Sure enough, I do think I met God at Walmart yesterday. No, the sky didn't open up with a bright light and the harmonious sounds of angels singing. No, I didn't hear a thunderous voice. No, I wasn't dropped to my knees by his ominous presence. Yes, He did send one of His "angels of mercy" to meet my needs. Or, so it seemed.
My husband, Rich, and I went to Walmart on a mission to procure a grill and fixings for the much anticipated Memorial Day feast. We were expecting "the girls" and they were expecting a grilled delight and much fun filled day. The plan was going great until Rich reminded me of the last time he "fired up old Betsy." Fired up was exactly what happened with flames leaping to the height of about three feet. We just didn't have the heart to let her go. She was a blessing from someone who was moving about 7 years ago. Rich patched her up and put in new "guts" and she blessed us with many a satisfying meal. During the years Rich had replaced the rocks, burner, and rack. She has had many a "transplant." But, there comes a time when you just have to let your loved ones go. Today was the day for new beginnings.
So, we loaded up Jazzy on the back of the van and away we went down the trail to Walmart. (For those of you who don't know, Jazzy is my motorized wheelchair.) We are very thankful they built a new Walmart two miles down the road. It makes it so much easier to justify a shopping trip when you don't have to waste gas driving across town.
We went to the lawn and garden center. We looked over the selection and compared how many hoops they each could jump through and the number of Somalians required to watch them do that in our backyard and chose the most excellent replacement for Betsy. Then we looked like we were at a tennis match. We looked in unison at the box encasing our new acquisition and the then at the cart, then the box and then the cart. Nope, not going to fit no matter how many times we size it up. We looked from the cart to each other with that desperate deer in the headlight look and then it happened. He limped into our lives. A whitish haired man with a jolly belly that had definitely seen many a grilled feast and glasses lit up our lives with a smile and the warmest "may I help you" I had ever heard. He had a flat bed cart and just the right answer about which cover to protect our new treasure. He put it all aside for safe keeping for us while we went on a grocery safari. We procured the hamburg, brots, rolls and homemade ice cream fixings including fresh strawberries and headed back to the lawn and garden department. We found our friendly helper and he got our cart to the check out and brought it outside for us. I waited while Rich walked to the other side of the parking lot to get the van and drive it over to this side of the store. The friendly man said if I needed anything else he would be close by inside and went back in the store. As I sat there admiring the beautiful day God has made just for our feast, a woman pulled up and went back in and came out with a cart of dirt and flowers. I was thinking about our trip there a few weeks ago when we got dirt and flowers too. I thought about coloring with my grandgirls and how God must like to color too. Look how much fun he had with the flowers, sky, grass and yes even the dirt. As I was sitting there admiring God's handy work, the friendly man with the warm smile appeared and handed me a bag with the grill cover in it that he rescued from the check out cashier. He stayed outside with me, this time and as if he knew what I was thinking said, "People don't praise God enough for the wonderful things He gives us like this day!" That is when I felt it more than ever. It was like the orchestra had been tuning up--each section separately--the strings, the wood winds, the brass, the percussion and then "the conductor" lifted his baton and with the down stroke it all came together beautifully--each part came together to form a harmoniously pleasant symphony.
That' s God for you. He can take lemons and make lemonade--He adds a few ingredients that wipes away my tears and puts a big smile on my heart. Sometimes, those ingredients are family, friends or a blessed man at Walmart. Rich could have grumbled about the trek across the black tundra to get the van, I could have fussed about the wait or expense of a new grill but we found joy in His day and He put joy in our hearts by reminding us He is always there with us no matter where we go or what we are doing.
Well, Rich got the grill together without grumbling. The grilled grub was delicious and we all had a great time. I pray the friendly man at Walmart who helped us had some good quality time with his family too. He deserves lots of blessings.
17Alas, Lord God! Behold, You have made the heavens and the earth by Your great power and by Your outstretched arm! There is nothing too hard or too wonderful for You-- Amplified Bible
Lord, I thank you for all the beautiful things you have placed in my life. Not just my family and friends but the sunny days, flowers, trees, grass, sky, dirt, rainbows, back yard, house, ocean, beach, animals, childrens' smiles, giggles & hugs and everything too numerous to mention that has touched my heart. O sovereign LORD! You have made the heavens and earth by your great power. Nothing is too hard for you! Jeremiah 32:17 NLT
Tuesday, May 27, 2008
Friday, May 23, 2008
Stepping Out
Matthew 14:22-36AMP
22Then He directed the disciples to get into the boat and go before Him to the other side, while He sent away the crowds.
23And after He had dismissed the multitudes, He went up into the hills by Himself to pray. When it was evening, He was still there alone.
24But the boat was by this time out on the sea, many furlongs [a furlong is one-eighth of a mile] distant from the land, beaten and tossed by the waves, for the wind was against them. 25And in the fourth watch [between 3:00--6:00 a.m.] of the night, Jesus came to them, walking on the sea. 26And when the disciples saw Him walking on the sea, they were terrified and said, It is a ghost! And they screamed out with fright. 27But instantly He spoke to them, saying, Take courage! I AM! Stop being afraid! 28And Peter answered Him, Lord, if it is You, command me to come to You on the water. 29He said, Come! So Peter got out of the boat and walked on the water, and he came toward Jesus. 30But when he perceived and felt the strong wind, he was frightened, and as he began to sink, he cried out, Lord, save me [from death]! 31Instantly Jesus reached out His hand and caught and held him, saying to him, O you of little faith, why did you doubt? 32And when they got into the boat, the wind ceased. 33And those in the boat knelt and worshiped Him, saying, Truly You are the Son of God!
34And when they had crossed over to the other side, they went ashore at Gennesaret. 35And when the men of that place recognized Him, they sent around into all the surrounding country and brought to Him all who were sick 36And begged Him to let them merely touch the fringe of His garment; and as many as touched it were perfectly restored.
It seems like this is my life story. I spend so much time in that boat (bed, wheelchair). I pray Lord if it is You call me out! I step out daily. The few steps to the bathroom and back can be met with a light breeze or hurricane force winds. I never know to what intensity the storm will come at me or how quickly it will intensify. I believe each time that the wind and waves will cease. Oh, but I must be doubting somewhere because the waves have knocked me over if I don't grab onto something. I have many a bruise, scrape, swelling and breathless moment to attest to not reaching out soon enough. I refuse to give up. Lord if I could just touch the fringe of your garment I know I will be perfectly restored. It is getting closer and closer. I can feel it in the spirit.
Lord, give me eyes see, ears to hear and discernment to know all that You are speaking to me. I only hear the voice of my master, recognize and obey it. In Jesus' name I pray. AMEN
22Then He directed the disciples to get into the boat and go before Him to the other side, while He sent away the crowds.
23And after He had dismissed the multitudes, He went up into the hills by Himself to pray. When it was evening, He was still there alone.
24But the boat was by this time out on the sea, many furlongs [a furlong is one-eighth of a mile] distant from the land, beaten and tossed by the waves, for the wind was against them. 25And in the fourth watch [between 3:00--6:00 a.m.] of the night, Jesus came to them, walking on the sea. 26And when the disciples saw Him walking on the sea, they were terrified and said, It is a ghost! And they screamed out with fright. 27But instantly He spoke to them, saying, Take courage! I AM! Stop being afraid! 28And Peter answered Him, Lord, if it is You, command me to come to You on the water. 29He said, Come! So Peter got out of the boat and walked on the water, and he came toward Jesus. 30But when he perceived and felt the strong wind, he was frightened, and as he began to sink, he cried out, Lord, save me [from death]! 31Instantly Jesus reached out His hand and caught and held him, saying to him, O you of little faith, why did you doubt? 32And when they got into the boat, the wind ceased. 33And those in the boat knelt and worshiped Him, saying, Truly You are the Son of God!
34And when they had crossed over to the other side, they went ashore at Gennesaret. 35And when the men of that place recognized Him, they sent around into all the surrounding country and brought to Him all who were sick 36And begged Him to let them merely touch the fringe of His garment; and as many as touched it were perfectly restored.
It seems like this is my life story. I spend so much time in that boat (bed, wheelchair). I pray Lord if it is You call me out! I step out daily. The few steps to the bathroom and back can be met with a light breeze or hurricane force winds. I never know to what intensity the storm will come at me or how quickly it will intensify. I believe each time that the wind and waves will cease. Oh, but I must be doubting somewhere because the waves have knocked me over if I don't grab onto something. I have many a bruise, scrape, swelling and breathless moment to attest to not reaching out soon enough. I refuse to give up. Lord if I could just touch the fringe of your garment I know I will be perfectly restored. It is getting closer and closer. I can feel it in the spirit.
Lord, give me eyes see, ears to hear and discernment to know all that You are speaking to me. I only hear the voice of my master, recognize and obey it. In Jesus' name I pray. AMEN
Thursday, May 22, 2008
Getting Ready
A man pacing back and forth glanced at his watch and yelled upstairs to his wife, "Honey, are you ready yet? We're going to be late for the party." Shouting back, the woman replies, "For crying out loud, Ed, I've been telling you for the last half hour that I'll be ready in a minute!"
When I read that humor for the day message, I immediately thought, "That's how it is with us awaiting Jesus' return." You know the conversation you have with the Lord from time to time that goes something like this: "Lord, how much longer before you come? How much longer must I endure all this stuff? When will we hear your trumpet blow? When Lord, when? He answers from His word: 27For just as the lightning flashes from the east and shines and is seen as far as the west, so will the coming of the Son of Man be. 36But of that [exact] day and hour no one knows, not even the angels of heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father. Matthew 24:27, 36 AMP
He is coming back and will I be ready? Will I be dressed, packed and ready to go? What is the proper attire? What will I need to bring with me? Do I need a ticket? Where will I be picked up? What about my family? Who will water the plants and feed the dogs and birds when I am gone? What do I need to leave behind? What about those left behind? What if I miss it and I am one of them?
So many questions and I get from the Bible that I wasn't the only one with questions. Jesus' disciples had questions too. So, He gave them answers in Matthew 25. The whole chapter is answers to their questions about His second coming and how to live our lives until that day.
Matthew 25 (Amplified Bible)
1THEN THE kingdom of heaven shall be likened to ten virgins who took their lamps and went to meet the bridegroom.
2Five of them were foolish (thoughtless, without forethought) and five were wise (sensible, intelligent, and prudent).
3For when the foolish took their lamps, they did not take any [extra] oil with them;
4But the wise took flasks of oil along with them [also] with their lamps.
5While the bridegroom lingered and was slow in coming, they all began nodding their heads, and they fell asleep.
6But at midnight there was a shout, Behold, the bridegroom! Go out to meet him!
7Then all those virgins got up and put their own lamps in order.
8And the foolish said to the wise, Give us some of your oil, for our lamps are going out.
9But the wise replied, There will not be enough for us and for you; go instead to the dealers and buy for yourselves.
10But while they were going away to buy, the bridegroom came, and those who were prepared went in with him to the marriage feast; and the door was shut.
11Later the other virgins also came and said, Lord, Lord, open [the door] to us!
12But He replied, I solemnly declare to you, I do not know you [I am not acquainted with you].
13Watch therefore [give strict attention and be cautious and active], for you know neither the day nor the hour when the Son of Man will come.
14For it is like a man who was about to take a long journey, and he called his servants together and entrusted them with his property.
15To one he gave five talents [probably about $5,000], to another two, to another one--to each in proportion to his own personal ability. Then he departed and left the country.
16He who had received the five talents went at once and traded with them, and he gained five talents more.
17And likewise he who had received the two talents--he also gained two talents more.
18But he who had received the one talent went and dug a hole in the ground and hid his master's money.
