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This week has been a rough week, but I know that God has everthing in control and even though, I don't know why things happened, I know that He has a reason and a destination for these momentary troubles. My heart is full with awe in the knowledge that God had his hand in this. There are no cooincidences!!! Never Be Discouraged |
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"With a grin and a giggle, a hug and whistle, we'd slap our knees and Mama would say: "Bless the world it feels like a tip-tapping song-singing finger-snapping kind of day. Let's celebate!" And so we did"- from My Mama had a Dancing Heart by Libba Moore Gray and Raul Colon My four-year old daughter is just bursting with joy at the warm weather! She is dancing around in sun dresses begging for anything that has to do with water and spending all her time in the back yard! In this case it is the girl- not the mom saying, "Let's celebrate!" I love the warm weather too, but it means yard work, pulling weeds, planting a garden and household projects! My daughter's attitude is rubbing off on me though! I will celebrate with her ..... and then pull weeds. Yeah! |
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Have you ever used the phrase, "Watch your mouth! " ? or "Watch it!" as a warning for your children? The other day, I was frustrated with my daughter when she got into yet another mess that she knew she was not supposed to get into. As my temper flared, I stopped and "saw" myself as she might see me. I was being a terrible role model and worse- I was not glorifying God in my reaction. I immediately changed my approach but it was not easy! There are so many times in my day that I do have the option of either glorifying God or not. God is really keeping me on my toes! It's hard when we go against our fleshly nature and attempt to follow God! Like Jonah, many times, we want to say, "God, that is just too hard, and I just really don't feel like doing that right now. " When this happens, God is going to continue to attempt to get our attention or let blessings pass us by. I think we underestimate God and His power to do His will through us. Expect Miracles and you will see them! "It does not, therefore, depend on man's desire or effort, but on God's mercy." Romans 9:16 My prayer today is that God will reveal His will for my life. Not just the large decsions, but EVERY decision, even the little tiny ones such as the words I use and the actions I take minute by minute. One way he reminds me of this is to "show" me how I am acting. I will be more aware of my behavior my being in a contant state of "Watching myself! " |
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Clean Heart Challenge Scripture: 2 Peter 1:3 "His divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness through our knowledge of him who called up by his own glory and goodness." This is just a recap of the toolbox or as I think of it- "My Cleaning Supplies for Maintaining a Clean Heart" 5 Tools for Maintaining a Clean Heart
Through all this there are two main points that I was suprized to discover. 1. We are already clean! Jesus said in John 15:3 "You are already clean because of the word I have spoken to you." I just needed to clear out my junk and make room for God to Shine! 2. We have everything we need to lead a godly life. As in today's verse, we don't have to search for the tools and things to make us godly. God has already provided those. We just need to use them! As with any change, it needs to be formed into a habit. With weight loss, you work hard to lose the weight but unless it is changed into a habit of exersice and healthy eating, it will become a problem again. So I realize that this is a continuous journey. My Clean Heart Challenge is over but my Clean Heart Maintenance is continuous. I may write more about this in future posts but for now, I am ready to add to my focus, organization of my home and family! Prayer: I am closing with the "Clean Heart Psalm" Psalm 51: 10-15 Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me. Do not cast me from your presence or take your Holy Spirit from me. Restore to me the joy of your salvation and grant me a willing spirit to sustain me. Then I will teach transgressors your ways, and sinners will turn back to you. Save me from the bloodguld, O God, the God who saves me and my toughue will sing of your rightousness. O Lord, open my lips, and my mouth will declare your praise. Amen!
