Psalm 119:11

Shake off your dust...

2009-03-23T11:35:00.003-05:00

Isaiah 52 2
Shake off your dust;
RISE up, sit enthroned, O Jerusalem.
FREE yourself from the chains on your neck,
O Captive Daugther of Zion.

What holds you captive? What mindset are you stuck in? What have you not believed the Lord for? What are the chains on your neck? Is it attitude? Is it unbelief? Is it just a pattern of "self-pity" and discouragement? What is it?

Whatever it is...the Lord say's to SHAKE IT OFF!!!! To RISE UP! and to FREE yourself!!!
Those are powerful action words if you ask me! Life is too short, time is too short to wake up everyday wishing you hadn't. To wake up every day looking for that expectation in others only to find yourself captive to disappointment and chained to bitterness and lack of forgiveness!

The Lord died on the cross for us, for ALL our stinking sin! Why is it then that we choose the mentality of bondage? We have a choice! We can choose to walk out our salvation with fear and trembling! We decide to choose LOVE, LIFE, FORGIVENESS, etc...When we line our hearts up in line with what the Lord already provided...there is power there my friend!!!!

Many times I would feel defeated, stomped on, spit on, accused falsely, gossiped about etc...and I have stayed under the LIE of it's ugly affects but the Lord is saying SHAKE IT OFF!!!!! RISE UP!!!! FREE YOURSELF!!!! Why? Because He knows that when we line our thoughts and actions up with His word....we are actually walking in the FREEDOM He has already provided for us!!!! Has it taken me this long to learn this? Or is it that I am finally CHOOSING to act on it. Who know but I am getting it!!! It's in my spirit...it's jumping out at me and I want you to get it too!!!!!!

SO....do you feel judged? Shake it off!!! Are you holding on to offence? FREE yourself!!!! RISE up my friend and don't stay in it!!!! Speak the word freedom until freedom gets in your Heart!!! Until it is what you feel! Until it is what you are living!!!!! Get it from your head into your bones and watch the Lord empower you because of it!!!!! Wow, I'm getting fired up just typing this!!!!

Spend time with the Lord today and ask Him to reveal to you what holds you captive...then line your mind and heart up to receive His word of truth and WALK IT OUT!!!! SHAKE IT OFF and FREE YOURSELF!!!! It is your choice!

Sonja

The Pure in Heart...

2009-02-04T12:37:00.002-06:00

"Blessed are the PURE in heart, for they shall see God." Matthew 5:8

The Lord always does a work on our hearts. Just when we think we are walking in HIS love or in forgiveness, situations will come that prove we "still" have more impurities that need to be scraped away!

The Lord is coming for a PURE and SPOTLESS bride, so it does not suprise me when I feel the thorn of pain in my heart as HE alone purifies it with His presence. He desires to dwell in our vessells to FULNESS but He knows what part of our heart He can trust and what part He can not with His gifts. Wow!

Let the Lord begin a deep purification in your heart as you confess your sins to Him, spend time letting Him wash your spirit, and then POUR love in your heart like you have never experienced. Yes, it is supernatural for sure! But Oh how sweet it is. When you can cast your eyes on someone who has hurt you or betrayed you and you FEEL love and compassion for them? That is GOD.

Be still in His presence and learn of Him so He can perform His Word in and through your heart! The more you draw near to Him, the more He washes you and gives you of His "living waters", you will never stop wanting to drink it and it will always satisfy you!

Sonja

PEACE!

2008-12-05T09:52:00.005-06:00

The Lord BLESS you and KEEP you;

the Lord MAKE His face SHINE upon you and be GRACIOUS to you;

the Lord TURN His face toward you and GIVE you PEACE.

Numbers 7:24-26

What a scripture! Words like the deepest pearls of the sea!

In turmoil, confusion, frustration, fear, doubt and unbelief there is a Power that overcomes it all and that is the CROSS! Jesus died so that He would live His life through us when we accepted Him and repented of our ways. He died for our sins so that we would have a way of redemption through Him!

Peace comes when we accept His merciful gift of salvation and walk in His daily counsel. Every day we must lay aside our deepest wrestle and surrender it to the Lord. He alone has PURE wisdom and counsel to give that ultimately leads to Peace! Ponder on this the next time you find turmoil inside...it could be that you need to "Get with HIM!" It could be His way of warning us of impending danger, or possibly letting us know that a change is coming and caution is at hand.

What ever the signs, He is well able to KEEP us and SHINE His face on our path way...

Sonja

Encouragement...

2008-11-11T10:49:00.002-06:00

Hebrews 3:13

But encourage one another daily, as long as it is called Today, so that none of you may be hardened by sin's deceitfulness.

To be encouraged by some one is always a powerful example of love. When we encourage or are being encouraged it helps us to receive strength inside. It makes us feel valued and puts a spring in our steps to move forward!
Today...let the Lord guide you to encourage someone. It could be a smile, an act of opening a door for someone, writing an encouraging note, etc...He will show you how and who needs it! And as long as today is called TODAY then just do it!

