Church

Was thinking how much I enjoy sitting at a meal or visiting with my children.  Laughter, good food, camaraderie and fellowship are all part of the time.


I bet that is just how God feels when His children come and sit at His feet.  Singing hymns, communion, fellowship and unity are beautiful to Him.


I hope that you do not stay away.  
I talked to a young woman the other day and asked where she was attending. She said after work, the gym, family etc Sunday was the only morning that they had to sleep in.   It made me sad as I thought about it later.   She is missing SO MUCH!   She has no idea how much and how it will affect her as time goes on.  
We need each other..... we need to be encouraged and share with each other.   The "world" has us all week long..can't the Lord have a little of our time?
I would hope that if one of my children stayed away that everyone would not follow suit but would encourage the brother or sister to rejoin the family.  Also I KNOW that the absence  would truly affect me!  God cares. 
We want, we pray, we ask for more and more....Can't we come and enjoy the Lord's family?   


Don't fool yourself ~   It DOES MATTER!


Hebrews 10:25   We should not stop gathering together with other believers, as some of you are doing. Instead, we must continue to encourage each other even more as we see the day of the Lord coming.

Blessings

Going with the Flow

How easy is it for your day or schedule to get out of whack?
How do you respond/react when things do not go as planned?
Do you see yourself as a flexible or rigid person?


The Lord wants us to hold onto His peace.  Peace is only stolen when our eyes are off of God and on our circumstances etc.   Anxiety and worry simply show lack of trust and doubt that God is Who He says He is.
Peace is our "barometer"


If there is even a scrid of evidence that this may be you, take it up with Him today.  Ask Him to give you the Grace and ability to trust Him more, choosing to believe what He says.


I'm praying for you.
Blessings!

Training in the Raw

My daughter takes her 4 small children (ages2-9) for prayer walks around the neighborhood.  She preps them by saying that they are going to walk, pray and listen to see if the Lord gives any direction.  She tells them that if they have an impression that they will all stop and pray for it.


This is training in the raw.    Stepping out in faith and watching for the Lord to speak.  They have prayed for finances, healing,  a job, a sick pet etc.    I wonder how you feel about this.  There is no schooling, no training, no workshop attendance.....just walking it out,


If it is ALL God, then why should we get hung up on the way we "do" it.   It truly is a walk of faith and these children are sensitizing their spirits to the Holy Spirit.   This is good training I think.


How is your own personal training going? 
Are you listening, watching and seeing with Spiritual eyes?
The Lord is moving and He is looking for a warm body to use.   Why not sign up today!


Blessings!

A Different Story

While sitting with a dear friend at the Bagel Shoppe today, she recited a cute poem:

To live above with those we love

Oh that will be glory.

To live below with those we know

Now that's a different story!

Are there truer words?  I don't think so!

Why is it that we have such a hard time getting along?

.......Probably pride.....

"Every problem in the world today is a problem of relationship ~  Someone thinking that they are or know better than the other."**

I dare you to look at the relationships that surround your life.  Really look at them....the ones that pose a problem will stand out boldly.

Take them to the Lord in prayer and see what He says and what He might have you do.

Remember the song;

"They will know that we are Christians by our love"

**Simply put by Dean Sherman in his "Relationship Series"

It Only Takes a Spark

I am reminded of a news story a few years back.  Thousands of acres of forest burned down because of a tossed cigarette from a car window.  The driver drove on without a moments hesitation yet leaving total mayhem and destruction in his wake.


Have you ever done that?  No I am not talking about tossing a cigarette butt, I am referring to what can happen when we hastily speak an angry or hateful word before we shut the door and leave.  We have all spoken too quickly before and I'm sure we have all heard the illustration about how trying to undo hasty words is like shaking a feather pillow and then trying to gather the contents and put it back in the case.  It is impossible.


Do you speak too quickly?  Do you have "loose lips"?   The Scripture says the tongue is the smallest yet hardest part of the body to rule over.


James is a great book to read to test your "hold" on your tongue.  
Here is a great page that will outline the scriptures in the Bible that speak of the tongue.
http://www.openbible.info/topics/taming_your_tongue


The world will be a quieter place for sure if the Church gets serious and walks out God's Instructions.


