Recently, Pastor John Hagee did a very condensed message on preparing for hard times. The first six things mentioned were typical:
1)Have an alternative source of water--water barrels, etc.
2)Develop a deep pantry/ have a garden/ learn to cook
3)Have health and first aid kit
4)Have alternative heat source--Coleman camp stove, etc.
5)Have candles, flashlights, emergency radio, & generator for refrigerator
6)Form a church food co-op/ they can buy in bulk therefore cheaper
Then he said 7)Protect & expand your wealth--get good return on your investments. He went on to say gold will be outlawed [as it was done before] and paper money would be like monopoly money.
He explained: The only way to prosper today is to Invest in the Kingdom of God. All you have is what you have given to God; it is the only amount that qualifies to enter the prosperity covenant where God has promised to open Heaven and pour you out blessings you cannot contain.
He said givers give and gain using Luke 6:38, II Peter 3:7 and several more.
This I loved: When what you have in your hand is not enough to meet your need it is your seed money. [It should go to where you know the Spirit is working] When you release what's in your hand to God, God releases what's in His hand to you. What's in God's hand is much greater than what's in your hand. [30, 60, 100 fold]
There are 3 things you can do with your seed.
1)eat seed 2)feed cow, 3) plant it [only way to increase]
We rob God if we don't tithe, Malachi 3:9-10
God dares us to test Him, try Him
In Deut. 28 God will not let Satan bother you if you tithe.
He believes you can give your way to wealth.
However, God requires your firstfruit. It takes cold-blooded-naked-faith to tithe & give offerings when you do not have enough to pay all your bills.
Plant your seed before you can expect an increase.
We already do that and God has blessed us with "Enough and Leftovers" to share.
This encouraged me to continue and God will continue to bless.
Thanks for the companionship on this walk.
Jean
Tuesday, March 27, 2012
SONGS IN THE MORNING
Recently everyone of my scripture readings mentioned songs or singing praises. I absolutely love poetry and songs and choruses. However, my mind has no idea how to form any of these beautiful forms.
Nevertheless, lately in my morning praise/prayer time phrases would come to mind so I would jot them down. Then I would put together those that sounded like they went together. [My son, Bill would wear a paper sack over his head if he found out I wrote these.]
Here are a few of the better ones. [Honestly some are worse.]
In Your presence I fly
From the earth to the sky
I bow before Your throne og grace
And see my Jesus face to face.
Lord Jesus, give me eyes
to se the in-vis-i-ble
Lord Jesus, give me ears
to hear Your still small voice
And I will praise You
Worship You, Worship You.
Lord Jesus, Your fragrance flows around me.
Your presence always surrounds and calls me
To praise, worship and adore You.
The fragrance of Your presence
Is on me still.
May it draw others to follow
Your will
And may they worship You,
Worship You.
I praise You Jesus because I love You,
I love You because You first loved me.
O Lord, You are my God,
I will exalt you,
I will praise Your name,
For You have done wonderful things.
It doesn't matter what you've done,
Only believe in Jesus the Son.
Only believe He will forgive you,
Only believe He will save you,
He paid the penalty for your sin
So now you, child, may enter in,
If you only believe
Only believe.
You can see why Rod is not impressed at all and wanted to do them over. I told him the Lord was more forgiving. When I sing them with whatever notes come into my head at the time and with my early-morning-froggy-voice, He accepts them as praise.
Obviously He loves me.
Please come walk with me again. I promise to never sing these to you.
Jean
Nevertheless, lately in my morning praise/prayer time phrases would come to mind so I would jot them down. Then I would put together those that sounded like they went together. [My son, Bill would wear a paper sack over his head if he found out I wrote these.]
Here are a few of the better ones. [Honestly some are worse.]
In Your presence I fly
From the earth to the sky
I bow before Your throne og grace
And see my Jesus face to face.
Lord Jesus, give me eyes
to se the in-vis-i-ble
Lord Jesus, give me ears
to hear Your still small voice
And I will praise You
Worship You, Worship You.
Lord Jesus, Your fragrance flows around me.
Your presence always surrounds and calls me
To praise, worship and adore You.
The fragrance of Your presence
Is on me still.
May it draw others to follow
Your will
And may they worship You,
Worship You.
I praise You Jesus because I love You,
I love You because You first loved me.
O Lord, You are my God,
I will exalt you,
I will praise Your name,
For You have done wonderful things.
It doesn't matter what you've done,
Only believe in Jesus the Son.
Only believe He will forgive you,
Only believe He will save you,
He paid the penalty for your sin
So now you, child, may enter in,
If you only believe
Only believe.
You can see why Rod is not impressed at all and wanted to do them over. I told him the Lord was more forgiving. When I sing them with whatever notes come into my head at the time and with my early-morning-froggy-voice, He accepts them as praise.
Obviously He loves me.
Please come walk with me again. I promise to never sing these to you.
Jean
STRONGHOLDS
I'm sorry to have been so negligent about not coming for walks with you, but you have been on my mind and heart.
I've been reading lately about the devil having more activity because his time is short and trying to ruin Christian's reputation or life so others won't be attracted to Christ by our life. Recently I heard Dr. Ron Phillips from Abba's House speak on the subject of Christians having strongholds.
I had always thought strongholds were where non-Christians were controlled by a strong demon.
Pastor Ron's idea is that even a Christian can have a stronghold because it isn't a demon. It is a fortress of wrong thinking. But a demon will come and encourage you in your wrong thinking until he can take control. In other words, I can continually sin by overeating until I develop a stronghold in that area. If I continue a demon can come and control that stronghold, making it have an even larger control over me, giving me hunger pangs for even more things I should not eat. Finally it can become like a drug that I must have.
I have family and friends that have strongholds of drugs, sex sins, rage issues, etc. even though I know they have accepted Christ as Savior. They always feel defeated.
It isn't God's plan for His children to be defeated. He wants us to be free to follow Him.
This is real warfare down deep in the invisible realm where sinister forces stand flaming and fanatic against the rule of Christ. The only way to meet this demonic passion is with the power and passion of the Lord Jesus Christ and His shed blood. A passionless stand will not work here.
God has given us as Christians the ability to cast out strongholds by the authority of the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by His blood shed for us. Also, God has said what we bind on earth, He will bind in Heaven and what we loose on earth, He will loose in Heaven. With those weapons we are ready to go to work.
First, we must confess the sin that has taken control of our life in some way. Second, we must thank Jesus for the work He has already done in our lives. Third, with the authority of the Name of the Lord Jesus Christ and His blood that was shed for us, plus the power of Holy Spirit, bind whatever spirit has taken control of your stronghold. It doesn't matter whether it's fear, your health, drugs, rage, or the desire to be liked by everyone so are unwilling to correct your children.
Whatever it is, cast it out.
If you still do not feel in control of that area of your life, go through the process again. Some have to fast and pray to regain control where thay can put their life back under the control of Christ.
Remember it's unconfessed sin that gives permission for this problem to develop. So keep up-to-date with your confessions.
Then pray and claim the Mind of Christ to be in you. "Let this mind which was in Christ be in you."
Let's get rid of our house of wrong thinking and stay our minds on Christ.
See you next time.
I've been reading lately about the devil having more activity because his time is short and trying to ruin Christian's reputation or life so others won't be attracted to Christ by our life. Recently I heard Dr. Ron Phillips from Abba's House speak on the subject of Christians having strongholds.
I had always thought strongholds were where non-Christians were controlled by a strong demon.
Pastor Ron's idea is that even a Christian can have a stronghold because it isn't a demon. It is a fortress of wrong thinking. But a demon will come and encourage you in your wrong thinking until he can take control. In other words, I can continually sin by overeating until I develop a stronghold in that area. If I continue a demon can come and control that stronghold, making it have an even larger control over me, giving me hunger pangs for even more things I should not eat. Finally it can become like a drug that I must have.
I have family and friends that have strongholds of drugs, sex sins, rage issues, etc. even though I know they have accepted Christ as Savior. They always feel defeated.
It isn't God's plan for His children to be defeated. He wants us to be free to follow Him.