Lord, today I ask you to show me who needs encouragement. Who needs that special word to lift them up and boost them in this time. My ears are listening, my heart is willing! Amen.

Sonja

Boldness....

2008-11-05T13:59:00.003-06:00

Wow...this is the time to be BOLD. Boldness does not have to be rude, it just has to be rooted in TRUTH and motivated by love!!!! This is the day to stand Christians. This is the day we cry out and REJOICE in the Lord always! Proclaim His Name, Proclaim His ability to deliver, and Proclaim Him as the VICTORIOUS WARRIOR!

Remember....His name is King of Kings and Lord of Lord! He is God and there is NONE beside He.

Psalm 138:3

When I called, You answered me;

You made me BOLD and STOUTHEARTED.

Yes Lord! Today we look at fear in the face and say NO MORE! You are a defeated foe. You will face your day! For EVERY knee will bow every tongue confess that Jesus IS Lord. Like it or not.

Lord, have mercy on the blind in spirit. Help us to cease every opportunity to open their eyes to YOU our creator. Today...give us Boldness and Love so that FEAR will be disarmed! In the precious Power of Your Name...JESUS.

Sonja

Seeking Wisdom....

2008-09-21T21:02:00.002-05:00

"But the wisdom from above is first PURE then PEACEABLE, GENTLE, REASONABLE, FULL OF MERCY, and GOOD FRUITS, UNWAVERING, without HYPOCRISY, and the seed whose fruit is righteousness is sown IN PEACE by those who MAKE PEACE." James 3:17

How often I find myself in a situation where Wisdom is required. It is good to know that answers do not depend on my own intellect...but that the Word of our Lord gives in abundantly solutions to our problems, answers to our needs, a light unto our paths. Every word of advice that is given to me is checked by the word of the Lord so as to not be led astray. I usually trust the people giving advise but at times because we are humans we may tend to give advise based on "opinion" and not breathed by the spirit of where wisdom and direction come.

Today, spend time reading and meditating on the word of God. In doing so a situation later in the day may come up and you just never know how it will help you.

Sonja

Forget the former things.....

2008-07-19T14:52:00.000-05:00

Isaiah 43:18-19

Forget the former things;
do not dwell on the past.
See, I am doing a NEW thing!
Now it springs up; do you not perceive it?
I am making a way in the desert
and streams in the wasteland.

The message today is to LIVE for today. What good does it do to dwell on the past. Yes, at times we need to work through hurts, memories, pain...but there comes a point when we will need to LET GO...letting go is hard to do but when it is the right time only then can new life spring forth in ones soul.
I believe the Lord is saying that HE wants many to forget the former things...things that keep a vessel bound to experience New Life. Trust when LETTING GO...and Trust that the Lord will guide you. That is faith. Not being able to clearly see the path ahead but keeping your eyes on the light regardless...He will make a way in the desert and provide for you springs of living water when your soul feels dry.
Believe Him today...live for today, yesterday is gone...tomorrow has yet to come. This is the day the Lord has made...rejoice dear one and be glad in it!

sonja

The still small voice of the Lord....

2008-04-25T21:27:00.000-05:00

In the midst of hatred and murder Elijah runs for his life hiding in a cave on the mountain of God called Horeb. And the word of the Lord came to Elijah saying: "what are you doing here Elijah?"
to which he replied, "I have been very zealous for the Lord God Almighty. The Israelites have rejected your covenant, broken down your altars, and put your prophets to death with the sword. I am the only one left, and now they are trying to kill me too.
The Lord said, "Go out and stand on the mountain in the presence of the Lord, for the Lord is about to pass by."
Then a great and powerful wind tore the mountains apart and shattered the rocks before the Lord, but the Lord was not in the wind. After the wind there was an earthquake, but the Lord was not in the earthquake. After the earthquake came a fire, but the Lord was not in the fire. And after the fire came a gentle whisper. When Elijah heard it, he pulled his cloak over his face and went out and stood at the mouth of the cave. (I Kings 19:9-13)
In the midst of our raging tornado's, our shattering earthquakes, our disturbing storms, we must run to the Lord to quiet our emotions...it is then that we will be able to hear the sweetest whisper of truth to our hearts "His still small voice", it's an amazing thing to behold and one I want to become very familiar with in walking with Him.....seek to know His voice and do His will, there is no other true form of living!!!!!

Sonja

"Prepare the way of the Lord"

2008-03-10T10:15:00.000-05:00

Isaiah 62:6-7

I have posted watchmen on your walls, O Jerusalem;

they will never be silent day or night.

You who call on the Lord,

give yourself no rest,

and give Him no rest till He

establishes Jerusalem and makes her

the praise of the earth.

Isaiah 62:10

Pass through, pass through the gates!

Prepare the way for the people.

Build up, build up the highway!

Remove the stones.

Raise a banner for the nations.

Be persistent in prayer dear one, for in doing so you are moving the Heart of the Lord and with that He will not rest until He settles and established your heart and your family!

His desire is to create stability! He is your rock your salvation and your hiding place! Surrender every weakness to Him and He will be faithful to build up strength for the weary!