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Maintaining a Clean Heart Tool #5: Door: Go out and be a Witness! Scripture: 2 Timothy 2:15 "Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a workman who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth." This last tool is probably the most important tool in the "toolbox" . It is to be a Witness for God! We can be a witness in many ways:
We have a responsibility to teach, live an learn as much as we can, the godly lifestyle! We have the awesome responsibility to teach it to our children, mentor younger women and telling others about the wonderful gift of salvation. We can do these things in many ways. We can not do all of these at the same time in our life, but at least a couple at a time and of course we are a witness just by how we live our lives every minute of every day! We can teach children's Sunday school, midweek or in the nursery. We can lead a women's or small group bible study. We can participate in a prayer group or write devotions for othes. There are many ways we can be a witness. The possibilites are endless. Reflection: How are you being a witness? Are you witnessing to others outside your home as well as inside? Prayer: Lord, I will praise you, O Lord, my God, with all my heart; I will glorify your name forever. For great is yolur love toward me; you have delivered me from the depths of the grave. (Psalm 86:12-13) I will sing of your great love forever; with my mouth I will make your faithfulness known through all generations. (Psalm 89:1) Amen Tomorrow I am going to recap the 5 tools for Maintaining a Clean Heart! |
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Tools for Maintaining a Clean Heart # 4 The Phone: Christian Fellowship I have decided to condense the 10 tools to 5 to make it more simple and because several fall into one of these 5 categories anyway. Today's "tool" contains 3 parts that are equally important but accomplish the same goals. Scripture: Eccl. 4:10 -11 "If one falls down, his friend can help him up. But pity the man who falls and has no one to help him up! Also if two lie down together, they will keep warm. But how can one keep warm alone?" Todays tool is Christian Fellowship. This includes:
Last week, when we had a nice day, I took my kids to the park. My four year old was trying to do the monkey bars across one side to the other and was having problems holding on. When I offered to help, she said, "No, I can do it." But it would have been easier if she would let me hold her up, even just a little. We often need a little holding as well. Fellow Christians in our life are essential in our own spiritual life. They give us that "little holding" to help us along the way. There are three ways that fellowship with other believers strengthen us. 1. Encouragement to keep on! 2. Hold us accountable for our actions and attitudes 3. Support when we need it Friends are a great way to both give and recieve these but we also need small groups and a church as well. I see it as a balanced approach. We need a larger group such as a church to gather together and pray, worship and learn. With a large group you don't feel alone as a Christian in this world. In a small group you can learn from others and problem-solve solutions to life's problems. With a friend you can share personal thoughts and feelings that you may not share in a group. Each one is unique in how they help and encourage us. If you can build relationships with all three types of believers, you will be blessed! I picture a phone when I think of fellowship because we often use the phone to talk or arrange gatherings. Reflection: How balanced are you in having the three types of fellowship: Church , Small Group, Friends? Which area is the "weakest"? What can you do about that? Take one action this week to improve that one area. Prayer: Dear Lord, I thank you for the blessings of fellow christians in my life. I pray that I can be an encourager to those around me. There is one area of my fellowship that is lacking and I ask your help and guidance in improving that area. I know that the most important fellowship is with you! I look forward to growing closer each day. In Jesus name- AMEN |
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10 Tools for Maintaining a Clean Heart #3 The Pen Scripture: James 3:17 "But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere." Wisdom is priceless! Just think if we knew exactly what to do right away in every situation big or small! No wonder Solomon asked for wisdom when God asked him what he wanted (2 Chronicles 1) He knew that wisdom would make life easier and able him to be a great leader. God was so touched by his unselfish act that he granted him wealth, riches and honor as well. On this note of accumulating wisdom, the tool for today is a journal and pen. Whenever you pray, read the bible or even just throughout your day, pray for wisdom and write down those thoughts! I think that you will be amazed at what is revealed to you. Also in James, he says "If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it wil be given to him". Pray and ask for wisdom in any situation and it will be given to you. Not by a magic wand or a loud command, but by a small whisper deep inside of you. I have regularly written down thoughts and insights from my daily reading and I love to go back a read them! It also helps me see how God has brought me through those times in my life. Write down prayer requests and praise as well. This also, will be a record of how God has worked in your life. It will increase your faith, strengthen your testimony and solidify your thoughts! All that with one tool- the pen! Reflection: Do you journal or record your insights when God gives them to you? If not, get a simple notebook or two subject notebook and start recording your prayer requests and praises as well as your bible study thoughts. I know that many of us don't have time to do this every day, but if you do it several times a week, you will be blessed with wisdom! Prayer: Lord, How great it is to be close to you! My heart is filled with joy and peace when I am in your presence. Please grant me wisdom in my decisions and through the study of your word. Fill my mouth with wisdom in my words to others. Thank you for all of your blessings. Amen |
