Divine Mentor - Talking Jesus - Debbie McGrath

Today's Reading:
Isaiah 60-62, John 1


In John 1:35-40 - 

We learn that Andrew and John were disciples of John the Baptist.
As soon as Jesus, the Lamb of God, appears on the scene Andrew and John spent the day with Jesus.  Can you imagine the questions they had for Jesus or do you think they sat amazed and silent hanging on to every word of the Savior? It is obvious, the time spent with Jesus changed their lives. They were so excited about meeting Jesus they went and found their brothers and brought them to Jesus.  Andrew brought Simon to Jesus who later became Peter.
John brought his brother James to Jesus.  

In the scriptures, Andrew never wrote a book or preached a huge sermon but he faithfully brought others to Christ. Andrew did what we are called to do.  
Every Christian is called to go and make disciples of all nations.

Do I have the zeal and excitement Andrew did about my relationship with Christ?

Today - who will I reach out to and tell them about my Savior?

Divine Mentor - Patience like God - Debbie Higginbotham

This is what spoke to me this morning from the Bible reading.

Scripture: 2 Peter 3:9

The Lord is not slow to to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance.

Observation. If only we had a small amount of the patience our Father has, how wonderful that would be. When you think about sin today and how it is out of control in this world you have to wonder how can our God have patience with any of us. We are all of a sinful nature. His love for His children is so great that He does not want any of us, no matter what sins we have committed, to perish. That is why He is slow to anger and has amazing patience, so that one day we wake up and see Him for who He truly is. He is patiently waiting for us.

Application. Everyday, I thank my Father for His patience with me. I turned away from Him a long time ago for many years. He had amazing patience with me. He sent many trials my way to get my attention. As stubborn as I was, His patience was greater. It took several years of trials in my life, but He got my attention. Today, I never fail to thank Him for loving and being patient with me. Because He felt I was worth it and was patient, I came back to Him with open arms and a changed person. He does this for all His children.

Prayer. Father, you amaze me everyday with your unfailing love and patience. I don't have the degree of patience with people that you do, so I pray that as you have been patient with me I will also be patient.

Divine Mentor- He Is Patiently Waiting

Today's Reading: Isaiah 57-59; Psalm 103; II Peter 3
Scripture: II Peter 3:9 " The Lord is not slack concerning His promise...but is longsuffering [patient] toward us, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance."

Observation: Jesus has promised that He is coming again to put an end to this world and reign over a new heaven and a new earth. The early believers, expecting this to happen in their lifetime, had begun to question and doubt. Peter reminds them that God is patiently waiting until all have had an opportunity to bow to Him and confess Jesus as their Lord and Savior.

Application: Jesus may come in my lifetime--He is surely coming in someone's lifetime!
Until then, I have promised Him that I will do all I can to give others the opportunity to know Him. Today I will: 1) pray for our Cross Pointe team in the Congo as they are even now sharing the story of Jesus with people who have never heard, and 2) pray for opportunities today to share the story of Jesus with people who, even in Atlanta, have never heard. God is waiting.

Prayer: Lord God, I thank You for your love for every person whom You have created. Thousands of people around the world (including the USA) will hear today of Your love for them, their need for repentance, and a Savior who died for them. Soften each heart as they listen, that the Holy Spirit may bring them to You. Amen.

Nothing can undo His love

Today's Reading:
Isaiah 53-56  2Peter 2

Isaiah 54:10
'Though the mountains move and the hills shake,
My love will not be removed from you and My covenant of peace will not be shaken,
says your compassionate Lord."

This verse was made for me because I have allowed myself to become too busy to journal this week.  As each day passed as I prayed throughout the day asking God to forgive me for not making time for just him. I promised myself I would sit down no matter what and journal today.  Not because I felt I needed it but because I felt guilty and feared what next week would be like.  So with this verse God removed all those feelings of guilt that are not of Him.  He has once again confirmed with me that no matter what may happen or what I might do or not do He is always here for me.  I really needed this because I have an ongoing struggle with feeling worthy of Christ dying for me. I question myself and I need to remind myself instead that yes, Christ died for me and yes, God's promises are real.

My prayer is that Our Father will continue to show his patience and love as we stumble through this life that he has blessed us with.

Divine Mentor - ANGER - Teresa H.

Scripture for Today:
Isaiah 53-56; 2 Peter 2

Scripture that God used to speak to me Today:
Isaiah 54:16-17

...And it is I who have created the destroyer to work havoc; no weapon forged against you will prevail, and you will refute every tongue that accuses you. This is the heritage of the servants of the Lord, and this is their vindication from me", declares the Lord.

God created us all, even those that wrong us and cause us pain; however, those that set out to destroy us will not prevail and as a child of the King, the Lord will bring about justification to those who have done us wrong.

Dear Lord,

Please take away this deep rooted anger and resentment that is inside of me.  Help me to see others through your eyes and to love them like you do. Please take away my desire for revenge on those who have wronged me.  Allow me to truly forgive and give me peace in my heart and mind. Help me to live my life in a way that others can see you through me. In Jesus Name, Amen.

Divine Mentor- "What Else Matters?"

Isaiah 50-52; Psalm 92; 2 Peter 1

Scripture: 2 Peter 1:16  "We did not follow cleverly invented stories when we told you about the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but we were eyewitnesses of His majesty."

