Luke 2:5-7 "He (Joseph) went there (Bethlehem) to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child. While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no guest room available for them." NIV
Lord, You are teaching me the most important reason for Christmas this year as You have done in the past. We have had so many unconventional, non-Hallmark Channel movie Christmases in our lives together, and when we have, the true meaning has been made clear to us. It is celebrating Your birth...nothing else.
Our plans are not Your plans. Our plans were to fly to family 2 days before Christmas to have Pre-Christmas "fun" with them. However; severe weather in the Southeast is preventing that. Two aborted flights later, Dick and I will be spending Christmas Eve, and possibly the whole Christmas holiday, alone here. Of course we are disappointed, but must yield to Your plan, not ours as we have no choice.
I do praise You, Lord for Your foresight keeping us out of that weather, and we pray for all those who suffered so much damage from tornadoes, flooding, and of course totally aborted Christmas plans for them and their families. We pray for all of those who are grieving because of loss of loved ones, the first responders and all those other Public works workers who will now work through their holiday doing the cleanup.
I pray, Lord, for all those who are serving our country in the military here and abroad who cannot spend this Christmas with loved ones, for the police, EMTs, Firemen, and all of the hospital workers who cannot have the time off with family and are dealing with tragedies over these days.
We are so blessed to have food, shelter, warmth, and utilities in our little home. You had none of that except a crude cave to be born in. We are safe and sound, and still have the hope we may be able to travel tomorrow. We have telephone service so we can call the family and share in their Christmas Eve times too. You and your earthly parents had none of that. I have my beloved here with me, and I thank You for that too. There are many widows and widowers out there who are alone.
Your gift to us is the most important reason to celebrate! I could allow disappointment to ruin the celebration and get depressed and miserable. But I personally choose to let go of my plans, celebrate as I can and rejoice in Your unsearchable gift of salvation and the hope we have because of it. After all, it is Your Birthday Celebration...not mine; even if You may have been born on a different day of the year...so Happy Birthday, Jesus, and thank You for being willing to be born as a human baby knowing full well that it meant Your human death years later as our perfect sacrifice for OUR sins, not Yours.
So, it is not about presents, special foods, or even being with the ones we love that makes Christmas wonderful. It's remembering and praising You!
Wednesday, December 24, 2014
Monday, December 22, 2014
True Christmas LIGHT!
John 9:5; 8:12 "But while I am here in the world, I am the light of the world." Jesus spoke to the people once more and said, "I am the light of the world. If you follow me, you won't have to walk in darkness, because you will have the light that leads to life."
Matthew 5:14-16 "You are the light of the world--like a city on a hilltop that cannot be hidden. No one lights a lamp and then puts it under a basket. Instead, a lamp is placed on a stand, where it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father." NLT
Lord, As I sit at my kitchen table this morning with the three candles burning, the Christmas tree and the mantle lighted in the living room, I know that my favorite part of our Christmas celebration is not the gifts, busyness, baking, parties, etc.,it is the Christmas lights. It reminds me that You are the "light of the World" and that we are to be light to others.
It was very dark this morning when I awoke at 6 AM. It seemed cold and uncaring that I was up and would be getting ready for work. I plugged in the Christmas lights in the living room and immediately the mood changed. It was suddenly warm, friendly, and comforting. In the kitchen, instead of turning on the big light, I let the candles on the table. It transformed the "working" part of our home into a gentle resting place of peace with You.
The world outside is busy, hectic, and cold this time of year...but here in this "sanctuary" with You and the lights it is peaceful, warm, and wonderfully transformed. You came into the world to bring light to dis-spell the the darkness, peace in the storms of life, and comfort for the harried hurting souls.
Although there are other Christmas lights inside and outside most American homes at Christmas time, I fear they are not seeing the true Light. Towns, businesses are all "decked out", but the purpose is not to bring You and Your truth into their abodes, but something more human they call the "Spirit of Christmas". They hope it will bring in business and attempt to get people to act not so much like the sinners they are, but to be more loving and kind to each other. In all of that they miss YOU! the "Christmas" songs are all about snow, friends, and references to Santa Claus or sleigh rides.
All I have to do is to read the headlines in the morning paper to know that You are not yet the ruler of this dark world and it desperately needs Your LIGHT!
Lord, I am so unworthy that You came and shone Your Light into my dark and miserable soul, but am eternally grateful that You gave me grace, mercy, and forgiveness! That is the best year around Christmas gift of all. Thank You, Lord Jesus!
Matthew 5:14-16 "You are the light of the world--like a city on a hilltop that cannot be hidden. No one lights a lamp and then puts it under a basket. Instead, a lamp is placed on a stand, where it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father." NLT
Lord, As I sit at my kitchen table this morning with the three candles burning, the Christmas tree and the mantle lighted in the living room, I know that my favorite part of our Christmas celebration is not the gifts, busyness, baking, parties, etc.,it is the Christmas lights. It reminds me that You are the "light of the World" and that we are to be light to others.
It was very dark this morning when I awoke at 6 AM. It seemed cold and uncaring that I was up and would be getting ready for work. I plugged in the Christmas lights in the living room and immediately the mood changed. It was suddenly warm, friendly, and comforting. In the kitchen, instead of turning on the big light, I let the candles on the table. It transformed the "working" part of our home into a gentle resting place of peace with You.
The world outside is busy, hectic, and cold this time of year...but here in this "sanctuary" with You and the lights it is peaceful, warm, and wonderfully transformed. You came into the world to bring light to dis-spell the the darkness, peace in the storms of life, and comfort for the harried hurting souls.
Although there are other Christmas lights inside and outside most American homes at Christmas time, I fear they are not seeing the true Light. Towns, businesses are all "decked out", but the purpose is not to bring You and Your truth into their abodes, but something more human they call the "Spirit of Christmas". They hope it will bring in business and attempt to get people to act not so much like the sinners they are, but to be more loving and kind to each other. In all of that they miss YOU! the "Christmas" songs are all about snow, friends, and references to Santa Claus or sleigh rides.
All I have to do is to read the headlines in the morning paper to know that You are not yet the ruler of this dark world and it desperately needs Your LIGHT!
Lord, I am so unworthy that You came and shone Your Light into my dark and miserable soul, but am eternally grateful that You gave me grace, mercy, and forgiveness! That is the best year around Christmas gift of all. Thank You, Lord Jesus!
Saturday, December 20, 2014
First Announcement- Shepherds!
Luke 2:8-18, 20
"That night there were shepherds staying in the fields nearby, guarding their flocks of sheep. Suddenly, an angel of the Lord appeared among them, and the radiance of the Lord's glory surrounded them. They were terrified, but the angel reassured them. "Don't be afraid!" he said. "I bring you good news that will bring great joy to all people. The Savior--yes, the Messiah, the Lord--has been born today in Bethlehem, the city of David! And you will recognize him by this sign: You will find a baby wrapped snugly in strips of cloth, lying in a manger." Suddenly, the angel was joined by a vast host of others--the armies of heaven--praising God and saying, "Glory to God in highest heaven, and peace on earth to those with whom God is pleased."
When the angels had returned to heaven, the shepherds said to each other, "Let's go to Bethlehem! Let's see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about." They hurried to the village and found Mary and Joseph. And there was the baby, lying in the manger. After seeing him, the shepherds told everyone what had happened and what the angel had said to them about this child. All who heard the shepherds' story were astonished, ... The shepherds went back to their flocks, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen. It was just as the angel had told them."
Sweet Lord,
It seems nothing the Trinity plans makes sense to us lowly humans in our fleshly sinful state.
In our thinking, if the long awaited Messiah was born:
You knew what the reaction would be if You had it told to the heads of state (Herod), and the religious elite- jealousy and intent to eliminate You from the face of the earth because of their arrogance. 1Corinthians 1:27 KJV "But God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty;"
This makes me think, Lord...would You have chosen me too that night, or would You have avoided me knowing I would keep the good news to myself in fear that others might think I was nuts? After all- angles appearing in the sky? A Messiah in a food troth in a cave outside the city?
It took me 26 years after I was born to really believe the story I had heard every Christmas of my life.
Precious Lord, may I be obedient still to tell the good news to those who need to hear!
"That night there were shepherds staying in the fields nearby, guarding their flocks of sheep. Suddenly, an angel of the Lord appeared among them, and the radiance of the Lord's glory surrounded them. They were terrified, but the angel reassured them. "Don't be afraid!" he said. "I bring you good news that will bring great joy to all people. The Savior--yes, the Messiah, the Lord--has been born today in Bethlehem, the city of David! And you will recognize him by this sign: You will find a baby wrapped snugly in strips of cloth, lying in a manger." Suddenly, the angel was joined by a vast host of others--the armies of heaven--praising God and saying, "Glory to God in highest heaven, and peace on earth to those with whom God is pleased."
When the angels had returned to heaven, the shepherds said to each other, "Let's go to Bethlehem! Let's see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about." They hurried to the village and found Mary and Joseph. And there was the baby, lying in the manger. After seeing him, the shepherds told everyone what had happened and what the angel had said to them about this child. All who heard the shepherds' story were astonished, ... The shepherds went back to their flocks, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen. It was just as the angel had told them."
Sweet Lord,
It seems nothing the Trinity plans makes sense to us lowly humans in our fleshly sinful state.
In our thinking, if the long awaited Messiah was born:
- He would not be born in a cave with animals around, but in a nice sterile environment to protect him and his mother.
- The first to be told of His birth would be heads of state and the religious elite, not the lowliest shepherds in a field. They stunk of sweat, sheep, and dirt and lived with the sheep outside the city for a reason!
You knew what the reaction would be if You had it told to the heads of state (Herod), and the religious elite- jealousy and intent to eliminate You from the face of the earth because of their arrogance. 1Corinthians 1:27 KJV "But God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty;"
This makes me think, Lord...would You have chosen me too that night, or would You have avoided me knowing I would keep the good news to myself in fear that others might think I was nuts? After all- angles appearing in the sky? A Messiah in a food troth in a cave outside the city?
It took me 26 years after I was born to really believe the story I had heard every Christmas of my life.
Precious Lord, may I be obedient still to tell the good news to those who need to hear!
Saturday, November 29, 2014
Remembering...
Sweet Lord,
The Bible is replete with times that Israel was told to remember Your goodness throughout their history: Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Joseph, Esther, Ruth, Moses, Joshua and Caleb, David, and Solomon, many many miracles, battles won, and lost because of disobedience.
Last December a sweet sister gave me some strips of scapbook paper and the first one had a verse on it. the instruction were to write down things to be thankful for all through the year and then put them into a "Thankfulness Chain" to decorate the home for Christmas.
Today, all the pieces have been filled, the chain completed, and it hangs over the "Solid Rock" Thomas Kincade print Dick gave me for our anniversary. I could have used many many more pieces. The milestones with Lance through this last year are amazing, Dick's two successful surgeries, Melody's visit, seeing the out of state sons and families 3x this year and having all of the Plyter cousins met each other some for the first time was such a blessing too, Lord. We had lots of LU students become part of our adopted family and they provided us with the lawn work we could not do on our own, and You provided a riding lawn mower that works and made my life so much easier this summer and lawn raking much easier this fall. I was given a better position in the SAO Office to use my gifts to the max, and I successfully "retired" as far as the US government is concerned. You have provided through Quibids for all of our needs, some wants, and also the ability to help others with gift cards and gifts.
Lord, You are a great and gracious God an I love You.
The Bible is replete with times that Israel was told to remember Your goodness throughout their history: Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Joseph, Esther, Ruth, Moses, Joshua and Caleb, David, and Solomon, many many miracles, battles won, and lost because of disobedience.
Last December a sweet sister gave me some strips of scapbook paper and the first one had a verse on it. the instruction were to write down things to be thankful for all through the year and then put them into a "Thankfulness Chain" to decorate the home for Christmas.
Today, all the pieces have been filled, the chain completed, and it hangs over the "Solid Rock" Thomas Kincade print Dick gave me for our anniversary. I could have used many many more pieces. The milestones with Lance through this last year are amazing, Dick's two successful surgeries, Melody's visit, seeing the out of state sons and families 3x this year and having all of the Plyter cousins met each other some for the first time was such a blessing too, Lord. We had lots of LU students become part of our adopted family and they provided us with the lawn work we could not do on our own, and You provided a riding lawn mower that works and made my life so much easier this summer and lawn raking much easier this fall. I was given a better position in the SAO Office to use my gifts to the max, and I successfully "retired" as far as the US government is concerned. You have provided through Quibids for all of our needs, some wants, and also the ability to help others with gift cards and gifts.
Lord, You are a great and gracious God an I love You.
Our Marching Orders
Romans 12:10-18 NLT "Love each other with genuine affection, and take delight in honoring each other. Never be lazy, but work hard and serve the Lord enthusiastically. Rejoice in our confident hope. Be patient in trouble, and keep on praying. When God's people are in need, be ready to help them. Always be eager to practice hospitality. Bless those who persecute you. Don't curse them; pray that God will bless them. Be happy with those who are happy, and weep with those who weep. Live in harmony with each other. Don't be too proud to enjoy the company of ordinary people. And don't think you know it all! Never pay back evil with more evil. Do things in such a way that everyone can see you are honorable. Do all that you can to live in peace with everyone."
- Love each other with genuine affection
- Take delight in honoring each other.
- Never be lazy, but work hard and serve the Lord enthusiastically.
- Rejoice in our confident hope.
- Be patient in trouble, and keep on praying.
- When God's people are in need, be ready to help them.
- Always be eager to practice hospitality.
- Bless those who persecute you.
- Don't curse them; pray that God will bless them.
- Be happy with those who are happy, and weep with those who weep.
- Live in harmony with each other.
- Don't be too proud to enjoy the company of ordinary people.
- And don't think you know it all!
- Never pay back evil with more evil.
- Do things in such a way that everyone can see you are honorable.
- Do all that you can to live in peace with everyone."
Thursday, November 27, 2014
Give Thanks!
[1Ch 16:41 NLT] 41 David also appointed Heman, Jeduthun, and the others chosen by name to give thanks to the LORD, for "his faithful love endures forever."