Begin to proclaim a stand. A banner and boundary to the adversary that you will not compromise His promises!!! You are not alone. When you stand and proclaim the Holy Spirit pours strength and the angels do battle on your behalf! It's powerful!!

Draw a line in the sand and tell the devil he can just leave in the Name of the Lord Jesus, Mighty and powerful! Able to safe with His right arm!!!!!

Sonja

"Invitation to the thirsty"

2008-03-05T10:05:00.000-06:00

It has been a difficult year for my husband and I in the area of finance. Although I know that in many of the steps we have taken are honoring the Lord, it has not been easy. Last year around this time we decided to cut-up our credit cards (of which we only had 2 visa's and 2 gas cards). And pay cash only for all our expenses. We are following Dave Ramsey's financial advise closely and believe the Lord has anointed this man to deposit Wisdom in us to achieve financial freedom.

My husband and I are self-employed. Working businesses on a cash basis only has been one huge challenge. Every day we are praying and asking the Lord to give us Wisdom.
I had two huge garage sales last year and cooking on up again soon. I am trying to work my business more and hopeful that with much perseverance, persistence and with gazelle intensity...We will be debt free!!!!

I have had to put my foot down concerning how much I drive because of the high cost of gas and what I do with the money at hand. Budgeting has been tight and at times overwhelming. The sacrifice has not always been easy (missing some of the events I used to be a part of). In all of this I have had moments of doubt, fear, frustration and many more not so good emotions...yet in that I have also had times of peace, assurance, encouragement, understanding and grace. All coming from my father in heaven!!!! He assures me that He will meet our needs. He will be our water, our bread, our shield, our covering! I know beyond measure that the path we are walking is of Him! "He indeed has set a table before me in the presence of mine enemies." Psalm 23

Sunday morning during worship I heard the words: Isaiah 55...so I looked it up knowing the Lord wanted me to read that particular book in the Bible, wow! He is faithful. I know He wanted to encourage my spirit. I believe it is for you too! Here are some passages to encourage you, but read the rest later when you have time alone! He is indeed speaking! Alive and Active in our daily lives.

Isaiah 55

"Come, all you who are thirsty,

come to the waters; and you who have no money,

come, buy and eat!

Come, buy wine and milk without money

and without cost.

Why spend money on what is not bread,

and your labor on what does not satisfy?

Listen, Listen to me, and EAT what is good,

and your soul will delight in the riches of fare.

Give ear and come to me; HEAR me that

your soul may LIVE!!!

Seek the Lord while He may be found;

call on Him while He is near.

Let the wicked forsake his way

and the evil man his thoughts.

Let him turn to the Lord, and

He will have mercy on Him.

And to our God, for He will

freely pardon.

"For my thoughts are not your thoughts,

neither are your ways my ways."

declares the Lord.

"As the heavens are higher than the earth,

so are my ways higher than your ways,

and my thoughts higher than your thoughts.

As the rain and the snow come down from heaven,

and do not return to it without watering the earth

and making it bud and flourish, so that it yields

seed for the sower and bread for the eater,

so is my word that goes out from my mouth;

It will not return to me empty, but will

accomplish what I desire and ACHIEVE the purpose

for which I sent it!!!!!

If you are in a place where even your provision is being put in FULL trust of the Father, know that by spending time in His word, and listening to His advise, you will Drink of His encouragement to move forward! What He desires is that we be FILLED UP with His promises to us. No matter what circumstance we are in, we WILL TRUST HIM to help us walk it out!!! He loves you and He desires to continue to draw you unto Him!!! Let Him!

Sonja

Accept the instruction of the Lord

2008-02-26T12:10:00.000-06:00

Proverbs 19:20-23

Listen to advice and accept instruction,

and in the end you will be wise.

Many are the plans in a man's heart,

but it is the Lord's purpose that prevails.

What a man desires is unfailing love;

better to be poor than a liar.

The fear to the Lord leads to life;

Then one rests content,

untouched by trouble.

When we spend time seeking the Lord for direction to our many

questions, let us also be prepared to receive His answer! A man

may plan something in his heart but the Lord knows the deepest

parts of our heart and He is able to reveal motive and purpose

that sets us on a course of Truth and Integrity for the building

of His kingdom. In the rest of the Lord, and staying under

His guidance and direction, comes the Peace of the Lord.

Sonja

Teach me, O Lord...

2008-02-15T12:12:00.001-06:00

Psalm 119:33-38

Teach me, O Lord, to follow your decrees;

then I will keep them to the end.

Give me understanding, and I will keep your

law and obey it with all my heart.

Direct me in the path of your commands,

for there I find delight.

Turn my heart toward your statues and

not toward selfish gain.

Turn my eyes away from worthless things;

preserve my life according to your word.

Fulfill your promise to your servant,

so that you may be feared.

No matter what may come our ways let us diligently seek out His instructions for our lives. The deceiver is out there to cause counterfeits of all kinds and throw distractions our ways, but if we stay close to the Lord to direct us we will not be a victim of the enemys tactics. Tune your heart to the Lord dear one and He will show you truth! Be blessed.