Observation: When asked how I know the Bible is true, I talk about Peter. Can you imagine this rough, impetuous fisherman, who denied even knowing Jesus because he was scared and went into hiding during the crucifixion, showing up later to make up stories about a risen Jesus- and for what? To spend the rest of his life in poverty, traveling from place to place, ridiculed and worse, finally to be crucified himself- upside down?? Why would he give up his life for a lie?

Application: Most people in Gwinnett County (including church "attenders"), let alone Atlanta and the rest of the country, do not believe that Jesus is God's Son, risen from the dead, the ONLY way to a relationship to the ONE TRUE GOD, and the ONLY way to eternity in Heaven. They don't adamantly reject the idea- they just don't have a reason to believe it. What am I doing about that? Does anything else matter?

Prayer: O God, nothing in my life should matter to me more than You, and nothing matters more to You than bringing souls to an eternal relationship with You. Show me those souls today. Amen.

Divine Mentor - Listening to God - Isaiah 48 - KJV by: barbara hutchinson

This entire chapter deals with listening to our FATHER and hearing through all the clamor, chaos & confusion of this world. Our DADDY speaks only truth to us even if it is uncomfortable & so very contrary to what this world has to say.
HE begins in verse 1 with the word HEAR,
vs 6 Thou hast HEARD.
vs 12 HEARKEN unto ME
vs 14 all ye, assemble yourselves and HEAR
vs 15 I, have spoken
vs 16 Come ye near unto me, HEAR ye this
vs 18 O that thou hadst HEARKENED
begins chapter 49 with LISTEN
It is so vitally important that we take time to seek HIS VOICE and actually sit & LISTEN to hear what HE has to say and talk to & with HIM not just at HIM.  PRAYER MUST BE A TWO WAY CONVERSATION.  So often our prayers are centered on just what we want for our families, friends & ourselves and we do all the talking, get up & walk off & expect GOD to obey us..... & then be offended when HE didn't immediately respond to us. Not giving HIM the respect to have HIS say in the matter.

HE sees the entire battle field, what is coming up from behind, what is laying out ahead of us waiting, what is coming at us from our blind sides. We have a very myopic view of what is right in front of us, that is why we must live in faith with HIM & not by sight in this world.  So simpe but oh so profound in our lives to HEAR what HE has to say about the matter.

I did not like it when my children gave me a list of to do things for them but never gave me the time of day to have a say in the matter. I was angry, offended & not very inclined to bless them in anyway. But thank YOU my DADDY for having more long suffering patience with us YOUR children today. But HE is trying to tell us to slow down from the business of each day, this very day we are in, put away the noisy distractions of the lies & interruptions of this world from tv, internet, cell phones, smart phones, work, etc. that demand our attention. Let alone all the things we pile on our plates to be accomplished by our own expectations & of those around us to be fulfilled in this one day.  Then become disappointed when we do not finish them.

If we cannot REST IN HIM, how can we HEAR HIM and that is the MOST IMPORTANT THING THAT MUST BE AT THE TOP OF OUR LIST EACH DAY. It is the blessing of  tranquility, calmness, harmony, serenity, complete satisfaction of peace beyond all understanding no matter what our circumstances are, must be Our FATHERS supernatural heavenly manifested presence of full measure, pressed down, shaken together, running over in abundance of spiritual insight, revelation knowledge , wisdom, understanding we must follow HIS voice, listen & obey.

Knowledge is an input, wisdom is the output.
 So contrary to the worlds voice filled with fear.

My prayer for each of us:
LORD GOD ALMIGHTY DADDY pull each of us up into YOUR lap as I did my little ones YOU so graciously share with me when they were so tired & weary, sometimes confused when things did not happen as they wanted it to be, speak tender, soothing & comforting WORDS we need to HEAR that takes away the fear and we understand in child like faith that YOU  know whats in our best interest far better than we do so we rest in YOU as my children did in my tender loving arms protecting them. How much more are we protected in YOURS. YOU never give us more than we can handle. Thats how YOU grow us up in YOU.

To be not afraid but strong & courageous in YOU who  is our hope, happiness, contentment, optimisim, anticipation, expectation of everything good pertaining to life. 

We understand & take to heart the promise of truth YOU inspired to be written Ps. 118:8 IT IS BETTER TO TRUST IN THE LORD THAN TO PUT CONFIDENCE (TRUST) IN MAN.
OH, that we fully understand that a promise broken becomes a lie.....YOU cannot lie, we cannot lie when we diligently speak YOU LORD JESUS our FATHERS WORD, PROMISE, VOW, OATH, COVENANT OF EVERYTHING GOOD PERTAINING TO LIFE that has exposed, consumed, destroyed satan the liar of everything evil pertaining to death that is so pervasive in our lives from this world.

Thank YOU DADDY for listening to my prayer for us YOUR CHILDREN in the ANNOINTED SACRIFICE OF OUR LORD JESUS THROUGH YOU SWEET HOLY SPIRIT   AMEN.

Divine Mentor - Because I love you! - Laila Wahba

Scripture that spoke to me: Isaiah 43: 1, 4

Because I love you

Scripture..” I have summoned you by name; you are mine….Since you are precious and honored in my sight and because I love you……….Isaiah 43.1,4

Observation   Wow, the Maker of the Universe, the One who has the cattle on a thousand hills, the one who says “Let there be ….” And there was. This very God tells me I am precious and honored and loved. Then He starts telling me what He will give because of His love for me; He tells me what He will do, because of His love for me: I will be with you, you will not be burned, I will give men in exchange for you, I am with you

Application    Everyone of us dreams of her prince charming, who will give and save and defend and understand and encourage and listen, but we soon realize that there is no one alive who can do this. And even if he does, he cannot do it all the time. He cannot protect me, or give himself up for me. But my Price Charming did give Himself for me. Today, I want to take all the love I need,  all the encouragement, and all my needs from God.

