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Sunday, January 30, 2011

God Speaks

I love how God speaks very clearly to our hearts. He takes a truth, a verse, a Scripture and impresses it upon hearts.  I desire to know more-to know Him more.  You are aware God-Christ Jesus is a person, right?  A Living Person!  So when you sit in His presence with His Word (the Bible is His spoken word to you)  believe by faith in your heart, that He is there with you.  Sit in awe, be still in His presence.  You must be careful not to llisten to every voice for many thoughts and ideas will bombard you.  Make quiet your heart.  This takes time to learn and only by the help of the Holy Spirit is it possible.  Ask Him to teach you through the word how to do this.  You ask and do not receive, because you ask amiss, that you may spend it on your pleasures. James 4:1

So what are you asking for?  Consider this...does your emotional, physical, relationship needs supersedes your desire for God?  How much are you longing for Him?  How hot is the fire burning in your heart?  Is it a flicker, a flame, or a all consuming fire?

I have asked for the sin raging in my heart to be uprooted.  The sin of pride, self consuming, acceptance and approval.  I have walked through some times of battle-battle of the flesh and battle of the enemy.  But do you know what I have discovered? 
I waited patiently for the LORD;
         And He inclined to me,
         And heard my cry
Psalm 40:1

I have new eyes to see truths in His word.  Every few days a new passage will speak and have meaning.  Friend, mediate, pray,camp out here-God is speaking.  Allow Him to cleanse and purify you by His Word.  One by one confess sin and be specific.  Is it a relationship, a friendship, even a ministry opportunity that you desire  more than your relationship with God?  We can do many good things and we should.  If we see a need and we have the means to meet the need-we must!  But when this desire to be used by God is greater than your relationship with God, greater than your desire for Him, for His presence, for His glory, I believe this is sin.  Sin of pride.

One by one name the sin-the desire that rages its ugly head over your desire of Christ.  It must be crucified .  If you are like me my flesh continues to crawl off the alter- well it rolls off and then runs!  But by faith continue climbing back on the and consider yourself dead to sin.

In the same way, count yourselves dead to sin but alive to God in Christ Jesus. Romans 6:11

This blog was written Saturday January 29, 2011

Lago Vista Bed and Breakfast

I am sitting at Lago Vista Bed and Breakfast, http://www.lagovistabedandbreakfast.com/ , in Broken Bow Oklahoma, looking out a large window watching the sun rise over the Broken Bow Lake.  A lovey sight!Lago Vista is located 3 Miles from Beavers Bend State Park, so you can imagine how beautiful the landscape is, even in the winter!  Todd has been asked to speak at Broken Bow's Football Banquet.  A great honor and one he does not take lightly.

I am thankful for a time to be alone with Todd and with the Lord.  A time of reflecting-which I have committed that to this day, at least until time for the banquet. 

Our room is on the second floor with two large windows and a privacy balcony overlooking the Broken Bow Lake.  Breakfast of pancakes, sausage, and fruit was hand delivered to my room.  We took a two mile hike to the lake with Sooner, the owner's dog leading the way.

The hike was incredible, down the mountain to the lake and then back up to the home.  I say incredible because I like the idea of  a hike-the idea of hiking through the woods.  Notice I said, "the idea" of hiking!  I like it until I physically do it.  Going down the mountain to the lake was slippery, coming up was difficult but Todd was there to push me up-yes literally push me up! 

As I was walking down the mountain, I thought about life.  To get  to the body of water, we had to travel down the mountain across slippery terrain of leaf covered rocks and moss.  To get to God we must also travel down-down to brokenness, brokenness over our sin.  It can be a long hard way down to our knees but you will soon reach that refreshing body of water.  Our walk becomes slippery as we become aware of our sin.  For we can either waller in self-loathing and guilt (this is where the enemy desires us to be) or we can bow, agree with God, confess our sin and ask His forgiveness.  Scripture says, Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit who gives life has set you  free from the law of sin and death. Romans 8:1

This is what repentance is - agreeing and turning away from sin but you must turn to a Person-Jesus Christ Himself.  This brokenness is the only way to God-just like the path down the mountain is the only way to the lake.  You must go down!

Then a beautiful clear lake comes into view.  It was worth the hike down.  Flint rock and quartz laying side by side.  The soft and hard left unveiled by the receding water.  A question must be asked here-Where is your heart, soft and sharp as the flint or hard and shiny as the quartz?  Oh, we enjoyed the water.  Todd whittled on a stick and I tried to take in the vastness of it all.

Then it was time to start back up the mountain.  This was a hard hike as well-going to the top to get to our room-our place of rest.  I am thankful someone was with me to encourage me to continue on.  Someone to literally push me up the mountain.  I was told not to look at where I was stepping but look ahead.  To keep my focus on the goal of the home.  Paul tells us the same thing in Philippians 3:14 I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.  I am thankful in our Christian walk, we have people to encourage us to continue pressing on.  To encourage us and not give up.  Even though I did not want to continue up that mountain...sitting down on the rocks was not really an option.  Neither is our sitting down in our Christian walk.

