, business associates…the list is never-ending.
God never changes. There was tenderness in his heart for the people of old times (read King Solomon’s incredible story), and there is tenderness in his heart for our parents and for our generation. Move past the chains that make your life miserable. God will never leave you!
God planned your life and his love never changes.
God calls your name in subtle ways throughout your life. However, many of us refuse to open up our hearts to God because we’ve been abandoned by the very people who were supposed to care: Our parents, spouse, children, bosses, friends, business associates…the list is never-ending.
God never changes. There was tenderness in his heart for the people of old times (read King Solomon’s incredible story), and there is tenderness in his heart for our parents and for our generation. Move past the chains that make your life miserable. God will never leave you!
God planned your life and his love never changes.
Sunday, December 26, 2010
My Divine Devotions: My heart ached for God’s goodness and unfailing love
Psalm 23:6 Your goodness and unfailing love will pursue me all the days of my life
After celebrating Christmas, I am feeling overwhelmed by the power of God, the life of Jesus and the limitless, boundless and timeless power of the Holy Spirit. That God would become a vulnerable human baby and live among us to make my life right and change the world – it’s incredible.
My brain was unable to understand the extent of God’s goodness during the years I pursued my own selfish plans. Over the years, I felt God tug at my heart strings, but I shut out the connection. Yet God pursued and comforted me as I tripped, fell and got back on my feet over and over again. I led an exceedingly miserable life as I shut God out. People who know me are surprised to hear this because outwardly I have always had everything: family, friends, material possessions, career and a heart that cares about others.
Yet my heart ached for unfailing love. On May 2, 2006, God reached out and grabbed my hand to stop me from running. It was then that I realized that only my Heavenly Father’s unfailing love could make my life complete and so sweet.
Thank you Jesus.
After celebrating Christmas, I am feeling overwhelmed by the power of God, the life of Jesus and the limitless, boundless and timeless power of the Holy Spirit. That God would become a vulnerable human baby and live among us to make my life right and change the world – it’s incredible.
My brain was unable to understand the extent of God’s goodness during the years I pursued my own selfish plans. Over the years, I felt God tug at my heart strings, but I shut out the connection. Yet God pursued and comforted me as I tripped, fell and got back on my feet over and over again. I led an exceedingly miserable life as I shut God out. People who know me are surprised to hear this because outwardly I have always had everything: family, friends, material possessions, career and a heart that cares about others.
Yet my heart ached for unfailing love. On May 2, 2006, God reached out and grabbed my hand to stop me from running. It was then that I realized that only my Heavenly Father’s unfailing love could make my life complete and so sweet.
Thank you Jesus.
Saturday, December 25, 2010
My Divine Devotions: The ultimate surrender
December 25, 2010
Luke 1:37 For nothing is impossible with God.
What would you do if an angel told you that you would bear the Son of God and that your friend would have a son in her old age? The Bible says that Mary was confused and tried to think of what the angel could mean. In Luke 1:34 Mary asked the angel, “But how can this happen? I am a virgin.
Imagine being engaged and then having this news dropped on you? How easy it would have been to ask for more information and want to know why or to ask a million other questions (and maybe she did), but instead in verse 38 Mary responded, “I am the Lord’s servant. May everything you have said about me come true.”
How many of us could be God’s servants under overwhelming circumstances and even more – how many of us welcome unsolicited, uncomfortable situations? Yet a surrendered, servant heart is capable of doing this. Jesus surrendered his power to become a human to make everything possible for us.
Luke 1:37 For nothing is impossible with God.
What would you do if an angel told you that you would bear the Son of God and that your friend would have a son in her old age? The Bible says that Mary was confused and tried to think of what the angel could mean. In Luke 1:34 Mary asked the angel, “But how can this happen? I am a virgin.
Imagine being engaged and then having this news dropped on you? How easy it would have been to ask for more information and want to know why or to ask a million other questions (and maybe she did), but instead in verse 38 Mary responded, “I am the Lord’s servant. May everything you have said about me come true.”
How many of us could be God’s servants under overwhelming circumstances and even more – how many of us welcome unsolicited, uncomfortable situations? Yet a surrendered, servant heart is capable of doing this. Jesus surrendered his power to become a human to make everything possible for us.
Friday, December 24, 2010
My Divine Devotions: Christmas memories are in God’s hands
December 24, 2010
Job 12:10 For the life of every living thing is in his hand, and the breath of every human being.
The Divine Light of Christ opens up reservoirs of thankfulness and joy to those who accept the restoration and salvation that is offered by God. Christmas lives in the heart of those who realize that the Hand of God has shaped their existence. But it isn’t until we remove the dark lenses that permeate our pre-Christ life that we recognize his divine touch.
