PJ's Prayer Line

"PLANT, WATER, INCREASE"

2012-02-17T21:48:00.012-06:00

Good Evening to All!

I have planted, Apollos watered; but God gave the increase. (7) So then neither is he that planteth any thing, neither he that watereth; but God that giveth the increase. (1 Corinthians 3:6-7 KJV)

It has taken me quite a few years to understand and not to feel like a failure when I witness to someone and they don't "accept" or understand what I am trying to explain to them about God and His love.

When I became serious about the Lord, and received the Holy Ghost, I wanted EVERYONE to feel like I did. I didn't think about people not being "ready' to hear what I had to say. I just knew that I had been changed for the better and was much happier, and I wanted everyone else to feel it as well.

I know now that I came across very pushy. Albeit unintentional. I just get very excited about things and want to share it all. The problem was I more than likely
scared people away by doing that.

I have finally learned that it is NOT MY JOB to save people. It is MY JOB to plant a seed. Meaning to drop bits of knowledge on people who are wanting to hear the truth. NOT BEATING THEM over the head with the Bible. God is the only one who can SAVE souls. I can do just a small part by answering questions, and showing people what true Christianity is by example. Such as being understanding and not shoving things down their throats that they aren't ready for.

I now have a morning ritual in which before leaving my house in the morning, I pray and ask God to place me in the path of someone to witness to and to prepare their heart for His Word.

Another thing is, many people automatically think of "preaching" or "Bible study" when they hear the word witness. Now, to be honest that is what I used to think because I had people come up to me and start talking about the Lord, and talk, and talk, and talk.... I don't do that. Now if someone is really interested, and keeps asking questions then yes, I will continue to talk to them, but I try to be "short and sweet". If I am having a conversation about something and can interject a bit of scripture in it, I do so. If I am telling someone about something good happening to me, I give God the glory, and tell the person how He helped me and include a scripture or two about God supplying our need or pouring out blessings to those who love Him, and so on.

I then leave it at that. I have grown in my relationship and knowledge enough to realize that saving souls, bringing others to Christ and witnessing IS NOT ABOUT ME. It's ALL ABOUT HIM. I am His instrument, but HE does the final reaping of the harvest. All I do is Plant, or water, and leave the increasing up to God.

This being said, Jesus did tell His disciples to go all over the world preaching the gospel. I know that according to Ephesians 4:11, it says, " And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; (12) For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ.

Pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he will send forth labourers into his harvest. (Matthew 9:38 KJV)

When we witness to others, we are doing what God wants us to do.

Good Night to All and May God Bless!

"SPIRITUAL FASTING"

2012-02-16T21:51:00.014-06:00

Good Evening to All!

As much fun as I had on my vacation, I am sure glad to be home and back in church getting fed spiritually again. I really missed being in God's house and getting my "meal from God".

Wednesday night was wonderful. It was my first night back, and I was swept up in the presence of God and His message.

When was the last time you fasted to show God how much you care? Fasting isn't about doing without food because you want to get healthy although that is one of the rewards. It is about crucifying your flesh. Showing your flesh "who's boss". Disciplining it to give up something for God.

The following is "some" of what my Pastor brought to us straight from God's "lips" to his (my Pastor's) heart.

Matthew 17:21 states Howbeit this kind goeth not out but by prayer and fasting. This comes about due to the disciples being unable to cast a demon out of a man's son. The disciples asked Jesus why they were unable to do so and He said it was because of their unbelief or lack of faith. Then stated also in Matthew 17:20 Because of your unbelief: for verily I say unto you, If ye have faith as a grain of mustard seed, ye shall say unto this mountain, Remove hence to yonder place; and it shall remove; and nothing shall be impossible unto you.

What is Spiritual Fasting?

Webster's Dictionary states: to keep from eating all or certain foods; to eat very little or nothing.

The Hebrew word TSUWM, meaning to cover the mouth, to fast.
The Greek word for fasting is Nestis, which means: not eating; to abstain from food.

What Spiritual fasting is NOT:

(1) A dieting process or program to help you lose weight. (2) Missing a meal or two because were too rushed or busy to eat. (I've been guilty of that one) UNTIL NOW. (3) Being without food because we are too poor to buy it. (4) A hunger strike to get someone...or the government to do something. (5) A physical health obtaining act.

What fasting IS:

(1) A spiritual pursuit to help subdue the
flesh so we can more clearly hear from God and be willing to submit to Him. (2) A spiritual and mental declaration of doing without food in order to achieve spiritual strength, answers, and direction for ourselves and others. (3) Fasting can and does assist in receiving the Holy Ghost. (4) Devils and spiritual strongholds of some types can not be cast out with out fasting and prayer (Mark 9:14-19). (5) Our fasting is to be unto God and not for the purpose of drawing attention to ourselves. (Zechariah 7:5; Matthew 6:18). (6) Fasting helps us to obtain skill, understanding and wisdom (insight and understanding). (Daniel 9:2-3; 21-22). (7) Fasting is an accompaniment with prayer to have maximum effect. In other words, when fasting, we need to have our focus set on God, and not other things to keep our mind off our hunger.

Here are some things that we should NOT do while fasting: (1) Do not indulge in most pleasure and preoccupy yourself with business. As I said earlier, focus on God. Pray, worship, praise Him, but we must not busy ourselves with "worldly things to keep us from thinking about our stomachs. (2) Don't fast for strife and debate. Don't bicker while you fast. (3) Don't Smite with the fist of wickedness. Don't fist fight. (4) Don't be of a sad countenance. Don't have a sad, or miserable look about yourself while fasting that would make people feel sorry for you. Your fasting is not to be "advertised. It is a special thing you do between you and God.

There is much more to this lesson, but I will skip for the benefit of space and tired eyes. However, I do want to tell those of you who are interested in checking it out, there are different types of fasts. Three types of fasts that are documented by Scripture in the Bible are: 1) The Normal Fast - On this fast, NO Food is eaten, but water is drunk. style="font-weight: bold;"> 2) The Absolute Fast - During this fast, you abstain from BOTH food and water. It is recommended that you do not go over three days without water unless supernatural help and strength is provided. 3) The Partial Fast - Here, the diet is restricted rather than total abstinence from food.

There are even a few others ways that we can fast: 1) The Jewish Fast which is eating only one meal a day at sundown or evening. 2) The Daniel Fast which is eating primarily fruits and veggies. 3) The Selective Fast is where you choose a food type you will fast such as meats, starches, sweets, and so on. and last but not least, 4) the 40 Hour Fast where we fast for 40 consecutive hours.

There is also a 5) a Progressive Fast which is gradual. Day one, no sweets/desserts. Day 2, no meats, Day 3 no starches, Day 4 fruits and veggies only, Day 5 Juices and broths only, and Day 6 Water only.

The Media Fast is where there is no internet, No video games, No radio, No TV, No DVD, video , No Facebook Twitter and so on.) You can use your phone for calls or texting only.

Now Three things that We Should Do Before We Fast are: 1) Have an objective. Have a reason for fasting. Have a specific reason, whether it is something you need, or needing to be healed. Maybe you have a friend who has a problem and you want to help them. 2) Schedule Prayer Times during your time of fasting. 3) Make up your mind that NOTHING is going to hinder your fasting. If need be, ask a friend to help you by being accountable to them. Before my best friend passed away that's what I did because I am NOT disciplined. It helped that she would call during the day and asked if I had eaten anything because I didn't want to embarrass myself by having to admit I ate a bag of potato chips.

Some things that we should do while fasting are Loose the Bands of Wickedness - in other words don't do anything "wrong" that you know you shouldn't be doing. Undo heavy burdens - get rid of things that are hindering you in your walk. Let the oppressed go free - forgive. God tells us that He cannot forgive us if we don't forgive others. That tells us that not to forgive is a sin. Sin is not allowed in heaven. Therefore, unforgiveness is definitely a hindrance in our walk with God. Break Every Yoke- Again, lay aside those things that hinder your prayer life, and your walk with God. Give Bread to the Poor and Hungry, and clothe the Naked. This is telling me to show charity to others. Hid not ourselves from our own flesh. Don't shut ourselves away from others.

Anoint your Head and Wash your Face. Clean yourself up and don't look disheveled while fasting. Take care of your grooming. As you would any other time.

The anointing was part of the Jews everyday ritual when they woke up. Appear not unto men that we are fasting. Don't let it show that you are fasting to others and fast unto thy Father which is in Heaven. Let our fasting be strictly for HIS glory. We are not doing it to gain recognition from others.

Think about all of the benefits that will arise out of fasting. Better health, a closer walk with God, answers to our prayers. and many, many more.

Now, I have a question to ask you. Which of these fasts do you think you, yourself could handle? Comment and let me know.

I have much more on this subject so if you are interested in learning more, just contact me.

Reference: Pastor Greg Hardin
Forty Days of Fire Literature
Holy Bible

Good Night to All and May God Bless!

"TROPICAL FUN IN GOD'S PARADISE"

2012-02-14T00:08:00.016-06:00

Good Evening to All!

As I state in my profile, while my blog is mainly to glorify God, to get His Word out and to maybe in my small way help people understand how important it is to develop an intimate relationship with God, I sometimes like to add an extra twist in here and add a post here and there about other things such as our travels.

Unfortunately, these pictures do not do the sunset justice. It was so beautiful! It just shimmered! ONLY GOD COULD MAKE ANYTHING THIS BEAUTIFUL! The sea was different shades of blue depending on the depth, ranging from Navy blue, to bright green to turquoise. God definitely used His paint brush in the Caribbean!

This time, we took a Cruise on the "Carnival Cruise Ship "Magic". It was WONDERFUL! First off, the ship was gorgeous and we could eat anything we wanted day and night. (I'm surprised I didn't gain 200 pounds!) LOL! There was all sorts of things to do on the ship, although we didn't do that much. We were content to sit out on our balcony and look at the turquoise water go by.

Below is looking down from the 11th deck into the glass elevators and lobby. The cone looking objects are pink and greenish blue lights.

Our first stop was Jamaica. We disembarked the ship and went on an excursion to Dunn's River Fall's. It was beautiful. The water fall stretches from 600 feet in the air. A lot of the group we were with actually CLIMBED up to the top! NOT THIS KID! I have trouble walking on dry ground, let alone on wet rocks.

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Our second stop was by FAR my FAVORITE. It was at Grand Caymen Island. While we were there, I made friends with some of the local inhabitants and actually went swimming with them.

I am actually petting a stingray. The barbs were removed of course so he couldn't sting people. I always thought they would be "slimy" like a fish, but they really aren't. I must say, he had pretty eyes on top of this head.

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Meet Galileo and Nepatin. They were so sweet. These guys were 8 and ten years old, but the average dolphin in captivity lives to be in his late 20's. I had a "ball" with them!

Believe it or not Galileo is carrying the ball with his fins! LOL! Their tail is so strong it is like hands swimming through the water.

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Tandem power swimming!

I know this one is hard to figure out, but Galileo and Nepatin each was behind me each one pushing a foot. The higher I held my arms the higher they pushed me in the air to dive! SO COOL AND SO MUCH FUN.

Well, I have many more pictures to share of our trip, but I had so much fun at the Dolphin Encounter, I wanted to share it with you.

Our trip to Cozumel, Mexico was fun, but more relaxed. We shopped til we dropped, then took a horse and buggy ride to a little outside restaurant and ate some authentic Mexican food, then back to the ship we went.

My hubby said he enjoyed it so much he would like to go again, but just STAY on the ship and be waited on hand and foot and eat! We had a wonderful cabin steward named Anetolli who was literally at our "beck and call". He was bringing us cokes to drink, cleaning our room and making our bed every day and turning down our bed with chocolates on our bed every night. He even made us a different towel animal every night!

Well, I hope you have enjoyed experiencing my vacation with me. As I said I have many more pictures but of course couldn't post them all. I will say, if you EVER get the chance to go on a Caribbean Cruise be sure and do it!

We are hoping to be able to save up enough money from now til May to take a LONG vacation to Alaska with our travel trailer, so that will be something to look forward to also.

Good Night to All and May God Bless!

2012-02-02T14:52:00.005-06:00

Good Afternoon to All!

Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us, (21) To Him be the glory in the church by Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Amen. (Ephesians 3:20-21 NKJV).

As He helped the Israelites back in Biblical times, He helps us today, just for the asking. He is the Same God He was back then. He is the same Yesterday, Today and Forever.

This being said, why is it that we STILL try and do things on our own without asking for His help? For some reason, we struggle and struggle through life trying to attempt things and often (more often than not) end up with a mess on our hands. If that doesn't happen and we actually succeed, it probably isn't without problems of some sort. I know, I'm just as guilty.

Asking God for help is the LAST thing on my mind when I'm doing anything. That is until I have been struggling and trying, and starting over and over again. and fighting with whatever it is I am trying to accomplish. If that doesn't work, I will call someone else to help and usually make myself look silly. Why not ASK God for help FIRST? He won't laugh at us, He won't condemn us for not knowing how to do something. That is a human trait. Whether it be a task at hand or even a way to approach a person to give them bad news or explain something, I am LEARNING to approach God's throne FIRST.

I do not express myself well, so I'm always afraid whatever I say will be taken out of context or completely opposite of what I am trying to say, so it takes me 20 or 30 minutes to explain myself and by then people are more than likely getting tired of listening. As my husband has so lovingly said MANY TIMES, It takes me 20 or 30 minutes to say what most people can say in 2 minutes! Of course I know he isn't trying to be mean, and he's telling the truth, but it still hurts my feelings, so I have really trying to do better. I try to remember to ask God to help me with whatever task or comment I am undertaking so I will get it right the first time.

What makes us think that we know more than God? What makes us think that we can accomplish things better or easier than God? I'm kind of talking to myself now because I still have a lot to learn, and I have a clue for myself, WE CAN'T. Now as God's Word says, "With God All Things Are Possible". In other words as long as we ask God for help in our endeavors, We can succeed (if what we are doing is in His Will).

God is SO GOOD! He WANTS us to ASK HIM for help. Remember, to Go to Him first when you have a problem or a task to undertake. He can make ALL OF THE DIFFERENCE.

Have a Wonderfully Blessed Day!

"THE WORD BECAME FLESH"

2012-01-31T22:27:00.012-06:00

Good Evening to All!

And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth. (John 1:14 NKJV) This is the doctrine of the incarnation. God, Himself, became Human. His body and nature was human, His soul divine. He went through the same feelings as we do, He went through the same temptations as we do, the same hunger. the same tiredness. The thing that was different is that He had the soul of God which helped him to remain sinless.

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. (John 1:1 NKJV) Let's look at this for a minute. I would like to give you something to ponder. The word "Word" in Greek is logos which in translation means plan. Therefore lets rephrase this. In the beginning was the PLAN, and the PLAN was with God, and the PLAN WAS GOD. This tells me that all along He knew what was going to happen, He knew mankind would fall and that He would ultimately have to be the sacrifice for our sins, but the only way He could do that was to become flesh and blood, because there could be no sacrifice without blood.

Can you imagine living for hundreds and hundreds of years knowing that you're going to have to come down to this "lowly planet" after living in the glorious heavens, and go though everything He went through only to feel the intense pain, mentally and physically and then die on the cross for us? For people who didn't appreciate Him? I started to say and for people He didn't even know meaning descendants, but that would be an untrue statement because God's Word tells us that He knew us in our mothers wombs. So He knows us better than we know ourselves.

I am sorry, but I cannot for the life of me figure out how anyone who knows and understands the "truth" can look at this non-chalantly as another event. How can they not want to literally throw up their hands and surrender control of their lives to Him? Yet we have people who don't want anything to do with the idea of Christianity. They won't even entertain the thought of a God who is willing to sacrifice His flesh and blood for His creation. I won't say I was to that extent years ago, because I have always "believed" in God. I knew that He had a son who gave His life for me and died for my sins. The thing is, I wasn't serious enough about it to study His Word, so it didn't have that deep of an impact on me. What I said about was the extent of my knowledge about God, with the exception of the "Bible Stories", and songs that I learned about different verses in the Bible such as "The Wise Man Built His House upon the Rock, You Can't Be a Beacon If Your Light Don't Shine, and This Little Light of Mine.

