I enjoy this show. It is one of the very few that I sometimes watch.
Tonite it got me thinking about another voice from long ago.
Isaiah 40:3, "A voice of one calling in the desert, "Prepare the way of the Lord, make straight in the wilderness a highway for our God"
Also found in Mark 1:3, John 1:23
John the Baptist said he was the voice in the wilderness calling out "clear the way for the Lord's coming"
Today there are so many voices. Which ones "have" your ear? Which ones do you rely on? Where are your sources of truth to be found?
Find a quiet spot and silence your mind and heart and ask the Lord to speak to your heart. Jesus says that His sheep know His voice. If that does not ring true, you need to practice listening and reading the Word.
This is imperative. You don't want to miss it!
The Lord is coming soon and we want to be ready with our lamps full of fresh oil!
Take this serious I pray
Blessings!
Monday, April 30, 2012
Sunday, April 29, 2012
Genesis 4:6+7
Years ago I had a kitten that was an inside cat. Daily she would sit at the door and watch the birds, wind etc. She could sense when someone was going to go out and she would "crouch at the door" ready to pounce, in a waiting position, muscles tensed so as not to miss the opportunity.
Friend that is a picture of our enemy.
Gen 4: 6+7 says
"If you do what is right, will you not be accepted? But if you do not do what is right, sin is crouching at your door; it desires to devour you, but you must rule over it.”
We cannot afford to sin. If we do we must run immediately for forgiveness. I have seen too much road-kill on that narrow road: often the one who said "that could never happen to me!", the one who got complacent and busy or the one who let his/her guard down. It is a sad situation and very discouraging for the "body" of Christ to see.
Please be aware. Don't be fooled. Lean in close and get in the Word and prayer. The Time is short and the enemy is aware of this fact
Stay clean dear one. His blood was shed for you and it never loses its power.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=068hjYWkkPo&feature=related
Friend that is a picture of our enemy.
Gen 4: 6+7 says
"If you do what is right, will you not be accepted? But if you do not do what is right, sin is crouching at your door; it desires to devour you, but you must rule over it.”
We cannot afford to sin. If we do we must run immediately for forgiveness. I have seen too much road-kill on that narrow road: often the one who said "that could never happen to me!", the one who got complacent and busy or the one who let his/her guard down. It is a sad situation and very discouraging for the "body" of Christ to see.
Please be aware. Don't be fooled. Lean in close and get in the Word and prayer. The Time is short and the enemy is aware of this fact
Stay clean dear one. His blood was shed for you and it never loses its power.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=068hjYWkkPo&feature=related
Friday, April 27, 2012
Be Not Dismayed
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=diq-rF-mWQI&feature=related
Be not dismayed whate'er betide,
God will take care of you;
beneath his wings of love abide,
God will take care of you.
Refrain:
God will take care of you,
through every day, o'er all the way;
he will take care of you,
God will take care of you.
2. Through days of toil when heart doth fail,
God will take care of you;
when dangers fierce your path assail,
God will take care of you.
(Refrain)
3. All you may need he will provide,
God will take care of you;
nothing you ask will be denied,
God will take care of you.
(Refrain)
4. No matter what may be the test,
God will take care of you;
lean, weary one, upon his breast,
God will take care of you.
(Refrain)
Thursday, April 26, 2012
Sweet Hour of Prayer
Are you kidding me?
An hour????
Sweet??
Friend are you finding your prayer time a drudgery? Are you having a hard time mustering up a few minutes to spend with the Lord, never mind and hour?
Check your gauge.
I remember those days when God seemed so far away and so hard to reach. The Scripture says Draw near to God and He will draw near to you. James 4:8
It begins with discipline. Just a little at a time. Be sure not to make it so stringent that you will immediately fail.
Before you get in bed, kneel for a moment or two and tell the Lord you love Him, thank Him for your life. Present your cares to Him. Praise Him for answering.
He is faithful and LOVES it when His children come! Just sit with Him for a while ~ you will never be the same.