Sonja

Good gifts

2008-01-31T11:25:00.000-06:00

Matthew 7:9-11

Which of you, if his son asks for bread, will give him a stone?

or if he asks for a fish, will give him a snake?

If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good

gifts to your children, how much more will your Father

in heaven give good gifts to those who ask HIM!!!

Don't settle for the snake and stone when making

choices...listen for the Lord's voice and seek His

character to help you distinguish His voice and

then accept what He has that is GOOD for you.

Tell the enemy to flee and grab hold of the Lord's

destiny for you that in return really is to pour into

this lost world!!! Do it today!!!

Sonja

He first, loved us...

2007-11-15T16:12:00.000-06:00

I John 4:19

We love because He first loved us. If anyone says,

"I love God," yet hates his brother, he is a liar.

For anyone who does not love his brother, whom

he has seen, cannot love God, whom he has not seen.

And He has given us this command:

Whoever loves God, must also Love his brother.

Let us begin to ask the Lord to help us be mindful of one another

not passing judgement but walking in love and embracing each other in

Unity of spirit.

God loved us first. He is able to PUT love in our hearts for our

fellow brothers and sisters. Ask Him and prepare with humbleness

to receive.

Sonja

Trust at all times....

2007-11-09T12:21:00.000-06:00

Psalm 62:5-8

Find rest, O my soul, in God alone;

my hope comes from Him.

He alone is my Rock and my Salvation;

He is my fortress, I will not be shaken.

My salvation and my honor depend on God;

He is my mighty rock, my refuge.

Trust in Him at all times, O people;

pour out your hearts to Him,

for God is our refuge.

Isn't is good to know that the Lord alone is our strength? He is so willing to be our victorious Rock, healer, deliverer, refuge from storms...if we just TRUST in Him. I can breathe better knowing that a BIGGER and GREATER plan is unfolding before me, in secret at times, but yet so visible at other times...
His arm is not too short nor does His love run dry! Wow. That is something humans can never achieve on their own...it HAS to come from the life giver Himself!

Sonja

Fixed on Him!...

2007-10-30T11:14:00.000-05:00

You will keep in PERFECT PEACE

all who trust in You,

whose thoughts are FIXED on you!!!

Isaiah 26:3, NLT

Wow. When we are looking up, instead of on our circumstances He gives us perfect peace! Just like an athlete is focused on the finishing line, so we must always place our focus on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our Faith! When we doubt, we must tear down that mindset and refocus on Faith...the Word of God. We must sit and counsel with the Lord to help us change the way "we see things" to the "way the Lord sees things"....(encouraging words from a wise man I know and respect).

Today Lord, we trust you with our lives, our situations, and we walk in faith focused on You in the midst of the storms. We say, Lord, Have your way in our lives. We repent of doubt and unbelief and we take up the shield of FAITH daily! We love you Lord! Amen

Sonja

The ax is at the root....

2007-10-16T14:11:00.000-05:00

Ecclesiastes 10:10

If the ax is dull and its edge unsharpened;

more strength is needed but skill will bring success.

It is WISE therefore to keep tools in good shape. If one wants to conserve strength and accomplish the task at hand. (taken from Dake's Annotated bible)

Luke 3:9

The ax is already at the root of the trees, and every tree that does not produce good fruit will be cut down and thrown into the fire.

We are the vessels that carry the precious Power of the Lord Jesus to this lost world. The strongholds in our lives will be uprooted as we remain In Him. In turn the Lord will use us to help others the same way He helped us.

The Lord is coming for a bride without spot of wrinkles...He will put the ax to the root of our "strongholds" and replant us in His fertile soil!

We must do our parts in keeping our vessels fit and ready for His coming! Evil will flee in the fullness and power of the Lord's anointed ones! Freedom is coming for the captives...the ax is in place! Let us be mindful of His skill in how we are to PRAY for this season of great revival and deliverance to those who are willing and have ears to hear! In doing this we will reap much success!

Sonja

focussed....

2007-10-09T11:23:00.000-05:00

Philippians 4:6-8

Do not be anxious about anything,

but in everything, by prayer and thanksgiving,

present your requests to God.

And the peace of God,

which transcends ALL understanding,

will GUARD your hearts and your minds

IN Christ Jesus.

Philippians 4:13

I can do EVERYTHING

through HIM who gives me strength.

He is our Peace giver. When we a feeling anxious, fearful, worry, etc... spending time with Him quenches all those firery darts. He is able to give us strength in the midst and set our feet back on firm foundation, our hearts and minds in the way of Peace in the center of storms. With Him ALL things are possible and that gives us much reason to shout! AMEN Lord!

Sonja

He is my STRENGTH...

2007-10-03T22:20:00.000-05:00

Psalm 18:28-40

You, O Lord, keep my lamp burning;

My God turns my darkness into light.

With your help I can advance against a troop;

with my God I can scale a wall.

As for God, His way is perfect;

the word of the Lord is flawless.

He is a shield for all who take refuge in Him.

For who is God besides the Lord?