As much church as I have attended in my life, I didn't get serious about my RELATIONSHIP with God until about 12 or 13 years ago. There is definitely a difference. Going to church, and having a serious relationship with God are different. A person can go to church, and go through the motions without ever getting close to God, yet a person really NEEDS to go to church to develop a serious RELATIONSHIP.
Apostle, Prophet, Evangelist, Pastor, and Teacher
God created Prophets, Pastors, Sunday School teachers, Apostles, and Evangelists for the expressed purpose of spreading His Word to as many people as who would listen. His Word tells us to "not forsake the assembling of ourselves, meaning to go to church. Not only for the "learning" aspect, but so that we can be around positive and uplifting people. After being out in this "cold" sadistic and immoral world all week, we need to replenish our souls and our hearts with the positive things of God.

I have no idea how my thoughts got so far off subject, but I shall now get back on track. My main topic in this post is that Christ was serious enough about wanting a relationship with us to die for us, therefore we should have no qualms about getting serious about Him. He is not asking us to die for Him unless it came down to a choice of "living for the devil, or dying for Christ, then I know I would give my life for Christ literally. Other than that, He only asks that we live for Him, abide by His Word, in which He doesn't ask us to do the impossible. Not to mention our lives are so much more fulfilled when we live for Him.

He gave us His ALL, We should give HIM OUR ALL as well.

Just so you know, I will be away from my computer (internet) from the 4th of February until the 13th. So I hope that y'all don't give up on me. I was really hoping to be able to blog while on the ship, but at 75 cents a minute, hubby said ABSOLUTELY NOT. (I can't imagine why. It only takes me 2 1/2-4 hours to post my blog! LOL! Let's see.... at the minimum 2 1/2 hours, it would cost him 112.50 per post! I can't imagine why he wouldn't go for that! (Yeah, right!) I may not be blogging from tomorrow on because I will be busy trying to get things situated and ready to go, but it will be hard for me not to, so you might make a quick check Thursday and Friday.

Pray for me as I will definitely be going through Blogger's withdrawal! LOL! I love posting my blog and I love y'all for reading it.

Good Night to All and May God Bless!

"HOW PURE ARE YOUR MOTIVES?" & Challenge Answers

2012-01-30T23:33:00.015-06:00

Good Evening to All!

The answers to last night's Bible Challenge "Parents and Children" are as follows:

1. b) Lamech (Genesis 5:28-29)
2. c) Bathsheba (2 Samuel 12:15-18)
3. d) the Bible does not specify
4. d) Hiel (1 Kings 16:34)
5. c) killed them for food (2 Kings 6:24-30)
6. d) 10 (Job 1)
7. c) Jephtha's (Judges 11:29-40)
8. c) Uri (Exodus 31:2)
9. a) Loruhama (Hosea 1:6)
10. b) Eunice (2 Timothy 1:5)

I hope you did well on the challenge and maybe even learned something new.

I am taking tonight's post idea from my little book of "Blessings".

Therefore, when you do a charitable deed, do not sound a trumpet before you as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may have glory from men. Assuredly, I say to you, they have their reward. (3) But when you do a charitable deed, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, (4) that your charitable deed may be in secret; and your Father who sees in secret will Himself reward you openly.
(Matthew 6:2-4 NKJV)

Several examples come to mind. While I truly believe they may have good intentions, I also believe they want to capitalize on those good intentions as well, which in turn counteracts their "good deeds" at least the motive, which is what God is concerned with.

I am constantly seeing celebrities on television going overseas "to do charity work", to "adopt to give underprivileged children a better life, and that is excellent I must give them "kudos" for that. My problem with that is how they feel they must use these deeds as "photo ops" , or making a television show out of it.

If their motives were pure, there would be no shows, no press times about these deeds. I understand that sometimes it can't be helped because of the paparazzi trying to do their jobs, but there are also times when the celebrities themselves want to "get recognition for these acts of kindness.

This being said it isn't just celebrities that want to "cash in" on the notoriety of good deeds. Even normal everyday people like you and me, do the same only at a less dramatic level. When I use to work for a living, I remember sometimes I would get upset if someone got credit for something good that I did. I may not say anything at the time, but I would make it a point to bring conversation around to my boss about whatever the deed was and make a reference letting them know that I was the one who accomplished the task and not so and so. Yes, I was petty back then. I wasn't nasty or arrogant about it, I was just hurt because someone else was given credit for my hard work and the person didn't speak up and say it wasn't me it was PJ. I have since gotten a lot better about that attitude, but I still catch myself
starting to fall back in that state of mind every once in a while and have to give myself a wake-up call.

I will admit, doing this blog has helped me a lot. Being in God's Word as much as I am doing the research, and looking up scriptures. really keeps me on my toes and keeps me on the straight and narrow.

I would be lying if I didn't like to hear someone compliment me for something I had done, whether it was a good deed for someone, a good post, or a good job at doing something else. Everyone likes to be appreciated. I don't think there is anything wrong with appreciation.

What is wrong is doing something purely for the reason of gaining notoriety, public praise, or making a spectacle out of doing something that God wants us to be doing anyway.

The next time you do something good for someone ask yourself why you are doing it.
Colossians 3:17 says "And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him". I know this has helped me to remember for whom I am doing this act of kindness. I will receive a higher reward in heaven than I could ever dream of receiving on this earth for anything I do as long as I keep my mind on the prize and remember my main goal, which is to get to heaven.

Good Night to All and May God Bless!

Bible Challenge - "PARENTS AND CHILDREN" Part 3

2012-01-29T15:34:00.009-06:00

Good Evening to All!

1. Who was Noah's father? (Genesis 5:28-29)

a) Adam
b) Lamech
c) Jared
d) the Bible does not record

2. The Lord punished David by letting his infant son die of sickness. Who was the child's mother? (2 Samuel 12:15-18)

a) Abigail
b) Michal
c) Bathsheba
d) the Bible does not record

3. How many children did Solomon have? (This is a "gimme") There is no hint because the Bible does not specify.

4. When this man rebuilt Jericho, it cost him the lives of his oldest and youngest sons.
(1 Kings 16:34)

a) Solomon
b) Baasha
c) Elah
d) Hiel

5. During the siege of Samaria by King Benhadad, what did some of the beleaguered parents do with their children? (2 Kings 6:24-30)

a) offered them as living sacrifices to God
b) killed them and offered their corpses as sacrifices to God
c) killed them for food
d) hid them in sacks of grain

6.God allowed Satan to kill how many of Job's children? (Job 1)

a) three
b) five
c) six
d) ten

7.This man's daughter, unwittingly sacrificed by her father's command, became the honoree of an Israelite celebration. (Judges 11:29-40)

a) Moses
b) Aaron
c) Jephtha
d) David

8. Master craftsman Bezaleel was the son of _________. (Exodus 31:2)

a) Reuben
b) Moses
c) Uri
d) Nehemiah

9. The prophet Hosea and his promiscuous wife Gomer had a daughter, ________, whose name signified an end to God's mercy on Israel. (Hosea 1:6)

a) Loruhama
b) Naarah
c) Hushim
d) Shiphrah

10. Who was Timothy's mother? (2 Timothy 1:5)

a) Lois
b) Eunice
c) Lydia
d) Beverly

"GOD SACRIFICED HIMSELF, WHAT DO YOU SACRIFICE?"

2012-01-28T22:26:00.024-06:00

(6) With what shall I come before the LORD,
And bow myself before the High
God?
Shall I come before Him with burnt
offerings,
With calves a year old?
(7) Will the LORD be pleased with
thousands of rams,
Ten thousand rivers of oil?
Shall I give my firstborn for my transgression,
The fruit of my body for the sin of
my soul?
(8) He has shown you, O man, what is
good;
And what does the LORD require of
you
But to do justly,
To love mercy,
And to walk humbly with your God?
(9) The Lord's voice cries to the city--
Wisdom shall see your Name
(Micah 6:6-9 NKJV)

While the above passage sounds beautiful, indulge me and let me restate it according to The Message Bible.

(6-7) How can I stand up before God and show proper respect to the High God? Should I bring an armload of offerings topped off with yearling calves? Would God be impressed with thousands of rams, with buckets and barrels of olive oil? Would he be moved if I sacrificed my firstborn child, my precious baby, to cancel my sin?

(8) But he's already made it plan how to live, what to do, what God is looking for in men and women. It's quite simple:
Do what is fair and just to your neighbor, be compassionate and loyal in your love, and don't take yourself too seriously--take God seriously.

(9) Attention! God calls out to the city! If you know what's good for you, you'll listen.
(Micah 6:6-9 The Message)

In the Old Testament, there were MANY sacrifices offered to the Lord. I looked them up but there are too many to include in this post. There were atonement sacrifices, peace sacrifices and many others. There were many different types of sacrifices using many different animals depending on what the sacrifice was for. There were many different "rules for making that sacrifice.

I am so glad that God sacrificed His Son to wash my sins away. I don't have to worry about remembering all of the different specifications. This poor little brain can't remember what I had for breakfast this morning.

The types of sacrifices that we are to give God today, are of ourselves. Our total devotion, our worship, our praise.Hebrews 13:15 states "By him therefore let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of our lips giving thanks to his name".

We are to sacrifice our time for such things as reading His Word, praying, spending time with Him. Matthew 25:40-- And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me. We are to sacrifice in the way of our tithes. God even says in His Word that if we neglect tithing to Him we are robbing Him. Malachi 3:8 says "Will a man rob God? Yet ye have robbed me. But ye say, Wherein have we robbed thee? In tithes and offerings".

There are many other ways to sacrifice to God, but I don't thing the specifications are as rigid as they were before, because Jesus paid the ultimate sacrifice.

What God wants from us more than anything is to live a faithful life, and spend time with Him in prayer and His Word DAILY. We must walk humbly. As humans we are prideful. we need to keep that pride in check and realize that we cannot do anything on our own. We need God with us at ALL TIMES. We have to remember that we all have fallen short of the glory of God. We all have faults and shortcomings. God has a lot to teach us. We can definitely learn from Him.

We must remember we cannot please God without Faith. We must also show kindness and mercy. If we will get a picture of Jesus in our mind, and remember how he interacted with people, that is the way we are supposed to "strive" to be. We need to consciously treat others gently, kindly, and forgive those who hurt us. Keep in mind at ALL TIMES that God cannot forgive those who will not forgive others. Unforgiveness is a sin, and no sin is allowed in heaven.

We must also treat others fairly. To be respectful to others and act honorably. God speaks of integrity and says that A GOOD name is rather to be chosen than great riches, and loving favour rather than silver and gold. (Proverbs 22:1) and A good name is better than precious ointment; and the day of death than the day of one's birth. (Ecclesiastes 7:1). The way to keep a good name is to treat people as stated earlier. We do this because they were made by God.

When we do as God says and treat people the way we should, it pleases Him, and when we please Him it makes us happier so we are better people ourselves as well as becoming closer to God, and developing a deeper relationship with Him. Draw nigh to Him and He will draw nigh to us.

As an afterthought, I wonder if God put such an emphasis on tithing because He knew that money would be so near and dear to us that we would have a hard time letting go of even 10 percent of it. Of course I know in Biblical times tithing was pretty much animals, or crops anything of increase.

Although, He also sees from End to the Beginning. A thought to ponder.

Good Night to All and May God Bless!

"PURPOSE WITH POWER"

2012-01-27T20:59:00.006-06:00

Good Evening to All!

(3) We are bound to thank God always for you, brethren, as it is fitting , because your faith grows exceedingly, and the love of every one of your all abounds toward each other . . .

(11) Therefore we also pray always for you that our God would count you worthy of this calling, and fulfill all the good pleasure of His goodness and the work of faith with power, (12) that the name of our Lord Jesus Christ may be glorified in you, and you in Him, according to the grace of our God and the Lord Jesus Christ.

Living with a purpose gives our life meaning. Mothers and dads find purpose in raising their children. Other people may find purpose in helping others to utilize their talents to their full potential. Yet others will find their purpose in volunteering and doing their part to make the world a better place.

Loving and being loved is a purpose as well. It helps us to want to make a difference in peoples lives. To bring out the "good" in people. It gives us all a sense of meaning as we build relationships.

Paul was writing this letter to the Thessalonians focusing on their growing faith and love. He then graduated into a deeper sense of love as discovered through God's purpose for each of us. He does not have a "cookie cutter" plan. Each individual has a specific purpose laid out by God Himself for us to do.

We look for our purpose in many areas. Trial and error, finding out what our talents are or are not. We find our purpose by looking at our resources. Some people may be able to use their money, others their time. Some may be wonderful cooks and can volunteer at the missions or soup kitchens. Others may be excellent organizers for fund raisers for different charities.

There is NO SHORTAGE of purpose in this world. One only needs to turn around and look up. there are needs everywhere.

The thing is within EVERY PURPOSE there is a chance to share the WORD of the Lord with someone. I don't mean to shove it down people's throats. Just a phrase here and there, a scripture. A kind word, a smile. All of these things are ways to show the love of the Lord.

A lot of times we will start out doing something just because "it makes us feel good". Then something special happens. Lets say this woman who generously supplied her money and time to feed the hungry. God might decide to get involved then and provide a place for her to open up her own homeless shelter. As it says in the parable of the talents when the servant has invested or made an increase in the talents which his master had given him to hold. Matthew 25:21 says: His lord said unto him, Well done, thou good and faithful servant: thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord.

In other words, God provides ample opportunities for us to use our talents and it is then He shows us our purpose. Any chance you get to help someone or use your talent for the Lord, please do so. You will reap much more than you sow.

Good Night to All and May God Bless!

"TRADITIONS HELP SHAPE OUR IDENTITY"

2012-01-26T22:41:00.014-06:00

Good Evening to All!

At that time the Lord said to Joshua, "Make flint knives for yourself, and circumcise the sons of Israel again the second time." (3) So Joshua make flint knives for himself, and circumcised the sons of Israel at the hill of the foreskins. ... (9) Then the Lord said to Joshua, "This day I have rolled away the reproach of Egypt form you." Therefore the name of the place is called Gilgal to this day. (10) Now the children of Israel camped in Gilgal, and kept the Passover on the fourteenth day of the month at twilight on the plains of Jericho. (11) And they ate of the produce of the land on the day after the Passover, unleavened bread and parched grain, on the very same day. (12) Then the manna ceased on the day after they had eaten the produce of the land; and the children of Israel no longer had manna, but they ate the food of the land of Canaan that year. (Joshua 5:2-3, 9-12 NKJV)

This was the turning point in their lives. They began to eat the produce of the land which God had promised them.

When we belong to a club, an association, or even a group of friends, it gives us a sense of belonging. It helps us to feel accepted and helps us to gain a sense of identity. We are known as "someone's child, sibling, friend, or even as something as vague as a title or position such as the church secretary, or the club treasurer. Our relationships and and traditions help to define us.

As we read above, just before the Israelites were to enter the land of Canaan, their "promised land" from God, He required the males to be circumcised and the celebration of Passover. He did this so that they would remember their journey and celebrate it always. He wanted them to remember their identity as His chosen people. The significance of the circumcision was that it symbolized them belonging to God, and the Passover celebrated and symbolized God's care in delivering His people from Egypt.

Now to get to the heart of the matter. We today have traditions as well. Contrary to a rapid misguidance of watered down Christianity ( that may seem a bit harsh, but this is near and dear to my heart), we need baptism. There are a lot of people who now for some reason (after believing in the importance of baptism for years) all of a sudden say it isn't necessary for salvation anymore. Granted, it is symbolic, but so is celebrating Passover, or Communion and we continued with those traditions. God felt strongly enough about it to command it be done, so we do it. God felt strongly enough about baptism to include that in His Plan of Salvation according to Acts 2:38, not to mention the fact that He even had Jesus baptized by John the Baptist. What gives us the right to altar the commandments, or the traditions which are hundreds even thousands of years old?