19Now after a long time the master of those servants returned and settled accounts with them.
20And he who had received the five talents came and brought him five more, saying, Master, you entrusted to me five talents; see, here I have gained five talents more.
21His master said to him, Well done, you upright (honorable, admirable) and faithful servant! You have been faithful and trustworthy over a little; I will put you in charge of much. Enter into and share the joy (the delight, the blessedness) which your master enjoys.
22And he also who had the two talents came forward, saying, Master, you entrusted two talents to me; here I have gained two talents more.
23His master said to him, Well done, you upright (honorable, admirable) and faithful servant! You have been faithful and trustworthy over a little; I will put you in charge of much. Enter into and share the joy (the delight, the blessedness) which your master enjoys.
24He who had received one talent also came forward, saying, Master, I knew you to be a harsh and hard man, reaping where you did not sow, and gathering where you had not winnowed [the grain].
25So I was afraid, and I went and hid your talent in the ground. Here you have what is your own.
26But his master answered him, You wicked and lazy and idle servant! Did you indeed know that I reap where I have not sowed and gather [grain] where I have not winnowed?
27Then you should have invested my money with the bankers, and at my coming I would have received what was my own with interest.
28So take the talent away from him and give it to the one who has the ten talents.
29For to everyone who has will more be given, and he will be furnished richly so that he will have an abundance; but from the one who does not have, even what he does have will be taken away.
30And throw the good-for-nothing servant into the outer darkness; there will be weeping and grinding of teeth.
31When the Son of Man comes in His glory (His majesty and splendor), and all the holy angels with Him, then He will sit on the throne of His glory.
32All nations will be gathered before Him, and He will separate them [the people] from one another as a shepherd separates his sheep from the goats;
33And He will cause the sheep to stand at His right hand, but the goats at His left.
34Then the King will say to those at His right hand, Come, you blessed of My Father [you favored of God and appointed to eternal salvation], inherit (receive as your own) the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world.
35For I was hungry and you gave Me food, I was thirsty and you gave Me something to drink, I was a stranger and you brought Me together with yourselves and welcomed and entertained and lodged Me,
36I was naked and you clothed Me, I was sick and you visited Me with help and ministering care, I was in prison and you came to see Me.
37Then the just and upright will answer Him, Lord, when did we see You hungry and gave You food, or thirsty and gave You something to drink?
38And when did we see You a stranger and welcomed and entertained You, or naked and clothed You?
39And when did we see You sick or in prison and came to visit You?
40And the King will reply to them, Truly I tell you, in so far as you did it for one of the least [in the estimation of men] of these My brethren, you did it for Me.
41Then He will say to those at His left hand, Begone from Me, you cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels!
42For I was hungry and you gave Me no food, I was thirsty and you gave Me nothing to drink,
43I was a stranger and you did not welcome Me and entertain Me, I was naked and you did not clothe Me, I was sick and in prison and you did not visit Me with help and ministering care.
44Then they also [in their turn] will answer, Lord, when did we see You hungry or thirsty or a stranger or naked or sick or in prison, and did not minister to You?
45And He will reply to them, Solemnly I declare to you, in so far as you failed to do it for the least [in the estimation of men] of these, you failed to do it for Me.
46Then they will go away into eternal punishment, but those who are just and upright and in right standing with God into eternal life.
When I read that humor for the day message, I immediately thought, "That's how it is with us awaiting Jesus' return." You know the conversation you have with the Lord from time to time that goes something like this: "Lord, how much longer before you come? How much longer must I endure all this stuff? When will we hear your trumpet blow? When Lord, when? He answers from His word: 27For just as the lightning flashes from the east and shines and is seen as far as the west, so will the coming of the Son of Man be. 36But of that [exact] day and hour no one knows, not even the angels of heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father. Matthew 24:27, 36 AMP
He is coming back and will I be ready? Will I be dressed, packed and ready to go? What is the proper attire? What will I need to bring with me? Do I need a ticket? Where will I be picked up? What about my family? Who will water the plants and feed the dogs and birds when I am gone? What do I need to leave behind? What about those left behind? What if I miss it and I am one of them?
So many questions and I get from the Bible that I wasn't the only one with questions. Jesus' disciples had questions too. So, He gave them answers in Matthew 25. The whole chapter is answers to their questions about His second coming and how to live our lives until that day.
Matthew 25 (Amplified Bible)
1THEN THE kingdom of heaven shall be likened to ten virgins who took their lamps and went to meet the bridegroom.
2Five of them were foolish (thoughtless, without forethought) and five were wise (sensible, intelligent, and prudent).
3For when the foolish took their lamps, they did not take any [extra] oil with them;
4But the wise took flasks of oil along with them [also] with their lamps.
5While the bridegroom lingered and was slow in coming, they all began nodding their heads, and they fell asleep.
6But at midnight there was a shout, Behold, the bridegroom! Go out to meet him!
7Then all those virgins got up and put their own lamps in order.
8And the foolish said to the wise, Give us some of your oil, for our lamps are going out.
9But the wise replied, There will not be enough for us and for you; go instead to the dealers and buy for yourselves.
10But while they were going away to buy, the bridegroom came, and those who were prepared went in with him to the marriage feast; and the door was shut.
11Later the other virgins also came and said, Lord, Lord, open [the door] to us!
12But He replied, I solemnly declare to you, I do not know you [I am not acquainted with you].
13Watch therefore [give strict attention and be cautious and active], for you know neither the day nor the hour when the Son of Man will come.
14For it is like a man who was about to take a long journey, and he called his servants together and entrusted them with his property.
15To one he gave five talents [probably about $5,000], to another two, to another one--to each in proportion to his own personal ability. Then he departed and left the country.
16He who had received the five talents went at once and traded with them, and he gained five talents more.
17And likewise he who had received the two talents--he also gained two talents more.
18But he who had received the one talent went and dug a hole in the ground and hid his master's money.
19Now after a long time the master of those servants returned and settled accounts with them.
20And he who had received the five talents came and brought him five more, saying, Master, you entrusted to me five talents; see, here I have gained five talents more.
21His master said to him, Well done, you upright (honorable, admirable) and faithful servant! You have been faithful and trustworthy over a little; I will put you in charge of much. Enter into and share the joy (the delight, the blessedness) which your master enjoys.
22And he also who had the two talents came forward, saying, Master, you entrusted two talents to me; here I have gained two talents more.
23His master said to him, Well done, you upright (honorable, admirable) and faithful servant! You have been faithful and trustworthy over a little; I will put you in charge of much. Enter into and share the joy (the delight, the blessedness) which your master enjoys.
24He who had received one talent also came forward, saying, Master, I knew you to be a harsh and hard man, reaping where you did not sow, and gathering where you had not winnowed [the grain].
25So I was afraid, and I went and hid your talent in the ground. Here you have what is your own.
26But his master answered him, You wicked and lazy and idle servant! Did you indeed know that I reap where I have not sowed and gather [grain] where I have not winnowed?
27Then you should have invested my money with the bankers, and at my coming I would have received what was my own with interest.
28So take the talent away from him and give it to the one who has the ten talents.
29For to everyone who has will more be given, and he will be furnished richly so that he will have an abundance; but from the one who does not have, even what he does have will be taken away.
30And throw the good-for-nothing servant into the outer darkness; there will be weeping and grinding of teeth.
31When the Son of Man comes in His glory (His majesty and splendor), and all the holy angels with Him, then He will sit on the throne of His glory.
32All nations will be gathered before Him, and He will separate them [the people] from one another as a shepherd separates his sheep from the goats;
33And He will cause the sheep to stand at His right hand, but the goats at His left.
34Then the King will say to those at His right hand, Come, you blessed of My Father [you favored of God and appointed to eternal salvation], inherit (receive as your own) the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world.
35For I was hungry and you gave Me food, I was thirsty and you gave Me something to drink, I was a stranger and you brought Me together with yourselves and welcomed and entertained and lodged Me,
36I was naked and you clothed Me, I was sick and you visited Me with help and ministering care, I was in prison and you came to see Me.
37Then the just and upright will answer Him, Lord, when did we see You hungry and gave You food, or thirsty and gave You something to drink?
38And when did we see You a stranger and welcomed and entertained You, or naked and clothed You?
39And when did we see You sick or in prison and came to visit You?
40And the King will reply to them, Truly I tell you, in so far as you did it for one of the least [in the estimation of men] of these My brethren, you did it for Me.
41Then He will say to those at His left hand, Begone from Me, you cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels!
42For I was hungry and you gave Me no food, I was thirsty and you gave Me nothing to drink,
43I was a stranger and you did not welcome Me and entertain Me, I was naked and you did not clothe Me, I was sick and in prison and you did not visit Me with help and ministering care.
44Then they also [in their turn] will answer, Lord, when did we see You hungry or thirsty or a stranger or naked or sick or in prison, and did not minister to You?
45And He will reply to them, Solemnly I declare to you, in so far as you failed to do it for the least [in the estimation of men] of these, you failed to do it for Me.
46Then they will go away into eternal punishment, but those who are just and upright and in right standing with God into eternal life.
There seems to be three parts to this story. Get knowledge and wisdom from reading His word and in relationship with Him. Second, He expects us to be good stewards not only of money but also to multiply the body by preaching and teaching His gospel. Third, nourish the sick, be compassionate to His people and set the captives free. Luke 4:18-19 AMP 18The Spirit of the Lord [is] upon Me, because He has anointed Me [the Anointed One, the Messiah] to preach the good news (the Gospel) to the poor; He has sent Me to announce release to the captives and recovery of sight to the blind, to send forth as delivered those who are oppressed [who are downtrodden, bruised, crushed, and broken down by calamity], 19To proclaim the accepted and acceptable year of the Lord [the day when salvation and the free favors of God profusely abound.
He didn't come just to fellowship with His disciples; He came to heal the sick, set the captives free and teach His disciples to duplicate the process. He expects us to do the same. He has given us Holy Spirit to equip us with what we need to accomplish the mission. It is time to strap on the armor, pack the provisions, and start marching. We are in the army of the Lord and from what I read in Matthew 25, He definatlely is not tolarant of slackers.
Lord, I repent of procrastination. I see now that every day is to be treated as if it could be my last for only You know the number of my days before Your coming. Each morning I wake is a new opportunity to add to Your kingdom. I seek You LORD! I seek your wisdom, knowledge, discernment to do Your will. I have been given yet one more opportunity to fullfill your commandment to love and to spread it to all the nations. It may be one individual that needs to hear that you gave your life just for this person to have eternal life and an abundant life here on earth. While others are taking that message to thousands, this may be the thing for me to do today. Whatever you assign me to do Lord, that is what I will do. You can use me however You choose. I want to be a willing and obedient servant. In Jesus' name I pray. AMEN
Tuesday, May 20, 2008
The Source of Our Love
God has poured out His love into our hearts.
ROMANS 5:5 NIV
In all things, may Jesus be the strength of our marriage, the center of our lives, the guide of our future, the source of our love.
I have heard it said so many times that God should be my source. It is usually in a financial context. Today more than ever, I realize that God needs to be my source in every area of my life--starting with His love.
Mark 12:30-31 (Amplified Bible) 30And you shall love the Lord your God out of and with your whole heart and out of and with all your soul (your life) and out of and with all your mind (with your faculty of thought and your moral understanding) and out of and with all your strength. This is the first and principal commandment. 31The second is like it and is this, You shall love your neighbor as yourself.