And who is the Rock except our God?

It is God who arms me with strength

and makes my way perfect.

He makes my feet like the feet of a deer;

He enables me to stand on the heights.

He trains my hands for battle;

my arms can bend a bow of bronze.

You give me your shield of victory,

and your right hand sustains me;

you stoop down to make me great.

You broaden the path beneath me,

so that my ankles do not turn.

I pursued my enemies and overtook them;

I did not turn back till they were destroyed.

I crushed them so that they could not rise;

they fell beneath my feet.

You armed me with strength for battle;

you made my adversaries bow at my feet.

You my enemies turn their backs in flight,

and I destroyed my foes.

Refuge in the shelter....

2007-09-25T16:28:00.000-05:00

Psalm 61:1-5

Hear my cry, O God;

listen to my prayer.

From the ends of the earth,

I call to you,

I call as my heart grows faint;

lead me to the ROCK that is

higher than I.

For you have been my refuge,

a strong tower against the foe.

I long to dwell in your tent forever,

and take refuge in the shelter of

your wings.

What a place to be. I am there. What a struggle, a tug a war to desire after temporary things in

this life when they are fleeting. To that I say, my source of strength, my source of hope is in Christ alone. The love of God is ETERNAL not temporary, that is what we can all count on. His love is everlasting, faithful, true and very trusting....those are the arms I desire to fall into! I'm running to you Lord, I'm running to you!

sonja.

God so loved....

2007-09-20T12:03:00.000-05:00

"For God so loved the world that He gave

His one and only Son, that WHOEVER

believes in Him shall not perish but

have ETERNAL LIFE".

"For God did not send His Son into the world

to condemn the world BUT to SAVE the

world through Him". John 3:16-17

Many are lost, hurting, wandering around without vision etc...it's a tough world. We who know the love of God NEED to pray for divine appointments. Pray for greater love in our own hearts to break the bondages in others. Perfect Love, God's love breaks the fear. Let us be challenged today and everyday to Pray, seek, and knock for opportunities to share His precious Son with others. Someone did it for you and I who know the Truth. We must do it for them. We have no right to hold it privately, it is His gift poured in to us so we too can pour in to others.

Be Blessed.

sonja

Blessed are you...

2007-09-17T11:08:00.000-05:00

Matthew 5:3-10

Blessed are the poor in spirit,

for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

Blessed are those who mourn,

for they will be comforted.

Blessed are the meek,

for they will inherit the earth.

Blessed are those who hunger

and thirst for righteousness,

for they will be filled.

Blessed are the merciful,

for they will be shown mercy.

Blessed are the PURE in heart,

for they will SEE God.

Blessed are those who are

persecuted because of righteousness,

for theirs is the kingdom of heaven!!!

It is good to be called blessed, to be blessed, and to feel blessed. This week I can't help but honor our brother George who lived out these words. His spirit lives on because of Jesus and we will all continue to remember the kind of man he was.

Since none of us are really guaranteed tomorrow, and we live for today in Faith that we have tomorrow, let us be mindful of letting someone know you love them. Tell them you appreciate them...just be REAL. Thank you George for JUST being you in Christ. It is good to know you are Now in the eternal PRESENCE of a living Lord!! Wow.

Sonja

Eating of the fruit....

2007-09-10T21:33:00.000-05:00

Psalm 128:1-4

Blessed are all who fear the Lord,
who walk in HIS ways.
You WILL eat the fruit of your labor;
BLESSINGS and PROSPERITY will be yours.
Your wife will be like a fruitful vine
within your house;
your sons will be like olive shoots
around your table.
Thus is the man blessed
who fears the Lord.

Keep the ways of the Lord and YOU WILL see the fruit of your faithfulness! It's a Promise, not just a suggestion. It's DESTINY! He is faithful and Satan isn't so don't believe his lies anymore. Proclaim His Goodness and KEEP proclaiming the fruit to shoot forth and it will!!!! I'm stirred, I pray you are too!!!!

Sonja

Waiting on the Lord...

2007-09-05T16:12:00.000-05:00

Psalm 7-9
Hear my voice when I call,
O'Lord;
be merciful to me and answer me.
My heart says of you, "Seek his face!"
Your face, Lord I will seek.
Do not hide your face from me
do not turn your servant away in anger;
you have been my helper.

Psalm 27: 13-14
I am still confident of this;
I will see the goodness of the Lord
in the land of the living.
Wait for the Lord;
be strong and take heart
and Wait for the Lord.

There are times in our walk with the Lord that He will call us to Wait on Him. It may be that you are waiting on Him for answers about a situation, or a time for Vision to be put into action, or simply needing Him to heal areas of your heart that have been wounded. What ever the situation it is ALWAYS a good thing to wait on Him...to spend time seeking His face.
He is GOOD that is True and as the Psalm says "We can be confident of that"...since He is our counselor and our shield from the ways of the enemy, He will surely honor our Waiting before Him for Wisdom and Insight.
I encourage you today to ask the Lord to help you Wait for His direction...to incline your ears, heart, mind and soul for His understanding. In doing so you will reap GREAT results. If the Lord is silent and you don't get the answer then Be strong, TAKE HEART and Wait...

sonja

Friendships .....