Baptism signifies that we belong to God. It signifies that we are buried with Christ and His blood has washed away our sins, and then rising out of the water is the "resurrection. The beginning of a new creature. The communion symbolized the sacrifice of Jesus, the Bread of Life for us. His body and His blood.

The Cross signifies Jesus' earthly body's death, and His resurrection so that His Spirit could come back to earth as our comforter and live within us.

We live in the "world" but our "true" identities should be as Children of God.

I know, I know, many people would argue the fact that we are God's creation, so we are all automatically "children of God". I am sorry, but I have to say we are not. We ARE God's creation. He formed us out of dust, He breathed the breath of life into us.

The thing is, if we don't live for God, if we don't abide in Him and abide by His commandments we are not Children of God. His word says that we must do these things. His plan says we must accept Jesus as our Savior. It says we must worship Him in spirit and in truth. We must love Him with all of our mind, body strength, and soul. If we don't do this we are none of His.

In His Word, He tells us that even the devil knows His name. To me that says that just because we say we believe in Him and we accept Him, words are just that, words. As the old saying goes, "Actions speak louder than words". I'm not talking about "good works" alone. I'm talking about the actions which come from our heart.

It kind of reminds me of when someone does something for me because I bug them to death. If their heart is not in it, and they REALLY didn't want to do it for me, then it means nothing. A funny example came to mind. There is a movie out called "Break Up" with Jennifer Anniston and Vince Vaughn. They're having an argument because she wants him to do the dishes. I don't know what brings it about (I have only seen the previews), but she tells him the she wants him to WANT to do the dishes. (Like that's really gonna happen!)

Anyway my point is that if I have to beg or force someone to do something, it means nothing because it doesn't come from their heart. God wants us to love Him because we want to . He wants us to follow His Word because we Love Him and want to do it.

Can you imagine living for an ETERNITY with someone who you know doesn't love you or care about how you feel ? I wouldn't want to. I don't imagine God does either.

It may seem as though I strayed from the original subject, but I will try and tie this together.

We have earthly identities as mothers, daddy's, sons and daughters. We are friends, secretaries, and many other identities yet we are one person.

The MOST IMPORTANT identity we can ever be known as is a CHILD OF GOD. The only way to have that identity is to know God, to Love God and to accept Him for who He is, our Savior and Father in Heaven. We owe Him everything. Yet all He wants is what we would give our Earthly dad, which is our undying love and devotion. Is that too much to ask for someone who allowed Himself to be taken as a lamb to the slaughter?

I THINK NOT. Remember your identity.

Good Night to All and May God Bless!

"VERSATILE BLOGGER AWARD"

2012-01-25T16:05:00.024-06:00

Good Evening to All!

I want to thank Rob at "Settled In Heaven" for this Versatile Blogger Award . Your blog has helped me in so many ways. I love it because even if we feel differently about certain aspects of our faiths, we still are encouraged by each other because of what we do share in common. That being our love for knowledge of Jesus Christ and Jesus Christ Himself. You have a wonderful ministry, and I can understand why God chose you to be a Pastor. I truly enjoy the fact that I have a choice to either read your post and lesson, OR I can view it on You Tube. I also like the idea of the Practical Application for the study. You have a way with words you "spell things out for people. That my friend is a gift in itself to be able to do that with patience. God Bless you.

THE RULES TO FOLLOW FOR THE VERSATILE BLOGGER AWARD:

1. Add a picture of the award to your blog post.
2. Thank the blogger who nominated you and include a link to their blog.
3. Share 7 random facts about yourself.
4. Nominate other Bloggers and inform them that they have been nominated.

(One of these days, I would really like to learn how to "wrap my text around centered pictures).

As I say on my blog, I don't feel that I "deserve" awards, because God deserves ALL of the Glory, but I am still honored that you would think of me for this nomination.

Here are the seven random facts about me.

1. It took me a while to actually want to start blogging because I didn't think I had anything of any interest to say to anyone.

2. Believe it or not, the reason I did decide to start blogging is because after a friend suggested I start blogging (and I said no), that night I went to bed and I woke up with a "start". My first thought was God, telling me in my heart that He wanted me to do this blog for Him. So here it is.

3. I was what I consider myself to be a hit and miss Christian until 14 years ago. Meaning I was not faithful to church. I would go for a few weeks (to no certain church), and then I might not go for several months. Then I would start and go a week or two and then stop. My relationship with God was not a serious one.

4. I now know that God sees everything from the End to the Beginning, so I know He was watching over me even before I became saved. There were many nights when I should have been killed whether it be in an automobile accident or other reasons, yet He chose to save me.

5. I have been married three times, but I think it was God's way of "pruning" me to start me on the path to Him.

6. I have no children, and even though I sincerely believe that is NOT God's doing, I believe He allowed it because He knows how hard it is for me to "multitask". For example, when I am posting my blog, I cannot do ANYTHING else, because I will lose track of my thoughts. I can do ONE THING AT A TIME, and while a husband might understand (sometimes), a child doesn't. So, this may be a blessing disguised as a curse.

7. I am WAY TO FORGETFUL for my own good. My hubby is worried to death that one of these days, I'm going to leave the house to go to clean a client's house and forget how to get home! LOL!

The Blogs which I would like to nominate for this award in no specific order are:

1. Steve Finnell at Christian-with-a-View

2. Stan Butler at According to the Book

3. Redhead Riter at The Redhead Riter

4. Steve Hawley at What Is This Child Going To Be?

5. Blue Cotton Memory at Blue Cotton Memory

6. Brook at Matthew 5:6 (for Women)

Congratulations to all of the above bloggers.

Good Night to All and May God Bless!

"Bible Challenge - "LEADERS" Part 2

2012-01-22T18:21:00.013-06:00

Good Evening to All!

1. Who was the first king of Israel? (1 Samuel 10:17-24)

a) Eli
b) Samuel
c) Saul
d) David

2. Which king led the defeat of the Philistines and brought the Ark of the Covenant to Jerusalem? (2 Samuel 6:1-15)

a) Saul
b) David
c) Solomon
d) Nebuchadnezzar

3. Which of David's sons temporarily seized the palace from his father in a coup?
(2 Samuel 15-18)

a) Amnon
b) Absalom
c) Adonijah
d) Solomon

4. How did it happen that Solomon rather than his older brothers succeeded David as king?
(1 Kings 1:29-30)

a) he was David's only legitimate son
b) he killed all his older brothers
c) Absalom, his only older brother who wanted to be king, died in a rebellion
d) David promised him the throne.

5. True of False: god proclaimed that Solomon would be the wisest person in all history.
(1 Kings 3:4-14)

6. Pleased with Solomon's request for wisdom, the Lord also gave him what two things he didn't request? (1 Kings 3:10-13)

a) a long life and many children
b) long life and many wives
c) wealth and honor
d) fame and glory

7. Over what kingdom was Jezebel queen?
(1 Kings 16:29-31)

a) Babylon
b) Philistia
c) Judah
d) Israel

8. True or False: Persian King Cyrus pillaged the Hebrews' temple. Babylonian King Nebuchadnezzar restored it. (2 Kings 24:10-16, Ezra 1)

9. The fifty-five year reign of King Manasseh over the Israelites was most notable for its___________________.
(2 Chronicles 33)

a) rebuilding of Jerusalem
b) wicked return to Idol worship
c) warfare
d) peace

10. Who sent Nehemiah to finish rebuilding Jerusalem? (Nehemiah 2:1-8)

a) King Artaxerxes
b) Samuel
c) Solomon
d) the apostle Paul

"IT ALL STARTS WITH GOD"

2012-01-21T22:11:00.011-06:00

Good Evening to All!

I have recently started reading "Daily Inspiration for the Purpose Driven Life by Rick Warren. I know this book has been out quite a while, but I did not have it until recently. I had given it to one of my best friends as a Christmas gift several years back, and then the for her birthday the following year, I gave her the actual book "A Purpose Driven Life, What Am I Here For?"

Anyway, since she passed away, I retrieved some of the things which I have given her over the years to have as a keep sake. I have loved reading this not only because it is such a wonderful book, but because she included little notes and scriptures in her hand writing that I will treasure for as long as I live.

For by Him were all things created that are in heaven and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones or dominions, or principalities, or powers! All things were created by Him and for Him. (Colossians 1:16 KJV)

In whose hand is the life of every living thing, And the breath of all mankind? (Job12:10
NKJV) The Message says is like this: It is God who directs the lives of His creatures; everyone' life is in his power.

(6) To set the mind on the flesh is death, but to set the mind on the Spirit is life and peace. (7) For the mind that is set on the flesh is hostile to God; it does not submit to God's law, indeed it cannot; and those who are in the flesh cannot please God. (Romans 8: 6-7 Revised Standard Version) The Message states: obsession with self in these matters is a dead end; attention to God leads us out into the open, into a spacious, free life. Focusing on the self is the opposite of focusing on God. Anyone completely absorbed in self ignores God and ends up thinking more about self than God.

Jesus said, "Self-help is no help at all. Self-sacrifice is the way, my way, to finding yourself, your true self." (26) What kind of deal is it to get everything you want but lose yourself? (Matthew 16:25-26 The Message) The New King James Version explains it this way: (25) For whoever desires to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My safe will find it. (26) For what profit is it to a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul?

It's in Christ that we find out who we are and what we are living for. Long before we first heard of Christ and got our hopes up, he had his eye on us, had designs on us for glorious living, part of the overall purpose He is working out in everything and everyone.
Ephesians 1:11 The Message

We were created to have a purposeful life. I truly don't think God could have been any clearer than this last verse. He says what He means and He means what He says.

We were planned for God's pleasure--We were placed on this earth to worship and praise Him. We were placed on this earth to spread His "Good News", and the plan of His Salvation. God does not do things randomly. He has a purpose for all things and a reason for doing all things.

We were not just "flung" to earth just to be here. We were all put here for a purpose. Each one of us has a general purpose which I stated above, but we also have a specific purpose that God has planned just for us. It is up to each one of us to earnestly ask God to show us what that purpose is. He may show us as soon as we ask, and then again, it might take years to understand what our purpose is. We may understand as soon as He tells us (speaks to our spirit) or it may take us years to hear what He is telling us, because we keep getting in our own way, by trying to do things on our own. Trying to do things the way WE think they should be done rather than going to God first and asking Him what to do.

Good Night to All and May God Bless!

"VOTE FOR GOD'S CANDIDATE"

2012-01-21T13:33:00.026-06:00

Good Evening To All!

This is somewhat a different kind of post for me. I have always enjoyed a Blog titled "Settled In Heaven" by Rob Barkman. He has told me in the past if I wanted to "use" some of his ideas or parts of his posts I was welcomed to do so. While we may have different beliefs because of denominational doctrine, I enjoy reading his blog, because we have a lot in common as well.

Anyway, USUALLY, I try to stay away from politics, but this post tonight is dealing with politics from God's point of view, so that's ok. There is no debate, just facts. There are no "parties involved, just one opinion that counts which is God's. I hope you will read this and take it to heart. I know what I'm going to do. I am going to print this out, and keep it by my table so that when I am watching a debate or someone campaigning, I can look at it and see how close they come to "God's standard of government official".

I didn't ask Rob to guest post (although I guess in a way that's what this is), but I left all of his links and urls in here so that he will be easy for you to find.

Psalm 72:1-14 (KJV)
1) [A Psalm] for Solomon. Give the king thy judgments, O God, and thy righteousness unto the king’s son.
2) He shall judge thy people with righteousness, and thy poor with judgment.
3) The mountains shall bring peace to the people, and the little hills, by righteousness.
4) He shall judge the poor of the people, he shall save the children of the needy, and shall break in pieces the oppressor.
5) They shall fear thee as long as the sun and moon endure, throughout all generations.
6) He shall come down like rain upon the mown grass: as showers [that] water the earth.
7) In his days shall the righteous flourish; and abundance of peace so long as the moon endureth.
8) He shall have dominion also from sea to sea, and from the river unto the ends of the earth.
9) They that dwell in the wilderness shall bow before him; and his enemies shall lick the dust.
10) The kings of Tarshish and of the isles shall bring presents: the kings of Sheba and Seba shall offer gifts.
11) Yea, all kings shall fall down before him: all nations shall serve him.
12) For he shall deliver the needy when he crieth; the poor also, and [him] that hath no helper.
13) He shall spare the poor and needy, and shall save the souls of the needy.
14) He shall redeem their soul from deceit and violence: and precious shall their blood be in his sight.

Reference Scriptures: Rom 13:1-7; 1Tim 2:1-3; 1Pet 2:13-17 The three remaining passages stressing government’s God given role.

In the Bible, we find many texts that help us to understand the God-given authority of human government such as the above passages. The one being studied tonight is Psalm 72;1-14.

I really enjoy his way of study because he speaks down to earth and his topics seem to be spot on with what I happen to be thinking about or my main concerns at the moment. He also doesn't mince words. He is not afraid to preach what is in the Bible, even though it may not be a popular subject and he doesn't try to "tickle one's ears" or just tell them what he thinks they want to hear.

“1) [A Psalm] for Solomon. Give the king thy judgments, O God, and thy righteousness unto the king’s son.”

Before Solomon could lead his nation in a way pleasing to the Lord, Solomon must be taught and graced by God. How true this is for the politicians of today… how can we expect our nation to be led in the paths laid by God, if our candidates have no knowledge of God’s will for government? How can we expect fallen, sinful men to properly lead our nation when the candidates are not relying on God’s wisdom and strength?

We now begin to look at the role of government as sanctioned by God:

1. a government is to make lawful, moral, decisions.

“2) He shall judge thy people with righteousness,”

2. a government is to uphold the rights of the poor, exercise compassion toward and help to meet the needs of those who cannot help themselves.

“3) He shall judge ….thy poor with judgment.”
“4) He shall judge the poor of the people, he shall save the children of the needy,”
“12-13) For he shall deliver the needy when he crieth; the poor also, and [him] that hath no helper. He shall spare the poor and needy, and shall save the souls of the needy.”

3. a government is to be a blessing to its people, working for their growth and advancement

“6 ) He shall come down like rain upon the mown grass: as showers [that] water the earth.”
(Roms 13:4 –“For he is the minister of God to thee for good.”)

4. a government is to support, and reward, the cause of those who align themselves with God’s laws

“7) In his days shall the righteous flourish;”
(Rom 13:3 – “do that which is good, and thou shalt have praise of the same:”)

5. a government is to work for peace among it’s people and other nations around them

“7) and abundance of peace so long as the moon endureth.”
(1 Tim 2:1-3 – “…supplications, prayers, intercessions, [and] giving of thanks, be made…For kings, and [for] all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty.”)

6. a government is to work to bring an end to the abuse of its people (especially the defenseless) through the punishment of evildoers.

“4) And shall break in pieces the oppressor.”
“14) He shall redeem their soul from deceit and violence: and precious shall their blood be in his sight.”
(Roms 13:3-5 – “For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to the evil. Wilt thou then not be afraid of the power?… But if thou do that which is evil, be afraid; for he beareth not the sword in vain: for he is the minister of God, a revenger to [execute] wrath upon him that doeth evil…Wherefore [ye] must needs be subject, not only for wrath, but also for conscience sake.”)
(1Pet 2:13-14 – “Submit yourselves to every ordinance of man… as unto them that are sent by him for the punishment of evildoers, and for the praise of them that do well.)

PRACTICAL APPLICATION:

For those who have trusted in Christ.

The need for us, as Christians, to let our voices be heard in the election process cannot be overemphasized. We should be voting for those who we believe best understand the role of government from God’s perspective. But also, we should be voting for those we believe will look to the Lord for guidance and strength as they attempt to lead our country in these troublesome days.

For those who have never trusted in Christ.

We are all confronted with the declining condition of our country. As our nation continues to turn from the Lord, and the principles found in His Word, our country’s condition will only get worse. For our country to turn around both the leaders and the common citizen must turn back to the Lord and seek to obey His commands. (2 Chron 7:14, Isa 55:6-7)

The most first thing you can do to please the Lord and fulfill His will for your life is to recognize your sinful condition and your need of salvation. Then turn from your sin, trust in Him as your Savior and seek to follow Him with your life.

