Imagine your life swings between abundance and want, peace and panic, boredom and life threatening competition. Oh! You don't have to imagine!? You live there!? What if you could really know your purpose, your destiny and you knew you were doing all you could to achieve it? Would it make a difference in how you live through life's challenges? Come along for the ride and see!
Thursday, November 28, 2019
Tuesday, November 26, 2019
24 My Advocate
My Advocate
#24 in the Series: My Daddy Is…
Have you ever had
someone in your life, who stood up for you and supported you publicly,
especially when you were going through a difficult time. The dictionary says an advocate is “a person
who publicly supports or
recommends a particular (person) cause or policy. Synonyms include, among others: backer, campaigner, defender, promoter,
supporter, spokesperson and champion. I
really like that last one!
Thursday, November 21, 2019
23 A Test Giver
- Now…pray and ask Holy Spirit to highlight something from this post and to teach you. (Perhaps he already highlighted something as you were reading!). Close your eyes and be silent before him for a minute or two...or more. Breathe in Holy Spirit. (Yes, actually inhale.) Listen. Open your eyes and peruse the post. What does your eye see or your ear hear? Write it in your journal.
- Why does it seem important? You could even ask: Father/Jesus/Holy Spirit, why have you brought this to my attention? Write the answer in your journal. (The answer may be a question…an I wonder. Allow Holy Spirit to direct your thoughts.)
- Make it a prayer. Pray the scripture (and it’s insights, questions, or comments) back to the Father. Write this in your journal.
- How are you going to be different after this experience with God? What does he want you to be or do as a result? If you are not sure, ask him. Write this in your journal.
A Test Giver
#23in the Series: My Daddy Is…
“Good
morning students! Please take out a
piece of paper. Number it to 10. We are having a pop quiz!” You remember those days when the class gave
a collective groan and you obediently numbered your paper.
What
teacher is there that does not give some form of test, at least once in a
while? I taught middle school for 7
years before I became a horsemanship instructor. Although the tests at the school were more
formal, even in teaching horsemanship I often evaluated my students. Though it was less formal, it was for both
their benefit and mine. Testing provided
me a basis from which to teach and a yardstick by which the students could
measure themselves. Sometimes they
needed a pat on the back for a lesson well learned. Sometimes they needed a kick in the seat of
their pants for failing to put into practice what they “learned.”
God also tests us…he does not tempt us. “For God cannot be tempted by evil, nor
does he tempt anyone.” (James 1:13 NIV) Often what we learn
through the test is that He is faithful. He brings us through by strengthening
us and as a result we grow—a little more—into his likeness and character. Do not groan about the test you are in. It can bring you the reward of abundant
life, if you will let it.
Meditate
on these scriptures and learn how to recognize and respond to the Lord’s
testing.
“Consider it pure joy, my
brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know
that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish
its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.”
James 1:2-4 NIV
““I the Lord search the heart
and examine the mind, to reward each person according to their conduct,
according to what their deeds deserve.””
Jeremiah 17:10 NIV
“The crucible for silver and
the furnace for gold, but the Lord tests the heart.”
Proverbs 17:3 NIV
“When Jesus looked up and saw a
great crowd coming toward him, he said to Philip, “Where shall we buy bread
for these people to eat?” He asked this only to test him, for he already had
in mind what he was going to do.”
John 6:5-6 NIV
“For your ways are in full view
of the Lord, and he examines all your paths.”
Proverbs 5:21 NIV
I look forward to
this journey with you! Onward to
freedom for your mustang heart!
P.S. I cherish your comments below and emails at: joyfullcoyote@gmail.com.
Share on
social media. (If you receive this in your email, you may need to visit
the webpage (link is in the footer) to find the share buttons.) If
you don’t receive it in your email, sign up for auto delivery at the top of
the right hand column on the webpage.
Be blessed today!
Tuesday, November 19, 2019
22 An Example
An Example
#22 in the Series: My Daddy Is…
I found
this beautiful definition of “example” at dictionary.com:
“a person or thing regarded in terms of their fitness to be
imitated or the likelihood of their being imitated”
We
have many examples in our lives: parents, teachers, co-workers, supervisors,
employers, sport’s heroes, people successful in their field, pastors, leaders
in business or
Thursday, November 14, 2019
Tuesday, November 12, 2019
20 Available!
Available!
#20 in the Series: My Daddy Is…
I bet
this has happened to you:
You
call a friend or stop by their house.
Some one else answers. If you
are at the door they may even invite you in.