2007-09-04T13:25:00.000-05:00

Proverbs 27:5-6
Better is open rebuke
than hidden love.
Wounds from a friend can be trusted,
but an enemy multiplies kisses.

Proverbs 27: 17
As Iron sharpens Iron,
so one man sharpens another.

Ecclesiastes 4: 9-10
Two are better than one,
because they have a good return
for their work.
If one falls down, his friend can help him up.
But pity the man who falls
and has no one to help him up!

Friendships are honored in the sight of the Lord when they are based on Truth. Usually, in time you begin to find out who are your true friends and who are not. Those that gossip behind your backs and use it as a tool to "pray" for the other. Are not really exercising true friendship.
True friendship is one that endures together, in light of the circumstances around them. True friendships are not based on suspicion towards one another but on the belief that no matter what, you KNOW the heart of your friend.
I am fortunate to have "great" friends in my life, those who have put up with my ways. They have not judged me, nor gossiped about me to another. Sure, some I have found that I can not put myself out there with, but for the most part I am blessed.
Today, think about the friends in your life and thank the Lord for them. If you have something you are holding against the one you use to be close to and a brokenness has happened, then be honest and make sure you go to them in LOVE not anger or bitterness.
Pray for your friends today and embrace the possibilities of new ones coming your way too.

Sonja

"guard your heart"....

2007-08-30T14:58:00.000-05:00

Proverbs 4:18-23

The path of the righteous is like the first gleam of dawn,
shining ever brighter till the full light of day.
But the way of the wicked is like deep darkness;
they do not know what makes them stumble.
My son, (or daughter), pay attention to what I say;
listen closely to my words.
Do not let them out of your sight,
keep them within your heart;
for they are LIFE to those who find them
and health to a man's whole body.
Above ALL else, GUARD YOUR HEART,
for it is the WELLSPRING of LIFE.

Such wisdom. It is so important to seek the Lord on what He would have you focus your attention on. Many times in my life the Lord has taught me GREAT lessons on moving in "the flesh, or my own agendas" to end up in the trap of the enemy. There have been many lessons on relationships where the Lord gives me "the red flag" on what I hear or participate in and I have ignored it.
I have learned that just because I have a heart for ministry there are times when the Lord says "don't go there", "it's not your responsibility", "I am covering you from something I see as wrong motives of the heart, will you not listen to ME?"
At times I have listened, other times I haven't and ended up in the WEB of Satan's schemes.
It truly pays to go to the Father for Wisdom, for insight, for direction. I can say this, when it is the Lord's leading, there is PEACE, even when storms wage around you.
May you have Wisdom today in seeking the Lord's focus for your life. He has a plan and a future for you! Seek His face and His hands will guide your paths. Be obedient and hold fast to His words, for there IS Life and protection in them.

Sonja

faithfulness...

2007-08-29T13:23:00.000-05:00

Proverbs 19:21-22

Many are the plans in a man's heart,
but it is the Lord's purpose that prevails.
What a man desires is unfailing love;
better to be poor than a liar.

Proverbs 20:5-6

The purposes of a man's heart are deep waters,
but a man of understanding draw them out.
Many a man claims to have unfailing love,
but a faithful man who can find?

The heart is capable of much deceit. If we are not careful to question the "motives" of our own and others actions, thoughts, words etc...than we can easily fall in to a trap of "deception".
So how do you know? You go to the source of the one who can reveal TRUTH...Abba Father, the Master himself. He is able to unveil "the hidden things" that can destroy, wound, or confuse a vessel.
When we are willing to "be faithful" to the precepts of the Lord, allow our hearts to be chiseled for His purposes and plans, then in the face of "deception" we are able to Discern how to expose what is hidden for destruction.
Even Peter who was thought to have "unfailing love" for the Lord, ended up in deceit by denying he knew Jesus to save his own self.
When Self is involved it usually ends up as "sinking sand". Only the plans of the Lord's are solid and TRUE.
Today, ask the Lord to examine your heart, repent of any known sin, and allow Him to guide your spirit in TRUTH. For when we are faithful to Him...He in turn trusts us to be faithful with His gifts. And LIFE whether it be your own, or others, is a "gift". Be FAITHFUL today in TRUTH and LOVE for one another.

Sonja

Motives of the Heart....

2007-08-27T16:25:00.000-05:00

Proverbs 16:2-3
All a man's ways seem innocent to him
but motives are weighed by the Lord.
Commit to the Lord whatever you do;
and your plans will succeed.

Proverbs 20:18
Make plans by seeking advice;
if you wage war, obtain guidance.