Remember He gave His life for you!
I would love you to post a comment as to your thoughts about your prayer life.
Blessings
Wednesday, April 25, 2012
In the Day of Battle
Here is a word for you from the Word
Psalm 110:3 Your troops will be willing on your day of battle. Arrayed in holy majesty, from the womb of the dawn your young men will come to you like the dew. NIV, RSV |
Remember that God is a God of battles. He’s a man of war; He’s called “the Lord of Hosts,” that is, the Lord of Armies. In the Old Covenant, the Lord appeared to Joshua as the captain of the Lord’s army. Today, God is gathering His army. The Scripture makes it clear that the present age is going to close with a tremendous conflict between the forces of God and the forces of Satan and God is gathering His army. It says, “Your troops will be willing in your day of battle.” Literally, your troops will be free-will offerings. God doesn’t want us to give Him something. He wants us to give Him ourselves – not our talents, not our time, not our strength, just ourselves. We are to be the free-will offerings.
And it says, “From the womb of the dawn your young men will come to you like the dew.” God is gathering an army of young people today. They are being born, as it were, like dawn is born out of darkness. Out of the darkness of the past is coming a new day – a day of birth, a day of battle, a day when young people are being summoned into the army of God. Not to offer God something, but to offer to God themselves, to become His free-will offerings on the day of His battle.
Derek Prince
Tuesday, April 24, 2012
Cuddling in the Bottom of the Boat
I had a picture this morning.
It was of a mid-sized boat in a very choppy sea. In fact the sea was rolling and the ship was tipping way on its side as the waves tossed it around.
IT WAS SCARY!!
No one had expected this storm, no one had seen it coming.
But that really does not matter as NOW we were in it!
I was beginning to feel sick to my stomach and others were praying, screaming, crying and hanging on to dear life.
IT WAS CRAZINESS!!
I knew Jesus was with me..... He was in the boat as well.
But He was strangely silent.
No assurances, no Presence, no authority was seen.
I stumbled and crawled and finally found Him, fast asleep, in the bottom of the boat. He was calm. He was peaceful. He did not seem afraid.
I watched Him closely as His body also was being swayed. I remembered that He had said that He would NEVER leave me or forsake me. My pondering settled me a little. He had always been faithful in my life. He truly had NEVER left me alone. He had stayed closer than a brother and had proven His love for me over and over and over. But yet He stayed asleep and I was cold and afraid.
I crawled a little closer and decided the safest place to be was with Him. I did not try to wake Him ~ I just cuddled against Him, drew His arm around me and rested in His presence and His peace.
WONT YOU JOIN ME TODAY?
Blessings~
It was of a mid-sized boat in a very choppy sea. In fact the sea was rolling and the ship was tipping way on its side as the waves tossed it around.
IT WAS SCARY!!
No one had expected this storm, no one had seen it coming.
But that really does not matter as NOW we were in it!
I was beginning to feel sick to my stomach and others were praying, screaming, crying and hanging on to dear life.
IT WAS CRAZINESS!!
I knew Jesus was with me..... He was in the boat as well.
But He was strangely silent.
No assurances, no Presence, no authority was seen.
I stumbled and crawled and finally found Him, fast asleep, in the bottom of the boat. He was calm. He was peaceful. He did not seem afraid.
I watched Him closely as His body also was being swayed. I remembered that He had said that He would NEVER leave me or forsake me. My pondering settled me a little. He had always been faithful in my life. He truly had NEVER left me alone. He had stayed closer than a brother and had proven His love for me over and over and over. But yet He stayed asleep and I was cold and afraid.
I crawled a little closer and decided the safest place to be was with Him. I did not try to wake Him ~ I just cuddled against Him, drew His arm around me and rested in His presence and His peace.
WONT YOU JOIN ME TODAY?
Blessings~
Monday, April 23, 2012
A Little News ~
I just got back from visiting my youngest at the International House of Prayer in Missouri. We had a wonderful time.
Now I am back...