[2Ch 5:13 NLT] 13 The trumpeters and singers performed together in unison to praise and give thanks to the LORD. Accompanied by trumpets, cymbals, and other instruments, they raised their voices and praised the LORD with these words: "He is good! His faithful love endures forever!"At that moment a thick cloud filled the Temple of the LORD.
[Psa 100:4 NLT] 4 Enter his gates with thanksgiving; go into his courts with praise. Give thanks to him and praise his name.
[Psa 105:1 NLT] 1 Give thanks to the LORD and proclaim his greatness. Let the whole world know what he has done.
[Psa 106:1 NLT] 1 Praise the LORD! Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good! His faithful love endures forever.
[Psa 107:1 NLT] 1 Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good! His faithful love endures forever.
[Psa 118:1 NLT] 1 Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good! His faithful love endures forever.
[Psa 136:3-4, 6-7, 10, 13 NLT] 3 Give thanks to the Lord of lords. His faithful love endures forever. 4 Give thanks to him who alone does mighty miracles. His faithful love endures forever. ... 6 Give thanks to him who placed the earth among the waters. His faithful love endures forever. 7 Give thanks to him who made the heavenly lights--His faithful love endures forever. ... 10 Give thanks to him who killed the firstborn of Egypt. His faithful love endures forever. ... 13 Give thanks to him who parted the Red Sea. His faithful love endures forever.
[Jer 33:11 NLT] 11 the sounds of joy and laughter. The joyful voices of bridegrooms and brides will be heard again, along with the joyous songs of people bringing thanksgiving offerings to the LORD. They will sing, 'Give thanks to the LORD of Heaven's Armies, for the LORD is good. His faithful love endures forever!'For I will restore the prosperity of this land to what it was in the past, says the LORD.
[2Co 1:11 NLT] 11 And you are helping us by praying for us. Then many people will give thanks because God has graciously answered so many prayers for our safety.
[Eph 5:20 NLT] 20 And give thanks for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.
[Col 1:3 NLT] 3 We always pray for you, and we give thanks to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.
[1Ti 2:1 NLT] 1 I urge you, first of all, to pray for all people. Ask God to help them; intercede on their behalf, and give thanks for them.
[Rev 11:17 NLT] 17 And they said, "We give thanks to you, Lord God, the Almighty, the one who is and who always was, for now you have assumed your great power and have begun to reign.
[Psa 30:12 NLT] 12 that I might sing praises to you and not be silent. O LORD my God, I will give you thanks forever!
Enough said! Thanks be to our God and Lord Jesus Christ for his wonderful salvation and all His gifts of grace everyday!
[2Ch 5:13 NLT] 13 The trumpeters and singers performed together in unison to praise and give thanks to the LORD. Accompanied by trumpets, cymbals, and other instruments, they raised their voices and praised the LORD with these words: "He is good! His faithful love endures forever!"At that moment a thick cloud filled the Temple of the LORD.
[Psa 100:4 NLT] 4 Enter his gates with thanksgiving; go into his courts with praise. Give thanks to him and praise his name.
[Psa 105:1 NLT] 1 Give thanks to the LORD and proclaim his greatness. Let the whole world know what he has done.
[Psa 106:1 NLT] 1 Praise the LORD! Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good! His faithful love endures forever.
[Psa 107:1 NLT] 1 Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good! His faithful love endures forever.
[Psa 118:1 NLT] 1 Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good! His faithful love endures forever.
[Psa 136:3-4, 6-7, 10, 13 NLT] 3 Give thanks to the Lord of lords. His faithful love endures forever. 4 Give thanks to him who alone does mighty miracles. His faithful love endures forever. ... 6 Give thanks to him who placed the earth among the waters. His faithful love endures forever. 7 Give thanks to him who made the heavenly lights--His faithful love endures forever. ... 10 Give thanks to him who killed the firstborn of Egypt. His faithful love endures forever. ... 13 Give thanks to him who parted the Red Sea. His faithful love endures forever.
[Jer 33:11 NLT] 11 the sounds of joy and laughter. The joyful voices of bridegrooms and brides will be heard again, along with the joyous songs of people bringing thanksgiving offerings to the LORD. They will sing, 'Give thanks to the LORD of Heaven's Armies, for the LORD is good. His faithful love endures forever!'For I will restore the prosperity of this land to what it was in the past, says the LORD.
[2Co 1:11 NLT] 11 And you are helping us by praying for us. Then many people will give thanks because God has graciously answered so many prayers for our safety.
[Eph 5:20 NLT] 20 And give thanks for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.
[Col 1:3 NLT] 3 We always pray for you, and we give thanks to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.
[1Ti 2:1 NLT] 1 I urge you, first of all, to pray for all people. Ask God to help them; intercede on their behalf, and give thanks for them.
[Rev 11:17 NLT] 17 And they said, "We give thanks to you, Lord God, the Almighty, the one who is and who always was, for now you have assumed your great power and have begun to reign.
[Psa 30:12 NLT] 12 that I might sing praises to you and not be silent. O LORD my God, I will give you thanks forever!
Enough said! Thanks be to our God and Lord Jesus Christ for his wonderful salvation and all His gifts of grace everyday!
Saturday, November 22, 2014
Encouragement From My Lord
Romans 12:2-3 NLT "Don't copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God's will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect. Because of the privilege and authority God has given me, I give each of you this warning: Don't think you are better than you really are. Be honest in your evaluation of yourselves, measuring yourselves by the faith God has given us."
Timi, my beloved blood bought sister,
Do not conform to this world, Timi, but have your mind renewed and transformed each moment of every day with My Word. Don't think too highly of yourself than you ought because that is the sin of pride. You do not need to get into this performance, perfectionist, people pleasing based way of thinking the world presses upon you. That worldview is all wrong! The auditions for My love never did take place and never will. When you get caught up in people pleasing, you start self worship and focus which is idolatry. You are worshiping something and someone other than Me.
I created you to love people and gave you the gift of helps- even your love language is acts of service. However; when you get your focus on your works: whether they are perfect or not, if others appreciate them or not, whether you are rewarded for them or not; step back and look to search what is your real motive. Timi, are you doing the things you do "for the least of these" for Me and My glory, or are you doing them so people will applaud you?
When you try to create a perfect anything, whether food, gifts, or your work, and it does not turn out perfectly the way you expected; search your heart, Timi. Search it to find the real reason you are frustrated and crestfallen. Is it because you are realizing anew that you are not perfect? Is it because you will not get the OOs and AHs you were expecting or hoped for? Remember, I am in control and I may allow these things to keep you from pride. It is because I love you so much and you need to be a humble servant like Me, as I set the example for you.
My dear little sister, remember that nothing will be perfect in the world in which you live, but this is Not your home! Your home, citizenship, rightful inheritance is in Heaven where I live. Only there are ALL things perfection. Do what you can where you are, dear one. Seek to trust and please me with humility and obedience. Remember; only what is done for me will last. Turn your striving into worship instead. Make Me your focus, not who you see looking back at you in the mirror.
Always do your best, Timi, but don't expect perfection. Your best is all I ask of you. Don't cut corners in haste. Time is not your enemy. Anything worth doing is worth doing well for Me- but you live in a fallen broken world so even your best may not look like it to others. Do not let them be your judge! That is my job and I know your heart.
Timi, I love you more than your finite mind can comprehend right now. My ways are not your ways and my thoughts are higher than yours. (Isaiah 55:8-9) So, little sister, trust and believe, trust and obey, trust and let go. Live in the freedom the unconditional love and forgiveness My blood purchased for you. I died for you, remember?
With more love than you know,
Jesus
Timi, my beloved blood bought sister,
Do not conform to this world, Timi, but have your mind renewed and transformed each moment of every day with My Word. Don't think too highly of yourself than you ought because that is the sin of pride. You do not need to get into this performance, perfectionist, people pleasing based way of thinking the world presses upon you. That worldview is all wrong! The auditions for My love never did take place and never will. When you get caught up in people pleasing, you start self worship and focus which is idolatry. You are worshiping something and someone other than Me.
I created you to love people and gave you the gift of helps- even your love language is acts of service. However; when you get your focus on your works: whether they are perfect or not, if others appreciate them or not, whether you are rewarded for them or not; step back and look to search what is your real motive. Timi, are you doing the things you do "for the least of these" for Me and My glory, or are you doing them so people will applaud you?
When you try to create a perfect anything, whether food, gifts, or your work, and it does not turn out perfectly the way you expected; search your heart, Timi. Search it to find the real reason you are frustrated and crestfallen. Is it because you are realizing anew that you are not perfect? Is it because you will not get the OOs and AHs you were expecting or hoped for? Remember, I am in control and I may allow these things to keep you from pride. It is because I love you so much and you need to be a humble servant like Me, as I set the example for you.
My dear little sister, remember that nothing will be perfect in the world in which you live, but this is Not your home! Your home, citizenship, rightful inheritance is in Heaven where I live. Only there are ALL things perfection. Do what you can where you are, dear one. Seek to trust and please me with humility and obedience. Remember; only what is done for me will last. Turn your striving into worship instead. Make Me your focus, not who you see looking back at you in the mirror.
Always do your best, Timi, but don't expect perfection. Your best is all I ask of you. Don't cut corners in haste. Time is not your enemy. Anything worth doing is worth doing well for Me- but you live in a fallen broken world so even your best may not look like it to others. Do not let them be your judge! That is my job and I know your heart.
Timi, I love you more than your finite mind can comprehend right now. My ways are not your ways and my thoughts are higher than yours. (Isaiah 55:8-9) So, little sister, trust and believe, trust and obey, trust and let go. Live in the freedom the unconditional love and forgiveness My blood purchased for you. I died for you, remember?
With more love than you know,
Jesus
Tuesday, November 11, 2014
What's in a Day?
Ephesians 1:18-20 NLT "I pray that your hearts will be flooded with light so that you can understand the confident hope he has given to those he called--his holy people who are his rich and glorious inheritance. I also pray that you will understand the incredible greatness of God's power for us who believe him. This is the same mighty power that raised Christ from the dead and seated him in the place of honor at God's right hand in the heavenly realms.?"
Lord,
I never know what a day will bring. Yesterday we learned another student had been killed in the train trestle over the James River. One dead, another badly injured. Oh the grief! Please comfort the families and all those who knew them. Please instill in young ones what You said to Satan in the wilderness, "It is written: "You shall not tempt the Lord thy God." I know we are created with free will, but Lord, please send some big strong angels to that place to keep others out. You did it in the Garden, You can do it again.
Then we learned of a plane crash in which all passengers were killed. The plane held a pastor and his wife and the youth pastor, his wife, and their two year old baby from the Bahamas. they were flying to a Bible Conference.
Then I learned that You had done an amazing thing. You made it possible for Tom and Maggie to get a much needed minivan in an extraordinary way.
A sweet sister brought my pie plate back filled with scripture cards, not pie! What a sweet gift! It is the Bread of life with no calories!
You led several students to me that had big problems we were able to solve and untie their knots and they went away rejoicing thanks to You!
When I returned home, my wonderful hubby helped with dinner and took care of the dishes while I did laundry. What a special gift he is to me. Thank You, Lord!
And I found that a needy student had called my home looking for me. He was sick and was asking me to help him get to the doctor, but I was not home, and did not get his message until after work was done. I pray You helped him, Lord.
Precious Lord,
I praise You and thank You that I never walk through my day alone. You are ever present and give strength, grace, mercy, and wisdom as I need them. It is futility to look into my future and to wonder what will happen and if I will have the strength and resources I will need to do Your will for the day.
You have promised to never leave me or forsake me, You pray and intercede for me daily to the Father, and have promised to provide all my needs "according to your glorious riches in Christ Jesus!"
Lord,
I never know what a day will bring. Yesterday we learned another student had been killed in the train trestle over the James River. One dead, another badly injured. Oh the grief! Please comfort the families and all those who knew them. Please instill in young ones what You said to Satan in the wilderness, "It is written: "You shall not tempt the Lord thy God." I know we are created with free will, but Lord, please send some big strong angels to that place to keep others out. You did it in the Garden, You can do it again.
Then we learned of a plane crash in which all passengers were killed. The plane held a pastor and his wife and the youth pastor, his wife, and their two year old baby from the Bahamas. they were flying to a Bible Conference.
Then I learned that You had done an amazing thing. You made it possible for Tom and Maggie to get a much needed minivan in an extraordinary way.
A sweet sister brought my pie plate back filled with scripture cards, not pie! What a sweet gift! It is the Bread of life with no calories!
You led several students to me that had big problems we were able to solve and untie their knots and they went away rejoicing thanks to You!
When I returned home, my wonderful hubby helped with dinner and took care of the dishes while I did laundry. What a special gift he is to me. Thank You, Lord!
And I found that a needy student had called my home looking for me. He was sick and was asking me to help him get to the doctor, but I was not home, and did not get his message until after work was done. I pray You helped him, Lord.
Precious Lord,
I praise You and thank You that I never walk through my day alone. You are ever present and give strength, grace, mercy, and wisdom as I need them. It is futility to look into my future and to wonder what will happen and if I will have the strength and resources I will need to do Your will for the day.
You have promised to never leave me or forsake me, You pray and intercede for me daily to the Father, and have promised to provide all my needs "according to your glorious riches in Christ Jesus!"
Thursday, November 6, 2014
Love and Trust or Fear? Which Will Do First?
Romans 8:34-35 NLT "Who then will condemn us? No one--for Christ Jesus died for us and was raised to life for us, and he is sitting in the place of honor at God's right hand, pleading for us. Can anything ever separate us from Christ's love? Does it mean he no longer loves us if we have trouble or calamity, or are persecuted, or hungry, or destitute, or in danger, or threatened with death?"
Hebrews 5:8-9 NIV "Son though he was, he learned obedience from what he suffered and, once made perfect, he became the source of eternal salvation for all who obey him..."
Oh, Lord!
You have again been teaching me not to fear. I have to say that it has been not as easy as I thought it would be. You have given me tests and I must confess, I have not done as well as I had hoped.
Monday night was the first test. My husband always has lights on in the house and the front porch when I come home in the evening, especially if I am coming home late from choir. Sunday AM we turned the clocks back to EST from DST. Now when I leave work at 6, it is dark already. Monday night I came home to a totally dark house. Of course the Enemy tried to immediately imagine the worst. Dick's car was in the driveway. But, I pulled the car so I could find my way to the front porch and get into the house clicking lights on as I went.