Then, when you ask for your friend, they say, “Oh, I’m sorry. They’re not available.” We know our friends welcome us, but they are
not
Thursday, November 7, 2019
Tuesday, November 5, 2019
18 A Warrior
A Warrior
#18 in the Series: My Daddy Is…
When I
was a small child, about kindergarten age, I remember a situation where my
cousin starting picking on me. To my
surprise, my big brother rose up and started beating on him (my cousin was
older and quite a bit taller). My love
for my brother must have quadrupled that day!
To know that he would fight for me was such an awesome thing!
Thursday, October 31, 2019
Tuesday, October 29, 2019
16 A Know-It-All
A Know-It-All
#16 in the Series: My Daddy Is…
Remember that
person in your life who seemed to have eyes in the back of their head! Maybe it was a teacher…or a parent…or a
supervisor or boss. You probably felt
that their attention was negative…they were good at catching your bad behavior
or mistakes. Did it help you to behave
or perform better?
Thursday, October 24, 2019
Tuesday, October 22, 2019
Thursday, October 17, 2019
Tuesday, October 15, 2019
Thursday, October 10, 2019
11 A Promise Keeper
A Keeper of Promises
#11 in the Series: My Daddy Is…
Do you
make promises?
Do you
keep your promises?
Some people will not even make a promise because they don't know what could happen to prevent them from keeping it, thus, they think it better not to make one in the first place.
This is
one of the most amazing things
Tuesday, October 8, 2019
Thursday, October 3, 2019
Tuesday, October 1, 2019
8 Earthly Rewarder
#8 in the Series: My Daddy Is…
We have all seen them…Reward ads or posters! Rewards for lost pets. Rewards for the return or information leading to the return of lost people or property. Even rewards for information leading to the arrest of criminals. Did you know that God is the greatest Rewarder in the universe? He gives us rewards in heaven and rewards on earth. Today we look at the earthly rewards.
There is a bit of a dilemma in this discussion because we should not serve God to get earthly rewards, nevertheless, as you will see, the Heavenly Father, does hand out rewards for those who love him.
“How joyous are those who love the Lord and bow low before
God, ready to obey him! Your reward will be prosperity,
happiness, and well-being. Your wife will bless your heart and
home. Your children will bring you joy as they gather around
your table. Yes, this is God’s generous reward for those who
love him.”
Psalms 128:1-4 TPT
“Laying your life down in tender surrender before the Lord will
bring life, prosperity, and honor as your reward.”
Proverbs 22:4 TPT
“It is better to invite those who never get an invitation. Invite
the poor to your banquet, along with the outcast, the
handicapped, and the blind—those who could never repay you
the favor. Then you will experience a great blessing in this life,
and at the resurrection of the godly you will receive a full
reward.””
Luke 14:13-14 TPT
“Examine your motives to make sure you’re not showing off
when you do your good deeds, only to be admired by others;
otherwise, you will lose the reward of your heavenly Father. So
when you give to the poor, don’t announce it and make a show
of it just to be seen by people, like the hypocrites in the streets
and in the marketplace. They’ve already received their reward!
But when you demonstrate generosity, do it with pure motives
and without drawing attention to yourself. Give secretly and
your Father, who sees all you do, will reward you openly.”
“Whenever you pray, be sincere and not like the pretenders
who love the attention they receive while praying before
others in the meetings and on street corners. Believe me,
they’ve already received in full their reward. But whenever you
pray, go into your innermost chamber and be alone with
Father God, praying to him in secret. And your Father, who
sees all you do, will reward you openly.
Matthew 6:1-6 TPT
“Is your enemy hungry? Buy him lunch. Win him over with your
kindness. Your surprising generosity will awaken his conscience
and God will reward you with favor.”
Proverbs 25:21-22 TPT
“Evil people may get a short-term gain, but to sow seeds of
righteousness will bring a true and lasting reward.”
Proverbs 11:18 TPT
“Then Peter blurted out, “Here we are. We’ve given up
everything to follow you. What reward will there be for us?”
For anyone who has left behind their home and property,
leaving family—brothers or sisters, mothers or fathers, or
children—for my sake, they will be repaid a hundred times
over and will inherit eternal life.”
Matthew 19:27, 29 TPT
1. Now…pray and ask Holy Spirit to highlight something from this post and to teach you. (Perhaps he already highlighted something as you were reading!). Close your eyes and be silent before him for a
minute or two...or more. Breathe in Holy Spirit. (Yes, actually
inhale.) Listen. Open your eyes and peruse the post. What does
your eye see or your ear hear? Write it in your journal.
