Day 30 - Prayer Journal: It's Your Time!

"Arise, shine; for thy light is come, and the glory of the LORD is risen upon thee." - Isaiah 60:1

Well, it is finally here. Our 30th day of the prayer journal challenge. It has been an enlightening experience. God has given us plenty of revelation, blessings, times of testing, and finally the VICTORY! You are a prayer warrior; you have overcome the enemy with the power of your testimony. God is faithful, and He has a plan for your life.

This morning before the break of dawn, I needed something from my truck. I really wanted to go outside and get the bag that held my possession, but I did not want to face the darkness nor the vicious creatures that arise in the darkest hours. For a second, I opened the door. The sound of creepies and crawlies made me think twice about venturing into darkened territory because I know the enemy waits for our darkness to jump out of the bushes on us. Needless to say, I waited until the sun rose over the eastern sky before stepping outside. It was like a breath of fresh air. In the daylight I could clearly see the path that lie before me. I did not have to worry about being attacked unaware. Instead I had a clear view of where I needed to go, and I was able to go without any difficulty or obstacle. As the sun kissed my face, I smiled at the grace of God that comes with walking in the light.

Just like in our natural lives, we are far better off when we remain in the path of light, which is Jesus. The scripture says that you should arise and shine because your light is come. God has a purpose and a plan for your future. He wants you to stand up and head in the direction that His spirit leads you in and to allow your light to shine because Jesus has entered your life, filled you with His presence, and blessed you with His gifting and abundance. Once you have come to know Jesus and His goodness, you are on assignment to share Christ with those who need a supernatural encounter. The Bible says that the glory of the Lord is risen upon thee. God has prepared you and prospered you so that He would be glorified. He has poured His holiness and righteousness into you so that you could be a vessel of honor. It is your season, like Peter, launch out into the deep. Pursue the destiny that God is calling you to. For who the Lord calls, He equips.

Focus
Thank God for the light of Jesus that has entered your life.
Praise God for His glory and His holiness.
Ask God to reveal His purpose and plan for you in this season.
Seek a word from the Lord for your purpose in the life of His people that have been placed on your path.
Give God glory for bringing you through the prayer journal challenge (even if you are behind or just starting day 1, praise Him in advance.)
Pray for God to give you revelation on how He has grown you or pruned you through this prayer journal experience.
Ask God to show you how He wants you to share this experience.

Go back and review the previous prayer journal entries, ask God to show you areas where you struggled and where you excelled. Pray for strength in your challenges, and praise for grace through your victories.

Remember
If God brings you to it, He will bring you through it. God had a specific purpose for you through this experience. Know that He is calling you to spread the love of Christ, not to allow this word to lie dormant in you. Even though today is the last day of the 30 Days of Prayer (Journal),
continue to journey with the Lord, continue to pray, and if you are lead or were blessed continue to journal. You don't need an entry from me, it was God leading you through His word and He will continue to be faithful as you seek Him. Return to the blog, for daily encouragement and look for future spiritual encounters. We will plan a time to share our experiences in the near future. Please feel free to post a comment on your experience or pass the blog on to someone in need of a word.

Be Blessed!

Day 29 - Prayer Journal: His Delight

"For the LORD will not forsake his people for his great name's sake: because it hath pleased the LORD to make you his people." - 1 Samuel 12:22

During the course of this week, I have had over ten people from my past resurrect from out of nowhere. It is amazing that different people from all walks of life have re-entered my life. I have experienced sheer joy from being reconnected to these precious people because I know nothing takes place by accident. These occurences have been God-incidents! To think, after two weeks of being assaulted by the devil, who hates my soul; God has sent a host of well-wishers, friends, and acquaintances to show me some love. The enemy tries to convince us that God has forsaken us or that God does not really love us. But Jesus is forever faithful; He loves you enough to reach down in your corner of the world and perform small miracle every day just to let you know He is present and loves you.

