Category Archives: Prayer

120 Days Challenge in the Book of Psalms

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Friends,

I would like to extend an invitation for the upcoming 120 days Challenge starting on September 1❣️

As you may already know, I love the book of Psalms.

We will complete the entire book of Psalms, 150 chapters, this coming Fall.

Every year during the Holiday season, I’m in touch with personal losses, regrets, loneliness, and grief so I have decided to establish a new tradition this year! I want to read and journal the book of Psalms every Holiday season just like I did when the Lord rescued me from the pit of darkness.

In Christ, there is victory and He is our ABBA Father, Refuge and He is our only Soulmate.

Join our challenge today…

I would love for all of you to come along side of me every year.

We will begin the #120daysBookofPsalmsChallenge on Sunday, September 01, as I mentioned earlier.

“Read the Book of Psalms, 1-2 chapter(s) a day”

Mondays thru Fridays, one chapter a day.

Saturdays & Sundays, two chapters a day.

We will be reading one or two chapters a day, inscribing the verse in 1-2 translations, writing down our observations, inscribing the cross references of the selected verse and journaling daily including Sundays for 120 days.

Yes, it will be quite intense BUT it will be quite enriching… the Holy Spirit will embrace our souls one day at a time.

I will share a fact or two from the commentary BE and if you read a commentary on your own, you are welcome to share with the group. You will then earn an extra ticket to enter the general drawing.

If you choose color coding, you will also earn an extra ticket for the general drawing.

You will enter the general drawing for the following:

* for each day you journal and share,

* extra ticket for sharing commentary,

* extra ticket for color Coding.

The Grand Prize winner of the #120daysBookofPsalmsChallenge will obtain the entire Bible Reading Journal Series for 2020 or seven volumes of your choice in case you want to choose one or two of your favorites, a retail value of $80.00 (this is for the person who journals for 120 days)

Note, if there are more than one winner, these winners will be part of a “special” drawing.

For the second winner prize:

The winner will receive the #120 days challenge tote.

For the third winner prize:

The next 3 winners of the “general“ drawing will win a pencil case, “Rise Up and Journal.”

Who’s counting for the #120daysChallenge?! I am.

To purchase your ’special Edition’ journal today, go to this link:

The Bible Reading Journal Series: The Book of Psalms. Special Edition. https://www.amazon.com/dp/107530251X/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_uH2uDb1717R1F

To join the accountability FB closed group for women, go to this link now:

https://www.facebook.com/groups/592519521194570/?ref=share

If you have any question(s), do not hesitate to email me directly.

Let us all rise up and Journal His Word one day at a time.

 

 

The Bible Reading Journal Series: Color Coding System

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Every time I read my Bible, I pray for the Holy Spirit to guide me thru the journaling experience including highlighting, meditating and journaling the selected Scriptures.

“Open my eyes, that I may behold wonderful things from Your law.” Psalm 119:18 NASB

I pray over the following Scriptures when journaling and highlighting:

But He said, ‘On the contrary, blessed are those who hear the Word of God and observe it.” Luke 11:28 NASB

“Lord, what are the practical ways I can step out in obedience?”

As I read His Word, I truly delight on all of His precepts and promises. When His Holy Spirit convicts me of His commands, then I highlight the verses in BLUE.

“But a man must examine himself, and in so doing he is to eat of the bread and drink of the cup.” 1 Corinthians 11:28 NASB

“Lord, show me any unconfessed sin(s) in my life.”

When the Holy Spirit convicts me of any sin(s), then I highlight the verse in BROWN.

I also acknowledge sinful nature in the Bible.

“For if you forgive others for their transgressions, your heavenly Father will also forgive you.” Matthew 6:14 NASB

“Lord, help me forgive myself and/or others today.”

When the Holy Spirit convicts me, then I highlight the verse in PURPLE.

“O Taste and see that the Lord is good; How blessed is the man who takes refuge in Him!” Psalm 34:8 NASB.

“Lord, show me your everyday miracles. Open my eyes, heart and help me count my blessings. I want to maintain a heart filled with gratitude and thanksgiving.”

When the Holy Spirit convicts me of His character, then I highlight the verse in RED for His never-ending compassion, unfailing love, and morning mercies.

“Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you.” Matthew 7:7 NASB.

“Lord, I am surrendering my life to You, and praying over selected Scriptures.”

When the Holy Spirit convicts me, I highlight the verse in GREEN.