If you have any questions concerning the way of salvation please feel free to visit or call a Bible teaching church in your area. They will be happy to speak to you about the Lord Jesus and the salvation He graciously gives.

Or, if you would rather, feel welcome to email me at settledinheaven@gmail.com. I’ll be more than happy to answer any question you may have.

Also, if you look at my blog page “How To Have A Relationship With God”. On this page you will find several blog entries explaining the way of salvation.

Please visit the “Settled In Heaven Ministries” homepage –
http://www.settledinheaven.org

My Main Blog “Settled In Heaven” (updated twice weekly) – http://settledinheaven.wordpress.com

To see this lesson taught on video please go to my Video Blog at http://www.youtube.com/settledinheaven

If you have any questions concerning this blog, or if you have a subject you would like discussed, please feel free to email me at settledinheaven@gmail.com. I will answer all emails via my blog, email, or both.

Take A Look At My Wife’s Artistic/Scriptural Devotion Blog http://alivewithchristart.blogspot.com

Follow my Squidoo Instructional Lens “Presenting God’s Grace” “The Solemn Obligation To Present the Doctrines of Grace to the Lost and Saved Alike” http://www.squidoo.com/presenting-gods-grace

May the Lord bless your study of His Word. Like God’s Word… may your soul’s salvation and your life’s faithfulness be “Settled in Heaven.”

God has told us the kind of person "He wants in office, now it is our job to make sure we get a person of His standards in the highest position in the land.

Rob, thank you for allowing me to use your material. I don't normally do this, but when I read it, it just tugged at my heart that this needed to be spread as far as possible.

Images: (1) Settled In Heaven Blog (2) America's Godly Heritage - Sadly which we are getting away from--(3) Holy Bible and Dove--We must get a leader who listens to God and lets the Holy Ghost guide his every move (4) God's Word is settled in Heaven-- what He has said WILL DEFINITELY come to pass.

The answers to last night's Bible Challenge are as follows:
1. c) Saul (1 Samuel 10:17-24)
2. b) David (2 Samuel 6:1-15)
3. b) Absalom (2 Samuel 15-18)
4. d) David promised him the throne (1 Kings 1:29-30)
5. True (1 Kings 3:4-14)
6. c) wealth and honor (1 Kings 3:10-13)
7. d) Israel (2 Kings 16:29-31)
8. False--it was the other way around (2 Kings 24:10-16, Ezra 1)
9. b) wicked return to idol worship (2 Chronicles 33)
10. a) King Artaxerxes (Nehemiah 2:1-8)

I hope you had fun and did well!

Good Night to All and May God Bless!

"BLESSINGS ABOUND IF........"

2012-01-19T13:47:00.021-06:00

Good Afternoon to All!

I know this seems very much out of character for me, to post in the middle of the afternoon. It's just that tonight when I am usually working hard at posting, I will be instead "snoring away at the Stephenville Hospital for a sleep study. I'm not sure how that works, only that I will be in a room with wires stuck all over me, and at a desk, there will be someone sitting there watching me sleep. I can't imagine anyone enjoying watching people sleep. It's a good thing they tell us to wear pjs with tops and bottoms because from what my hubby tells me I sleep in some of the most awkward positions, and snore to beat the band! Needless to say, that is ONE of the many reasons we have separate rooms! LOL!

At least by getting this done, I will for one thing quit snoring, but mainly find out why I can be sitting here typing away on my blog, or playing a computer game, watching TV, or even just be in the restroom, and fall asleep. One minute I'm wide awake and the next thing I know, I wake up and it's 30 minutes to an hour later! That's scary! I lose enough time just by being awake and forgetful! LOL! (Having to retrace my steps over and over again wasting time).

This being said, I shall attempt to do a "short" regular post so that you won't feel cheated. LOL!

In accordance with the Lord's command to him, Joshua give to Caleb, son of Jephunneh, a portion in Judah--Kiriath Arba, that is, Hebron (Arba was the forefather of Anak.)...

And Caleb said, "I will give my daughter Acsah in marriage to the man who attacks and captures Kiriath Sepher." Othniel, son of Kenaz, Caleb's brother, took it; so Caleb gave his daughter Acsah to him in marriage.

One day, when she came in to Othniel, she urged him to ask her father for a field. When she got off her donkey, Caleb asked her, "What can I do for you?"

She replied, "Do me a special favor. Since you have given me land in the Negev, give me also springs of water." So Caleb gave her the upper and lower springs. (Joshua 15:13, 16-19 NIV)

This is a lesson that definitely applies to us today in many ways. If we will honor our earthly fathers and give them respect, Then they will do the same for us, as well as helping us in times of trouble, and doing things for us. This is if we have a good relationship with him.

Our Heavenly Father relates to us in the same manner. If we will love Him, honor Him and show Him respect, He will bless us abundantly and exceedingly more than if we don't acknowledge Him for who He is and what He does.

Why is it so hard to acknowledge God with the same respect and honor as we do with the man who we see every day or have come to know as our dad? Matthew 7:9-11 tells us (9) Or what man is there of you, whom if his son ask bread, will he give him a stone?(10) Or if he ask a fish, will he give him a serpent? (11) If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children, how much more shall your Father which is in heaven give good things to them that ask him?

As with an "earthly dad" if we have a good and loving relationship Him, He will be more than willing to bless us until our cup runs over.

Ephesians 3:20 promises us
Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us.

Of course this does not mean that He will give us whatever we want. When we become filled with the Holy Ghost, our desires "should change". Rather than putting so much importance on material things, we should be looking toward the Spiritual realm and wanting God to make a change within us. I am not saying He won't bless us materially as well, because if we need something and He sees it as good for us, then He will bless us. He knows what we need better than we do.

Do a "spirit check" on yourself. How close are you to God? How well do you truly know Him? Is your relationship one of those which you go to Him when you need something, or do you nurture it by talking to Him, praising Him and giving Him the glory which He deserves? His Word doesn't beat around the bush. He said "if you LOVE me you will keep my commandments. Do you love Him that much? Do you care enough about Him to Study His Word and learn about Him, learn what He Expects from Us as His Children?

There is SO MUCH MORE to being a Child of God than saying a prayer now and then and "claiming" to be a Christian.

Well, I said this was going to be a short post, but as usual, my thoughts just came pouring out. I do however want to challenge you to look inside yourself and do a "spirit check". The last days are here. Jesus will be coming to call for His Bride and will be expecting to see us waiting for Him, as did the five WISE virgins with their lamps filled with oil, not the foolish virgins that had to go buy oil and returned too late.

Make the extra effort and start reading His Word and abiding by it. You can't and won't lose by doing so. You will be gaining so much knowledge and insight to our Creator, all the while developing a relationship with Him. I guarantee that when you start reading, IF you read expecting something you will receive something in your spirit. You will get a hunger for Him like you have never felt before. I have found the more I read and learn, the more I want to read and learn.

Have a wonderfully Blessed Evening and I post more tomorrow night.

God Bless,

"FULLNESS OF LIFE"

2012-01-17T22:43:00.008-06:00

In case you are wondering about this picture, it reminded me of me after I have made some "doozies of bad decisions without consulting God first. It has been pretty rough going at times. LOL!

Good Evening to All!

My son, forget not my law or teaching, but let your heart keep my commandments; (2) For length of days and years of a life [worth living] and tranquility [inward and outward and continuing through old age till death], these shall they add to you. (3) Let not mercy and kindness 'shutting out all hatred and selfishness' and truth [shutting out all deliberate hypocrisy or falsehood] forsake you; bind them about your neck, write them upon the tablet of your heart. [Col. 3:9-12.]

(4) So shall you find favor, good understanding, and high esteem in the sight [or judgment] of God and man. [Luke 2:52.] (5) Lean on, trust in, and be confident in the Lord with all your heart and mind and do not rely on your own insight or understanding. (6) In all your ways know, recognize, and acknowledge Him, and He will direct and make straight and plain your paths. (7) Be not wise in your own eyes; reverently fear and worship the Lord and turn [entirely] away from evil. [Proverbs 8:13.] (8) It shall be health to your nerves and sinews, and marrow and moistening to your bones.

I think this has got to be one of my favorite passages in the Bible. To me of course this is only my opinion, but it sums up quite a bit. To love God, His Word says that we will keep His commandments. As I have said many times before there are more commandments than just the "Big Ten". Let me say, I'm not using that expression of the Ten Commandments to be disrespectful. It's just that when the word "commandment" is used, people automatically think of the Ten Commandments. He also says he wants to have a "relationship" with us. He wants us to come to Him for advice. If we try and make our own decisions without consulting Him, more likely than not we will make a mess of things. If we will ask Him what He thinks and abide by what He tells our spirits, things will always turn out for the better. We may not think so at the time but by and by we will see that He knows what He is doing better than we do.

We all want a happy and successful life. We also want to make all of the right decisions and to see our children thrive and succeed in life. This passage tells us that this will happen if we follow God's lead. If we will listen to Him and abide by His Word. If we will surrender our will to Him and give Him control of our lives and decisions we will succeed in our goals.

Now let me clarify, because I have known some people to think that this meant asking God for help, and then just sitting back and watching to see what happened. That is not what I mean. God will help us by providing the means for something to happen. For example if someone is needing money, it isn't going to fall from the air. Someone may call with a job offer, or you might receive a refund or rebate in the mail. Someone who owed you money a long time ago may pay you back.

Another example was healing. Although God can and often does heal miraculously, he also uses doctors and surgeons to heal. I "laid hand on" a friend's husband and prayed for him. He had been diagnosed with cancer. A couple of months before that. He had gone to several doctors and they had him keep coming back and checking him. After I prayed, he went back to the doctor and they couldn't find the cancer anywhere. They looked and looked. Finally, they did find it, but instead of being spread as originally thought it was in a shell of sorts which made it a lot easier for the surgeon to go in and get it all out without worrying that there was any left. My friend's husband is still doing quite well today. This happened about 7 years ago.

The [point I am trying to make is that if we will rely on God's thinking and not our own, we will be much better off and a lot happier.

Qualities that are more radiant than gems are love and loyalty. The definition of "loyalty" is continually supporting someone of some cause. Being loyal to God is studying His Word regularly (as in every day) and trusting Him even if we don't see a solution to our problems. If we cast our cares upon Him like He tells us, things will work out for the best.

I know if you are not use to do this it is hard at first, but the more control you allow Him, the more you will be able to see His wonderful results and the easier it becomes to relinquish more control. This is what is known and increasing in faith.

Lots of bad things happen in life, but if we will allow God, He will help us through them. If we will lean on His understanding and knowledge rather than our own, several things will happen. First things will turn out better for us. Also, we will learn to depend more on Him like He wants us to. Our faith will increase because we will start noticing how much better things turn out and BEST of ALL, we will get closer to Him and develop an intimate relationship with Him.

There are two things that should be checked to measure the fullness or fulfillment of life. Those are our RELATIONSHIP WITH GOD, and FAMILY. (in that order). If we have a fulfilling relationship with God, then everything else will follow.

Good Night To All and May God Bless!

"NO SUCH THING AS TOO OLD TO SERVE"

2012-01-16T22:09:00.012-06:00

Good Evening to All!

Now when the days of her purification according to the law of Moses were completed, they brought Him (Jesus) to Jerusalem to present Him to the Lord. (23) (as it is written in the law of the Lord, "Every male who opens the womb shall be called holy to the Lord").

(36)Now there was one, Anna, a prophetess, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was of great age, and had lived with a husband seven years from her virginity; (37) and this woman was a widow of about eight-four years, who did not depart form the temple, but served god with fastings and prayers night and day. (38) And coming in that instant she gave thanks to the Lord, and spoke of Him to all those who looked for redemption in Jerusalem.
Luke 2:22-23, 36-38

These verses show us that no one is ever too old to serve God. Anna served Him for many years, but her most defining moment was when she saw the baby Jesus and recognized Him as the Messiah, our Savior and Redeemer. God can use anyone of any age.

Many women suffer from "Empty Nest Syndrome". They have problems learning what to do with their extra time. On the other end of the spectrum, we find women who have found that they are freer to serve God more fully, because they give Him more of their attention and find new ways to serve Him and get involved in new kinds of service.

Anna had only been married for a short time, but as a widow she gave her time to prayer and service. She is called a prophetess, meaning that she spoke God's truth. Her name means "gracious" and reflected her thanks for God's grace.

She knew the pain of losing a loved one, and could have easily turned bitter or dangerously depressed, but she didn't. She turned all of her attention to God. To serve and to pray.

I have been married three times. I'm always telling people that if anything ever happens to my husband whether he "leaves" me for some reason, or if he passes away, I will NOT remarry. First of all, I figure it took me three times to find "Mr. Right" to begin with. I always joke around saying third times the charm or three strikes and I'm out. I just would not want to have to "start over with a new relationship again, but mostly because I want to concentrate on my relationship with God. While I would like to be like Anna, I know I will Never make it to her level of servitude to God as she was a true Prophetess. That would take TOTAL commitment, and while I can strive to get to that point, I don't think I would ever make it. My attention span is not very long, so I definitely have a problem praying constantly without repeating myself, not to mention, I let other things get "in the way" such as television and computer games. I try to make up for it while researching for my blog post, but really it doesn't, because I am not strictly reading scripture and
I'm thinking about what I want to say and how to respond to what I have read. Therefore, I cannot truly say I am studying God's Word.

It is wonderful to be known as a man or woman of God, who is not afraid or embarrassed to speak His truth and share the joy of knowing Jesus! It took me a long time to be able to witness to people, and it is still difficult for me unless I start just a regular everyday conversation with them first. I cannot just go up and start telling them about God's Love, however I can steer the conversation around to my testimony and then elaborate on the teachings of Jesus from there, or get into salvation or baptism. I personally think they warm up quicker to the idea of being told about Jesus starting with a personal testimony because it seems more "tangible". Something that they can relate to, rather than a conglomeration of scriptures with nothing to build them around.

Anna's witness was a confirmation that Jesus is God. Our story of faith can help others believe in Jesus. As we gain experience and knowing the Bible, we can be even more open to teaching others about Jesus and let God choose our significant moments.

Here are the answers to last night's Bible Challenge "Christ's Last Days, Crucifixion and Resurrection " Part 2:

1. c) Judas (John 12:4-5)
2. clothes (Matthew 21:8)
3. b) spikenard (Mark 14:3)
4. d) fell over backward (John 18:1-6)
5. b) flung it into the temple in a rage (Matthew 27:5)
6. c) would fight for Him (John 18:36)
7. b) they gambled for His clothes (Matthew 27:35)
8. d) broke their legs (John 19:32-33)
9. c) Nicodemus (John 19:38-42)
10. "Peace be unto you." (John 20:19)

I hope you did well on the challenge and enjoyed taking it.

Good Night to All and May God Bless!

Bible Challenge -'CHRIST'S LAST DAYS, CRUCIFIXION, AND RESURRECTION " Part 2

2012-01-15T23:03:00.011-06:00

Good Evening to All!
Happy Sunday Everyone! It's that time again! Time to test your knowledge of all those years in church and Sunday School! How well were you listening to the Sunday school teacher when you were a child? To be honest, my favorite part was the singing and the memory verses. I can still remember a lot of the songs which I learned in Sunday school even when I was in elementary school such as "Do Lord, This Little Light of Mine, The Wise Man Built His House Upon the Rock, and so on, but I digress. Unfortunately my memory is not so good on my memory verses.

I can remember parts of a few, such as The first few lines of the 23rd Psalm, and Psalm 100. I can remember John 3:16 and that's about all from my younger days. The rest of my knowledge has been in the last 12 or so years because I have really "batten down the hatches" and gotten serious about my relationship with God. The only way to do that is to study His Word. After all, how can we learn "how to live for Him" if we don't study His Word?