Now as I write this blog, Todd has gone to explore the town and left me to what I enjoy most, reading, blogging and just quietness.  Now I know I must rejoin the world around me soon for the hour is approaching to leave for the banquet.  Coming soon will be a Banquet in heaven, prepared for us by Christ Jesus Himself.  Oh a glorious day that will be!

This blog was written Saturday, January 29, 2011

Confession/Healing

Todd and I had the opportunity this weekend to spend some time away and alone with each other.  It was a refreshing time for me and I am most grateful.  I did not take my computer with me but I have two blogs written in a notebook that I will type out for you soon. 

We made a point to leave about 6:00am this morning, to attend Sunday School and Church. I am thankful we did, for the Lord was worshipped today.  Today's service was all about healing!  God's healing.  Aaron said, "Sunday Smiles Conceal Hidden Sin". and he is correct.  Sunday smiles also conceal stuffed pain.

I feel a quickening in my spirit of spiritual maturity, not that I am mature, but that God is maturing, growing me up in the faith.  He removing some deep rooted sins, fixation, and self consumption. I am thankful, but I don't believe this great work of His is to make me a better Christian, more peaceful, or happy.  I believe there is a spiritual battle brewing in our church, our city, and our country. I believe God is maturing people quickly for this battle.  For this battle is to won on our knees, with openness to our sin before God and others. Is your heart quickened to repent of hidden sin and allow God to bring healing?  The sin you are struggling with is the same sin others have succumb to.

For Scripture says, So, if you think you are standing firm, be careful that you don’t fall! No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it. 1 Corinthians 10:12-13

Do you see it?  The temptation is common to man.  We all struggle with the same sins.  Jesus was tempted as we are.  We have believed a lie from the enemy that we must cover up the sin or others will not except us.  Friend this is a lie!  Would you like freedom?  Confess that sin!  Confess that sin to the Lord and then share the sin with a dear friend.  When we speak the words -when we open our heart to others, the enemy cannot hold it against us any more.  It is in the open and we are free.  This may also give your friend courage to confess and repent of their sin as well. The Lord will bring healing.  The enemy has us in a state of fear, and yes confession is fearful, but all you have to lose are your chains. 

Again we are in a battle.  God is bringing salvation and spiritual healing.  The enemy is attempting to cause havoc. It may even appear he is successful at times and this could bring discouragement. (which is sin as well)  If you know the Lord Jesus Christ, you hold the answer and hope for the hurting people  But God will not use a half-hearted Christian in this battle. 

For the eyes of the Lord run to and fro throughout the whole heart, to show Himself strong on behalf of those whose heart is loyal to Hm.  Chronicles 16:9  You cannot be loyal to Him if you are loyal to the hidden sin.                                            

Friend, this battle could mean REVIVAL is on the way.  Confession and Repentance will usher in revival. 

Can you see it?  Is your heart quicken with God's Spirit to repent and be obedient?  Do you have a heart that is ready to intercede and share the hope that is within you?  Can you see the hurting people walking around you with smiles?

Monday, January 24, 2011

Sanctity of Human Life

Righteousness exalts a nation,
But sin is a reproach to any people
Proverbs 14:34

Tonight was an eye opening experience for me at church.  The topic is one I am familiar with, but since it does not apply to my life personally I have never given it much thought.  Selfish, yes. Aware of that selfishness before tonight-no.  I hope you see a truth here, "If we are seeking God, wanting to know Him more intimately, He will not allow us to stay in our comfortable selfish little world."  Oh, the mercy, love, and grace..Thank Him for that!!  

The topic of tonight was the Sanctity of Human Life.  Don't shut me out on this topic.  Don't stick your head in the sand, believing it does not apply to you, because it does. We watched a short graphic video.  It was enough to make me angry, sick, and sad all at the same time.  Angry that sin is running rampant in this world.  Sick do to the images of what happens to babies when they are aborted.  Yes they are babies!  If they were not alive why would they have to be killed by decapitating or severing the spinal cord?  Graphic and sick, I know, but we must face the facts and wake up.  I believe that is what happened to me tonight.  I was awakened. 

This sin of murder does affect each and every one of us, even if we are not aware of it.  The women who are victims to this act, are hurting, angry, sad, and confused.  They live among us.  They are our neighbors.  They are people teaching our children,  sacking our groceries, collecting our money, selling us products, passing our laws.  These women are hurting and we need to be aware.  If you know Christ, you have an answer and a hope for these women.  By the murder of these children, we have lost doctors, teachers, government officials, etc. Many many people have died at the hands of abortion doctors.  They did not even have a chance of life.  The people who are committing these legal acts are deceived.  Deceived by the enemy.  Again as Christan's, we hold the key that gives them freedom.  Are you beginning to see how this affects us? 

