Clean Heart

Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me. (Psalm 51:10)

Purge me with hyssop, with the blood of Christ applied to my soul by a lively faith, as the water of purification was sprinkled with a bunch of hyssop. The blood of Christ is called the blood of sprinkling, Hebrews 12:24. If this blood of Christ, which cleanses from all sin, cleanse us from our sin, then we shall be clean indeed, Hebrews 10:2. He asks not to be comforted, till he is first cleansed; if sin, the bitter root of sorrow, be taken away, he can pray in faith, Let me have a well-grounded peace, of thy creating, so that the bones broken by convictions may rejoice, may be comforted. Hide thy face from my sins; blot out all mine iniquities out of thy book; blot them out, as a cloud is blotted out and dispelled by the beams of the sun. And the believer desires renewal to holiness as much as the joy of salvation. David now saw, more than ever, what an unclean heart he had, and sadly laments it; but he sees it is not in his own power to amend it, and therefore begs God would create in him a clean heart. When the sinner feels this change is necessary, and reads the promise of God to that purpose, he begins to ask it. He knew he had by his sin grieved the Holy Spirit, and provoked him to withdraw. This he dreads more than anything. He prays that Divine comforts may be restored to him. When we give ourselves cause to doubt our interest in salvation, how can we expect the joy of it? This had made him weak; he prays, I am ready to fall, either into sin or into despair, therefore uphold me with thy Spirit. Thy Spirit is a free Spirit, a free Agent himself, working freely. And the more cheerful we are in our duty, the more constant we shall be to it. What is this but the liberty wherewith Christ makes his people free, which is contrasted with the yoke of bondage? Galatians 5:1. It is the Spirit of adoption spoken to the heart. Those to whom God is the God of salvation, he will deliver from guilt; for the salvation he is the God of, is salvation from sin. We may therefore plead with him, Lord, thou art the God of my salvation, therefore deliver me from the dominion of sin. And when the lips are opened, what should they speak but the praises of God for his forgiving mercy?

-Parallel Commentary

 

THIS IS YOUR SEASON!

Ecclesiastes 3:1-8

 

1 To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven:

² A time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up that which is planted;
³ A time to kill, and a time to heal; a time to break down, and a time to build up;
⁴ A time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance;
⁵ A time to cast away stones, and a time to gather stones together; a time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing;
⁶ A time to get, and a time to lose; a time to keep, and a time to cast away;
⁷ A time to rend, and a time to sew; a time to keep silence, and a time to speak;
⁸ A time to love, and a time to hate; a time of war, and a time of peace.

LOVE

Love yourself and be excited about everything.
Everything that you do makes for a good life.
The good in your life helps others and pleases God.
Please God by doing His will and surrendering all.
Surrendering all will not kill you, it makes you a better person.
A better person yearns for salvation.
Salvation is a promise that God promised to keep us saved.
Keep us saved is a way of protection while still in the world.
While I am still in the world I must press toward the prize.
Pressing toward the prize is our focus for what's to come.
What's to come is eternal life with Jesus Christ.
Jesus Christ is our savior.


 For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. (John 3:16)

Crushed Dream

If you have a passion for something in life, pursue it. It may be a job, education, money or relocation. Whatever it may be, do your research first. Know your options and vision it all coming together full circle in the end.

Too many times we can be persuaded by what someone else says or thinks. Well, that same unsolicited advice could crush your dream.

If you know that God has given you a definite direction in life, don't allow anyone to interrupt that plan.

Others will not always understand to share what you may have in mind for yourself. You may decide to do something, doesn't mean "I" may go about it the same way. This doesn't give me the right to be negative or opinionated about "your" decision.

Instead be supportive and ask questions. If you love that person you will try to embrace their efforts and show some love, by being positive and encouraging.


Quote: It is not true that people stop pursuing dreams because they grow old, they grow old because they stop pursuing their dreams. ~Gabriel Garcia Marquez

It is not true that people stop pursuing dreams because they grow old, they grow old because they stop pursuing dreams.
Gabriel Garcia Marquez
Read more at http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/keywords/pursuing.html#SMtUQ4VHxp8vC1ZH.99

It is not true that people stop pursuing dreams because they grow old, they grow old because they stop pursuing dreams.
Gabriel Garcia Marquez
Read more at http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/keywords/pursuing.html#Y3Ps92PSeyKmKVVQ.99

It is not true that people stop pursuing dreams because they grow old, they grow old because they stop pursuing dreams.
Gabriel Garcia Marquez
Read more at http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/keywords/pursuing.html#Y3Ps92PSeyKmKVVQ.99

Waiting With Patience

Have you ever been so anxious about something that you could almost bust! Then you hear a voice  tell you, "Hold On".  God wants us to wait on him. We may have good intentions, but it's all about His timing. The timing is such that it not only put us in a spiritual position, it's also for the outreach of that individual that has to be considered. That shift in the atmosphere where the Holy Spirit is using you to spread the gospel to a lost soul and believe in their salvation.

It also teaches us patience. Patience is assurance of us being ready. Being obedient is what we need so we do not go out on our own.  Being prepared is all about patience. (I hope you got that.)

In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He shall direct your paths.(Proverbs 3:6)

 Patience is suffering, so we must wait. Wait on the Lord.

Be patient, therefore, brothers, until the coming of the Lord. See how the farmer waits for the precious fruit of the earth, being patient about it, until it receives the early and the late rains. You also, be patient. Establish your hearts, for the coming of the Lord is at hand. (James 5:7-8)

Prayer and Fasting

So He said to them, “This kind can come out by nothing but prayer and fasting.” (Mark 9:29)

A favorite verse of mine and one that will be my focus for this year.

End of Year

My year was filled with a lot of love.

I got to see my son one on one for the first time in 3 1/2 years. This was the most heart felt, overwhelming encounter. I missed my son so much and it meant everything to me to be able to look into his eyes, hold him and talk to him.

The birth of my first grandson was a life changing experience. I organized a baby shower, went to the OB appointments and answered many questions my daughter had as her mind got the best of her.
I said that I did not want to be in the birthing room, but I did witness the entire birth.

Being a Woman of God gives me duties and responsibilities. I felt less than when I did not complete my studies as planned in 2013. Not to mean that I did nothing, it means that I was needed elsewhere as instructed by God. You know the term "subject to change." I had to adjust to the fact that my plan was not God's plan. It all worked out and my studies have resume.

I have learned that I must choose by battles carefully. The enemy will attack to steal, killing and destroy. Everyone will not receive you when it comes to the Word of God. Do not debate with unbelievers, it will only escalate and get out of control. As a Christian I MUST STAY IN CONTROL with God's help.

My younger daughter has blossomed into this beautiful young girl. At the age of 16, she loves the Lord and is focused on her future about attending college. Dreams and admiration's keeps her fueled with hope. I admire her determination when she sets her mind on something. She is my star that shines the brightest at night in the sky.

I had a financial makeover this past year and I acquired some material items, but what really matters is that I am obedient to God's Word and take care of my financial commitments.

Pay to all what is owed to them: taxes to whom taxes are owed, revenue to whom revenue is owed, respect to whom respect is owed, honor to whom honor is owed. (Romans 13:7)

My uncle died this year and I really miss him. R.I.P. Uncle Gene.

These are some of the things that made an impact on me this year. Life is good and I have no complaints. You learn as you go and if you don't learn anything , you're not living.

Be good to yourself in 2014. Don't sweat the small stuff and always, always put God first.