To view YouTube video clip; click below:

Intimacy with the Lord

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Closeness with our Lord = Quiet Time + His Word + Self-Examination + fervent Prayer.

Let us explore the daily process for the Bible Reading Journal today.
It typically takes me approximately 30 minutes to read a chapter a day and journal. It may seem a long time but our time with the Lord is priceless and memorable!

Once we read the chapter, we highlight and inscribe a selected verse or two in different translations. When I inscribe His Word, I am able to memorize it a lot easier. I then journal ‘how’ I am going to step out in obedience in practical ways.

Later I examine my heart daily so I may repent and forgive, count my blessings and maintain a prayerful lifestyle.

Cross-References allow me to dig deeper into God’s Word and Commentaries enrich my “journaling” experience.

“…but God was working in every detail. He was providing, humbling, sanctifying, forgiving, and drawing their hearts to His in the most necessary and beautiful ways.“ 
Whitney from Love God Greatly Ministries.

“When I read my journals, I see God’s fingerprints all over. Journals are my stones of remembrance (Joshua 4:23-24)“  Adriana Morales-Spokane.

Join our FB Community for women at “The Bible Reading Journal Series”

Next Video Clip: The Bible Reading Journal Series: Verse Color Coding.

Examine the Heart!

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Let us Examine our Hearts.

Get rid of all bitterness, rage, anger, harsh words, and slander, as well as all types of evil behavior.”
‭‭Ephesians‬ ‭4:31‬ ‭NLT

“But now you also put them all aside: anger, wrath, malice, slander, and abusive speech from your mouth.
Husbands, love your wives and do not be embittered against them.”
‭‭Colossians‬ ‭3:8, 19‬ ‭NASB‬‬

“that, in reference to your former manner of life, you lay aside the old self, which is being corrupted in accordance with the lusts of deceit,”
‭‭Ephesians‬ ‭4:22‬ ‭NASB‬‬

“Therefore, putting aside all malice and all deceit and hypocrisy and envy and all slander,” 1 Peter ‭2:1‬ ‭NASB‬‬

Memorial Stones

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Memorial Stones

“Let this be a sign among you, so that when your children ask later, saying, ‘What do these stones mean to you?’ then you shall say to them, ‘Because the waters of the Jordan were cut off before the ark of the covenant of the LORD; when it crossed the Jordan, the waters of the Jordan were cut off.’ So these stones shall become a memorial to the sons of Israel forever.”

For the LORD your God dried up the waters of the Jordan before you until you had crossed, just as the LORD your God had done to the Red Sea, which He dried up before us until we had crossed; that all the peoples of the earth may know that the hand of the LORD is mighty, so that you may fear the LORD your God forever.” Joshua 4:6-7, 23-24 NASB

Journaling is a way to reflect on God’s Faithfulness.

All of my journals are priceless keepsakes and much more like memorial stones that last forever.

I get to look back to where I was and see how God has transformed my life over the course of time.

He is good all the time.

His Word renews my mind every day, strengthens my heart in moments of distress and has transformed my life over the past decade alone!

Crossing-Over

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Crossing-Over: Journaling God’s Faithfulness.

“Then Joshua said to the people, “Consecrate yourselves, for tomorrow the LORD will do wonders among you.” Joshua 3:5‬ ‭NASB‬‬
There are miracles taking place in our ordinary lives every day.

We just need to stop, breathe, reflect and journal. The Lord will do the rest! 

He is Able.

Today’s video clip is here:

Benefits of Journaling

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Did you know journaling has a lot of benefits?

Allow me to share with you some of the benefits today.
Watch today’s video clip: https://youtu.be/2jLr60c8t2c