How about those childhood Christmases when your family was all together? What about those Christmases when grandma did all the cooking and you just showed up? What about those Christmases when extended family and friends arrived unannounced and there was a place at the table? What about those Christmases when your dad arrived late, but he arrived with the biggest and best Christmas presents?
Remember the hand of God in your life and thank him for your past, your present and your future. He thought about your memories when he sent Jesus Christ.
To God be the glory!
NOTE:
Friends,
Visit http://www.mydivinejourney.blogspot.com/ for all my December to Remember devotions in honor of Jesus Christ.
God bless you this sacred season.
Big CHRISTMAS hugs!
Blanca
Job 12:10 For the life of every living thing is in his hand, and the breath of every human being.
The Divine Light of Christ opens up reservoirs of thankfulness and joy to those who accept the restoration and salvation that is offered by God. Christmas lives in the heart of those who realize that the Hand of God has shaped their existence. But it isn’t until we remove the dark lenses that permeate our pre-Christ life that we recognize his divine touch.
How about those childhood Christmases when your family was all together? What about those Christmases when grandma did all the cooking and you just showed up? What about those Christmases when extended family and friends arrived unannounced and there was a place at the table? What about those Christmases when your dad arrived late, but he arrived with the biggest and best Christmas presents?
Remember the hand of God in your life and thank him for your past, your present and your future. He thought about your memories when he sent Jesus Christ.
To God be the glory!
NOTE:
Friends,
Visit http://www.mydivinejourney.blogspot.com/ for all my December to Remember devotions in honor of Jesus Christ.
God bless you this sacred season.
Big CHRISTMAS hugs!
Blanca
Wednesday, December 22, 2010
My Divine Devotions: I faint with longing to enter the courts of the Lord
December 15, 2010
Psalm 84:1-2 1 How lovely is your dwelling place, O Lord of Heaven’s Armies. 2 I long, yes, I faint with longing to enter the courts of the Lord. With my whole being, body and soul, I will shout joyfully to the living God.
God takes you to levels of knowledge so that when you are prepared, you may experience his presence and power in ways that are not understood by those who have not experienced God. His presence is majestic, it’s powerful and it’s available to all who thirst for him.
Preachers may preach and teachers may teach about the power of God, but when you enter the earthly courts of the Lord of Heaven’s Armies you are keenly aware of a magnificent, ethereal power. That power is love. That power is what sets Christianity apart from other religions or spiritual doctrines. The everlasting light and presence of a very real God is the gift our Heavenly Father bestows to us while we live.
But wait, there’s more!
What about the courts of heaven? How utterly incomprehensible this is to the human mind! Humans will get to experience God in his holy dwelling place. Our good earthly existence will suddenly get better in the splendor of His heavenly courts!
Read My Divine Devotions at www.MyDivineJourney.blogspot.com
Psalm 84:1-2 1 How lovely is your dwelling place, O Lord of Heaven’s Armies. 2 I long, yes, I faint with longing to enter the courts of the Lord. With my whole being, body and soul, I will shout joyfully to the living God.
God takes you to levels of knowledge so that when you are prepared, you may experience his presence and power in ways that are not understood by those who have not experienced God. His presence is majestic, it’s powerful and it’s available to all who thirst for him.
Preachers may preach and teachers may teach about the power of God, but when you enter the earthly courts of the Lord of Heaven’s Armies you are keenly aware of a magnificent, ethereal power. That power is love. That power is what sets Christianity apart from other religions or spiritual doctrines. The everlasting light and presence of a very real God is the gift our Heavenly Father bestows to us while we live.
But wait, there’s more!
What about the courts of heaven? How utterly incomprehensible this is to the human mind! Humans will get to experience God in his holy dwelling place. Our good earthly existence will suddenly get better in the splendor of His heavenly courts!
Read My Divine Devotions at www.MyDivineJourney.blogspot.com
My Divine Devotions: When your soul makes a connection to home
December 16, 2010
1 Peter 1:8 You have not seen Christ, but still you love him. You cannot see him now, but you believe in him. So you are filled with a joy that cannot be explained, a joy full of glory.
There is unexplainable joy in the life of a believer who has received restoration from the blood of Christ. The moment your eyes are opened to the great sacrifice made by a God who chose to become a man like the ones he created, your soul makes a connection to home. The formal God from church (or religion) no longer exists.
In place of a cold, unreachable god, the real Christ reveals his essence to your soul and a deep bond of salvation is formed. The human decides what to do with that bond of salvation. When one chooses to explore the bond, true Christianity begins. True Christianity begins in knowing that you are a friend of Jesus, a child of God and taught and guided by the Holy Spirit. Our mind relates to the human Jesus and, thus, love, unlike any ever experienced on earth develops. The love of Jesus restores relationships and lives, and shines light in the darkness.