2. Why does it seem important? You could even ask:
Father/Jesus/Holy Spirit, why have you brought this to my
attention? Write the answer in your journal. (The answer may be a
question…an I wonder. Allow Holy Spirit to direct your thoughts.)
3. Make it a prayer. Pray the scripture (and it’s insights, questions, or
comments) back to the Father. Write this in your journal.
4. How are you going to be different after this experience with God?
What does he want you to be or do as a result? If you are not sure,
ask him. Write this in your journal.
I look forward to this journey with you! Onward to freedom for
your mustang heart!
P.S. I will be sharing some of my insights and experiences in the
comments as examples for you. I cherish your comments below
and emails at: joyfullcoyote@gmail.com. Share on social media. (If
you receive this in your email, you may need to visit the web page
(link is in the footer) to find the share buttons.) If you don’t receive
it in your email, sign up for auto delivery at the top of the right hand
column on the web page. Be blessed today!
Thursday, September 26, 2019
7 Heavenly Rewarder
A Heavenly Rewarder
#7 in the Series: My Daddy Is…
We have all seen them…Reward ads or posters! Rewards for lost pets. Rewards for the return or information leading to the return of lost people or property. Even rewards for information leading to the arrest of criminals. Did you know that God is the greatest Rewarder in the universe? He gives us rewards in heaven and rewards on earth. Today we look at the heavenly rewards.
minute or two...or more. Breathe in Holy Spirit. (Yes, actually
inhale.) Listen. Open your eyes and peruse the post. What does
your eye see or your ear hear? Write it in your journal.
1. Why does it seem important? You could even ask:
Father/Jesus/Holy Spirit, why have you brought this to my
attention? Write the answer in your journal. (The answer may be a
question…an I wonder. Allow Holy Spirit to direct your thoughts.)
2. Make it a prayer. Pray the scripture (and it’s insights, questions, or
comments) back to the Father. Write this in your journal.
3. How are you going to be different after this experience with God?
What does he want you to be or do as a result? If you are not sure,
ask him. Write this in your journal.
4. I look forward to this journey with you! Onward to freedom for
your mustang heart!
P.S. I will be sharing some of my insights and experiences in the
comments as examples for you. I cherish your comments below
and emails at: joyfullcoyote@gmail.com. Share on social media. (If
you receive this in your email, you may need to visit the webpage
(link is in the footer) to find the share buttons.) If you don’t receive
it in your email, sign up for auto delivery at the top of the right hand
column on the webpage. Be blessed today!
#7 in the Series: My Daddy Is…
We have all seen them…Reward ads or posters! Rewards for lost pets. Rewards for the return or information leading to the return of lost people or property. Even rewards for information leading to the arrest of criminals. Did you know that God is the greatest Rewarder in the universe? He gives us rewards in heaven and rewards on earth. Today we look at the heavenly rewards.
“And without faith it is impossible to please him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him.” Hebrews 11:6 ESV
“There’s a crown of righteousness waiting in heaven for me,
and I know that my Lord will reward me on his day of righteous
judgment. And this crown is not only waiting for me, but for all
who love and long for his unveiling.”
2 Timothy 4:8 TPT
“But love your enemies and continue to treat them well. When
you lend money, don’t despair if you are never paid back, for it
is not lost. You will receive a rich reward and you will be known
as true children of the Most High God, having his same nature.
For your Father is famous for his kindness to heal even the
thankless and cruel.”
Luke 6:35 TPT
“Don’t you remember those days right after the Light shined in
your hearts? You endured a great marathon season of
suffering hardships, yet you stood your ground. And at times
you were publicly and shamefully mistreated, being persecuted
for your faith; then at others times you stood side by side with
those who preach the message of hope. You sympathized with
those in prison and when all your belongings were confiscated
you accepted that violation with joy; convinced that you
possess a treasure growing in heaven that could never be
taken from you. So don’t lose your bold, courageous faith, for
you are destined for a great reward!”
Hebrews 10:32-35 TPT
““Whoever receives you receives me, and whoever receives me
receives the One who sent me. Whoever receives a prophet
because he is God’s messenger will share a prophet’s reward.
And whoever welcomes a good and godly man because he
follows me will also share in his reward. And whoever gives a
cup of cold water to one of my humble disciples, I promise you,
he will not go unrewarded.””