Then if we look at God's word and see how He has dealt in the past with nations living in habitual sin.  His hand of blessing and mercy will not be on us forever.  His judgement must come for He is a righteous God. We must repent and turn back to Him or suffer the consequences of our sin.  "There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is in the way of death" Proverbs 14:12

I am not sure what all this means for you and me personally, except my eyes have been open and it is time to pray to intercede for our nation.  It is time to be aware of the hurting people around us and give them hope.  It is time to storm the throne room of heaven, asking for mercy and grace upon us personally and this nation as a whole.  It is time to vote for godly officials who are willing to take a stand for these innocent children. 

"Now I rejoice, not that you were made sorry, but that your sorrow led to repentance. For you were made sorry in a godly manner, that you might suffer loss from us in nothing.  For godly sorrow produces repentance leading to salvation, not be regretted, but the sorrow of the world produces death." 2 Corinthians 7:9-10

If My people, who are called by My name would humble themselves and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, than I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sin, and heal their land.  2 Chronicles 7:14   

I  have one question, Is our nation sick?    If you find that answer to be yes, don't blame the ungodly people around us.  It is time God's people took responsibility and bowed their knee before Him.

Saturday, January 22, 2011

An Ungrateful Cat

Moo, my cat was "saved" on one November day in 2008.  She made her way into the sanctuary of the church we attend. It was the second year of a very difficult trial, God had me walking through.  As I looked at this kitten, I knew she was picture of my heart--hurt, hemorrhaging actually, discouraged, unkempt, broken, hungry, and oh so skinny.  As I picked her up, I knew she was mine.  I also sensed God would use this cat to begin the healing of my heart.  Yes, He did.  But that, my friend is another blog for another time.

We adopted this precious kitten into our life and home.  She received her vaccination from a Veterinarian.  Medicine for her parasite.  Iams Cat food for her stomach ailments.  The garage became her home and a box of hay for her bed.  Love was showered upon her and she gave that love back  graciously.  That is until she started to become comfortable!

Now this precious cat "owns" the garage.  If we want to park in the garage, someone must get out of the car to physically move her out of the way.  If her food bowl is empty, well lets say the whole house is aware of a problem.  Now she does bring us gifts, live gifts...snakes, moles, mice, birds,etc.  And she still gives great love, because a soft pillow and a bed is where she thinks she belongs.

As winter has approached, we have fluffed her hay bed and closed the garage door to help keep her warm.  I would think she should be a content cat.  But no, as soon as she hears us in the morning, the crying begins.  The crying and complaining will not stop until the door is opened and she can come inside where it is warm.  It seems she has taken ownership of  the household with us included.  Roles have changed. One must be careful to approach and move her from the bed to outside...depending on whom the person is doing the task a slap of the paw and great meow could be forth coming!

As I watch this cat, I am reminded by the Holy Spirit that many times we are just like her.  You see God has rescued us from ourselves...from our sin and our life of destruction.  He feeds, clothes, heals and extends His great love to us.  All we have belongs to Him and He graciously extends all that is His out to us. We on the other hand become comfortable and griping.  We begin to think we deserve more.  And when we do not get it, we start the complaining and whining.  And boy watch out when God begins to removed things from our lives.  The fists begin to close and we start swinging. 

Now friends, our lives should not be this way.  We need to remember where we came from.  We need to remember who and what we were when God found us.  You see, He called us and choose us while we were living in our sin.  He spoke our name and we bowed our knee.  As Christians, we should be the most grateful people on the face of the earth.  For we have been save and redeemed.  We are washed clean, pure, and holy.  And we have a God who loves and cares for us and even though we may be swiping at Him with our fist, He graciously picks us up, disciplines us, and teaches us how to be grateful.

Is there hope for my cat?  I don't think so...But there is hope for each of us.  To God be the glory!

The Spirit of Prayer-Andrew Murray

The Spirit Of Prayer
Andrew Murray

Payer is not our work.  It is God's work in us by His almighty power.  As we pray our attitude should be one of silent expectation that the Holy Spirit will help in our weakness and pray for us with groaning that cannot be expressed.

What a thought!  When I feel how imperfect my prayer is, when I have no strength of my own, I may bow in silence before God in the confidence that His Holy Spirit will teach me to pray.  The Spirit is the Spirit of prayer.  It is not my work, but God's work in me.  The Spirit will make perfect the work even in my weakness.

We see an example of this in the story of Jacob.  The same One who wrestled with him and seemed to withhold the blessing was in reality strengthening him to continue and to prevail in prayer.  Prayer is the work of the Triune God:  the Father, who gives the desire and will provide all we need: the Son , who through His intercession teaches us to pray in His name, and the Holy Spirit, who in secret will strengthen our weak desires.

The Spirit of truth will glorify Christ in us, and the Spirit of love will shed this love abroad in our hears.  And we have the Spirit of prayer, through whom our life may be one of continual prayer  Thank God that the Holy Spirit has been given to teach us to pray.