The scripture says that God is pleased to make you his. The Lord knows how to love you better than any family member or friend, but He shows you his love through the people he places in your life. For every negative word any one ever spoke over your life, for every deceitful lie ever told to you, for every act of betrayal or hurt, God has designed someone to show you His love, to speak His truth, to act with care because he takes pleasure in you, your life, your happiness.
No matter how much the enemy has tried to convince you that you are unworthy, God is in love with you.

Focus
Thank God for the people he has put in your life.
Ask God to reveal to you the way that He sees you so you don't fall prey to the enemy's lies.
Pray for God to show you the people He has put you here to love on.
Praise God for His supernatural love for you.
Ask God to help you forgive those who have not known Him and did not know how to love you.
Thank God for never leaving you nor forsaking you.
Do you a random act of love for someone who doesn't deserve it.
Ask God to see others the way He sees them.

Remember
God loves every one of his children. Even those who may have been used by the devil to hurt you. So don't let bitterness arise in you, instead show them the love of God; they just might end up saved through your gesture.

Be Blessed!

Day 28 - Prayer Journal: Determination!

"Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ" - 2 Corinthians 10:5

You would not believe that I have written this blog three times. Each time when I finished my computer crashed and lost the blog into the Internet abyss. If I wasn't so sure that this is a word from God, I probably would have given up. But I am determined to to share what God has placed on my heart.

I firmly believe that as we are ending the prayer journal challenge, God has been preparing each of us for a Divine Assignment, something that God has called and equipped you to do after a season of praying, studying the scripture, being tried by the enemy, and coming through the fire like pure gold. Your assignment may be to tell someone about Jesus, to pray with or for someone, or to start something new that will send the word of God into the lives of people who need it. You may have noticed that there has been an enormous amount of attacks against you by the enemy. Whether there have been thoughts, words, or people that have come against you, know that God has a plan for you.

This past weekend God told me that He wanted me to do something that He has been preparing me for right now. I have known for awhile that God was moving me toward this assignment, and I recognized His voice about this season. However, I have not begun to obey what God spoke to me. Why would someone who knows God's voice and hears Him saying "Go, now" not quickly obey? The answer is simple. Immediately after hearing God tell me to go forward, the enemy has sent words of discouragement, symptoms that seem contrary to what God said is true, and people who have attacked me either in words or actions. The Bible calls these vain imaginations. We are told to cast these thoughts down, that means refuse to listen or believe the lies and to stand firm on what God said no matter what it looks like. We are to begin to walk in faith and do what Jesus has called and equipped us to do as soon as we receive the command.

I want you to know that God is indeed calling you to a divine assignment; the enemy would not be attacking you if you were not being sent as a representative for the kingdom of God. But it doesn't matter what lies are coming to your mind, you are on a mission.

Focus
Thank God for His divine word and plan for your life.
Ask God to give you discernment so that you recognize His voice from the devil's lies about your life.
Pray for God to show you what He is calling you to do if you feel this is not clear.
Pray for the strength and grace to complete your assignment right away.
Pray against (bind/rebuke) any spirits that are sent to attack your mind or your assignment so that you can completely obey God.
Praise God for His omnipotence and His word of truth.
Read and write Jeremiah 29:11 somewhere you can see it daily and repeat this every morning until you complete your assignment.

Remember
If you were not a threat to the enemy losing territory then he would not bother sending assaults against your mind, your assignment, or your life. Even if you didn't obey God at the moment He spoke, it is not too late to repent and seek God for a divine opportunity to walk in obedience. Take a leap of faith and began to walk toward God's plan and watch God move!
Be blessed.

Day 27 - Prayer Journal: Fighting Temptation

"But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed. Then when lust has conceived, it brings forth sin; and sin, when it is finished brings forth death." - James 1:14-15

I have really been struggling with getting the blog done. I think it has something to do with the fact that we are nearly at the end of our 30 days of prayer, and the enemy knows God has something grand in store for us. Many of you have shared how difficult is has been to continue, especially in these last few days. All I can say is that we must persevere and fight to see this thing through. I don't know the complete work of God, or how He will choose to use this experience to bear fruit in our lives, but I know that God is faithful and sees beyond where we are right now and into our eternity.