Prayer

I am redeemed. Thank you God for this great love. May I live for your glory today, making known how you have loved me and what a great price it cost you.

May I live my day- today as a woman loved; honored and precious. In Jesus Name. Amen

Divine Mentor - Do Not Fear - Teresa H.

Today's Reading: Isaiah 40-42; I Peter 3

Scripture that spoke to me:

Isaiah 41:10

So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. 

 I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.

As I struggle with the fear of our financial insecurities as well as the strain that our situation has put on our marriage, God reminded me this morning in reading Isaiah 41:10 that there is no reason for me to worry - He's got it all taken care of and that I just need to hold on to Him and He will give me the strength to get through this extremely difficult time in our lives.

Prayer:

Dear God,

Please grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change,

the courage to change the things that I can, 

and the wisdom to know the difference,

living one day at a time, enjoying one moment at a time,

accepting hardship as a pathway to peace,

taking as Jesus did, this sinful world as it is,

not as I would have it, trusting that you will make all things right

if I surrender to your will, so that I may be reasonably happy in this life, 

and supremely happy with you forever in the next.

In Jesus Name I Pray,

Amen

Divine Mentor- God's Word Never Changes

Today's Reading: Isaiah 40-42; I Peter 3

Scripture: Isaiah 40:8 "The grass withers and the flower fades, but the Word of our God stands forever."

Observation: Why do we need to know God's word? Because it is true and is the only thing that never changes. Everything in our lives is constantly changing, but God's Word is constant. Every promise of God is certain, regardless of the changing circumstances in our lives; however, I will only know those promises if I read them.

Application: OK, so I believe this verse. How will I be different today because of it? Just like every other day, I am making my plans for the day. Even while reading the Word, my mind wanders to the weather forecast and my calendar. I expect to accomplish specific tasks and connect with certain people. The truth is, this is also what I did on September 11, 2001. It's also what I did on January 9, 2003, the day Joe died. I learned both times what I had always known- the grass withers, the flower fades, nothing on earth is certain, people fail us, people die, but the Word of our God stands forever. That's why I need to know it.

Prayer: God, You are the only stability in my life. I can depend on Your love and Your Word through every circumstance in my life. Help me remember that You are the same yesterday, today, and forever. Amen.

Divine Mentor - To be Like Mary - Laila Wahba

To be like Mary - 

These past few months, the subject of Mary and Martha has been coming up so many times. It seems that everywhere  I go the subject is brought up. At Bible Babes, every Sunday it is brought up; and even though I did not attend the women’s conference.. the conference came to me and we heard about the same subject in Bible babes for three consecutive weeks. Then I started reading the Divine Mentor.. and guess what? Yes, the subject comes up again and again. 

I didn't think anything of it until this morning (you can see how bright I am when God needs to talk to me..uhh thank God He does not give up on me) , the Lord said: Laila you sit physically with me every morning, but you are flustering in your spirit. When I tell you to be like Mary, I do not mean that you just sit, but that you rest: rest… rest. Your mind is working at 100 miles an hour even when you sleep. I want you to rest. You worry about details, and events, and dates, I want you to rest. You worry about revolutions, safety and finances. I want you to rest. You worry about the future of your kids: I want you to rest. shshshshshshshshsh. Rest.

Hearing those words made me realize that  resting is so difficult (is this an oxymoron!!!!!!!!!!!). It is easier said than done.

Help me Jesus to rest in you.

Divine Mentor - Destined for This! Debbie McGrath

Today's Reading:  2 Kings 20, Isaiah 38, 39, Psalm 75, 1 Peter 2

Truly enjoyed reading 1 Peter 2.
So refreshing this morning to be reminded of who we are in Christ.

*Chosen Race:      because of the Grace of God
*Royal Priesthood: belonging exclusively to God in heaven
*Holy Nation:        Set Apart - purchased with the blood of His own Son
*People for his Possession: citizenship in heaven
*Received Mercy:  privilege from God
*Living Stones:     to reveal the praises of God to a dark, lost world

Each of these privileges carry with them one big responsibility - people of the world should see the "excellencies" of God in our lives.  Our lives should radiate the extraordinary God we serve. 

I am so reminded that I am part of God's chosen people because of His mercy and I am called to be faithful to Him!

Divine Mentor - God Speaks to Me - Debbie Higginbotham

Today's reading: Isaiah 36,37; Psalm 76; 1 Peter 1

Scripture that spoke to me:

S. 1Peter 1:8  Unseen Belief

Though you have not seen him, you love him. Though you do not now see him, you believe in him and rejoice with joy that is inexpressible and filled with glory.

Observation. It is true that we have not seen Christ. Non believers of Christ find it hard to believe in the existence of things unseen. (In Hebrews 11:1 it tells us faith is the assurance of things hoped for the conviction of things unseen.) Some believers struggle with the concept of unseen belief. It is difficult to believe in a God we can't visually see, touch or have speak to us in an audible voice. This is where true faith takes over to give you the ability to love and believe in a God you can't see.

Application.When I began my journey with Christ, I struggled with understanding how other people could say they heard him speak to them, but yet I didn't. I thought how could that be, because I had prayed and asked God to speak to me, but I couldn't hear him. I never lost faith in him or love for him, but I struggled. As I continued praying and staying in the word, God began working in and through me, and I made the connection between head and heart. The clutter cleared itself from my head and my heart was ready to receive. God began speaking to me and leading me in the direction he needed me to go.