  • An opportunity to discover things about yourself, 
  • An opportunity to reflect on our lives in the midst of busyness,
  • An opportunity to reflect on God’s Truth,
  • An opportunity to align our lives to His precepts,
  • An opportunity to discover unconfessed sin(s),
  • An opportunity to discover negative emotion(s) including anger, bitterness, jealousy or envy, hurts, and disappointment,
  • An opportunity to count today’s blessings,
  • An opportunity to guard our hearts from negative emotion(s) including unforgiveness and hatred,
  • An opportunity to submit our petitions to the Lord,
  • An opportunity to pray for others,
  • An opportunity to write down your key points from the Pastor’s sermon,
  • An opportunity to reflect back and apply what was learned at a conference or bible study,
  • An opportunity to write Scriptures and explore different Bible versions to grow deeper in our walk with the Lord,
  • An opportunity to write God’s Word to memorize and hide His Truth in our hearts eternally, 
  • An opportunity to establish and maintain an on-going dialogue with our Creator,
  • An opportunity to listen attentively when taking notes in the additional lined pages of the journal, 
  • An opportunity to appreciate how faithful God is in our everyday lives,
  • An opportunity to gain insights and fresh perspective on a given challenge,
  • An opportunity to reflect on learned lessons,
  • An opportunity to seek for God’s wisdom and direction,
  • An opportunity to witness God’s answers to prayers 
  • An opportunity to take notes from your favorite commentaries.

Note, there is no right or wrong way to journal, I would encourage for you to do it. You will grow closer to God and His Word will guard your heart. Everyday stressful or challenging circumstances can lead to worries, anxieties or distress. If we take the time to cast our cares onto the Lord, He will give us rest and peace as soon as we rely on Him for comfort.

Rise Up & Journal today!

Carving Time for the Lord

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Do you find yourself too busy for God’s Word? You are not the only one. Life gets ‘crazy busy’ and we are juggling too many expectations, demands and/or unfortunate circumstances.

It happened to me in the past; I was inconsistent in reading and journaling His Word.

I have learned to be intentional over the course of my life. I now have a favorite time and place where I read God’s Word. I truly delight in reflecting and inscribing His Word at Sunrise every day.

At times, when life happens and gets too hectic, I schedule it!

Tips:

Step One: Review your calendar the night before and schedule time to read and journal God’s Word,

Step Two: If you do not have time the next day, then prioritize your daily activities and carve time for God’s Word. Make it a priority.

Step Three: Rise Up and Journal,

Join the FB accountability group today, search for “The Bible Reading Journal Series”, answer all three questions and enjoy the journey.

A group member shared her experience recently,

For a conversation in the living room, click below:
https://youtu.be/KOJUu2xcvjQ

Less Busyness, More of Jesus!

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Photo Courtesy: Ben White at Splasher

Idolatry existed in Biblical times and it still is apparent in today’s world.

At a social gathering this past weekend, a middle-aged woman kept telling me how much rest she needed from her ‘crazy schedule’ at work and home. She appeared exhausted, preoccupied and anxious about her day-to-day business.  Because I am quite familiar with today’s fast-paced lifestyle and worldly views, I listened attentively and prayed silently for her to sit at the feet of Jesus more often.

The middle-aged woman who complained about her busy schedule at the social gathering was ‘me’!

As I reflect over the past three weeks of Micah’s bible study, I soon realized ‘busyness’ is a common distractor for most of us. Our schedules may be considered as an idol if these activities take priority over our relationship with Jesus. I tend to drift away from the Lord when life gets too busy and my schedule is overcrowded with appointments, work meetings, errands and other demands.

An overcrowded schedule will not allow us to hear the soft whispers of the Holy Spirit. Our flesh will be vulnerable and we may easily fall into temptation(s) or be deceived by the enemy’s lies. If we do not make time for God’s Word, then the Holy Spirit will not have the opportunity to encourage or counsel our hearts. Our lives will never be transformed.

Lord, help me clear out my daily schedule so I may dig deeper into your Word one day at a time.

Even though the Israelites sinned by worshipping false gods in Biblical times, our Lord loved on them and waited patiently for them to repent. He is still the ‘same’ patient, merciful, compassionate and forgiving God today.

Lord, please forgive me for ‘being too busy’ in life. Help me worship and glorify You in all I do. I want a heart just like King Hezekiah who genuinely loved You.

Lord, search my heart and forgive all of my unconfessed sins, help me follow your commandments and love on me today. You pursued me relentlessly until I surrendered my heart at the foot of the Cross.

Please demolish all of the idols in my life today.
Help me rest at the feet of Jesus more often.

“Praise the Lord, O my soul; all of my inmost beings, praise his holy name. Praise the Lord, my soul, and forget not all his benefits – who forgives all of your sins and heals all your diseases, who redeems  your life from the pit and crowns you with love and compassion, who satisfies your desires  with good things so that your youth is renewed like eagle’s.” Psalm 103:1-5 NIV

“For he satisfies the thirsty and fills the hungry with good things.” Psalm 107:9 NIV

“You open your hand and satisfy the desires of every living thing.” Psalm 145:16 NIV

He is the One who forgives, heals, redeems, loves and satisfies the core of our souls. Idolatry or worshipping false gods is just a temporary fix and will never satisfy us.