Read My Divine Devotions at www.MyDivineJourney.blogspot.com
1 Peter 1:8 You have not seen Christ, but still you love him. You cannot see him now, but you believe in him. So you are filled with a joy that cannot be explained, a joy full of glory.
There is unexplainable joy in the life of a believer who has received restoration from the blood of Christ. The moment your eyes are opened to the great sacrifice made by a God who chose to become a man like the ones he created, your soul makes a connection to home. The formal God from church (or religion) no longer exists.
In place of a cold, unreachable god, the real Christ reveals his essence to your soul and a deep bond of salvation is formed. The human decides what to do with that bond of salvation. When one chooses to explore the bond, true Christianity begins. True Christianity begins in knowing that you are a friend of Jesus, a child of God and taught and guided by the Holy Spirit. Our mind relates to the human Jesus and, thus, love, unlike any ever experienced on earth develops. The love of Jesus restores relationships and lives, and shines light in the darkness.
Read My Divine Devotions at www.MyDivineJourney.blogspot.com
Friday, December 10, 2010
My Divine Devotions: God hears your call; Psalm 145:18
Psalm 145:18 The LORD is near to all who call on Him, yes, to all who call on him sincerely.
On May 2, 2006, I gave up trying to do life my own way and cried out to God while I was standing in front of a mirror. All of a sudden, my eyes came alive; it was as if I was looking through the windows of my soul. I knew something had happened -- that a higher power had heard my cry: “Oh my God, I am so scared, please help me!” God revealed himself to me in a powerful way that sacred day, and my life changed forever.
But I can honestly say that I searched for God for many years, I read the Bible and took classes, but it wasn’t until that day that he became real for me. I had prayed the prayer of salvation so many times but it never “worked.” I come from a family of people who had deep, personal relationships with Jesus Christ, but before that day in 2006, I only knew God by the book. I have no doubt that God has always been on my journey as I look over my amazing life, but I didn’t acknowledge his presence or power in my life.
Perhaps it was that moment when I surrendered control and asked for help in a sincere way? Perhaps it was the faith I always had that compelled me to seek that heart connection to the Lord? I don’t know why it took so long for me to get that divine lifeline. But I do know this, the Lord was waiting with open arms for me and my life has never been the same!
Visit My Divine Journey blog @ www.MyDivineJourney.blogspot.com for my December devotions.
On May 2, 2006, I gave up trying to do life my own way and cried out to God while I was standing in front of a mirror. All of a sudden, my eyes came alive; it was as if I was looking through the windows of my soul. I knew something had happened -- that a higher power had heard my cry: “Oh my God, I am so scared, please help me!” God revealed himself to me in a powerful way that sacred day, and my life changed forever.
But I can honestly say that I searched for God for many years, I read the Bible and took classes, but it wasn’t until that day that he became real for me. I had prayed the prayer of salvation so many times but it never “worked.” I come from a family of people who had deep, personal relationships with Jesus Christ, but before that day in 2006, I only knew God by the book. I have no doubt that God has always been on my journey as I look over my amazing life, but I didn’t acknowledge his presence or power in my life.
Perhaps it was that moment when I surrendered control and asked for help in a sincere way? Perhaps it was the faith I always had that compelled me to seek that heart connection to the Lord? I don’t know why it took so long for me to get that divine lifeline. But I do know this, the Lord was waiting with open arms for me and my life has never been the same!
Visit My Divine Journey blog @ www.MyDivineJourney.blogspot.com for my December devotions.
Friday, December 3, 2010
Divine Note #62 - Do you wait for God? - Habakkuk 2:3
Written Saturday, Sept. 18, 2010, Posted Friday, Dec. 3, 2010
Habakkuk 2:3 The message I give you waits for the time I have appointed. It speaks about what is going to happen. And all of it will come true. It might take a while. But wait for it. You can be sure it will come. It will happen when I want it to.
God speaks to Habakkuk and clearly tells him to wait for the message. I love the way God also tells Habakkuk that it may take time, but to wait because things will happen when God wants them to happen. How clear is that?
How human it is for us to clearly hear God’s voice yet we still do our own thing? The message of this Divine Note is simple: Obey God. Leave timing, circumstances and all the details to him. God knows when you need to know something. God knows that it’s hard to wait. God knows that you need to know. But remember that doing God’s will involves obeying him down to the last detail. Wait on God. Listen to God. Obey God.
Big God Hugs,
Blanca
Read my December Divine Devotions at www.MyDivineJourney.blogspot.com
Habakkuk 2:3 The message I give you waits for the time I have appointed. It speaks about what is going to happen. And all of it will come true. It might take a while. But wait for it. You can be sure it will come. It will happen when I want it to.
God speaks to Habakkuk and clearly tells him to wait for the message. I love the way God also tells Habakkuk that it may take time, but to wait because things will happen when God wants them to happen. How clear is that?