This is real warfare down deep in the invisible realm where sinister forces stand flaming and fanatic against the rule of Christ. The only way to meet this demonic passion is with the power and passion of the Lord Jesus Christ and His shed blood. A passionless stand will not work here.
God has given us as Christians the ability to cast out strongholds by the authority of the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by His blood shed for us. Also, God has said what we bind on earth, He will bind in Heaven and what we loose on earth, He will loose in Heaven. With those weapons we are ready to go to work.
First, we must confess the sin that has taken control of our life in some way. Second, we must thank Jesus for the work He has already done in our lives. Third, with the authority of the Name of the Lord Jesus Christ and His blood that was shed for us, plus the power of Holy Spirit, bind whatever spirit has taken control of your stronghold. It doesn't matter whether it's fear, your health, drugs, rage, or the desire to be liked by everyone so are unwilling to correct your children.
Whatever it is, cast it out.
If you still do not feel in control of that area of your life, go through the process again. Some have to fast and pray to regain control where thay can put their life back under the control of Christ.
Remember it's unconfessed sin that gives permission for this problem to develop. So keep up-to-date with your confessions.
Then pray and claim the Mind of Christ to be in you. "Let this mind which was in Christ be in you."
Let's get rid of our house of wrong thinking and stay our minds on Christ.
See you next time.
Wednesday, March 14, 2012
Peter Marshall
Lately it seems everything I read or listen to mentions people hearing God speak to them. There is an almost endless supply of stories about it. They are interesting and I love to hear about them. Others rarely tire of hearing them, even when they do not entirely believe them.
I think they capture the imagination and perhaps challenge people to investigate or research the subject of divine guidance and hearing God.
I recently re-read an account of a Scot named Peter Marshall, who in the middle of the twentieth century became one of America's most widely known and admired ministers. He brought the office of chaplain of the U.S. Senate to a higher level of prominance through his outstanding qualities as a man as well as a minister.
One night while he was still in Britain, he decided to take a shortcut across the moors in an area where there was a deep, deserted limestone quarry. It was a foggy, pitch-black night and he was plodding blindly forward.
Suddenly, an urgent voice called out, "Peter!" He stopped and answered: "Yes, who is it? What do you want?" There was no response.
He thought it had been his imagination so took a few more steps. The voice came again, even more urgently, "Peter!"
He stopped again and tried to see into the darkness, but he stumbled forward and fell to his knees. Putting down his hand to brace himself, he touched nothing but air. He felt around in a semi-circle and discovered he was right on the brink of the abandoned quarry, where one more step would certainly have killed him.
Brother Lawrence, "The Practice of The Presence of God" author wrote:
There is not in the world a kind of life more sweet and delightful
than that of a continual conversation with God.
Those only can comprehend it who practice and experience it;
yet I do not advise you to do it from that motive.
It is not pleasure which we ought to seek in this exercise;
but let us do it from a principle of love,
and because God would have us.
Hope you enjoyed the walk, Jean
I think they capture the imagination and perhaps challenge people to investigate or research the subject of divine guidance and hearing God.
I recently re-read an account of a Scot named Peter Marshall, who in the middle of the twentieth century became one of America's most widely known and admired ministers. He brought the office of chaplain of the U.S. Senate to a higher level of prominance through his outstanding qualities as a man as well as a minister.
One night while he was still in Britain, he decided to take a shortcut across the moors in an area where there was a deep, deserted limestone quarry. It was a foggy, pitch-black night and he was plodding blindly forward.
Suddenly, an urgent voice called out, "Peter!" He stopped and answered: "Yes, who is it? What do you want?" There was no response.
He thought it had been his imagination so took a few more steps. The voice came again, even more urgently, "Peter!"
He stopped again and tried to see into the darkness, but he stumbled forward and fell to his knees. Putting down his hand to brace himself, he touched nothing but air. He felt around in a semi-circle and discovered he was right on the brink of the abandoned quarry, where one more step would certainly have killed him.
Brother Lawrence, "The Practice of The Presence of God" author wrote:
There is not in the world a kind of life more sweet and delightful
than that of a continual conversation with God.
Those only can comprehend it who practice and experience it;
yet I do not advise you to do it from that motive.
It is not pleasure which we ought to seek in this exercise;
but let us do it from a principle of love,
and because God would have us.
Hope you enjoyed the walk, Jean
Sunday, February 26, 2012
YOU WILL LIVE
In late 1999 God gave me two scriptures that I would live [as I had believed all along].
The first was in Psalm 116:
"Thou hast delivered my soul from death, my eyes from tears and my feet from falling. I will walk before the Lord in the land of the Living--I was greatly afflicted--Thou hast loosed my bonds--
The second was in Psalm 118:
"The Lord is my strength and song and my salvation--I shall not die, but live and declare the works of the Lord--He hath not given me over to death."
As I read them over again recently, I realize how far I've come from where I was. He has worked slowly and surely all this time.
One of the times He did a healing in me was around my birthday last year.
Each night Rod & I read the Bible and pray together. Our pattern is to read the scriptures, discuss our prayer concerns and then we alternate nights voicing our prayer.
This particular night we finished our reading and it was my time to pray. I was trying to organize my mind around all those for whom I would pray when suddenly my mind went blank. I don't mean like I would usually mean it, I mean really blank! I have no words to describe it adequately, but it was as if there was no brain in my head, only a great empty ball. It was like I was seeing inside the empty ball that was my head. A blue light came from everywhere inside the ball. I couldn't think, just exist in this blue lighted ball, inside my head. I don't know how long I sat there. Rod is used to me taking some time, just waited. Finally I was able to start thinking. The blue light remained as I made my mental prayer list. Then the blue light began to grow dimmer and dimmer and disappeared. I prayed until I came to the time where we wait silently before the Lord for Him to speak if He chooses. I quietly asked Holy Spirit what had happened. He said, "A brain anurism--" I interrupted and said I didn't know I had one. I realized He had continued to speak and I had talked over Him. "I'm so sorry, what did You say?" It had sounded as if He said was healed. He repeated, "A brain anurism was healed."
He is always working on our behalf whether in our body, our life or our family. I reaffirmed that my heart would not beat or my lungs expand without His having set them in working order. Thank You my Sovereign Lord God for Your constant care.
The first was in Psalm 116:
"Thou hast delivered my soul from death, my eyes from tears and my feet from falling. I will walk before the Lord in the land of the Living--I was greatly afflicted--Thou hast loosed my bonds--
The second was in Psalm 118:
"The Lord is my strength and song and my salvation--I shall not die, but live and declare the works of the Lord--He hath not given me over to death."
As I read them over again recently, I realize how far I've come from where I was. He has worked slowly and surely all this time.
One of the times He did a healing in me was around my birthday last year.
Each night Rod & I read the Bible and pray together. Our pattern is to read the scriptures, discuss our prayer concerns and then we alternate nights voicing our prayer.
This particular night we finished our reading and it was my time to pray. I was trying to organize my mind around all those for whom I would pray when suddenly my mind went blank. I don't mean like I would usually mean it, I mean really blank! I have no words to describe it adequately, but it was as if there was no brain in my head, only a great empty ball. It was like I was seeing inside the empty ball that was my head. A blue light came from everywhere inside the ball. I couldn't think, just exist in this blue lighted ball, inside my head. I don't know how long I sat there. Rod is used to me taking some time, just waited. Finally I was able to start thinking. The blue light remained as I made my mental prayer list. Then the blue light began to grow dimmer and dimmer and disappeared. I prayed until I came to the time where we wait silently before the Lord for Him to speak if He chooses. I quietly asked Holy Spirit what had happened. He said, "A brain anurism--" I interrupted and said I didn't know I had one. I realized He had continued to speak and I had talked over Him. "I'm so sorry, what did You say?" It had sounded as if He said was healed. He repeated, "A brain anurism was healed."
He is always working on our behalf whether in our body, our life or our family. I reaffirmed that my heart would not beat or my lungs expand without His having set them in working order. Thank You my Sovereign Lord God for Your constant care.
Friday, February 17, 2012
JESUS SPEAKS
My latest project is HUGE.