There is no other commandment greater than these. Love is the the primary element of my walk with God. He is love and to be in Him and Him in me I need to be filled with His agape love and exude it to all around me. If you saw some of the people God has placed in my life, you would understand that's a tall order. "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me and on my own I can do nothing" makes perfect sense in this situation. Every test is refining me into what God has planned for my life. He is using so many people and situations to mold me like clay into the image of His dear Son. As our relationship grows, so do my coping skills. His love changes me, matures me spiritually, grows my patience and understanding of the hurts others are battling. He gives me strength as I draw it from Him. I draw from my never ending Source in every breath and prayer.
Without Him, how can I walk uprightly? Without His love, how can I minister to others? Without His love, how can I be a light to those stumbling in the dark? Without His love and example, how can I ever be expected to know how to love anyone else? Without His unconditional love, how can I love unconditionally? Without His grace, mercy and love, how would I have ever made it this far?
Lord, as I plug into You, my Source, pour out your love on me. Let it run down my head and shoulders and permeate my entire mind, soul and body. Pour out your love into my heart. Let your love burn in me, radiate and warm all those around me. Teach me how to love everyone around me as You do. I thank You for your constant presence, guidance and love in all my relationships. I praise You for all You have done, are doing and are going to do in my life and my loved ones lives. In Jesus' name I pray. AMEN
ROMANS 5:5 NIV
In all things, may Jesus be the strength of our marriage, the center of our lives, the guide of our future, the source of our love.
I have heard it said so many times that God should be my source. It is usually in a financial context. Today more than ever, I realize that God needs to be my source in every area of my life--starting with His love.
Mark 12:30-31 (Amplified Bible) 30And you shall love the Lord your God out of and with your whole heart and out of and with all your soul (your life) and out of and with all your mind (with your faculty of thought and your moral understanding) and out of and with all your strength. This is the first and principal commandment. 31The second is like it and is this, You shall love your neighbor as yourself.
There is no other commandment greater than these. Love is the the primary element of my walk with God. He is love and to be in Him and Him in me I need to be filled with His agape love and exude it to all around me. If you saw some of the people God has placed in my life, you would understand that's a tall order. "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me and on my own I can do nothing" makes perfect sense in this situation. Every test is refining me into what God has planned for my life. He is using so many people and situations to mold me like clay into the image of His dear Son. As our relationship grows, so do my coping skills. His love changes me, matures me spiritually, grows my patience and understanding of the hurts others are battling. He gives me strength as I draw it from Him. I draw from my never ending Source in every breath and prayer.
Without Him, how can I walk uprightly? Without His love, how can I minister to others? Without His love, how can I be a light to those stumbling in the dark? Without His love and example, how can I ever be expected to know how to love anyone else? Without His unconditional love, how can I love unconditionally? Without His grace, mercy and love, how would I have ever made it this far?
Lord, as I plug into You, my Source, pour out your love on me. Let it run down my head and shoulders and permeate my entire mind, soul and body. Pour out your love into my heart. Let your love burn in me, radiate and warm all those around me. Teach me how to love everyone around me as You do. I thank You for your constant presence, guidance and love in all my relationships. I praise You for all You have done, are doing and are going to do in my life and my loved ones lives. In Jesus' name I pray. AMEN
Monday, May 19, 2008
North, South, East, West, Above and Beneath
Monday May 19, 2008
I had a dream this morning just before I awoke. One of those dreams that you know deep inside is a breakthrough. I makes you want to search the bible for the answer or more appropriately the question.
My husband and I were standing next to each other in a reddish mud filled with debris. It rose up as we stood there with an innocent unknowing look on our faces as if we were oblivious of it rising around us. When it was chest level, we realized we couldn't move. We were stuck in it unable to raise or arms or move our legs. A very fine warm misting rain began to fall and it felt good on our faces. It kept our small thirst quenched by opening our mouths and turning our heads upwards. It was sustaining but not nurturing or growing. The water smoothed the top of the mud and pooled on it but we still couldn't move. It wasn't washing it away or loosening it so we could get out. It was still ugly underneath no matter how good it looked on the surface. I heard the words being spoken over us, "I will protect you on all six sides but you must use the armour."
I said, "Is it the front, back, sides, top and bottom?" Nothing changed and it was silent. I said, "Is it north, south, east, west, above and beneath?" The sun became intensely bright and warm. That feeling of everything is going to be alright overwhelmed me and I had a fervor to search for the right words to speak. A new hope has dawned this day.
And fervently search is exactly what I did--for hours.Literally, I read hundreds of scriptures on north, south, east, west, above and beneath. I went to the bible dictionary and the concordance. I prayed and still it eluded me. I just knew there was something the Lord was trying to tell me. Finally, late afternoon I asked a trusted friend what she thought about the dream and my exhaustive search. She said maybe it is the armor you should be seeking.
The armor? Isn't that what the words are? What are the right words to form the armor? David had a slingshot and a prayer for armor and Saul was trying to put that heavy metal stuff on him. David couldn't move in the heavy metal stuff but slew that giant with the word of God and a simple slingshot. Lord, I need the right words from You and the right weapon to defeat the enemy--to evict the demons of disease from my body once and for all. As your word says in Nehemiah 1:9, "the affliction will not rise up a second time!"
Lord, I want to strap on Your armor and wield a mighty two-edged sword that pierces to the bone rightly dividing Your Word. I no longer want to be deceived by the enemy. My body belongs to You Lord--not me. It is consecrated to do your will. Lord, I pray for discipline in all areas of my life. I want to live wholly consecrated for You. You have bought me with a price-a very costly price-the blood of Jesus. I plead the blood of Jesus over my mind, body, emotions, soul, heart, desires and will. It is Your will and not mine that I desire. Mold me into what you plan for me. I know your plans are for good. Give me eyes to see and ears to hear what you are speaking to my heart and the discipline to carry it to completion. In Jesus' name I pray. AMEN
I had a dream this morning just before I awoke. One of those dreams that you know deep inside is a breakthrough. I makes you want to search the bible for the answer or more appropriately the question.
My husband and I were standing next to each other in a reddish mud filled with debris. It rose up as we stood there with an innocent unknowing look on our faces as if we were oblivious of it rising around us. When it was chest level, we realized we couldn't move. We were stuck in it unable to raise or arms or move our legs. A very fine warm misting rain began to fall and it felt good on our faces. It kept our small thirst quenched by opening our mouths and turning our heads upwards. It was sustaining but not nurturing or growing. The water smoothed the top of the mud and pooled on it but we still couldn't move. It wasn't washing it away or loosening it so we could get out. It was still ugly underneath no matter how good it looked on the surface. I heard the words being spoken over us, "I will protect you on all six sides but you must use the armour."
I said, "Is it the front, back, sides, top and bottom?" Nothing changed and it was silent. I said, "Is it north, south, east, west, above and beneath?" The sun became intensely bright and warm. That feeling of everything is going to be alright overwhelmed me and I had a fervor to search for the right words to speak. A new hope has dawned this day.
And fervently search is exactly what I did--for hours.Literally, I read hundreds of scriptures on north, south, east, west, above and beneath. I went to the bible dictionary and the concordance. I prayed and still it eluded me. I just knew there was something the Lord was trying to tell me. Finally, late afternoon I asked a trusted friend what she thought about the dream and my exhaustive search. She said maybe it is the armor you should be seeking.
The armor? Isn't that what the words are? What are the right words to form the armor? David had a slingshot and a prayer for armor and Saul was trying to put that heavy metal stuff on him. David couldn't move in the heavy metal stuff but slew that giant with the word of God and a simple slingshot. Lord, I need the right words from You and the right weapon to defeat the enemy--to evict the demons of disease from my body once and for all. As your word says in Nehemiah 1:9, "the affliction will not rise up a second time!"
Lord, I want to strap on Your armor and wield a mighty two-edged sword that pierces to the bone rightly dividing Your Word. I no longer want to be deceived by the enemy. My body belongs to You Lord--not me. It is consecrated to do your will. Lord, I pray for discipline in all areas of my life. I want to live wholly consecrated for You. You have bought me with a price-a very costly price-the blood of Jesus. I plead the blood of Jesus over my mind, body, emotions, soul, heart, desires and will. It is Your will and not mine that I desire. Mold me into what you plan for me. I know your plans are for good. Give me eyes to see and ears to hear what you are speaking to my heart and the discipline to carry it to completion. In Jesus' name I pray. AMEN
Not one left behind
Luke 13:5-9 AMP 5I tell you, No; but unless you repent (change your mind for the better and heartily amend your ways, with abhorrence of your past sins), you will all likewise perish and be lost eternally. 6And He told them this parable: A certain man had a fig tree, planted in his vineyard, and he came looking for fruit on it, but did not find [any]. 7So he said to the vinedresser, See here! For these three years I have come looking for fruit on this fig tree and I find none. Cut it down! Why should it continue also to use up the ground [to deplete the soil, intercept the sun, and take up room]? 8But he replied to him, Leave it alone, sir, [just] this one more year, till I dig around it and put manure [on the soil]. 9Then perhaps it will bear fruit after this; but if not, you can cut it down and out.
How many years have you been praying for salvation of loved ones? I have been praying for almost 12 years for most all of my family. I just keep praying and believing that not one will be left behind and not only that but will live abundant lives here on earth. I have prayed for the laborers to be placed in front of them. God send the people who can speak to them and they will hear. I have spoken the word over them and prayed and prayed and prayed for their protection in the meantime. I am confident they will confess their sins and confess Jesus as Lord of their life. Everything that is named musst bow to the name of Jesus. I am believing that all that watering and fertilizing will produce good fruit.
It is also important to remember that the Lord never does things the way we plan. His thoughts are higher than mine. He also has a sense of humor. He can use a donkey to do his work and by all means he can choose to use someone other than me to get the job done. That is difficult for the mother in me to comprehend it isn't my job to get them taught and converted. I know how much difference it can make in their lives. A whole new path of wonderful events will enfold and the whole in their hearts will be filled. That unsatiable longing for peace will be satisfied. It will be a fabulous day when I hear those words, "Mom, I found Jesus!" And how much more will Jesus be thrilled to write their names in the Book of Life?
He loves us all with a never ending, unconditional love that will never leave or abandon us--even when we had turned our faces away from Him. He longs for all to come to Him and not one be left behind. I hear all the time why doesn't the Lord come now? I believe He is waiting for his children to come to Him so that not one will be left behind. The longer He waits the more can come. I believe He will not be waiting much longer so I have stepped up my prayers for all His children to come to Him.
Lord, Jesus! I thank you that you loved me first. I thank you for your patience with me and all my loved ones! I thank you for the laborers that will bring them in to your kingdom! In Jesus' name. AMEN!
How many years have you been praying for salvation of loved ones? I have been praying for almost 12 years for most all of my family. I just keep praying and believing that not one will be left behind and not only that but will live abundant lives here on earth. I have prayed for the laborers to be placed in front of them. God send the people who can speak to them and they will hear. I have spoken the word over them and prayed and prayed and prayed for their protection in the meantime. I am confident they will confess their sins and confess Jesus as Lord of their life. Everything that is named musst bow to the name of Jesus. I am believing that all that watering and fertilizing will produce good fruit.
It is also important to remember that the Lord never does things the way we plan. His thoughts are higher than mine. He also has a sense of humor. He can use a donkey to do his work and by all means he can choose to use someone other than me to get the job done. That is difficult for the mother in me to comprehend it isn't my job to get them taught and converted. I know how much difference it can make in their lives. A whole new path of wonderful events will enfold and the whole in their hearts will be filled. That unsatiable longing for peace will be satisfied. It will be a fabulous day when I hear those words, "Mom, I found Jesus!" And how much more will Jesus be thrilled to write their names in the Book of Life?
