That 10 Letter Word

“The end of the world is coming soon. Therefore, be earnest and disciplined in your prayers.” 1 Peter 4:7

Discipline. Now that’s a 10 letter word I battle with daily. American Heritage Dictionary describes discipline as a training expected to produce a specific character or pattern of behavior, especially training that produces moral or mental improvement or a systematic method to obtain obedience.

Being earnest, intense and serious in our prayer life is how we will handle these last days or any given day. No matter when you think the last days are; today is closer than yesterday. The world spins out of control. However; scripture gives us the solution for coping with this dizziness – to be earnest and disciplined in our prayers.

Are you serious about your prayer life? Are you training yourself to be obedient in praying? Do you have a daily prayer time?

If you had a hard time answering yes to those questions, then you need a systematic method to help you achieve this discipline. To further your prayer life: figure out a system that works for you, customize it to fit your needs, and then go into training. Disciplined and earnest training. (for more detailed ideas see Chapters 6 and 7 of Dirty Laundry Secrets)

That 10 letter word is something I've struggled with, but today is new day. Hallelujah!

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2011 has so much in store for you, be earnest and disciplined!

Do You Have a Ministry?

Colossians 4:17 NLT "Be sure to carry out the ministry the Lord gave you."

Do you wonder if you have a ministry? You do.

The Lord has gifted you to minister to others as you go about your daily life. Colossians 3:17 NLT says, "Whatever you do or say, do it as a representative of the Lord".

You are God's representative and He gives you plenty of opportunities daily to minister to others. Your ministry might be found within your own home, your work place or it might even be found in the routine of your daily errands.

Representing the Lord to others is your ministry. The place, the title, the person is not what concerns the Lord. It is your heart reflecting Him in all you do.

Wherever you are, be in the moment, because there's your ministry.



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And friends - MERRY CHRISTMAS!

An Offering of Worship

They entered the house and saw the child in the arms of Mary, his mother. Overcome, they kneeled and worshiped him. Then they opened their luggage and presented gifts: gold, frankincense, myrrh. Matthew 2:11 The Message

Overcome with Jesus’ presence, the wise men knelt and worshiped. They presented their gifts to the new born King. These offerings were the best of the best!

How often are you overcome with Jesus’ presence? Is it daily? Or maybe just at Sunday worship? Are you guilty at times of not bringing yourself, let alone your best gifts, to worship and praise Christ? Maybe you instead bring in hurts of what others have said, frustrations from juggling children and responsibilities or even your own preferences of what worship songs should be sung.

Yes, many Sundays I too miss the mark. Not only that, I blow it many other days, as well. I have much to learn from these wise men. They simply worshiped! Their worship and offering were a blessing to Jesus. He knew their heart was in the right place – focused on HIM – the Messiah of the world.

Today, let’s focus on bringing our offerings of praise, honor and worship to the King.


The sun cannot compare to the glory of Your love

There is no shadow in Your Presence

No mortal man would dare to stand before Your throne

Before the Holy One of heaven

It's only by Your Blood and it's only through you mercy

Lord I come


I bring an offering of worship to my King

No one on earth deserves the praises that I sing

Jesus may You receive the honor that You're due

O Lord I bring an offering to You


Lyrics: Offering by Paul Baloche

And Did You Know

“And did you know that your cousin Elizabeth conceived a son, old as she is?” Luke 1:36 MSG

And did you know . . .

Mary had no idea her cousin Elizabeth was with child until the angel revealed it. Often, what we don’t know can be more than what we do know.

As we meet with family and friends over the next few weeks may we be mindful that there is much we don’t know. There are stories behind their stories. There are things they are going through that they aren't willing to share. There can be emotions and conflicts under the hurt. Real truths may rest under the happy, go-lucky smile.

I am blessed to have many friends and an incredible family; however, I don’t know their every care. I don’t know their inward struggles, daily battles or every discouraging thought.

This holiday season may you be mindful there is usually more to any one story. Read your loved ones hearts then determine to be a ray of light, encouragement and joy to those you are around this Christmas season.

Speak words of encouragement with your eyes, smiles, hugs, and tongue.

And did you know . . . Christ shines in you to bless others this holiday season.