Take a Break

This next week, our kids will be out of school for Winter break (again). It seems that they get a break every few weeks or so, and the strain that places on us to figure out somewhere to go, or something to do to keep them from getting bored....GEESH! How did we get to that point?

Entertainment. Entertainment. Entertainment.

This morning, I am wondering why we don't entertain the idea of breaking away to our own private island...a land of paradise that brings a quiet time for the heart, mind, and spirit; one-on-one with THE One that loves us most? I speak of alone time with the most Holy God. Prayer time. Study into His Word-so I can be replenished, refreshed, and renewed.

That will help me to not want to polish-off these pesky rascals around me that want something all the time! :-)

As we look toward Valentines Weekend, I wonder WHO will give homage to the ONLY ONE who has ever loved them unconditionally and sacrificially- to the point of death? I can't say that I know one person who has ever, or would ever really do that for me, other than Jesus Christ.

Jesus IS my Valentine.

Although I'd have to say it is a great way to set aside a day to let the spouse, fiance', or that one you love so much- know that you love them so much...but why don't we make it a point to let them know continually, as we know we are not promised tomorrow? So really to me-Valentines Day, is so silly.

Psa 144:3 & 4

LORD, what [is] man, that thou takest knowledge of him! [or] the son of man, that thou makest account of him!

Man is like to vanity: his days [are] as a shadow that passeth away.

God says in His Word in Matthew 21:13a:

It is written, MY HOUSE SHALL BE CALLED THE HOUSE OF PRAYER

(KJV)

I noted that this part of this Scripture, was capitalized in my KJV (by Thomas Nelson Publishers). The writer must have meant that with great emphasis and/or this particular translation was wanting to emphasize that, to make it stand out. Who knows. Who cares. It stood out to me, which is what God wanted obviously, at this point and time.

God did not say that "My house shall be called the house of singing"...He didn't say, "My house shall be called a house of preaching"...He said PRAYER.

Later on in this Scripture, He said if we have faith and doubt NOT....and in all things whatsoever we ask in prayer, believing, we shall receive. (vs. 21 & 22 of ch. 21)

I by no stretch of the imagination, believe that I can act any way I want to, and expect God to deliver on this promise. I know God's thoughts on that! I DO however, expect (according to Scripture), that if I am following in HIS will and not that of my own...and I pray fervently (without ceasing) [1Thess. 5:17], and I am praying within His will...these Scriptures come to life and are applicable for me!

1Jo 5:13-15

These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God; that ye may know that ye have eternal life, and that ye may believe on the name of the Son of God.

And this is the confidence that we have in him, that, if we ask any thing according to his will, he heareth us:

And if we know that he hear us, whatsoever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we desired of him.

Today, I am thankful for The God who hears us. I am thankful that He loves me enough to remind me to take that much needed time with Him. That frees me from all the worldly cares that tend to get in the way of happiness sometimes.

God is mighty to save. Mighty to calm. Mighty to hear, and Mighty to move on our behalf.

In the book of James, it is said that we have not because we ask not.

ASK today...for God's will in your life. It can be scary to let go of the control...but He knows us so much better than we know ourselves. He knows what's best.

Let Jesus be your VALENTINE this year. Make HIM a card. Make a joyful noise unto HIM this weekend. He is worthy.

PRAY PRAY PRAY.

His house shall be called a house of PRAYER.

Lord, let me not make it a den of thieves.

Let me be that woman of prayer that you designed me to be.

I love you, Lord.

He is MINE and I am HIS.

No better love in this life than that of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

Happy Valentine's Day, God :-)