Thursday, January 20, 2011

Rep. James Lankford: "The Right to Life is Self-Evident"

Book Review-Soul Print

Soul Print
By Mark Batterson
1/20/11

"I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review".
                                                                                          

"Discovering your divine destiny"  Batterson says,"We will find fulfillment
in doing what we were originally designed and ultimately destined to do."
Our past mistakes and successes build our character and make us who we are today.  Our disadvantages and disability can become our strongest assets if we develop compensatory skills.  He springs this thought off of David in 1 Samuel.  As David was a small boy with responsibility of keeping sheep, yet the skills he acquired in the fields are the skills God used to defeat Goliath.  Batterson points out David's defining moment of rejecting King Saul's armor and choosing stones for his sling instead.  Another defining moment in the life of David was keeping Goliath armor as a tangle symbol.  The book goes into integrity as a defining moment for David in 1 Samuel 24, where Davis chose to spare Saul's life. 

Chapter IV Alter Ego was my favorite.  Batterson bases this chapter on David in 2 Samuel 6., where David danced before the Lord.  Batterson writes, "No one likes to be embarrassed.  But there's nothing like embarrassment to free us from the burden of pretense.  If we want to know our soulprints, we need to embrace embarrassment.  That is we need to be willing to be stripped of the false things we find our identities in.  After all, it's far better to find our identity in Christ than in some image we laboriously buildup for the world to see.  And that is why we need to accept the awkwardness of doing God's will, for He will in turn clothe our embarrassing spiritual nakedness with His cloak of identity." Batterson closes with the thought that we can only find out who we are by being in the presence of God. 

I did enjoy reading this book.  It was a quick read for me.  There are thought provoking questions and Bible study layout at the end of the book, which are very helpful with reflection.  Batterson is able to work his personal experiences into the book, which are very insightful and helpful.  I do believe this is a "self-help" book with some theology and Scripture mixed in.  There is enough God and Bible to move a person from looking at themselves to God.  There were a few thoughts, I struggled with but overall I would recommend this book.  Especially to someone who was beginning to allow God to redeem their past for His glory.

Intercession

God chooses us to be a part of His Kingdom work through prayer.  People are saved as a result of prayer.  People's hearts are encouraged as a result of prayer  Strongholds are broken down as a result of prayer.  God has chosen to work through His people by prayer. 

Delight yourself also in the LORD,
And He shall give you
the desires of
your heart.
Psalm 37:4

We think of the word delight as enjoying something or someone.  It is easy for me to deceive myself in believing I am delighting in the Lord when actually someone or something else is my focus.  This would be an idol and a great sin.  The word delight used in Psalm 37:4 has a different meaning all together.  The word means to be soft or pliable.  To be moldable. 

Have you thought about this...As you read and mediate upon God's Word, as you delight (have a soft moldable heart) He takes that word and writes it upon our heart.  His will becomes your very will.  The God of heaven's desires become your very own desire.  This only comes by being teachable, humble, and submitting to Him. 

So my friend as we pray each desire He has placed upon our heart, He is pleased to move in power and answer each and every one.  What a great God!  We can enjoy His presence, allow Him to mold our hearts into His, ask Him for this great desire upon our heart and He is glorified in answering!

Tuesday, January 18, 2011

Revelation

It is the Lord!

"Thomas answered and said unto Him, My Lord and my God" John 20:28

"Give Me to drink."  How many of us are set upon Jesus Christ slaking our thirst when we ought to be satisfying Him?  We should be pouring out now, spending to the last limit, not drawing on Him to satisfy us.  "Ye shall be witnessess unto Me" - that means a life of unsullied, uncompromising and unbribed devotion to the Lord Jesus, a satisfaction to Him wherever He places us.

Beware of anything that competes with loyalty to Jesus Christ.  The greatest competitor of devotion to Jesus is service for Him.  It is easier to serve than to be drunk to the dregs.  The one aim of the call of God is the satisfaction of God, not a call to do something for Him.  We are not sent to battle for God, but to be used by God in His battlings.  Are we being more devoted to service than to Jesus Christ?

____________________________________________________________________________

God has used the above Oswald Chambers' devotion to rock my world this morning.  My quiet time and devotion these many many years have always been about me.  About receiving from Christ, receiving His love, His thoughts, sitting in His presence, enjoying Him.  Now I am not sure if this is a bad thing.  I am not sure of anything at this moment except that this life, my life, my quiet time, my devotion is not about me receiving at all.  It is about me pouring my life, devotion, very self out to Him.  Two sides of the same coin?  Maybe??  Excited to learn more as I walk with this new insight.




