Transformation

I have heard the reference to God making people new...a new creation. As I read and reflect over the changes in Peter, one cannot deny that the arrogance and pride you see in Peter, in the Book of Matthew, melts away by the time you roll around to Acts.

I hum the lyrics...
So take my heart
and make it new
make it true
And make it like you
Take my hands
I lift them high
They're yours not mine to do
Do what you will
Do what you will
Do what you will

See the video here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4ry7-v5xBcE&feature=youtube_gdata_player

I want to have a life marked by the transformation of my heart as only could be done by God. I hope when my legacy is looked upon by my children, and all the generations that follow them, that they see the evidence of God's victory in me. I want to be the defining turning point toward God for our family. I want to look down from heaven and see my family recklessly passionate in their pursuit of Christ.

Lord, I need you to take my heart and make it new. The legacy I desire to leave is really only one you can leave. Use me, Lord, in any way you see fit. I'm all in...yes, I'll go; yes, I'll do that, yes, I'll do that. Whatever you want, I'll do.

Cowardly Little Weasel

Yeah, that's my other name. Cowardly little weasel.

You see Peter and I are kindred spirits. He's prideful, a know-it-all, arrogant, and a total coward. I am too.

I believe being put in the time, place, and position of Peter in Matthew 26:30-35;69-75. I would shrink back and deny. My talk is cheap.

I'd love to believe that God would rise me up in such as way that I would confidently claim my relationship with Jesus...but the evident in my life all points to my repeated denial.

Here's the good news:

GOD used a cowardly little weasel like Peter TO CHANGE THE WORLD.

HE CAN USE ME TOO. YOU, TOO.

Thank you, Lord, for your faithfulness. For teaching a fool like me, great truths through your Word. Forgive my cowardliness. Forgive my denials. Use me any way you see fit to impact the world for you. Plant a courageous heart in me to step up and step out following you. I recognize my talk is cheap and only you can change me...I'm all yours,

I love you, Lord!

Niki

How I Met the Sunrise

I want to share a bit of my story before the Fall 2012 Hello Mornings Challenge starts tomorrow.

God convicted me greatly in "arming" myself with His Word each morning a couple of years ago. I used to do my quiet time before bedtime which often left drool marks on my crinkled bible pages and an empty soul. The tugging started. You know the one that calls for change but you like to ignore it (if you are anything like me). The pull on my heart to follow the example of Jesus grew until I couldn't resist any longer.

Mark 1:35 says "Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place where he prayed." I often like to think on his way out of the house, he grabbed a cup of joe to wake up a little.

When my daughter and I memorized Ephesians 6:10-18 (the Armor of God). I was further convicted to ensure that not only I be armed each morning but my girls should be too. As an U.S. Army veteran, this scripture reminded me of the preparation for deployment. Each day I send my girls out to a battlefield of all sorts of temptations and evil that I cannot protect them from. They need to be able to defend themselves and guard their hearts. The only way I can see to that is by helping them hide God's Word in their heart.

During this time, God lead me to Inspired to Action...my mornings have never been the same.