Matthew 10:40-42 TPT
““How ecstatic you can be when people insult and persecuteNow…pray and ask Holy Spirit to highlight something from this post and to teach you. (Perhaps he already highlighted something as you were reading!). Close your eyes and be silent before him for a
you and speak all kinds of cruel lies about you because of your
love for me! So leap for joy—since your heavenly reward is
great. For you are being rejected the same way the prophets
were before you.”
Matthew 5:11-12 TPT
minute or two...or more. Breathe in Holy Spirit. (Yes, actually
inhale.) Listen. Open your eyes and peruse the post. What does
your eye see or your ear hear? Write it in your journal.
1. Why does it seem important? You could even ask:
Father/Jesus/Holy Spirit, why have you brought this to my
attention? Write the answer in your journal. (The answer may be a
question…an I wonder. Allow Holy Spirit to direct your thoughts.)
2. Make it a prayer. Pray the scripture (and it’s insights, questions, or
comments) back to the Father. Write this in your journal.
3. How are you going to be different after this experience with God?
What does he want you to be or do as a result? If you are not sure,
ask him. Write this in your journal.
4. I look forward to this journey with you! Onward to freedom for
your mustang heart!
P.S. I will be sharing some of my insights and experiences in the
comments as examples for you. I cherish your comments below
and emails at: joyfullcoyote@gmail.com. Share on social media. (If
you receive this in your email, you may need to visit the webpage
(link is in the footer) to find the share buttons.) If you don’t receive
it in your email, sign up for auto delivery at the top of the right hand
column on the webpage. Be blessed today!
Tuesday, September 24, 2019
6 A Disciplinarian
A Disciplinarian
#6 in the Series: My Daddy Is…
Not long ago I read
a very sad, true story. It was told by a
pastor that had to give a funeral for a little girl. This little girl had gotten in the habit of
disobeying her parents' request to come to her.
The parents would say, “Come here, Suzy.” (Not her real name.) Suzy
would instead turn and run off the other way, laughing. The parents and grandparents thought it cute
and did not address the behavior. One
day Suzy ran out into the yard and beyond to a space between two parked
cars. The mother, seeing another car
approaching, called to her, “Suzy, come
here!” To her horror, the child,
laughing, turned and ran out into the street.
She was killed instantly!
There is another
story of a missionary who seeing his son seated on a log, suddenly said
sternly, “Don’t move!” The boy
froze. His eyes grew big as his father
drew a piston and aimed it right at him!
“Don’t move!” the father said again.
As the pistol rang out with a bang, a large venomous snake fell at the
boy’s feet.
These two examples,
both true stories as I recall, illustrate the value of discipline. Discipline from a parent or authority figure
usually has to do with obedience or developing self-control. I once heard “liberty” defined as the freedom
to be self-controlled. When we learn to
control our selves and willing submit to authority there is great freedom and
peace. If we don’t, the authority has
ways to convince us that we ought to obey.
It is usually not pleasant (for the parent or the child!) but it later
produces right living and peace.
If we love our
children, we will discipline them. God
loves us, therefore he disciplines us.
“because the Lord disciplines
those he loves, as a father the son he delights in.”
Proverbs 3:12 NIV
“Those whom I love I rebuke and
discipline. So be earnest and repent.”
Revelation 3:19 NIV
“Know then in your heart that as
a man disciplines his son, so the Lord your God disciplines you.”
Deuteronomy 8:5 NIV
“Blessed is the one you
discipline, Lord, the one you teach from your law;”
Psalm 94:12 NIV
“And have you completely
forgotten this word of encouragement that addresses you as a father addresses
his son? It says, “My son, do not make light of the Lord’s discipline, and do
not lose heart when he rebukes you, because the Lord disciplines the one he
loves, and he chastens everyone he accepts as his son.” Endure hardship as
discipline; God is treating you as his children. For what children are not
disciplined by their father? If you are not disciplined—and everyone undergoes
discipline—then you are not legitimate, not true sons and daughters at all.
Moreover, we have all had human fathers who disciplined us and we respected
them for it. How much more should we submit to the Father of spirits and live!
They disciplined us for a little while as they thought best; but God
disciplines us for our good, in order that we may share in his holiness. No
discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it
produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained
by it.”
Hebrews 12:5-11 NIV
“Lord, I know that people’s
lives are not their own; it is not for them to direct their steps. Discipline
me, Lord, but only in due measure— not in your anger, or you will reduce me to
nothing.”
