Month: September 2020

Today’s Scripture…

Psalms 51:10-12

10 Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me. 11 Do not cast me from your presence or take your Holy Spirit from me. 12 Restore to me the joy of your salvation and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me.

Thoughts…

I can identify with these verses today. When I read them the first word that flashes in my head is forgiveness. My heart can get pretty ugly and impure when I am angry with others or myself. Grace is not at the top of my list! Dare I say all my joy can get replaced with hatred. 

During those times there is one prayer on my lips, make me willing to be willing!. When I am extremely frustrated or angry with someone, I have to pray to be willing to be willing to forgive. I start asking for the Holy Spirit to hang on to me. Help me work through this anger.

Thankfully, God is so gracious. He sees through to my heart. He knows that by asking, I really do want to forgive. I really do want to make amends. I just need to work through my emotions first and I will.

I hope you never go through this, but if you do, know Hod is there. He will walk you through the process too. You just need to be willing ti be willing.

Prayer…

 Copyright © 2020 Tabetha Frick All Rights Reserved

Today’s Scripture…

Psalms 51:1-4

1 Have mercy on me, O God, according to your unfailing love; according to your great compassion blot out my transgressions. 2 Wash away all my iniquity and cleanse me from my sin. 3 For I know my transgressions, and my sin is always before me. 4 Against you, you only, have I sinned and done what is evil in your sight; so you are right in your verdict and justified when you judge.

Thoughts…

I am sorry, three small words that can mean so much. They are three small words that are very hard to say and truly mean them. Why are they so difficult? I can answer in one word, PRIDE.

To say I am sorry means I first have to acknowledge I was wrong. I was not correct. I am not perfect. You were right. Anyone saying ouch!? I don’t care who you are; this is not easy. 

When you realize you made a mistake, guilt sets in and makes you feel icky and uncomfortable. You are so sure this feeling is going to be compounded by having to swallow your pride and admit it. But something happens as the words leave your lips, you feel relief. A burden is dropped. Even if the other person does not forgive you.

Forgiveness between humans really is a one way street. We have no control over the other person. To mend our heart we are to offer forgiveness and our apologies with no ties or expectations. God sees and hears it all. He accepts the apology. He offers the forgiveness. That is truly what matters!

Prayer…

 Copyright © 2020 Tabetha Frick All Rights Reserved

Today’s Scripture…

Luke 15:3-7

3 Then Jesus told them this parable: 4 “Suppose one of you has a hundred sheep and loses one of them. Doesn’t he leave the ninety-nine in the open country and go after the lost sheep until he finds it? 5 And when he finds it, he joyfully puts it on his shoulders 6 and goes home. Then he calls his friends and neighbors together and says, ‘Rejoice with me; I have found my lost sheep.’ 7 I tell you that in the same way there will be more rejoicing in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who do not need to repent.

Thoughts…

Today in America with remember a sad day We remember a day when people were fighting through fire and rubbles looking for just one more person who had survide th etwin towers or the pentagon, even in a plane crash not far away. people risked their lives just to keep going back and helping one more person. Firemen, policemen, paramedics, doctors, nurses, and even the person walking down the street were attempting to save any life they could. They were all perfect strangers, but in that moment they were connected life family.

If these complete strangers left everything they knew behind to rescue just one more person, how much more do you think God will do to save His people. There is nowhere you can run from God’s love. He is always seeking you out. He will go to any lengths to find you and bring you back. He will do this for everyone, even that one person that comes to mind whom you believe will never find God. Don’t stop praying for them. God is still seeking that person out. Don’t give up on him or her because God hasn’t, and He won’t.

Prayer…

 Copyright © 2020 Tabetha Frick All Rights Reserved

Today’s Scriptures…

Mark 1:13-14

13 and he was in the wilderness forty days, being tempted by Satan. He was with the wild animals, and angels attended him. 14 After John was put in prison, Jesus went into Galilee, proclaiming the good news of God.