He loves us all with a never ending, unconditional love that will never leave or abandon us--even when we had turned our faces away from Him. He longs for all to come to Him and not one be left behind. I hear all the time why doesn't the Lord come now? I believe He is waiting for his children to come to Him so that not one will be left behind. The longer He waits the more can come. I believe He will not be waiting much longer so I have stepped up my prayers for all His children to come to Him.
Lord, Jesus! I thank you that you loved me first. I thank you for your patience with me and all my loved ones! I thank you for the laborers that will bring them in to your kingdom! In Jesus' name. AMEN!
Saturday, May 17, 2008
His master's heart was moved with compassion
Matthew 18:27 AMP And his master's heart was moved with compassion, and he released him and forgave him [cancelling] the debt.
That's the way I like to think of God. I love to think about his words in Exodus 34:6-7 (Amplified Bible)6And the Lord passed by before him, and proclaimed, The Lord! the Lord! a God merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and abundant in loving-kindness and truth, 7Keeping mercy and loving-kindness for thousands, forgiving iniquity and transgression and sin,. It is the rest of that verse that sticks in my throat, "but Who will by no means clear the guilty, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children and the children's children, to the third and fourth generation."
Every promise comes with a condition that is why it is so important to constantly guard my heart, renew my mind and feed my soul with the word of God. Relationships have to be nurtured lest they shrivel and die. My relationship with Jesus is the most important one in my life. Why wouldn't I want to spend time with Him everyday? I want to spend quality time with my husband every day and the LORD is to come before any other. Is it a nonchalant attitude that 'God loves me no matter what' that leads people to think 'God will understand if I don't take the time to consult Him first about the events of my day'? Do they rationalize that 'He is too busy to care about the little details so He leaves them up to me?' Is there a little pride in that thought?
Song of Solomon 2:15 [My heart was touched and I fervently sang to him my desire] Take for us the foxes, the little foxes that spoil the vineyards [of our love], for our vineyards are in blossom. That takes on more meaning when you remember Jesus said. "I AM the True Vine, and My Father is the Vinedresser."
Oprah was all upset about the scripture "God is a jealous God." But taken in context it makes perfect sense. The first commandment says to put nothing before God. They provoked Him to jealousy with strange gods, with abominations they provoked Him to anger. Deuteronomy 32:16 The people had turned away from God and worshipped man made idols no longer seeking God. Do we not do the same if our precious loved ones would rather spend time elsewhere than with us? How many tears have I shed because my children have gone against what I taught them and caused themselves great pain? When those you love and care for hurt or shun you, what emotions rise up in you?
Usually you can guage a persons reaction to scripture by the condition of their heart or the time they spend in relationship with Jesus-praising, worshipping, praying, reading and meditating the word. She was young and instead of talking to someone about what she was feeling she let it harden her heart and turn from the One she should have been running to. Young Chrstians need good teaching and fellowship just like our toddlers need us to hold their hands while they are learning to walk. Sometimes they stumble and need us to hold them up. Sometimes they fall and need us to pull them back up. Sometimes they take off running and need us to slow them down lest they fall flat on their face. When they get the hang of it and take off running on strong legs, they need our encouragement and praise. The race goes on for many years and we all need encouragement to run the race set before us. Life can be a marathon of tests and trials. God has graciously given us friends, loved ones and acquaintances to help cheer us on, give us water and cheer us to victory! He is such a loving God. He has made provision for our every need. It is our complaining and ungratefulness that causes us to stumble and fall. Looking up and drawing our strength from Him is the way to run a good race. My master's heart is moved with compassion as He sees me striving for the prize. He looks for ways to gently guide me along the path and I am so thankful that He loves me more than I could ever imagine. I want more than ever to delight my master and to receive His love.
Lord, thank you for Your compassion, love and patience. Fill me so that I may pour it out on all those around me. In Jesus' name I pray. AMEN
That's the way I like to think of God. I love to think about his words in Exodus 34:6-7 (Amplified Bible)6And the Lord passed by before him, and proclaimed, The Lord! the Lord! a God merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and abundant in loving-kindness and truth, 7Keeping mercy and loving-kindness for thousands, forgiving iniquity and transgression and sin,. It is the rest of that verse that sticks in my throat, "but Who will by no means clear the guilty, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children and the children's children, to the third and fourth generation."
Every promise comes with a condition that is why it is so important to constantly guard my heart, renew my mind and feed my soul with the word of God. Relationships have to be nurtured lest they shrivel and die. My relationship with Jesus is the most important one in my life. Why wouldn't I want to spend time with Him everyday? I want to spend quality time with my husband every day and the LORD is to come before any other. Is it a nonchalant attitude that 'God loves me no matter what' that leads people to think 'God will understand if I don't take the time to consult Him first about the events of my day'? Do they rationalize that 'He is too busy to care about the little details so He leaves them up to me?' Is there a little pride in that thought?
Song of Solomon 2:15 [My heart was touched and I fervently sang to him my desire] Take for us the foxes, the little foxes that spoil the vineyards [of our love], for our vineyards are in blossom. That takes on more meaning when you remember Jesus said. "I AM the True Vine, and My Father is the Vinedresser."
Oprah was all upset about the scripture "God is a jealous God." But taken in context it makes perfect sense. The first commandment says to put nothing before God. They provoked Him to jealousy with strange gods, with abominations they provoked Him to anger. Deuteronomy 32:16 The people had turned away from God and worshipped man made idols no longer seeking God. Do we not do the same if our precious loved ones would rather spend time elsewhere than with us? How many tears have I shed because my children have gone against what I taught them and caused themselves great pain? When those you love and care for hurt or shun you, what emotions rise up in you?
Usually you can guage a persons reaction to scripture by the condition of their heart or the time they spend in relationship with Jesus-praising, worshipping, praying, reading and meditating the word. She was young and instead of talking to someone about what she was feeling she let it harden her heart and turn from the One she should have been running to. Young Chrstians need good teaching and fellowship just like our toddlers need us to hold their hands while they are learning to walk. Sometimes they stumble and need us to hold them up. Sometimes they fall and need us to pull them back up. Sometimes they take off running and need us to slow them down lest they fall flat on their face. When they get the hang of it and take off running on strong legs, they need our encouragement and praise. The race goes on for many years and we all need encouragement to run the race set before us. Life can be a marathon of tests and trials. God has graciously given us friends, loved ones and acquaintances to help cheer us on, give us water and cheer us to victory! He is such a loving God. He has made provision for our every need. It is our complaining and ungratefulness that causes us to stumble and fall. Looking up and drawing our strength from Him is the way to run a good race. My master's heart is moved with compassion as He sees me striving for the prize. He looks for ways to gently guide me along the path and I am so thankful that He loves me more than I could ever imagine. I want more than ever to delight my master and to receive His love.
Lord, thank you for Your compassion, love and patience. Fill me so that I may pour it out on all those around me. In Jesus' name I pray. AMEN
Friday, May 16, 2008
Love the Lord your God with all your mind, heart and soul.
Matthew 22:37
Jesus replied: " 'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.'
The whole Bible is great but I especially love those words in red-the ones Jesus spoke. They really get my attention when I am seeking specific instruction. This morning I woke up and heard "renew your mind." You see, I had one of those regressive days yesterday when I was wollering in lies. You know the ones that keep reminding you of how many severe challanges you have rather than to be thankful that you are breathing.
So, I did a word search on mind and this scripture stood out: Jesus replied: " 'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind."
Mind according to Merriam-Webster:
1: recollection, memory
Jesus replied: " 'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.'
The whole Bible is great but I especially love those words in red-the ones Jesus spoke. They really get my attention when I am seeking specific instruction. This morning I woke up and heard "renew your mind." You see, I had one of those regressive days yesterday when I was wollering in lies. You know the ones that keep reminding you of how many severe challanges you have rather than to be thankful that you are breathing.
So, I did a word search on mind and this scripture stood out: Jesus replied: " 'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind."
Mind according to Merriam-Webster:
1: recollection, memory
Wednesday, May 14, 2008
His armor-bearer said, "Go ahead; I am with you heart and soul."
1 Samuel 14:7 NIV
"Do all that you have in mind," his armor-bearer said. "Go ahead; I am with you heart and soul."
Ephesians 6:10-17 (Amplified Bible)
10In conclusion, be strong in the Lord [be empowered through your union with Him]; draw your strength from Him [that strength which His boundless might provides].
11Put on God's whole armor [the armor of a heavy-armed soldier which God supplies], that you may be able successfully to stand up against [all] the strategies and the deceits of the devil.
12For we are not wrestling with flesh and blood [contending only with physical opponents], but against the despotisms, against the powers, against [the master spirits who are] the world rulers of this present darkness, against the spirit forces of wickedness in the heavenly (supernatural) sphere.
13Therefore put on God's complete armor, that you may be able to resist and stand your ground on the evil day [of danger], and, having done all [the crisis demands], to stand [firmly in your place].
14Stand therefore [hold your ground], having tightened the belt of truth around your loins and having put on the breastplate of integrity and of moral rectitude and right standing with God,
15And having shod your feet in preparation [to face the enemy with the [a]firm-footed stability, the promptness, and the readiness produced by the good news] of the Gospel of peace.
16Lift up over all the [covering] shield of saving faith, upon which you can quench all the flaming missiles of the wicked [one].
17And take the helmet of salvation and the sword that the Spirit wields, which is the Word of God.
Wycliffe Bible Dictionary Armor Bearer-Spiritual Armor
In the well-known passage in Ephesians 6:10-17 the Christian is exhorted to put on the whole armor of God (panoplia tou theou; 6:11, 13). the word panoplia, "full armor" (NASB), is a fusion of two Greek words, pan ("all") and hopla ("weapons"), and refers to the full combat equipment of a soldier. It is used figuratively to indicate the complete provision of spiritual virtues with which God endows His child for the war against evil (see also Romans 13:12 AMP The night is far gone and the day is almost here. Let us then drop (fling away) the works and deeds of darkness and put on the [full] armor of light.; II Corinthians 6:7 AMP By [speaking] the word of truth, in the power of God, with the weapons of righteousness for the right hand [to attack] and for the left hand [to defend]; 10:4-6 AMP 4For the weapons of our warfare are not physical [weapons of flesh and blood], but they are mighty before God for the overthrow and destruction of strongholds, 5[Inasmuch as we] refute arguments and theories and reasonings and every proud and lofty thing that sets itself up against the [true] knowledge of God; and we lead every thought and purpose away captive into the obedience of Christ (the Messiah, the Anointed One), 6Being in readiness to punish every [insubordinate for his] disobedience, when your own submission and obedience [as a church] are fully secured and complete.). Every believer is inextricably engaged in the warfare that rages in the spirit realm between Christ with His angels and Satan with his demonic forces of wickedness.