For the past week, I have been throwing my own personal pity party, complete with invitations, party hats, and streamers. I have been complaining how life is so unfair, questioning God as to why is He allowing me to suffer, and pondering going ahead and making my own Ishmael since God's promise of Isaac is taking soooo long. It has been a daily battle, where my saved self is literally arguing with my flesh. My flesh is screaming for instant gratification, lying to me by saying I deserve a breakthrough, accusing God for being unfair for allowing people I know who don't serve Him to have their heart desires, while I must wait! The devil is busy, but he is still a liar. Talk about having to cast down my imagination! It is a constant battle, and I was starting to lose. I would pray, and five minutes later the enemy was encouraging me to take matters into my own hands and bring about a change in my life.

Yesterday, a darling heart sister, called me and shared how a spiritual work I had planted in the lives of several ladies have been changed. It was just the dose of reality I needed. I began to thank God for revealing to me how much my consecrated life is important to kingdom building. If I choose to quit waiting on God and make my own way, I will have a few moments of satisfaction but I will lose my effectiveness in being a Christian. The only power my life has right now is in the fact that I walk the talk completely without wavering. If I give in to disobedience, I won't be able to touch lives the way Christ wants me to and I will not reap the blessings of God the way that He has planned.

I began to ask God why was I struggling so with my own will and desires. God showed me that it began over two weeks ago when I began to think about the promise and the desires of my heart rather than to the one who Promises and the lover of my soul. Once I began to focus on what I wanted, my deceitful heart began to suggest to my mind that it should be my "season" of harvest. The more I played with the thought of what I want that God has promised to give me in His set time, the more I began to convince myself that I deserved the promise, and that I had worked hard at being saved so I probably deserved what God says he will give me anyway. So why not now, why should I have to wait, why wait when maybe God wants me to step out in faith. Do you see where this lie is headed? We begin to justify walking in disobedience by thinking God wants us to have what He said so we might need to get it ourselves, which we believe is a step of faith. I am sure that is what Abraham and Sarah said when they stepped out in faith and helped God give them their promise, except that wasn't God's plan and they ended up having to live with a false promise, Ishmael. They moved outside of God's plan and will because they felt He was taking too long. or Maybe they thought God had forgotten them. It could be that they thought they had to do something to receive what God said He was giving them.

I am sorry, refusing to wait on God to do the work in His way and in His time is too expensive for me. I really want my Isaac, but I refuse to live with a false promise that I bring upon myself. So I will continue to fight temptation, and wait on God until He brings me the promise! God is faithful.

Focus
- Ask God to show you areas where you are tempted to do things your own way.
- Pray that God gives you the strength to persevere in waiting on Him.
- Thank God for the promise that He will bring in His time and His way.
- Ask God to show you where your eyes got off track and looked away from Him, and repent.
- Praise God for His faithfulness.
- Ask God to show you where your spiritual life affects others.
- Pray for the people who don't know God but seem to be "blessed". (If they don't know God, they aren't blessed.)
- Seek God for spiritual eyes to see your situation the way He sees it.

Remember
God is faithful to His word. He will do what He said. Temptation usually comes just before the manifestation of the promise to abort your faith and obedience and to push you back to the starting line. It may seem hard, but that is a lie. God has not forgotten you, nor will He fail you. We must wait on God no matter what things look like. He sees what we cannot see. Don't become independent from God, that is what happened to Adam and Eve and they were denied their promise of the garden. It is also what happened to Abraham and Sarah, and their descendants are still at each other's throats in the Middle East. Disobedience and impatience are expensive. Wait again I say on the Lord!
Be Blessed!