1. When Mary wiped Jesus' feet with her hair and perfume, who complained? (John 12:4-5)

a) Martha
b) Peter
c) Judas
d) Thomas

2. When Jesus rode triumphantly into Jerusalem, adoring crowds lined His path with plan fronds and _________. (Matthew 21:8)

3. As Jesus dined at the home of Simon the leper, what specific "wasteful" ointment was poured on His head? (Mark 14:3)

a) honey
b) spikenard
c) myrrh
d) acacia leaf gum

4. What was the first thing Jesus' arresting officers did when He identified Himself in the garden? (John 18:1-6)

a) bound Him
b) dispersed His followers
c) announced His arrest under Jewish law
d) fell over backward

5. What did Judas do with the thirty pieces of silver the Jewish priests paid him for betraying Jesus? (Matthew 27:5)

a) gambled it away in a drunken rage
b) flung it into the temple in a rage
c) lost it to thieves
d) bought a plot of land and proclaimed that paupers could be buried there

6. Jesus explained to Pilate that His kingdom was "not of this world." If His kingdom was of this world, He said, His disciples: (John 18:36)

a) would be angels
b) would be Romans
c) would fight for Him
d) would have abandoned Him long before

7. After killing Jesus, the Roman soldiers at the foot of the cross did what? (Matthew 27:35)

a) they spat on Him
b) they gambled for His clothes
c) they burned the cross
d) they drank His blood

8. What did the Roman guards do to the two thieves crucified beside Jesus that they did not do to Jesus Himself? (John 19:32-33)

a) stole their clothes
b) gave them water
c) cut off their thumbs
d) broke their legs

9. Who joined Joseph of Arimathaea in dressing and bury Jesus' body after His crucifixion? (John 19:38-42)

a) John
b) Thomas
c) Nicodemus
d) no one: Joseph acted alone

10. When Jesus appeared to His disciples inside the locked room after the crucifixion, what was the first thing He said to them? (John 20:19)

Book Review - "101 BIBLE ADVENTURES" The Ultimate Quest for Truth! by Carolyn Larsen

2012-01-14T13:15:00.010-06:00

Good Evening to All!

I have been reading "101 Bible Adventures" The Ultimate Quest for Truth! by Carolyn Larsen. I received this free copy for reviewing it from Tyndale Publishers. I have received no other compensation for my Review and every opinion written in this review is strictly mine.

Carolyn Larsen is the mother of three children who lives in Illinois. She has written more than 40 books for children and adults. She is best known for as the author of the "Little Girls Bible Storybook" line of products.

Even as an adult, I have heard many times how the Bible has every type of genre of books in it. It has mystery, romance, war stories, and much more.

This little book brings the Bible to life for youngsters. Shipwrecks! Plagues! Miracles! Battles! You think Indiana Jones was exciting? Wait until you see what's in God's Word!

This book is packed with 101 Action-Packed stories ever written. It will keep your kids on the edge of their seats. Each story features a short overview so that the kids can get an idea of the Bible story and the "big picture" of what they will be reading about. It also has a key verse that sums up the story's meaning, and a small application section that will challenge kids to make their faith active.

101 Bible Adventures is 215 pages of wonder for children. It is easy to read with lots of illustrations. Just what the children would like. It is written in the New Living Translation, so the kids won't have any problem understanding the content. I like it and I think children would like it because of it's size. It's not so thick that they can't retain what it says.

Even as an adult I can't really get into thick books because I can't retain all of it's information. By the time I get to the middle, I have forgotten what was said in the beginning. This books is full of lessons and information, but short enough that a child with a short attention span or even an adult like me could handle the retention of it.

It makes reading about the Bible fun and at the same time instilling the concepts of God, such as forgiveness, love, building good character, choosing, as well as being good role models. All the while they are learning these things they will be growing in God's Word and realizing that even though they are young they are still "running the race" toward God's eternal Home.

I have no children, but I'm sure if I did, they would love this book. Our children are our future. They need to know about God's Word and His promises. This book is a great way to get them interested and they will start growing from there.

It is perfect as a gift for any young reader, and makes a wonderful addition to any library. I would definitely recommend this to anyone who has children.

Here's hoping for a Wonderful Afternoon and Night to All and May God Bless!

"DELIGHT YOURSELF IN THE LORD"

2012-01-14T00:41:00.008-06:00

Good Evening to All!

When God's Word says to "delight yourself in the Lord" He is saying for us to concentrate on Him, study His Word and learn what He wants from us. To delight ourselves in the Lord means to TRUST Him with everything. Psalm 37 is a wonderful example.

The theme of the passage is, "not to fret". It is a wisdom psalm written as an acrostic. It's simple massage is to maintain patience in the midst of troubles. Psalm 37:4 says , "Delight yourself also in the Lord and He shall give you the desires of your heart. This does not mean He will give you anything you want. It means if you love Him, trust Him, live for Him and delight yourself in Him then your desires will become the same as His, because you will turn to Him and want what He wants for your life.

This Psalm has so many wonderful verses to it, such as vs. 5; Commit your way to the Lord, Trust also in Him, And He shall bring forth your righteousness as the light, and your justice as the noonday.

It has many more wonderful verses, but I just wanted to place context to "delighting ourselves in the Lord.

The Following is an article I wrote for Associated Content.com. A couple of years ago, I wrote two articles and decided that writing for and E-zine wasn't for me, so decided to start blogging instead. The title of my other article was "Salvation or Misconceptions" but tonight I am concentrating on how delighting ourselves in the Lord goes along with having "An Intimate Relationship with God". I am allowed to republish these articles as much and wherever I feel the need, because I was not paid for writing them. I know I have written them as a post before maybe even a couple of times, but they are dear to my heart and I can't help but feel that this information is so important and so relevant to get out to people. We are in the latter days and we don't know when or how soon Christ's Coming will be so we need to be ready.

This being said please keep in mind that anything I write is "food for thought". I am not a Pastor and I have never had formal training from a Seminary or Bible College of any sort. I get my knowledge strictly from the Bible and what I feel that I obtain from God speaking to my spirit in prayer.

If you think about it, when you delight yourself any something, anything, you put your whole self into it. You are engrossed in it and completely enveloped in it. This is the way that God wants you to feel about Him. He wants to be everything to you.

"AN INTIMATE RELATIONSHIP WITH CHRIST"

It is so important for each individual person to have that special, intimate relationship with God for our Salvation. Not just because it will help us to get through our troubles, depression, or darkest hours, but also being able to feel the joy of knowing that He loves us so much and all He asks in return is that we love Him enough to trust Him and do His will. Our Salvation should be the "cornerstone" of our being, as it determines where we will spend our lives in eternity.

Not only are we to repent, be baptized and receive the Holy Spirit, but we are to live our lives for God. This is where that "special" relationship comes into being. The more we get to know Him, the closer we will feel to Him and the easier it will be to live according to His will. It is not in the "human nature" to make sacrifices, especially for something or someone we cannot see or feel in a tangible manner. This is the reason to grow into this special relationship with Him.

We are to show people His love through our love and consideration of others. He wants us to be "doers" of His Word and not just "hearers", putting His words into actions. He placed us here to do just that. The Bible says, 1And the King will answer and say to them, 'Assuredly, I say to you, inasmuch as you did it to one of the least of these My brethren, you did it to Me.'

God wants a two-way relationship with us. He loves us so much that He died for us and all He asks in return is that we love Him also. When you love your spouse you would do anything for them, you talk to them, and you are constantly getting to know them better and better each day. The same applies to God. To love Him, we must get to know Him by reading and studying His Word, as this is where we find His characteristics, His desires, and His expectations for us. To love Him means to pray to Him. He wants us to pray without ceasing. We should continually lift Him up by our Godly actions, speech, and attitudes. Also He wants us to need Him; to ask Him for things. 2And my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus.

We must show our faith in Him, and things will come to pass for we cannot please God without faith. 3And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.

People have said "I don't know how to pray". In God's Word, it states that 4there is a friend (Jesus) who sticks closer than a brother. It calls Him our "friend". Why then do people have trouble "talking" to God? If He is our friend, why can't we speak to Him like one in a regular conversation? It has been done many a time and gotten results just like when prayers are spoken in the format of "dear Father", or Our Father who art in Heaven. As long as you talk to Him it doesn't matter how you say it.

The song "Unanswered Prayers" comes to mind. There is no such thing. He ALWAYS answers prayers. The trouble with people is if they don't see positive or tangible results, they tend to believe He isn't answering. He is. It might just be No, or Wait, it's not time yet. We have to remember, with God, there is no beginning and no end. He sees the past, He is in the present, and He sees the future. He always knows what is best for us because He knows where we came from, where we are and where we're going. Whatever the case, you will get answers whether they are the answers you are expecting or not.

If you think about the content of this article and maybe even implement some of what has been brought to light within the last article and this one, you will have a richer walk with God and if you don't have any kind of relationship with Him at all and start praying and reading, you will notice a BIG difference within your spirit. Take "baby steps". Even God says babies have to drink milk before they can eat meat. You have to start out small and work your way up. Our God is so vast that a person could study their whole life and still not know everything about God. It is not meant for us to know everything.

It is hoped that you have been given some "food for thought", and that you enjoyed the meal. Receive many blessings from this article

References: The New King James Version Holy Bible
1Matthew 25:40
2Philippians 4:19
3Hebrews 11:6
4Proverbs 18:24

Good Night to All and May God Bless!

"FAITH AT A HIGHER LEVEL"

2012-01-11T09:18:00.012-06:00

Good Evening To All!

The Lord had said to Abram, "Leave your native country, your relatives, and your fathers, family, and go to the land that I will show you. I will make you into a great nation. I will bless you and make you famous, and you will be a blessing to others. (Genesis 12:1-2 NLT)

Can you imagine what that was like? I have moved to a different country with my husband (ex) while he was in the military, but I had confidence because I knew where I was going ahead of time. I did not have someone tell me leave everything and everyone you know behind and go to where I'm going to show you. I knew in advance where I was going, so I also had a chance to learn a little bit about the country and even some of the language (even if it was the wrong dialect). I knew I could make it.

Abram only had his faith in God. He had no idea where God was going to lead him. I can't help but wonder how Sarai felt. I'm sure her initial reaction was "WHAT?!, and then her faith kicked in as well. ( of course this is before God changed their names to Abraham and Sarah).

I know when I first got married out of high school, I looked at it as an adventure and a way to "get away" from home. I was 18 years old and ready to "spread my wings. So my new husband and I headed up to New Jersey. Considering I had only been out of Texas for a total of 1 month during the summer of my 8th grade year in Junior
High, 3 months during the fall of that same year, and a week during my Junior year in high school, New Jersey was like a foreign country to me. I think the waitress that waited on us in the drug store where we went in to have coffee and look in the paper for a place to live, probably thought I was from a foreign country! LOL! I went in and started talking to her like I had known her for a long time, and she looked at me like I was crazy. LOL! I won't ever forget that. It is really funny (now). Not so much then, I thought she was being rude. ( How would I know? ) At home I had "never met a stranger". I could talk to anyone (except my own dad).

Switching back to the verse at hand...

We all need to step out in faith. I wish I would have had the relationship with God when I was young that I have now. I probably would have been a lot wiser without all the drama I had in my life up until 25 years ago.

PLEASE excuse my plain language, but if we would just get it through out "thick skulls", that God knows us better than we know ourselves, that He sees EVERYTHING from END to the BEGINNING, so He knows what is best for us, therefore in would be to our own advantage to allow Him to direct our path and lead us in the RIGHT direction. We should NOT lean unto our own understanding, but trust in the Lord always.

I wonder if there is anyone alive to day with the amount of faith that these men showed. Abraham in his situations such as "being told to sacrifice his son, and to leave the life he knew so well behind. Joshua having faith to listen to God and march around the wall of Jericho to bring it down and of course there are many, many more.

By now, most of you probably know pretty much all of my story. I can't help but think that my life would have been quite a bit different had I been serious about having a relationship with God at a younger age. I started off at least in the general right direction, but lost it at a crucial age when my mom died and I had to start moving around a lot. The relatives which I lived with didn't place a high priority on church and didn't push it. I didn't figure I was going to be at each place long, so I didn't want to make new friends just to leave them behind, so I kept putting going to church off. Needless to say, my faith seem to dwindle. But thank God that He didn't leave me or forsake me. He waited patiently for me to come back to Him. That is why I am so glad that He sees the beginning FROM the END. He knew I would. It took many years, and several different people as witnesses and planting seeds, but I made it back to Him. My faith has increased a hundred fold since those early days, but I truly believe that one can NEVER have enough faith in God.

In these last days, we need to be concentrating on heeding His Word, Living for Him and increasing our faith in Him. He says Himself that it is impossible to please Him without faith. If we will study His Word ONE of the MOST CONSISTENT things He talks about is having faith.

When things happen that we do not understand the reason, instead of getting all bent out of shape or automatically trying to fix the situation ourselves we should stop, take a breath, say a prayer and ask God what to do. Ask Him to have His way in that situation, then, whatever the outcome accept it, because it will be God's will and will be what is best for us. Even in His Word He says that He will take the bad and make good come from it. (The exact verse is Romans 8:28: And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.

Therefore, we can rest assured that even if God allows bad things to happen to us they will work together for good to those of us who love God (who live for Him and abide by His Word).

Good Night to All and May God Bless,

"PROVERBS" A BOOK TO LIVE BY"

2012-01-10T22:28:00.011-06:00

Good Evening to All!

There is truly no excuse for not knowing how to Live for God as long as one knows where to look for guidance. The Book of Proverbs is a wonderful instruction Book, and the Holy Ghost is a wonderful Guide to help us and hold us accountable, as He nudges us in the right direction after we read it. I guess I love Proverbs because while I love Jesus' teachings and parables, Solomon does not leave anything to chance. He spells everything out and I tend to learn and retain better with A, B, C, 1, 2, 3. There is NO room for mistaken ideas or "wrong interpretation" (although according to the Bible there is no private interpretation).

(4) An excellent wife is the crown of her husband,
but she who causes shame is like rottenness in his bones.

(5) The thoughts of the righteous are right,
But the counsels of the wicked are deceitful.

(6) The words of the wicked are, "Lie in wait for blood,"
But the mouth of the upright will deliver them.

(7) The wicked are overthrown and are no more,
But the house of the righteous will stand.

(8) A man will be commended according to his wisdom,
But he who is of a perverse heart will be despised.

(9) Better is the one who is slighted but has a servant,
Than he who honors himself but lacks bread.

(10) A righteous man regards the life of his animal,
But the tender mercies of the wicked are cruel.

(11) He who tills his land will be satisfied with bread,
But he who follows frivolity is devoid of understanding.

(12) The wicked covet the cat of evil men,
But the root of the righteous yields fruit.

(13) The wicked is ensnared by the transgression of his lips,
But the righteous will come through trouble.

(14) A man will be satisfied with good by the fruit of his mouth,
And the recompense of a man's hands will be rendered to him.

(15) The way of a fool is right in his own eyes, But he who heeds counsel is wise.

(16) A fool's wrath is known at once, but a prudent man covers shame.

(17) He who speaks truth declares righteousness, But a false witness, deceit.

(18) There is one who speaks like the piercings of a sword, But the tongue of the wise promotes health.

(19) The truthful lip shall be established forever, But a lying tongue is but for a moment.

(20) Deceit is in the heart of those who devise evil, But counselors of peace have joy.

(21) No grave trouble will overtake the righteous, But the wicked shall be filled with evil.

(22) Lying lips are an abomination to the LORD, But those who deal truthfully are His delight.

(23) A prudent man conceals knowledge, But the heart of fools proclaims foolishness.

(24) The hand of the diligent will rule, But the lazy man will be put to forced labor.

(25) Anxiety in the heart of man causes depression, But a good word makes it glad.

(26) The righteous should choose his friends carefully, For the way of the wicked leads them astray.

(27) The lazy man does not roast what he took in hunting, But the diligence is man's precious possession.

(28) In the way of righteousness is life, And in its pathway there is no death.