Prayer. Father, I pray that the clutter that manifests itself in my life will never separate me from you and listening for your voice. 

Divine Mentor - Chosen

Today's Scripture Reading:
2 Chronicles 29-31, James 4

The readings today from God's Word were awesome!!
So encouraging to read about a revival among the Israelites.

Scripture that spoke to me:
2 Chronicles 29:11 - ...the Lord has chosen you to stand in His presence, to serve Him, and to be His ministers and burners of incense.

Hezekiah, only 25 years old, has become King and his number one agenda:
to bring the people back to Yahweh.  He asked the Priest and the Levites to cleanse the Lord's temple.  After they did this, there was a great revival among the Israelites. Even though some of the Israelites mocked the Priest, many Israelites humbled themselves and came to Jerusalem to worship the Lord.

I am amazed at Hezekiah's vision at such a young age. His first agenda could of been to build himself a new palace or to strengthen his military.  It is so obvious his mind was not on earthly things that fade away but on the Lord.
After I read the three chapters in 2 Chronicles, I ask myself - is my focus on the eternal?  I read the scripture and I know I have been chosen by the Lord to stand in His presence and to serve Him for such a time as now. I believe God has given me the desire and the responsibility to encourage and lead others to develop a deeper relationship with Jesus Christ. How do you have a deeper relationship with Jesus Christ? One way - spending time in the Word of God daily.

Lord, please help us to stay focused on the eternal!!!

Divine Mentor- What Is Sin?

Saturday, July 20, 2013
II Chronicles 29-31; James 4
James 4:17 : " Anyone, then, who knows the good he ought to do and doesn't do it, it is sin."

Observation: We know we have sinned when we do something wrong, break God's laws, hurt someone. Jesus said the first two commandments are to love God and love others as we love ourselves. We keep these commandments more by doing the good than by not doing the bad.

Application: The best definition of sin I have heard is this: Sin is having our needs met by anyone or anything but God. When I see the good I should be doing but don't want to make time to do it, it is always because I am trying to meet my needs in other ways, even "good" ways: family, rest, reading, exercise, financial responsibility. Today I will spend time with God asking what good I can do as He leads me.

Prayer: God, please open my eyes and my heart to the needs around me and show me Your specific plans for using me.

Divine Mentor - Transform the Tongue - Debbie McGrath

Readings for Today:
2 Kings 17, 2 Chronicles 28, Psalm 46, James 3

The verse that really spoke to me: 
James 3:8 ...but no man can tame the tongue.

As the Scriptures say - the tongue is powerful.  With the tongue, we can praise our Heavenly Father and/or we can curse men who are made in God's likeness.

Too many times, I have said things that I wish I could take back.  
As soon as I say something that is not good for the moment, the Holy Spirit has a way of convicting my heart.  I am grateful for James who reminds us how much power is in the tongue.  The only way to transform our tongue is to saturate our mind in God's Word.  Romans 12:2 - tells us to be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may discern what is good, pleasing and perfect will of God.  When my brain is washed with the truth, my speech reveals I have been with God.  My tongue was created for Praise!

Divine Mentor - The Ultimate Sacrifice - Ziahlita Peterson

To Be Worthy

Isaiah 15-18

Hebrews 10

My Scripture:

Hebrews 10:14

For by one offering He has perfected forever those who are sanctified.

Objective:

God no longer wanted to deal with the offerings that were made daily to make up for man’s sins.  Just as He has mentioned and has shown us, He wants our love and having to do a daily reconciliation of sins and offerings doesn’t leave much time for relationship building.   Because He loves us so much, He decided to make the ultimate sacrifice by giving us the closest being to Him.  I believe that by God making the ultimate sacrifice He truly has the right (other than the fact He is God) to expect us to blindly submit to Him.  He sacrificed His son with the hope that we will abide by Him.  When we abide by Him we don’t have to hope or wish because His promises are real and true.  We must remember God did this for us ONLY if we believe that in Jesus and follow His Word.  

People tend to “over stretch” His promise and justify their life choices that He has forgiven everyone forever leaving out the part that we have to be sanctified.  I always thought being “sanctified” was those people that faked falling out in church, so I never wanted to be considered “sanctified.”  The definition of sanctified according to the American Heritage College Dictionary is “to set apart for sacred use.”  Now that I am beginning to understand I would love to be considered “sanctified.” 

Sometimes because we don’t understand His plan our flesh will try to make us doubt.  We cannot doubt His plan! When things happen that aren’t our plan we say it is Satan.  Well how we can say God knows all and does all without realizing and acknowledging the bad has to happen in order for us to know what good is.  I found that when I embrace the bad, His good overwhelms me.

Application:

This short verse has spoken volumes to me.  Though I thought I truly understood the sacrifice that Jesus made for me, it wasn’t until today that it resonated with me.  I will work harder to remember, I need to be worthy of His death that brings me life.

Prayer:

Lord, please continue to show me patience and bless me through my ignorance.  I want to be worthy of Jesus’ death.  Give me the strength and courage to say no when I know it’s wrong.  In Jesus’ name, amen.

Divine Mentor - Restored Marriage - Part 2 - Teresa H.

Scripture reading: Isaiah 15-18, Hebrews 10
Scripture that spoke to me:
Hebrews 10:35-39 

35) So do not throw away your confidence; it will be richly rewarded. 36) You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God, you will receive what He has promised. 37) For in just a very little while, "He who is coming will come and will not delay. 38) But my righteous one will live by faith. And if he shrinks back, I will not be pleased with him." 39) But we are not of those who shrink back and are destroyed, but of those who believe and are saved.