The apostle Paul symbolizes vital elements of Christian character for one's defense against the accusations of the devil (cf. Rev 12:10 AMP 10Then I heard a strong (loud) voice in heaven, saying, Now it has come--the salvation and the power and the kingdom (the dominion, the reign) of our God, and the power (the sovereignty, the authority) of His Christ (the Messiah); for the accuser of our brethren, he who keeps bringing before our God charges against them day and night, has been cast out!) by various pieces of the Graeco-Roman armor of his day. Truth in the sense of personal honesty, sincerity, and dependability must be girded on the loins, the biblical seat of one's emotions (cf. Isaiah 11:5 AMP 5And righteousness shall be the girdle of His waist and faithfulness the girdle of His loins.). The breastplate of practical uprightness in daily life protects the heart, the biblical seat of one's personality, conscience, and will (cf. Isaiah 59:17 AMP 17For [the Lord] put on righteousness as a breastplate or coat of mail, and salvation as a helmet upon His head; He put on garments of vengeance for clothing and was clad with zeal [and furious divine jealousy] as a cloak.). The sandals are equated to preparedness in, or a skillful working knowledge of how to apply, the promises of the gospel of peace, so that one need not be anxious but have firm footing on the slippery ground of external circumstances. The large(four-by-two-feet) rectangular shield (thyreos), which could interlock with those of the soldiers on either side to form a solid wall, suggests one's faith acting together with that of fellow believers to present a united front against insidious, devilish attacks. The helmet of salvation perhaps symbolizes assurance of salvation, so necessary to protect one's mind from doubts and fears. The only offensive weapon listed by Paul is the sword of the Spirit, here described as the Word (rhema) of God, i.e., every spoken command or prophetic utterance coming from God through one of His servants (Luke 1:37 [ASV]37 For no word from God shall be void of power. , 38And Mary said, Behold, the handmaid of the Lord; be it unto me according to thy word. And the angel departed from her. ; 5:55 And Simon answered and said, Master, we toiled all night, and took nothing: but at thy word I will let down the nets.;
Matthew 4:4 AMP 4But He replied, It has been written, Man shall not live and be upheld and sustained by bread alone, but by every word that comes forth from the mouth of God.;
Hebrews 1:3 AMP 3He is the sole expression of the glory of God [the Light-being, the [a]out-raying or radiance of the divine], and He is the perfect imprint and very image of [God's] nature, upholding and maintaining and guiding and propelling the universe by His mighty word of power. When He had by offering Himself accomplished our cleansing of sins and riddance of guilt, He sat down at the right hand of the divine Majesty on high,; cf.
Hosea 6:5 AMP 5Therefore have I hewn down and smitten them by means of the prophets; I have slain them by the words of My mouth; My judgments [pronounced upon them by you prophets] are like the light that goes forth.;
Matthew 10:19 AMP 19But when they deliver you up, do not be anxious about how or what you are to speak; for what you are to say will be given you in that very hour and [a]moment, f.;
I Corinthians 12:8-10 AMP 8To one is given in and through the [Holy] Spirit [the power to speak] a message of wisdom, and to another [the power to express] a word of knowledge and understanding according to the same [Holy] Spirit; 9To another [[a]wonder-working] faith by the same [Holy] Spirit, to another the extraordinary powers of healing by the one Spirit; 10To another the working of miracles, to another prophetic insight ([b]the gift of interpreting the divine will and purpose); to another the ability to discern and distinguish between [the utterances of true] spirits [and false ones], to another various kinds of [unknown] tongues, to another the ability to interpret [such] tongues.)
Ephesians 6:10-17 is a powerful piece of scripture! I could camp out here for days! And the statement in the first scripture, "Do all that you have in mind," his armor-bearer said. "Go ahead; I am with you heart and soul." If God is my armor-bearer and He sends me to do battle--I win! Nothing is too hard for Him! Oh this is getting good! Who is setting the limits? If you believe the words of Jesus in Mark 11:24 "Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours." then the only thing limiting a believer is his faith. Do you fear failure or have faith to receive from God? Are your hands open or closed? You can't receive a blessing if your hand is in a fist; it must be open. The same goes with your heart. What is the condition of your heart? Is it open to receive things from God and closed to the ugly influences of the world? Or, is it more open to the worlds way of thinking? There is always fruit from the root of your heart. Is it pleasant or putrid? How is your attitude? How is your attitude under pressure? What comes out of your mouth when the enemy squeezes you? I ask again, "What is the condition of your heart?" God knows. Do you?
Lord I know your word says that you measure a person not by the outward appearance but by the condition of his heart. Search me Lord, show me the ugly roots of ungodly beliefs that need to be uprooted and burned. Lord, heal my heart. Mend the holes from hurts and wounds. Drive out all that is not of You and fill the void with your agape love. You are my armor-bearer and You go before me. I thank you Lord for your love, mercy, kindness, wisdom, correction, and instruction in all You do to mold me and shape me. In Jesus' mighty matchless name I pray. AMEN
"Do all that you have in mind," his armor-bearer said. "Go ahead; I am with you heart and soul."
Ephesians 6:10-17 (Amplified Bible)
10In conclusion, be strong in the Lord [be empowered through your union with Him]; draw your strength from Him [that strength which His boundless might provides].
11Put on God's whole armor [the armor of a heavy-armed soldier which God supplies], that you may be able successfully to stand up against [all] the strategies and the deceits of the devil.
12For we are not wrestling with flesh and blood [contending only with physical opponents], but against the despotisms, against the powers, against [the master spirits who are] the world rulers of this present darkness, against the spirit forces of wickedness in the heavenly (supernatural) sphere.
13Therefore put on God's complete armor, that you may be able to resist and stand your ground on the evil day [of danger], and, having done all [the crisis demands], to stand [firmly in your place].
14Stand therefore [hold your ground], having tightened the belt of truth around your loins and having put on the breastplate of integrity and of moral rectitude and right standing with God,
15And having shod your feet in preparation [to face the enemy with the [a]firm-footed stability, the promptness, and the readiness produced by the good news] of the Gospel of peace.
16Lift up over all the [covering] shield of saving faith, upon which you can quench all the flaming missiles of the wicked [one].
17And take the helmet of salvation and the sword that the Spirit wields, which is the Word of God.
Wycliffe Bible Dictionary Armor Bearer-Spiritual Armor
In the well-known passage in Ephesians 6:10-17 the Christian is exhorted to put on the whole armor of God (panoplia tou theou; 6:11, 13). the word panoplia, "full armor" (NASB), is a fusion of two Greek words, pan ("all") and hopla ("weapons"), and refers to the full combat equipment of a soldier. It is used figuratively to indicate the complete provision of spiritual virtues with which God endows His child for the war against evil (see also Romans 13:12 AMP The night is far gone and the day is almost here. Let us then drop (fling away) the works and deeds of darkness and put on the [full] armor of light.; II Corinthians 6:7 AMP By [speaking] the word of truth, in the power of God, with the weapons of righteousness for the right hand [to attack] and for the left hand [to defend]; 10:4-6 AMP 4For the weapons of our warfare are not physical [weapons of flesh and blood], but they are mighty before God for the overthrow and destruction of strongholds, 5[Inasmuch as we] refute arguments and theories and reasonings and every proud and lofty thing that sets itself up against the [true] knowledge of God; and we lead every thought and purpose away captive into the obedience of Christ (the Messiah, the Anointed One), 6Being in readiness to punish every [insubordinate for his] disobedience, when your own submission and obedience [as a church] are fully secured and complete.). Every believer is inextricably engaged in the warfare that rages in the spirit realm between Christ with His angels and Satan with his demonic forces of wickedness.
The apostle Paul symbolizes vital elements of Christian character for one's defense against the accusations of the devil (cf. Rev 12:10 AMP 10Then I heard a strong (loud) voice in heaven, saying, Now it has come--the salvation and the power and the kingdom (the dominion, the reign) of our God, and the power (the sovereignty, the authority) of His Christ (the Messiah); for the accuser of our brethren, he who keeps bringing before our God charges against them day and night, has been cast out!) by various pieces of the Graeco-Roman armor of his day. Truth in the sense of personal honesty, sincerity, and dependability must be girded on the loins, the biblical seat of one's emotions (cf. Isaiah 11:5 AMP 5And righteousness shall be the girdle of His waist and faithfulness the girdle of His loins.). The breastplate of practical uprightness in daily life protects the heart, the biblical seat of one's personality, conscience, and will (cf. Isaiah 59:17 AMP 17For [the Lord] put on righteousness as a breastplate or coat of mail, and salvation as a helmet upon His head; He put on garments of vengeance for clothing and was clad with zeal [and furious divine jealousy] as a cloak.). The sandals are equated to preparedness in, or a skillful working knowledge of how to apply, the promises of the gospel of peace, so that one need not be anxious but have firm footing on the slippery ground of external circumstances. The large(four-by-two-feet) rectangular shield (thyreos), which could interlock with those of the soldiers on either side to form a solid wall, suggests one's faith acting together with that of fellow believers to present a united front against insidious, devilish attacks. The helmet of salvation perhaps symbolizes assurance of salvation, so necessary to protect one's mind from doubts and fears. The only offensive weapon listed by Paul is the sword of the Spirit, here described as the Word (rhema) of God, i.e., every spoken command or prophetic utterance coming from God through one of His servants (Luke 1:37 [ASV]37 For no word from God shall be void of power. , 38And Mary said, Behold, the handmaid of the Lord; be it unto me according to thy word. And the angel departed from her. ; 5:55 And Simon answered and said, Master, we toiled all night, and took nothing: but at thy word I will let down the nets.;
Matthew 4:4 AMP 4But He replied, It has been written, Man shall not live and be upheld and sustained by bread alone, but by every word that comes forth from the mouth of God.;
Hebrews 1:3 AMP 3He is the sole expression of the glory of God [the Light-being, the [a]out-raying or radiance of the divine], and He is the perfect imprint and very image of [God's] nature, upholding and maintaining and guiding and propelling the universe by His mighty word of power. When He had by offering Himself accomplished our cleansing of sins and riddance of guilt, He sat down at the right hand of the divine Majesty on high,; cf.
Hosea 6:5 AMP 5Therefore have I hewn down and smitten them by means of the prophets; I have slain them by the words of My mouth; My judgments [pronounced upon them by you prophets] are like the light that goes forth.;
Matthew 10:19 AMP 19But when they deliver you up, do not be anxious about how or what you are to speak; for what you are to say will be given you in that very hour and [a]moment, f.;
I Corinthians 12:8-10 AMP 8To one is given in and through the [Holy] Spirit [the power to speak] a message of wisdom, and to another [the power to express] a word of knowledge and understanding according to the same [Holy] Spirit; 9To another [[a]wonder-working] faith by the same [Holy] Spirit, to another the extraordinary powers of healing by the one Spirit; 10To another the working of miracles, to another prophetic insight ([b]the gift of interpreting the divine will and purpose); to another the ability to discern and distinguish between [the utterances of true] spirits [and false ones], to another various kinds of [unknown] tongues, to another the ability to interpret [such] tongues.)
Ephesians 6:10-17 is a powerful piece of scripture! I could camp out here for days! And the statement in the first scripture, "Do all that you have in mind," his armor-bearer said. "Go ahead; I am with you heart and soul." If God is my armor-bearer and He sends me to do battle--I win! Nothing is too hard for Him! Oh this is getting good! Who is setting the limits? If you believe the words of Jesus in Mark 11:24 "Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours." then the only thing limiting a believer is his faith. Do you fear failure or have faith to receive from God? Are your hands open or closed? You can't receive a blessing if your hand is in a fist; it must be open. The same goes with your heart. What is the condition of your heart? Is it open to receive things from God and closed to the ugly influences of the world? Or, is it more open to the worlds way of thinking? There is always fruit from the root of your heart. Is it pleasant or putrid? How is your attitude? How is your attitude under pressure? What comes out of your mouth when the enemy squeezes you? I ask again, "What is the condition of your heart?" God knows. Do you?
Lord I know your word says that you measure a person not by the outward appearance but by the condition of his heart. Search me Lord, show me the ugly roots of ungodly beliefs that need to be uprooted and burned. Lord, heal my heart. Mend the holes from hurts and wounds. Drive out all that is not of You and fill the void with your agape love. You are my armor-bearer and You go before me. I thank you Lord for your love, mercy, kindness, wisdom, correction, and instruction in all You do to mold me and shape me. In Jesus' mighty matchless name I pray. AMEN
Monday, May 12, 2008
These things are excellent and profitable for everyone.
Titus 3:8
This is a trustworthy saying. And I want you to stress these things, so that those who have trusted in God may be careful to devote themselves to doing what is good. These things are excellent and profitable for everyone.