Proverbs 12:4-28 NKJV

This chapter was written by Solomon to contrast good with evil, wisdom with foolishness, and labor with laziness. In these latter days, we need to be focusing on How God wants us to live our life because that is what is going to get us into heaven with Him. Not particularly the "works" that we do. Yes, we definitely need to show love to others by giving to the less fortunate, or helping those who cannot help themselves or any other way that we can show God's love. The key though is the motive in our heart for doing it. Are we doing it because we truly love people, or are we doing it for the purpose of "us getting into heaven"?

Of course I cannot read God's mind, but I would think given these two motives, He would take "our wanting to get into heaven as secondary. He spends too much time expressing that we need to have love for our fellow man, to place it second. For example "What ye do for the least of them ye do for me". The thing is if we do "for the least" with a selfish motive , thinking about what we need to do to get into heaven, then it seems to me they would kind of cancel each other out. Our first motive should be the love for others. If we do this, then we are obeying Christ, and everything will fall into place.

Whatever we do our reasons must be pure.

This passage gives us step by step instructions on what God expects from us. There is no guess work involved. All we have to do is follow the recipe.

Good Night to All and May God Bless!

"WHAT IS YOUR PRIORITY?"

2012-01-09T22:13:00.011-06:00

Good Evening to All!

I write to you, little children, Because you have known the Father. (14) I have written to you, fathers Because you have known Him who is from the beginning. I have written to you, young men, Because you are strong, and the word of God abides in you, And you have overcome the wicked one.

(15) Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. (16) For all that is in the world--the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life--is not of the Father but is of the world. (17) And the world is passing away, and the lust of it; but he who does the will of God abides forever.

(28) And now, little children, abide in Him, that when He appears, we may have confidence and not be ashamed before Him at His coming.
(1 John 2:13-17, 28 NKJV)

God's Word says we live in the world, but we are not to be partakers of the world. There is nothing wrong with going out shopping. I enjoy at least one or two cokes EVERY DAY. On the days I go into town and clean houses, I stop by our the convenience store and buy the person I'm cleaning for and myself a sausage, egg and cheese biscuit.

(16) And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols? for ye are the temple of the living God; as God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people. (17) Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you. (18) And will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty.
(2 Corinthians 6:16-18 NKJV)

Idols are anything that take precedence over God. Whether it's things that keep us from attending church, keep us from reading our Bibles, praying. When we start enjoying doing things and having material things that we think more of than God then we need to rethink our priorities.

What I am getting at is that when it gets to the point that we can't be satisfied with what we have, that we can't seem to get enough of what we want,or make enough money to be content, then I would have to say we have some VERY MESSED UP PRIORITIES. When we think more about the things of this world such as material things, and worldly entertainment than we do the spiritual side, it is time to do some soul searching and reflection. We are giving the "world" too much of ourselves. We belong to God, and we need to remember that and act like it. I know I am guilty of it and have to give myself a "swift kick" and get back on track as to what is important.

When we tend to over-do shopping, or enjoying the things of this world, there is usually an underlying cause. It may be we are trying to validate our worth, it might be that we have a void in our lives that we think owning things or drinking and partying will fill. I know from experience that won't happen. I knew a person who would go shopping and spend quite a sum of money when she got angry. I tried it one time, and it didn't help my mood at all. All it did was make me feel guilty, so I took everything I bought back to the store the next day! LOL! My hubby really loves that about me.

The point I am trying to make is that there is nothing wrong with shopping, but we need to check our reasons and keep a handle on the importance we are placing on the things of this world. It doesn't even have to be shopping, it could be all sorts of things that the "world" has to offer. If we know it is against God's wishes for us to do it, then we should not do it. If whatever it is is taking our time away from the things of God, then we need to get back on track with the things of God and spending time with Him. God set the priorities for us.--GOD FIRST, FAMILY SECOND and then everything else. (If we place God first, then everything else will naturally fall into place because it will be HIS plan.

As far as shopping and spending money, it's a proven fact, the more money you make the more you spend so the more you want to make. It is a vicious circle. Therefore one is NEVER satisfied, unless we STOP in our tracks and just say THAT'S ENOUGH.

We are getting down to the nitty-gritty. His time is almost here. We are in the latter days. I know people have been saying that since the 1940's but if they were saying it back then, then look how much closer we are to it today.

We all need to get our priorities straight. We need to re-read the parable of the 5 wise virgins and 5 foolish virgins, and make sure that our lamps are filled so that we will be ready for Him when He comes. (Matthew 25:1-13) We don't want to be caught short or unaware, because He won't wait for us to get right.

The answers to last night's Bible Challenge "Mountains" are as follows:

1. c) Ararat (Genesis 8:4)
2. b) Moriah (Genesis 22:2)
3. d) Horeb (Exodus 3:1)
4. Sinai (Exodus 19:20, 31:18)
5. b) Hor (Numbers 20:22-29)
6. d) Pisgah (Deuteronomy 34:1-4)
7. d) Elijah vs. the false prophets (1 Kings 18:20-40)
8. d) Hermon (Deuteronomy 4:48)
9. b) Olivet ( 2 Samuel 15:30)
10. d) not named (Matthew 28:16-20)

I hope you did well on the Challenge and had fun doing it.

Good Night to All and May God Bless!

Bible Challenge - "MOUNTAINS"

2012-01-08T20:39:00.006-06:00

Good Evening to All!

It's that time again! Time to put on your thinking caps and "dust off your Bibles" (I hope you don't need to). How well versed are you in Biblical Geography? Lets find out, shall we?

1. On what mountain range did Noah's ark come to rest? (Genesis 8:4)

a) Alp
b) Appennine
c) Ararat
d) Carpathia

2. To what mountain did Abraham go to sacrifice Isaac? (Genesis 22:2)

a) Horeb
b) Moriah
c) Hermon
d) Pisgah

3. On what mountain did God speak to Moses from a burning bush? (Exodus 3:1)

a) Olivet
b) Sinai
c) Hermon
d) Horeb

4. On what mountain did God give Moses the Ten Commandments on stone tablets?

(Exodus 19:20, 31:18)

5. Aaron died atop this mountain. (Numbers 20:22-29)

a) Olivet
b) Hor
c) Hermon
d) Sinai

6. It was from the top of this mountain that Goed showed Moses the promised land. (Deuteronomy 34:1-4)

a) Sinai
b) Olivet
c) Carmel
d) Pisgah

7. Mount Carmel was the scene of what great confrontation? (1 Kings 18:20-40)

a) the Israelites vs. the Philistines
b) the Israelites vs. the Assyrians
c) Absalom's army vs. David's army
d) Elijah vs. the false prophets

8. Mount Sion also was called Mount__________. (Deuteronomy 4:48)

a) Ararat
B) Sinai
c) Cardiff
d) Hermon

9. King David fled to this mountain during Absalom'[s uprising. (2 Samuel 15:30)

a) Carpathia
b) Olivet
c) Hermon
d) Sinai

10. Matthew records Jesus giving His disciples the Great Commission on what mountain? (Matthew 28:16-20)

a) Olivet
b) Horeb
c) Pisgah
d) not named

***The photos are : from top to bottom--Elijah vs. the false prophets of Baal, Mt. Ararat, and Mount Sinai.

Book Review - "MOMENTS OF TRUTH " by John MacArthur

2012-01-07T11:58:00.012-06:00

Good Evening to All!

As you all know by now, my favorite types of books are Devotionals. I like them because they make me reflect. I received " Moments of Truth by John MacArthur from Book Sneeze or Thomas Nelson Publishing in exchange for my review. The opinions in this review are mine alone.

Normally, I LOVE Devotional Books. I like them because they help me to keep things in perspective, do some deep soul searching and reflect about what I need to do to become more of the person God wants me to be.

Unfortunately, this book did not do that for me. I won't say that this is not a good book, because of course we all need different things in our lives and find them in different ways.

As I was reading this book, it felt kind of bland, but I got to a specific page and it completely turn me off. I understand that we may not all agree on the same doctrines, but even so, an author should not rub his in people's face. He talked about the definitive Triune God. I have read many Devotionals and none of them spoke directly on that matter, because they wanted to include everyone, not just the ones that believe the way they do. I think that is one area that could have been either worded differently so as not run people who don't believe that way to still be interested, or not add that specific subject in at all. I do want to say that it was just in that one devotion that I felt so strongly.

Believe it or not, I have several shelves of Devotional Books which include the Trinity, but his is the first to approach that subject in such a direct way. Most authors seem to want a diversity of readers so they tend to "generalize" their devotions. What I mean by that is they know how to write devotions which go straight to the heart, but not shove "their specific doctrinal beliefs at others.

That was not the main reason I didn't enjoy the book. Even though it did evoke a strong emotion from me.

Now for the positive aspect. I did like the idea that the "devotions" were short enough that they can be remembered. I have read some that were several pages long and it was hard to remember everything they said.

Mr MacAuthur was short and to the point. This book may be liked by some, but I would not buy it for myself. It just did have the "special qualities" I look for. It didn't as I say sometimes grab me and make me want to delve into it more. I have read much better Devotionals and I have read worse.

When I read a book, I go by how it makes me feel inside and unfortunately, this one had about the same effect on me as if I were reading a book about car mechanics.

I hope someone else will read this book and do a review on it. It might be good to others. It's just not my "cup of tea".

Good Night to All and May God Bless!

"MY GRACE IS SUFFICIENT"

2012-01-06T08:53:00.019-06:00

Good afternoon to All!

I have had a lot of thoughts running through this head of mine this last week. I've had thoughts of sorrow, grief, mercy, and grace to name a few.

I have spent a lot of time trying to work through my grief in my writings, but now I feel prompted to write about the grace of God.

Many of us tend to take the grace of God way to lightly. We look at it as a "free pass" to live our way, without considering the ways of God. We know Jesus died on the cross for our sins, and we are thankful. Yet some leave it at that . They pick and choose the scriptures they want to live by. They don't want to read about what God expects from us. We were created for HIS PURPOSE.

**********
(8) For this thing I besought the Lord thrice, that it might depart from me. (9) And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.
(10) Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ's sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong.

What is Grace?

Simply put, Grace can be defined as God's unmerited favor. God's grace is something God does for the benefit of His people just because He loves them. Grace can never be earned, it's totally free, but at the same time it is for those who love God and want His will in their life. Even though God's grace is for everyone, He does expect us to accept it with the understanding that we will love and appreciate Him for it.

If we only received JUSTICE from God we all would be dead because all of us have sinned Romans 3:23, 6:23, and the "wages of sin is death" Romans 6:23, yet God offers us a pardon (MERCY). Jesus died for us so that we could live, but His death can be our "salvation" only if we accept it. Just like the prisoner above, we can turn it down or we can accept this pardon that God offers John 3:16.

God's Grace is "the power of God to do for us what we cannot do for ourselves", but it also aligns us with God's Ways. It teaches us how to live for God through the Holy Spirit. Jesus says, "I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing.
John 15:4-6

OK, this is ALL well and good. I read most of this on line. It had this and much more about the beauty of God's grace. It spoke constantly about the "free gift of grace" which saves us from our sinful ways to be united with God in Heaven for eternity.

What it did not cover is "what God expects from us for that grace".

I also delved further into my Bible. It seems that people like to talk about the love of God and what He wants to GIVE us, They seem to think that God is LOVE, so everything He does is free for us that we owe Him nothing in return. That since He is LOVE that He just GIVES, and GIVES and GIVES, expecting nothing back. How mislead they are.

YES! He is LOVE. But, I have a question for you. When you love someone, and you CONTINUALLY give and give and yet RECEIVE no love in return, how does that make you feel? Don't you get discouraged? Disappointed to the point where you finally give up?

I know that Psalm 84:11 says "For the Lord God is a sun and shield: the Lord will give grace and glory: no good thing will He withhold from them that WALK UPRIGHTLY
(caps are mine). Acts 11:23 says: "Who, when he came, and had seen the grace of God, was glad, and exhorted them all, that with purpose of heart they would cleave unto the Lord.

While grace is God's unmerited favor to us, 1 Corinthians 3:10 continues to show us that grace is not "just a free gift", but it is a teacher. This verse says According to the grace of God which is given unto me, as a wise masterbuilder, I have laid the foundation and another buildeth thereon. But let every man take heed how he buildeth thereupon.

It is speaking of witnessing and being good stewards of God's Word. God ultimately gives the increase and draws people to Him, but we are to do our part and plant seeds (His Word) and let someone else water, (come along and add to what we have the and nourish the knowledge which we have already planted, and then allow God to do the rest.

It is saying how we must be careful how we present His Word. We must make sure it is the Total Truth so that we deceive no one. Jesus Christ is the only foundation on which God's Word shall be based. Grace and the Holy Spirit will teach us if we will open ourselves up to it.

This verse tells me that grace is teaching me how to build my foundation, my relationship with Christ.

According to Titus 2:11-14 says, "For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to ALL (caps are mine) men, (12) TEACHING us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world; (13) Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ; (14) Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people (set apart for His purpose), zealous of good works.

This is SOME of what the Bible says about grace:

It is Freely given, Psalm 84:11, Acts 11:23; 13:43.

It EMPOWERS men for service, 1 Corinthians 3:10; and 15:10.

It Enables men to lead the Simple Life 2 Corinthians 1:12

Here is something that people tend to OVERLOOK:

God's Word does say that He bestows grace upon Sinful Men, as in Titus 1:12-13: "And I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who hath enabled me, for that he counted me as faithful, putting me into the ministry. (13) "Who was before a blasphemer, and a persecutor, and injurious: but I obtained mercy, because I did it ignorantly in unbelief".

This again tells me that we must allow the grace of God to teach us, listen to the Holy Spirit and be guided to the ways of righteousness for grace to be effectual.

It may be rendered ineffectual.

2 Corinthians 6:1 KJV says,We then as workers together with him, beseech you also that ye receive not the grace of God in vain. Galatians 2:21 KJV says I do not frustrate the grace of God:
for if righteousness come by the law, then Christ is dead in vain. Ephesians 3:7 says "Where of I was made a minister, according to the gift of the grace of God given unto me by the effectual working of his power.

James 4:6 reminds us "But he giveth more grace. Wherefore he saith, God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble.

1 Peter 4:10 explains "As ever man hath received the gift, even so minister the same one to another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.

The Amplified version states the above verse in this manner: "As each of you has received a gift (a particular spiritual talent, a gracious divine endowment), employ it for one another as [befits] good trustees of God's many-sided grace [faithful stewards of the extremely diverse powers and gifts granted to Christians by unmerited favor.

In reading all of these scriptures and more, this tells me that God is merciful and has given us this gift freely, yet grace is not to be taken lightly such as "we can live the way WE want to and do things OUR way, and God's grace will be there to make things all right. NO, God's grace is free to those who LIVE for Him, and respect His Ways and "Walk uprightly".

It kind of reminds me of God loves me for who I am no matter what I do. God loves us this is true, but He sees us not as we are, but what we will be when He is done working within us. He sees the beginning FROM the end. He wants to change us so that we will be ready for that eternal Home of His when He comes to receive us. We cannot go as we are, because there is NO SIN ALLOWED IN HEAVEN. Therefore we MUST change.

It is not a "FREE PASS" to heaven.

Have a Blessed Day!

"COMFORTING SCRIPTURES"

2012-01-02T21:24:00.011-06:00

Good Evening to All!

My heart and my mind have been consumed with sorrow, the feeling of loneliness in a "sea of people". Even though I know there are many people just like me who mourn the loss of our wonderful friend, I can't seem to gain strength. I know there are friends of Neita's that have known her ALL of her life, friends who she taught in Sunday school, friends who she "mentored", who probably feel as lost if not more lost that I, so to those friends I say, "my heart goes out to you". I loved her dearly and I know it will take a good while before the sting of loss eases.

From My Bible Promise Book I read these scriptures hoping to ease my pain somewhat. They did reassure me, but the pain is still there. Maybe there is someone out there in blogland who has just lost a loved one or friend, and maybe these will reassure you as well.