Blessings!

A Vibrant Branch

In the quiet this morning as I watched the sun come up into the sky, I chatted with the Lord about "things".  I heard myself say to Him that I wanted Him to pour more of His Word into me that I would be "supple".
I had not heard that word in a long time, and pondered on its meaning.


Definitions :

Bending and moving easily and gracefully; flexible. Yielding or changing readily; compliant or adaptableCapable of being bent or folded without creases, cracks, or breaks   I like these definitions but I was picturing more specifically that "full of life" look ~  moisture filled Jesus says  in John 15:5

"I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing. 

Friend  REMAIN in the Lord.  It will go well with you.  You WILL bear much fruit ~ it is a promise.

Blessings!

Musing

Often in the course of a day of conversation a word or phrase sticks out to me.  Today, riding with a friend, she said that she had complimented someone on her singing voice and asked if the woman had taken lessons.  The woman simply said,  "No, I just sing along with the radio."


You know you do not need to get a diploma, take religious education or listen to sermons day in and day out to know how to live the Christian life.   You simply need to  "sing with the radio" or in this case "walk with the Savior"   You need to practice what the Word says.  You need to walk it out.


I have quoted this Scripture before and here I go again, : 


 "Study the Bible continuously, meditate on it day and night so that you  will obey every thing written in it, only then will you  prosper and succeed in all that you do. 
This is my commandment, Be strong and courageous, do not fear or be discouraged for I AM with you wherever you go"  Joshua 1:8+9


Blessings as you walk!

If HE Says To Do It We Should~

The  quote went something like this " If HE says to stand on your head, you do it,  If HE says to be baptized, you do it"   
It is true that whatever HE says we should do.  


I do foresee a possible problem....being baptized is "normal", expected and accepted (in the church).  It's when we are asked to "stand on our heads" that a problem can arise!.  Immediately antennae go up, eyebrows raise and whispers are heard.


A word of caution.   
Don't judge someone's actions.  
Instead PRAY.


I believe that often the Bible has judged the actions already but in the case where it is not specific, (like standing on your head)...
.leave it alone.  
Take care of yourself.  
Don't make a comment.  
Read thru the Bible and see the old prophets who did totally "weird" things....John the Baptist who dressed odd and ate even more strange.  


If the Bible does not address it, it is best left alone.  You would hate to have to be judged yourself for your judgement!


Think about it.  
God's Ways are not like ours, in fact it is said that they are foolishness to man! I Cor 1:18


I think making sure OUR  walk is as it should be is a full time job!


Blessings!

Stressed?

BREATH!


Come before the Lord.  Pinpoint the area that is "pricking" you and take it to the Lord in prayer.  
HE has a good idea. ( Ps 138:8)  
HE is the giver of peace.  (John 14:27)
HE makes a way where there is none.  (John 12:1-11)  
HE can change the atmosphere around you and create in you a clean heart.  (Ps 51:10)
HE can soften a stony heart and make it flesh. ( Ez 26:36) 
HE can draw people unto Himself.  (John 12:32)


HE IS MORE THAN ABLE.' (2 Tim 1:12)


Stress will only kill you.  Handle it all on your knees and then just get up and begin....Put some good praise music on and refocus, prioritize and change your perspective. 

Proverbs 17:1
Better is a dry morsel and quietness with it Than a house full of feasting with strife.



Beloved have an absolutely wonderful Thanksgiving Day!  Whether you are alone (with the Lord) or with a crowd, let Jesus be your Guest of Honor and bring Him honor today with you life!

Blessings!

Always There

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qnNxP2k4Nn4&feature=related

We tend to make goals.  We look for the "outcome",  the letter, the job, the marriage, the _____________.
We are always waiting for the next thing.


I have come to firmly believe that it is not about the "outcome" but ALL about the Journey.
It is on the journey that all the work is done.  It is where we learn to believe, are tested, stretch and/or fail. 


We take many journeys between birth and death.  Dear friend,  don't despise the journey.  HE is there with you...longing that you will choose to believe that HE is who HE says HE is!  That you will learn to lean into Him, and practice with diligence the stature of standing...confidently immovable ...on the promises of God.