Lord, I must say I was SO relieved to walk to the bedroom and find my precious hubby awaking from a nap!
Yesterday at work I got an email regarding a dear one that was in ICU again. Again, the Enemy wanted me to think the worst, and I did. I left the office crying to walk and pray- and You led me to a wonderful "Sister" in another office who took 10 minutes to pray for and with me such a powerful and believing prayer. I was able to walk out of the office refreshed ad encouraged to be able to finish my day and go to a wonderful worship time.
I know I am learning obedience just as You did. Suffering will not be withheld from me because I am one of yours.
Fear is all around me, in the media, in the economy, crime on the streets of our towns, horrible accidents, fires, floods, drought, fierce storms outside and within families. Lord, nothing can separate me from You and Your love. May I make this my first thought...not the final after everything else.
Hebrews 5:8-9 NIV "Son though he was, he learned obedience from what he suffered and, once made perfect, he became the source of eternal salvation for all who obey him..."
Oh, Lord!
You have again been teaching me not to fear. I have to say that it has been not as easy as I thought it would be. You have given me tests and I must confess, I have not done as well as I had hoped.
Monday night was the first test. My husband always has lights on in the house and the front porch when I come home in the evening, especially if I am coming home late from choir. Sunday AM we turned the clocks back to EST from DST. Now when I leave work at 6, it is dark already. Monday night I came home to a totally dark house. Of course the Enemy tried to immediately imagine the worst. Dick's car was in the driveway. But, I pulled the car so I could find my way to the front porch and get into the house clicking lights on as I went.
Lord, I must say I was SO relieved to walk to the bedroom and find my precious hubby awaking from a nap!
Yesterday at work I got an email regarding a dear one that was in ICU again. Again, the Enemy wanted me to think the worst, and I did. I left the office crying to walk and pray- and You led me to a wonderful "Sister" in another office who took 10 minutes to pray for and with me such a powerful and believing prayer. I was able to walk out of the office refreshed ad encouraged to be able to finish my day and go to a wonderful worship time.
I know I am learning obedience just as You did. Suffering will not be withheld from me because I am one of yours.
Fear is all around me, in the media, in the economy, crime on the streets of our towns, horrible accidents, fires, floods, drought, fierce storms outside and within families. Lord, nothing can separate me from You and Your love. May I make this my first thought...not the final after everything else.
Thursday, October 30, 2014
Released from Dark Thoughts!
Phl 4:1, 8-9 "Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, stay true to the Lord. I love you and long to see you, dear friends, for you are my joy and the crown I receive for my work. ... And now, dear brothers and sisters, one final thing. Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise. Keep putting into practice all you learned and received from me--everything you heard from me and saw me doing. Then the God of peace will be with you."
My Dearest Savior and Lord,
I long to put this into practice all day every day of the rest of my life. There is so much nagativity thrown at us everyday no matter where we are or what we are doing, it is hard to maintain a positive and pure thought life. The news is very disturbing, and one cannot turn on the TV without being sucked into sexy commercials even in a family type show.
Personally, Lord, You have convicted me to stay off the Social Media for this purpose. It is not only the unwanted ads but some pists are very disturbing from others than family. But also the fact that so much of my time is spent on things that do not have Kingdom importance. I need to fill my waking moments with Your Word, worthy music, literature that feeds the soul, and being with others who share Your passion face to face; sharing You with those around me. I cannot do that on a computer.
Precious Lord, I never want to go backwards in my walk with you, but always be advancing. I cannot allow myself to be distracted or I will never have Your peace.
I've Changed
My Dearest Savior and Lord,
I long to put this into practice all day every day of the rest of my life. There is so much nagativity thrown at us everyday no matter where we are or what we are doing, it is hard to maintain a positive and pure thought life. The news is very disturbing, and one cannot turn on the TV without being sucked into sexy commercials even in a family type show.
Personally, Lord, You have convicted me to stay off the Social Media for this purpose. It is not only the unwanted ads but some pists are very disturbing from others than family. But also the fact that so much of my time is spent on things that do not have Kingdom importance. I need to fill my waking moments with Your Word, worthy music, literature that feeds the soul, and being with others who share Your passion face to face; sharing You with those around me. I cannot do that on a computer.
Precious Lord, I never want to go backwards in my walk with you, but always be advancing. I cannot allow myself to be distracted or I will never have Your peace.
I've Changed
Monday, October 27, 2014
Free Will or Not? That is My Question
Romans 8:28b-30 NLT "those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them. For God knew his people in advance, and he chose them to become like his Son, so that his Son would be the firstborn among many brothers and sisters. And having chosen them, he called them to come to him. And having called them, he gave them right standing with himself. And having given them right standing, he gave them his glory."
Infinite, all-knowing Lord,
There are parts of the rest of Romans 8 and 9 that are hard for me to understand. Obviously the parts that are positive for me now that I am a true believer are wonderful and I thank You for Your grace and mercy. However; the parts that tell of how You choose some for damnation (Pharaoh, and Esau) and some for salvation butts heads with John 3:16 "For God so loved the world that He gave his only begotten Son that whosoever believes in Him will have everlasting life.", and other passages where You tell me that because I am made in Your image, I have the free will to chose You or not.
I know that this book was written to the Gentile believers in Rome.
Romans 1:6-7 NLT "And you are included among those Gentiles who have been called to belong to Jesus Christ. I am writing to all of you in Rome who are loved by God and are called to be his own holy people. May God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ give you grace and peace." Since I am a Gentile, this is exciting that Your salvation is not for Jews only.
My question is, did I have free will or not? Is Your blood sufficient for all and only efficient for others? If so; it would seem that not only should I be eternally grateful, but also smug to be a "chosen one". If only the chosen will come to You, why do You give us the Great Commission?
Dearest Lord, I know You do not mind me asking these questions for You know I have a finite mind and I am glad for that. I also know that ALL of Your Word is true and I must never just take out the parts I like and ignore the parts I do not like or understand. Help me, Holy Spirit, my comforter and teacher, to understand.
Infinite, all-knowing Lord,
There are parts of the rest of Romans 8 and 9 that are hard for me to understand. Obviously the parts that are positive for me now that I am a true believer are wonderful and I thank You for Your grace and mercy. However; the parts that tell of how You choose some for damnation (Pharaoh, and Esau) and some for salvation butts heads with John 3:16 "For God so loved the world that He gave his only begotten Son that whosoever believes in Him will have everlasting life.", and other passages where You tell me that because I am made in Your image, I have the free will to chose You or not.
I know that this book was written to the Gentile believers in Rome.
Romans 1:6-7 NLT "And you are included among those Gentiles who have been called to belong to Jesus Christ. I am writing to all of you in Rome who are loved by God and are called to be his own holy people. May God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ give you grace and peace." Since I am a Gentile, this is exciting that Your salvation is not for Jews only.
My question is, did I have free will or not? Is Your blood sufficient for all and only efficient for others? If so; it would seem that not only should I be eternally grateful, but also smug to be a "chosen one". If only the chosen will come to You, why do You give us the Great Commission?
Dearest Lord, I know You do not mind me asking these questions for You know I have a finite mind and I am glad for that. I also know that ALL of Your Word is true and I must never just take out the parts I like and ignore the parts I do not like or understand. Help me, Holy Spirit, my comforter and teacher, to understand.
Friday, October 24, 2014
In Harmony with God's Own Will
Romans 8:27-28 "And the Father who knows all hearts knows what the Spirit is saying, for the Spirit pleads for us believers in harmony with God's own will. And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them."
Sweet Lord,
You showed me today that these two verses should never be separated. Verse 28 is always quoted alone, especially when someone is going through a rough path in the journey or has suffered a tragedy.
The fact that, "Father who knows all hearts" is not brought up. Lord, at any given time, what is in our hearts may not be the best. We forget the part that, "the Spirit pleads for us believers in harmony with God's own will." not ours. You may allow something in my life or the life of my family to bring good to others, not necessarily to me. For instance, if a believer is killed or seriously injured as Jennifer Barak was by a drunk driver, good things came of it as the "Family" came together and her family started a ministry that creates awareness, shows unmerited forgiveness, and blessings to others. You allowed things to happen to Lance and Dick to teach Your body how to lovingly minister to others in the body.
Lord, I want to be wholly Yours in everything, every day so as You know my heart, the Spirit may pray and plead for me according to Your perfect will!
Search me
Sweet Lord,
You showed me today that these two verses should never be separated. Verse 28 is always quoted alone, especially when someone is going through a rough path in the journey or has suffered a tragedy.
The fact that, "Father who knows all hearts" is not brought up. Lord, at any given time, what is in our hearts may not be the best. We forget the part that, "the Spirit pleads for us believers in harmony with God's own will." not ours. You may allow something in my life or the life of my family to bring good to others, not necessarily to me. For instance, if a believer is killed or seriously injured as Jennifer Barak was by a drunk driver, good things came of it as the "Family" came together and her family started a ministry that creates awareness, shows unmerited forgiveness, and blessings to others. You allowed things to happen to Lance and Dick to teach Your body how to lovingly minister to others in the body.
Lord, I want to be wholly Yours in everything, every day so as You know my heart, the Spirit may pray and plead for me according to Your perfect will!
Search me
Thursday, October 23, 2014
An Amazing God!
Romans 8:26-27 NLT "And the Holy Spirit helps us in our weakness. For example, we don't know what God wants us to pray for. But the Holy Spirit prays for us with groanings that cannot be expressed in words. And the Father who knows all hearts knows what the Spirit is saying, for the Spirit pleads for us believers in harmony with God's own will."
Oh, Lord!
I sit here this morning thoroughly amazed and in true awe! I have "known" that Your Spirit Spirit intercedes for me; today but today it finally sunk in deeply! ( I guess I have been a little slow on the uptake...about 40 years late!)
Oh, God! Not only have You saved my miserable soul and forgiven me of all my sins, but You live within me all day everyday...Your very Spirit part of the Godhead, triune, unchanging, perfectly holy, everlasting, just, creator and sustainer of all is, was, or ever shall be is within me, and is with me all day every day.
Today, however, for the very first time, really came to understand that not only are You with me all day every day, but You Spirit-God are praying to Father-God for me! God praying to God for ME in groanings that cannot be expressed in words and You plead for ME when I don't even know what to pray!
That is almost too much for the human brain to wrap itself around to understand, and I will never be able to earn or deserve that kind of love, grace, or mercy. But I can thank You with all my heart, soul, mind, and strength and make myself available to do Your perfect will whatever that is.
10000 Reasons
Oh, Lord!
I sit here this morning thoroughly amazed and in true awe! I have "known" that Your Spirit Spirit intercedes for me; today but today it finally sunk in deeply! ( I guess I have been a little slow on the uptake...about 40 years late!)
Oh, God! Not only have You saved my miserable soul and forgiven me of all my sins, but You live within me all day everyday...Your very Spirit part of the Godhead, triune, unchanging, perfectly holy, everlasting, just, creator and sustainer of all is, was, or ever shall be is within me, and is with me all day every day.
Today, however, for the very first time, really came to understand that not only are You with me all day every day, but You Spirit-God are praying to Father-God for me! God praying to God for ME in groanings that cannot be expressed in words and You plead for ME when I don't even know what to pray!
That is almost too much for the human brain to wrap itself around to understand, and I will never be able to earn or deserve that kind of love, grace, or mercy. But I can thank You with all my heart, soul, mind, and strength and make myself available to do Your perfect will whatever that is.
10000 Reasons
Real Hope!
Romans 8:22-25 NLT "For we know that all creation has been groaning as in the pains of childbirth right up to the present time. And we believers also groan, even though we have the Holy Spirit within us as a foretaste of future glory, for we long for our bodies to be released from sin and suffering. We, too, wait with eager hope for the day when God will give us our full rights as his adopted children, including the new bodies he has promised us. We were given this hope when we were saved. (If we already have something, we don't need to hope for it. But if we look forward to something we don't yet have, we must wait patiently and confidently.)"
Sweet Lord!
Hope! You have created us so we cannot really live without hope. If I am in the very worst situation and have hope, I will survive, and may even thrive, because of what You have promised. I must admit, waiting for the promise to be fulfilled can be hard sometimes, but as I come back to Your promise, my HOPE is re-kindled.
Thank You So very much, Lord.
Amazing Grace
Sweet Lord!
Hope! You have created us so we cannot really live without hope. If I am in the very worst situation and have hope, I will survive, and may even thrive, because of what You have promised. I must admit, waiting for the promise to be fulfilled can be hard sometimes, but as I come back to Your promise, my HOPE is re-kindled.
Thank You So very much, Lord.
Amazing Grace
Tuesday, October 21, 2014
A Foretaste of Future Glory
Romans 8:19-23 "For all creation is waiting eagerly for that future day when God will reveal who his children really are. Against its will, all creation was subjected to God's curse. But with eager hope, the creation looks forward to the day when it will join God's children in glorious freedom from death and decay. For we know that all creation has been groaning as in the pains of childbirth right up to the present time. And we believers also groan, even though we have the Holy Spirit within us as a foretaste of future glory, for we long for our bodies to be released from sin and suffering. We, too, wait with eager hope for the day when God will give us our full rights as his adopted children, including the new bodies he has promised us."
Lord, You tell us that there will come a day, and this is our blessed hope, that we will have a resurrection body and will live in a new heaven and new earth, created as it was before the fall of man.
Hallelujah!
No More:
Lord, You tell us that there will come a day, and this is our blessed hope, that we will have a resurrection body and will live in a new heaven and new earth, created as it was before the fall of man.
Hallelujah!
No More:
- dead limbs and leaves to remove from the yard
- no more painting and updating plumbing or electrical in our deteriating houses built by man, asYou are preparing a place for us.