I have spent the afternoon "taking back" my home and spent a lot of energy on determining not to be overwhelmed.
Today I bring up all the Promises I know, I preach to myself, I practice keeping my mouth shut and I pray ALOT.
Is my life bad?
NO....
It is just different than I had "planned".
Have I been praying constantly that God would have His way in me?
YES ~
and I believe He is....
Breath, Pray, Rest, Pray some more.
I complain (to myself) that I have no one to talk it over with ....
Excuse me???
Where did that come from?
I have the King of the Universe at my beck and call* and all His wisdom that I could ever need for today and the days ahead.
So dear one...when life is "different", when the road takes a U turn.
Trust.
Now I am back...
I have spent the afternoon "taking back" my home and spent a lot of energy on determining not to be overwhelmed.
Today I bring up all the Promises I know, I preach to myself, I practice keeping my mouth shut and I pray ALOT.
Is my life bad?
NO....
It is just different than I had "planned".
Have I been praying constantly that God would have His way in me?
YES ~
and I believe He is....
I just need to stop fighting it.
I complain (to myself) that I have no one to talk it over with ....
Excuse me???
Where did that come from?
I have the King of the Universe at my beck and call* and all His wisdom that I could ever need for today and the days ahead.
So dear one...when life is "different", when the road takes a U turn.
Trust.
He has you in His hands
and
HE KNOWS WHAT HE IS DOING!
* “What's the appropriate phrase--'beckon call' or 'beck and call'?”
The correct phrase is “beck and call.” If you are at someone's beck and call, you respond immediately whether he or she beckons or calls; it implies complete subservience.
It's an old phrase, originating in the late 1800s, during a time when “beck” was used to mean “beckon.”
Thursday, April 12, 2012
Change
Things can change in a heart beat ~ literally.
Think about it... life is going along and then WHAM~! something "out of the blue" happens and life takes a different direction. Whether it is a loss of a job, loved one, a move, sickness etc etc., life constantly throws curve balls.
Are you ready? What does it take to knock you down?
One of the greatest exercises to get in shape spiritually is to get down on your knees. When guests come to Gilead's Balm often at the end of our time of talking, I throw a couple pillows on the floor and say "OK, lets get to work", and down we go. There is something wonderful about that "stance" that feels like business is taking place.
Why don't you brush up on this exercise today and in the coming days, and watch the strength grow in your character and your frame.
Tho the wind may blow I will not be moved
I shall not be ~ I shall not be moved
Blessings!
Think about it... life is going along and then WHAM~! something "out of the blue" happens and life takes a different direction. Whether it is a loss of a job, loved one, a move, sickness etc etc., life constantly throws curve balls.
Are you ready? What does it take to knock you down?
One of the greatest exercises to get in shape spiritually is to get down on your knees. When guests come to Gilead's Balm often at the end of our time of talking, I throw a couple pillows on the floor and say "OK, lets get to work", and down we go. There is something wonderful about that "stance" that feels like business is taking place.
Why don't you brush up on this exercise today and in the coming days, and watch the strength grow in your character and your frame.
Tho the wind may blow I will not be moved
I shall not be ~ I shall not be moved
Blessings!
Wednesday, April 11, 2012
Freedom?
Has the Devil lost his power over you?
Think about that for a moment.
Has he?
If "no" why not?
Since the first day of salvation the path has been laid for you to live victoriously in freedom. If you are not you need to examine why. Find a good friend, one who mature in the Lord, and talk it out.
Confess and get prayer. Name your problem and do a search in the Scripture to find out what It says.
Don't live as if you are not saved....YOU ARE!
Step into your "son-ship"!
Father, in the sweet name of Jesus, I come boldly before Your throne.
Please lift this one up. Help my friend to be able to see what the issue is. Holy Spirit counsel as only You can and bring clarity to what is going on in my friend's life.
Help Your Bride Lord ~ She needs to be readied for Your return. Do it Lord I pray
Blessings!
Think about that for a moment.
Has he?
If "no" why not?