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Scripture: 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 "Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus." Imagine a world where your kids are always joyful and thankful for all you do. Imagine them saying "Thanks, Mom" with joy and enthusiasm for every meal, everly load of laundry and every bedtime story! Imagine if your children would come to you regularly and ask, "How can help?" The phrases in the verse above could be taken individually, but I believe that God intented for them to be all part of one "attitude of prayer" (joy and gratitude in ALL circumstances) That is what God wants from us. He does listen to our requests just as he promised but what would please him the most would be our prayers of thanksgiving and offering to be a willing servant to whatever He wants us to do. In order to hear his small voice our prayer time also needs to include some quiet listening time with an open mind and a willing spirit. The more we practice this the easier it gets to hear God's directions. His voice also comes from his word, but sometimes he may reinforce what the scripture is telling us or He may be giving us a name of a person or some other "nudge" to get our actions going! Like scripture, prayer is a very individualized thing. Some people pray by writing things out that come to mind. Some people pray in a certain setting or with a prayer partner. Of course it is best to be in the habit of "praying continuosly" throughout your day. Remember though this is not "praying your requests" throughout the day. This is praying for others, wisdom, peace, and of course just telling God how much you appreciate Him and the blessings you been given. For this "tool" for maintaining a clean heart, I think of a flower. We often give flowers as gifts for saying thank-you, illness, celebrations, etc. We should also pray in all these situations. Flowers are also some the most beautiful ways God's displays His presence in the world! Reflection: Do you only pray for requests or for the big blessings in your life? Or do you have the habit of praying thanksgiving, praise and willingness to serve? If you are like me you are probably somewhere in between these two. How can you remind yourself to pray with more joy and gratefulness? Maybe whenever you look a flowers or a picture of a flower, you can be reminded to pray in this way! Prayer: For prayer today, I am going to use the words from Be Glorified by Chris Tomlin and Louie Giglio. Lord, Your love has captured me. Your grace has set me free. Your life: the air I breathe! Be glorified in me! You set my feet to dancing. You set my heart on fire. In the presence ofa thousand kings, you are my one desire; and I stand before you now, with trembling hands lifted high. Be glorified! Amen
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10 Tools for Maintaining a Clean Heart #1: The Sword: Word of God
Scripture: Hebrews 4: 11-12 "Let us, therefore, make every effort to enter that rest, so that no one will fall by following their example of disbodience. For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart." I love homeschooling because I can easily tailor the curriculum and my teaching style to meet the needs of my kids. Each child is uniquely different and their strenghts, needs and learning styles are often very different if you take the time to explore them. Teaching to their learning style makes the difference between chaos and calm!! God also tailors the word of God to each individual. When I looked up verses about the word of God, meaning the scriptures, I found a couple of references to a sword. "sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God " in Ephesians 6 and in Hebres 4 (above). So for this tool picture a sword. Not only does this " sword" help us defeat the enemy in arming for battle but it also conficts, teaches and corrects us. In the verse above the word of God is a living thing! It "talks" to our innermost being (joints and marrow). The word of God is like train rails keeping us on the right track through conviction and guidance. Spending time daily in the the word is absolutely essential! Once a week at bible study or church is not enough. It is individual thing that "touches" each person differently. This verse for example; many people can read it but each one probably hears something different in their own mind. This is because God designed it to be individualized for each person and at that particular point in their life. I have read several verses many times and it "says" something different to me at different times in my life. So how do we "spend" time in the word? Again, it is different for each person. Sometimes I do an individual bible study from a book, other times I just am focusing on a certain word or concept. For