- having to make car repairs
- having to replace garments as ours will be a robe of white
- stock market crashes or inflation as there will be no money to worry about
- corrupt leaders and governments as You will rule and reign
- need for hospitals, addition centers, surgery centers, rehab facilities or nursing homes
- need for doctors, nurses, chiropractors, psychiatrists or psychologists, EMTs, CPA, or lifeguards
- birth defects, down syndrome, SP, MD, CF,MS or any other acronyms
- Ebola, Aids, Bird Flu, West Nile Virus, Lyme's Disease, Swine flu, Asian flu, COPD, heart disease, cancer, pneumonia, ear infections or infections and viruses of any kind, no deformities or retardation because You are the Great Physician.
- need for armies, police, State Troopers, judges or juries and prisons, traffic tickets and towing of any kind
- aging process that robs us of our ability to serve You and one another
- terrorists, wild fires, earthquakes, hurricanes, tornadoes, derechos, cyclones, typhoons, and no more Tsunamis.
- no more mauling of humans by animals, and no more need to hunt or fish (thins might make some unhappy) :o)
- guns, bombs, or munitions of any kind
Friday, October 17, 2014
Stay Out of the "But What If" Closet!
Luke 12:22, 25-26, 30-32 "Then, turning to his disciples, Jesus said, "That is why I tell you not to worry about everyday life--whether you have enough food to eat or enough clothes to wear. ... Can all your worries add a single moment to your life? And if worry can't accomplish a little thing like that, what's the use of worrying over bigger things? ... These things dominate the thoughts of unbelievers all over the world, but your Father already knows your needs. Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and he will give you everything you need. "So don't be afraid, little flock. For it gives your Father great happiness to give you the Kingdom.
Ephesians 3:20-21 "Now all glory to God, who is able, through his mighty power at work within us, to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think. 21 Glory to him in the church and in Christ Jesus through all generations forever and ever! Amen."
Luke 12:28 "And if God cares so wonderfully for flowers that are here today and thrown into the fire tomorrow, he will certainly care for you. Why do you have so little faith?"
"Anxiety is a result of envisioning the future without Me" Jesus Calling.
Panic attacks, anxiety disorders, fears, phobias, inordinate fear fueled by sensationalism media and the performance driven mentality along with constant worry have become Your church's acceptable sins. As Sarah Young writes, "you have become accustomed to being god of your fantasies."
These things have become like unwanted but welcomes stalkers going everywhere with us clinging like static to our very being.
You say, 'Why do you have so little faith?" and tell us of the futility of this thinking and liken it to being pagan.
Satan our enemy has again deceived many just like he did Eve making us doubt You and Your Word!
Sweet Lord, keep me from going to the "But What If" closet as I clothe myself for the day, but to put on Your cloak of trust, undergarments of contentment, and the Armour of God!
My Hiding Place
Ephesians 3:20-21 "Now all glory to God, who is able, through his mighty power at work within us, to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think. 21 Glory to him in the church and in Christ Jesus through all generations forever and ever! Amen."
Luke 12:28 "And if God cares so wonderfully for flowers that are here today and thrown into the fire tomorrow, he will certainly care for you. Why do you have so little faith?"
"Anxiety is a result of envisioning the future without Me" Jesus Calling.
Panic attacks, anxiety disorders, fears, phobias, inordinate fear fueled by sensationalism media and the performance driven mentality along with constant worry have become Your church's acceptable sins. As Sarah Young writes, "you have become accustomed to being god of your fantasies."
These things have become like unwanted but welcomes stalkers going everywhere with us clinging like static to our very being.
You say, 'Why do you have so little faith?" and tell us of the futility of this thinking and liken it to being pagan.
Satan our enemy has again deceived many just like he did Eve making us doubt You and Your Word!
Sweet Lord, keep me from going to the "But What If" closet as I clothe myself for the day, but to put on Your cloak of trust, undergarments of contentment, and the Armour of God!
My Hiding Place
Thursday, October 16, 2014
Look to Jesus Continually for Help
Psalm 34:4-7 "I prayed to the LORD, and he answered me. He freed me from all my fears. Those who look to him for help will be radiant with joy; no shadow of shame will darken their faces. In my desperation I prayed, and the LORD listened; he saved me from all my troubles. For the angel of the LORD is a guard; he surrounds and defends all who fear him."
Psalm 105:4-5 "Search for the LORD and for his strength; continually seek him. Remember the wonders he has performed, his miracles, and the rulings he has given,"
1Corinthians 1:3-4 "May God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ give you grace and peace. I always thank my God for you and for the gracious gifts he has given you, now that you belong to Christ Jesus."
Lord, the first thing I read this morning said, "Look to Me continually for help, comfort, and companionship." Jesus Calling by Sarah Young.
Lord, we are a hurting and sometimes very lonely people even in the midst of a crowd. One "may" feel all alone when there are over 18,000 here on campus and there are many in churches all over the United States. They may have been deeply wounded, and feel they cannot go on. They are horribly injured, dealing with dibilitating illnesses and ship wrecked relationships, abuse, and the list goes on and on.
Lord, we tend to go to others for our comfort, help, and campanionship. Others fail us or do not have the time or wisdom for us. They may be just too busy drealing with their own issues. BUT YOU, Lord, are always with us. You are always accessible, always patient, always tenderhearted, and understanding. You are the all wise counselor. You have granted some with the gift of mercy and have provided good trainng in a limited way so we might seek help from one another. But YOU, YOU, Lord. our SAVIOR:all knowing, all powerful, all wise, and full of lovingkindness and mercy are with us ALWAYS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Oh, Lord, help us ...help ME to always come to You!
He'll Hold You
Psalm 105:4-5 "Search for the LORD and for his strength; continually seek him. Remember the wonders he has performed, his miracles, and the rulings he has given,"
1Corinthians 1:3-4 "May God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ give you grace and peace. I always thank my God for you and for the gracious gifts he has given you, now that you belong to Christ Jesus."
Lord, the first thing I read this morning said, "Look to Me continually for help, comfort, and companionship." Jesus Calling by Sarah Young.
Lord, we are a hurting and sometimes very lonely people even in the midst of a crowd. One "may" feel all alone when there are over 18,000 here on campus and there are many in churches all over the United States. They may have been deeply wounded, and feel they cannot go on. They are horribly injured, dealing with dibilitating illnesses and ship wrecked relationships, abuse, and the list goes on and on.
Lord, we tend to go to others for our comfort, help, and campanionship. Others fail us or do not have the time or wisdom for us. They may be just too busy drealing with their own issues. BUT YOU, Lord, are always with us. You are always accessible, always patient, always tenderhearted, and understanding. You are the all wise counselor. You have granted some with the gift of mercy and have provided good trainng in a limited way so we might seek help from one another. But YOU, YOU, Lord. our SAVIOR:all knowing, all powerful, all wise, and full of lovingkindness and mercy are with us ALWAYS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Oh, Lord, help us ...help ME to always come to You!
He'll Hold You
Wednesday, October 15, 2014
Our Suffering is Not for Nothing
Romans 8:17-18 "And since we are his children, we are his heirs. In fact, together with Christ we are heirs of God's glory. But if we are to share his glory, we must also share his suffering. Yet what we suffer now is nothing compared to the glory he will reveal to us later."
Oh, Lord! What a great an wonderful promise! You help me to understand that the suffering I endure will actually accomplish something. When I was pregnant and then delivered my babies, it was not without pain and suffering. The months of morning sickness, the backaches and the labors were intense, but when those new babies came into the world and drew their first breaths, it was well worth it and all of the suffering was forgotten.
So, I need to keep reminding myself daily that what I suffer is not for no good purpose. Lord the whole creation groans under the curse. BUT at sometime known only to the Father; You will come back to get us children and take us home. Then after You dispose of our enemies; You will give us a new heaven and a new earth to live in forever! Hallelujah, AMEN! Now THAT"S something to look forward to.
To think that our suffering, which has been great and if things go on as they look like it will increase, will not even compare to the glory You will reveal to us is far above my ability to grasp...but I believe it because You say it!
THANK YOU, LORD!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Late addition:
Lord, I had no idea in the morning what You were going to do with this verse! I will not list them all here. Suffice it to say You blessed 10 people through that verse: students, parents, co-workers, and mu dear husband.
Lord, I am still trying to understand the last part of this verse and what it really means. The glory revealed In us...not To us...that I could understand as you are Glory personified and I know I will seeyou face to face someday.
Who Am I
Oh, Lord! What a great an wonderful promise! You help me to understand that the suffering I endure will actually accomplish something. When I was pregnant and then delivered my babies, it was not without pain and suffering. The months of morning sickness, the backaches and the labors were intense, but when those new babies came into the world and drew their first breaths, it was well worth it and all of the suffering was forgotten.
So, I need to keep reminding myself daily that what I suffer is not for no good purpose. Lord the whole creation groans under the curse. BUT at sometime known only to the Father; You will come back to get us children and take us home. Then after You dispose of our enemies; You will give us a new heaven and a new earth to live in forever! Hallelujah, AMEN! Now THAT"S something to look forward to.
To think that our suffering, which has been great and if things go on as they look like it will increase, will not even compare to the glory You will reveal to us is far above my ability to grasp...but I believe it because You say it!
THANK YOU, LORD!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Late addition:
Lord, I had no idea in the morning what You were going to do with this verse! I will not list them all here. Suffice it to say You blessed 10 people through that verse: students, parents, co-workers, and mu dear husband.
Lord, I am still trying to understand the last part of this verse and what it really means. The glory revealed In us...not To us...that I could understand as you are Glory personified and I know I will seeyou face to face someday.
Who Am I
Tuesday, October 14, 2014
Don't Lose or Harden Your Heart!
Romans 8:9-11 "You, however, are not in the realm of the flesh but are in the realm of the Spirit, if indeed the Spirit of God lives in you. And if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, they do not belong to Christ. But if Christ is in you, then even though your body is subject to death because of sin, the Spirit gives life because of righteousness. And if the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead is living in you, he who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies because of his Spirit who lives in you."
Hebrews 3:12-14 "See to it, brothers and sisters, that none of you has a sinful, unbelieving heart that turns away from the living God. But encourage one another daily, as long as it is called "Today," so that none of you may be hardened by sin's deceitfulness. We have come to share in Christ, if indeed we hold our original conviction firmly to the very end."
Sweet Savior and Lord, I praise You for who You are, not just what You have done. You are the One God above all gods, holy, righteous, living, infinite, truth, just, merciful and gracious all rolled into one. Only You could save us from Hell, death, and the grave and break the power of sin in our lives!
The Evil One tries daily to make us blame You for the evil in the world and for the bad things that happen to us. We are asked by unbelievers,"How can a God be all of those wonderful things and yet still allow cancer, wars, Ebola, plagues of every kind, pestilence, and horrid atrocities, and natural disasters to happen?" Their hearts are so hard against the truth that because of the sin of Adam, we are all under the curse. You did not leave us without warning that the longer the earth exists the stronger sin's curse will become. All creation groans under its weight because of the sin of rebellion against You. In the beginning, You did not create the world as it exists today. It was peaceful, beautiful, and perfect in every way.
Lord, there is a huge storm coming north and south across our whole nation that is causing high winds, tornadoes, torrential rain, death and disaster in its wake. Last night we were warned there may be another Derecho here in VA tonight and tomorrow.
I need to be encouraging others within the family to not lose heart when calamity strikes, but to remember your great salvation and encourage them with the Truth that You are still on the Throne and are in complete control...and We win in the end! I need to live with an attitude of gratitude no matter what comes my way because I do not even deserve my next breath, let alone all You provide for me daily.
Lord, I got out the piece of wood with 140 blessings written on it from the first Derecho we had and put it again in a place of prominence as a reminder...an "altar pile of stones" as it were, to Your protection and provision You provided us. Thank You again and again for all Your wondrous works!
Monday, October 13, 2014
Free Those Who All Their Lives Were Held in Slavery By Their Fear of Death
Romans 8:14-15 "For those who are led by the Spirit of God are the children of God. The Spirit you received does not make you slaves, so that you live in fear again; rather, the Spirit you received brought about your adoption to sonship. And by him we cry, "Abba, Father."
Hebrews 2:14-15 "Since the children have flesh and blood, he too shared in their humanity so that by his death he might break the power of him who holds the power of death--that is, the devil-- and free those who all their lives were held in slavery by their fear of death."
Oh, Lord, Thank You for relieving me from my fear of death. As a child I heard a horrible song about what happens to the body after death and was terrified for most of my formative years.
The day I trusted You as Savior and Lored, You took that away. You made me realize that My soul will never die and will leave this body behind and will be, "absent from the body, and to be present with the Lord." 2Co 5:8
AS a bleiever, I need not fear death as it is my transport from this foriegn land of death , sin, and destruction into my heavenly home to be face to face with You. However; I would be lying if I said I was not somewhat afraid of the dying process. Most of us want to die suddenly in our sleep. However; reading the stories of the martyrs past and present, and with the unrest in our world, and now in our own country with ISIS beheading anf torture of Christians, dibilitating illnesses on the rise, and Ebola Virus, just to name a couple of things, the prospect of a long slow painful death is not at all appealing and can be terrifying if I let the devil get the foothold.
I praise You, Lord, that in that time, I KNOW You will give grace in abundance, and I pray with all that is within me that You will be glorified in it all. If need be, I want to be like Stephen before he was stoned. I KNOW I can cry out to You, my "Daddy" to remind me that they can do what they want to this body, but they cannot touch the soul within that belongs to You. You know suffereing more than I do as You went through ultimate suffereing to pay the wages for my sin.
May this be my song:
10000 Reasons
Hebrews 2:14-15 "Since the children have flesh and blood, he too shared in their humanity so that by his death he might break the power of him who holds the power of death--that is, the devil-- and free those who all their lives were held in slavery by their fear of death."
Oh, Lord, Thank You for relieving me from my fear of death. As a child I heard a horrible song about what happens to the body after death and was terrified for most of my formative years.
The day I trusted You as Savior and Lored, You took that away. You made me realize that My soul will never die and will leave this body behind and will be, "absent from the body, and to be present with the Lord." 2Co 5:8
AS a bleiever, I need not fear death as it is my transport from this foriegn land of death , sin, and destruction into my heavenly home to be face to face with You. However; I would be lying if I said I was not somewhat afraid of the dying process. Most of us want to die suddenly in our sleep. However; reading the stories of the martyrs past and present, and with the unrest in our world, and now in our own country with ISIS beheading anf torture of Christians, dibilitating illnesses on the rise, and Ebola Virus, just to name a couple of things, the prospect of a long slow painful death is not at all appealing and can be terrifying if I let the devil get the foothold.