These things are excellent and profitable for everyone. Now, that's a guage for action. So many things I do and don't even consider the ripple effect it may have in others' lives. Simple little decisions can seem like a house fly but in actuality be an elephant.
It is so important to be spirit led these days. A simple decision to go the the mall or a "friend's" house could change or end your life. A simple leading not to go or to go a different way than you always go can determine a life changing event.
I wonder how many of the people who perished in the towers on 9/11 woke with a feeling like they just didn't want to go to work that morning and went on anyway? I wonder how many almost didn't make their flight for those planes that went down? How many that were lost in night time tornadoes this year that were in WalMart and saw the weather radio--in fact walked by it several times and they even picked it up and put it back down? How many of them bought a DVD instead?
The warning signs are all around us for some things. Health issues are a major factor. We are told to eat at least 5 servings of fruits and vegetables a day. Don't smoke. Don't drink. Exercise. Get 8 hours sleep at night. Drink at least 8 glasses of water a day--a few ounces every hour to stay well hydrated. Keeping weight in check saves joint strain and is healthier. These things are excellent and profitable for everyone. Yet, people just do what they want and are surprised when they are hit by symptoms. And, take meds for that symptom that causes 1-6 other symptoms that they take more meds for that causes more symptoms.
It is like the guy who keeps pulling up the dandelions when they are the white puffs and the seeds go everywhere and now he has many dandelions. If he had pulled up the original dandelion out by the root and burned it before it went to seed he wouldn't have this enormous ovewhelming problem with which to deal. Simple lawn maintenance to keep the weeds out would make the most sense. These things are excellent and profitable for everyone.
I read today that the Ten Commandments are not mulitple choice. That is a no brainer for some of us. Sadly many haven't read the list and their parents never read it to them either. Leading by example would be best. These things are excellent and profitable for everyone.
Prayer used to be something we did in school every morning. (Telling my age now aren't I?) Now, it has to be done without disturbing anyone--silently and unnoticed. My bible says to pray unceasingly. That would include silent and unnoticed prayer and some loud praising. These things are excellent and profitable for everyone.
There used to be a song on Sesame Street when my kids where small that went, "that's about the size, where you put your eyes, that's about the size of it". As they were singing the song, the camera was way out on an object and got closer and closer until you could recognize it and sometimes the opposite. It would start out so close you couldn't tell what it was and moved out until you could see what it really was you were looking at. Distorted views made clear. It is like reading the bible and discovering the truth of God's word and how it can change your outlook on a situation. These things are excellent and profitable for everyone.
Knowing the Ten Commandments and following them. Who could object to something that is excellent and profitable for everyone? Perhaps someone in sin who doesn't want the light to shine on it?
Lord I pray this day that you shine light on any sin in my life--known or unknown--it has to go for nothing profitable can come from sin in my life. I ask you Lord to help me cleanse my heart of all unforgiveness, judgement, bitterness and negativity. Lord heal my heart, renew my mind, mold me, use me for your service. In Jesus' name I pray. AMEN
This is a trustworthy saying. And I want you to stress these things, so that those who have trusted in God may be careful to devote themselves to doing what is good. These things are excellent and profitable for everyone.
These things are excellent and profitable for everyone. Now, that's a guage for action. So many things I do and don't even consider the ripple effect it may have in others' lives. Simple little decisions can seem like a house fly but in actuality be an elephant.
It is so important to be spirit led these days. A simple decision to go the the mall or a "friend's" house could change or end your life. A simple leading not to go or to go a different way than you always go can determine a life changing event.
I wonder how many of the people who perished in the towers on 9/11 woke with a feeling like they just didn't want to go to work that morning and went on anyway? I wonder how many almost didn't make their flight for those planes that went down? How many that were lost in night time tornadoes this year that were in WalMart and saw the weather radio--in fact walked by it several times and they even picked it up and put it back down? How many of them bought a DVD instead?
The warning signs are all around us for some things. Health issues are a major factor. We are told to eat at least 5 servings of fruits and vegetables a day. Don't smoke. Don't drink. Exercise. Get 8 hours sleep at night. Drink at least 8 glasses of water a day--a few ounces every hour to stay well hydrated. Keeping weight in check saves joint strain and is healthier. These things are excellent and profitable for everyone. Yet, people just do what they want and are surprised when they are hit by symptoms. And, take meds for that symptom that causes 1-6 other symptoms that they take more meds for that causes more symptoms.
It is like the guy who keeps pulling up the dandelions when they are the white puffs and the seeds go everywhere and now he has many dandelions. If he had pulled up the original dandelion out by the root and burned it before it went to seed he wouldn't have this enormous ovewhelming problem with which to deal. Simple lawn maintenance to keep the weeds out would make the most sense. These things are excellent and profitable for everyone.
I read today that the Ten Commandments are not mulitple choice. That is a no brainer for some of us. Sadly many haven't read the list and their parents never read it to them either. Leading by example would be best. These things are excellent and profitable for everyone.
Prayer used to be something we did in school every morning. (Telling my age now aren't I?) Now, it has to be done without disturbing anyone--silently and unnoticed. My bible says to pray unceasingly. That would include silent and unnoticed prayer and some loud praising. These things are excellent and profitable for everyone.
There used to be a song on Sesame Street when my kids where small that went, "that's about the size, where you put your eyes, that's about the size of it". As they were singing the song, the camera was way out on an object and got closer and closer until you could recognize it and sometimes the opposite. It would start out so close you couldn't tell what it was and moved out until you could see what it really was you were looking at. Distorted views made clear. It is like reading the bible and discovering the truth of God's word and how it can change your outlook on a situation. These things are excellent and profitable for everyone.
Knowing the Ten Commandments and following them. Who could object to something that is excellent and profitable for everyone? Perhaps someone in sin who doesn't want the light to shine on it?
Lord I pray this day that you shine light on any sin in my life--known or unknown--it has to go for nothing profitable can come from sin in my life. I ask you Lord to help me cleanse my heart of all unforgiveness, judgement, bitterness and negativity. Lord heal my heart, renew my mind, mold me, use me for your service. In Jesus' name I pray. AMEN
Friday, May 9, 2008
They Don't Know What They Are Doing
Week of May 9
They Don't Know What They Are Doing
by Max Lucado
Anger. It's a peculiar yet predictable emotion. It begins as a drop of water. An irritant. A frustration. Nothing big, just an aggravation. Someone gets your parking place. Someone pulls in front of you on the freeway. A waitress is slow and you are in a hurry. The toast burns. Drops of water. Drip. Drip. Drip. Drip.
Yet, get enough of these seemingly innocent drops of anger and before long you've got a bucket full of rage. Walking revenge. Blind bitterness. Unharnessed hatred. We trust no one and bare our teeth at anyone who gets near. We become walking time bombs that, given just the right tension and fear, could explode.
Yet, what do we do? We can't deny that our anger exists. How do we harness it? A good option is found in Luke 23:34. Here, Jesus speaks about the mob that killed him. "'Father forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.'"
Look carefully. It's as if Jesus considered this bloodthirsty, death-hungry crowd not as murderers, but as victims. It's as if he saw in their faces not hatred but confusion. It's as if he regarded them not as a militant mob but, as he put it, as "sheep without a shepherd."
"They don't know what they are doing."
And when you think about it, they didn't. They hadn't the faintest idea what they were doing. They were a stir-crazy mob, mad at something they couldn't see so they took it out on, of all people, God. But they didn't know what they were doing.
And for the most part, neither do we. We are still, as much as we hate to admit it, shepherdless sheep. All we know is that we were born out of one eternity and are frighteningly close to another. We play tag with the fuzzy realities of death and pain. We can't answer our own questions about love and hurt. We can't solve the riddle of aging. We don't know how to heal our own bodies or get along with our own mates. We can't keep ourselves out of war. We can't even keep ourselves fed.
Paul spoke for humanity when he confessed, "I do not know what I am doing." (Romans 7:15, author's paraphrase.)
Now, I know that doesn't justify anything. That doesn't justify hit-and-run drivers or kiddie-porn peddlers or heroin dealers. But it does help explain why they do the miserable things they do.
My point is this: Uncontrolled anger won't better our world, but sympathetic understanding will. Once we see the world and ourselves for what we are, we can help. Once we understand ourselves we begin to operate not from a posture of anger but of compassion and concern. We look at the world not with bitter frowns but with extended hands. We realize that the lights are out and a lot of people are stumbling in the darkness. So we light candles.
From No Wonder They Call Him the Savior
© (W Publishing Group, 1986, 2004) Max Lucado
They Don't Know What They Are Doing
by Max Lucado
Anger. It's a peculiar yet predictable emotion. It begins as a drop of water. An irritant. A frustration. Nothing big, just an aggravation. Someone gets your parking place. Someone pulls in front of you on the freeway. A waitress is slow and you are in a hurry. The toast burns. Drops of water. Drip. Drip. Drip. Drip.
Yet, get enough of these seemingly innocent drops of anger and before long you've got a bucket full of rage. Walking revenge. Blind bitterness. Unharnessed hatred. We trust no one and bare our teeth at anyone who gets near. We become walking time bombs that, given just the right tension and fear, could explode.
Yet, what do we do? We can't deny that our anger exists. How do we harness it? A good option is found in Luke 23:34. Here, Jesus speaks about the mob that killed him. "'Father forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.'"
Look carefully. It's as if Jesus considered this bloodthirsty, death-hungry crowd not as murderers, but as victims. It's as if he saw in their faces not hatred but confusion. It's as if he regarded them not as a militant mob but, as he put it, as "sheep without a shepherd."
"They don't know what they are doing."
And when you think about it, they didn't. They hadn't the faintest idea what they were doing. They were a stir-crazy mob, mad at something they couldn't see so they took it out on, of all people, God. But they didn't know what they were doing.
And for the most part, neither do we. We are still, as much as we hate to admit it, shepherdless sheep. All we know is that we were born out of one eternity and are frighteningly close to another. We play tag with the fuzzy realities of death and pain. We can't answer our own questions about love and hurt. We can't solve the riddle of aging. We don't know how to heal our own bodies or get along with our own mates. We can't keep ourselves out of war. We can't even keep ourselves fed.
Paul spoke for humanity when he confessed, "I do not know what I am doing." (Romans 7:15, author's paraphrase.)
Now, I know that doesn't justify anything. That doesn't justify hit-and-run drivers or kiddie-porn peddlers or heroin dealers. But it does help explain why they do the miserable things they do.
My point is this: Uncontrolled anger won't better our world, but sympathetic understanding will. Once we see the world and ourselves for what we are, we can help. Once we understand ourselves we begin to operate not from a posture of anger but of compassion and concern. We look at the world not with bitter frowns but with extended hands. We realize that the lights are out and a lot of people are stumbling in the darkness. So we light candles.
From No Wonder They Call Him the Savior
© (W Publishing Group, 1986, 2004) Max Lucado
In or Out?
After a restless night, I woke up at 4:00 am. I had a dream I was in a cesspool of sewer water. You know the green/brown smelly stuff that turns your stomach when you get within 10 feet of it. It was dark and I couldn't really see what I was in nor did I really want to know the extent of its magnitude. I felt so bogged down and unable to get out. Suddenly, the light started shining ever so faintly in the distance coming closer. As it reached the edge of the pool I reached up my arm. A strong, warm hand grabbed my arm and I latched on for dear life and pulled with every ounce of strength I could muster. Either I was coming out or that person was coming in.