This was my thinking process in choosing it:
God is one God /Holy Trinity /God the Father / God the Son/ God the Spirit/
The Great Three in One.
Jesus came to earth to teach us Who and What God is as well as give His life to save us from our sins. Before He ascended into heaven He said several times that He would not leave us alone, that He was going to send Another like Himself who would live inside us and we could do everything He did when on earth, but even more.
Recently I realized most of what Jesus did, He accomplished through the spoken word. A guest speaker said she had learned to speak the word and let God work. I know what Jesus and the Trinity spoke came into being or was done. Therefore it made sense to me to study the words of Jesus. Then when I speak His words I know what He wants me to do will happen every time.
My project is to use the Gospels and Acts 1 and correlate the instances where Jesus spoke so I can see the whole picture and learn how to speak in a similar situation.
One of the speakers I recently heard said that if we learned to let the Holy Spirit work in our lives and learned to speak the Word that we wouldn't be so tired and stressed out all time. That sounded good to me!
Another speaker said that since God the Spirit is in us that our faith can cause us to dominate any mollecular object---that we can speak things into existence. Wow! I have so much to learn.
The reason I know I'm supposed to do this project is that the Spirit taught me in a dream how to use the computer [I used to be helpless--I just corrected my words] to keep from having to type all these scriptures. For those who do not know me personally, I used to have Rheumatoid Arthritis and my left hand isn't completely healed yet so I type one handed and usually with three fingers. That would have taken a looonnnggg time. Thank You Lord God.
I'll try to share what I learn. Thank you for dropping by tonight. Let's do it again.
This was my thinking process in choosing it:
God is one God /Holy Trinity /God the Father / God the Son/ God the Spirit/
The Great Three in One.
Jesus came to earth to teach us Who and What God is as well as give His life to save us from our sins. Before He ascended into heaven He said several times that He would not leave us alone, that He was going to send Another like Himself who would live inside us and we could do everything He did when on earth, but even more.
Recently I realized most of what Jesus did, He accomplished through the spoken word. A guest speaker said she had learned to speak the word and let God work. I know what Jesus and the Trinity spoke came into being or was done. Therefore it made sense to me to study the words of Jesus. Then when I speak His words I know what He wants me to do will happen every time.
My project is to use the Gospels and Acts 1 and correlate the instances where Jesus spoke so I can see the whole picture and learn how to speak in a similar situation.
One of the speakers I recently heard said that if we learned to let the Holy Spirit work in our lives and learned to speak the Word that we wouldn't be so tired and stressed out all time. That sounded good to me!
Another speaker said that since God the Spirit is in us that our faith can cause us to dominate any mollecular object---that we can speak things into existence. Wow! I have so much to learn.
The reason I know I'm supposed to do this project is that the Spirit taught me in a dream how to use the computer [I used to be helpless--I just corrected my words] to keep from having to type all these scriptures. For those who do not know me personally, I used to have Rheumatoid Arthritis and my left hand isn't completely healed yet so I type one handed and usually with three fingers. That would have taken a looonnnggg time. Thank You Lord God.
I'll try to share what I learn. Thank you for dropping by tonight. Let's do it again.
THIS and THAT
Boy does time fly! I cannot believe it has been so long since I have been here. Some of you complained that you came and I wasn't here. Sorry about that.
Tonight I want to share a few of the short things I have been reading or learning during my absence. See I've really been thinking about you.
Frances J. Roberts is an older writer who I've read several times. I go back to her when I get so busy I feel distanced from the Lord. A few weeks ago I picked her up again and read:
I have asked thee to give in order that I may bless thee more, I have challenged thee to pray so that I may respond and help thee. I have asked thee to rejoice in order to keep thee from being swallowed up by anxieties. I have asked thee to be humble to protect thee from the calamities that fall upon the proud. I have asked thee to forgive so as to make thy heart fit to receive my forgiveness. I have asked thee not to love the world for I would have thee loosed from unnecessary entanglements and free to follow me.
I have been looking into different leaders ideas about the importance of the spoken word. I first heard this taught about 25 plus years ago by Charles Capp from England, AR who is a regular on channel 25. I was captivated for a time but didn't get it deep down inside me. Since then so many well known ministers have taught it that it finally has made a deep impression on both Rod and I. We help each other change our way of saying things.
Recently a minister, I don't remember which one, had an interesting presentation. He used Gen. 11 about the Tower of Babel. I'll just pick out phrases but you need to read from 1-8. "The whole earth was of one language and of one speech" "Let us build us a city and a tower whose top may reach into Heaven and let us make us a name" Then in verse 6 "And the Lord said, 'Behold the people is one, and they have all one language and this they began to do and now nothing will be restrained from them which they had imagined to do." And he confused their languages and scattered them.
This minister said that God made this a "word planet." He created it with words, it is goverened by words and He set up spiritual laws that can be operated by words. These people all had the same goal, spoke the same thing and God said nothing would be impossible for them to attain.
It was suggested that if we would learn to control our tongue so much of our life would be better. We hang ourselves by our own tongue. We need to value our words more. No more, "my head is killing me, I can just look at food and gain weight, or I cannot remember-----no matter how hard I try." God has established it so that no one can control our lives except us. We must learn to value our words and speak, health, wealth, happiness, peace, etc. into our lives.
God created earth to show and share Himself with someone---an image bearer. It humbles me to know I am an image bearer. I'm sure I may hurt Him sometimes however He knows I am still working at it.
Recently I was praying for a particular thing for a person and the Holy Spirit spoke and said, "Don't call on me to do it. I gave you that power." I was stunned at first. Then I had to laugh. How many of us have said to our children, "Don't come whining to me, you can do that yourself,"? However, I soon lost my humor. Along with power comes responsibility. So I had to be careful as I spoke the answer to their need aloud and claimed it for that person.
One of the reasons I hesitate to write more sometimes, is because I don't want my words to be misinterpreted and lead someone in the wrong direction.
Thank you for stopping by. Hope to see you again soon.
Tonight I want to share a few of the short things I have been reading or learning during my absence. See I've really been thinking about you.
Frances J. Roberts is an older writer who I've read several times. I go back to her when I get so busy I feel distanced from the Lord. A few weeks ago I picked her up again and read:
I have asked thee to give in order that I may bless thee more, I have challenged thee to pray so that I may respond and help thee. I have asked thee to rejoice in order to keep thee from being swallowed up by anxieties. I have asked thee to be humble to protect thee from the calamities that fall upon the proud. I have asked thee to forgive so as to make thy heart fit to receive my forgiveness. I have asked thee not to love the world for I would have thee loosed from unnecessary entanglements and free to follow me.
I have been looking into different leaders ideas about the importance of the spoken word. I first heard this taught about 25 plus years ago by Charles Capp from England, AR who is a regular on channel 25. I was captivated for a time but didn't get it deep down inside me. Since then so many well known ministers have taught it that it finally has made a deep impression on both Rod and I. We help each other change our way of saying things.
Recently a minister, I don't remember which one, had an interesting presentation. He used Gen. 11 about the Tower of Babel. I'll just pick out phrases but you need to read from 1-8. "The whole earth was of one language and of one speech" "Let us build us a city and a tower whose top may reach into Heaven and let us make us a name" Then in verse 6 "And the Lord said, 'Behold the people is one, and they have all one language and this they began to do and now nothing will be restrained from them which they had imagined to do." And he confused their languages and scattered them.
This minister said that God made this a "word planet." He created it with words, it is goverened by words and He set up spiritual laws that can be operated by words. These people all had the same goal, spoke the same thing and God said nothing would be impossible for them to attain.
It was suggested that if we would learn to control our tongue so much of our life would be better. We hang ourselves by our own tongue. We need to value our words more. No more, "my head is killing me, I can just look at food and gain weight, or I cannot remember-----no matter how hard I try." God has established it so that no one can control our lives except us. We must learn to value our words and speak, health, wealth, happiness, peace, etc. into our lives.
God created earth to show and share Himself with someone---an image bearer. It humbles me to know I am an image bearer. I'm sure I may hurt Him sometimes however He knows I am still working at it.