I praise You, Lord, that in that time, I KNOW You will give grace in abundance, and I pray with all that is within me that You will be glorified in it all. If need be, I want to be like Stephen before he was stoned. I KNOW I can cry out to You, my "Daddy" to remind me that they can do what they want to this body, but they cannot touch the soul within that belongs to You. You know suffereing more than I do as You went through ultimate suffereing to pay the wages for my sin.
May this be my song:
10000 Reasons
Friday, October 10, 2014
Romans 8:1-2 Q&A
Romans 8:1-2
"Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit who gives life has set you free from the law of sin and death." (NIV emphasis is mine)
Hallelujah, Lord! I praise You today and always for your loving-kindness to me a wretched sinner.
Romans 5:8 "But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us."
Romans 8:34 "Who then is the one who condemns? No one. Christ Jesus who died--more than that, who was raised to life--is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us."
Lord, this world is not my home as now I am a citizen of Heaven even though I am still on this earth.
Philippians 3:20 "But our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ,"
Will I still sin in the foreign land? Unfortunately, yes.
We just dealt with that yesterday.
Am I forgiven? YES!
You paid the price for all sin:
John 3:16-17 " For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him."
Will all people accept Your forgiveness and great salvation? No.
Some may choose to trample Your precious live giving blood under their feet and ignore so great a salvation.
John 8:18 "Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because they have not believed in the name of God's one and only Son."
Will I sin in heaven? NO! THANK YOU, LORD!
God and sin cannot abide together anywhere as He is holy, and when this earthly body dies, the sin nature will die with it. I will be given a new resurrection body!
1Corinthians 15:42 "So will it be with the resurrection of the dead. The body that is sown is perishable, it is raised imperishable;"
Do I need to daily confess and repent of the sins I commit or the good I do not do? ABSOLUTELY!
1John 1:9-10 "If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. If we claim we have not sinned, we make him out to be a liar and his word is not in us."
This restores our fellowship and enables me to be empowered by Your Holy Spirit to accomplish Your will. Like a rebellious child who comes to the parent in true contrition and asks for forgiveness the fellowship is restored.
Oh, Lord, that we, Your children would understand the truth of these verses. So many of Your blood bought children live in self condemnation, and some even after they have come to You for forgiveness. This is very sad, and in itself is sin because it is a sin of mistrust and unbelief.
Holy Father keep me from this sin!
"Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit who gives life has set you free from the law of sin and death." (NIV emphasis is mine)
Hallelujah, Lord! I praise You today and always for your loving-kindness to me a wretched sinner.
Romans 5:8 "But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us."
Romans 8:34 "Who then is the one who condemns? No one. Christ Jesus who died--more than that, who was raised to life--is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us."
Lord, this world is not my home as now I am a citizen of Heaven even though I am still on this earth.
Philippians 3:20 "But our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ,"
Will I still sin in the foreign land? Unfortunately, yes.
We just dealt with that yesterday.
Am I forgiven? YES!
You paid the price for all sin:
John 3:16-17 " For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him."
Will all people accept Your forgiveness and great salvation? No.
Some may choose to trample Your precious live giving blood under their feet and ignore so great a salvation.
John 8:18 "Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because they have not believed in the name of God's one and only Son."
Will I sin in heaven? NO! THANK YOU, LORD!
God and sin cannot abide together anywhere as He is holy, and when this earthly body dies, the sin nature will die with it. I will be given a new resurrection body!
1Corinthians 15:42 "So will it be with the resurrection of the dead. The body that is sown is perishable, it is raised imperishable;"
Do I need to daily confess and repent of the sins I commit or the good I do not do? ABSOLUTELY!
1John 1:9-10 "If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. If we claim we have not sinned, we make him out to be a liar and his word is not in us."
This restores our fellowship and enables me to be empowered by Your Holy Spirit to accomplish Your will. Like a rebellious child who comes to the parent in true contrition and asks for forgiveness the fellowship is restored.
Oh, Lord, that we, Your children would understand the truth of these verses. So many of Your blood bought children live in self condemnation, and some even after they have come to You for forgiveness. This is very sad, and in itself is sin because it is a sin of mistrust and unbelief.
Holy Father keep me from this sin!
Thursday, October 9, 2014
The War Within
Romans 7:14-25 "So the trouble is not with the law, for it is spiritual and good. The trouble is with me, for I am all too human, a slave to sin. I don't really understand myself, for I want to do what is right, but I don't do it. Instead, I do what I hate. But if I know that what I am doing is wrong, this shows that I agree that the law is good. So I am not the one doing wrong; it is sin living in me that does it. And I know that nothing good lives in me, that is, in my sinful nature. I want to do what is right, but I can't. I want to do what is good, but I don't. I don't want to do what is wrong, but I do it anyway. But if I do what I don't want to do, I am not really the one doing wrong; it is sin living in me that does it. I have discovered this principle of life--that when I want to do what is right, I inevitably do what is wrong. I love God's law with all my heart. But there is another power within me that is at war with my mind. This power makes me a slave to the sin that is still within me. Oh, what a miserable person I am! Who will free me from this life that is dominated by sin and death? Thank God! The answer is in Jesus Christ our Lord. So you see how it is: In my mind I really want to obey God's law, but because of my sinful nature I am a slave to sin." NLT
Oh Lord,
How I wish this was no longer true of me...but alas, it is. Although You have freed me from the penalty of sin, I am a new creation filled with the Holy Spirit, old things are passed away and all things have become new; I must still die daily to myself and my own sinful nature to be a blessing to You and to others. If Paul still struggled with this, I cannot expect that I can escape the war within.
There is a story about someone asking an old Indian about this. He allegedly said, "I have two dogs, a white one and a black one, within me and they are fighting. The one who wins is the one I feed the most."
Lord, I have come to almost hate the month of October because of all the darkness that descends on us from all corners. In the media " The Walking Dead", all manner of horror movies, even commercials with death and horror as their avenue to sell products. Halloween decorations with witches, skulls, zombies etc. litter lawns and most retail stores.
This should be a month of celebration of Your bountiful harvests to provide for us in the winter. Lord, I must feed the "good dog" daily and pray without ceasing to be able to get through. Evil temptations are on every side to do the wrong thing, to think the wrong thing so I might act, think, or speak the wrong things!
Lord, what is in my heart? Is it love, mercy and grace? Is it Your light, peace that passes all understanding, compassion for others, and a real love for Your people, Your Word, and a love for the lost?
I must confess that at any given time if I am not watchful, the temptation for self-pity, self-righteousness, annoyance with another's behavior, fear, discouragement, and a judgmental attitude can sneak in and take over. I like Paul say, "Oh, what a miserable person I am!"
But then have to agree with him when he says, "Thank God! The answer is in Jesus Christ our Lord." Lord, please control my every thought, word, and deed!
Oh Lord,
How I wish this was no longer true of me...but alas, it is. Although You have freed me from the penalty of sin, I am a new creation filled with the Holy Spirit, old things are passed away and all things have become new; I must still die daily to myself and my own sinful nature to be a blessing to You and to others. If Paul still struggled with this, I cannot expect that I can escape the war within.
There is a story about someone asking an old Indian about this. He allegedly said, "I have two dogs, a white one and a black one, within me and they are fighting. The one who wins is the one I feed the most."
Lord, I have come to almost hate the month of October because of all the darkness that descends on us from all corners. In the media " The Walking Dead", all manner of horror movies, even commercials with death and horror as their avenue to sell products. Halloween decorations with witches, skulls, zombies etc. litter lawns and most retail stores.
This should be a month of celebration of Your bountiful harvests to provide for us in the winter. Lord, I must feed the "good dog" daily and pray without ceasing to be able to get through. Evil temptations are on every side to do the wrong thing, to think the wrong thing so I might act, think, or speak the wrong things!
Lord, what is in my heart? Is it love, mercy and grace? Is it Your light, peace that passes all understanding, compassion for others, and a real love for Your people, Your Word, and a love for the lost?
I must confess that at any given time if I am not watchful, the temptation for self-pity, self-righteousness, annoyance with another's behavior, fear, discouragement, and a judgmental attitude can sneak in and take over. I like Paul say, "Oh, what a miserable person I am!"
But then have to agree with him when he says, "Thank God! The answer is in Jesus Christ our Lord." Lord, please control my every thought, word, and deed!
Wednesday, October 8, 2014
Lay Aside Every Weight
Hebrews 12:1-4
"Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured from sinners such hostility against himself, so that you may not grow weary or fainthearted. In your struggle against sin you have not yet resisted to the point of shedding your blood."
Dearest Lord,
We are a fitness crazed society now days. Clothing, shoes and boots are lighter in weight but more effective for the purpose for which they are made. There are 5K, 10K, and even kids races being hosted all the time. Folks are striving to lose pounds and lay aside the weight. No one in their right mind would take a sled of large boulders and strap it to their back and pull another chained to both legs, and carry another 100 pounder in their arms to run a race.
Liberty's own Bubba Wade is a wonderful example. Bubba weighed over 500 pounds. Then he decided that with God's help, he would lose 300. It has taken him awhile, but surprisingly not that long, and he is almost at his goal. He moves more easily, can engage in more activities, and is much happier than he had been, and even walked his first long race and finished in less time than he had supposed possible!
Lord, there seem to be more young people than ever now that struggle with depression and anxiety that in some cases can be crippling. In my own life, when I lay aside my "weights": disappointments, discouragements, discontentment, regrets, resentments, bitterness, unforgiveness, selfishness, idols of every kind I can run this Spiritual race with ease as I am free of those burdens. Your race, Lord, was not a walk in the park. You suffered greatly here, but this says, "who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God."
All kinds of people are watching me, Lord. My family, students, faculty and staff at school, folks at church, neighbors. Yes, I have "so great a cloud of witnesses". Lord I want to run this race with joy as a good witness. I know there are rocky roads and steep inclines, briar bushes and predators along the trails who would love nothing else than to see me defeated and having not finished. It up to me to "shed the weight" of all of the things I hold onto and release them to You...all the burdens, sins seen and unseen so many will be drawn to You that they see in me. Lord, Help ME!
"Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured from sinners such hostility against himself, so that you may not grow weary or fainthearted. In your struggle against sin you have not yet resisted to the point of shedding your blood."
Dearest Lord,
We are a fitness crazed society now days. Clothing, shoes and boots are lighter in weight but more effective for the purpose for which they are made. There are 5K, 10K, and even kids races being hosted all the time. Folks are striving to lose pounds and lay aside the weight. No one in their right mind would take a sled of large boulders and strap it to their back and pull another chained to both legs, and carry another 100 pounder in their arms to run a race.
Liberty's own Bubba Wade is a wonderful example. Bubba weighed over 500 pounds. Then he decided that with God's help, he would lose 300. It has taken him awhile, but surprisingly not that long, and he is almost at his goal. He moves more easily, can engage in more activities, and is much happier than he had been, and even walked his first long race and finished in less time than he had supposed possible!
Lord, there seem to be more young people than ever now that struggle with depression and anxiety that in some cases can be crippling. In my own life, when I lay aside my "weights": disappointments, discouragements, discontentment, regrets, resentments, bitterness, unforgiveness, selfishness, idols of every kind I can run this Spiritual race with ease as I am free of those burdens. Your race, Lord, was not a walk in the park. You suffered greatly here, but this says, "who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God."
All kinds of people are watching me, Lord. My family, students, faculty and staff at school, folks at church, neighbors. Yes, I have "so great a cloud of witnesses". Lord I want to run this race with joy as a good witness. I know there are rocky roads and steep inclines, briar bushes and predators along the trails who would love nothing else than to see me defeated and having not finished. It up to me to "shed the weight" of all of the things I hold onto and release them to You...all the burdens, sins seen and unseen so many will be drawn to You that they see in me. Lord, Help ME!
Tuesday, October 7, 2014
Adrift
Hebrews 2:1
"We must pay careful attention, therefore, to what we have heard (from the Lord through David, Samuel, and Moses) so that we do not drift away."
Oh, Lord!
Thank You for having Paul (or whomever wrote the book of Hebrews) for putting this in printed form so long ago for us to read today! I know he was writing about how You, Sweet Savior, are higher than the angels, but this can apply to anything in Your Word.
When I got the newspaper today there was a huge font headline that read, " Gay Marriage Barrier Falls" and beneath was a photo a "reverend" marrying a lesbian couple in Richmond!
The caption read "Clergy Reaction Mixed; Opponents Vow Fight". Our Supreme Court refuses to make a decision as to whether gay marriage is legal or not. So it is back to the stares. Right now almost half of the country's states allow it, and because of the decision made may grow to 30 states.
Lord, how can You bless America anymore? Lord, I thank You that our Pastors will fight this fight and refuse to marry same sex "partners" as this goes against everything in Your Word; they are the clergy who won't drift away from Your Word.
When we had a boat, we used to drift fish on the lakes or bay. We would flow with the current because we knew that our boat motors worked and we could start them and navigate back to where we started or back on course. However; it is a very fearful thing when the motor does not have power and one is at the mercy of the current that will take your craft far from where you want to be and may send you into rocks or obstacles that will crash and possibly sink your vessel, or can take you out into the open sea.
Lord, our culture is like a giant vessel without Your power, rudder or anchor so it is drifting with every wind of doctrine in any and all currents. Your Spirit no longer fills our sails so we are adrift and are not staying on course. Our sextant, Your Word, has been washed overboard and we are becoming like the Jews in the book of Judges; everyone does what is right in their own eyes. Our judges are making the rules now, not You.
Oh Lord, how we need revival!
Friday, October 3, 2014
We Cry Out Your Name
Philippians 4:4 "Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!"
Psalm 40:16 " But may all who seek you rejoice and be glad in you; may those who long for your saving help always say, "The LORD is great!"
James 1:2-4 "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."
Lord, in Sarah Young's "Jesus Calling" this morning, You spoke!