Monday, January 17, 2011

Stuffed Problems

There are many problems and difficulties as we walk this journey called life.  Many mornings we awake and faith is there to help us walk through them.  This is a sweet time to awake and enter into the sweet fellowship of the Lord.  But what about those mornings, when faith is absent?  When you awake and the problems/difficulties seem so big that you can't see past them.  You want the faith to believe that God is bigger.  You want the faith to believe He is all powerful.  You want the faith to believe He will take care of this problem...Maybe you know He is able-fully capable of taking care of this problem but wondering if He will choose to.

May I suggest it is time to look reality in the face.  To get serious about the problem before you.  If you are like me, this problem is always in the back of my mind.  I keep stuffing it down.  As it comes to the surface, I continue pushing it down and with each push the problem goes bigger and bigger.  It seems to take on life all its own.  Then one morning you awake and it is large with its ugly teeth growling at you.

God gives us answers for this through His Word.  We must first acknowledge there is a problem. I would suggest writing this problem out.  This will help us face the problem head on.  Acknowledging the problem is the first step toward freedom.  Many times when we look at the problem head on-it is not nearly as big as it was perceived in our mind.  It loses its teeth and bite. 

Next the Bible teaches us to be thankful.  We can always be thankful for we have a God who cares, understands and knows our heart.  We can be thankful because life here on this earth is temporary and we are just passing through.  We can be thankful for our sins are covered by the blood of the Lamb.  We can be thankful because we have hope and future in this world through our Savior Christ Jesus.  We can be thankful that God is ever so merciful, even if this problem is built by our own sin. We can be thankful that He will walk through this with us and He will never leave us.  We can be thankful that our problem is coming to light. We can be thankful that this problem is not bigger than it is. We can be thankful that our heart can long for God and wait upon His hand and deliverance.  We can be thankful for the problem because it could be the tool God uses to draw us into His presence.

"Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your request be made known to God and the peace of God which surpasses all understanding, will guard our hearts and minds through Christ Jesus." Philippians 4:6-7  (notice He will guard our minds)
"Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you." 1 Thessalonians 5:16-17
 
Next I would suggest doing as King Hezekiah in 2 Kings 19-14-19.

After Hezekiah received the letter from the messengers and read it, he went up to the Lord’s Temple and spread it out before the Lord.  And Hezekiah prayed this prayer before the Lord: “O Lord, God of Israel, you are enthroned between the mighty cherubim! You alone are God of all the kingdoms of the earth. You alone created the heavens and the earth. Bend down, O Lord, and listen! Open your eyes, O Lord, and see! Listen to Sennacherib’s words of defiance against the living God.  “It is true, Lord, that the kings of Assyria have destroyed all these nations.  And they have thrown the gods of these nations into the fire and burned them. But of course the Assyrians could destroy them! They were not gods at all—only idols of wood and stone shaped by human hands. Now, O Lord our God, rescue us from his power; then all the kingdoms of the earth will know that you alone, O Lord, are God.”

Friend, face your problem. Acknowledge it.  Ask God to cultivate a grateful heart.  Ask Him to extend mercy.  Ask Him to move.  Search His word for Scripture that pertain to your problem.  Mediate upon His Word and wait upon Him.  For faith comes from hearing and hearing from the Word.  He loves you truly!

Sunday, January 16, 2011

Baggage and All

Please bring your baggage and come to church with me!  Why must I bring my baggage, you ask?  Should I not get all cleaned up?  Make myself presentable for the people and for the Lord?  I have lots of issues and maybe others will not understand.  No, I ask you to bring your baggage and come with me.  You see, God's word applies to each and every issue you are facing.  Others sitting in service have their own baggage, if they understand this, they will not be looking at yours.

                              
Why must I bring the baggage inside instead of leaving it outside, you ask?  If we leave the baggage outside, it is there waiting for us as we leave.  We pick it up and drag it home.  God wants us to bring all our issues before Him.  He knows our hearts and He sees our lives, we can't hide the baggage from Him.  He is fully aware of every action, thought, and motive. So bring it in.  His Word will/does apply to our baggage.  We must lay it out before Him and listen with open hearts, ears, and eyes.  He will take His Word and apply it to the baggage.  He will take that baggage from you and replace it with His peace, love and presence. 

As far as the other people watching and wondering..many of them have brought their own baggage to Him.  They have been extended great grace,mercy, and forgiveness.  These are the people who will come and help you drag your bags before the Lord.  They will sit with you, pray with you, and help you sort them out through his Word.                                                                           

Oh please come.  Allow the Word of God to heal, remove, redeem, restore.  It is is His desire to make you whole and clean!

 The Spirit of the Sovereign LORD is on me,
   because the LORD has anointed me
   to proclaim good news to the poor.
He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted,
   to proclaim freedom for the captives
   and release from darkness for the prisoners,
to proclaim the year of the LORD’s favor
   and the day of vengeance of our God,
to comfort all who mourn,
and provide for those who grieve in Zion—
to bestow on them a crown of beauty
   instead of ashes,
the oil of joy
   instead of mourning,
and a garment of praise
   instead of a spirit of despair.
They will be called oaks of righteousness,
   a planting of the LORD
   for the display of his splendor. 
Isaiah 61:1-3

Ed Welch-"Can My body Make Me Sin?"