I believe these scriptures speak volumes. We are not to trust fully in man but in God. At times in our walk with the Lord we need to seek advice and accountability in order to discern the will of our Father. When someone is walking "close" to the Lord it is easy to Trust they are coming from His heartbeat because we see the fruit from their walk IN Him.
It is refreshing to know that the Lord does use people like that in our lives, whether a father figure, mother figure, brother or sister in the Lord.
There have been times in my life when I have needed correction, advice, encouragement, healing, a word, or just a hug from a father or mother in Christ, and the Lord has always been faithful to grant me those times. We all need them and must allow ourselves to be open to them.
Let me encourage you today to open your heart up to the Lord to allow those fellow Christians in your life to be a blessing to you.
If you Trust in Him to provide, He will. We are not to "fear man" but to embrace, love and accept them. We need eachother, to build eachother up in this faith...let's not give the enemy access to come in and pervert or distort TRUTH. Instead let us fight together in the Unity of love to disarm the forces of darkness where there is NO love.

Sonja

Strength to His people....

2007-08-24T10:03:00.000-05:00

Psalm 29:11

The Lord gives strength to His people;
the Lord blesses His people with peace.

Psalm 31:24

Be strong and take heart,
all you who Hope in the Lord.

Today, reflect on the Lord to give you strength. Daily we face challenges that could either destroy our hope in Him or draw our spirits closer to Him to renew our hope. It is a choice we make. We have to believe that every day of our lives ARE in His hands, His destiny for us. If we have surrendered our complete heart, mind and soul to Him than we are assured of a future with Him no matter what. We must TRUST Him with the outcome of our lives and those we love. He is the potter, He is our maker, He is our present, He is our future. We must believe that He will always strengthen us in our times of lack. Whatever that lack may be. He sees, He knows, He hears the prayers of His saints. Let us "take heart" today and Hope in Him for the outcome for our minutes, our hours, and our tomorrows.

Sonja

The Fruit of Righteousness....

2007-08-21T09:56:00.000-05:00

Isaih 32:17

The fruit of righteousness will be peace;

the effect of righteousness will be
quietness and confidence forever.

This is an encouraging scripture. If you pursue righteousness, obey the precepts of the Lord, make every effort to walk out love, joy, peace, kindness, goodness, mercy, self-control etc...then you will reap a great reward of peace and in the peace comes quietness and confidence. I like that.
When the storms wage, emotions flare, dreams shatter, hearts break , turn to the Lord. Seek His righteousness, His character and PEACE will come.
I encourage you today to focus on the Lord's awesome love for you. Speak out loud His truth, say NO to the voices of discouragement, doubt, unbelief etc...and proclaim the Goodness of the Lord! You are His child. You hold His character and power within your vessel, Now today Proclaim it! Take up the shield of FAITH and BELIEVE the Lord!

sonja

My portion.....

2007-08-18T09:38:00.000-05:00

Psalm 119:57-60

You are my portion, O Lord;
I have promised to obey your words,
I have sought your face with all my heart;
be gracious to me according to your promise.
I have considered my ways and have turned
my steps to your statues.
I will not hasten and not delay to obey your commands.

The Lord is our Portion and our Cup. He is the one we seek to quench our thirsty vessels. His portion is just enough to help our weary souls, to help us when we are directionless, to encourage us, boost us, strengthen us, calm our fears, etc...
Today reflect your hearts before the Lord, what ever you are facing, remember His word, His love is Portion enough for you. Do not hasten or delay to obey Him. In doing so, great will be your reward.

Sonja,

Guard the Good Deposit....

2007-08-15T10:16:00.000-05:00

Ephesians 2:11-14

In Him we were also chosen,
having been predestined according
to the plan of Him who works out
everything in conformity with the
purpose of His will, in order that we,
who were the first to hope in Christ,
might be for the praise of His Glory.
And you also were included in Christ
when you heard the word of truth,
the gospel of your salvation.
Having believed, you were marked
in Him with a seal, the promised
Holy Spirit, who is a deposit guaranteeing
our inheritance until the redemption of
those who are God's possession-to the
praise of His Glory.

Today, reflect on the truth that the Lord has a "destined plan" for your life. If you believe in Him, walk in His ways, then the Deposit is there. It's a deposit that He alone gives power to, like the word says: It's guaranteed. I like those kinds of deposits!

We may not understand why certain aspects of our lives seem so difficult and hard to understand but He does. His will is that we share in His purposes for us. If we stay the course IN Him, we are rest assured to receive our inheritance.

Let us guard the "Good deposit" and not forfeit it to the one who "steals, kills and destroys". Claim your inheritance today, submit to the Lord, die to your will and take up the will of the Lord. Do not delay!

Sonja

Unfailing Love...

2007-08-13T07:57:00.000-05:00

Psalm 119:41-42

May your unfailing love come to me, O Lord,
your salvation (or deliverance) according to
your promise; then I will answer the one
who taunts me, for I trust in Your word.

Have you ever just needed a dose of the Lord's love? It's kind of like needing a HUG from daddy, especially when you have been feeling the effects of this "unloving" and negative world.
When we are surrounded by much of the negative in life, it's like swimming in a contaminated body of water. Afterwards you want to wash yourself in water that is clean and you can see through it!

The Lord promises that He will never leave us nor forsake us. He also says in James 4:7, "Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you." In doing that you answer the one who taunts you by the POWER of the word! (the word taunt means to reproach with severe or insulting words, to twit scornfully or insultingly; bitter or sarcastic reproach).