Day 26 - Prayer Journal: Dare to Be Dfiferent

Scripture
"And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what [is] that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God." - Romans 12:2

I hate counterfeits! Everywhere I turn I see people who in an effort to be in style, sport a knock-off of an original brand. I am a Coach junkie. I love Coach bags, wallets, shoes, watches, scarves, you name it; I own it. It is my private obsession. I really like the product because of the quality of the brand, not its name nor its flowery price. That is why it appalls me to see people who carry the fake bags in an attempt to be stylish. Don't get me wrong, I am not bothered by the fact that they paid a low dime to appear to own what I pay a small fortune for. It is the fact that these people are purchasing falsies to appear to fit into a culture, to portray a certain image, or to look like everybody else. If they really valued the quality of the leather or fabric that would be a different story, but they want to be part of the in club. Some of these people are even deceived into paying high costs for fakes because they have been told they are the real thing. Others know they are carrying fakes but think other people will believe theirs are real. Trust me, true Coach addicts know the difference; those who have owned an original can spot a fake a mile away. Those who own originals know the value of being privileged with such a luxury.

We live in a society that encourages duplicity rather than individuality. Whether you look to fashion or to morals, there is a push for people to go with the flow. Whenever someone goes against the norm, they are looked at as being odd. Many people work at being like the crowd. As a Christian , God requires you to be like a Coach, be a designer's original. He doesn't want the spirit that He has placed within you to try to fit in with the world or the world's way of doing things. He doesn't want you to look or act like the world. Because you are not a fake, you must be different and think differently than the world. We must make up our minds to be like Jesus. Trust me true Christians can spot a lost person a mile away. It is impossible to present yourself as a born again believer to someone who really is living a life committed to Christ. Though temptations may come or you may see other people who seem to get away with sin, know that you are in the world but not of this world. You are a kingdom citizen and must abide by the law's of your government, the Kingdom of God. It is both an honor and a privilege to be saved, blessed, and highly favored. So don't compare yourself to the counterfeits of the enemy, pattern yourself after the original, our lord and saviour, Jesus Christ.

Focus
- Thank God for making you in His image and in His likeness.
- Ask God to reveal areas that your thinking needs to be changed.
- Pray for God to renew and transform your thinking to align with the word of God.
- Seek God for what the word says about you and how you should live.
- Praise God for His will being above all things.
- Ask God to keep you in areas where you tend to try to fit in with the world or where you try to keep from offending others with your Christianity.
- Thank God for using you to show others His light and His love.

Remember
You are called to be a witness for Christ. Some people may never enter your church, but they are watching you live out your testimony!

Be Blessed!

Day 25 - Prayer Journal: God Did It!

Scripture
" He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for His name's sake." - Psalms 23:3


God is something else! Even though my week started out with plenty of trials and tribulations, I must say that once again God has shown himself mighty. In my prayer time, I began to cry out to the Lord confessing that no matter what, I will faithfully serve Him. I also began to ask God to relieve me from the constant attack of the enemy. God is faithful! He reassured me that He is in control of my life, that He has allowed these trials to enter my life, and He will see me through. God even said, "You can handle it because I AM performing this work in you." I wanted to stomp my feet and pout like a spoiled child who wasn't getting her way.

God would not have any of that. Instead of giving me the answer I wanted, Jesus gave me the answer I needed. He directed me to turn to the word and stand ( to believe and follow the word without doubting) . There is power in the word of God; the Bible says that the word is truth and life. In obedience I turned to the verses the Holy Spirit led me to and began to read. The more I read, I began to feel better. In an instant, my struggles seemed so light, and I began to get revelation of God's perspective of my trials. My problems didn't disappear, my attitude did!

God allows us to go through trials for a purpose. He doesn't always reveal his purpose to us while we are in the middle of it all. But He does lead His precious sheep in the way that we should go. God knew that these trials are necessary to grow me into the person He wants me to be and to bring about His divine, perfect will and plan for my life. Our Heavenly Father also knows that we can't handle life alone; He never meant for us to live without leaning on Him. I had been praying all week, both asking God questions and listening for His answers. But sometimes God just wants us to find comfort in the power of His living word.

As a result of following the Lord's lead to turn my heart and mind toward the power of His word, I see my situation from a different perspective. I don't know all the answers, but I know that God is working it out for my good. I trust His wisdom and love for me, and these trials are nothing compared to the suffering Jesus endured to restore me to the Kingdom of God. I found comfort in the word of God, and the Lord is leading me down His path which is right for me and I know that God is being glorified to someone who needs to experience the love of God walked out in my life! What an honor to be used by God in the kingdom building work!