Jeremiah 10:23-24 NIV
- Now…pray and ask Holy Spirit to highlight something from this post and to teach you. (Perhaps he already highlighted something as you were reading!). Close your eyes and be silent before him for a minute or two...or more. Breathe in Holy Spirit. (Yes, actually inhale.) Listen. Open your eyes and peruse the post. What does your eye see or your ear hear? Write it in your journal.
- Why does it seem important? You could even ask: Father/Jesus/Holy Spirit, why have you brought this to my attention? Write the answer in your journal. (The answer may be a question…an I wonder. Allow Holy Spirit to direct your thoughts.)
- Make it a prayer. Pray the scripture (and it’s insights, questions, or comments) back to the Father. Write this in your journal.
- How are you going to be different after this experience with God? What does he want you to be or do as a result? If you are not sure, ask him. Write this in your journal.
I
look forward to this journey with you!
Onward to freedom for your mustang heart!
P.S.
I will be sharing some of my insights and experiences in the comments as
examples for you. I cherish your comments below and emails at: joyfullcoyote@gmail.com. Share on
social media. (If you receive this in your email, you may need to visit
the webpage (MustangHeart link in the footer) to find the share buttons.) If you don’t receive it in your email, sign up for
auto delivery at the top of the right hand column on the webpage. If you access the website via a mobile device
change to the web view to see the sign up box.) Be blessed today!
Thursday, September 19, 2019
5 A Compassionate Father
A Compassionate Father
#5 in the Series:
My Daddy Is…
Holy
Spirit, Revealer of Truth, so many people have been hurt by their earthly
fathers and have a warped view of the Heavenly Father. Open their eyes and their hearts to see the
Truth about their Heavenly Father who is all their earthly father was
not. In every way that their earthly
father fell short, Heavenly Father exceeds expectations and “is able to do
immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is
at work within us.” Ephesians 3:20 NIV
Father. The word brings up many memories both
Tuesday, September 17, 2019
4 A Loving Father
A Loving Father
#4 in the Series: My Daddy Is…
Holy Spirit,
Revealer of Truth, so many people have been hurt by their earthly fathers and
have a warped view of the Heavenly Father.
Open their eyes and their hearts to see the Truth about their Heavenly
Father who is all their earthly father was not. In every way that their earthly father fell
short, Heavenly Father exceeds expectations and “is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine,
according to his power that is at work within us.” Ephesians 3:20
NIV
Daddy. Dad. Papa.
Abba. Poppy. Pop pops.
These are names of endearment that we
Thursday, September 12, 2019
Tuesday, September 10, 2019
Thursday, September 5, 2019
Simple as A,B,C
Simple as A,B,C
Alright,
Folks! Do you have your journal? If not, just get a piece of paper. I have a little project for you in
preparation for the next series. Ah,
come on. Humor me and get a blessing for
yourself…go get your journal or piece of paper.
I’ll wait.
Good
job! Now, write the alphabet down the
left side margin. I’ll wait.
Now that
you have the alphabet written down the left margin, take a minute to pray:
Father
God, thank you for who and what you are.
Holy Spirit speak and teach me through this exercise about the goodness
and the greatness of God—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Revealer of all things, reveal the character
of the Trinity to me through this assignment.
In Jesus’ name I ask it, so be it.
Now as
names, characteristics, descriptions or qualities of God come to mind write
them next to the letter they start with.
It can be a single word or a phrase.
If a phrase put it next to the letter of the main word or idea. Try to write at least one
description of God for each letter. If
you think of more than one, write them all down. For “x” the letter can be anywhere in the
word or phrase. There are no wrong
answers as long as it is a characteristic of God.
Here are
a few to get you started:
Abba,
Builder (of Heaven), Author (of my faith), Counselor, Director (of my steps),
Excellent, Extravagant…
Have
fun. Feel free to use a dictionary or
concordance, friends, and/or family.
I would
love to see your list! Feel free to send
it to me at my email: joyfullcoyote@gmail.com
Be
blessed as we continue our journey to freedom for our mustang hearts!
P.S. If
you are blessed by this blog, don’t forget to leave me a comment or send me an
email at: joyfullcoyote@gmail.com. Feel free to share it on your social media. If you
receive this in your email, you may need to visit the webpage (link is in the
footer) to find the share buttons. If you don’t receive it in your
email, sign up for auto delivery at the top right hand column of the
webpage. Be blessed today!
Tuesday, September 3, 2019
Thursday, August 29, 2019
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