Wow...what is in our hearts does/will spill forth.  Allow God to search our heart and allow His Word to speak to these issues we are not even aware of.

Thursday, January 13, 2011

Family

Let's see if I can write a not so serious blog.  I am out of state visiting my kids and their families.  It has been an good trip.  On the way down, I listened to Beth Moore teach on "The God who IS, WAS, and IS TO COME".  Let's say I have much to think about and will probably share with you as time allows. 

My kids took me to eat at Logan's Steak House. That was a nice surprise.  Eating with two babies was not as difficult as I thought it may be.  Of course they were precious!

My granddaughter is almost two and I am amazed at what she has accomplished.  She is close to walking and we are very proud of her.  She LOVES her Gramby (GG) and my heart is connected to hers.  God's hand is upon her and she is such a blessing to me...all of us.  Cannot imagine life without her.  I am so thankful she is ours!
I will praise You, for she is fearfully and wonderfully made; Marvelous are Your works, And that her soul knows very well.  Psalm 139:14

My grandson is almost one and he is all boy!  Need I say more?  And yes they belong to the same family!    Watching him play brings back memories of his dad.  He is very active and very very cute!  He loves his Gramby (GG) as well.  He is a cuddle bug and wants to be in your presence all the time. Let me tell you-I love him being in my presence!
How precious are Your thoughts to him, O God!   How great is the sum of them!  If He shall count them, they would be more in number than the sand; When he awakes, he is still with you.  Psalm 139:17-18
                               (God we need Him to sleep-Please be with him through the night watches)

I hope to see my daughter while I am here.  It is just plain good to come and know I can see her.  God is so very good to me.   If you are asking God for reconciliation, He is pleased to answer that request.
    Delight yourself in the Lord: And He shall give you the desires of your heart.  Psalm 37:4
   Delight means soft, pliable heart-surrender to the hands of the  Lord.
 
And to my son and daughter in law- There is no greater joy than to know you are walking with the Lord.

 Well I guess I cannot write a blog without Scripture.  God is my very life and breathe...why would I even want to try!  I hope He is yours as well.  If you do not know Jesus  personally and intimately you can. Seek Him today!
                                                              

Obedience

Some things are just a matter of the will.  God commands it and we must be obedient regardless if it makes sense to us or not.   Many time we just don't "want" to do it.  That means we do not want to be obedient.  Our emotions are controlling us instead of the Holy Spirit.  If we are obedient, God will eventually make our emotions line up with the act of our will.  Look at Matthew 21:28-32

But what do you think about this? A man with two sons told the older boy, ‘Son, go out and work in the vineyard today.’  The son answered, ‘No, I won’t go,’ but later he changed his mind and went anyway. Then the father told the other son, ‘You go,’ and he said, ‘Yes, sir, I will.’ But he didn’t go.
  “Which of the two obeyed his father?”
   They replied, “The first.
   Then Jesus explained his meaning: “I tell you the truth, corrupt tax collectors and prostitutes will get into the Kingdom of God before you do. 32 For John the Baptist came and showed you the right way to live, but you didn’t believe him, while tax collectors and prostitutes did. And even when you saw this happening, you refused to believe him and repent of your sins.

 
The first son did not want to be obedient but he did obey.  There are many blessings tied to obedience.  We can look at some of those in future blogs...I must be obedient now and get out the door.  My grandchildren are waiting!

Monday, January 10, 2011

Feast upon Christ

With a new year comes new challenges and goals.  I know many Christians will commit to reading their Bible this year.  Some will attempt to read the Bible through in one year.  Some will began devotions for the first time.  Some will read for the sake of reading.  All of this is good. We need to be in the Word.  And we have this promise from the book of Isaiah:

My word that goes out from my mouth:
   It will not return to me empty,
but will accomplish what I desire
   and achieve the purpose for which I sent it.
Isaiah 55:11

Do you want your reading to go further?  Would you like to experience the Lord Jesus Christ?  We can read and miss Christ all together.  It is possible to go through the motions and read the Bible as we would read any other book.  Don't make this mistake. 

You search the Scriptures,                                                                               
for in them you think you have eternal life;
and these are they which testify of Me.  John 5:39
                                                         
       It takes a conscience effort to engage with the Person who spoke the words.  Is not that the goal of reading the Bible-to receive the very person of Christ into your life?  To sit in Christ presence and have Him speak truth into your soul.  To feast upon Him! Scripture says to "taste and see" that the Lord is good.  To come to the place of spilling over with Christ Himself!

My friend as you read, do not miss the Person who spoke the words.  Open your heart and allow His love to overfill you.  Enjoy Him through His word this day.  To Him be the glory and power forever-Amen!