Focus

• Thank God for the restoring power of His word.
• Ask God to lead you through areas of your life that you are struggling with.
• Ask God to show you His perspective.
• Praise God for His infinite wisdom.
• Thank God for protecting your spirit when your flesh wants to rebel.
• Ask God to reveal His righteousness and not your own will.
• Thank God for choosing to make you into a vessel of honor.

Remember

You have been chosen because God thinks highly of you. You qualify to carry the work of the kingdom as your Heavenly Father directs you. The Bible says count it all joy when you are hated and persecuted for God's sake. It is awesome that God loves and trusts us enough to use us even when we doubt that we can do what He requires!

Be Blessed!

Day 24 - Prayer Journal: In the Company of Angels

Scripture
" The angel of the Lord encampeth round about them that fear him, and delivereth them." - Psalms 34:7

God is so good! This week has been a trying time for me both naturally and spiritually. I have been attacked in every aspect of my life, and praise God I am still standing. I must admit I had been under a long period of grace, the enemy was right where he belonged, under my feet. But we know he always raises his head seeking for an opportunity to deceive us.

My Trials

1. A close friend started an argument "out of the blue".
2. My daughter had a minor concern with her "new" car.
3. A recently "restored friend" has also become friends with my "thorn in the flesh".
4. Work attempted to "rob my peace".
5. God is silent.

This is not a vent session. I just know that as a Christian these things should not be. Even though God warned me a couple of weeks ago in a dream, I have to say that I didn't see these attacks coming. Perhaps I was too comfortable, too lax in my prayer life, ready for another level. I don't know but God has a purpose for allowing these trials in my life. The fact that He warned me let's me know that He is still in control and He has a plan for all of this. To be honest, I felt a little upset at first because I am living right, spreading the word, and looking for an opportunity to be a true witness. I guess that means I qualified to be used by God for today's lesson.

Even though the enemy has attacked me, I have the victory. God is on my side and He has not let my foot slip. Today, He even revealed two traps that the enemy set for me, I missed the revelation God sent me on Monday. But by day and trial 2 I began to see the attacks for what they were, the enemy's tactics to get me off course.

That is just how God moves. When He is ready to bless you, grow you, try you, show you off, He permits, that is right, He gives Satan permission to mess in your world so that God can remind Him that you are a child of the most High King and you are victorious. God sends His angels in your midst to protect you, to comfort you, to guide you, so the attacks don't destroy you but develop your faith and love in Jesus. The week is ending and I am confident that my God has delivered me from the snares of the enemy!

Focus

• Thank God for His mighty arm of protection around your life.
• Seek God for revelation for times He stands between you and the enemy.
• Ask God to show you the trick of the enemy before you do the wrong thing.
• Praise God for the host of angels that He sends into your life.
• Pray for someone else under attack.
• Ask God to show you His plan of deliverance.

Be Blessed!

Day 23 - Prayer Journal: Soul Survivor

Scripture
"When you pass through the waters, I [will be] with you; And through the rivers, they shall not overflow you. When you walk through the fire, you shall not be burned, Nor shall the flame scorch you." - Isaiah 43:2

Let's face it, our country has seen some difficult times. We have been bombarded with news of rising unemployment, mounting debt, and turmoil within the families of our nation. It would be enough to discourage you. The world has no answers and people are running back and forth looking for a way of escape. But the word of God guarantees believers that we will survive every natural disaster, destruction, and difficulty because God is with us and He is our protection.

Jesus loves us, and every situation that we encounter He is there to face it before us. Trials and tribulations will come, but we come through the fire untouched, like gold, refined. There is a comfort in knowing that no matter what attacks we face or what fiery dart the enemy throws our way, we have a loving Savior who is with us all the way, even to the end of the earth.

Focus

• Thank God for His constant presence in your life.
• Ask God to show you times that appear bleak but He is with you.
• Pray for grace and strength to walk through the trial full of faith and rejoicing.
• Pray for revelation for someone who is going through a tough trial and needs the comfort of knowing God is with them.
• Praise God for coming out the other side of the fire.
• Ask God to give you understanding and revelation about what you needed to learn from your trials.