I have had many days of physical stench. Days when the situation I described is exactly how I feel. I am sure you have had a cold or flu at some point in your life. Have you ever after that week of pain, exhaustion, so tired you can't stand, so tired you can't sleep, fever, nausea, difficulty breathing, etc. began to feel better and head back to whatever you would rather be doing in life too quickly and BAM you relapsed with every symptom intensified? Imagine that roller coaster going on for years. You have just climbed into my cesspool.
So often we "latch onto" someone when we are feeling "mucky". But who are you looking to for your strength? When a friend calls and asks, "How you are doing?", I have a choice. Do I recite the list of symptoms or not. Is it really going to change anything to vent?
I looked up vent. One meaning was to release air. Words from my mouth are air with volume. Some smell better than others. Some come from the deep recesses of my heart. That is a sobering thought. What condition is my heart in when the words are not lovely?
Philippians 4:8 NLT 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.
Often when a sister or brother asks how I am doing I simply say, "Lovely." They know that Philippians 4:8 is what keeps me going a lot of times when I just want to vent but know that I am making a choice to rejoice in the day the Lord has made instead of swimming another lap in the cesspool.
As I write this I am listening to Days of Elijah by Paul Wilbur (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ra4HWj1jrJA). How can you listen to that and not feel hopeful? My life was so empty of hope before I met Jesus. I had this feeling like I had a big whole in my heart and try as hard as could with everything I could think of I just couldn't fill it. My life was total dissatisfaction, longing, seeking, always thinking the grass is greener elsewhere, things will be better when, if only __ that would solve my problems, maybe this doctor, that diet, that herb or supplement, where are the answers, how can I fix it? When did I see the turnaround? When I got the revelation--no matter how hard I try I can't fix a thing! But, Ah, Lord GOD ! You Yourself made the heavens and earth by Your great power and with Your outstretched arm. Nothing is too difficult for You! HCSB
I thank you LORD that with your outstretched arm you lift me out of my cesspool and set my feet upon your rock. You are always there to hear my prayers and answer when I call out to You. I thank you for your sacrifice on the cross--the shedding of your blood for my salvation and healing. I thank you that You are taking me through a process and that I will see the manifestation of the mighty work you are perfecting in me! I will live to declare the mighty wondrous works of the Lord that you have done for me! The One Who was, Who is and Who is to come! Hallelujah!!
I have had many days of physical stench. Days when the situation I described is exactly how I feel. I am sure you have had a cold or flu at some point in your life. Have you ever after that week of pain, exhaustion, so tired you can't stand, so tired you can't sleep, fever, nausea, difficulty breathing, etc. began to feel better and head back to whatever you would rather be doing in life too quickly and BAM you relapsed with every symptom intensified? Imagine that roller coaster going on for years. You have just climbed into my cesspool.
So often we "latch onto" someone when we are feeling "mucky". But who are you looking to for your strength? When a friend calls and asks, "How you are doing?", I have a choice. Do I recite the list of symptoms or not. Is it really going to change anything to vent?
I looked up vent. One meaning was to release air. Words from my mouth are air with volume. Some smell better than others. Some come from the deep recesses of my heart. That is a sobering thought. What condition is my heart in when the words are not lovely?
Philippians 4:8 NLT 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.
Often when a sister or brother asks how I am doing I simply say, "Lovely." They know that Philippians 4:8 is what keeps me going a lot of times when I just want to vent but know that I am making a choice to rejoice in the day the Lord has made instead of swimming another lap in the cesspool.
As I write this I am listening to Days of Elijah by Paul Wilbur (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ra4HWj1jrJA). How can you listen to that and not feel hopeful? My life was so empty of hope before I met Jesus. I had this feeling like I had a big whole in my heart and try as hard as could with everything I could think of I just couldn't fill it. My life was total dissatisfaction, longing, seeking, always thinking the grass is greener elsewhere, things will be better when, if only __ that would solve my problems, maybe this doctor, that diet, that herb or supplement, where are the answers, how can I fix it? When did I see the turnaround? When I got the revelation--no matter how hard I try I can't fix a thing! But, Ah, Lord GOD ! You Yourself made the heavens and earth by Your great power and with Your outstretched arm. Nothing is too difficult for You! HCSB
I thank you LORD that with your outstretched arm you lift me out of my cesspool and set my feet upon your rock. You are always there to hear my prayers and answer when I call out to You. I thank you for your sacrifice on the cross--the shedding of your blood for my salvation and healing. I thank you that You are taking me through a process and that I will see the manifestation of the mighty work you are perfecting in me! I will live to declare the mighty wondrous works of the Lord that you have done for me! The One Who was, Who is and Who is to come! Hallelujah!!
Thursday, May 8, 2008
Spiritual Arthritis
He also rebelled against King Nebuchadnezzar, who had made him take an oath in God's name. He became stiff-necked and hardened his heart and would not turn to the LORD, the God of Israel. 2 Chronicles 36:13
Recently, a very dear friend confided in me a conversation she had with her husband. He had accused her of being hard hearted because she would not agree with him on a serious matter. Knowing his wife is committed to the Lord, her husband (he does not know the Lord) uses scripture to try to persuade his side of the argument. When you just read the bible as a "history book" and try to use it for ammunition and manipulation, it seems blasphemous to me. That sacred word is the living word of God meant for leading to an eternal life and instruction for an abundant life here on earth.
Well, now that I have vented, let's get to what the Lord led me to study this morning--hardness of heart--just what did Jesus mean when he referred to people with a hard heart.
Mark 16:14 NKJV Later He appeared to the eleven as they sat at the table; and He rebuked their unbelief and hardness of heart, because they did not believe those who had seen Him after He had risen.
The Strong's Concordance defines that hardness of heart as destitution of spiritual perception.
In the Amplified Bible John 12:40 Jesus said, "He has blinded their eyes and hardened and benumbed their [callous, degenerated] hearts [He has made their minds dull], to keep them from seeing with their eyes and understanding with their hearts and minds and repenting and turning to Me to heal them."
Acts 7:51 Amp 51You stubborn and stiff-necked people, still heathen and uncircumcised in heart and ears, you are always actively resisting the Holy Spirit. As your forefathers [were], so you [are and so you do]!
The Strong's Concordance defines stiff-necked as obstinate. The Wycliffe Bible Dictionary explains it as: "It is derived apparently from the idea of a rebellious and stubborn ox which refused to receive the yoke. When used metaphorically, the expression conveys the idea of stubbornness or obstinacy along with arrogance, and is associated with unbelief in God and rejection of His revealed will." Which reminded me of Matthew 11:30 For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light. When two ox are yoked together, if they work together, it eases the pull of the load. If one resists, it makes their task much harder or even impossible.
Back to my friend. The accusation of hardheartedness drove her to seek the Lord, read the word, and seek counsel of a fellow Christian. What do you think? Is that a hard heart or a soft heart? I guess you would have to know the whole story and I can't divulge that.
When someone, even a heathen, challenges you in an area of your life, do you arrogantly proclaim you know Jesus so that can't be true (and please don't quote Matthew 7:4 How can you think of saying to your friend, ‘Let me help you get rid of that speck in your eye,’ when you can’t see past the log in your own eye?) or do you seek Him in prayer, search His word and seek Godly counsel. He is our Father and because He loves us, He will correct us if there is a need. He may just tweak us a little or drive our faces to the floor in repentance but He loves us with an everlasting love--for this we can count on in any situation. He is perfecting us daily if we are seeking His counsel.
What did I tell her? Keep seeking the LORD for He is your strength in any situation. We prayed and I continue to pray for her and her family. Whatever happens, I am sure God will work it for His good for she loves Him with all her heart.
The biggest obstacle in their relationship is that they are unequally yoked. I pray her husband surender's his life to Christ and then He can heal him. Let's all pray for the unsaved and those Christians who are not seeking God whole heartedly in how to love one another and be godly husbands, wives, parents and obedient children. We all could use improvement in our relationships with family, friends, coworkers and anyone God places in our path--especially when dealing with the unlovely.
As for me, I am asking if spiritual arthritis manifests as physical arthritis. If so, God show me where I am missing it. I repent of any hardness of heart, stubborness, obstinance, arrogance, pride, judgement or unbelief. Father I know you love me and because you do, if there is any area of my life that needs change, show me right now and cleanse me of anything not of You. Perfect me Lord. Mold me in Your image. Give me a deeper compassion for your people Lord. I want to decrease self and increase my relationship with You Lord and with your people. In Jesus' name I pray. AMEN.
Other Scriptures on Hardnes of Heart:
Daniel 5:20
But when his heart became arrogant and hardened with pride, he was deposed from his royal throne and stripped of his glory.
Zechariah 7:12
They made their hearts as hard as flint and would not listen to the law or to the words that the LORD Almighty had sent by his Spirit through the earlier prophets. So the LORD Almighty was very angry.
Matthew 13:15
For this people's heart has become calloused; they hardly hear with their ears, and they have closed their eyes. Otherwise they might see with their eyes, hear with their ears, understand with their hearts and turn, and I would heal them.'
Ephesians 4:18
They are darkened in their understanding and separated from the life of God because of the ignorance that is in them due to the hardening of their hearts.
Hebrews 3:8
do not harden your hearts as you did in the rebellion, during the time of testing in the desert,
Hebrews 4:7
Therefore God again set a certain day, calling it Today, when a long time later he spoke through David, as was said before: "Today, if you hear his voice, do not harden your hearts."
Recently, a very dear friend confided in me a conversation she had with her husband. He had accused her of being hard hearted because she would not agree with him on a serious matter. Knowing his wife is committed to the Lord, her husband (he does not know the Lord) uses scripture to try to persuade his side of the argument. When you just read the bible as a "history book" and try to use it for ammunition and manipulation, it seems blasphemous to me. That sacred word is the living word of God meant for leading to an eternal life and instruction for an abundant life here on earth.
Well, now that I have vented, let's get to what the Lord led me to study this morning--hardness of heart--just what did Jesus mean when he referred to people with a hard heart.
Mark 16:14 NKJV Later He appeared to the eleven as they sat at the table; and He rebuked their unbelief and hardness of heart, because they did not believe those who had seen Him after He had risen.
The Strong's Concordance defines that hardness of heart as destitution of spiritual perception.
In the Amplified Bible John 12:40 Jesus said, "He has blinded their eyes and hardened and benumbed their [callous, degenerated] hearts [He has made their minds dull], to keep them from seeing with their eyes and understanding with their hearts and minds and repenting and turning to Me to heal them."
Acts 7:51 Amp 51You stubborn and stiff-necked people, still heathen and uncircumcised in heart and ears, you are always actively resisting the Holy Spirit. As your forefathers [were], so you [are and so you do]!
The Strong's Concordance defines stiff-necked as obstinate. The Wycliffe Bible Dictionary explains it as: "It is derived apparently from the idea of a rebellious and stubborn ox which refused to receive the yoke. When used metaphorically, the expression conveys the idea of stubbornness or obstinacy along with arrogance, and is associated with unbelief in God and rejection of His revealed will." Which reminded me of Matthew 11:30 For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light. When two ox are yoked together, if they work together, it eases the pull of the load. If one resists, it makes their task much harder or even impossible.
Back to my friend. The accusation of hardheartedness drove her to seek the Lord, read the word, and seek counsel of a fellow Christian. What do you think? Is that a hard heart or a soft heart? I guess you would have to know the whole story and I can't divulge that.
When someone, even a heathen, challenges you in an area of your life, do you arrogantly proclaim you know Jesus so that can't be true (and please don't quote Matthew 7:4 How can you think of saying to your friend, ‘Let me help you get rid of that speck in your eye,’ when you can’t see past the log in your own eye?) or do you seek Him in prayer, search His word and seek Godly counsel. He is our Father and because He loves us, He will correct us if there is a need. He may just tweak us a little or drive our faces to the floor in repentance but He loves us with an everlasting love--for this we can count on in any situation. He is perfecting us daily if we are seeking His counsel.