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Sunday, January 9, 2011

Compiled Thoughts

Listed are some quotes, thoughts, prayers I have compiled since the beginning of the year.  They are thoughts taken from several devotionals.  I pray you will find a few you can make your own.

Examine my love for Christ.
If I love Him, I will obey.
I must wait upon God for His presence and love to be revealed.
For joy and the power of the Holy Spirit in my day- I must spend time in His presence.
Dedicate myself to the Lord again.
Give myself to the duties of my calling with fresh and unreserved surrender.
Determine to be absolutely and entirely for Him and Him alone.
Walk by faith and not by sight.
My delight is in the law of the Lord and in his law I meditate day and night. Psalm 1:2
The fear of the Lord is the beginning of Knowledge. Proverbs 1:7
Use the gifts God has given me.
Seek the Father's face and live in His love.
Pray this year I am humble, holy, zealous, patient, and in closer communion with my Christ and enter into His love.
Pray I will be an example to others-live for God's glory.
Jesus does not tell me what He is going to do-He reveals to me who He is.
Am I willing to go out in every area of my life, trusting God entirely.
Mary not only believed God but she had to adjust her life accordingly.
I need You and Your love to start my day, fill me with Your holy presence.
Impossible to worship God and not be changed.  The best indication we have worshipped is a changed heart.
An exalted view of God brings a clear view of sin and a realistic view of self.
Serve a holy God by a consecrated life.
Do I believe God will work thru me to make a difference?
I have been set here at this perfect time.
Never act on impulse of a feeling even if you know it to be God's will.  Wait for God to move.
Tremble at God's word.  Have a sense of awe that the Creator chooses to speak to me. 
When I open God's word-do so with a sense of holy expectation.
Don't build my life on the changes God does in me-but build on the person of the Lord Jesus Christ and His Spirit.
When I pray believe that God is with me.  Pray in faith that His love abounds to me.
Find my joy in being obedient to the Lord not in the fruit it produces.
Discernment-listen, pray, and wait-do not over analyze it.
Adjust my life to what the Lord shows me.
Where there is no revelation, the people do what is right in their own eyes.  But happy is he who keeps the law. Proverbs 29:18
I must feed upon God's word to take it into my heart and life.
Find fellowship with God in His Word.
Cultivate a thankful heart.
God said to Abram, Do not be afraid, I am your shield and exceeding great reward. Gen 15:1
Battles of my life are won upon my knees.

Flee or Cling?

We are doing Priscilla Shirer study on Jonah in Sunday School.  Our focus this morning was on the fact that Jonah "ran" physically from God's presence.  We looked at a map to see the great distance, detail and cost it took him to run from God.  Jonah went to great lengths to flee from His presence.

I know we do the same thing in our life.  Maybe we don't physically flee but emotionally we do.  We fill our lives with many things that keep us distracted from God.  Some people get very busy with work, some may sleep, some may drink, or even turned to drugs.  Some people will turn on the television to stare blankly at the screen.  Others may continue doing their "church service" but their heart is not engaged with the God they serve. We do many things to escape God's presence.  I know because I have done many of these things at different times in my life.  Many times I was not even aware I was running.  I can look back now and see the great need of peace I had in my spirit.  Somehow I thought "staying busy" or "sleeping" would give me a little peace.  What a lie from the enemy.

It seems I find myself in this place as I type this blog.  I am not sure why, my spirit is restless and a little irritated.  But I know "running" is not the answer.  "Where can I go from Your Spirit?  Or where can I flee from Your presence? Psalm 139:7  Let me ask another question, why would I even want to flee?

So I sit in God's presence giving Him my irritation and restlessness.  Bowing before Him in brokenness as He brings me to a crisis of belief.  I look through the psalms to find Scripture to lift Him up.  Let me share a few:

I waited patiently for the LORD;
And He inclined to me,
And heard my cry.
He also brought me up
out of a horrible pit,
Out of the miry clay,
and set my feet upon a rock,
and established my steps.
He has put a new song in my mouth
Praise to our God,
Many will see it and fear
And will trust in the LORD.
Psalm 40:1-3
Our walk is a walk of faith, not feelings or sight.  I think sometimes we get caught up in how we "feel" instead of walking by faith in the truth of God's Word.  Are you tempted to run?  Jonah was running from a particular assignment God had for Him.  I am wanting to run from an emotion or feeling I have. God is big enough to take care of both.  Jonah needed to stop, bow, and surrender.  That is what I needed as well. 

I am seeing God work in my heart and in others.  This can bring some fear because we do not know what the future holds.  But trust God and do not run.  Bow, surrender, and listen today.  Allow Him to circumcise your heart as He has done to mine this afternoon!

