Zechariah 4-6; Luke 12

"From everyone who has been given much, much will be demanded; and from the one who has been entrusted with much, much more will be asked." Luke 12:48

This is one of those verses that lurk in the back of my mind ALL the time. I almost always love helping and being available to those in need, but God seems to always find a way to push, stretch and extend beyond my level of comfort, and it is at those moments that this verse seems to not only echo but reverberate in my mind.

"Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus." 1 Thessalonians 5:16

This is my LIFE verse. Whenever I'm unsure of God's will, this verse always "steers" me back into the right direction: joy, prayer & thankfulness. Everything seems to be clearer when I'm in that place of thankfulness for all he's done for me... and it becomes easier to give and serve.

One secret I have learned through all these years of chasing God is that it is always my heart he's after, never the "work."

It's all for you, Lord....

Reading: Ezra 4; Psalm 113, 127; Luke 9

(Jesus Feeds the Five Thousand)

"Late in the afternoon the Twelve came to him and said, 'Send the crowd away so they can go to the surrounding villages and countryside and find food and lodging, because we are in a remote place here.'
He replied, 'YOU GIVE THEM SOMETHING TO EAT.'" Luke 9:12,13


I have no problem believing in the miraculous works of Jesus. Just as he used a few fish and some bread to feed 5,000 people, I continue to be in awe of watching him work in the lives of people around me everyday. Yet, I can completely relate to the feeling the disciples must have had when they looked out into the crowd of thousands and heard Jesus say, "YOU give...." Did they have that same pit-of-the-stomach feeling that grips me: "ME??? WHAT CAN I POSSIBLY GIVE that can make a difference?" Yet, it is my responsibility to respond and give what I am able. There are certainly those times when Jesus does work the miraculous, but at other times I am learning to be content that I obeyed his call to give...even when the results seem less-than-miraculous.

Dear Jesus, I believe that you are the Son of God, that you died for me, cleansed me and saved me. Help me to believe that the little I understand and the little I have to offer can be used to do mighty things for you. I'm willing. In your holy name, Amen.

September 23, 2006

Daniel 11,12; Luke 6

"Some of the wise will stumble, so that they may be refined, purified and made spotless until the time of the end..." Daniel 11:35

"Those who are wise will shine like the brightness of the heavens, and those who lead many to righteousness, like the stars for ever and ever." Daniel 12:3


It is so reassuring to know that even the "wise" will stumble. Although these prophetic words were written in regard to "End Times," I believe they have a timeless message: when believers stumble, God is always there to lead them toward restoration, purity and wholeness.

I pray that we would always shine with the authentic love of Jesus, even when we stumble in our walk with Him. May He always use us to draw people towards salvation, healing, restoration and freedom.

September 18, 2006

Reading: Ezekiel 45,46; Luke 1


"I am Gabriel. I stand in the presence of God, and I have been sent..." Luke 1:19

Why do I struggle with confidence and boldness in the Lord? I should have even more confidence than Gabriel. I should be able to say, "I am Alice. God Almighty dwells within me. I am the Daughter of the Most High and I have been sent...." Why is it so difficult to believe that I am WHO GOD SAYS I AM? Maybe I need to be quiet for awhile, like Zechariah, and spend some time contemplating on GOD'S WORDS instead of my own feelings. I think the secret to Gabriel's confidence is WHERE he spends his time: "In the PRESENCE of GOD."