King Hezekiah praised and loved God with all of his heart, mind, and soul. Let us pray we have the heart to love God greatly. He is our only hope and security in the midst of confusion, turmoil, and darkness that exist in today’s world.

Let us pray for our daily schedules to allow us to read and reflect on His Word every day. In Jesus’ name, we boldly pray.

Amen.

A Time to Mourn and a Time to Dance.

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“A time to weep and a time to laugh, a time to mourn and a time to dance…” Ecclesiastes‬ ‭3:4‬ ‭NIV‬‬

As a child, I spent countless hours at our family’s country house, ‘La Morita’. We would travel there every weekend with relatives and friends. The adults would play cards, dominoes or bingo in the evenings after a tasty home-made meal. All of the children would laugh often when sharing stories at the hammocks zone, play Marco Polo at the pool, ride horses in town or hike the mountains at sunrise.

I certainly miss ‘La Morita’. Those memorable times were filled with joy. I don’t remember experiencing any sadness then. Our families were united, loved one another, and were energized by fellowship, outdoor activities and mesmerized by the beauty of nature.

As I grew older, I soon realized life was not ‘picture perfect’. There are moments filled with contentment and other times filled with great distress, anger, emotional pain, grief and/or sorrow.

God promised to be right there with us thru it all – the fun, the boring, the best, the ugly and the worst times.

The Lord is our Refuge. He will never leave us nor forsake us. That is His promise.

When dad passed away, mom relocated back to our home country in South America. Since then, I have only seen her once. We don’t get to walk at the local park nor shop at ‘Sawgrass Mills’ Shopping Center anymore. It has been over two years since I last had a meal with mom at the table. I miss her voice, enthusiasm and most importantly her presence. I wish I could sit with you right now and share the details of my next trip to Florida. The truth is I may never be able to visit mom again and this is a reality I have recently come to terms with. I am in a season of loss, grief and sorrow indeed. It is time to weep, mourn and embrace the loss of mom’s current living situation, geographical distance and deteriorating health conditions.

Are you grieving at this moment, my friend? Are you reminiscing on ‘how’ your past circumstances are quite different than todays? Perhaps, you are facing an ‘unexpected’ loss and you are quite overwhelmed with the intensity and impact of the sudden challenge.

Do not be dismayed or broken-hearted, my friend.

We are in a season of grief but His mercies are new every morning. Today is filled with opportunities for us to briefly reminisce about the past then spend the rest of the time counting our blessings. We have been blessed for all the countless memories and unforgettable moments with our loved ones. They have left their ‘forever’ fingerprints on our minds, hearts and souls. My heart rejoices every time I think of mom.

Let us not dwell on the emotional distress or pain of our recent past. Let us acknowledge our loss, lament and journal our painful thoughts until we are comforted by His promises. Our Lord listens to our melancholic cries and painful thoughts and He comforts our shattered hearts over time.

We will dance once again as soon as our hearts are healed and restored.

Lord, there are so many seasons in our lives and some are difficult to process and get thru. I know we may be in the midst of a tough season. As we lament our losses, we know you are comforting us with your faithfulness, morning mercies and compassion … You hear all of our cries and wipe our tears away. You heal our brokenness and bind our deep wounds. You are our only Hope and Refuge. Turn the gaze of our hearts towards the beauty of all of your promises and fill our hearts with never-ending Hope.

Lord, I’m willing to embrace the new season in life. Spring is here! Flowers are blooming. I want to rejoice once again. Jesus, hold my hand and come with me and waltz together at the dance floor.

In Jesus’ name we boldly pray, Amen.

“You, LORD, hear the desire of the afflicted; you encourage them, and you listen to their cry,” Psalm‬ ‭10:17‬ ‭NIV

“He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.” Psalm‬ ‭147:3‬ ‭NIV

“The LORD is a refuge for the oppressed, a stronghold in times of trouble.” Psalm‬ ‭9:9‬ ‭NIV‬‬

“One thing I ask from the LORD, this only do I seek: that I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, to gaze on the beauty of the LORD and to seek him in his temple.” Psalm‬ ‭27:4‬ ‭NIV

Photo courtesy: Jared Weiss @ Splasher