Observation: stand firm in your faith and do not waiver

Application: Through this whole child support case of my husband's with the mother of his other 2 children, my emotions have been on a roller coaster.  I've gone from being so angry from the affair, its effects, and with all involved to trusting that God is in control and working all things out for my good. As of right now, I'm choosing to stand firm in my confidence of the power of my God! My husband and I have sought God's will in reconciling our marriage and He will bless us for this. Evil will NOT prevail! I've proclaimed my faith to our attorney and although he might think that I'm crazy, God is going to use him in a mighty way. Our attorney has encouraged us to settle outside of court; however, my thought is why make a deal with the devil and deny God the opportunity to work a miracle in the courtroom?!  I've always been a negative person who prepared for the worst so that I would be pleasantly surprised with a better outcome; NOT THIS TIME! I'm choosing to have faith and believe in the best outcome because with God, ALL THINGS ARE POSSIBLE!  I've asked God to speak to me and He is. I'm praying with my husband and trying to be a witness (for Jesus) to our attorney as well as those around me. I'm determined that this hardship is going to strengthen my marriage, my walk with Christ, and be a witness to others. What satan meant for evil, God is using for good!  

Prayer:  Lord, thank you for your love and for sending your son to die on a cross for my sins so that I can be made perfect in your sight.  Help me to keep standing firm in my faith in you so that I can be a witness to others of your power and love.  Please allow me to go into the courtroom hand-in-hand with my husband as a supportive wife with confidence in You and not as a scorned and angry woman. I rebuke any control that satan may have on my mind. Please prepare the heart of the judge that will rule on my husband's case this coming week.  Allow him to have grace and compassion on my husband and see him as a man who loves you and his family. Please also speak to our attorney and give him the knowledge and ability to defend and represent my husband  as the loving father that he is who just wants what's best for his kids.  We invite and welcome your presence into the courtroom and may the outcome of this case be made known without a doubt that your presence was there.  Thank you Lord in advance for the miracle that you are about to perform.

It's in Jesus' Name that I pray all of these things,

Amen

Divine Mentor - Moving from Egypt to America - Laila Wahba

Moving from Egypt to America

Today, I started reading the book, “The Divine Mentor” that Debbie McGrath gave me before I left to Egypt. I have been suffering from severe loneliness, wondering why God brought me to America when my ministry, TV show, camps and counseling were going so well in Egypt. It was as if God has actually and literally plucked me out of Egypt and planted me in Atlanta where…. I am currently doing NOTHING. This feeling has left me feeling useless, lonely and helpless. My loneliness is so intense, it is palpable. As I started the book, I read about the sequoia tree that- after generations- fell down, crashed down and the reason is: foot traffic.

God started speaking to me: Laila, I brought you to Atlanta because you had too much foot traffic around you and I did not want to leave you there till you crashed, I HAD to do something to save you, and I know you would not have done it on your own… you couldn't.

Funny, how I have been reading my Bible since 1973 and never noticed this verse that Cordeiro quoted here: Proverbs 24.32 “when I saw, I reflected upon it; I looked, and received instruction”. You’d think I would have seen this verse before especially that this is one of my mottos in life.

What did the sequoia tree feel as people tread all around her? Did it actually enjoy all the hustle and bustle? Did it sometimes wish it could be quieter around her? Did it enjoy the quietness of night?  As people sat at her feet enjoying its shade, did the sequoia feel so useful, like it was the most important tree in Yosemite? If someone lit fire and came too close to her.. well alas, it could not scream. Did the tree ever feel trapped in that place? It was only after this mighty tree crashed, that public officials decided to fence some of the oldest, largest and most historical trees. But… it was too late for that tree that fell down. As I realized it was God who put a fence around me to keep others, to keep even ministry, relationships, counselees from trampling my root system, I felt a gush of thankfulness and relief rise up in my soul.

I will not lie and say that my loneliness has totally left me, but I will say this: I am glad God looks after me and I thank Him that as a sterling vinedresser, the Lord plants me, plucks me, prunes me, fences me, replants me as HE pleases. To Him be the Glory

My Salvation - My Responsibility

Thursday July 11, 2013

Isaiah 8-10; Hebrews 8

My Scripture:

Isaiah 9:16

The leaders of the people mislead them, and those they mislead are swallowed up.

Objective:

Isaiah is warning the leaders and the followers.  We are to follow God’s Word and His Word only.  God makes it clear how important His Word is. We are truly loved that he chose individuals to write it down so that we may have it now.  One example is in 2 Timothy 3:16-17 – All Scripture is inspired by God and is profitable for teaching, for rebuking, for correcting, for training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work. This is also why the “teachers” of the Word need to take their role seriously as well because what they are teaching should give people what they need to better understand God’s Word.  Because “teachers” are responsible for teaching, as students we are responsible for learning.  This is why God tells us to be in His Word daily because our salvation is our responsibility.  In 1 Peter 2:2 it says, Like newborn infants, long for the pure spiritual milk, that by it you may grow up into salvation… 

Application:

As a follower of Christ I must stay in the Word and accept that it is my responsibility. I cannot allow my salvation to fall into the hands of someone other than myself.  I want to long for the pure spiritual milk as if my like depended on it, because my eternal life does.  I want to not just know what I am supposed to do, I want to do it!! In Joshua 1:8 God told Joshua, “This book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success.” I know he meant the same for all us so that we may have eternal life.  I want to be such an example of God that everything that comes out of my mouth and in all of actions those I come in contact with directly or indirectly will see nothing but God.  It is also my responsibility as a follower to not forget it is not for me to try to give others what “I think” they need but to introduce them to Christ so that He can do His work with them.  I will make sure I stay in my lane.