Remember

God did not plan any defeat for you. Jesus said on the cross, "It is finished." With this testimony, He guaranteed that there would be nothing in this world that could stand against Him. As His child He stands before you leading, guiding, and protecting you. Count your self worthy to be used by God.

Amen!

Day 22 - Prayer Journal: Private Petitions

Scripture
"But thou, when thou prayest, enter into thy closet, and when thou hast shut thy door, pray to thy Father which is in secret; and thy Father which seeth in secret shall reward thee openly." - Matthew 6:6


Every now and then I meet people who have been asked to pray and they say that they don't feel like they can pray like someone else or they tell me that they don't know how to pray. These people have been made to believe that prayer is hard or that there is a set way to pray. They are sometimes misguided in their prayers because their focus is on saying the "right" words rather than being intimate with God, who knows what is on their hearts anyway.

Other people have friends who share our journey as believers. These are the people who witness to us, who offer us a word of encouragement, and even pray with or for us. God sends them into our lives for a purpose and we feel close to them. We often share our challenges and successes in our walk with Christ. Sometimes these faithful friends become our prayer partners with whom we share our most intimate prayers and petitions.

But even with the closest of friends, there are things that we find difficult to share with even the people we often confide in. These are the times that we must go straight to the throne room. The scripture tells us that when we pray that we are to get into that private place just you and God. Prayer is an intimate experience between the prayer and God. When you shut the door, you close out the distractions of the world and you can tell your Heavenly Father your deepest secrets, desires, or concerns.

Focus

• Thank God that you can come to Him openly without shame or fear.
• Seek God for that intimate place where you can close the door to fear, doubt, unforgiveness, and anything that would hinder you from shutting the door in prayer.
• Ask God for those secret intimate desires that are in your heart.
• Pray seeking revelation of how to go deeper into that special place with God where the world no longer distracts your prayer time.
• Thank God for the outward manifestation of that prayer before you see it arrive.
• Pray for someone who struggles in prayer to be able to find their secret closet.

Remember

Prayer is the most intimate conversation between the lover (God) and His beloved (you). You must find that special place where it is just you and God. Sometimes such prayer manifests as crying, wailing, or even laughing. It is a place of freedom to let everything go!

Be Blessed!

Day 21 - Prayer Journal: Follow Directions

Scripture
"In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths. " - Proverbs 3:6

There are times in my life when I feel like I am backed in a corner and don't know what to do. I don't mean wrong or right things, just life decisions. This week I was faced with some tough choices. My head told me one thing, but my spirit said to wait and do something else. I didn't understand why this was so difficult because the "logical" thing to do was to end my commitment, but God kept nudging me to be still and remain in His word because He has plans for that area of my life. It isn't that I don't trust God; it's just that there isn't any current activity in that area and I figured that God could always resurrect that relationship if necessary because staying in would require more work than I care to do.

But God...

The Lord sent an angel (in human form) to help me rectify some problems that had arisen in the situation because I had been hard-headed and lazy in the beginning and I had not heeded His directions. Anyway, I am glad to say that the help God sent to me fixed everything, and I am surer than ever that I am supposed to be still and remain faithful to that commitment even though it looks like its dormant or possibly dead. The Holy Spirit revealed that sometimes things that seem dead just need God to breathe on them and they become alive, fruitful, and produce in the lives of others. I still am not all sure what God is going to do with that part of my life. But I know that if I continue to seek His will and not try to figure Him or the circumstance out, then Jesus will lead me into all truth and I will be victorious.

Focus

• Pray for God's direction in every area of your life (finances, relationships, career, health)
• Thank God for His perfect will and His instruction
• Ask God to show you times when He directed your path but you chose another route
• Praise Him for picking you up and putting you back on His path anyway
• Worship the Lord for being omnipotent and omnipresent
• Pray for God to reveal direction/instruction in the lives of your spouse, children, family, friends, and your enemies

Remember

God has a plan and a promise for your life, but you must follow His road map to arrive at the destination. When we don't know what to do, God knows exactly what we should do. We should not move out on our own thoughts but should wait until God speaks. Even our enemies need help in this area because it is obvious that they are following the devil's directions, or they wouldn't be against us or anyone else.