Recently I was praying for a particular thing for a person and the Holy Spirit spoke and said, "Don't call on me to do it. I gave you that power." I was stunned at first. Then I had to laugh. How many of us have said to our children, "Don't come whining to me, you can do that yourself,"? However, I soon lost my humor. Along with power comes responsibility. So I had to be careful as I spoke the answer to their need aloud and claimed it for that person.
One of the reasons I hesitate to write more sometimes, is because I don't want my words to be misinterpreted and lead someone in the wrong direction.
Thank you for stopping by. Hope to see you again soon.
Monday, February 6, 2012
The Arena of Life
Recently I subbed in an adult Bible study class. There were three things I thought about teaching. When I lay them before the Lord, He picked this subject.
In Paul's day the olympic games were tournaments of great honor and no one was permitted to take part without first submitting to a two-fold examination. A contestant's reputation in society and his physical health must both be approved. For the first, a crier was sent through the streets calling upon anyone who might have a charge against this man to speak up for the honor of Greece. If a man was found to be in debt, a slave or guilty of some misdeed, everything was made public to his shame and he was barred from the arena. However, if he was found to be healthy and his record was clean the crier led him through the streets with honor and he was admitted into the arena.
Paul in Romans 5:1-5 glories in the fact that we, as children of God, have been cleared of all accusations through faith in Jesus Christ and have been declared freemen, therefore we have been given admission into the arena of life.
God directs our preparation for the battle to come by providing the whole armor of God. We put on the helmet of salvation because the fiery darts are usually directed against the head or our thoughts; the breastplate of righteousness which is a conscience void of offense toward God and men; we gird our loins about with the belt of truth because no prevarication can be tolerated; shod our feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace so we are ready as messengers to give the glad tidings; we hold the shield of faith to protect us from attack by the enemy and lastly, the sword of the Spirit which is the word of God. Ephesians 6:13 "Therefore take up the full armor of God, that you may be able to resist in the evil day, and having done everything, to stand firm."
Jesus, our crier, leads us into the arena of life. We as Christians, take up our position in readiness for the fight and rejoice in the prospect of being worthy to battle for Christ and to wear the winner's crown.
Tozer said, "If our lives don't challenge the devil and invite the fury of hell, we probably aren't doing much that's going to penetrate very far into the enemy's territory."
Through the devils many years of experience, he knows just what to bring into our lives to make us ineffectual Christian soldiers. Some he brings great pain that so catches them up in their circumstances they have no time or energy to spend with the Lord. Some he brings great financial troubles that distract them from their Father Who owns the cattle on a thousand hills. Others he brings prolonged illness that develops bitterness, blocking fellowship with Christ. For some he brings strife in their marriage or business partnership that so hurts them that they become bitter. Then there are others that he gives so much money they get caught up just managing it, leaving little time to develop their relationship with the Lord. Some have so many positions or organizations they attend that keep them busy so there's no time to spend with the Lord Jesus. Whatever our weakness is, we need to be aware that satan's purpose is to keep us from being of use to God, thereby hindering His kingdom. Today he knows his time is short so he's working harder than ever to distract us from our service to God.
These things catch our attention and the alert enemy can obtain a footing and win the victory if are not prayed up.
When we are attacked our opponent takes hold and attemps to throw us down, only then does our strength appear. Our every muscle strains; we repel the enemy, each fierce attack inspires in us more determined resistance; we exert ourselves to the utmost, putting forth all our strength to remain standing and when we accomplish that, endurance is born.
We know the war is already won; that God has already conquered and won, but we must do our part in the battles.
When the first assailant slinks away, we have confidence to enter a second bout with an even stronger opponent. Thus the child of God, struggling against the forces of evil in and around him, discovers within himself the God-given Spirit which enables him to endure all assaults triumphantly.
The arena of life is different for each of us, but the goal is the same for all of us. "I have fought the good fight, I have finished the course, I have kept the faith."
In Paul's day the olympic games were tournaments of great honor and no one was permitted to take part without first submitting to a two-fold examination. A contestant's reputation in society and his physical health must both be approved. For the first, a crier was sent through the streets calling upon anyone who might have a charge against this man to speak up for the honor of Greece. If a man was found to be in debt, a slave or guilty of some misdeed, everything was made public to his shame and he was barred from the arena. However, if he was found to be healthy and his record was clean the crier led him through the streets with honor and he was admitted into the arena.
Paul in Romans 5:1-5 glories in the fact that we, as children of God, have been cleared of all accusations through faith in Jesus Christ and have been declared freemen, therefore we have been given admission into the arena of life.
God directs our preparation for the battle to come by providing the whole armor of God. We put on the helmet of salvation because the fiery darts are usually directed against the head or our thoughts; the breastplate of righteousness which is a conscience void of offense toward God and men; we gird our loins about with the belt of truth because no prevarication can be tolerated; shod our feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace so we are ready as messengers to give the glad tidings; we hold the shield of faith to protect us from attack by the enemy and lastly, the sword of the Spirit which is the word of God. Ephesians 6:13 "Therefore take up the full armor of God, that you may be able to resist in the evil day, and having done everything, to stand firm."
Jesus, our crier, leads us into the arena of life. We as Christians, take up our position in readiness for the fight and rejoice in the prospect of being worthy to battle for Christ and to wear the winner's crown.
Tozer said, "If our lives don't challenge the devil and invite the fury of hell, we probably aren't doing much that's going to penetrate very far into the enemy's territory."
Through the devils many years of experience, he knows just what to bring into our lives to make us ineffectual Christian soldiers. Some he brings great pain that so catches them up in their circumstances they have no time or energy to spend with the Lord. Some he brings great financial troubles that distract them from their Father Who owns the cattle on a thousand hills. Others he brings prolonged illness that develops bitterness, blocking fellowship with Christ. For some he brings strife in their marriage or business partnership that so hurts them that they become bitter. Then there are others that he gives so much money they get caught up just managing it, leaving little time to develop their relationship with the Lord. Some have so many positions or organizations they attend that keep them busy so there's no time to spend with the Lord Jesus. Whatever our weakness is, we need to be aware that satan's purpose is to keep us from being of use to God, thereby hindering His kingdom. Today he knows his time is short so he's working harder than ever to distract us from our service to God.
These things catch our attention and the alert enemy can obtain a footing and win the victory if are not prayed up.
When we are attacked our opponent takes hold and attemps to throw us down, only then does our strength appear. Our every muscle strains; we repel the enemy, each fierce attack inspires in us more determined resistance; we exert ourselves to the utmost, putting forth all our strength to remain standing and when we accomplish that, endurance is born.
We know the war is already won; that God has already conquered and won, but we must do our part in the battles.
When the first assailant slinks away, we have confidence to enter a second bout with an even stronger opponent. Thus the child of God, struggling against the forces of evil in and around him, discovers within himself the God-given Spirit which enables him to endure all assaults triumphantly.
The arena of life is different for each of us, but the goal is the same for all of us. "I have fought the good fight, I have finished the course, I have kept the faith."
Saturday, February 4, 2012
Israel in the Wilderness
God has a path for all of us to follow where He tests us to see if we will follow His instructions.
For the children of Israel the desert was the way to glory, but because they were not willing to follow their God through hardships and trials, the glory departed from them. They murmured and set themselves against His will, grieving the Holy Spirit. They refused to put their trust in God when they walked through the darkness.
This wandering was a trial to reveal what was in their hearts and teach them to look up to God and expect all things from above. Their 400 long years in Egypt they had received all the things they needed from the fertile earth in Goshen; but now they found themselves in the desert with the dry, hot sand under their feet.
Sometimes God has to take away all things from under our feet until we have nothing left but Him. Now it may be seen whether the heart and soul clings to the Lord--whether we really are or only appear to be--His followers. He always has our highest good in view. He wants to lead us to self-denial and on toward entrusting ourselves to Him.
Has God led you out into the desert? Has He plucked everything you depended upon from under your feet? He did me. He led me to about 12 years of illness where I was housebound and even in a wheelchair and bed rest part of that time. The doctors and my family thought I would not live, but God had promised me healing so I hung on. There is a saying: Take God's attributes, plait them into a rope and hang on until He lifts you up. That's what I did and it became a light unto my feet instead of darkness.