Thoughts…

Forty days! Forty Days!!! Now, I love comping but forty days!!! Sorry, that is beside the point. The real point is Satan was there bugging Jesus for forty days, no letting up, no going easy. Forty days of pick, pick, pick. Jesus has been there y’all. He knows exactly what it is like when we are putting up with Satan and his little tactics in our lives. 

Please don’t think that Satan was still not around after those forty days. However, for those forty days they were one on one. Remember Satan is not like God. He is not omnipresent. He has minions and schemes and tactics that he unleashes, but he is not in our face, like he was with Jesus.

When you are struggling and pray, you are not talking to some being who has never experienced your problems. He is empathetic. He feels everything you are going through because He has been there, done that and bought the t-shirt. So, load Him up with all your cares and burdens. He is ready to hold them all and comfort you today!

Prayer…

 Copyright © 2020 Tabetha Frick All Rights Reserved

Today’s Scripture…

Revelation 3:19-22

19 Those whom I love I rebuke and discipline. So be earnest and repent. 20 Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with that person, and they with me. 21 To the one who is victorious, I will give the right to sit with me on my throne, just as I was victorious and sat down with my Father on his throne. 22 Whoever has ears, let them hear what the Spirit says to the churches.”

Thoughts…

When I read these verses today, I immediately thought of my students. They just began their senior year of college. As they start their final preparations to becoming a teacher, I will be looking very closely and critiquing their lesson plans and teaching abilities. I will go through several projects and offer lots of feedback. If they listen to me and take my feedback they will grow. They will become the teachers i know they can be and they will be invited to a grand graduation party and eventually be offered new jobs.

This is not unlike what God does for us. He watches us. He rebukes us and disciplines us. Sometimes it hurts. OK, who is kidding, it always hurts. However, if we take His feedback and put it into practice, we will be invited to the most spectacular party in history…to live with Him in Heaven forever and ever.

So, yes, my students won’t like everything I have to say this year, but they will know it is from my heart and will help them move on to what is next. Let’s take God’s feedback so we can meet at the party later!!

Prayer…

 Copyright © 2020 Tabetha Frick All Rights Reserved

Today’s Scripture…

1 John 1:5-10

5 This is the message we have heard from him and declare to you: God is light; in him there is no darkness at all. 6 If we claim to have fellowship with him and yet walk in the darkness, we lie and do not live out the truth. 7 But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all sin. 8 If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us. 9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. 10 If we claim we have not sinned, we make him out to be a liar and his word is not in us.

Thoughts..

Have you ever heard the song “Sound of Silence” by Simon and Garfunkel? Do you know the words? They start out, “Hello darkness my old friend, I’ve come to talk to you again.” It goes on to describe a place where people are merely existing and silenced by some ‘powers that be’. This is exactly where Satan wants to imprison us. This is the darkness and silence he tries to convince us is a safe and happy place. A place of blissful ignorance. 

God on the other hand wants us to wake up and live in the light. He wants us to know we have the keys to our cell in our grasp. We just have to stop the silence. Open your mouth and confess your sins! Embrace the light! Then let it shine through you and let it lead others out of the darkness.

Please! Don’t let the darkness silence you!

Prayer…

 Copyright © 2020 Tabetha Frick All Rights Reserved

Today’s Scripture…

Proverbs 28:12-14

12 When the righteous triumph, there is great elation;

but when the wicked rise to power, people go into hiding.

13 Whoever conceals their sins does not prosper,

but the one who confesses and renounces them finds mercy.

14 Blessed is the one who always trembles before God,

but whoever hardens their heart falls into trouble.

Thoughts…

There are lots of ways to harden your heart. Usually, it doesn’t just happen. It takes time. You can get angry at someone and eventually get over it. You may even say something careless about never forgiving that person. However, truth be told, if they came back and apologized you would most likely forgive them.