What did I tell her? Keep seeking the LORD for He is your strength in any situation. We prayed and I continue to pray for her and her family. Whatever happens, I am sure God will work it for His good for she loves Him with all her heart.
The biggest obstacle in their relationship is that they are unequally yoked. I pray her husband surender's his life to Christ and then He can heal him. Let's all pray for the unsaved and those Christians who are not seeking God whole heartedly in how to love one another and be godly husbands, wives, parents and obedient children. We all could use improvement in our relationships with family, friends, coworkers and anyone God places in our path--especially when dealing with the unlovely.
As for me, I am asking if spiritual arthritis manifests as physical arthritis. If so, God show me where I am missing it. I repent of any hardness of heart, stubborness, obstinance, arrogance, pride, judgement or unbelief. Father I know you love me and because you do, if there is any area of my life that needs change, show me right now and cleanse me of anything not of You. Perfect me Lord. Mold me in Your image. Give me a deeper compassion for your people Lord. I want to decrease self and increase my relationship with You Lord and with your people. In Jesus' name I pray. AMEN.
Other Scriptures on Hardnes of Heart:
Daniel 5:20
But when his heart became arrogant and hardened with pride, he was deposed from his royal throne and stripped of his glory.
Zechariah 7:12
They made their hearts as hard as flint and would not listen to the law or to the words that the LORD Almighty had sent by his Spirit through the earlier prophets. So the LORD Almighty was very angry.
Matthew 13:15
For this people's heart has become calloused; they hardly hear with their ears, and they have closed their eyes. Otherwise they might see with their eyes, hear with their ears, understand with their hearts and turn, and I would heal them.'
Ephesians 4:18
They are darkened in their understanding and separated from the life of God because of the ignorance that is in them due to the hardening of their hearts.
Hebrews 3:8
do not harden your hearts as you did in the rebellion, during the time of testing in the desert,
Hebrews 4:7
Therefore God again set a certain day, calling it Today, when a long time later he spoke through David, as was said before: "Today, if you hear his voice, do not harden your hearts."
Wednesday, May 7, 2008
Delighted Servant
10 "They are your servants and your people, whom you redeemed by your great strength and your mighty hand. 11 O Lord, let your ear be attentive to the prayer of this your servant and to the prayer of your servants who delight in revering your name. Give your servant success today by granting him favor in the presence of this man." I was cupbearer to the king. Nehemiah 1:10-12 (New International Version)
The International Standard Bible Encyclopedia explains why a cupbearer was such an important official in the royal courts of antiquity. A cupbearer was "an officer of high rank at ancient courts, whose duty it was to serve the wine at the king's table. On account of the constant fear of plots and intrigues, a person must be regarded as thoroughly trustworthy to hold this position. He must guard against poison in the king's cup, and was sometimes required to swallow some of the wine before serving it. His confidential relations with the king often endeared him to his sovereign and also gave him a position of great influence" (Vol. 1, p. 837).
A century ago, archaeologists discovered an Assyrian list of salaries paid to high-ranking officers. In that land the cupbearer received the fourth-highest salary in the kingdom, above even that of the justice of the highest court of that day. Nehemiah, a Jew, was a cupbearer for a Persian king.
Being a born again child of God, I should take my duties as seriously as Nehemiah. He has redeemed me with the precious blood of His Son. That is staggering when you think of it. As a mother, I cannot fathom loving someone so much that I would give my son's life to save them. Give my own? Yes. But my son's life-not hardly. How can a mere human truly understand the magnitude of that kind of love? By sitting at His feet, in His awesome presence, is the only way I can come close. It is one of those times that you just can't find words to describe to anyone else. Like gazing into the face of my firstborn for the first time. I had loved her for 9 months. Watched over her, prepared a place for her, felt her presence inside but now I could actually see her, touch her, hear her, name her. The reality of the never ending love and the responsibility that encompasses...was overwhelming in that moment.
That's what happened when I made Jesus the LORD of my life. The day my soul was committed to heaven. He had loved me and watched over me until the day I found Him. I felt His presence deep inside but didn't recognize it until that day. He wrote my name in the Lamb's Book of Life. It was official. I was adopted into His kingdom. I became a child of God. All the sins I had committed between birth and that moment had been forgiven and forgotten. Coming from a long line of legalists that was a lot for my brain to fathom. It is too much for any one's brain. It has to be embedded in your soul.
His word has given me great visuals: He alone is my rock and my salvation; he is my fortress, I will never be shaken. Psalm 62:2 NIV Not even an off the charts earthquake can put even a small crack in that fortress--my belief and the truth that He never changes, never lies, loves me with an unconditional love and will never leave me nor forsake me.
Proverbs 3:1,4 My son, do not forget my teaching, but keep my commands in your heart,...write them on the tablet of your heart. I can just picture someone carving words in a tablet of stone. I can hear the hammer hit the chisel and see the fragments of stone flying away leaving behind a clean concise instruction--a rudder that will steer the ship on the right course. That's Him in me and me in Him. He loved me enough to send His Son for me so that I may have eternal life and I love Him enough to surrender all of me to Him--to truly trust Him with my life. That requires a daily chiseling on my heart. A daily feeding of His word, a daily washing with His word to get the dirt of the world off me, a daily correction and teaching so that I may learn to walk and talk in the image of my Father, and a daily rocking in His arms and comforting in His presence so I can carry out His first commandment--"Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another." John 13:34.
As I mature spiritually, I see more of the responsibilities of a delighted servant. My focus changes from the needs of this world to the needs of the kingdom. Then Matthew 6:33 "Seek first the kingdom of God and all His righteousness and all else will be added to you" becomes more than words. It becomes a rudder to steer my ship.
LORD, I delight in You. Thank you for loving me, for your grace and mercy that has kept me until the day I made you my LORD and savior. Thank you LORD for watching over my loved ones until they confess their sins and make you LORD of their lives as well. Send the laborers to speak to them. Send them Godly friends and chance encounters with your anointed people--show them Your love. In Jesus' name I pray. AMEN
The International Standard Bible Encyclopedia explains why a cupbearer was such an important official in the royal courts of antiquity. A cupbearer was "an officer of high rank at ancient courts, whose duty it was to serve the wine at the king's table. On account of the constant fear of plots and intrigues, a person must be regarded as thoroughly trustworthy to hold this position. He must guard against poison in the king's cup, and was sometimes required to swallow some of the wine before serving it. His confidential relations with the king often endeared him to his sovereign and also gave him a position of great influence" (Vol. 1, p. 837).
A century ago, archaeologists discovered an Assyrian list of salaries paid to high-ranking officers. In that land the cupbearer received the fourth-highest salary in the kingdom, above even that of the justice of the highest court of that day. Nehemiah, a Jew, was a cupbearer for a Persian king.
Being a born again child of God, I should take my duties as seriously as Nehemiah. He has redeemed me with the precious blood of His Son. That is staggering when you think of it. As a mother, I cannot fathom loving someone so much that I would give my son's life to save them. Give my own? Yes. But my son's life-not hardly. How can a mere human truly understand the magnitude of that kind of love? By sitting at His feet, in His awesome presence, is the only way I can come close. It is one of those times that you just can't find words to describe to anyone else. Like gazing into the face of my firstborn for the first time. I had loved her for 9 months. Watched over her, prepared a place for her, felt her presence inside but now I could actually see her, touch her, hear her, name her. The reality of the never ending love and the responsibility that encompasses...was overwhelming in that moment.
That's what happened when I made Jesus the LORD of my life. The day my soul was committed to heaven. He had loved me and watched over me until the day I found Him. I felt His presence deep inside but didn't recognize it until that day. He wrote my name in the Lamb's Book of Life. It was official. I was adopted into His kingdom. I became a child of God. All the sins I had committed between birth and that moment had been forgiven and forgotten. Coming from a long line of legalists that was a lot for my brain to fathom. It is too much for any one's brain. It has to be embedded in your soul.
His word has given me great visuals: He alone is my rock and my salvation; he is my fortress, I will never be shaken. Psalm 62:2 NIV Not even an off the charts earthquake can put even a small crack in that fortress--my belief and the truth that He never changes, never lies, loves me with an unconditional love and will never leave me nor forsake me.
Proverbs 3:1,4 My son, do not forget my teaching, but keep my commands in your heart,...write them on the tablet of your heart. I can just picture someone carving words in a tablet of stone. I can hear the hammer hit the chisel and see the fragments of stone flying away leaving behind a clean concise instruction--a rudder that will steer the ship on the right course. That's Him in me and me in Him. He loved me enough to send His Son for me so that I may have eternal life and I love Him enough to surrender all of me to Him--to truly trust Him with my life. That requires a daily chiseling on my heart. A daily feeding of His word, a daily washing with His word to get the dirt of the world off me, a daily correction and teaching so that I may learn to walk and talk in the image of my Father, and a daily rocking in His arms and comforting in His presence so I can carry out His first commandment--"Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another." John 13:34.
As I mature spiritually, I see more of the responsibilities of a delighted servant. My focus changes from the needs of this world to the needs of the kingdom. Then Matthew 6:33 "Seek first the kingdom of God and all His righteousness and all else will be added to you" becomes more than words. It becomes a rudder to steer my ship.
LORD, I delight in You. Thank you for loving me, for your grace and mercy that has kept me until the day I made you my LORD and savior. Thank you LORD for watching over my loved ones until they confess their sins and make you LORD of their lives as well. Send the laborers to speak to them. Send them Godly friends and chance encounters with your anointed people--show them Your love. In Jesus' name I pray. AMEN
Tuesday, May 6, 2008
Lovely Morning for a Blog
Have you ever woke up and said, "Well, today is a good day to start a blog!" Me either but here I am inspired to spread some words all over the internet. Today I am becoming a little more hi-tech in my ramblings and winsome thoughts. They are taking shape in prose. Bear with me as I jump head first into the pool of prose for all to see (I pray I don't hit bottom on the first dive).
As my life enfolds, I find too much of the fabric has been in need of much tedius ironing. Have you ever felt like a wadded up piece of satin or silk that got caught in the rain? Or perhaps you are one of those preshunk never-iron people.
It amazes me that each day is "a new outfit" with it's own set of challenges. Not just wrinkles, popped buttons, ripped seams, bulges and unnoticed stains but real challenges like your boss wore the same outfit today (I don't mean company blazers) and you are scheduled to do a presentation together.
Today, I'm taking that new outfit out of the closet that I have never worn before and praying that it doesn't wrinkle in the car on the way to wherever I am going. I have the travel steamer-(handy internet sites that boast: How To Blog For The Seriously Techno Challenged)-just in case.
It is a glorious day to start something new; don't you think?
Be Blessed!
Brenda
Philippians 4:8 Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.
As my life enfolds, I find too much of the fabric has been in need of much tedius ironing. Have you ever felt like a wadded up piece of satin or silk that got caught in the rain? Or perhaps you are one of those preshunk never-iron people.
It amazes me that each day is "a new outfit" with it's own set of challenges. Not just wrinkles, popped buttons, ripped seams, bulges and unnoticed stains but real challenges like your boss wore the same outfit today (I don't mean company blazers) and you are scheduled to do a presentation together.
Today, I'm taking that new outfit out of the closet that I have never worn before and praying that it doesn't wrinkle in the car on the way to wherever I am going. I have the travel steamer-(handy internet sites that boast: How To Blog For The Seriously Techno Challenged)-just in case.
It is a glorious day to start something new; don't you think?
Be Blessed!
Brenda
Philippians 4:8 Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.
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