HE IS ALWAYS THERE!


Blessings!

Beauty Among Decay

As I was raking and preparing my gardens and yard for the upcoming season I noticed these brightly colored leaves bringing beauty to the decay all around them.   
We live in a decaying world.  Death and lack are everywhere.  Depression, panic and anger are all around us.  Are you letting the beauty of Christ shine through you?   The world is in such need.


My friend, let HIM shine.   Walk in HIS peace, love, compassion and kindness and see how the world responds.  Don't be afraid or discouraged.   He will make a way where there seems to be no way.


2 Corinthians 2:16 
To the one we are the smell of death; to the other, the fragrance of life. And who is equal to such a task?

Life in Christ

I found these Japanese Lanterns in my fall garden.  I love how they are each in a different phase.  I was immediately reminded of the Christian's life.
When we first come to the Lord we are "whole and brand new" ~ we even look different.
But as we walk with the Lord, prayerfully, He will begin to be seen more and more as "we" diminish.  Notice the progression from the bottom.  Little by little the flesh is rotting away finally exposing the seed in the middle.  
The  longer we walk with Him and let Him have His way in our life~ our "significance" will come from Him !


Oh to be like Jesus!!


2 Corinthians 4:7
Weymouth New Testament
But we have this treasure in a fragile vase of clay, in order that the surpassing greatness of the power may be seen to belong to God, and not to originate in us


Blessings!

The Illusionist

Some of my family and friends are ending the day by watching the movie the "Illusionist"  .  The story about a Master Magician and his ability to confound audiences with his brilliance.

Definition: "A deceptive appearance or impression: "the illusion of togetherness""

Are you an illusionist or are you the real deal.   

There is ONE who knows the heart of man and HE knows not only the way that you take but also your secrets and thoughts.  He knows you from beginning to end.  Don't fool yourself anymore by believing that what and who you are are really not important in the scheme of things.  They are ALL important!

Friend, today is the day to come clean.  If you have been playing "both sides of the field"  come to your merciful Father and ask for forgiveness.  He not only forgives but will set you back on the right track   His plans for you are SO much better than your own and living a life guilt free is worth it all!

Blessings

A Sacrifice

I found this great song and want to share it with you.


Have you ever had to sacrifice anything......really?
It is only a sacrifice if it is something that we love  Right?


It got me thinking about why it is so hard to sacrifice our selfish ways, our plans, our desire.
It's a sacrifice because we love our selves and our ways so much


Take a few minutes and think ...What are you willing to sacrifice for the Lord today
your time,  having your way, your money, your preferences, your plans ?  If HE calls you today will you sacrifice  for HIM?   Oh that we may be like Abraham.....work it in us Lord!


Blessings!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RcjkJp9VxY8

Courageous

Seven of my sons took me out for dinner and to see the movie Courageous last nite.  It was good.  There was a scene where a man was asked to do something dishonest at the work place.  He went home knowing full well that he would lose his new, and much needed, job if he did not comply.  


He was tested on his integrity.


Integrity
 In ethics, integrity is regarded as the honesty and truthfulness or accuracy of one's actions. Integrity can be regarded as the opposite of hypocrisy,^[1] 


As Christians we should have integrity.  We should mean what we say and say what we mean.  We should walk the talk all week long not just on Sunday.  It should follow us where ever we go, to church, work, the gym, the grocery store.   It is a character trait  that the Lord wants to work deep down  inside us.


After all the whole process of life is that we might conform to the likeness and image of Jesus
2 Cor. 3:18    And we, who with unveiled faces all reflect the Lord's glory, are being transformed into his likeness with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit.


So friend are you BEING TRANSFORMED?  Sounds like a process to me... Stay pliable beloved....work with HIM not against Him!

A Total Package

 That's what we get when we accept the Lord into our lives.


We get THE TOTAL PACKAGE.  As I wrote yesterday and reminded us of some of the scriptures that the Lord gave us, we find that there is not one single area that He does not cover.


We need NOTHING else once we have the Lord.
He is our wisdom, our strength, our help, our provision, our way-maker, our shelter, our healer, our protector, our burden bearer, our sin taker, our ticket to heaven and our rear guard.