Be Blessed!

Day 20 - Prayer Journal: Lay It Down

Scripture
"Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset [us], and let us run with patience the race that is set before us." - Hebrews 12:1

I must admit sometimes I am lazy. A couple of days ago I was in the mall shopping for a few necessities ( i know what do I need at the mall?) and I had quite a few packages in hand when I decided to trek to the other end of the mall. It was a foolish decision because I had made purchases from the initial store that I entered and parked outside. It was difficult and cumbersome to carry the load of packages and enjoy my excursion. I am hard-headed so I managed but I didn't get the full experience. There were several pairs of shoes that I would have admired up close, but the load in my hands would not allow. Too stubborn to relent and deliver those weighty objects to the car, I cut my shopping short. I probably missed out on sales, a few other necessities, or running into some fabulous people. I had to face it, my being in a rush cost me. Thank God it probably saved me a few bucks, but from a spiritual perspective sometimes we rush through life carrying heavy packages that weigh us down.

Whether your baggage is some sinful vice, hurt feelings, negative emotions, pride, stubbornness, or unforgiveness. It will weigh you down and definitely keep you from getting God's full experience for your life. Some of those bags just weren't meant for you to carry, let go and let God have them. Our lives are a course set before God that He intends for you to come out victorious. Just like an Olympic sprinter would never add weights to her running shoes, we must cast off everything that hinders us from going deeper, from having the ultimate relationship, from serving God with our whole hearts, and from living the life God planned for you. Just let go of the dead weight!

Focus

• Thank God for the witnesses He has sent into your life. (you are not alone)
• Ask God to reveal areas that weigh you down in your walk with Him.
• Pray for God to give you strength to set aside weights that you hold onto.
• Record areas of your life that you find difficult to exercise patience.
• Pray for God to teach you from past experiences with Him that He will deliver right on time. Ask Him to show you how to prepare in this season for what is to come.
• Ask God to keep you focused on the lane your race is in and not on how easy you think someone else's lane is. (The lanes are all the same distance even though some appear closer because of their curves.)
• Praise God for carrying your burdens so you don't have to.
• Pray for someone who is carrying a heavy load other than yourself.

Remember: Here is a poem I wrote on my "other" blog. Be Blessed!

Journey for My Father

The road seems longer
than I remember
twisting and turning,
rocky even.

I look for you
in the distance
but you are not there;
I follow the map given me.

The journey is difficult
tedious, and I fear
I can't make it.
You nudge me on.

In the middle
of the trek
I kneel down,
crying because moving is hard work.

You pick me up
carry me
to the edge
of the river.

Now I can see
my way much clearer;
Nothing refuses me,
safely, I arrive back home.

Day 19 - Prayer Journal: An Overcomer

Scripture
"Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world." - 1 John 4:4

This morning I had a very disturbing dream. I usually know the interpretation of my dream right away or other times I know that the dream means exactly what was shown to me. But today was different. The dream was crystal clear, and God immediately gave me the revelation of that dream. The dream was a warning of an upcoming attack by the enemy. I sat quietly for over an hour just praying and meditating on what God had shown me. I even asked Him to repeat it so His words would be sealed into my spirit so that I would not easily forget the warning and to keep my spiritual eyes alert so I will recognize the attack for what it is and who it is from.

Not once did I worry or fret over what was shown to me. I simply rejoiced because I trust God, and every word He has ever spoken. To think that God began before I even woke up with me on His mind and He orchestrated my dream life to bring about His love and dominion in my life. God knows that sometimes He speaks with me but I am not attentive, but whenever He shows me something in a dream I pay attention. God showed me the dream to keep me from walking outside of His will and plan for My life. He gave me the revelation so that I would not fear but that I would know that I already have the victory secured through Jesus Christ. The Bible says that as children of God we have already defeated our enemies because God's spirit inside of us is more powerful than the spirit of the world /or the devil that enters people or situations which come against us. We are more than conquerors, and we have the victory!