My flesh and my heart faileth: but God is the strength of my heart, and my portion for ever. Psalm 73:26

But God will redeem my soul from the power of the grave: for He shall receive me.
Psalm 49:15

Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me, thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. Psalm 23:4

O death, where is thy sting? O grave where is thy victory? 1 Corinthians 15:55

The wicked is driven away in his wickedness: but the righteous hath hope in his death. Proverbs 14:32

Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him. Romans 5:9

Verily, verily, I say unto you, If a man keep my saying, he shall never see death. John 8:51

For this God is our God forever and ever: He will be our guide even unto death. Psalm 48:14

He will swallow up death in victory: and the Lord God will wipe away tears from off all faces; ... Isaiah 25:8

Mark the perfect man, and behold the upright: for the end of that man is peace. Psalm 37:37

The answers to last night's Bible Challenge are as follows:

1. b) Aaron (Exodus 7:19-20)
2. d) lice (Exodus 8:16-17)
3. d) made it stand still for a whole day (Joshua 10:12-14)
4. Elijah (1 Kings 17:17-24) and Elisha (2 Kings 4:8-35)
5. c) Elijah's cloak (2 Kings 2:13-14)
6. a) faith (Matthew 21:21-22)
7. b) Peter healing a crippled man (Acts 3:1-8)
8. True (Acts 6:8)
9. c) Aeneas (Acts 8:32-34)
10. b) Dorcas (Acts 9:36-42)

I hope you did well on the Challenge. Remember, the best way to get to know God's Word is to "hide it in your heart".

Good Night To All and May God Bless!

Bible Challenge - "MORTAL'S MIRACLES"

2012-01-01T16:34:00.010-06:00

Good Afternoon to All!

1. Who wielded a rod at the Lord's bidding and thereby turned Egypt's waters to blood? (Exodus 7:19-20)

a) Moses
b) Aaron
c) Caleb
d) Joshua

2. After the plague of frogs, the Lord empowered Moses and Aaron to produce this affliction in Egypt. (Exodus 8:16-17)

a) ants
b) snakes
c) cancer
d) lice

3. At Joshua's request, what did God do to the sun in order to help the Israelites slay the Amorites? (Joshua 10:12-14)

a) made it rise three hours earlier than normal
b) eclipsed it.
c) made it shine hot enough to set the Amorites' leather battle dress aflame.
d) made it stand still for a whole day

4. What two Old Testament men of God brought corpses to life ? (1 Kings 17:17-24 and 2 Kings 4:8-35)

5. God empowered Elisha to part the River Jordan with _____________. (2 Kings 2:13-14)

a) a wave of his hand
b) a nod of his head
c) Elijah's cloak
d) two palm leaves

6. Jesus told His disciples they could perform miracles even more powerful than His own. But to do it, they would need ____________. (Matthew 21:21-22)

a) faith
b) pure hearts
c) God's inspiration
d) guidance by the Holy Spirit

7. After Christ's ascension, what was the first recorded miracle performed by His disciples? (Acts 3:1-8)

a) Peter healing a blind woman
b) Peter healing a crippled man
c) John's inexplicable escape from Roman pursuers
d) John's inexplicable escape from Jewish leaders

8. True of False: Stephen was noted for the miracles he performed before his martyrdom.
(Acts 6:8)

9. Who was the man Peter cured of palsy? (Acts 9:32-34)

a) Cornelius
b) Philemon
c) Aeneas
d) Malchus

10. Who was the woman Peter raised from the dead? (Acts 9:36-42)

a) Lydia
b) Dorcas
c) Ginger
d) Mariah

I would also like to thank those of you who were so sweet to offer comments of condolences about the loss of my friend. It has been a truly HARD few days, and I'm sure there will be many more to come while getting "used" to not being able to call her on the phone, buying her souvenirs from our trips, or our bimonthly trips to our favorite Mexican Food Restaurant on the day I clean her house. She was such a blessing to all she knew. Anyway, thank you so much.

I also hope that everyone had a safe and Blessed New year.

Good Night to All and May God Bless!

"Good Bye Letter to a Precious Friend"

2011-12-30T21:34:00.015-06:00

Good Evening to All,

Tonight is a somber night for me. I am at a loss for words. I truly don't know what to say. How do you say good bye to a special and very close friend? My friend, my confidant, my sister in Christ, Neita, "went home" to Jesus last night at 10:00 pm. As a lot of you know, I have spoken about her in "prayer needs" for quite some time now. It is so hard for me. We "fit" together like "mutt and Jeff", peanut butter and jelly, or spaghetti and garlic bread.

We were like the "two musketeers". We did so much together. I catch myself wanting to call her and realize it's not possible. It won't be her voice on the other end of the line. I have told so many others that the feeling of loss does not get better, we just learn to "cope with it" better. I tell them this from my memories of the loss of my parents (mother specifically). I hope I can keep reminding myself of this in the days to come. It's been a long time since I have had to deal with a "personal loss" so I had forgotten the initial "sting" of death. ( I know the Bible says "O death where is thou sting", but I'm not referring to that. I am referring to the initial shock, disappointment, anger, and hurt we feel when we first hear about it. That to me is the "sting".

Neita had debilitating health issues for the last four years. It started with a tumor on her pancreas and ended up being hospitalized for almost 6 months because of complications. She finally was able to come home and seem to get steadily better, but was constantly having problems with diabetes. Which eventually lead to a stroke. She started recovering from the stroke, but soon went into a diabetic coma. She did wake up, but then had a heart attack (from what I could gather.) After that she went into respiratory failure.

It has just been one battle after the other for her. I prayed and prayed for her healing. I sincerely believe, no, I KNOW that God does heal because I have seen Him do it. The thing is, sometimes He heals us while we are still on this earth as He did for her several times, or He decides He wants to heal us when He brings us "home".

I have a choice to make. I can choose to be angry and upset with God for taking
this precious woman who meant so much to me away, or I can rejoice "IN MY sPIRIT that she met her final goal which was to make it to heaven to be with our Savior, which is what we should all strive for.

By the way, the lower case "s" was not a typo. I did that because to capitalize it would be using God's personification, because He is the Spirit and we have spirits.

Anyway, although I feel like I have cried myself out of tears, because I will miss her physical presence, her sweet voice giving me advice or "chastising me for a negative attitude" (which I need from time to time, 'the chastisement not negativity), and her fun spirit, I must remind myself that I should be happy for her in the sense that she has made it to where I long to be eventually.

I know I will see her again, and I wonder if we will be able to talk about "old times". Neita, I hope that there are Lots of Turtles in Heaven for you to collect.

Wherever you are up there in heaven, I hope that we will be meeting again.

Remember dearest friend, I love you.

I know I don't have to tell you this because being the precious Woman of God that you are, I know you will "rest in peace".

Lots of love and fond memories,

Patti aka

"LOVE IS FORGIVING"

2011-12-27T23:44:00.014-06:00

Good Evening to All!

Israel Resists the Holy Spirit

"You stiff-necked (stubborn) and uncircumcised in heart and ears! You always resist the Holy Spirit; as your fathers did, so do you. (52) Which of the prophets did your fathers not persecute? And they killed those who foretold the coming of the Just One, of whom you now have become the betrayers and murders, (53) who have received the law by the direction of angels and have not kept it." (Acts 7:51-53 NKJV)

Stephen the Martyr

(54) When they heard these things they were cut to the heart, and they gnashed at him with their teeth. (55) But he, being full of the Holy Spirit, gazed into heaven and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing at the right hand of God, (56) and said, "Look! I see the heavens opened and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God!" (57) Then they cried out with a loud voice, stopped their ears , and ran at him with one accord; (58) and they cast him out of the city and stoned him. And the witnesses laid down their clothes at the feet of a young man name Saul. (59) And they stoned Stephen as he was calling on God and saying, " Lord Jesus, receive my spirit. (60) Then he knelt down and cried out with a loud voice, Lord, do not charge them with this sin." and when he had said this, he fell asleep (died). (Acts 54-60 NKJV)

We don't read much about Stephen, but he was one of seven men chosen by the apostles in Jerusalem to serve tables and distribute food to widows when the church gathered. He also had received power from the Holy Ghost to perform signs and wonders among the people.

Just as in Jesus' case the Jewish leaders, antagonistic toward faith in Jesus, got men to lie and bring Stephen before the Jewish council. Because of appearance of Stephen being filled with the Holy Ghost, his compelling defense that Jesus was indeed the Messiah, and the vision of heaven that God gave Stephen as he testified the council got riled up and reacted with violence.

In following Jesus' example, Stephen's last words and act before he died was to forgive his murderers.

True and absolute love entails forgiveness of all things. I know it can be the hardest thing we as humans ever do. Oh, we say "I forgive you", but do we really? Or are we just pushing their trespass or betrayal to the back of our minds? I've wondered that so many times. I had a couple of friends explain to me that when you (or I) forgive someone for whatever they did, we should not bring it up ever again. I have had my friends tell me that I must "still be bothered about certain things or I would not bring them up in conversation.

God's Word says "when we confess our sins to Him, He casts them as far as east is from the west into the sea of forgetfulness". He doesn't remember our sins after He has forgiven us, so we should do the same.

I pray for strength in this area constantly, because even though I forgive, I haven't learned how to "forget" yet. Therefore, I haven't truly forgiven. It makes me wonder about my level of loving. Don't get me wrong. I do love, I love my husband and my sisters, but we throw that word around pretty often and pretty loosely. I know I do. Especially after reading the devotion for tonight. Jesus and Stephen knew how to "LOVE". Their's was an absolute kind of love. Pure with no doubts. I don't know if I could do what they did.

I could if I knew the people personally, but I doubt if Stephen knew all of his accusers. Jesus (being God), I'm sure He did know the people. I think forgiving would be easier if the people were townspeople which they had personal contact with.

The more I think about this, I would think it would be harder for Stephen to forgive because, Jesus is God and God IS LOVE, therefore, Jesus can have nothing but love in His Spirit.

This is one area I REALLY need to work on because I do know that God will not forgive those who don't forgive others, and I doubt if my way of forgiving meets His standards.

Do you love purely enough to forgive those who have wronged you, or do you keep in in the back of your mind ?

How are you at forgiving?

Good Night To All and May God Bless!

Bible Challenge - "CURSES AND CONDEMNATIONS"

2011-12-25T14:05:00.007-06:00

Good Evening to All!

I know I said I wasn't going to post today, but decided since today is "Bible Challenge" day and it doesn't take a great deal of research, I would go ahead and post.

I realize the picture to the right is not of the usually caliber of the photos I try and post, but I have a phobia of snakes and I will be having nightmares tonight about them as it is. This portrays that originally snakes did walk upright before God cursed them. Believe it or not some of the pictures I saw did show some snakes with legs. I've gotten the chills just thinking about them.

1. Who did God condemn to eat dust the rest of his life? (Genesis 3:14)
a) Adam
b) Cain
c) Lot
d) the serpent

2. Reuben took his father Jacob's concubine for himself. what did this cost him?
(Genesis 49:3-4)

a) a curse of impotence
b) the birth of a wayward son
c) loss of his preeminence as oldest son
d) loss of his life

3. While blessing most of their brothers, Jacob cursed Simeon and Levi and foretold the scattering of their descendants. Why? (Genesis 49:5-7)

a) their disrespect for him
b) their anger and cruelty
c) their sexual sins
d) their treatment of Joseph

4. True of False: Old Testament law placed a curse on anyone who moved a neighbor's property markers. (Deuteronomy 27:17)

5. Who proclaimed a curse against any man who rebuilt the city of Jericho? (Joshua 6:26)

a) Joshua
b) Elijah
c) Solomon
d) God

6. For embezzlement, Elisha cursed his servant Gehazi, as well as Gehazi's descendants, with _________. (2 Kings 5)

a) baldness
b) leprosy
c) weak hearts
d) lives of tilling the earth for cruel masters

7. In Isaiah, the Lord vowed that the wicked: (Isaiah 48:22)

a) would be doomed to unquenchable thirst
b) would serve the just
c) would serve the poor
d) would have no peace

8. Because of this prophet's wayward teaching, God through Jeremiah condemned him to a quick death. (Jeremiah 28:15-17)

a) Hananiah
b) Jedaiah
c) Noadiah
d) Tobiah

9. What city did Jesus say would face worse punishment than Sodom because it ignored His mighty works there? (Matthew 11:23-24)

a) Bethlehem
b) Nazareth
c) Bethsaida
d) Capernaum

10. Jesus cursed what kind of tree? (Matthew 21:18-19)

a) palm
b) sycamore
c) fig
d) He didn't curse a tree. He cursed some of a tree's fruit.

"SHORT, SWEET, SIMPLE AND TO THE POINT"

2011-12-22T23:12:00.034-06:00

Good Evening to All!

This post was actually meant for last night, but my eyes got so tired I had to postpone it til today.

I was reminiscing and looking through my "old Bible", the Bible that I was using when I "woke up" and realized I needed to get serious about my relationship with God. I loved looking through my notes. Did you know that until the second century, people were only baptized "in the name of the Jesus" ? In the second century the Catholic Church changed the baptism "formula" to "Father, Son, and Holy Ghost". This is according to several encyclopedias and the dictionary.

I knew that Father, Son and Holy Ghost was only mentioned in Matthew 28:19 as far as baptism, but I didn't know the "rest of the story".

OK, the above has nothing to do with my scriptures below, I just thought that would be an interesting thought to "chew on". If you would like the full meal, I can give you some links to check out or I can go into further detail. I hope you don't mind, I am just one of those people who get a certain thought "stuck in my brain" and won't let it go until I have searched it out thoroughly. I love researching things like that.

May I say that I would really love to give a shout out to 3 special blogs which constantly give me inspiration. The first is Christian with a View by Steve Hawley, According to the Book, by Stan Butler, and Settled in Heaven by Rob Barkman. While the first two seem closer to my "doctrinal faith", I enjoy Rob's study of scripture and his Bible studies. I love the way he always comes to my blog and gives me comments of inspiration. I learn a lot from his studies because they give me the unction to do research and get into the Word and study more. Truly God's love seems to pour out from him. I give God thanks for you three gentlemen for you have blessed me with your blogs immeasurably.

Now, on with my Post

"This is what the LORD says--
Israel's King and Redeemer, the LORD Almighty:

I am the first and I am the last;
apart from me there is no God.
Who then is like ? Let him proclaim it.
Let him declare and lay out before me
what has happened since I established by ancient people,
and what is yet to come--
yes, let him foretell what will come.
Do not tremble, do not be afraid.
Did I not proclaim this and foretell it long ago?
You are my witnesses. Is there any God besides Me?
No, there is no other Rock; I know not one."
(Isaiah 44:6-8 NIV)

This verse above tells me that He is the God I can depend on. He is the only assurance I need. When others let me down, I can go to Him and He will carry me.
He alone is the God who provides, heals, comforts and is there for me no matter what.

We are God's fellow workers; you are God's field, God's building. By the grace God has given me, I laid a foundation as an expert builder, and someone else is building on it. But each one should be careful how he builds. For no one can lay any foundation other than the one already laid, which is Jesus Christ. (1 Corinthians 3:9-11 NIV)

This verse reminds me that I am but a small cog in God's ministry. Even though Paul started the church in Corinth, (planted) and Apollos came behind him and continued his ministry (watered) it was God who touched the hearts of people and drew them to Him. He made the increase.

It is the same with us today. It takes all of us to plant and water God's Word about His kingdom, but GOD will bring about the results and make the increase.

I will not be posting tomorrow or Sunday, but will be back on track on the 26th.

Good Night to All and May God Bless!

"A CALL TO WORSHIP"

2011-12-20T22:14:00.009-06:00

Good Evening to All!

A Call to Worship and Obedience

Oh come, let us sing to the Lord! Let us shout joyfully to the Rock of our salvation. Let us come before His presence with thanksgiving: Let us shout joyfully to Him with psalms. For the Lord is the great God, And the great King above all gods.
(Psalm 95:1-3 NKJV)

While this verse has really NO relation the Christmas celebration, the first thought through my mind while reading it was :

O Come All Ye Faithful,
Joyful and triumphant,
O Come ye, O come ye to Bethlehem.
Come and behold Him born the King of Angels
O Come let us adore Him
O Come let us adore Him
O Come let us adore Him,
Christ The Lord.