He sticks closer than a brother, answers us when we call, gives us wisdom, picks us up when we fall and straightens a tangled path.  


He not only has a wonderful plan for us but He says that HE will even take our mistakes and work them together for good if we trust in Him


Jesus is the TOTAL PACKAGE!


Don't keep this to yourselves!!!  Share the Wealth and the Truth.  People need to know HE is the difference between heaven and hell!


Blessings  

Surprise!!

Whoa  that  was a curve ball !
I sure didn't see that coming
What a surprise that was!
We had no idea and then Bham!


Amazing... life can be going along so evenly and predictable when


WATCH OUT!!!   


Something comes flying out of nowhere!


How can we be ready for the "upsets of life"?   
We know that:
What we eat today is what keeps us healthy tomorrow.  Brushing our teeth daily keeps tomorrows cavities at bay.  Paying the light bill is what keeps the lights on in the future.
  
It matters what we do today, 
How we live counts.


This reminds me of the 10 virgins 
5 were ready  5 were not
The scripture says that Jesus is going to come as a thief in the night  Matthew 25:13
Are you prepared?


Today make sure that you are tending to the business at hand.
It is not a time to be dozing, pretending that life will always be grand.  The changing of the seasons is absolutely predictable.  Watch, plan and pray and He will guide you and direct you in the way that you should go


Blessings friend!

Tis So Sweet To Trust in Jesus

Friends,  

We sing it and we speak it but do we walk it and live it?

What does it take to shake us, to cause doubt, to make us fear?

I implore you , You who have accepted the Good News of Salvation,  to come to grips with the Truth

We must align ourselves with the truth of God's Word not visa versa

We must stand strong and courageous ,  trusting  HIM

Listen to this beautiful old song that came to my mind this morning during prayer

http://www.godtube.com/watch/?v=DKLYG7NX

Tis so sweet to trust in Jesus,
And to take Him at His Word;
Just to rest upon His promise,
And to know, "Thus saith the Lord."

[Refrain:]
Jesus, Jesus, how I trust Him!
How I've proved Him o'er and o'er!
Jesus, Jesus, precious Jesus!O for grace to trust Him more!
Yes Tis sweet to trust in Jesus,

Just from sin and self to cease.

Just from Jesus simply taking

Life and rest and joy and peace

O how sweet to trust in Jesus,

Just to trust His cleansing blood;
And in simple faith to plunge me
'Neath the healing, cleansing flood!

I'm so glad I learned to trust thee,
Precious Jesus, Savior, friend;
And I know that thou art with me,
Wilt be with me to the end.
[Refrain]

Blessings!   See you on the 11th!

Psalm 56

 ³ When I am afraid, I put my trust in you.
 ⁴ In God, whose word I praise—
in God I trust and am not afraid.
   What can mere mortals do to me?


Wow.....lets read that again


When I am afraid, I put my trust in you. 


How do we do that?  I mean, after all, I AM AFRAID!!!


We do it by a choice of our will.  It is an action, a decision to just DO IT!


It is a very difficult exercise in the beginning but as the "muscle" is used it gets stronger and stronger ever day.


So today~
when life assails you, all manner of evil surrounds you, when the economy terrifies you, when bad news comes in the door and hope seems to go out


I WILL PUT MY TRUST IN YOU!
AMEN!


Blessings!

Today.....

If you awoke to NO ELECTRICITY....what would you do
                     to NO WATER ..............  how would you respond
                     to YOUR CAR NOT STARTING.........would you begin to panic?


Hummmm    how about all 3 in the same morning?


"Father, I admit that most of us would begin to crumble on some level.  Our heads are full of Your promises but so often when the rubber hits the road we panic, despair, become anxious, lose faith and crumble.  Lord we NEED Your strength and grace to stand firm.  Begin a new work in us I pray Lord.  


We need Your help to carry on, to stand firm on Your Word and not surrender to the attack of our enemy.


We surrender to Your work in us Lord.....We look to You!"


Brothers and Sisters get exercising!  Harder days are sure to come, don't be caught unprepared.


Blessings!


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-bS3qwj-mAI&feature=related