When you find yourself in that position, do not complain about what you have lost and do not yearn to have it back again. God will continue to lead you through days of darkness and difficulty until you put your trust in Him while in the desert.
Those who survived the wilderness found greater riches, a living hope, an undisturbed joy, a deeper understanding, a more inclusive peace, unbroken security, deeper soul-cleansing and an intimate fellowship with their God.
Moses saw beyond his reproach, the reward; Jesus saw beyond the cross, the crown. What do you see beyond your desert?
"Then the Lord said to Moses, 'Behold, I will rain bread from heaven for you; and the people shall go out and gather a day's portion every day, that I may test them, whether or not they will walk in My instruction."
The Word is our Bread of Life. We should "gather it" every day that we may know God's instructions for us.
For the children of Israel the desert was the way to glory, but because they were not willing to follow their God through hardships and trials, the glory departed from them. They murmured and set themselves against His will, grieving the Holy Spirit. They refused to put their trust in God when they walked through the darkness.
This wandering was a trial to reveal what was in their hearts and teach them to look up to God and expect all things from above. Their 400 long years in Egypt they had received all the things they needed from the fertile earth in Goshen; but now they found themselves in the desert with the dry, hot sand under their feet.
Sometimes God has to take away all things from under our feet until we have nothing left but Him. Now it may be seen whether the heart and soul clings to the Lord--whether we really are or only appear to be--His followers. He always has our highest good in view. He wants to lead us to self-denial and on toward entrusting ourselves to Him.
Has God led you out into the desert? Has He plucked everything you depended upon from under your feet? He did me. He led me to about 12 years of illness where I was housebound and even in a wheelchair and bed rest part of that time. The doctors and my family thought I would not live, but God had promised me healing so I hung on. There is a saying: Take God's attributes, plait them into a rope and hang on until He lifts you up. That's what I did and it became a light unto my feet instead of darkness.
When you find yourself in that position, do not complain about what you have lost and do not yearn to have it back again. God will continue to lead you through days of darkness and difficulty until you put your trust in Him while in the desert.
Those who survived the wilderness found greater riches, a living hope, an undisturbed joy, a deeper understanding, a more inclusive peace, unbroken security, deeper soul-cleansing and an intimate fellowship with their God.
Moses saw beyond his reproach, the reward; Jesus saw beyond the cross, the crown. What do you see beyond your desert?
"Then the Lord said to Moses, 'Behold, I will rain bread from heaven for you; and the people shall go out and gather a day's portion every day, that I may test them, whether or not they will walk in My instruction."
The Word is our Bread of Life. We should "gather it" every day that we may know God's instructions for us.
Friday, February 3, 2012
End Times
I listened to a news report last night about what has happened in Italy and was reminded that some of these same things have been foretold for our country in the End Times. We should make ourselves ready, make sure that we know positively that if we died tonight that we would go to heaven and live with Jesus Christ and other members of the Trinity.
I was reading in Revelation about a scene in heaven that thrilled me. I'm putting it into my own words starting with chapter four.
"A door was standing open into heaven and a voice told me to come up. I did and saw a throne where One sat that was as beautiful as a jewel and a rainbow like a halo was around the throne. There were 24 smaller thrones that surrounded the large throne where 24 elders sat dressed in white garments and wearing golden crowns.
Thunder and lightening came from the throne and before it was a sea of glass like crystal where four living creatures sang night and day, "Holy, Holy, Holy, is the Lord God, Almighty, Who was and Who is and Who is to come."
Then the elders fell down before Him on the throne and threw down their crowns saying, "Worthy art Thou, our Lord and our God, to receive glory and honor and power; for Thou didst create all things, and because of Thy will they were created."
And I saw a Lamb standing and He came and took the book out of the right hand of the One Who sat on the throne. The four living creatures and the 24 elders fell down before the Lamb, each one having a harp or a golden bowl filled with the prayers of the saints. They sang: "Worthy art Thou to take the book, and to break its seals; for Thou wast slain, and didst purchase for God with Thy blood men from every tribe and tongue and people and nation. And Thou hast made them to be a kingdom and priests to our God; and they will reign upon the earth."
Then myriads and myriads and thousands and thousands of Angels, the living creatures and elders were saying in a loud voice, "Worthy is the Lamb that was slain to receive power and riches and wisdom and might and honor and glory and blessings."
And every created thing which is in heaven and on the earth and under the earth and on the sea, and all things in them were saying, " To Him that sits on the throne, and to the Lamb, be blessing and honor and glory and dominion forever and ever."
The four living creatures kept saying, "Amen." And the elders fell down and worshiped.
What a glorious peek into what heaven is like! Until Christ comes for us, we'll have to be satisfied with John's glimpse.
Thank you for joining me in my walk and sneak-peek into heaven.
I was reading in Revelation about a scene in heaven that thrilled me. I'm putting it into my own words starting with chapter four.
"A door was standing open into heaven and a voice told me to come up. I did and saw a throne where One sat that was as beautiful as a jewel and a rainbow like a halo was around the throne. There were 24 smaller thrones that surrounded the large throne where 24 elders sat dressed in white garments and wearing golden crowns.
Thunder and lightening came from the throne and before it was a sea of glass like crystal where four living creatures sang night and day, "Holy, Holy, Holy, is the Lord God, Almighty, Who was and Who is and Who is to come."
Then the elders fell down before Him on the throne and threw down their crowns saying, "Worthy art Thou, our Lord and our God, to receive glory and honor and power; for Thou didst create all things, and because of Thy will they were created."
And I saw a Lamb standing and He came and took the book out of the right hand of the One Who sat on the throne. The four living creatures and the 24 elders fell down before the Lamb, each one having a harp or a golden bowl filled with the prayers of the saints. They sang: "Worthy art Thou to take the book, and to break its seals; for Thou wast slain, and didst purchase for God with Thy blood men from every tribe and tongue and people and nation. And Thou hast made them to be a kingdom and priests to our God; and they will reign upon the earth."
Then myriads and myriads and thousands and thousands of Angels, the living creatures and elders were saying in a loud voice, "Worthy is the Lamb that was slain to receive power and riches and wisdom and might and honor and glory and blessings."
And every created thing which is in heaven and on the earth and under the earth and on the sea, and all things in them were saying, " To Him that sits on the throne, and to the Lamb, be blessing and honor and glory and dominion forever and ever."
The four living creatures kept saying, "Amen." And the elders fell down and worshiped.
What a glorious peek into what heaven is like! Until Christ comes for us, we'll have to be satisfied with John's glimpse.
Thank you for joining me in my walk and sneak-peek into heaven.
Friday, January 27, 2012
Join Our Prayer Team/ Pray For Our Country
Last night our couples' Bible Class met here for a pot-luck dinner and good old-fashioned visiting. Rod & I enjoyed it so much. We have known some of the members since the early 70's so it was a time to refresh good memories and enjoy good food.
I was able to show them some of my "new" acquisitions.
Recently I was given two pieces of furniture that once belonged to Rod's great-grandfather who gave it to his daughter. The daughter, a nurse, who married Rod's grandfather in 1910, took the furniture with her to her new home. At their death the furniture came to Rod's parents and finally down to me, who loves old things. On the back of one of the mirrors is "sold to William Thomas Perry for $10.00." The wood is still in great shape and the mirrors were re-done by Rod's parents years ago. They go well with my bedroom suite.
Anyway, I wanted to get my old family pictures framed and hung up before the party, but I'm so slow getting my work done that they are still lying there near my stack of frames. Well, next time they come maybe I'll have them hung up.
I was also given some crochet work, some embroidery work, even a small golden powder box that you wore on your wrist by the chain to take to parties so you could keep your face nice.
The best time I had though was when we talked about the need for prayers to save our country. We know that is the only way we will survive as a nation.
So we prayed for those that were traveling, those who are sick and then united in a prayer for our country.
I was one of the Presidential Prayer Team when President Bush was in office so I took the liberty of using a quotation of George Washington's from their literature and came up with the following for us:
"If My people who are called by My name will humble themselves and pray, and seek My face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven, will forgive their sins, and will heal their land." II Chronicles 8:14
!