Since the first day of salvation the path has been laid for you to live victoriously in freedom. If you are not you need to examine why. Find a good friend, one who mature in the Lord, and talk it out.
Confess and get prayer. Name your problem and do a search in the Scripture to find out what It says.
Don't live as if you are not saved....YOU ARE!
Step into your "son-ship"!
Father, in the sweet name of Jesus, I come boldly before Your throne.
Please lift this one up. Help my friend to be able to see what the issue is. Holy Spirit counsel as only You can and bring clarity to what is going on in my friend's life.
Help Your Bride Lord ~ She needs to be readied for Your return. Do it Lord I pray
Blessings!
Tuesday, April 10, 2012
The Unmanageable God
This was a title of a chapter in my Bible study
I like it.
I like that I cannot "manage" God.
I really don't want to be in charge, in control.
I want to defer.
I want to be "led".
I want a "boss"
I'm HIS.
He took me ~ when I gave myself ~when He called me !
It begins and ends with Him.
It has taken me years to get to this place of rest
and I'm sure I have a long way to travel
but I feel more confident than ever that
He is Unshakable,
That He never makes a mistake.
That I can trust Him!
Please don't believe I have lived in a bubble for 50 years.
I've tasted some life
and
God has ALWAYS been faithful ~
even though
unmanageable!
Blessings!
PS Please notice that there are some ads on the side of the blog. I get paid for everytime someone clicks on these. SO If you have a minute could you click away?! Thanks!
Monday, April 9, 2012
The Wonder of God
Mom says this morning, "Of course we are to wonder about God ~ God IS A WONDER!"
Sometimes this woman just makes me smile with her 95 years of wisdom!
It is true ~ God IS a wonder. We cannot wrap our feeble minds around Him no matter how hard we think, study or ponder. HE IS! He always HAS BEEN and HE always WILL BE~!
Can you just will yourself to believe in Him? Must you fight it so hard? Do you really think that you should be able to figure out God and His ways? His ways are higher than our ways and the Scripture says they are also "foolishness to man"
Pride so often keeps us from bowing our knee before Him.
Well friend, often I have said that I am thankful that I tend to be intellectually challenged, as my mind has not gotten in the way of the fact that I BELIEVE! I have given Him my life. I trust Him with all things!
Reread yesterday's blog, as I have over and over, and relish in the fact that you can have someone in charge~ what a RELIEF!
Rest in the fact that He loves you, has a plan that He wants to develop in and thru you and that you were made to worship Him
Alleluia!
Blessings
Sometimes this woman just makes me smile with her 95 years of wisdom!
It is true ~ God IS a wonder. We cannot wrap our feeble minds around Him no matter how hard we think, study or ponder. HE IS! He always HAS BEEN and HE always WILL BE~!
Can you just will yourself to believe in Him? Must you fight it so hard? Do you really think that you should be able to figure out God and His ways? His ways are higher than our ways and the Scripture says they are also "foolishness to man"
Pride so often keeps us from bowing our knee before Him.
Well friend, often I have said that I am thankful that I tend to be intellectually challenged, as my mind has not gotten in the way of the fact that I BELIEVE! I have given Him my life. I trust Him with all things!
Reread yesterday's blog, as I have over and over, and relish in the fact that you can have someone in charge~ what a RELIEF!
Rest in the fact that He loves you, has a plan that He wants to develop in and thru you and that you were made to worship Him
Alleluia!
Blessings
Sunday, April 8, 2012
He has Risen INDEED!
This is SOO GOOD!
“The risk of grace is that we turn our lives over to God. Abandoned. Surrendered. We no longer have to defend ourselves because we are convinced that he loves us so much, but we no longer try to run our own lives. He is our Lord, our master, and the one we follow.
We don't know where he will lead, but we are willing to go there because we are convinced that life in him is truly the Grand Adventure.
We don’t know what he will ask us to do, but we’re willing to do it because we’re sure he knows best. We respond to him like a loved child responds to his mother [or his Grammy I would add].
