GUIDANCE

GUIDANCE

Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight. 

-- Proverbs 3:5-6

Over the many years that I have lived, it never ceases to amaze me how often I look back on my life's journey and 're-do' in my mind, the mistakes of my past. Not only are mistakes made right in my imagination, but taking risk when I held back, holding back when I took risk, doing what I failed to do and failed to do what I needed to do. But all the mental mid tricks and daydreaming cannot erase the past - good or bad.

That's when I appreciate all the more, one of God's most precious gifts; His Guidance. 

From a small child, our parents guided us as best they knew how. Growing up, we had other family, friends, teachers, bosses and leaders to help shape us and point us in new directions. This is all good to a point, for we all know that not everyone is a good teacher and not every lesson learned, a good one.

One this is true; God's guidance will 'never' stir you wrong! God, the Creator of all things! All powerful! All knowing! Sees beginning to end! Who better to guide you through life's maze? How I wished that He would have just taken me by my hand and led me through life. I wish it were that simple....or is it?

The overwhelming obstacle to God guiding us is....US!

God has given each of us FREE WILL. We choose what we will take in and what we will ignore. God, on the other hand, is constantly at work to guide and direct our paths. We, are constantly rebelling. Like spoiled little children who want only their own way, we ignore God's direction and rationalize in our minds, why we do what we do.

Oh, the pain and hardship this causes in our lives! One bad decision after another! A never ending procession of bad moves, misses opportunities and regretful decisions. Am I wrong? Just take a moment to 'seriously' look back over this past week. How many things do you regret doing? Should have done, but didn't? Things you wished you would have done? Now multiply that by a month; a year, your lifetime!

It needn't be to the extent that it is!

God stands at the ready to guide you! His hands are forever raised, pointing out safe passage and pitfalls in life. We need to tap into His storehouse of wisdom. How do we do that? Ask! 

If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you. But when you ask, you must believe and not doubt, because the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. That person should not expect to receive anything from the Lord.

-- James 1:5-7

It's that simple. Ask; believing it will be given. God does not want you to stumble through life, trying to figure out everything on your own. He is here for you! He loves you! Push aside what you 'think' and turn to God and ask for His direction. Read His word to gain more wisdom and understanding. Proverbs is loaded with beneficial wisdom for life! You have a priceless resource; use it!

Below is A Prayer For Guidance, from my Pray4i Spoken Word Prayer Project. Let me pray for you for God's guidance in your life. Download it and listen to it over and over. Enjoy and God Bless!

A PRAYER FOR GUIDANCE MP3
http://www.reverbnation.com/control_room/artist/3581499/songs#

A Prayer For Guidance

Father;

In the Name of Your Son Jesus, we come before you and humbly ask for your Guidance. There are challenges and decisions before my friend and Your direction is needed according to Your will. You, O’ God, are the God in whom we trust. You are Just and You are Good. Your word says that if any among us lacks wisdom; ask for it and it will be given freely. We ask for this wisdom to make the right choice according to Your word. I pray that You will guide and direct their steps so that they will not stumble! Lord, we need You now! 

You have guided us to You and we thank You. We give praise and glory to the One who has called us and saved us. You alone are God and to you alone, we pray. Have mercy and compassion on my friend as they reach out for Your hand. Lead them in the way that they should go. Set a light before their path so that they may see clearly ahead. Reveal to them, by Your Holy Spirit, the path that they should take.

It was You Lord, who guided Abraham out of UR and into a new land. You guided Noah, Jacob and Isaac and blessed them with the promise of becoming a great nation. The Israelites followed ‘You’ in the wilderness and ‘You’ led them into the Promised Lane. You have shown Yourself to faithful and true, time and time again! Please show Yourself to us, Faithful and True God, Most High!

Your word says “Trust You with all our heart and do not lean on our own understanding, but acknowledge You in all our ways and You will direct our paths.” We trust You God and humble ourselves before You, acknowledging You; asking for Your understanding and not our own. For Your Namesake, instruct my friend and teach them in the way which they should go. Guide them with Your eyes, for You are God, our God; guide us even til death.

I am gathered with my friend and believe that Your presence is here also. Hear our prayer and reveal Your will.