Friday, January 7, 2011

Book Review

I have joined "Blogging for Books", which means you will see periodically book reviews on this blog.  I hope you don't mind reading the reviews and maybe together we can find books that challenge our spiritual walk.  So here goes the review:

Sir Quinlan and the Swords of Valor                                     
by Chuck Black
1/7/2011

Sir Quinlan and Swords of Valor was a quick read for me which is what I wanted for my first review.  Middle School children, boys in particular, would enjoy this book.  It is a powerful allegory depicting the kingdom of God against the kingdom of satan.  I was drawn into the book quickly in remembrance that daily we are in a spiritual battle.  The book talks about two kingdoms, two kings, and several knights (good and bad) who are willing to fight for their king.  The main character, Sir Quinlan, is a lot like us.  There was nothing in appearance or skill to set him apart as a leader in the good kingdom.  The book shows Sir Quinlan's heart in surrender, being teachable, and the desire he had to be used of the King.  The book depicts the battle in the heavenly when a person surrenders to the leadership of the Lord.  The book reminds us of the enemies subtly ploys to distract us and make us comfortable.  The enemy desired to defeat the entire kingdom with enjoyment and just being comfortable.  I did enjoy reading this book.  I enjoyed watching the Knights of Valor step in to fight when the enemy (shadow warriors) were attempting to destroy a city or a person.  I am donating this book to a middle school teacher for her student library.  I would recommend anyone with a child who likes to read adventure, battles and victories to read this book.  "I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review".

Tuesday, January 4, 2011

Fear or Love

Does the enemy knock you off your feet? Someone tells you something-a concern or a problem and it drains you.  You feel, "I don't want to face this-Do I really have to deal with this issue?"  Depending on the person sharing the concern, you can even become paralyzed with fear.  I can relate!

But as this fear and dread is washing over you, remember God and pray. He is bigger than your problem and scriptures says:

The LORD your God in your midst,
The Mighty One, will save,
He will rejoice over you with gladness,
He will quiet you with His love,
He will rejoice over you with singing.
Zephaniah 3:17

Will you allow God to quiet you with His love by bowing before Him today?  Peace will come because God is so much bigger than the problem.  Will you bow the heart today?

Jason Gray-"I AM New"


I hope you enjoy the words of this song as much as I do!

Sunday, January 2, 2011

Pink Hair Brush

It happened!  I actually did it! I threw an old hair brush away.  The pink vent brush had been a part of my morning routine for the last 20 years. It had seen better days.  There were teeth missing and of course all the protective ends were gone.  Each tooth was crooked and bent.  This was a brush I cherished but it looked horrendous.  I could never share it and I kept it hid from others sight.  So last week I bought a new brush.  I did not trash the old immediately, for I was not sure if I would like the new brush. But this morning the old went into the trash. 

I see spiritual truth in this scenario.  Many times we hold on to habits, behaviors, friends, etc because we are comfortable with them.  God may be calling us to change, but we are resistant  because we do not know what that will look or feel like.  Let me ask you and myself a question?  Do we walk by faith or sight?  I say faith but I'm not sure I am completely honest with my answer.  I desire to walk by faith but many times fear of the unknown wins out.  When we are not willing to walk by faith, we are not trusting nor are we dependant upon God.  We are trusting in ourselves and in our own understanding. 

Trust in the LORD with all your heart
   and lean not on your own understanding;
in all your ways submit to him,
   and he will make your paths straight.
Do not be wise in your own eyes;
   fear the LORD and shun evil.
This will bring health to your body
   and nourishment to your bones.
Proverbs 3:5-7


Sometimes we may decide we will submit and allow the Lord to change us, but we set back the "comfortable" idea, item, etc, just in case something goes wrong.  I think of Peter.  He was zealous for the Lord.  He left his fishing job to follow Jesus.  Change was required.  But I wonder if in the back of Peter's mind, if he felt secure knowing if this way of life does not work out, he can go back to fishing?   I am not sure about Peter, I know I tend to think this way.  Again it shows a lack of faith and trust in Christ. We are called to not look back but follow Christ, walking in faith.  "Anyone who puts a hand to the plow and then looks back is not fit for the Kingdom of God."Luke 9:62

There is one more thing I must share about this vent brush.  I told Kolby the brush went into the trash, she immediately went to get it out.  She is my sentimental child and this brush had meaning to her. Many times we decide to surrender to the Lord and allow Him to change us. But people/our family will try to distract or prevent us from following the Lord. They will not be comfortable with the changes that are happening in our heart.  They will not understand.  But when we bow, surrender, and wait upon the Lord, He will come in power to give us strength to be obedient and to walk by faith.

So what habits, thoughts, or behaviors are you holding onto that needs to be trashed?  Jesus requires us to walk by faith not by sight.  Confess these things to the Lord.  Lay them at His feet and ask him to fill you with His Holy Spirit and a love for Him and His Word.  We have a promise in 1 John 1:9.

But if we confess our sins to him,
he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins
and to cleanse us from all wickedness

God's ways are so much better than our ways.  Won't you taste and see that the Lord is good today.  Seek Him while the opportunity is here.