We may not understand everything, and we may ask a million questions, but when we don’t get answers, we still trust our Heavenly Father because he has proven himself to us. . .
The deeper we press into the price Christ paid to rescue us, the more we’ll be amazed by his love, and we’ll delight in honoring him all day, every day.”
Tim Clinton & Josh Straub
“The risk of grace is that we turn our lives over to God. Abandoned. Surrendered. We no longer have to defend ourselves because we are convinced that he loves us so much, but we no longer try to run our own lives. He is our Lord, our master, and the one we follow.
We don't know where he will lead, but we are willing to go there because we are convinced that life in him is truly the Grand Adventure.
We don’t know what he will ask us to do, but we’re willing to do it because we’re sure he knows best. We respond to him like a loved child responds to his mother [or his Grammy I would add].
We may not understand everything, and we may ask a million questions, but when we don’t get answers, we still trust our Heavenly Father because he has proven himself to us. . .
The deeper we press into the price Christ paid to rescue us, the more we’ll be amazed by his love, and we’ll delight in honoring him all day, every day.”
Tim Clinton & Josh Straub
Thursday, April 5, 2012
Steel Trap
I have heard 2 stories recently of the elderly ~
My friend's mother in law,while in assisted living, was being encouraged to take the Senior day trip to Hampton. "NO" she exclaimed, staring straight ahead! They urged and cajoled to no avail. "NO" was all she would say ~ until she added " they always leave someone behind!"
My 95 year old mom is convinced that one of the reasons we would like her living near us in these latter years is that we are wanting her to babysit!
These are funny but more interesting is the fact that these ladies could not be convinced otherwise! They have minds like steel traps that are locked tight!
It's Time (12:11)
My friend's mother in law,while in assisted living, was being encouraged to take the Senior day trip to Hampton. "NO" she exclaimed, staring straight ahead! They urged and cajoled to no avail. "NO" was all she would say ~ until she added " they always leave someone behind!"
My 95 year old mom is convinced that one of the reasons we would like her living near us in these latter years is that we are wanting her to babysit!
These are funny but more interesting is the fact that these ladies could not be convinced otherwise! They have minds like steel traps that are locked tight!
Beloved ~
I hope that is how your mind is about the Promises and Ways of God.
I pray you can not be swayed, that you are immovable.
No matter what comes, happens or is said,
I long to hear my Brothers and Sisters say ..
"He is risen JUST AS HE SAID!"
Everything else is an understatement.
HE IS ALIVE and ALL IS WELL!
Blessings as you enjoy this time of celebration!
It's Time (12:11)
Wednesday, April 4, 2012
GOOD NEWS!
The Lord has made a Way of Escape!
1 Corinthians 10:13:
"no temptation has seized you except what is common to man. 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 stand up under it."
He says that there is NO temptation too great that His Grace is not greater still.
In Titus 2:11-13, it reads; "God's Saving Grace has appeared to all people. It teaches us to say NO to godless ways and sinful longings.
We must control ourselves.
We must do what is right.
We must lead godly lives in today's world.
That's how we should live as we wait for the blessed hope God has given us.
So instead of thinking out hard it is ~ how impossible it seems ~ rely on Jesus and stand on His Word. He will see to it that It works Its grace into you so that you may stand firm waiting for the day of His return.
Onward Christian Soldiers!
Blessings
1 Corinthians 10:13:
"no temptation has seized you except what is common to man. 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 stand up under it."
He says that there is NO temptation too great that His Grace is not greater still.
In Titus 2:11-13, it reads; "God's Saving Grace has appeared to all people. It teaches us to say NO to godless ways and sinful longings.
We must control ourselves.
We must do what is right.
We must lead godly lives in today's world.
That's how we should live as we wait for the blessed hope God has given us.
So instead of thinking out hard it is ~ how impossible it seems ~ rely on Jesus and stand on His Word. He will see to it that It works Its grace into you so that you may stand firm waiting for the day of His return.
Onward Christian Soldiers!