We,..we are like little children; lost without You. We see, but not beyond today; for only You God, can see from eternity to eternity. Although we make plans, it is ‘You’ who directs our steps. We belong to ‘You’ and are not our own. We need Your vision to reach our future. Help us to see O’ Lord! Help us to see clearly that we may walk in the light of Your consul. Guide and direct us in the way we should go.

In Your unfailing love, guide my friend. In your strength, lead them. Though they may stumble, steady them, that they not fall. Uphold them with Your righteous hand. Lead them in ways they have not known, along the unfamiliar paths, guide them. Turn the darkness into light before them and make the rough places smooth. Do not forsake them, but give the guidance and clear direction.

Lord, we believe that You have heard our petition and wait faithfully with expectation for You answer. We know that although the prayers of the righteous avails much, it is You, that answers our request. I stand in agreement with my friend for such an answer. Please grant my friend Guidance, Wisdom and Discernment to make the choices they need to make. Help them see clearly from Your perspective, O’ God. Guide and direct their paths and lead them in the way that they should go so that the choice before them becomes clear. Help them to stand firm upon what they receive from You.

We pray and ask these things in the Mighty Name of Your Son Jesus, our Lord. May His Name be blessed forever and ever, Amen.

http://waitonboaz.com

A PRAYER FOR STRENGTH

A Prayer For Strength Audio by PRAY4i

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YOU ARE WONDERFUL!

YOU ARE WONDERFUL!

It is common sense that if you see a beautiful painting, there is a painter behind it. Likewise, when look out into creation and see all the beautiful wonders of the world, it screams of a Creator. God, our creator, takes absolute delight in what He creates. In Genesis, the common phrase He uses to describe what He has made is "It is good".

It is also said that beauty is in the eye of the beholder. This I take issue with. Beauty may be a personal preference that may vary from one to another, but should the one beholding be the judge of what is beautiful or its creator?

All too often we get caught up in standards that are imposed by others. This is a ridiculous position when you apply it across the board. Who among us would be willing to let other's opinions dictate what we like to eat? We know that every taste bud is different; so for me to eat only the things that you like is ludicrous! 

Who among us is willing to engage in only the activities a friend wants to do, pushing our preferences aside? Or what loving mother would be willing to trade her child for another? These seem extreme because it's hard to conceptualize anyone going along with such things. So why are we willing to allow others to dictate how we feel about ourselves?

We have all, at one time or another, felt the stinging thought of not being good looking enough, fit enough, fashionable enough, wealthy enough, etc. We all can agree that there is nothing wrong to strive to want to be better in areas we choose to, but when we compare ourselves to others, or let others compare ourselves to themselves or another,  it falls under the category of pushing 'ourselves' aside.

Beauty does not necessarily  belong to the beholder, but the creator! What right does anyone have to tell you that the food you like or the child you bore is wrong for you? Likewise, what right does anyone have to tell you that you are not pretty enough, smart enough, thin enough or anything else 'they' happen to esteem as worthy?

Better still, what right does anyone have to tell the Creator that what He made is flawed? Does He not have the right to create what He wishes? What is pleasing to Him alone? And if He is pleased with what He has created, why listen to others who cannot create such a thing at all?

I think we need to take more stock of what God thinks about us and others than ours and other's narrow opinion of what is good and bad. You are fearfully and wonderfully made and precious in His sight! You are one of a kind and unique! This is what makes you special! Own it! Relish it! Thank Him for it!

What lady wants to walk in a room with a stunning dress only to find out that there are 10 other women in the room with the same design? But to stand out, is coveted! So why do we want to 'fit' in and at the same time, be 'different'? We have to make up our minds which direction we want to go in!

God loves you for YOU! Learn to treasure that thought and who He created you to be. If you want to improve upon what He has made, feel free, by all means! But do it for 'YOU', not because of what some 'un-creative' person said it is how it ought to be. Just be you!

Be Marvelous!

God Bless

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FIRST & LAST

I have heard this verse many times and like many of you, understood it's meaning. Almost like another well know verse, "It is better to give than receive", the First and Last points out that is better to be humble, serve and put yourself last than it is to be first. Those who strive to be first have a good chance to wind up last in God's eyes.

It's not that God does not want successful people; He wants people worthy of success. What's the difference you say? Anyone can be successful at a variety of things. With hard work, dedication, some ingenuity, resources and opportunity, success is within reach. By that standard, a drug deal may be considered successful, and there are those who think they are. 

