where is your heart?

Everyone worships something. I'm not talking about dreams and goals. I'm talking about what has power over you. What defines you? I have once heard that you can see where someone's heart is by looking at where they spend their time and money. Don't let things or labels define you. Be more than that. The things that are valuable to God are not always the same things that are valuable to us.

Matthew 6:21
For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.


Lord,
Show us where to put our priorities. Sometimes this is so confusing. Lord, I pray that you show us anything that we put before you. Be the most important thing in our lives. I pray that you give the people of EOD a taste of how good you are. Let the things you don't want for them to fall away and give them the sthrength to abide in You. Bring all of them your peace and let them find identity in You. Your rewards are lasting and never shameful.
In Jesus' name,
Amen

better then....

Have you ever known someone to over-glamorize the past? Life was so much better when I was "__________". You can fill in the blank with just about anything: thinner, in school , single, had less responsibility, at another location. We all seem to do that at some point. We pick little snippets and paint that as the entire experience. I did this for a time. I believe that God showed me I was believing a lie. The truth was that if I looked at those days in their entirety they were miserable. That type of thinking can stop you from seeing the good things in your life at this moment. Put truth on those thoughts and if it is not true, let it go.

Philippians 4:8
Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.

Father,
Show us where to put our focus. Purify our thinking and free us from thoughts that keep us from enjoying where you have us right now. Remove any thought that brings us away from what you want from us. Renew our thinking and restore us with truth. Lord, I pray that you give all the EOD people here your perspective on their lives. Show them that they are so very valuable to you and bless them in all they do this week.
In Jesus' name,
Amen

hearing

our world is so loud today. We workout with noise, drive with noise, go through our day with noise... always texting, ringing, and media. No wonder it is so hard to hear God. Sitting in stillness is so rare. I think we sometimes are left raw with all the noise. I love music and as I sit here at my computer now I say that technology is beneficial. We need to learn to be comfortable with quiet peace. Are you up for the challenge? Take some time for nothing this week. Still yourself and see what God has for you. If you really want to be led get a bible His word can guide your life.

Psalm 46:10
"Be still, and know that I am God"

Prayer:
Lord,
Show us how to see You and recieve what you have for us. Let us be still so we can learn how to fit you in to a busy and noisy world. I thank you for wanting to be part of our lives Lord. Your word tells us that you know the numbers of the hairs on our head. Quiet our day so we can listen to what you have for us. Let these EOD people find a new song in You.
In Jesus' name,
Amen

We need people

People are not perfect, they mess up and let you down. Sometimes moving a lot will make us want to put walls up and not get to know someone. Being self-protective is dangerous. We have all been burned. We need to take a chance and seek someone who understands us. Someone we can take off the mask and share a victory with. Someone who we can talk through a struggle with. Life's burdens are too big for one. God can put these people on your path too. What is your definition in a friend? It is more than a common interest. What kind of friend do you want to be? Start being that person, it is possible.

Matthew 18:20 "When two or three come together in my name, there I am with them."

Prayer:
Lord,
Tear down the walls that isolate us. Help us to stop being self-protective. Give us your wisdom to clearly see friendships that are good for us. Help us to also see those that are not. Show us how to respond to others. I pray that you bless the EOD community with genuine friendships. Sometimes we are so often lonely in a crowd, heal that hurt. Give us the strength to be the kind of friend You want us to be. Let this all be for Your glory.
In Jesus' name,
Amen

Annoying People

Ever deal with annoying people? Maybe someone just rubs you raw? I have found that I had moved and encountered some of the same annoying personalities. I was saying "what is it about me that attracts these people". I've come to believe it is more than coincidence. God knows the lessons you need to learn. I'm going to kick myself later... these people are for our good. Ouch! God puts the people in your path for a reason. It doesn't mean you have to like them or give in to their every whim. It just can mean that you can learn something about yourself from your reactions. Stay teachable, be willing to ask God why.

James 1:5 If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God who gives generously to all without reproach and it will be given to him.


Prayer
Lord,
You know why we deal with each person you have placed in our lives. You love each of these precious EOD people and families and You want good things for them. If anyone is thinking that they are exempt from your love show them they are not. You showed me, and I'm so grateful. Lord, let us deal with difficult people Your way. Make us willing to see what you have to teach us about this situation. Help us to fully grasp that You can equip us for any situation. You will not abandon us and You are bigger than any rotten person we face.
Give us Your infinite wisdom in all our relationships. I know you are doing big things here.
In Jesus' name,
Amen

Unexpected

Today was a day that I had not planned. God knew every single thing that would happen today. He gives me the tools to deal with it. I have to trust that, even when I don't feel it. That is what it means to have faith. Go for it, pray for it, even if you don't feel it. Have you given much thought to the word faith? We use it often.

Deuteronomy 31:8The LORD himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.


Prayer:

Father,
You prepare a place for us. You make no mistakes. Show us how to learn and accept the things you put before us. Teach us what real faith is and grow us. I pray that the EOD people see You in their lives today. Keep them safe and show them your purpose.
In Jesus' name,
Amen

Refreshed

It is so hard to jump back into the routine after a long weekend. My heart goes out to anyone that did not get a break for the holiday, I know that there are many. My sincere hope is that you know how to give yourself a break and that you feel refreshed after. I hope that you are able to rise above negative stuff and be in peace regardless of your situation. Put something positive in your head today. Negative stuff is all around us and so contagious. Be encouraged and know that deep peace is possible.

"And he said, "My presence will go with you, and I will give you rest." Exodus 33:14 (ESV)

Prayer:
Father,
I pray rest and renewal for this EOD group. Let them approach this week feeling recharged and fresh. Let them see old things with new eyes. Shut out negative things that come into their path and breath life into their day. Put hope where there wasn't any before. I especially pray for those that did not get a break. Fill them with your strength and refresh their spirit. Help us to remember that you can be a source of energy in any and all circumstances. Guide our thoughts this day and let us be open to your blessings.

In Jesus' name,
Amen