!!!
!!!!!!
!!!!!!!!!
!!!!!!!
!!!!!
!!!
!!!
"Almighty God...
I yield Thee humble and hearty thanks
that Thou has preserved me from the danger
of the night past and brought me to the light of day,
and the comforts thereof, a day which is consecrated
to Thine own service and for Thine own honor.
Let my heart, therefore, Gracious God, be so
affected with the glory and majesty of it,
that I not do mine own works, but wait
on Thee and discharge those weighty
duties Thou requirest of me."
George Washington in
his private journal
Goal: Mobilizing Americans to pray daily for our country, our president, our political leaders, our Christian leaders and our armed forces.
"First of all, then, I urge that entreaties, prayers, petitions and thanksgivings be made on behalf of all men, for kings and all who are in authority, in order that we may lead a tranquil and quiet life in all godliness and dignity." I Timothy 2:1-2
Pray is the only answer to every challenge facing our nation today--terrorists, war, nuclear warheads that can now reach our shores, our economy, massive debt, the elections, lack of jobs, health insurance, social security reform, taxes, Israel's plight, tornados, earthquakes, hurricanes, drought, floods, and the threat of famine. The truth is, the battle is not against flesh and blood enemies or mother nature--it is a spiritual battle and can only be fought on our knees using the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, His blood and the victory He has already won for us.
This year we need to recuit as many members as possible to join us as we pray for protection for our country. We live in the greatest nation on earth, but there are gaps in our country--gaps of immorality, gaps of poverty, gaps of disrespect for the faith and values on which our country was founded. The only way to fill those gaps is through prayer.
Will you join us?
I was able to show them some of my "new" acquisitions.
Recently I was given two pieces of furniture that once belonged to Rod's great-grandfather who gave it to his daughter. The daughter, a nurse, who married Rod's grandfather in 1910, took the furniture with her to her new home. At their death the furniture came to Rod's parents and finally down to me, who loves old things. On the back of one of the mirrors is "sold to William Thomas Perry for $10.00." The wood is still in great shape and the mirrors were re-done by Rod's parents years ago. They go well with my bedroom suite.
Anyway, I wanted to get my old family pictures framed and hung up before the party, but I'm so slow getting my work done that they are still lying there near my stack of frames. Well, next time they come maybe I'll have them hung up.
I was also given some crochet work, some embroidery work, even a small golden powder box that you wore on your wrist by the chain to take to parties so you could keep your face nice.
The best time I had though was when we talked about the need for prayers to save our country. We know that is the only way we will survive as a nation.
So we prayed for those that were traveling, those who are sick and then united in a prayer for our country.
I was one of the Presidential Prayer Team when President Bush was in office so I took the liberty of using a quotation of George Washington's from their literature and came up with the following for us:
THE PRAYER TEAM
"If My people who are called by My name will humble themselves and pray, and seek My face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven, will forgive their sins, and will heal their land." II Chronicles 8:14
!
!!!
!!!!!!
!!!!!!!!!
!!!!!!!
!!!!!
!!!
!!!
"Almighty God...
I yield Thee humble and hearty thanks
that Thou has preserved me from the danger
of the night past and brought me to the light of day,
and the comforts thereof, a day which is consecrated
to Thine own service and for Thine own honor.
Let my heart, therefore, Gracious God, be so
affected with the glory and majesty of it,
that I not do mine own works, but wait
on Thee and discharge those weighty
duties Thou requirest of me."
George Washington in
his private journal
Goal: Mobilizing Americans to pray daily for our country, our president, our political leaders, our Christian leaders and our armed forces.
"First of all, then, I urge that entreaties, prayers, petitions and thanksgivings be made on behalf of all men, for kings and all who are in authority, in order that we may lead a tranquil and quiet life in all godliness and dignity." I Timothy 2:1-2
Pray is the only answer to every challenge facing our nation today--terrorists, war, nuclear warheads that can now reach our shores, our economy, massive debt, the elections, lack of jobs, health insurance, social security reform, taxes, Israel's plight, tornados, earthquakes, hurricanes, drought, floods, and the threat of famine. The truth is, the battle is not against flesh and blood enemies or mother nature--it is a spiritual battle and can only be fought on our knees using the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, His blood and the victory He has already won for us.
This year we need to recuit as many members as possible to join us as we pray for protection for our country. We live in the greatest nation on earth, but there are gaps in our country--gaps of immorality, gaps of poverty, gaps of disrespect for the faith and values on which our country was founded. The only way to fill those gaps is through prayer.
Will you join us?
Tuesday, January 24, 2012
My Heart Cries For God
From Psalm 84 [my paraphrasing] "My soul nearly faints with longing for Your presence O Lord. My heart and my flesh cries out for the Living God. Blessed is the person whose strength is in Thee because they can go from strength to strength, never tiring. A day in Thy presence is better than a thousand days away from You. I had rather be a doorkeeper in Your house than to dwell anywhere without Your presence. You will not withhold any good thing from those who walk uprightly."
Roberts wrote as if Jesus was speaking, "It is my life I am giving you. It is Myself. Divine grace, heavenly love, infinite mercy, fathomless peace--all these shall spring forth unbeckoned out of the deeps within you because My Spirit has taken up residence there."
Moses prayed, "For a thousand years in Thy sight are but as yesterday when it is past, and as a watch in the night.--Teach us to number our days that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom--Let the beauty of the Lord our God be upon us."
In Psalm 91 it says, "A thousand shall fall at my side and 10,000 at my right hand and not come near me because I have made the Lord my habitation--For He will give His angels charge over me to keep me in all my ways." Nothing can touch me until it passes through God first. If He allows it to pass through Him and touch me it is for my good and my growth and He will walk with me through it.
Praise the Lord!
Roberts wrote as if Jesus was speaking, "It is my life I am giving you. It is Myself. Divine grace, heavenly love, infinite mercy, fathomless peace--all these shall spring forth unbeckoned out of the deeps within you because My Spirit has taken up residence there."
Moses prayed, "For a thousand years in Thy sight are but as yesterday when it is past, and as a watch in the night.--Teach us to number our days that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom--Let the beauty of the Lord our God be upon us."
In Psalm 91 it says, "A thousand shall fall at my side and 10,000 at my right hand and not come near me because I have made the Lord my habitation--For He will give His angels charge over me to keep me in all my ways." Nothing can touch me until it passes through God first. If He allows it to pass through Him and touch me it is for my good and my growth and He will walk with me through it.
Praise the Lord!
Prayer For Purity and Power
Recently I was reading Psalm 70-71 in my morning time with the Lord. It spoke to me of how purity and power go hand in hand.
I personalize the scripture when I read it so it is like God is talking directly to me. The following is excerpts from those passages:
I cannot understand/notice my own errors. Cleanse me from all secret faults. Keep me from presumptuous sins; don't let them overtake me. Then You will see me as blameless and innocent of great transgressions, because little ones usually lead to large ones.
Then when I am old and greyheaded [as now] please allow me the time and ability to show Thy strength and power unto this generation and the generations to come.
O God, thank You that Thou has taught me from my youth and have given me many opportunities to declare Thy mighty and wondrous works. My lips greatly rejoice when I sing praises unto Thee, even though I sound like a frog croaking. Thou hast redeemed my soul and if You do not return before I die, You will resurrect my body and I'll join You in the air. [Even though I still believe I will be alive when You return.]
I'm reminded of the scripture that says something like, "If we don't praise Him the rocks will cry out." One of my favorite things to do is to try to remember the names and actions of God so I can praise Him with them all.
One of my current projects is to make a wall decoration with the Hebrew Names of God. Wish me luck. So far I haven't found anyone to do it for me so I'm going to have to try it on my own with God's help. He may deny having any part of it when I get through.
Thank you for the visit. Leave me your blog address and I'll visit with you.
I personalize the scripture when I read it so it is like God is talking directly to me. The following is excerpts from those passages:
I cannot understand/notice my own errors. Cleanse me from all secret faults. Keep me from presumptuous sins; don't let them overtake me. Then You will see me as blameless and innocent of great transgressions, because little ones usually lead to large ones.