Being worthy of success is altogether another matter. God is more concerned with your attitude and ethics way more than your purse or wallet. A person worthy of success is one whom God blesses with all the things that brings success because your are trustworthy. When you do it God's way and not the world's way, you will go a lot farther, stay there a lot longer, enjoy it more and have more peace and contentment.

So what does this have to do with you? Or where does this fit in on a "Wait On Your Boaz" page? Simply put, get your eyes off yourself and onto what God cares about. Serve and step to the back of the line and let God take care of your wants and desire. Have you ever noticed that in many areas, the harder you try to achieve something, the more difficult it becomes? This is because you are using your 'own' muscle and not God's!

When God is let into the picture, it is He who does the heavy lifting. This is why Jesus said to "Take My yoke, for it is easy and my burned is light". This is why "The First will be last and the last will be first." It is God who exalts and open and closes doors. Even when looking for your 'Boaz', you will have trouble finding him because you are too busy 'TRYING' to find Him!

Being last is a position we all have been raised not to desire. Intentionally placing ourselves last seems contrary to every fiber of our being. We want success and an abundant life and know to get it, you must be number one! This is true and false. LOL 

Being number one is relative. What does being number one mean? It is the strongest? The smartest? The prettiest? The wealthiest? I guess it would depend on the measuring stick you use. Let's focus on the measuring stick God uses for a bit.

God says in His word, "The LORD does not look at the things people look at. People look at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart." So if God is looking at your heart for greatness, make sure your heart is the best thing going for you! And a heart for God.....goes last!

It's not only God's test for future exhalation  It's also very practical from a human standpoint also. For example; if you put yourself last at the work place; you work hard, you strive to make your boss and company look and be the best it can be; you do everything without complaining, not worrying about fair treatment or recognition, I guarantee, somewhere along they way, the boss or others will see your example and gravitate towards it. You will become the 'go to' gal/guy and doors to success will open up.

Likewise, those who are searching for a mate need to stop searching. Let's say you concentrated on serving others and the community. You walk in and out with a smile on your face and a kind word to all. You are involved in the lives and problems of others. Never complaining about what you didn't get or don't have, but content. It will not be long when 'good' men start to become attracted to such inner strength, peace and joy!

If you still question if this really works in true life, I offer to you one last example; Jesus Christ.

Jesus said, "For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve others and to give his life as a ransom for many."

What made Jesus life so extraordinary that even after 2000yrs, people, religious or not are mesmerized and attracted to Him? Savior of the world you say? Maybe, but that is only for the religious. It was His 'service'! He has such authority and a presence that we call today, charisma. Only difference is, Jesus didn't use this inner attraction for fame, fortune or power.

Jesus spent His life, giving Himself away to others. He was the Master at putting Himself last and in Heaven and on Earth gained a Name that is above every name! If you want to learn the secret of the 'First and Last', learn from the Master!

God Bless

http://waitonboaz.com

STAND!

You Have To Stand!
Stand in your commitment to God!
Stand in what God says you are!
Stand on God's promises for your life!
Stand on God giving you your hearts desires!
Stand on being the best God has created you to be!

"If you do not stand firm in your faith, you will not stand at all."
-- Isaiah 7:9

DOORS

Doors

What He opens no one can shut, and what He shuts no one can open. I know your deeds. See, I have placed before you an open door that no one can shut. I know that you have little strength, yet you have kept my word and have not denied My Name.

-- Revelation 3:7-13

This is part of Christ revelation to the churches. Notice that He opens and shuts door that will be irreversible for anyone to open or shut. He alone has the strength and power to accomplish this. Notice also, He is addressing those who are faithful to His word and honors His Name.

If you are walking faithful with Christ, He will do the same for you. He will open doors to you by His power. People, places and things you desire and need, will be brought into your life. He will also protect and guide you by closing doors that are hazardous to your life and your Christian walk.

This is God’s love and faithfulness in action. This is royal treatment! As you know, not everyone receives such favor; only those who have paid the price to be showered with such favor.

You may be wondering why you didn’t get that promotion or why it didn’t work out. Why did your Boaz turn out to be Mr. wrong? Why haven’t you accomplished your dreams you set out accomplish.

This it could simply be because you are not fully walking the in the way that you should, or it could be that God is protecting you from even yourself. Perhaps He has something greater down the road, so He must close all other doors to send you through that special door.