The fact that you get angry in the first place means your heart has not hardened. If you continue to have feelings when that person’s name is even mentioned means your heart is not hardened, even if that feeling is total disgust. Feelings mean you still care.

It is when you no longer care that your heart is hardened. When you give up, close the door and walk away, you have hardened your heart. When that person is God you have hardened your heart to, there is no more hope. Your heart is no longer even willing to be willing to listen or hear His voice calling. I pray that you never reach this spot with anyone in your life. I pray that you will always be willing to be willing to forgive. Most of all I pray you are willing to be willing to listen for God’s voice.

Prayer…

 Copyright © 2020 Tabetha Frick All Rights Reserved

Today’s Scripture…

1 Peter 3:8-11

8 Finally, all of you, be like-minded, be sympathetic, love one another, be compassionate and humble. 9 Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult. On the contrary, repay evil with blessing, because to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing. 10 For, ‘Whoever would love life and see good days must keep their tongue from evil and their lips from deceitful speech. 11 They must turn from evil and do good; they must seek peace and pursue it.

Thoughts…

1 Peter 3:8-11

8 Finally, all of you, be like-minded, be sympathetic, love one another, be compassionate and humble. 9 Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult. On the contrary, repay evil with blessing, because to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing. 10 For, ‘Whoever would love life and see good days must keep their tongue from evil and their lips from deceitful speech. 11 They must turn from evil and do good; they must seek peace and pursue it.

Prayer…

 Copyright © 2020 Tabetha Frick All Rights Reserved

Today’s Scripture…

2 Peter 3:9-12

9 The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance. 10 But the day of the Lord will come like a thief. The heavens will disappear with a roar; the elements will be destroyed by fire, and the earth and everything done in it will be laid bare.11 Since everything will be destroyed in this way, what kind of people ought you to be? You ought to live holy and godly lives 12 as you look forward to the day of God and speed its coming. That day will bring about the destruction of the heavens by fire, and the elements will melt in the heat.

Thoughts…

God is very patient with us. It is called grace. However, He does have a plan for your life and the world in general. Our time is limited here on Earth. The Earth’s time is also limited. We need to be aware of this.

I know somedays you look at this thought and start praying for more time. Other times, you look up at the sky and say, “Take me now Lord!” I. Have been in both of those situations before, have you?

No matter which state of life you are in right now, you need to be praying. Praying for your loved ones, your neighbors, and yes even your enemies. Praying that they will see Christ for who He is and make the decisions in their lives to be ready when God calls us home. 

Time is always marching on and will not slow down. Eventually, it will stop. It may stop for you or everyone. Are you prepared? What can you do today to be ready and help those around you be ready?

Prayer…

Today’s Scripture…

Matthew 4:10-11, 17

10 Jesus said to him, “Away from me, Satan! For it is written: ‘Worship the Lord your God, and serve him only.’” 11 Then the devil left him, and angels came and attended him. 17 From that time on Jesus began to preach, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near.”

Thoughts…

Four little words that could change our day, “Away from me, Satan!” Do you find your anger boiling to the top? Has fear got you frozen? Are the tears of sadness spilling over? Feelings are legit. We all experience them. However, have you ever been hit with them out of the blue. You can’t place your finger on where the extreme overload is coming from today. Those feelings are not right. As a matter of fact I will go out on a limb and tell you they are lies. Not lies you are telling. Lies you are believing. 

Satan loves to play with our feelings. Honesty moment, they are pretty easy to manipulate. That is exactly why we need to be on the alert. If your feelings are getting the best of you, take a moment and step back. Ask yourself if there is a legitimate reason to feeling this way. If so, you can pray and ask God for guidance and help dealing with the problem that is causing them. If not, you may want to stand firm and yell, “Away from me, Satan!” Then thank God for helping you discern the difference.

Prayer…

 Copyright © 2020 Tabetha Frick All Rights Reserved