Then when I am old and greyheaded [as now] please allow me the time and ability to show Thy strength and power unto this generation and the generations to come.
O God, thank You that Thou has taught me from my youth and have given me many opportunities to declare Thy mighty and wondrous works. My lips greatly rejoice when I sing praises unto Thee, even though I sound like a frog croaking. Thou hast redeemed my soul and if You do not return before I die, You will resurrect my body and I'll join You in the air. [Even though I still believe I will be alive when You return.]
I'm reminded of the scripture that says something like, "If we don't praise Him the rocks will cry out." One of my favorite things to do is to try to remember the names and actions of God so I can praise Him with them all.
One of my current projects is to make a wall decoration with the Hebrew Names of God. Wish me luck. So far I haven't found anyone to do it for me so I'm going to have to try it on my own with God's help. He may deny having any part of it when I get through.
Thank you for the visit. Leave me your blog address and I'll visit with you.
Wednesday, January 18, 2012
Understanding God's Plan or Ways For Me
January 18, 2012
Recently there was something [private] I wanted to do. I checked with God, as usual. I didn't understand exactly what He said, but I was pretty sure it was that He would rather I did not do it the way I was planning. However, I felt confused which I knew was not of God and admitted to myself that it might be because He didn't give me the answer I wanted.
I couldn't find anything in scripture that would be a reason for me not to do it. So I asked Him in my quiet time this morning to tell me His answer in my scheduled Scripture passage.
He knows me so well! He knew the only reason I was going to handle the situation was because I was impatient. He told me in my Psalm passage that there was nothing wrong with me doing what I was wanting to do, but He preferred I not do it. He said I should let the creator, sustainer, and all this long list of Who He is take care of the situation. I had to laugh at myself when I realized I was planning to depend on a human source when the God who created the universe wanted me to let Him take care of it.
How foolish can I be?! You probably don't want to walk with me until I smarten up.
I praise Him for loving me so much that He'll make sure I understand exactly what He wants from me.
Don't give up on me. I'll try to do better next time.
Recently there was something [private] I wanted to do. I checked with God, as usual. I didn't understand exactly what He said, but I was pretty sure it was that He would rather I did not do it the way I was planning. However, I felt confused which I knew was not of God and admitted to myself that it might be because He didn't give me the answer I wanted.
I couldn't find anything in scripture that would be a reason for me not to do it. So I asked Him in my quiet time this morning to tell me His answer in my scheduled Scripture passage.
He knows me so well! He knew the only reason I was going to handle the situation was because I was impatient. He told me in my Psalm passage that there was nothing wrong with me doing what I was wanting to do, but He preferred I not do it. He said I should let the creator, sustainer, and all this long list of Who He is take care of the situation. I had to laugh at myself when I realized I was planning to depend on a human source when the God who created the universe wanted me to let Him take care of it.
How foolish can I be?! You probably don't want to walk with me until I smarten up.
I praise Him for loving me so much that He'll make sure I understand exactly what He wants from me.
Don't give up on me. I'll try to do better next time.
Share our 58th Anniversary
Tonight I've been reflecting about the years that have flown by so fast to get us to celebrate 58 years of marriage.
In one way it seems there was never a time when we were not married. In another way it seems so short, like a few years. That is, it does until I start counting great-grandchildren.
Our family took us out for dinner at Logans. We have so much fun when we're together. I think every one of them have a comic gene. I always laugh so much it is bound to extend my life another year every time we get together.
Well, there's always a part where we get cards from the "kids" with notes inserted. Those have me fighting to keep from bawling because they are always so sweet.
Rod & I value each day God gives us together. We know so many people who have not been as blessed as we have.
I praise God for showing me Rod was the one He chose for me.
In one way it seems there was never a time when we were not married. In another way it seems so short, like a few years. That is, it does until I start counting great-grandchildren.
Our family took us out for dinner at Logans. We have so much fun when we're together. I think every one of them have a comic gene. I always laugh so much it is bound to extend my life another year every time we get together.
Well, there's always a part where we get cards from the "kids" with notes inserted. Those have me fighting to keep from bawling because they are always so sweet.
Rod & I value each day God gives us together. We know so many people who have not been as blessed as we have.
I praise God for showing me Rod was the one He chose for me.
Tuesday, January 10, 2012
Blessings as we walk
When God is teaching me a truth it seems He whispers into the ears of everyone we listen to that we need certain information. It's exciting to know He's the one orchestrating it. Right now it is about saying blessings over everyone.
Ephesians blessing 1:3,4 "Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ..." vs 16-19 .."do not cease giving thanks for you, while making mention of you in my prayers; that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory may give to you a spirit of wisdom and of revelation in the knowledge of Him. I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened, so that you may know what is the hope of His calling, what are the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints and what is the surpassing greatness of His power toward us who believe."
Colossians blessing 1:9b-12 "...we have not ceased to pray for you and to ask that you may be filled with the knowledge of His will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding so that you may walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, to please Him in all respects, bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God; strengthened with all power, according to His glorious might, for the attaining of all steadfastness and patience, joyously giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified us to share in the inheritance of the saints in light."
God gives blessings throughout His word. I'm working on finding them, lifting out the words that pertain to those I want to bless and making one complete blessing I can say over my family and friends. Blessings bring power and authority as well as success, health and financial favor.
God delights in delegating His power to men when He finds believing and obedient servants who will accept the responsibility and exercise it. He wants those who when mountains rise in their way speak to them and command them to depart into the sea instead of crying to Him to fix it. When we speak to the obstacle there may seem to be no immediate response. But as day by day, we maintain the attitude of authority knowing we are commissioned to use the name of Jesus Christ and His shed blood, there will come a trembling and a shaking and a removing and the mountain will slide from its base and disappear into the sea of forgetfulness.
Jesus rebuked the storm and the wind and sea were stilled. Satan would like us to be ignorant of our position in Christ that gives us the authority and power to do the same.
I don't remember where I heard this saying but it has become one of my favorites:
"The saint is hilarious when he is crushed with difficulties because the thing is so ludicrously impossible to anyone but God."
I must say goodnight. Thanks for keeping me company on my walk. Jean
Ephesians blessing 1:3,4 "Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ..." vs 16-19 .."do not cease giving thanks for you, while making mention of you in my prayers; that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory may give to you a spirit of wisdom and of revelation in the knowledge of Him. I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened, so that you may know what is the hope of His calling, what are the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints and what is the surpassing greatness of His power toward us who believe."
Colossians blessing 1:9b-12 "...we have not ceased to pray for you and to ask that you may be filled with the knowledge of His will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding so that you may walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, to please Him in all respects, bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God; strengthened with all power, according to His glorious might, for the attaining of all steadfastness and patience, joyously giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified us to share in the inheritance of the saints in light."
God gives blessings throughout His word. I'm working on finding them, lifting out the words that pertain to those I want to bless and making one complete blessing I can say over my family and friends. Blessings bring power and authority as well as success, health and financial favor.
God delights in delegating His power to men when He finds believing and obedient servants who will accept the responsibility and exercise it. He wants those who when mountains rise in their way speak to them and command them to depart into the sea instead of crying to Him to fix it. When we speak to the obstacle there may seem to be no immediate response. But as day by day, we maintain the attitude of authority knowing we are commissioned to use the name of Jesus Christ and His shed blood, there will come a trembling and a shaking and a removing and the mountain will slide from its base and disappear into the sea of forgetfulness.
Jesus rebuked the storm and the wind and sea were stilled. Satan would like us to be ignorant of our position in Christ that gives us the authority and power to do the same.
I don't remember where I heard this saying but it has become one of my favorites:
"The saint is hilarious when he is crushed with difficulties because the thing is so ludicrously impossible to anyone but God."
I must say goodnight. Thanks for keeping me company on my walk. Jean
Monday, January 9, 2012
Watch our Words as We Walk
I've been taught the importance of our words since I was in my teens. I would be good with only positive words most of the time then I would become careless again. I hate to admit that this has been my life pattern. On again, off again.