"If you do what comes naturally in the face of difficulties, you fall prey to negativism. Even a few complaints can set you on a path that is a downward spiral, by darkening your perspective and mindset. Each one moves you steadily down the slippery spiral, the lower you go, the faster you slide: but it is still possible to apply the brakes. Cry out to Me in My Name!"
Lord, You knew we would be singing the song, "We Cry Out Your Name" in choir!
We can find so many things in our lives in this fallen world to complain about everyday:
Things are not going as we had planned
Someone treated us badly
Things break or do not work right
Our health may keep us from doing things we would like to do or should do
You, Lord, are RADICAL! You tell us to count it all joy and to rejoice ALWAYS! WE CANNOT DO THIS ON OUR OWN, LORD. We must be continually walking in Your Spirit to accomplish this.
Lord, help me today not to issue one complaint, but to rejoice in ALL things, no matter what they are!
Psalm 40:16 " But may all who seek you rejoice and be glad in you; may those who long for your saving help always say, "The LORD is great!"
James 1:2-4 "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."
Lord, in Sarah Young's "Jesus Calling" this morning, You spoke!
"If you do what comes naturally in the face of difficulties, you fall prey to negativism. Even a few complaints can set you on a path that is a downward spiral, by darkening your perspective and mindset. Each one moves you steadily down the slippery spiral, the lower you go, the faster you slide: but it is still possible to apply the brakes. Cry out to Me in My Name!"
Lord, You knew we would be singing the song, "We Cry Out Your Name" in choir!
We can find so many things in our lives in this fallen world to complain about everyday:
Things are not going as we had planned
Someone treated us badly
Things break or do not work right
Our health may keep us from doing things we would like to do or should do
You, Lord, are RADICAL! You tell us to count it all joy and to rejoice ALWAYS! WE CANNOT DO THIS ON OUR OWN, LORD. We must be continually walking in Your Spirit to accomplish this.
Lord, help me today not to issue one complaint, but to rejoice in ALL things, no matter what they are!
Thursday, October 2, 2014
The Lord Has Set Us FREE
Rom 7:1-3 1 "Now, dear brothers and sisters--you who are familiar with the law--don't you know that the law applies only while a person is living? 2 For example, when a woman marries, the law binds her to her husband as long as he is alive. But if he dies, the laws of marriage no longer apply to her. 3 So while her husband is alive, she would be committing adultery if she married another man. But if her husband dies, she is free from that law and does not commit adultery when she remarries."
Dear Lord,
For some reason most of Christians, at least in the US, do not see themselves to be free from the Law because they have died to sin and are fee from being a slave to sin. Lord, we need revival! Here Paul likens our relationship with You with a wife whose husband dies. She then is free from the law of marriage.
We seem to have two extremes in Your church: there is no order or "law", or there is Phariseeism with all kinds of rules, regulations, and restrictions.
Lord, You teach balance:
Do all things to the glory of God
Glorify the Lord in our bodies, minds, hearts,and souls
Avoid ALL appearances of evil, so the world around us will see us a different in a good way, not as holier than thou so we draw people to us.
Philippians 2:14-15 "14 "Do everything without complaining and arguing, 15 so that no one can criticize you. Live clean, innocent lives as children of God, shining like bright lights in a world full of crooked and perverse people.
Philippians 4:5-8 "5 Let everyone see that you are considerate in all you do. Remember, the Lord is coming soon. 6 Don't worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. 7 Then you will experience God's peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus. 8 And now, dear brothers and sisters, one final thing. Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise."
So why do we in our churches find it so very hard if we have truly DIED to the old man and are new creatures in Christ Jesus to really FOLLOW You daily? Holy Lord, You know that Your church needs purging of the wolves in sheep's clothing who are leading Your people astray, and Your children need to become vigilant in their own lives...me in my own life...against false teaching and follow hard after You no matter the cost!
PLEASE BRING REVIVAL TO MY BELOVED COUNTRY AND THE WORLD!
Dear Lord,
For some reason most of Christians, at least in the US, do not see themselves to be free from the Law because they have died to sin and are fee from being a slave to sin. Lord, we need revival! Here Paul likens our relationship with You with a wife whose husband dies. She then is free from the law of marriage.
We seem to have two extremes in Your church: there is no order or "law", or there is Phariseeism with all kinds of rules, regulations, and restrictions.
Lord, You teach balance:
Do all things to the glory of God
Glorify the Lord in our bodies, minds, hearts,and souls
Avoid ALL appearances of evil, so the world around us will see us a different in a good way, not as holier than thou so we draw people to us.
Philippians 2:14-15 "14 "Do everything without complaining and arguing, 15 so that no one can criticize you. Live clean, innocent lives as children of God, shining like bright lights in a world full of crooked and perverse people.
Philippians 4:5-8 "5 Let everyone see that you are considerate in all you do. Remember, the Lord is coming soon. 6 Don't worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. 7 Then you will experience God's peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus. 8 And now, dear brothers and sisters, one final thing. Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise."
So why do we in our churches find it so very hard if we have truly DIED to the old man and are new creatures in Christ Jesus to really FOLLOW You daily? Holy Lord, You know that Your church needs purging of the wolves in sheep's clothing who are leading Your people astray, and Your children need to become vigilant in their own lives...me in my own life...against false teaching and follow hard after You no matter the cost!
PLEASE BRING REVIVAL TO MY BELOVED COUNTRY AND THE WORLD!
Wednesday, October 1, 2014
What Wages Do I Want to Earn?
Romans 6:20-23 "When you were slaves to sin, you were free from the obligation to do right. 21 And what was the result? You are now ashamed of the things you used to do, things that end in eternal doom. 23 For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life through Christ Jesus our Lord."
Sweet Savior, Thank YOU for lifting me out of the pit I was in and changing my wages from death to Your GIFT of forgiveness, grace, and eternal life! I was, and still am so unworthy. Without You I can do nothing, and when the Father looks at me He sees YOU! Anything I am or do for Your glory comes from You for within myself there is no good thing.
Sweet Savior, Thank YOU for lifting me out of the pit I was in and changing my wages from death to Your GIFT of forgiveness, grace, and eternal life! I was, and still am so unworthy. Without You I can do nothing, and when the Father looks at me He sees YOU! Anything I am or do for Your glory comes from You for within myself there is no good thing.
Tuesday, September 30, 2014
Pride and Yucky Fish
James 4:10 "Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up."
Oh, Lord, that my pride would die!
Last night it reared its ugly head and it resulted in throwing dinner away. However; in Your loving kindness, You may have saved us from sickness through it all.
My husband and I bought some Haddock so we could have an old fashioned NY Fish Fry. I told him I'd cook it the old way in cracker crumbs like we used to.
Well...
Thank You, Lord, that my wonderful husband did not rail on my for having to waste such an expense, but loved me unconditionally and forgave me when I confessed.
Lesson learned, sin forgiven, freedom regained! Thank You, Lord, and hubby! I love you both!
Oh, Lord, that my pride would die!
Last night it reared its ugly head and it resulted in throwing dinner away. However; in Your loving kindness, You may have saved us from sickness through it all.
My husband and I bought some Haddock so we could have an old fashioned NY Fish Fry. I told him I'd cook it the old way in cracker crumbs like we used to.
Well...
- The cracker crumbs I thought I had were cornflake crumbs so I just dredged the fillets in flour in which I had added, I think now, too much onion powder. I could have made a batter, but didn't.
- When I was placing the first fillet in the oil, my dear husband said, "If the oil is not boiling hot, the fish will just soak up the oil."
- Here is my sin! Immediately I thought to myself, "How many years have I been cooking fish for this man and NOW HE is telling me how to cook?"
- I had yet to test the oil temp, but went into the house, got the thermometer and it read that the oil was hot enough, so in my mind I thought, "There! I was right!"
- After cooking it until It should have been done, I placed it on the table and we started to eat it. the inside was mushy and looked like it was not done all the way.
- I took it back out and placed it back into the still hot oil and cooked it for 2 minutes more.
- It was still mushy and had a weird flavor and we still could not eat it, so just threw it away.
Thank You, Lord, that my wonderful husband did not rail on my for having to waste such an expense, but loved me unconditionally and forgave me when I confessed.
Lesson learned, sin forgiven, freedom regained! Thank You, Lord, and hubby! I love you both!
Saturday, September 27, 2014
Ultimate Royalty On Call
John 14:10-14 "10 "Don't you believe that I am in the Father and the Father is in me? The words I speak are not my own, but my Father who lives in me does his work through me. 11 Just believe that I am in the Father and the Father is in me. Or at least believe because of the work you have seen me do. 12 "I tell you the truth, anyone who believes in me will do the same works I have done, and even greater works, because I am going to be with the Father. 13 You can ask for anything in my name, and I will do it, so that the Son can bring glory to the Father. 14 Yes, ask me for anything in my name, and I will do it!"
Matthew 27:50-51 "50 Then Jesus shouted out again, and he released his spirit. 51 At that moment the curtain in the sanctuary of the Temple was torn in two, from top to bottom. The earth shook, rocks split apart,"
John 1:1-4 "1 In the beginning the Word already existed. The Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 He existed in the beginning with God. 3 God created everything through Him, and nothing was created except through Him. 4 The Word gave life to everything that was created, and his life brought light to everyone."
Isa 54:5 5 For your Creator will be your husband; the LORD of Heaven's Armies is his name! He is your Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel, the God of all the earth.
Isaiah 9:6-7 "6 For a child is born to us, a son is given to us. The government will rest on His shoulders. And He will be called: Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. 7 His government and its peace will never end. He will rule with fairness and justice from the throne of His ancestor David for all eternity. The passionate commitment of the LORD of Heaven's Armies will make this happen!"
Rom 8:35, 38-39 "35 Can anything ever separate us from Christ's love? Does it mean He no longer loves us if we have trouble or calamity, or are persecuted, or hungry, or destitute, or in danger, or threatened with death? ... 38 And I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from God's love. Neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither our fears for today nor our worries about tomorrow--not even the powers of hell can separate us from God's love. 39 No power in the sky above or in the earth below--indeed, nothing in all creation will ever be able to separate us from the love of God that is revealed in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Hebrews 4:16 "16 So let us come boldly to the throne of our gracious God. There we will receive his mercy, and we will find grace to help us when we need it most."
King Jesus! King of Kings and Lord of Lords! Prince of Peace! Creator and Sustainer of the Universe! Redeemer! Lord of Heaven's Armies! Holy One of Israel!
I adore You, Lord, but stand amazed in Your presence. The realization that I, a mere mortal woman, can come boldly in Your presence and actually TALK with You and ask You anything blows me totally away!
If I wanted to speak with any of the rulers of any country, state, city, town, or even a business (unless it was tiny), I would have to go through myriad of aids, assistants, secretaries, and body guards.
I cannot even call my doctor and speak directly to him, but have to go through his nurses!
A perfect example of this happened this week to my husband. He called the phone tree of the pharmacy to have some medications refilled. Even there they ask if he wanted the pharmacy to fax his doctor's office for a new Rx because the refills had expired. When he went to pick up the medications one was missing. The pharmacist told him he would have to call his and speak with his doctor. He told her he could not speak with the doctor directly, and if he did, they would tell him to ask the pharmacy to get his request faxed from them.
But YOU, O Lord, are always accessible to me! Day or night, in every tiny situation, I can call on You and You will answer as nothing can separate me from Your love, grace, and mercy because of our relationship bought and paid for with Your blood on my behalf. Lord, I realize that if I am being rebellious and ask for things that go against Your Word, I dare not expect You to be like a vending machine or an indulgent grandfather and give me what I demand. But if that is not the case, I can ask for the things You have told me I can not only for myself, but also for others: wisdom, strength, help, protection, healing, patience, perseverance, provision of true needs, guidance, discernment, peace, grace, and mercy. The Psalms are replete with such things.
Because You tell me I can, I boldy ask that the missionaries who have stayed behind to minister to the very ones who have beheaded their children be given a great harvest of souls among those people as You did to the Auca in Jim Elliott's time so there labor is not in vain. Bring many into the fold, O Lord! In my country, Lord, bring revival into Your church. Convict the pastors and others that speak lies and liberalism accepting into their churches blatant sin considering it normal, and into our land, so that false religions and cults cannot get a foothold and deceive many. Our sin is great in this country, Lord, and You have every right to destroy it like you did in the time of Noah and Sodom; but I ask for mercy and forgiveness. Give us wise leaders who love You and will follow Your commands, and we will give You praise!
Here In Your Presence
Matthew 27:50-51 "50 Then Jesus shouted out again, and he released his spirit. 51 At that moment the curtain in the sanctuary of the Temple was torn in two, from top to bottom. The earth shook, rocks split apart,"
John 1:1-4 "1 In the beginning the Word already existed. The Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 He existed in the beginning with God. 3 God created everything through Him, and nothing was created except through Him. 4 The Word gave life to everything that was created, and his life brought light to everyone."
Isa 54:5 5 For your Creator will be your husband; the LORD of Heaven's Armies is his name! He is your Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel, the God of all the earth.
Isaiah 9:6-7 "6 For a child is born to us, a son is given to us. The government will rest on His shoulders. And He will be called: Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. 7 His government and its peace will never end. He will rule with fairness and justice from the throne of His ancestor David for all eternity. The passionate commitment of the LORD of Heaven's Armies will make this happen!"
Rom 8:35, 38-39 "35 Can anything ever separate us from Christ's love? Does it mean He no longer loves us if we have trouble or calamity, or are persecuted, or hungry, or destitute, or in danger, or threatened with death? ... 38 And I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from God's love. Neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither our fears for today nor our worries about tomorrow--not even the powers of hell can separate us from God's love. 39 No power in the sky above or in the earth below--indeed, nothing in all creation will ever be able to separate us from the love of God that is revealed in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Hebrews 4:16 "16 So let us come boldly to the throne of our gracious God. There we will receive his mercy, and we will find grace to help us when we need it most."
King Jesus! King of Kings and Lord of Lords! Prince of Peace! Creator and Sustainer of the Universe! Redeemer! Lord of Heaven's Armies! Holy One of Israel!
I adore You, Lord, but stand amazed in Your presence. The realization that I, a mere mortal woman, can come boldly in Your presence and actually TALK with You and ask You anything blows me totally away!