example last year, I spend a month or two just "researching" the word/concept of HOPE. It was amazing! Lately I have been focusing on verses that pertain to this devotional about the attitudes of the heart. I ususally also try to read through the bible as well. I have different versions handy just to see what the other ones say about the concept I am studying. I know that some people think reading the bible is boring, but if done with the right reasons, an open heart, and complete love of God, it is amazing! I have learned more in the last few years by doing my "own" studies than in 10 years of doing bible studies from a book. I have learned more about me and what God has planned for me. Many written bible studies are very good for certain topics like marriage, prayer, etc., but to truly get to know what God has to say to YOU, you have to not place him in a Box and just go with his guidance. You will know if you spend time in prayer- our next tool in our toolbox for maintaining a clean heart! Word of God + Spirit+ SWORD (Isn't it funny how these two phrases make the word- sword!) Reflection: How do you usualy use th bible? Do you spend time reading the bible every day? What can you do to open "the lines of communication" for what God has to say to you? Prayer: Lord, I open my heart and my mind to recieve your word. I pray for wisdom and guidance when reading the word of God. Thank you so much for giving me the Sword of the Spirit, so that I can recieve the messages you have for me each day. I will meditate on your Word all thoughout my day reflecting on your teaching so that I may become more like you. In Jesus name-Amen |
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Scripture: Ephesians 3: 16-19 "I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strenghten you with power through his Spirit in your inner being so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the saints, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ and to know this love that surpasses knowledge-that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God." I have been working on teaching my kids obedience. I read that there are a couple different kinds of obedince, but only one is true obedience- willfull obedience. This is the type where obedience is done with gladness. Doing things with bitterness or with complaint is not true obedience. We often do this with God. We do what we know He wants us to do and we act how we know Christians should act but we are not very happy about it. But if we are rooted and established in the love of Christ, this love with overflow into all areas of our life. Luke 6: 49 says "For out of the overflow of his heart his mouth speaks." This does not only apply to speach but to our actions, attitudes and relationships. This is why I am focusing on the heart. It is the motivation, center and anchor of everything we do, say or even think! So how do we be sure we are "filled to the measure of all the fullness of God"? It takes daily maintenance, just like our house, our children or anything else! This week, I am going to be talking about the 10 tools to maintain our hearts. These are as essential as cleaning supplies for a clean house! Of course the most important aspect is to be totally and willingly submitted to God! Please always keep the big picture of you being UNITED with Christ throughout each moment of your day. Reflection: Is your heart "filled to the measure of all the fullness of God" today? Why? If not, what can you do to change that? If you are, your joy should be overflowing!! I once saw a Beth Moore bible study and she showed a glass of ice filled to rim. She showed how people try to fill their hearts with other things and it just doesn't work!! Then she poured water in the glass with the ice to demonstrate that God is the only thing that can "Fill out hearts" completely! Please reflect on the content of your heart: are you spending time each day being "filled with Christ"? Are you too busy to take time to be sure that the anchor, motivaiton and center of everything you do is maintained? Prayer: Lord, I long to be filled to the measure of all the fullness of you! I submit to your will and control in my life. I thank you for the work you are doing in me by the power of the Holy Spirit. |
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Scripture: Philippians 2: 12-13 "Therefore, my dear friends, as you have always obeyed- not only in my presence, but now much more in my absence-continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling for it is God who works in you to will and act according to his good purpose." Have you ever had a near death experience or even an occasion when, or had something happen that caused you to think that this could be the trumpets proclaiming Chirst's return? I had an experince such as this a few years ago. Just the temporary thought of coming face to face with Christ had me trembling! Not because I had turned away from him , but just because I knew I was not doing my part in living completely as a child of God. It was one of the scariest experiences I have ever had! It really made me think about my daily actions and attitudes! This verse tells us exactly what our attitude should be. We should ALWAYS be considering what Christ did for us and giving freely of our lives with the possiblity of meeting God at anytime!!! We know that God knows and sees our hearts and our actions all the time, but if we truly would grasp the concept of standing before God on judgement day and if judgement day was today...would you