Prayer:

Lord, please continue to move me closer to you.  Please use me so that when others hear or see me they don’t see me, that they only see you.  I want to crave your Word daily. Please make me more like you. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

In His Image

July 10, 2013

Micah 5-7; Hebrews 7

My Scripture:

Micah 7:18

…He does not hold on to His anger forever, because He delights in faithful love.

Objective:

Through the centuries mankind has angered and disappointed God, but because He longs for our love/hearts and He is love forgiveness always follows.  This is a great example of God making us in His own image.  Most people want to focus on the visual likeness of us being in His image.  I believe it is our hearts that are made in His own image.  As a parent I can honestly say that at least a few times my children have made me so angry I wouldn’t recognize myself, but I still love them with all my heart and could never stay mad at them.  I love loving my children and I am very happy when they act like they have sense; so I understand how God feels about us.  I also find it hard to harbor bad feelings towards other that have wronged me and I am sure that is nothing but God.

Application:

I will continue to strive to be more God-like. To delight in faithful love is to delight in Him.  I want to continue to surround myself with His love.

Prayer:

Lord, please continue to give me the perfect example of who you want me to be. It is through your Word I pray to be transformed.  In Jesus’ name, Amen

God's Promises are Real

Tuesday, July 9, 2013  

Micah 1-4; Hebrews 6

My Scripture:

Hebrews 6:18

…it is impossible for God to lie…

Objective:

Because God cannot lie we must believe everything He promises us.

Application:

I must trust God’s promises.  Through the years and many years to come people will claim that the Bible is written by man and can’t be true. I have to admit before beginning my true journey to Christ I thought some of the Bible wasn’t real.  There is a reason the Bible is called the living Word of God.  God speaks to us through our hearts and sometimes our heads long before we have any idea what the scriptures are.  It is through daily reading He is able to personally build a love affair with us and the Bible is our introduction and tool.  Living the life of a believer/follower can be done without the Bible but why do it if you don’t have to.  It’s like building a house with the building supplies and no blueprints; yes it can be done but the final product is so much stronger when you have instructions to follow.  That is what my journey with God has been like.  I was able to treat people right and do what I thought was right, but when I began to read the Bible (instructions for life) my life took another form.  Now I am able to feel the love God has for me and clearly hear his message for me.  The Bible is God’s “secret decoder ring” for His children that are interested in knowing the journey He has in store for us.  I will continue to be an active participant in God’s love affair with me through my daily reading and obedience to what he tells me to do.  I have experienced first-hand on several occasions God’s promises in action.  I have begun to understand everything that happens is done with the knowledge of God.  So when He allows things to occur in my life that aren’t so good I know He has allowed these things so that He can show His power and love.  It is not for me to understand why things happen just to know that He is there to use me for a purpose.  So it is my job to play my role in His story.

Prayer:

Lord, please continue to show me patience as you teach me how to give you 100% of me.  Continue to give me the strength to weather any storm you see fit for me to experience. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Divine Mentor - Wailing for the Lost - Debbie McGrath

Verses to read for today:
Michah 1-4, Hebrews 6

This morning as I was reading the scriptures I really had a hard time picking a verse.  First, I did not understand everything I was reading. As I was reading. I continually asked God to show me a verse that would apply to my life.

Micah 1:8 - kept coming back to my mind.
Because of this, I will howl and wail;
this is why I will go barefoot and naked,
Why I will scream like the jackals 
and screech like he ostriches
 as if in mourning.

Micah, a prophet like Amos, enjoyed living in the country.  God called Micah to the city to bring the Word of the Lord.  The people of Israel and Judah have turned their backs on God.  They have corrupted their religious practices.  The Israelites allowed surrounding pagan nations to influence their faith.  As a result, they worshiped false gods - they took the place of God Almighty.
Amos was so burdened by their lack of commitment to God he wailed in grief for the Israelites.

This verse really convicts me!!! I truly live in a bubble with my Christian friends.  God pointed out to me this morning that I don't grieve over the lost like Micah did.  I am ashamed.  I have family members who don't know the Lord - I have never grieved or cried out to the Lord on their behalf.  If I don't reach out to them - who will?  It is so easy to teach Christian Women the word each week but it is another story to reach out to the lost.  It takes courage and faith to speak the Word of God to the lost.

Lord give me the passion Micah had for the Lost.
Change my heart.

Divine Mentor - Righteous Living - Brittany Frega

Reading for July 8 

Hosea 14:9 -
 Let whoever is wise understand these things, and whoever is insightful recognize them. For the ways of the Lord are right, and the righteous walk in them but the rebellious stumble in them.

Observation:  When we are righteous in God's ways - we will walk a straight path.  We will not wander off.  To the righteous God is their rock.  To others he is a stone of stumbling. "the same sun softens wax and hardens clay."

Application:  As a graduate student, it is so important that I live a righteous life.  I strive to walk a straight line and not stumble off.  I want my life to be an example to other young people - to walk with God.  I know that God is my supporting rock.

Prayer:  Dear heavenly Father, please help me walk a straight path.  Help me not to stray away and stumble.  You are my foundation on which I stand.