There are variables to be considered, but one thing remains true. It begins and ends with your walk with Christ. It is in direct correspondence with your praise, worship, integrity, obedience, humility, seeking God and everything else that is required of you and not doing things which are forbidden.

I’m not talking about salvation. God has grace enough to bring you into His kingdom. Jesus death, burial and resurrection accomplished this. No’ I’m talking Favor and Blessing. Open doors and closed ones for protection.

You have a choice. Jesus is waiting with His hands on the doorknobs that lead to abundance and keeps you from disaster. Or you settle for the third option, which is to remain in the hallway of mediocrity and mundane, never tasting the beautiful blessing that God has behind those doors for you.

In the words of Kevin O Leary from one of favorite shows, The Shark Tank, “What Are You Going To Do”?

God Bless

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KEEPING UP WITH THE TRINITY

KEEPING UP WITH THE TRINITY

Since my eldest daughter has been home from college, my dvr television recording have become filled up with shows I've never watched before. On any given week, I've noticed at least 6 episodes of 'Keeping Up With The Kardashians'. There was a time when I didn't know what a Kardashian was! lol Sounded like some exotic animal! When I did find out that they were indeed human, the show still drew little interest for me.

Needless to saw, I in evidently caught an episode here and there by default. I'm still scratching my head at why they are so popular! A dysfunctional, spoiled rich family whose main concern is status and image. Ego trips, alcohol, babies born out of wedlock, over indulgence, lavish trips and of course, money. If this is what turns the viewers on.....that says alot about society.

The Kardashians to me are just another family...just with more money. Seems having money doesn't make one smarter or well behaved; probably the opposite. My grievance is not really with the Kardashians though; it's with those who would 'keep up' with such questionable individuals. Those who live, or wish to live like the Kardashians, I can understand the attraction, but for my brothers and sisters in Christ, I wonder if this is very revealing of the secret 'crush' it has on the world.

"Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, love for the Father is not in them." and "He must not be a heavy drinker or be violent. He must be gentle, not quarrelsome, and not love money" ring a bell?

Most of what the Kardashians 'do' is not really a point of contention. Money is not evil, wine is not evil, trips are not evil, having babies is definitely not evil. It's 'how' they do it! This the issue. For God's people to want to 'keep up' with the Kardashians or anyone and anything else who is living opposite of God's instruction, is very telling of who they want to be.

I Corinthians says, "Bad company corrupts good character". This 'soooo' true! So why would anyone want to keep up with the Kardashians? Are they instructing people well? Are they uplifting and edifying one's soul? Are their examples things to be emulated? Do they bring us closer to God and growing up in the right ways?

How about we 'Keep Up With The Trinity', Father, Son and Holy Spirit? Do we even seek after God or are we too busy seeking after the Kardashians or something else? Do we even know where God is working or what He is up to around us and in the world? Or have be closed out hearts to the things God cares about? Why do we concern ourselves with the lives of Kim, Khloe and Kourtney, but ignore the plight of our neighbor in need?

Come on Church! Stand up and 'BE' the Church that we have been called to be! How can we expect anything from God when He cannot look to us to do His will here on earth? We bring our needs and desires before Him daily and prayer, neglecting to ask "What do You want of me O' Lord?".

God was here from eternity; long before the Kardashians and He will be so long after the Kardashians. They are living their life...even if it is they way 'they' see fit...who are ;you' living 'your' life for? The Kardashians will be rewarded in the next life that which they have labored for in this life. What will your reward be at your last breath? Maybe it's time to focus and 'keep up' with God more than you have.

I'm not here to judge the Kardashians or anyone else, but only to wake people up from their slumber; their complacency. We are called to be 'holy'. Holy does not mean perfect or righteous, but separate; other than the rest. The opposite of holy is not sinful, but 'common'. 

Some may think the Kardashian seem separate and other than the rest, but they are the same and common; they just do it up in a bigger way than most of us. To be separate and other is 'opposite' of what the world does. We are to be on God's page and in sync with His heart and desires. We are 'His' people; His children. Let us keep up with our God so that we may join in what He is trying to do.

How about it? I'd rather receive a good rating from God Almighty than to help the Kardashians get good ratings. God may not be showing off His wealth, power and influence, because He doesn't have to; He owns it all! I don't believe that is His concern anyway; 'You Are' His concern. Let's return the thought.

God Bless

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