Today, if you find yourself surrounded by the negative and begin to "feel" contaminated...ask the Lord to help you "resist" it and speak forth His word of Truth! His love covers us! So ask Him to give you a "hug today and a greater dose of His love!" He will be faithful to you.

Lord,
We repent of being negative or listening to the negative. We resist the lie and we ask that You cover us Lord with your unfailing love and truth so that our vessel may be washed in the PURE water of your words. Amen.

Sonja

Truth or lies? Which will you choose?

2007-08-09T16:15:00.000-05:00

Psalm 119:43-44

Do not snatch the word of Truth from my mouth,
for I have put my hope in your laws.
I will always obey you law,
for ever and ever.

Psalm 119:133-136

Direct my footsteps according to your word;
let no sin rule over me.
Redeem me from the oppression of men,
that I may obey your precepts.
Make your face shine upon your servant
and teach me your decrees.
Streams of tears flow from my eyes,
for your law is not obeyed.

The Lord taught me a lesson this week on lying. Yes, I lied. It wasn't a big one in my eyes but, to the Lord it was serious enough to call me on it! Ever been there? Most of us have.
The Lord showed me that although the lie didn't cause harm to anyone out right (because I lied to myself about the situation) it would however cause harm to myself and open a door, or access for the enemy to come in and place me in a bondage of fear. Lying to yourself about things causes much damage...and in the long run eventually will hurt others too.
So, what did I do? I chose to repent. I chose the way of truth. I didn't get under condemnation,
I simply resolved not to participate with the lie again and asked the Lord to help me.
Walking in the way of Truth IS a choice! It's what pleases the Father. Why? Because His ways are SAFE and when we obey His precepts, He is then pleased to give us a blessing.
You see, when we lie, we curse ourselves and eventually others. Light and darkness do not mix.
Light will eventually expose darkness! Which will you choose? Choose Truth and receive the blessings. Choose lies and death follows. I don't know about you but I would much rather choose the blessings!

Lord,
Forgive us for lying to ourselves and others. Help us to always walk in Truth, for it breaks your heart when we don't. Teach us your ways that we may uphold your loving laws. Give us great discernment when truth is not exercised, sharpen our ears to discern the lies. Help us to pray in love for ourselves and our brothers and sisters against any temptation to lie. We choose this day to walk in TRUTH!

Sonja

Comfort for the weary....

2007-08-07T17:07:00.000-05:00

Psalm 119:76-78

May your unfailing love be my comfort,
according to your promise to your servant.
Let your compassion come to me that I may live,
for your law is my delight.
May the arrogant be put to shame
for wronging me without cause;
but I will meditate on your precepts.

Have you ever been wronged without cause? Accused without evidence? Betrayed by the hands of the ones you love?
Psalms offers HOPE for the weary, COMPASSION for the accused, and PROMISES that are faithful and true.
When all this world offers us but "sinking sand", the Word of the LORD is our refuge and strength....OUR ROCK. In Him we are able to find the comfort and support we need. In Him we find stability for our emotions and fears...In Him we find the loving arms of a Father holding us until the storm passes, walking with us all the time!
Be encouraged today to LEAN on His precepts as they are LIFE to your bones and breath to your nostrils!

Sonja

Sustain me Lord....

2007-08-05T22:44:00.000-05:00

Psalm 119:116-118

Sustain me according to your promise,
and I will live;
do not let my hopes be dashed.
Uphold me, and I will be delivered;
I will always have regard for your decrees.

Standing on a Promise can be an up and down roller coaster ride. When we are up that's when we remember the promise. When we are down, that's when doubt comes in....rebuke the doubt and your up again....then something else tries to come in (like fear or impatience etc..) and we are down again! Get it?
We are constantly waging war with the flesh. It takes a diligent effort to stay "in the Spirit and mindset of Christ. When we do eventually grasp the Promise and hold "steadfast" on to it, guarding the good deposit, growth has occurred in our vessel. We know who we are in Christ and we are now walking in great peace and confidence.

Psalm 119:165-168

Great peace have they who love your law,
and nothing can make them stumble.
I wait for your salvation (deliverance), O Lord,
and I follow your commands.
I obey your statutes,
for I love them greatly.
I obey your precepts and your statutes;
for all my ways are known to you.

Keep your way PURE....

2007-08-03T09:12:00.000-05:00

Psalm 119:9-18

How can a young man keep his way pure?
By living according to your word.
I seek you with all my heart;
do not let me stray from your commands.
I have hidden your word in my heart
that I may not sin against you.
Praise be to you, O Lord;
teach me your decrees.
With my lips I recount all the laws
that come from your mouth.
I rejoice in following your statues
as one rejoices in great riches.
I meditate on your precepts
and consider your ways.
I delight in your decrees;
I will not neglect your word.

The word of the Lord is alive and active, may were learn to wash our vessels daily with His truth. Just as we daily take baths to wash our physical body, so shall we bathe daily in the washing of the word of our Lord. Truly, there is no soap like it!