A More Righteous Me

Monday, July 8, 2013
Hosea 13-14; Psalm 100,102; Hebrews 5

My Scripture:

Hosea 14:9 

…For the ways of the Lord are right, and the righteous walk in them, but the rebellious stumble in them.

Objective: True followers that are obedient walk daily in the ways of God.  Followers that pick and choose when and how they walk in the ways of God are rebellious. We all know being a follower and believer isn't always the easiest thing to do, but we do know what we are supposed to do. This explains why some of us sometimes have a harder time than others.  The difference is between the ones that know and the ones that don’t know. That is why we are rebellious.

Application:  I have realized that as a follower I have a responsibility to do what I know to be right.  This scripture is my confirmation on that.  I have been a rebellious child of God for far too long.  I will take the extra time to think what God expects me to do in my daily activities.

Prayer: Lord, please continue to show me your patience as I grow in our relationship. Please give me the strength and the consciousness to do the right thing at the right time.  As I grow closer to being the righteous person you want me to be continue to talk to me and guide me.  In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Divine Mentor- Goodness, Mercy, Truth

Monday, July 8, 2013
Hosea 13-14; Psalm 100,102; Hebrews 5
Scripture: Psalm 100:5 "For The Lord is good; His mercy is everlasting, and His truth endures to all generations."

Observation: This morning I recall a chorus I sang many years ago: " Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days, all the days of my life... Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days, all the days of my life." As I sit here at 6:30 am at a beach house in OC, NJ, the rest of the family is still asleep ( even the 3 year olds, thankfully) and the sun is coming up over the ocean. I have spent time here almost every summer since before I was born. My adult children love this place and bring their children.  We miss Joe, my precious husband and their daddy, who has been in heaven for 10 years now- he so loved the beach!  Life is good.

Application: My quiet hour in the early morning with God is like this vacation- a time set apart from the rest of the world.  Very soon others will be getting up, and the noise of the day will begin. Today I will focus on this verse- everything good comes from God, and only goodness comes from Him. Nothing can happen today, or any day to come, that will change His truth. If I turn on the tv ( which I hope I won't ) I will be reminded of the chaos in the world around me. I will remember these words: "His truth endures to all generations." What else could possibly matter today?

Prayer: Thank You, my Father and my God, for a week away and for daily quiet time alone with You. Thank you for Your Word and for those faithful men who were used by You to write it. Walk with me today and every day, drawing me closer to You. Thank You for mercy, which I do not deserve, and convict me when I am not merciful in my thoughts and actions. Remind me that there is NO truth but Your truth, no matter what I may see or hear. Surely Your goodness, mercy, and truth will take me through this day.

Divine Mentor - Restored Marriage - Teresa H.

Today's Reading:
July 7, 2013
Hosea 10-12, Psalm 73, Hebrews 4

Scripture that spoke to me:

Scripture: Psalm 73:3, 26-28

3)For I envied the arrogant when I saw the prosperity of the wicked.

26)My flesh may & my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever. 27) Those who are far from you will perish; you destroy all who are unfaithful to you. 28) But as for me, it is good to be near God. I have made the sovereign Lord my refuge; I will tell of all your deeds.

Observation: God is in control and He is good to those who are pure in heart.

Application:  Although it currently feels like evil is prevailing through the woman that tore my family apart over 10 years ago, I'm reminded that even though she is gaining Earthly possessions, God is still in control of our situation and He is holding me by my right hand. He is working all things out for my (and my husbands) good.  My heart and flesh may fail, but God still lives in my heart and He is my strength. Those who are far from Him will perish and God will destroy all who are unfaithful to Him. God led my husband to a relationship with Him through our divorce and answered many of my prayers through that extremely difficult time in my life. He also miraculously restored our marriage 3 years ago, so I am claiming that God is going to continue His miraculous ways through this extremely difficult (and emotionally painful) child support case that still lies ahead of us. Satan would love nothing more than to destroy my marriage once again; however, I refuse to allow it!

Prayer: 

Lord Jesus,

I'm calling on You to give me wisdom, courage, peace, and discernment.  I'm claiming the blood of Jesus on my family! Protect my marriage and cause it to only grow stronger and stronger through this trail. May your Will be done and may there be no doubt in the conclusion of this child support case that your hand was at work and you receive all of the glory. I am excited to tell others of your many good deeds! Thank you so very much for your faithfulness! In Jesus name I pray, Amen.

Divine Mentor- He is Faithfulness

July 7, 2013
Hosea 10-12; Psalm 73; Hebrews 4
Scripture: Psalm 73: 25. " Whom have I in heaven but You? And there is none on earth that I desire but you."

Observation: God is not simply faithful- He is faithfulness. In all three readings today, the total, absolute faithfulness of God overwhelms me, but this verse in Psalm 73 reminds me that not only IS God totally dependable and true to His Word, but He is the ONLY one who is.

Application: This week I am at the beach with my family. I am reminded that, even though I am blessed by an incredible earthly family- parents, siblings, children, grandchildren, My Heavenly Father is the only One who truly knows me, loves me, and is faithful to me. Every time I take my eyes off Him and put another before Him, I will be disappointed. I am so excited to be with my oldest child and her family, especially since they live 3000 miles from me. I want to be even more excited to be with God alone every morning and all throughout the day.

Prayer: My Father, You have blessed me here on earth beyond measure. Please help me today to focus on You, the giver, more than on Your gifts.

Divine Mentor - True Obedience by Ziahlita Peterson

July 4, 2013

2 Kings 15,16; Hosea 1; Hebrews 1

True Obedience Hosea 1:11

...For the day of Jezreel will be great.