tremble and be completely ashamed of your attitudes or tremble and be at peace with your attitudes? This reminds me of the scramble and guilt of last minute company coming to my house when it is a mess. I scramble to clean up the mess and get so mad at myself for not having it more "company ready" all the time! I know you know what I mean! Reflection: Examine your attitudes and actions daily or even hourly! Is your heart ready for the trumpets? If the thought scares you, what attitudes or actions would you be most ashamed of? Take one attitude at time and "clense" you life of it through the word and by the Holy Spirit! Prayer: Lord, I am humble in your presence! You are always near, yet I admit that I do not always have the attitudes you would like for me to have. I resolve to consider your constant presence all throughout my day and the possiblity of your return at any time. I thank you for the gift of eternal life! Amen |
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Scripture: Phil. 2:1-2 "If you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from His love, if any fellowship with the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, then make my joy complete by being like minded, having the same love , being one in spirit and purpose." Here Paul was writing about getting along with each other but I would like to dig a little deeper in this verse today. First, look how he says "IF you have encouragement from being united with Christ". This both implies that we should be encouraged by being united with Christ and that we should be united with Christ! Can you grasp the concept of totally being UNITED with Christ! What an awesome privledge! When we live by His word, led by the Spirit, following the example of Christ we are UNITED with Christ. I know that I am definately not worthy of that privledge, but God has given it to us anyway! He did this so that we my glorify His name when we do. I am humbled and filled with hope when I think of this! Secondly, it says, "IF any comfort from His love, IF any fellowship with the Spirit". Again this implies that we are to live with comfort that comes from God, not from material things , friends or family. We should be totally comfortable in any circimstance just by focusing on God's love for us! We also should be in fellowship with the Spirit. When I think of fellowship ,I think of a good friend and spending time together. The Spirit is our constant friend, always giving godly advice, guiding us in ALL the choices througout our day and always encouraging us. Again, if we grasp that concept of a constant companion, just think about how much it would affect your minute by minute choices, actions and attitudes! I read a quote today that says, "A life well lived is a simply a compilation of each day spend well."- Douglas Pagels. I would take it step further and say also that a day well spend is a compilation of each moment spent well. We don't need to focus on "Someday". Focus on each day, each moment or someday won't ever happen! It is a decision to be in fellowship with the Spirit! It is a decision to be United with Christ, be comforted by His love and to show tenderness and compassion. One we don't do "someday". We do it NOW! Reflection: How are your days? How are your moments? Are you UNITED with Christ? Are you in fellowship with the Spirit? It is simply a moment by moment decision! Cling close to God by meditating on these concepts and "spend your days well! Prayer: Dear Lord, I am completley humbled and encouraged to be united with You. Your love is so evident by this privledge! I chose to spending my days and my moments in close fellowship with the Spirit, being led and guided by the wisdom. I chose to be content in Your love and show tenderness and compassion just as you have done for me. In Jesus' name- Amen |
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Scripture: Ezekiel 36:26-27 NIV "I will give you a new heart and a put a new spirit in you; I will remove from you your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh. And I will put my Spirit in you and move you to follow my decrees and be careful to keep my laws. " A few weeks ago, my four year old slipped away from me in the department store and "went shopping" on her own! When I found her a few minutes later, she had a pink frilly skirt and pink glittery sunglasses. She was not concerned about where I was; she was shopping! She was so independent that she thought she could shop and take her things home. In this Clean Heart Challenge, I have been doing a lot of thinking about how this is different from the years of reading Christian self-help books and doing bible studies. Consistanly, God is showing me that in order to truly develop a clean heart is to stay close to Him, recieve his Spirit and allow Him to move in me. When we try to do things on our own, like my daughter and her shopping ,we don't see the end result of the true change. Just like my daughter did not consider how she would pay and leave the store with her "treasures" without me. How do we stay close to God? We need to change our thinking! This is a choice. We decide to think differently. First of all, we need to recognize that we can not do this on our own. Secondly, we need think more realistically and positively about our life. I know that those two ideas are hard to think of together. Here is an example. If you have a bad attitude about your children, you might expect perfection and be disappointed in all the things they do wrong each day. Instead, focus on the realistic expectation that