If I wanted to speak with any of the rulers of any country, state, city, town, or even a business (unless it was tiny), I would have to go through myriad of aids, assistants, secretaries, and body guards.
I cannot even call my doctor and speak directly to him, but have to go through his nurses!
A perfect example of this happened this week to my husband. He called the phone tree of the pharmacy to have some medications refilled. Even there they ask if he wanted the pharmacy to fax his doctor's office for a new Rx because the refills had expired. When he went to pick up the medications one was missing. The pharmacist told him he would have to call his and speak with his doctor. He told her he could not speak with the doctor directly, and if he did, they would tell him to ask the pharmacy to get his request faxed from them.
But YOU, O Lord, are always accessible to me! Day or night, in every tiny situation, I can call on You and You will answer as nothing can separate me from Your love, grace, and mercy because of our relationship bought and paid for with Your blood on my behalf. Lord, I realize that if I am being rebellious and ask for things that go against Your Word, I dare not expect You to be like a vending machine or an indulgent grandfather and give me what I demand. But if that is not the case, I can ask for the things You have told me I can not only for myself, but also for others: wisdom, strength, help, protection, healing, patience, perseverance, provision of true needs, guidance, discernment, peace, grace, and mercy. The Psalms are replete with such things.
Because You tell me I can, I boldy ask that the missionaries who have stayed behind to minister to the very ones who have beheaded their children be given a great harvest of souls among those people as You did to the Auca in Jim Elliott's time so there labor is not in vain. Bring many into the fold, O Lord! In my country, Lord, bring revival into Your church. Convict the pastors and others that speak lies and liberalism accepting into their churches blatant sin considering it normal, and into our land, so that false religions and cults cannot get a foothold and deceive many. Our sin is great in this country, Lord, and You have every right to destroy it like you did in the time of Noah and Sodom; but I ask for mercy and forgiveness. Give us wise leaders who love You and will follow Your commands, and we will give You praise!
Here In Your Presence
Friday, September 26, 2014
8 Loves, 6 Ifs, 11 Remains, and 5 Commands
[Jhn 14:12-15 NIV] 12 "Very truly I tell you, whoever believes in me will do the works I have been doing, and they will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father. 13 And I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son. 14 You may ask me for anything in my name, and I will do it. 15 "If you love me, keep my commands. [Jhn 15:1-14 NIV] 1 "I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener. 2 He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit he prunes so that it will be even more fruitful. 3 You are already clean because of the word I have spoken to you. 4 Remain in me, as I also remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me. 5 "I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing. 6 If you do not remain in me, you are like a branch that is thrown away and withers; such branches are picked up, thrown into the fire and burned. 7 If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. 8 This is to my Father's glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples. 9 "As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Now remain in my love. 10 If you keep my commands, you will remain in my love, just as I have kept my Father's commands and remain in his love. 11 I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete. 12 My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you. 13 Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one's life for one's friends. 14 You are my friends if you do what I command."
Dearest, Lord,
Oh what You teach me! How much do I really love You? Here You say "If you love me, keep my commands." Then you tell me to remain (abide in KJV) in You and You will remain in me.
People and friends come into and out of our lives, some like revolving doors and few remain. Even my children, although we love from a distance since they are out of the house and have spouses and children of their own have not remained always with me. However; my husband remains here with me since our marriage, and I am blessed by that.
You have given us free will just like You have. That's why the "if"s are here. I cannot remain in Your love unless I keep Your commands. I know, Lord, that I cannot lose my salvation and am secure. However, Your power and strength to do what You command lessens if I do not remain. My daughter-in-law once told me she saw remaining (abiding) in these verses seemed to her to be like blood running through our veins and arteries.
You tell me that means I am to love one another as You have loved me. I cannot be choosey as to whom I love or how much I choose to love them. This is hard, Lord, because some of the people You ask me to love are like porcupines. If you try to get close, you get hurt, and then have to give grace, just as You gave to me when I was one. Oh Lord, I am sorry I didn't see Your love for so long. Thank You for Your grace!
Being a farmer's daughter and gardener myself, I understand the "remain" analogy You give here. You are my life's blood. If I do not remain daily in Your word and in communication with You, I start to wilt just like a branch or leaf would if the connection was broken. How can I ask anything of You if I have broken that bond by not obeying Your commands? I think because I know I am secure in my salvation and You forgive my sins and give grace and mercy, I will at times presume on those things and disobey. Oh, Lord, forgive me! Help me to Love You more so I can love others better and more consistently for Your glory.
Dearest, Lord,
Oh what You teach me! How much do I really love You? Here You say "If you love me, keep my commands." Then you tell me to remain (abide in KJV) in You and You will remain in me.
People and friends come into and out of our lives, some like revolving doors and few remain. Even my children, although we love from a distance since they are out of the house and have spouses and children of their own have not remained always with me. However; my husband remains here with me since our marriage, and I am blessed by that.
You have given us free will just like You have. That's why the "if"s are here. I cannot remain in Your love unless I keep Your commands. I know, Lord, that I cannot lose my salvation and am secure. However, Your power and strength to do what You command lessens if I do not remain. My daughter-in-law once told me she saw remaining (abiding) in these verses seemed to her to be like blood running through our veins and arteries.
You tell me that means I am to love one another as You have loved me. I cannot be choosey as to whom I love or how much I choose to love them. This is hard, Lord, because some of the people You ask me to love are like porcupines. If you try to get close, you get hurt, and then have to give grace, just as You gave to me when I was one. Oh Lord, I am sorry I didn't see Your love for so long. Thank You for Your grace!
Being a farmer's daughter and gardener myself, I understand the "remain" analogy You give here. You are my life's blood. If I do not remain daily in Your word and in communication with You, I start to wilt just like a branch or leaf would if the connection was broken. How can I ask anything of You if I have broken that bond by not obeying Your commands? I think because I know I am secure in my salvation and You forgive my sins and give grace and mercy, I will at times presume on those things and disobey. Oh, Lord, forgive me! Help me to Love You more so I can love others better and more consistently for Your glory.
Thursday, September 25, 2014
The World Will Hate Us
John 15:17-16:4
17 This is my command: Love each other. 18 "If the world hates you, remember that it hated me first. 19 The world would love you as one of its own if you belonged to it, but you are no longer part of the world. I chose you to come out of the world, so it hates you. 20 Do you remember what I told you? 'A slave is not greater than the master.' Since they persecuted me, naturally they will persecute you. And if they had listened to me, they would listen to you. 21 They will do all this to you because of me, for they have rejected the one who sent me. 22 They would not be guilty if I had not come and spoken to them. But now they have no excuse for their sin. 23 Anyone who hates me also hates my Father. 24 If I hadn't done such miraculous signs among them that no one else could do, they would not be guilty. But as it is, they have seen everything I did, yet they still hate me and my Father. 25 This fulfills what is written in their Scriptures: 'They hated me without cause.' 26 "But I will send you the Advocate--the Spirit of truth. He will come to you from the Father and will testify all about me. 27 And you must also testify about me because you have been with me from the beginning of my ministry. 1 "I have told you these things so that you won't abandon your faith. 2 For you will be expelled from the synagogues, and the time is coming when those who kill you will think they are doing a holy service for God. 3 This is because they have never known the Father or me. 4 Yes, I'm telling you these things now, so that when they happen, you will remember my warning. I didn't tell you earlier because I was going to be with you for a while longer." (NLT)
Oh, Lord,
The world is no different than it was when You spoke this to the disciples. In the Middle East right now Christians are being martyred for their faith, and it could start here in the USA and in Europe. The Enemy is beheading children who will not denounce You, in front of their parents, and they are sending these precious ones into Heaven. The Christian relief workers who are bringing aid and Your Gospel to the region are the parents of these children. However; they are followers, not fans. These parents have prepared their children for martyrdom and are remaining with these same people to minister to them and face torture and martyrdom themselves for the furtherance of Your Kingdom and out of Your love for these poor deceived people.
Lord, I must confess that it is hard to hate the sin, but not the sinner in this situation, and I need Your help to do so.
The perpetrators of these atrocities think they are winning the approval of their god, and they are. However; they are blind to the fact that their god is Satan himself. He may go by another name, but it is him; and because he is the Father of Lies, he has led them to believe they will be rewarded for what they have done with worldly pleasures and other rewards. How very sad that their reward, if they do not repent, will be an eternity paying for their sins in hell where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth. [Mat 13:49-50 NIV] 49 This is how it will be at the end of the age. The angels will come and separate the wicked from the righteous 50 and throw them into the blazing furnace, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.
[Luk 9:25 NLT] "And what do you benefit if you gain the whole world but are yourself lost or destroyed?"
Lord, help me to be like those missionaries and remember:
[Jhn 3:16-21 NLT] 16 "For God loved the world so much that he gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life. 17 God sent his Son into the world not to judge the world, but to save the world through him. 18 "There is no judgment against anyone who believes in him. But anyone who does not believe in him has already been judged for not believing in God's one and only Son. 19 And the judgment is based on this fact: God's light came into the world, but people loved the darkness more than the light, for their actions were evil. 20 All who do evil hate the light and refuse to go near it for fear their sins will be exposed. 21 But those who do what is right come to the light so others can see that they are doing what God wants."
Help me to pray for salvation for those in darkness, and to prepare myself and my family as these dear folks did so if the time comes to us, we will be faithful and not try to save our lives by denouncing You, who is our Savior and Lord!
17 This is my command: Love each other. 18 "If the world hates you, remember that it hated me first. 19 The world would love you as one of its own if you belonged to it, but you are no longer part of the world. I chose you to come out of the world, so it hates you. 20 Do you remember what I told you? 'A slave is not greater than the master.' Since they persecuted me, naturally they will persecute you. And if they had listened to me, they would listen to you. 21 They will do all this to you because of me, for they have rejected the one who sent me. 22 They would not be guilty if I had not come and spoken to them. But now they have no excuse for their sin. 23 Anyone who hates me also hates my Father. 24 If I hadn't done such miraculous signs among them that no one else could do, they would not be guilty. But as it is, they have seen everything I did, yet they still hate me and my Father. 25 This fulfills what is written in their Scriptures: 'They hated me without cause.' 26 "But I will send you the Advocate--the Spirit of truth. He will come to you from the Father and will testify all about me. 27 And you must also testify about me because you have been with me from the beginning of my ministry. 1 "I have told you these things so that you won't abandon your faith. 2 For you will be expelled from the synagogues, and the time is coming when those who kill you will think they are doing a holy service for God. 3 This is because they have never known the Father or me. 4 Yes, I'm telling you these things now, so that when they happen, you will remember my warning. I didn't tell you earlier because I was going to be with you for a while longer." (NLT)
Oh, Lord,
The world is no different than it was when You spoke this to the disciples. In the Middle East right now Christians are being martyred for their faith, and it could start here in the USA and in Europe. The Enemy is beheading children who will not denounce You, in front of their parents, and they are sending these precious ones into Heaven. The Christian relief workers who are bringing aid and Your Gospel to the region are the parents of these children. However; they are followers, not fans. These parents have prepared their children for martyrdom and are remaining with these same people to minister to them and face torture and martyrdom themselves for the furtherance of Your Kingdom and out of Your love for these poor deceived people.
Lord, I must confess that it is hard to hate the sin, but not the sinner in this situation, and I need Your help to do so.
The perpetrators of these atrocities think they are winning the approval of their god, and they are. However; they are blind to the fact that their god is Satan himself. He may go by another name, but it is him; and because he is the Father of Lies, he has led them to believe they will be rewarded for what they have done with worldly pleasures and other rewards. How very sad that their reward, if they do not repent, will be an eternity paying for their sins in hell where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth. [Mat 13:49-50 NIV] 49 This is how it will be at the end of the age. The angels will come and separate the wicked from the righteous 50 and throw them into the blazing furnace, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.
[Luk 9:25 NLT] "And what do you benefit if you gain the whole world but are yourself lost or destroyed?"
Lord, help me to be like those missionaries and remember:
[Jhn 3:16-21 NLT] 16 "For God loved the world so much that he gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life. 17 God sent his Son into the world not to judge the world, but to save the world through him. 18 "There is no judgment against anyone who believes in him. But anyone who does not believe in him has already been judged for not believing in God's one and only Son. 19 And the judgment is based on this fact: God's light came into the world, but people loved the darkness more than the light, for their actions were evil. 20 All who do evil hate the light and refuse to go near it for fear their sins will be exposed. 21 But those who do what is right come to the light so others can see that they are doing what God wants."
Help me to pray for salvation for those in darkness, and to prepare myself and my family as these dear folks did so if the time comes to us, we will be faithful and not try to save our lives by denouncing You, who is our Savior and Lord!
Monday, September 22, 2014
To Whom and to What Am I a Slave?
Romans 6: 16, 18
"Don’t you realize that you become the slave of whatever you choose to obey? You can be a slave to sin, which leads to death, or you can choose to obey God, which leads to righteous living. Now you are free from your slavery to sin, and you have become slaves to righteous living."
Lord,
in our country, the idea of being a slave is very distasteful. Freedom! That's what America is all about! We do not have slavery anymore. We pride ourselves as being"The land of the free and the home of the brave." We abhor the human trafficking that takes place in other countries, and is starting again here with sex slaves.
However; every moment of every day, we Christians make ourselves slaves to something: technology, TV series, movies, celebrities, music,sports, hobbies, work, fitness, food, even slaves to "works" instead of ministry for You. We even become slaves to SELF"!
In the Old Testament, people would sell themselves into slavery to pay off a debt they could not pay and would work for seven years. Then, if the Master was gracious, one might make of themselves a bond-slave for life.
Precious Lord, You paid my ransom with Your precious blood to give me freedom! I want to be a slave of Yours for righteous living. Keep me from ever going back to what I was before.
"Don’t you realize that you become the slave of whatever you choose to obey? You can be a slave to sin, which leads to death, or you can choose to obey God, which leads to righteous living. Now you are free from your slavery to sin, and you have become slaves to righteous living."
Lord,
in our country, the idea of being a slave is very distasteful. Freedom! That's what America is all about! We do not have slavery anymore. We pride ourselves as being"The land of the free and the home of the brave." We abhor the human trafficking that takes place in other countries, and is starting again here with sex slaves.
