Father, a lot of things have been on my mind the last few months. Mainly things about myself. You know, quirky things or character flaws that may not be so appealing or likable to mankind and more importantly, You.

For starters, I’ve become easily annoyed by people lately even more so than before.  I’m not sure why, but these days it just doesn’t take much at all for me to shut down and keep to myself.  I’d like to say that it’s a good thing because then I can focus on more but I’d be totally lying. My annoyance does absolutely nothing for the Kingdom. In fact, it’s hard for me to share about “You” if I’m counting down the minutes when I’m talking to people.

Another thing I’ve noticed lately is that I feel used a lot of times mainly by some of the very people I call “friends.” Why is this? Did I cause it? I’ve backed completely away from certain people because of this. I’ve also hurt some. What’s scary is that some of these people used You to connect with me only to never mention You again. Can you help me to discern these types of relationships?

Now this next thing, I probably will regret asking for after going through what I need to go through to get it, but I need more patience with people. (Please don’t be TOO hard on me Not just in general, but in certain situations. Like for instance, I get ultimately frustrated when people don’t love as hard as I do. I know it sounds silly, but I don’t give people time enough to get to know me before I write/cut them off because they’re not moving at my pace or out of fear of what I mentioned earlier about being used.  Every time I seem to always fail to 1. recognize where they emotionally, spiritually, etc and 2. give them time. And it’s not just in that situation. There are other’s too. You know how I can see the good in anyone? Well sometimes that quality is a burden because many times I can’t convince people of what I see in them and it frustrates me. So much that I am angered. I surely can’t help them like that.

Since we’re on relationships…I’ve found myself withholding “me” again. You know how people so quickly and easily invite me into their lives? Well I don’t do the same in a lot of cases. Correction: make that MOST cases. I’m just really afraid to be vulnerable to more than just the VERY few in number, “tried and true,” people.  Part of me feels like I’m supposed to be the “issue-less” being who is expected to always be ok. Well, the fact of the matter is that I’m not always okay and I need to vent, and cry, and be held too. But I have an issue with trusting people to that extent. Past relationships and life experiences undoubtedly make me feel this way, but I need to move past this. I love to love and when I love, I love, but I also need to be loved. I’m totally trusting You to protect me and my heart. When other’s come to me in confidence, give me the right things to say even if the right thing to say is said in silence.

Direction. Geographical direction. I need to know what this “draw” is and if it’s You or me. One thing’s for sure is that it’s strong. You know exactly what and where I’m talking about. In fact, you probably saw me tear up last week when a friend merely mentioned “taking a leap of faith and trusting You” when I shared with him how I felt. Guide me.

God, there’s so much in me that I desperately need to get out. Please help me to find the medium or outlet to do just that. I want to use my life to help build the Kingdom. I want to give strictly under Your direction and in ways that You will be glorified. I want to serve. I want to love and have meaningful relationships, so that You and Your love will be seen. I want to be compassionate and patient. I want to be brave with a heart like Yours. I want to be the “me” You created me to be. I want to trust; I want to love. I want to be compassionate and patient. I want to walk like you. I want to be free.

In Christ’s name, Amen.

Peace – Kimberly

Peace – Kimberly

Many would think that it’s only a key fob and there are so many other things that I could or should be praying for instead. But the fact of the matter is that I needed to find this item.  It’s essential to operate my vehicle, and it’s darn expensive to replace (reprogram).  I mean I ask God for everything else.  Why would I think that He wouldn’t help with something as mundane or simple as locating and Intelligent Key for my Nissan Altima?

The sad reality is that we only tend to ask for God’s help when there is a life changing or deal breaking situation in front of us.  We tend to leave him out of our “everyday, day to day” lives because that’s the part that we actually think we have under control.  Well, I hate to bust “our” bubble, but “that ain’t it.”

God is there for us regardless of how big or small our need is.  It’s not the fact that He can deliver that makes Him proud, it’s the fact that we have enough faith and trust in Him to ask for His help.