kids will not be perfect, but you can teach them godly character traits and make progress in helping them improve. To be more positive you can think, "With God's help, I can raise my children to honor God." But don't stop there! Pray and make a plan in teaching them godly character traits and then follow through! Throughout the day, whenever you feel frustrated, stop and think realistically and positively about the situation. If you have a hard time with that, pray and ask God to send his Spirit upon you so that you can see the situation as He sees it. That is living in the Spirit! Reflection: How realistic are your expectations of the people in your life? Are you positive or negative most of the time? How can you turn your thinking around in each case of disappointment. Think specifically. (With my husband.... with my children... with my household duties...) For my prayer today I am going to pray our scripture verse for the day, except change it as if I am talking to God rather than Him talking to me. Prayer : Lord, I open my heart for you to give me a new heart and put a new spirit in me. Please remove from me, my heart of stone and give me a heart of flesh. And put your Spirit in me and move me to follow your decrees and be careful to keep your laws. I ask these things in Jesus' name- Amen.
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Scripture: John 14:26 NIV "But the Counselor, the Holy Spirit ,whom the father will send in my name will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you." Today I encountered a situation that I don't really know what to do about it. I don't need to go into detail but it is one of those "life things" that always keep us hoping! You know what I mean. Everything seems to be going okay and then- wahm! .. you get jolted by another problem, when daily problems already have you exhausted! You just want to say, "Sorry, I am not available for any more problems, please go away!" Thankfully, I know I have a Counselor, the Holy Spirit that will guide me through any type of problem, big or small! In John, Jesus mentioned the Holy Spirit as the Counselor 4 times. I also read in another book that when Jesus left and said that the Holy Spirit would be with his disciples, it is equivalent to Jesus being with us. So think of it this way: When you need someone to guide you, lead you, teach you or comfort you , we have a wonderful counselor to turn to: Jesus. Draw close to Him and allow him to guide you through life. Whether you are dealing with potty training or a troubled marriage, God can guide you through any situation. Turn to the word, get on your knees and surrender any problem to Him!! Isn't it great to be able to do that? Isn't it great to know we are not alone? Praise God!! Reflection: What problems are you holding onto that you can give to the mighty counsleor to take care of? Are you turning to Him with every problem or just the big ones? The little ones have a way of building up until we "blow". Give him all your problems. He can handle them!! Prayer: Thank you Lord! Thank you for sending a counselor to guide me, lead me and teach me! I surrender all my burdens to you. I will rejoice in all circumstances because I know you are with me. Allow the outcome of the situation to glorify you. In Jesus name, Amen. To get these devotions for the Clean Heart Challenge by e-mail, go to : www.homeschoolhope.com and subcribe to my blog posts. I will only do this until the end of the month unless you state otherwise. God bless! |
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Scripture: Galatians 5:16-18 "So I say, live by the Spirit and you will not gratify the desires of the sinful nature. for the sinful nature desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit is contrary to the sinful nature. They are in conflict with each other, so that you do not do what you want. But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law." Today is the day we begin to talk about how to have a clean heart! But first of all, it has been laid on my heart to let people know that if you don't know Christ and accepted him as you rpersonal savior, the following benefits can apply to you only after you have given your life to Christ. To know more about this, please see the link on my blog page called "An Interview with God" If you have any questions you can also e-mail me at pearlsoflight16@yahoo.com I have always dreamed of having someone come into my home and completely clear out clutter, clean and organize my home! Wouldn't that be great? I would surrender my home to their expert knowledge and trust that they would do a better job than I could do. The great news is we CAN do that with our hearts! Reflection: Have you been trying to "clean your heart" on your own? Are you ready to call the Expert? Prayer: Dear Lord, I surrender my heart to the will of the Holy Spirit. I admit that I can not create a clean heart on my own! Guide me and lead me in this journey to live by the Spirit. Amen Read: Psalm 51 ! "Then Clean Heart Psalm!" To get these devotionals sent to you by e-mail, go to www.homeschoolhope.com
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We are sinful by nature so to get a clean heart, we need help. We need an expert. We need someone to "take over" and clean out" our hearts. We NEED the Holy Spirit! Surrendering our hearts and lives completely to the leading of the Spirit is the answer! The only way to tackle the sinful nature in us is to call in the Holy Spirit to take over! We can't do it ourselves. Personally this is such a relief! 