Lance stopped by this afternoon and I asked him if he remembered when I had them saying scriptural blessings/affirmations. He said, "Not only do I remember saying them but I remember those things you put under our pillows that played them all night on an endless tape." I must confess I did.
Job 23:28 " You will also decree a thing, and it will be established for you; And light shall shine on your ways." If we decree good things, "God calls into being that which does not exist." [does not exist down here.] He will bring it to pass. God is just waiting, hoping we finally get it and decree great and wonderful things so He can bless us.
When the Israelites gave a bad report, [voiced negative, faithless words] in Numbers 14:34 "According to the number of days which you spied out the land, forty days, for every day you shall bear your guilt a year, even forty years and you shall know My opposition."
God does not like grumbling, lack of faith and careless negative words. Praise the Lord He doesn't punish us a year for every time we grumble about something or say things like, "My head is killing me." That is prophysing our own death. I ask God to reverse my words when I catch myself saying that kind of thing. Rod & I catch each other which helps.
To start blessings over yourself or your loved ones you can start with Deut. 28:1-14 with Mize
paraphrased. "If you will obey the Lord, your God, all these blessings shall come upon you and overtake you--blessed shall you be in the city, blessed shall you be in the field, blessed shall be your children, your crops,[ability to get food] the increase of your herds and flocks,[your business will flourish blessed shall be your basket and your kneading bowl, [your food] blessed shall you be when you come in and blessed shall you be when you go out, the Lord will defeat your enemies, the Lord will command the blessing upon you in your barns [investments/ savings] and all you put your hand to, and He will bless you in the land which the Lord gives you. People will see you so blessed they will fear you. The Lord will make you abound in prosperity. He will open His storehouse, the heavens, to give rain to your land in its season and bless all the work of your hand, you shall lend but not borrow. The Lord will make you the head and not the tail if you will listen and obey His commandments.
If you do not obey these blessings turn into curses.
Mark 11: 23,24 "Truly I say to you, whoever says to this mountain, 'Be taken up and cast into the sea,' and does not doubt in his heart, but believes that what He says is going to happen, it will be granted him. Therefore I say to you, all things for which you pray and ask, believe that you have received them, and they shall be granted you."
All those blessings will be yours if you obey Him and believe He will give them to you. And why would He not give them to you? You are His beloved child and He wants every good blessing for you just as you want them for your children.
I add other things to my blessing such as health, relationships, etc. I'm adding specific things for grandchildren and other family members.
I hope this walk has encouraged you in the Lord. Thank you for sharing it with me. Jean
Lance stopped by this afternoon and I asked him if he remembered when I had them saying scriptural blessings/affirmations. He said, "Not only do I remember saying them but I remember those things you put under our pillows that played them all night on an endless tape." I must confess I did.
Job 23:28 " You will also decree a thing, and it will be established for you; And light shall shine on your ways." If we decree good things, "God calls into being that which does not exist." [does not exist down here.] He will bring it to pass. God is just waiting, hoping we finally get it and decree great and wonderful things so He can bless us.
When the Israelites gave a bad report, [voiced negative, faithless words] in Numbers 14:34 "According to the number of days which you spied out the land, forty days, for every day you shall bear your guilt a year, even forty years and you shall know My opposition."
God does not like grumbling, lack of faith and careless negative words. Praise the Lord He doesn't punish us a year for every time we grumble about something or say things like, "My head is killing me." That is prophysing our own death. I ask God to reverse my words when I catch myself saying that kind of thing. Rod & I catch each other which helps.
To start blessings over yourself or your loved ones you can start with Deut. 28:1-14 with Mize
paraphrased. "If you will obey the Lord, your God, all these blessings shall come upon you and overtake you--blessed shall you be in the city, blessed shall you be in the field, blessed shall be your children, your crops,[ability to get food] the increase of your herds and flocks,[your business will flourish blessed shall be your basket and your kneading bowl, [your food] blessed shall you be when you come in and blessed shall you be when you go out, the Lord will defeat your enemies, the Lord will command the blessing upon you in your barns [investments/ savings] and all you put your hand to, and He will bless you in the land which the Lord gives you. People will see you so blessed they will fear you. The Lord will make you abound in prosperity. He will open His storehouse, the heavens, to give rain to your land in its season and bless all the work of your hand, you shall lend but not borrow. The Lord will make you the head and not the tail if you will listen and obey His commandments.
If you do not obey these blessings turn into curses.
Mark 11: 23,24 "Truly I say to you, whoever says to this mountain, 'Be taken up and cast into the sea,' and does not doubt in his heart, but believes that what He says is going to happen, it will be granted him. Therefore I say to you, all things for which you pray and ask, believe that you have received them, and they shall be granted you."
All those blessings will be yours if you obey Him and believe He will give them to you. And why would He not give them to you? You are His beloved child and He wants every good blessing for you just as you want them for your children.
I add other things to my blessing such as health, relationships, etc. I'm adding specific things for grandchildren and other family members.
I hope this walk has encouraged you in the Lord. Thank you for sharing it with me. Jean
Saturday, January 7, 2012
Come Walk With Me in Obedience
God uses interesting ways sometimes to teach me about His ways.
For a while He would wake me around 2 a.m. and I would meet Him with pen and paper. The Holy Spirit would give me scriptures to read, remind me of times in my past when He worked in my life and sometimes tell me ways to pray for people. I also felt like He was teaching me to come when He spoke no matter what I was doing.
One night I was sleeping and I heard God call my name. I arose, grabbed my pad and pen and prepared to meet Him in our usual place. However, He said He wanted me to go with Him. I asked him if I should get dressed. He said, "yes". I dressed quickly and asked Him where we were going. He said He would, "tell me when it was time". I found my keys and license and went into the garage. After I unlocked the garage door and opened it, I climbed into the van and started the motor. I put the gear into reverse and started easing back out of the garage. I asked again where we were going. "That's enough," He said. "Go back to bed and I'll meet you at our usual time in the morning." I shut the motor down, closed the garage and could not hold my question in any longer. "What was this about?" "Obedience."
God said to obey was better than sacrifice. I am re-learning how God loves us to be ready to obey Him at a moment's notice.
When our kids were growing up I remember how hard it was to get them to obey quickly. It was usually, "In just a minute!" which could be anywhere from 5-20 minutes. The only way I could hurry them up was to have something on the other side of that chore that they really wanted to do then brag on their quick response.
I think God the Holy Spirit was teaching me the same way, using the same incentive. Can you imagine how excited I was when I thought He was going to have me go somewhere with Him. Usually He raises me up in the heavenlies which is even better.
I hope you meet with my Lord often and walk along together. Hope to see you there.
For a while He would wake me around 2 a.m. and I would meet Him with pen and paper. The Holy Spirit would give me scriptures to read, remind me of times in my past when He worked in my life and sometimes tell me ways to pray for people. I also felt like He was teaching me to come when He spoke no matter what I was doing.
One night I was sleeping and I heard God call my name. I arose, grabbed my pad and pen and prepared to meet Him in our usual place. However, He said He wanted me to go with Him. I asked him if I should get dressed. He said, "yes". I dressed quickly and asked Him where we were going. He said He would, "tell me when it was time". I found my keys and license and went into the garage. After I unlocked the garage door and opened it, I climbed into the van and started the motor. I put the gear into reverse and started easing back out of the garage. I asked again where we were going. "That's enough," He said. "Go back to bed and I'll meet you at our usual time in the morning." I shut the motor down, closed the garage and could not hold my question in any longer. "What was this about?" "Obedience."
God said to obey was better than sacrifice. I am re-learning how God loves us to be ready to obey Him at a moment's notice.
When our kids were growing up I remember how hard it was to get them to obey quickly. It was usually, "In just a minute!" which could be anywhere from 5-20 minutes. The only way I could hurry them up was to have something on the other side of that chore that they really wanted to do then brag on their quick response.
I think God the Holy Spirit was teaching me the same way, using the same incentive. Can you imagine how excited I was when I thought He was going to have me go somewhere with Him. Usually He raises me up in the heavenlies which is even better.
I hope you meet with my Lord often and walk along together. Hope to see you there.
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