How human it is for us to clearly hear God’s voice yet we still do our own thing? The message of this Divine Note is simple: Obey God. Leave timing, circumstances and all the details to him. God knows when you need to know something. God knows that it’s hard to wait. God knows that you need to know. But remember that doing God’s will involves obeying him down to the last detail. Wait on God. Listen to God. Obey God.
Big God Hugs,
Blanca
Read my December Divine Devotions at www.MyDivineJourney.blogspot.com
Divine Note #61 - When God gives you an answer - Habakkuk 2:2 & Psalm 102:18
Written Saturday, Sept. 18, 2010, Posted Friday, Dec. 3, 2010
Habakkuk 2:2 The LORD replies: “Write down the message I am showing you in a vision. Write it clearly on the tablets you use. Then a messenger can read it and run to announce it.”
Psalm 102:18 This will be written for a later generation, and a newly created people will praise the LORD;
When you aren’t used to hearing from God, it’s easy to chalk things up to “good luck” or maybe you “were at the right place at the right time.” I have learned to write everything down that is inspired by God. Whether he brings something to my mind, when a Scripture jumps off the pages of my Bible or when he gives me messages through other people, I write everything down!
I always advise people to write the things that God has done in their life, to be prepared for those times in our lives when things are not going well. A written record will enable you to remember the good things that God has done in your life. Journaling also helps you focus your thoughts and it can also help you write down things you need to discuss with God.
I also share my messages for God to encourage others and to let them know that God is real and he is active in the world. It’s up to you and me to share our walk, so we can encourage believers and inspire nonbelievers. Write down what God says to you! Watch your life change!
Big God Hugs,
Blanca
NOTE: I was inspired to pray for 31 people in December and write down my thoughts. As a result, I have recorded my December to Remember Divine Devotions on my other blog: www.MyDivineJourney.blogspot.com. I invite you to read my daily devotions.
Habakkuk 2:2 The LORD replies: “Write down the message I am showing you in a vision. Write it clearly on the tablets you use. Then a messenger can read it and run to announce it.”
Psalm 102:18 This will be written for a later generation, and a newly created people will praise the LORD;
When you aren’t used to hearing from God, it’s easy to chalk things up to “good luck” or maybe you “were at the right place at the right time.” I have learned to write everything down that is inspired by God. Whether he brings something to my mind, when a Scripture jumps off the pages of my Bible or when he gives me messages through other people, I write everything down!
I always advise people to write the things that God has done in their life, to be prepared for those times in our lives when things are not going well. A written record will enable you to remember the good things that God has done in your life. Journaling also helps you focus your thoughts and it can also help you write down things you need to discuss with God.
I also share my messages for God to encourage others and to let them know that God is real and he is active in the world. It’s up to you and me to share our walk, so we can encourage believers and inspire nonbelievers. Write down what God says to you! Watch your life change!
Big God Hugs,
Blanca
NOTE: I was inspired to pray for 31 people in December and write down my thoughts. As a result, I have recorded my December to Remember Divine Devotions on my other blog: www.MyDivineJourney.blogspot.com. I invite you to read my daily devotions.
Divine Note #60 - Do you believe that God responds? Habakkuk 1:5
Divine Note #60 –Written on Saturday, Sept. 18, 2010 posted Dec. 3, 2010
Habakkuk 1:5 The Lord replies: “Look at the nations. Watch them. Be totally amazed at what you see. I am going to do something in your days that you would never believe. You would not believe even if someone told you about it.”
Think about your spiritual senses. Is your awareness of God strong enough so that you know when he responds to your prayers? God is always working in our lives, but sometimes we focus on those things we want instead of what God is trying to tell us. In this Scripture, God responds to Habakkuk’s questions.
Our God is a God of miracles – he has unlimited power and he can use it to answer prayers that are within his will for you and me. Do you believe that God answers prayer? Do you believe that God does great things? Yes! Our God is an awesome God and he can change your life and mine in less than a second. Anticipate that God will answer your prayers.
Big God Hugs,
Blanca
Habakkuk 1:5 The Lord replies: “Look at the nations. Watch them. Be totally amazed at what you see. I am going to do something in your days that you would never believe. You would not believe even if someone told you about it.”
Think about your spiritual senses. Is your awareness of God strong enough so that you know when he responds to your prayers? God is always working in our lives, but sometimes we focus on those things we want instead of what God is trying to tell us. In this Scripture, God responds to Habakkuk’s questions.
Our God is a God of miracles – he has unlimited power and he can use it to answer prayers that are within his will for you and me. Do you believe that God answers prayer? Do you believe that God does great things? Yes! Our God is an awesome God and he can change your life and mine in less than a second. Anticipate that God will answer your prayers.
Big God Hugs,
Blanca
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