I know that I could not be successful on my own. I've tried that many times. I have heard a saying several times lately. "Insanity is doing the same thing again and again and expecting different results." Its time to do it right, to change what you are doing! It is not easy to break this habit of selfishness but necessary, don't you think? So if you agree,call in the Expert- the Holy Spirit!|
Scripture: 2 Timothy 2:20-21 "In a large house there are articles no only of gold and silver but also of wood and clay; some are for noble urposes and some for ignoble. If a man cleanses himself from the latter, he will be an instrument for noble purposes, made holy, useful to the Master and prepared to do any good work." In order to get through the process of any transformation you have to think with the end in mind. On many organization shows, they discuss the vision or the plan before they get started. Today I am focusing on the end result of clearing my heart of clutter. I am thinking about how I could be used as an "instument for noble purposes, made holy, useful to the Master and prepared to do any good work". This is a big vision because I am a long ways from that person, but I have complete faith in God that he can do this! With God ALL things are possible! Most of all, He will be the center of my life in every area of my life. I am so excited to get started on now because I have a vision of the outcome. Reflection: What is your vision? What kind of person do you see yourself when you dream of a heart transformed? Write it down and be specific. Picture that person in as much detail as possible: attitude, actions, looks and how you react to problems. Keep this vision alive by looking at it daily. Post it somewhere or put it in your bible to read along with your daily quiet time. You might start every sentence with .. I am a person that.. as it is present tense. Prayer: Lord, I come to you today with open arms, totally trusting and full of faith that you can transform my heart into a heart that is useful to you and prepared to do your work. Show me any ignoble attitudes in my heart so they can be cleared out to make room for the noble attitudes to shine through. Thank you for the vision of the kind of person you want me to be. I will keep that vision in sight as I sort through the clutter of my heart. I do this for your glory! Amen |
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Scripture: Eph. 6:10-12 " Finally, be strong in the Lord and in His mighty power. Put on the full armor or God so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes, for our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms." I was going to talk about this later in this journey, but yesterday I was attacked! Our household was a "battlefield" and thoughts of discouragement attacked not only me but my son as well. When we are on a journey of spiritual growth, Satan will attack with greater diligence. Now I know that this quest to transform my heart is definatley going to glorify God because Satan is attempting to discourage me! Joyce Meyer in Battlefield of the Mind says that we need to arm ourselves with the word, praise and prayer. So today I am going to read and pray these scriptures as I fight this battle!! I know it still early in our journey of transformation, but it is good to "put on the armor "now so that we can defeat negative thoughts of discouragement! Reflection: Are you feeling discouraged? If not, please join me in arming yourself before the battle begins. Read: Ephesians 6:12-18 Prayer: Psalm 138 I will praise you, O Lord, with all my heart; before the "gods" I will sing your praise. I will bow down toward your holy temple and will praise your name for your love and your faithfulness, for you have exalted above all things your name and your word. When I called, you answered me; you make me bold and stouthearted. May they sing of the ways of the Lord, for the glory of the Lord is great. Though the Lord is on High, he looks upon the lowly, but the proud he knows from afar. Though I walk in the midst of trouble, you preserve my lfe, you stretch out your hand against the anger of my foes, with your right hand you save me. The Lord will fulfill his purpose for me; your love, O Lord, endures forever- do not abandon the works of your hands. - Amen |