Focus

• Praise God for being His child and the object of His affection.
• Thank God for the favor and victory that He has granted to you.
• Ask God to show you times that you were victorious because of His Holy spirit residing within you.
• Ask God to reveal to you the plan of your enemy before hand.
• Pray for God to direct your steps when you are attacked so that He is glorified.
• Praise God because your confidence is in Him and not in your ability or in a circumstance.
• Pray for God to show you how He reveals words of warning or victory to you so that you may discern His word for yourself.

Remember

The battle is not yours; it is the Lord's. This means that you don't have to fight or run. Just be still and see the salvation of the Lord. God is worthy of all honor and glory. You were born to be an overcomer.

Be Blessed!

Day 18 - Prayer Journal - This Little Light of Mine

Scripture
"Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid." - Matthew 5:14

Whenever you do something different to your appearance, people take notice. If you wax your eyebrows, people remark that something is different about your face. If you cut your hair, people say that you look much younger. Whenever you become a Christian, people watch you. They watch what you say; they watch what you do; and they watch where you go.

We become creatures under the microscope. But it doesn't matter that the world's eye is on you. It is your chance to shine. Since they are going to look and they are going to talk, we must ignore the enemy's whispers. And we must show the world the love of Christ. We must tell others about the miracle working power of Jesus, and how he has saved us. We must show the world what they are missing when they don't have the Lord leading and guiding their lives. The scripture says is that when you are shining the light of Christ, then you cannot be hidden. The world will sit up and take notice.

Focus

• Ask God to shine His light into all areas of your life.
• Pray that the eyes of those on your path see past you and see the light of Jesus in your life.
• Thank God that the world may not reward you, but it will recognize His light in you.
• Pray for your family to receive the revelation of Jesus' light in you working on their behalf.
• Ask God to show you opportunities to "be a light" in dark places.

Remember

It isn't easy being the light because it requires you to do things differently than the world's way of doing things. Sometimes you may be the only one taking a stand or shining a light, but God will strengthen you and guide you. When you feel like shrinking back and blending in, ask God to direct your path and trust Him to know what is best. Even if you miss the mark, just ask Him to forgive you and to build you up for the next chance.

Be Blessed!

Day 17 - Prayer Journal: Freedom

Scripture
"Now the Lord is that Spirit: and where the Spirit of the Lord [is], there [is] liberty." - 2 Corinthians 3:17

Happy Independence Day! Happy 4th of July! Happy Birthday America!

No matter what you call it or no matter how you celebrate it. Today people all over our beloved country will bar-b-que, display fireworks, parade through the streets, and tons of other gestures in recognition that the United States is a free nation. The sad fact is that many of our neighboring countries, even continents, don't boast the freedom that we have come to expect here in America.

Sometimes we even take that freedom for granted because most of us have never known, imprisonment, persecution, or war-torn lands in our native country. But everyone can identify with the wonderful privilege of being free. We get to choose whether or not to celebrate, what we want to say or refrain from saying, and whom we choose to worship or not.

However, the greatest freedom of all is not found in the 4th of July. It is found in knowing and serving our lord, Jesus Christ. The scripture says that where the spirit of the Lord is there is liberty or freedom. When your life is filled with the love of God, you automatically receive spiritual freedom or liberties. You are free to live without sin, free from guilt or shame, free from hatred or unforgiveness, free to love, free to praise, free to receive, and best of all free to choose to accept God at His word and to follow Him obediently. Isn't that the best liberty of all?

Focus

• Thank God for the freedoms you experience every day in all areas of your life.
• Pray for people and nations who are persecuted.
• Intercede for someone in our nation who has fallen into the lies of the enemy and is living a life of bondage.
• Ask God to free your mind or faith in areas that are weak.
• Pray for guidance in how to share your "freedom of religion" with someone new.

Remember

It is a privilege to live in freedom, but it costs a price. America became a free nation as a result of war. You and I are free because Jesus warred and won over our adversary, the devil.

Be Blessed!