Call your brothers: My People and your sisters: Compassion.

O: Another example of God taking something we think is negative and turning it into a positive.  Though God used Hosea and his family to represent His relationship with Israel at it's worse, He also used them to show His forgiveness and hope for change.

A: I must remember when being obedient I must do whatever I am told no matter how crazy it may seem to me or others.  God's plan is just that  - His plan and I am to be honored that He would allow me to be used for His plans.

P: Lord, please give me the strength and courage to carry out your every demand. In Jesus' name Amen

Divine Mentor- We Are All Slaves

Wednesday, July 3, 2013
Isaiah 6-7; II Chronicles 26-27; Philemon
Scripture: Philemon 16: " no longer as a slave but more than a slave- a beloved brother, especially to me but how much more to you, both in the flesh and in the Lord."

Observation: I have read this account of Onesimus, the runaway slave who was led to Christ by Paul in Rome, many times; however, I have never thought about the fact that Philemon, whom Paul calls "beloved friend and laborer" (v.1) was probably a believer at the time Onesimus robbed him and ran away. Had he shared the gospel with his slave?

Application: We can get all caught up in the issue of slavery in this passage, but the truth is that we are all slaves. Before coming to Christ, we are slaves to sin- ruled by our own selfish desires. After coming to Christ, we are slaves to Him- He controls every aspect of our lives. Slavery between people is appalling. As believers, we should absolutely grieve over the sin of slavery in our country's past and fight the slavery that exists today; however, earthly life is short and heaven is forever.

Prayer: Dear Jesus, I have no understanding of what it means to be a slave to another person, and I pray for those who have been impacted through generations of slavery and for those who are caught up in slavery even today. I thank you for Christian believers who are ministering in these circumstances. While the chance of my meeting someone today in bondage to another human is very slim, I will meet those who are in bondage to their sin and need the freedom which only You can give. Help me see them through Your eyes and with Your heart.

Divine Mentor - Obedience by Ziahlita Peterson

Jude 1:21- Scripture reading from July 2 - Divine Mentor
...keep yourselves in the love of God, waiting for the mercy of our Lord Jesus 
Christ that leads to eternal life.

Objective:
We must trust God in everything we do. He will deliver us to eternal life.  To 
trust God and to be obedient is the only way.

Application: 
The whole submit (all of my life) to God is the biggest challenge and hardest 

part for me. Before being saved I was a control freak and worry wart. 

Even now during the time my realationship is the strongest with Jesus, 

I still become concerned with worldly things. I have witnessed amazing 

movement in my life through Christ, but my flesh will still plant 

a seed of doubt which only delays my blessing.

After reading the daily devotional from Jesus Calling I received my 

confirmation on how I must trust. I find my quest to become 100% obedient is full of lows and highs. By being in God's Word almost daily, I continue to

 find reminders of God's power that can only be revealed through trusting Him. 

The sentence of confirmation is:

 "Pray about everything; then, leave outcomes up to me"

Prayer:
Lord, please continue to show me patience that allows me the time for total 
submission. Please allow me to show others how you move in my life through my daily actions of godliness. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Divine Mentor- Soft on Sinner, Hard on Sin

Tuesday, July 2, 2013
Isaiah 4-5; Psalm 115-116; Jude
Scripture: Jude 22-23 " Go easy on those who hesitate in the faith. Go after those who take the wrong way. Be tender with sinners but not soft on sin. The sin itself stinks to high heaven." (MSG)

Observation: I went to The Message translation for these verses to get another take on  what Jude is saying. My study Bible says we need to make a distinction (when witnessing) between those who will come to Christ through our compassion and tenderness and those who will come out of fear, literally "pulled from the fire."

Application: I will meet people today in both situations- those who are struggling with faith who need assurance and tenderness, and those who are struggling with sinful behavior who need strong words and confrontation. Many of us are talking amongst ourselves about recent events such as Paula Deen's dismissal and DOMA. Instead of facebook commenting (with my own opinions), I can use these as examples of exactly what Jude is telling us:  Love all sinners (that's everybody) and treat them with compassion and tenderness, but do not help them rationalize or excuse their sin. The sin stinks to high heaven, and people need to know how much God hates it!

Prayer: Father, I need Your tenderness and compassion as I struggle with life. I also need the strong convicting words of your Holy Spirit when I fall into sinful thoughts and behaviors. Help me build relationships with others so they will see You.

Divine Mentor - Privilege to Serve God - Debbie McGrath

Monday - July 1, 2013
Scripture Reading from Divine Mentor:
Isaiah 1-3, Titus 3

Scripture that spoke to me:
Titus 3:14 - Our people must learn to devote themselves to doing what is good,
in order that they may provide for daily necessities and not live unproductive lives.

Observation:  
God has called me to devote my life to doing what is good.  My purpose is to bring others into the kingdom and to sent an example of Godly behavior for other believers.

Application:
When I meditate on this verse, it is overwhelming that God has chosen me to be involved in His sacred work. Seriously, God does not need me.  He has a host of angels who could get the job done more efficiently.  God himself with the sound of His voice could get all the work done in an instant.  But God has called me and you to be instruments of His grace.  If He wants a message declared, He calls on human lips.  If He wants a truth written, He inspires  human mind. It is crazy to think that God allows me and you to become part of His victory over Evil.  And in the end, we will all celebrate together and enjoy the riches.

Prayer:
That each morning I wake up, I realize I have an eternal purpose!