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Scripture: "You were taught with regard to your former way of life to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its decietful desires to be made new in the attitud of you minds and to put on the new self created to be like God in the true rightousness and holiness." Eph. 4:22-24 I absolutely love the "home makeover" shows like Mission Organization on HGTV , Clean House on STYLE and Extreme Makeover: Home Edition! I love how they help people clean out all the clutter and mess and make things new, organized and clean! On some of the shows, they also show the people tips and systems to use to stay organized. In these shows they completely clear out the room, house or even tear down the old house and start over! They force the people to sort, evaluate and let go of everything that is not used, needed or necessary. It is stressed that only things that are needed and beautiful to the home need to stay. With my heart, this month, I am allowing God to be my personal organizer to clear out the clutter of my heart, help me examine my attitudes and get rid of all the junk! He can show me what attitudes are not glorifying Him and get rid of them for me! Isn't that great! : Reflection: What is keeping you from glorifying God? Pray for God to reveal His plan for your heart and your life! Are you willing to open your heart and allow Him to clear out the clutter of your heart? Prayer: Lord, I open my heart to allow you to do you will in my heart so that I will have the awesome privledge of a life that glorifies your name. I allow you to clear out the bad attitudes and feelings and make me a new person in Christ. Thank you for your wisdom and guidance. In Christ's name I pray-Amen. |
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Scripture: "Teach me your way, O Lord, and I will walk in your truth, give me an undivided heart that I may fear your name." Psalm 86:11 In many other areas of lie we know you can not "walk the fence". You have to chose one way or the other. So why is it so common for christians to have a divided heart. Many of us go to church, bible study and even do daily devotions but the majority of the rest of daily life is filled with ungodly behavior. I'm not talking about overt sins like cussing or stealing but rather sins of the heart like bitterness, selfishness, anger, frustration, discontent, and hatred. This verse says, "Give me and undivided heart" means that God can take our heart and make it complete in him. The blessing of surrendering our heart is that we may fear Him. This means that we will live a life that follows his will and gives glory to God in every area of our lives. Reflection: Do you have a divided heart? Do you act compassionate one minute and discontent the next? What does your daily life tell about you? More importantly what does it show about God? Prayer: Pray your own prayer or join me. Lord, I admit that I have had a divided heart. I give you my heart so that I may follow your will in all areas, every minute of my day is yours. Guide me and lead me in ridding my heart of sinful attitudes. I thank you in advance of the work you are doing in me. In Christ's name I pray, Amen
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At the end of your day, how do you feel about your attitudes and behavior toward your kids? Lately, I have been very frustrated and almost angry. I feel so exhausted and discontent! I have decided that I am going to change that with a Clean Heart Challenge! The first step is acknowledging that I have a heart in need of some purifying! Examine your heart. Would you like to join me this month in a 30 day spring cleaning of the heart? If so read on.. Scripture for the day: Proverbs 27:19 " As water reflects a face, so a man's heart reflects the man". My life has become absolutely crazy! So many things happen in the day with my emotions and feeling that I am completely excused emotionally and physically at the end of the day. Teaching children at home is exhausting, but God has put it on my heart to change my attitude and my emotional rollercoaster. I am sinning by being frustrated and discontent! My attitude rubs off on my whole family and nobody is enjoying the beauty of life or the glory of God. So today, I fall on my knees and ask God for forgiveness Dear Lord, I admit that I am a sinner, and even though I have accepted you in my heart, I admit that I have cluttered up my heart with my selfishness, bitterness and other sinful attitudes. I ask that you forgive me. I denounce myself today and resolve to guard my heart and mind from the return of these sinful attitudes. Lord, take my heart and use my life for your glory. Mold me and make me more like you. Teach me your ways, in Christ Jesus. Amen How is your heart? Pray and ask God to show you your ways and ask for forgiveness and wisdom in the process of purifying your heart. If you would like a daily e-mail with these devotions. Please see me at: www.homeschoolhope.com Have a Blessed day! |