Blessings
Tuesday, April 3, 2012
Never Enough~
The saying goes that the only thing that a man with lots of money wants is more money.
The Scripture talks about the "free gift of God" (Romans 6:23) Jesus Christ who bought our freedom with His death on the cross.
But I must say I have met many people who once having accepted this gift have only wanted more....free gifts.
They just want the benefits...free...with no strings attached.
Well my friend, I'm afraid that that thinking is wrong.
Let's remember for a moment why we accepted that "free gift" in the first place ~ most likely because we were desperate, helpless, hopeless and needing a Savior.
So often once we are "back on our feet" the old self rises its head and begins to demand more and more and more. I remember my son sharing about an evening meal with friends at Teen Challenge. Some of the guys were complaining about the food, the curfew, the work etc etc. He quickly reminded them that it was only weeks ago that they were eating cold scraps under a bridge.
Check your attitude today. Have you said thanks lately? Have you praised the Wonderful Savior that gave All that He had for you.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vbsnLvPOkKA&feature=related
Never Enough.
What a Gift!!
But I must say I have met many people who once having accepted this gift have only wanted more....free gifts.
They do not want discipline.
They do not want to practice faith.
They do not want to fight for the promises.
They do not want to live for Christ.
They just want the benefits...free...with no strings attached.
Well my friend, I'm afraid that that thinking is wrong.
Let's remember for a moment why we accepted that "free gift" in the first place ~ most likely because we were desperate, helpless, hopeless and needing a Savior.
So often once we are "back on our feet" the old self rises its head and begins to demand more and more and more. I remember my son sharing about an evening meal with friends at Teen Challenge. Some of the guys were complaining about the food, the curfew, the work etc etc. He quickly reminded them that it was only weeks ago that they were eating cold scraps under a bridge.
How quickly we forget.
Check your attitude today. Have you said thanks lately? Have you praised the Wonderful Savior that gave All that He had for you.
He died.
Believe me God is God, He would not have picked that remedy if there had been another option. But our sin nature could be unlocked by only one thing, a pure sacrifice;~Jesus~
What a wonderful Savior!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vbsnLvPOkKA&feature=related
Monday, April 2, 2012
"The Redeemed Say So"
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Sunday, April 1, 2012
Crow
Heard a great saying:
"Its easier to eat crow while it's still warm"
This is a true statement.
The sooner you can deal with an apology the better. Someone once said that they could tell the maturity of a person by how much time there was between the offense and the apology. I personally think that is a good gauge
You may speak too quickly, react instead of respond, speak without being informed, or hurt some one's feelings. You tend to know it almost immediately. The Holy Spirit is very good at "poking" at us when we are out of line.
Respond to that conviction. Go quickly and say that you are sorry. Try to reconcile and take the low road. Ask for forgiveness. Even Jesus said "forgive them for they don't know what they are doing" He took us off the hook of his own heart.
Friend the sooner the better. Don't blame your stuff on someone else. Even if they are involved personally own your part and deal with yours do not blame them in the process.
You will feel free and that is the reason Christ died for us that we might be reconciled with God.
Walk in His Freedom Friend!
Blessings!
"Its easier to eat crow while it's still warm"
This is a true statement.
The sooner you can deal with an apology the better. Someone once said that they could tell the maturity of a person by how much time there was between the offense and the apology. I personally think that is a good gauge
You may speak too quickly, react instead of respond, speak without being informed, or hurt some one's feelings. You tend to know it almost immediately. The Holy Spirit is very good at "poking" at us when we are out of line.
Respond to that conviction. Go quickly and say that you are sorry. Try to reconcile and take the low road. Ask for forgiveness. Even Jesus said "forgive them for they don't know what they are doing" He took us off the hook of his own heart.
Friend the sooner the better. Don't blame your stuff on someone else. Even if they are involved personally own your part and deal with yours do not blame them in the process.
You will feel free and that is the reason Christ died for us that we might be reconciled with God.
Walk in His Freedom Friend!
Blessings!
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