Peace – Kimberly

Peace – Kimberly

"Tuesday, April 14, 2009

Good morning! You will always gravitate towards your secret desires. God doesn't answer your worded prayer as much as he answers your innermost thoughts. The Bible says the secret to prayer is to believe that you will receive what you want. Here's the problem: Most people pray for one thing and expect another. Remember that when you pray you don't get what you pray for, YOU get what you expect!     (Mans ambition is his true prayer).  He who worketh with a slack hand tendeth to poverty,. But the diligent shall be made rich.. Happy, Fortunate…. (Proverbs)

God is Love

Rev Run"

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The last few mornings I’ve been studying the prayers of many. This morning’s prayer was that of Solomon,

“O LORD, God of Israel, there is no God like you in heaven above or on earth below—you who keep your covenant of love with your servants who continue wholeheartedly in your way…” – 1 King 8

The first sentence alone is a message within itself. God’s promises – God’s covenant with us hasn’t changed. What we must do to inherit those covenants hasn’t changed. The only thing that has changed is time and how we, as a people, have chosen to deal with it. Yet and still, the instruction is clear…”continue wholeheartedly in your (His) way”

We are covered! Life’s situations are SEEMINGLY unbearable to us, BUT likewise, God’s grace, God’s favor, and God’s peace ARE unbearable to our situations!!

Peace – Kimberly

K.M. Cooley
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It’s time to pray for the leaders of our nation. They need our prayers. The times are turbulent: economy in jeopardy, nations in conflict. How can leaders lead during a day of bail-outs and bombings? Only with God’s help. So let’s request it. On January 20, 2009–inauguration day–set aside some minutes to pray for our incoming President. Ask God to inspire, direct and protect him. Pray for his wife and daughters. Use your worship time, family time and private time to ask God’s blessings on Barack Obama, Joe Biden, and all the men and women who serve and lead our country. It’s time to pray. Let’s do just that.

Peace – Kimberly

Many use this text often when financial matters are concerned. However, many (me inclusive) see it much deeper than a hope for financial gain. So much of its context is lost by just focusing on “enlarge my territory.” I’d bet 1 out of 3 people would agree to the popular notion that Jabez’s prayer was selfish. But, what about Jabez’s cry to not cause pain? That’s huge within itself. I mean think about it! He’s basically saying God, without your hand on me, I will bring pain to many, and I don’t want to do that.. How is that selfish? For inquiring theologians, I know the meaning of Jabez’s name and why his mother named him this, but we must give the man his props because this is a solid prayer. This is a prayer that many of us (me inclusive) need to sometimes pray or model after. Maybe we need to say, “God, thank you for giving me the power to get wealth (Deut 8:18) but God I need your hand on me so I won’t mess this thing up.” Or maybe we should ask God to increase our territory, but only after we share the territory that we currently have?

A lot of times, we talk about serving and helping others, but is that really our mission or is it a people pleasing act? What? I’ve done it before and not going to act like I haven’t. It wasn’t until I seriously wanted to help someone else that I began to seriously study this scripture. Before, I wanted my territory enlarged just because I wanted it enlarged. See, when you really want to help someone, start with the “tude of Jabez.” Ask God to put His hand on you and watch the miraculous happen. The first thing that will be changed won’t be your finances, but rather YOU. Now its time to help! You can give a thief all that he desires to steal, but if he’s not rehabilitated himself (Ro 12:2), he will foolishly turn around and rob of himself.

I’m no theologian, but this one thing I do know…Jabez had a need; He asked of God with sincerity and without shame, and the scripture says that, God granted him what he requested.. Enough said!

One love – kimberly

K.M. Cooley

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I believe this because I’ve been there! When your car hydro-plains and starts spinning out of control and you stop breathing literally cause you have no control…Jesus! When you’ve been so deep in unrighteousness that you’re convinced that you have no purpose…Jesus! When your father and best friend closes his eyes on you and you honestly don’t want to live anymore…Jesus!

See in all of these situations, I didn’t have time or room to pray a prayer that would have been pleasing to man. I only had enough time to call on my Father. God doesn’t need us to write the story of our lives; He’s already done that. But what He does need is for us to need Him…for us to invite Him into our doings and situations. Lesson learned!

One love – kimberly

K.M. Cooley
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Sent from my BlackBerry® Smartphone

Earlier, Paul speaks in R818 that "this present day suffering isn't worthy to be compared of the glory to come." Awesome! In my life, this means that if I just hang in there; if I just hold on and be full of faith, the Glory that will be revealed in me will overtake all of those things that have hurt me, those things that have scarred me, and those situations that have broken me.

The rule of the enemy is no more. I have prayed, and I have been strengthened. I have read His word, and I have been empowered. I have revived His spirit within me, and I have been renewed.

One love – kimberly

K.M. Cooley

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