However; every moment of every day, we Christians make ourselves slaves to something: technology, TV series, movies, celebrities, music,sports, hobbies, work, fitness, food, even slaves to "works" instead of ministry for You. We even become slaves to SELF"!
In the Old Testament, people would sell themselves into slavery to pay off a debt they could not pay and would work for seven years. Then, if the Master was gracious, one might make of themselves a bond-slave for life.
Precious Lord, You paid my ransom with Your precious blood to give me freedom! I want to be a slave of Yours for righteous living. Keep me from ever going back to what I was before.
Tuesday, September 16, 2014
Jewelry and God's Amazing Grace
Matthew 13:44-46
“The Kingdom of Heaven is like a treasure that a man discovered hidden in a field. In his excitement, he hid it again and sold everything he owned to get enough money to buy the field. “Again, the Kingdom of Heaven is like a merchant on the lookout for choice pearls. When he discovered a pearl of great value, he sold everything he owned and bought it!"
Luke 15:24
"for this son of mine was dead and has now returned to life. He was lost, but now he is found.' So the party began."
15:32
"We had to celebrate this happy day. For your brother was dead and has come back to life! He was lost, but now he is found!'”
Sweet Lord, now I know without a doubt You are trying to teach me something profound and wonderful. this past year, I lost my wedding ring for five months and looked everywhere for it to no avail. Lord, it was just a piece of metal, but it resembled the covenant my husband and I had made at the altar. I still had him, so I was fine.
Months later, You had him go to a place in the yard by our house to show him You had one of Your ministering angels place my ring there. I know that because there was no other reason for it to be where he found it and in the condition it was in.
Yesterday,I wore the pearl necklace that our son Jeff had placed in a setting for me while they lived in HI. Elissa was very young, but had picked out the pearl, so it had sentimental value, but I doubt that it has great value otherwise.
About mid morning, I realized that the pearl and the setting was gone from the chain on my neck. I thought it may have fallen off here at home while I was finishing dressing. If not, I had no idea where it would have been because I had done errands before coming to work. I was very sad. Later that morning, I told a co-worker who had asked about why my countenance was downcast. She lit up and said that she had seen something earlier. She went to the sink in our office and on the floor was the setting, and the pearl was by the wastebasket! Thank You, Lord! I should have remembered about how You gave me back the ring, but sadly, I didn't until the pearl was found.
Both things were lost but now were found. However; like my wedding ring, after close inspection, there was no breech in the gold loop that held the setting. I put the setting through the chain, brought the loop's closure and the chain to the same place and pulled as hard as I dared to try to get the chain through the loop, but could not. Only You know how that pearl came off the chain, Lord, so I started asking myself why.
You started bringing these scriptures to mind. The human soul is far more precious than anything else on earth. You went to great lengths, giving Your Holy life blood to have me found! Your grace is amazing! How much more now must I share You with others so they may be "found" as well. When a soul comes to Christ, there is a celebration in Heaven.
“The Kingdom of Heaven is like a treasure that a man discovered hidden in a field. In his excitement, he hid it again and sold everything he owned to get enough money to buy the field. “Again, the Kingdom of Heaven is like a merchant on the lookout for choice pearls. When he discovered a pearl of great value, he sold everything he owned and bought it!"
Luke 15:24
"for this son of mine was dead and has now returned to life. He was lost, but now he is found.' So the party began."
15:32
"We had to celebrate this happy day. For your brother was dead and has come back to life! He was lost, but now he is found!'”
Sweet Lord, now I know without a doubt You are trying to teach me something profound and wonderful. this past year, I lost my wedding ring for five months and looked everywhere for it to no avail. Lord, it was just a piece of metal, but it resembled the covenant my husband and I had made at the altar. I still had him, so I was fine.
Months later, You had him go to a place in the yard by our house to show him You had one of Your ministering angels place my ring there. I know that because there was no other reason for it to be where he found it and in the condition it was in.
Yesterday,I wore the pearl necklace that our son Jeff had placed in a setting for me while they lived in HI. Elissa was very young, but had picked out the pearl, so it had sentimental value, but I doubt that it has great value otherwise.
About mid morning, I realized that the pearl and the setting was gone from the chain on my neck. I thought it may have fallen off here at home while I was finishing dressing. If not, I had no idea where it would have been because I had done errands before coming to work. I was very sad. Later that morning, I told a co-worker who had asked about why my countenance was downcast. She lit up and said that she had seen something earlier. She went to the sink in our office and on the floor was the setting, and the pearl was by the wastebasket! Thank You, Lord! I should have remembered about how You gave me back the ring, but sadly, I didn't until the pearl was found.
Both things were lost but now were found. However; like my wedding ring, after close inspection, there was no breech in the gold loop that held the setting. I put the setting through the chain, brought the loop's closure and the chain to the same place and pulled as hard as I dared to try to get the chain through the loop, but could not. Only You know how that pearl came off the chain, Lord, so I started asking myself why.
You started bringing these scriptures to mind. The human soul is far more precious than anything else on earth. You went to great lengths, giving Your Holy life blood to have me found! Your grace is amazing! How much more now must I share You with others so they may be "found" as well. When a soul comes to Christ, there is a celebration in Heaven.
Monday, September 15, 2014
God's Positive Instructions For Living Without Wickedness
Romans 6:13a
"Do not offer any part of yourself to sin as an instrument of wickedness"
Oh, Lord,
You have been very clear in Your word as to the evil we can do with our "members" (KJV). Today, help me find the good things I can do with them,
Mind: Philippians 4:8 "And now, dear brothers and sisters, one final thing. Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise."
1 Timothy4:14 "Give your complete attention to these matters. Throw yourself into your tasks so that everyone will see your progress."
Heart:
Ephesians 5:15 "Don’t act thoughtlessly, but understand what the Lord wants you to do."
Ephesians 4:31-32 "Get rid of all bitterness, rage, anger, harsh words, and slander, as well as all types of evil behavior. Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you."
Eyes:
1 Timothy 4:15 "Keep a close watch on how you live and on your teaching. Stay true to what is right for the sake of your own salvation and the salvation of those who hear you."
Psalm 17:8 "Guard me as you would guard your own eyes.Hide me in the shadow of your wings." Psalm 119:18-19 "Open my eyes to see the wonderful truths in your instructions. Turn my eyes from worthless things, and give me life through your word."
Psalm 123:1 "I lift my eyes to you, O God, enthroned in heaven."
Mouth:
Ephesians 4:29 "Don’t use foul or abusive language. Let everything you say be good and helpful, so that your words will be an encouragement to those who hear them."
5:18b-20 "Instead, be filled with the Holy Spirit, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs among yourselves, and making music to the Lord in your hearts. And give thanks for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ."
1 Timothy 4:12 "Be an example to all believers in what you say,"
Fingers:
1 Thessalonians 4:11: "You should mind your own business and work with your hands,"
Proverbs 31:19 "Her hands are busy spinning thread, her fingers twisting fiber."
Arms:
Proverbs 31: 20 "She extends a helping hand to the poor and opens her arms to the needy."
Legs:
Psalm 18:36 "You have made a wide path for my feet to keep them from slipping."
Feet:
Isaiah 52:7 "How beautiful on the mountains are the feet of the messenger who brings good news, the good news of peace and salvation, the news that the God of Israel reigns!"
Privates:
1 Timothy 4:12 "Be an example to all believers in what you say, in the way you live, in your love, your faith, and your purity."
Hebrews 13:4 "Marriage is honorable among all, and the bed undefiled."
Lord there a myriad of verses that speak of keeping myself pure, only for my husband and since the church is Your bride, I want to keep myself pure for You too! Anything else would be idolatry and adultery as the worship would be for me or the evil one.
Thanks You Most Holy Lord, for giving instruction in not only the "Do Not"s, but also the "Do"s.
"Do not offer any part of yourself to sin as an instrument of wickedness"
Oh, Lord,
You have been very clear in Your word as to the evil we can do with our "members" (KJV). Today, help me find the good things I can do with them,
Mind: Philippians 4:8 "And now, dear brothers and sisters, one final thing. Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise."
1 Timothy4:14 "Give your complete attention to these matters. Throw yourself into your tasks so that everyone will see your progress."
Heart:
Ephesians 5:15 "Don’t act thoughtlessly, but understand what the Lord wants you to do."
Ephesians 4:31-32 "Get rid of all bitterness, rage, anger, harsh words, and slander, as well as all types of evil behavior. Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you."
Eyes:
1 Timothy 4:15 "Keep a close watch on how you live and on your teaching. Stay true to what is right for the sake of your own salvation and the salvation of those who hear you."
Psalm 17:8 "Guard me as you would guard your own eyes.Hide me in the shadow of your wings." Psalm 119:18-19 "Open my eyes to see the wonderful truths in your instructions. Turn my eyes from worthless things, and give me life through your word."
Psalm 123:1 "I lift my eyes to you, O God, enthroned in heaven."
Mouth:
Ephesians 4:29 "Don’t use foul or abusive language. Let everything you say be good and helpful, so that your words will be an encouragement to those who hear them."
5:18b-20 "Instead, be filled with the Holy Spirit, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs among yourselves, and making music to the Lord in your hearts. And give thanks for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ."
1 Timothy 4:12 "Be an example to all believers in what you say,"
Fingers:
1 Thessalonians 4:11: "You should mind your own business and work with your hands,"
Proverbs 31:19 "Her hands are busy spinning thread, her fingers twisting fiber."
Arms:
Proverbs 31: 20 "She extends a helping hand to the poor and opens her arms to the needy."
Legs:
Psalm 18:36 "You have made a wide path for my feet to keep them from slipping."
Feet:
Isaiah 52:7 "How beautiful on the mountains are the feet of the messenger who brings good news, the good news of peace and salvation, the news that the God of Israel reigns!"
Privates:
1 Timothy 4:12 "Be an example to all believers in what you say, in the way you live, in your love, your faith, and your purity."
Hebrews 13:4 "Marriage is honorable among all, and the bed undefiled."
Lord there a myriad of verses that speak of keeping myself pure, only for my husband and since the church is Your bride, I want to keep myself pure for You too! Anything else would be idolatry and adultery as the worship would be for me or the evil one.
Thanks You Most Holy Lord, for giving instruction in not only the "Do Not"s, but also the "Do"s.
Saturday, September 13, 2014
Does Sin Reign as I Walk Hand in Hand With Jesus?
Romans 6:12
"Therefore do not let sin reign in your mortal body so that you obey its evil desires."
Lord, I always have a choice: "To sin or not to sin...that is the question." William Shakespeare did not invent his, "To be or not to be...that is the question." because it is here! You lovingly have given us free will as part of Your image in which we are made. You could have made us like the animals, but You did not. However; since Adam and Eve used that free will to bring sin into the world, our spirits have been at war with each other.
In "Jesus Calling" by Sarah Young this morning, part of what she wrote was,:"Give your mind a rest from its habitual judging. When you become preoccupied with passing judgment, you usurp My role. The intimacy I offer you is not an invitation for you to act as though you are My equal. Worship Me as King of kings while walking hand in hand with Me..."
As I have grown in You and in age, some of the sins of the flesh have fallen by the wayside. However; the tongue and mind are still very active. Lord, I have enough to do in my day that requires me to think and speak. Please keep me from taking on Your job of judgement! You and You alone are the righteous judge. My judgements without Your wisdom giving me discernment are poor at best.
This morning I worship You as the Almighty God! In my world, if a past worthy president or the King or Queen of England had invited me to walk hand in hand with them, there would have been no question that I was the "subject" and they were the ruler. I would not ever think of taking on their jobs or responsibilities. So why in the world would I try to do that with YOU?
Lord, it is only by Your grace and mercy that I live and move and have my being and CAN walk with You at all! Please forgive me and keep me from the sin of usurping Your Role in my life and the world around me.
"Therefore do not let sin reign in your mortal body so that you obey its evil desires."
Lord, I always have a choice: "To sin or not to sin...that is the question." William Shakespeare did not invent his, "To be or not to be...that is the question." because it is here! You lovingly have given us free will as part of Your image in which we are made. You could have made us like the animals, but You did not. However; since Adam and Eve used that free will to bring sin into the world, our spirits have been at war with each other.
In "Jesus Calling" by Sarah Young this morning, part of what she wrote was,:"Give your mind a rest from its habitual judging. When you become preoccupied with passing judgment, you usurp My role. The intimacy I offer you is not an invitation for you to act as though you are My equal. Worship Me as King of kings while walking hand in hand with Me..."
As I have grown in You and in age, some of the sins of the flesh have fallen by the wayside. However; the tongue and mind are still very active. Lord, I have enough to do in my day that requires me to think and speak. Please keep me from taking on Your job of judgement! You and You alone are the righteous judge. My judgements without Your wisdom giving me discernment are poor at best.
This morning I worship You as the Almighty God! In my world, if a past worthy president or the King or Queen of England had invited me to walk hand in hand with them, there would have been no question that I was the "subject" and they were the ruler. I would not ever think of taking on their jobs or responsibilities. So why in the world would I try to do that with YOU?
Lord, it is only by Your grace and mercy that I live and move and have my being and CAN walk with You at all! Please forgive me and keep me from the sin of usurping Your Role in my life and the world around me.
Friday, September 12, 2014
We Will Also Live With Him!
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And since we died with Christ, we know we will also live with him.
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Oh, Lord,
How could I have live all these years walking with You and not REALLY have understood this? What difference does this make in my life?
With work, family, church ministries, etc. You can get lost in the shuffle. I need to remember that I am living in ETERNAL LIFE now; in every moment in every day. When I trusted You as Savior and Lord, You made me a NEW CREATURE! I guess because my body didn't take on a glorified state and my residence here on earth did not change, it is harder to remember that. However; as You have told me over and over; I cannot live my life believing my feelings as they can deceive me, but have to constantly remember the TRUTH of Your Word.
Sweet Savior; please help me to remember this daily, to live it daily, and to share it without excuse. I live with YOU.
This world is not my home anymore as I am a citizen of Heaven. I long to be Home, Lord, come quickly and take all you kids home so we can all be together in eternity forever!
Revelation Song
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