This song should not just be sung at Christmas. That's a special thing about my church. We don't classify songs. We sing this song year round, just as we sing Easter songs all year.

Christ should be celebrated all the time. Every day of the year. We should sing or make Joyful noises to the Lord all the time. God coming to earth as a child, and sacrificing His fleshly body and blood for our sins are NOT just events in time. They are significant happenings which should not be taken lightly. We should not look at these to specific events as we do Halloween, Independence Day, Memorial Day or any other holiday for that matter. These days are special.

We get so wrapped up in buying gifts, decorating and cooking that we forget what these days are all about. Maybe forget is the wrong word, but we put the reason for the celebration in the back of our minds while we are busy making sure our house is clean for company, the decorations are just right, the tree is all spruced up and our company is taken care of. Then afterward we are so afterward, we are busy with clean up, visiting with friends and relatives, that we still haven't thought about the main reason for the celebration. Speaking of decorations, I couldn't resist posting this picture. It is Clifton Mill in Clifton, Ohio. It is decorated with OVER 3.5 MILLION lights. Can you imagine what good they could do with the money they have to spend on the light bill? Not to mention the time it took to string them.

Easter is the same thing. Maybe not to the extreme of Christmas, but people still go shopping for new clothes, clothes that they may only wear once a year, and maybe only one time. Then we buy special food ( we like turkey and dressing for Christmas, and Ham for Easter). See what I mean?

The point I am trying to make is that years ago, people celebrated Christmas for what it is. They sat around the living room while someone read the Christmas story from the Bible, maybe drank some Hot Chocolate and then on Christmas Day, opened a gift or two. Nothing extravagant. A lot were homemade.

I wish we could go back to those times.

This made me think of a movie that I have watched several times, called Debbie McCombs' Mrs. Miracle. (I'm not positive about the Title, I know it Debbie McCombs, and Doris Roberts plays an angel named Mrs. Miracle. Anyway, there are two different movies, but my favorite one is where the manager of a toy store wants to go back to selling old fashion toys, instead of these new fangle sometimes dangerous ones. Of course there is a lot more to the movie, there is romance in it, a good moral, and I always love movies with kids so it has kids as well.

Goodness! Did I get on a rabbit trail or what?! Maybe part of the reason I feel this way is because I have never had children (with the exception of a step son from a previous marriage), but other than that I have never had to deal with the pressure of my child saying I want this and I want that for Christmas.

While I'm on the subject of non-extravagant gifts, prayers for our precious military men and women who can't be home for Christmas would be a nice gift. If they can pray and be thankful given what they are in the midst of, I think we over here OWE it to them to at least do the same.

I must say I was blown away by a young man at church I think he is about 14 or 15 years old. Anyway, his mom asked him what he wanted for Christmas, and he told her he wants to buy a new outfit, shirt, pants socks and shoes for a classmate because he doesn't have anything. Now to me, that is a special request for a child of 14 or 15 years old. This boy definitely knows what Christmas is all about. Jesus told His disciples what you do for the least of them, you do for me.

Well, I wanted to make tonight's post short and sweet, so I think I made it.

Good Night to All and May God Bless!

"THE SPREADING OF GOOD TIDINGS"

2011-12-19T22:46:00.012-06:00

Good Evening to All!

CHRIST IS BORN

(8) Now there were in the same country shepherds living out in the fields, keeping watch over their flocks by night. (9) And behold, an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them and they were greatly afraid. (10) Then the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid, for behold,l I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people. (11) For there is born to you this day in the city of David, a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. (12) And this will be the sign to you: You will find a Babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manager." (13) And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying: (14) "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, goodwill toward men!"

THE SHEPHERDS VISIT JESUS

(15) So it was, when the angels had gone away from them into heaven, that the shepherds said to one another, "Let us now go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has come to pass, which the Lord has made known to us." (16) and they came with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the Babe lying in a manger. (17) Now when they had seen Him, they made widely known the saying which was told them concerning this Child. (18) And all those who heard it marveled at those things which were told them by the shepherds. (19) But Mary kept all these things and pondered them in her heart. (20) Then the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told them.

I NEVER get tired of hearing or reading these passages from the Bible. I remember hearing them read when I was a very small child in Sunday school, loving this story then and I still love hearing it. Before I was in "awe" because of the baby, and the animals and that sort of thing, I'm sure, because I was too young to completely understand, but the older I grew and the more I understood the more "in awe" I became with the different aspects, such as the "star of Bethlehem", the fact that angels came to earth and talked to humans just like me, and the hardships that Mary, Joseph and Jesus had to endure for His birth and even after His birth to keep Him safe from Herod. This is just from the "human aspect".

Don't you know that they had to be leery of who to talk to and who to trust for fear that
Herod had spies out looking for Jesus? After all, he had deceived the Wise Men from the East making it sound like he wanted to worship Him, when in reality that was not the case. I can't help but wonder if Herod had those three convinced, he could have had more people looking for Jesus and His family as well.

When I think of the BIGGER PICTURE of Him being God and coming to earth to sacrifice Himself by shedding His human flesh and blood for my sins, that even places me More in awe, because in my human mind, I cannot understand someone loving me that much. I mean if it was "back then and we knew each other like Jesus knew His disciples, or Lazarus then I could get my mind around it, but to die for someone a thousand or two years before I'm born just leaves me awestruck.

I am so thankful that He cared enough for us to come to earth and walk among our descendants, and I'm even more thankful that He is still with us today in Spirit and in Truth.

I'm not very good at expressing myself. I always think of things I should have said, or a better way I could have expressed myself after I have already published, but the Whole Idea of God and what He has done for me just baffles my mind.

Of course I know that God protected them all the while. It makes me realize that not only did God protect Jesus, Mary and Joseph, back then but He protects me as well today.

I wonder if they had the same "background noises" when they were hearing God speak to them. Did they hear God say, "Flee to Egypt and I will tell you when it's safe to come back", and have to discuss it among themselves, or did they automatically get up, pack and head out? I'm sure today, a lot of us (me included) would sit there and try to decide if it is God we are hearing in our spirit, or it is just us trying to make up our minds what we should do?

I can't help but wonder how many opportunities I've missed to help someone, to do God's will, or even blessings missed offered by God because I was "busy" trying to decide if it is God wanting me to do this or that or my own ideas.

I am surely glad that Mary and Joseph listened to God, and I hope that I will become more in tuned to God's "still, small voice, so that I don't have to wonder. I think what it comes down to is increasing my faith.

The Answers to last night's Bible Challenge " Go Where I Send Thee" are as follows:

1. c) 400 (Genesis 15:13, Exodus 12:40, Acts 7:6)
2. forty (Numbers 32:13)
3. b) Moab ( Numbers22-24)
4. b) Nineveh (Jonah 2:1-2)
5. a) Jonah's (Jonah 1:12)
7. c) prayed (Jonah 2)
8. d) because it was in Judea that a mob had tried to stone Jesus (John 11:8)
9. b) Gentiles (Acts 26:16-18)
10. d) he appealed to Caesar, as was his right as a roman citizen (Acts 25:10-12)

Good Night to All, May God Bless!

Bible Challenge - "GO WHERE I SEND THEE"

2011-12-18T22:50:00.013-06:00

Good Evening to All!

1. God told Abraham His people would go to a strange land (Egypt) and languish there approximately ______ years.
(Genesis 15:13, Exodus 12:40, Acts 7:6)

a) 4
b) 40
c) 400
d) 4,000

2. Angry at the Israelites for abandoning His ways, the Lord made them wander in the wilderness for __________ years. (Numbers 32:13)

3. God at first forbade the soothsayer Balaam from going to this place to curse the Israelites-then sent him there to praise the Israelites.
(Numbers 22-24)

a) Mesopotamia
b) Moab
c) Egypt
d) Galatia

4. God commanded Jonah to go preach in ________.
(Jonah 1:1-2)

a) Tarshish
b) Nineveh
c) Joppa
d) Philistia

5. When the ship crew realized Jonah's presence was the cause of the stormy sea, whose idea was it to throw him overboard? (Jonah 1:12)

a) Jonah's
b) the ship captain's
c) a passenger's the prophet Obadiah
d) a passenger's, the prophet Nahum

6. How long was Jonah in the stomach of the fish? (Jonah 1:17)

7. What did Jonah do inside the fish's belly? (Jonah 2)

a) slept in a coma
b) wept
c) prayed
d) the Bible does not say

8. "Let us go into Judea again." when Jesus told His disciples that upon hearing of Lazarus' illness, why did they resist? (John 11:8)

a) because of the distance
b) because word had arrived that Lazarus already was dead
c) because some of them did not like Lazarus
d) because it was in Judea that a mob had tried to stone Jesus

9. Paul generally was sent to preach to the ______________.
(Acts 26:16-18)

a) Jews
b) Gentiles
c) Philistines
d) Ethiopians

10. As a prisoner, Paul was sent to Rome because: (Acts 25;10-12)

a) the high priest Ananias granted him an appeal to be heard there
b) King Agrippa refused to hear his case
c) the crimes he was accused of were against the Roman government
d) he appealed to Caesar, as was his right as a Roman citizen

"THE FORETELLING OF JESUS' BIRTH"

2011-12-17T22:26:00.011-06:00

Good Evening to All!

Now in the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent by God to a city of Galilee named Nazareth, (27) to a virgin betrothed to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David. The virgin's name was Mary. (28) And having come in, the angel said to her, "Rejoice, highly favored one, the Lord is with you; blessed are you among women!"

(29) But when she saw him, she was troubled at his saying and considered what manner of greeting this was. (30) Then the angel said to her, "Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. (31) And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bring forth a Son, and shall call His name Jesus. (32) He will be great, and will be called the Son of the Highest; and the Lord God will give Him the throne of His father David. (33) And He will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of His kingdom there will be no end."

(34) Then Mary said to the angel, "How can this be, since I do not know a man?" (35) And the angel answered and said to her, "The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Highest will overshadow you; therefore, also, that Holy One who is to be born will be called the Son of God. (Luke 1:26-35 NKJV)

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Christ Is Born

And it came to pass in those days that a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be registered. (2) This census first took place while Quirinius was governing Syria. (3) So all went to be registered, everyone to his own city. (4) Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and lineage of David, (5) to be registered with Mary, his betrothed wife, who was with child. (6) so it was, that while they were there, the days were completed for her to be delivered. (7) And she brought forth her firstborn Son, and wrapped Him in swaddling cloths, and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.

I feel so small every time I read the account of Jesus' birth. I think about how many times I have felt the Lord nudging me to do something, and yet I dismiss it for one reason (excuse) or another. Whether it's God telling my spirit I need to go up and talk to a complete stranger about something, or to praise Him in a different way than what I am accustom to doing and me not wanting to look silly in front of other people and so on.

I can't help but feel small because I think to myself "how Mary must have felt when the angel talked to her and told her about Jesus. First of all I would have been scared to death to see an angel standing in front of me, and secondly, to have the stigma of getting pregnant before I was married not to mention by whom! I'm sure they had to conjure up some excuse as to why Mary was leaving town for a while and it must have been hard on Joseph as well.

That took a lot of faith and strength on both Mary's and Joseph's part. I would love to think that I have that kind of faith, yet I have trouble stepping out of my comfort zone on small things let alone something as big and important as bearing God's Child. As humans we are too consumed with thoughts of "what will my friends and family think of me. How will this look? We forget that God is not "out to embarrass us, or cause us pain in any way, so why not listen to Him in the first place, do what He says, and stay in obedience to His will?

I can tell you why. We are of a sinful nature. Sin comes easy to us. This is why we need the Holy Ghost to guide us. It teaches us How to live For God. This is why it seems that it is easier to "pick up" bad habits than good ones. It usually takes a conscious effort to learn good habits.

These are just a few of my thoughts about Mary and Joseph's experience. I definitely could not put myself in her shoes no matter how hard I try. I thought about that a lot tonight. As much as I love God, I don't know if I could step up to that level of faith. Especially in today's climate. I do hope I could, but I just don't know.

Could you women do that? How about you men? Could you go through what Joseph did? Give it some thought and leave me a comment, OK?

Good Night to All and May God Bless!

"LISTEN INTENTLY FOR GOD'S VOICE"

2011-12-16T22:05:00.011-06:00

Good Evening to All!

I was looking through my Devotional Books tonight, and I came upon one which I happened to catch the first few sentences of the Introduction paragraph. What it says rings so true.

It says, "Learning to hear God's voice seems to come so easily for some people while others struggle to hear a single word. There was a time when Samuel struggled to recognize the Lord's voice also. The first time God spoke to him, Samuel thought it was Eli calling him. Many of us hear the voice of the Lord but don't recognize it as His.

That the LORD called Samuel: and he answered, Here am I. (5) And he ran unto Eli, and said, Here am I; for thou calledst me. And he said, I called not; lie down again. And he went and lay down. (6) And the LORD called yet again, Samuel. And Samuel arose and went to Eli, and said, Here am I; for thou didst call me. And he answered, I called not, my son; lie down again.
(7) Now Samuel did not yet know the LORD, neither was the word of the LORD yet revealed unto him.(8) And the LORD called Samuel again the third time. And he arose and went to Eli, and said, Here am I; for thou didst call me. And Eli perceived that the LORD had called the child.

(1 Samuel 3:4-8).

I think I struggle with it at times because I have had people come up to me and say "I have a word for you from the Lord". While I know that it is a spiritual gift to be able to do that, I am very careful who I believe. I have heard of instances where people just used that to "gain importance" or to say what "they had on their mind. Unless I know the person very well, or they are a reputable pastor or evangelist, I let it go in one ear and out the other.

Anyway, we do need to listen to what is being spoken to our spirit.

I know this is true for me. I can't count the times when I have even gone as far as to pray and ask God for guidance, but when He spoke to my spirit, I kept debating with myself whether it was God speaking or my own reasoning. I have probably missed out on a lot of blessings because of that, not to mention that it also shows a lack of faith on my part that He would actually speak to "me".

Learning to recognize the Lord's voice comes with practice. If we slow down and take time to listen, while also listening as others share godly wisdom with us, (as Samuel heeded Eli's advice), we will grow in our ability to hear and to recognize God's voice. The important thing to remember is that God wants to communicate with us. From Genesis to Revelation, we see Him talking with His people. He wants us all to tune in. It's a vital part of the way we grow in our relationship with Him and move into our destiny.

As the time for His return draws closer and closer, it is a time to get serious about our relationship with Him. We cannot get to know Him if we don't read His Word or listen to His still small voice.

A relationship is impossible unless we do that. Have you ever tried to have an intimate relationship with someone you knew nothing about? That is essentially what you are doing if you don't study His Word and talk to Him on a regular basis.

We can say we know Him all day long, but if we don't have His Word in our hearts, it will do us no good. God knows our hearts.

I know this is short, (hopefully short but sweet), but I'm so sleepy I can hardly hold my eyes open.

Good Night to All and May God Bless!

"THE TWELVE DAYS OF CHRISTMAS"

2011-12-15T23:44:00.012-06:00

Good Evening to All!

Sorry I'm a couple of days behind on this one.

A couple of years ago, my sister sent me this as an e-mail. I don't know how many if any of you have ever seen this or already knew it, but I thought it was interesting enough to pass along, just in case. Since then, I have been posting it every year because I would like for my new and recent members of my blog family as well as those who just are stopping by for a visit to enjoy it as much as I did when I first received it and every year since. I enjoy posting it because my memory is so short, I remember that I have it tucked away, but I don't remember what each day stands for. LOL!

There is one Christmas Carol that has always baffled me.

What in the world do leaping lords, French hens,

swimming swans, and especially the partridge who won't come out

of the pear tree have to do with Christmas?

This week, I found out.

From 1558 until 1829, Roman Catholics in England were

not permitted to practice their faith openly. Someone

during that era wrote this carol as a catechism song for young Catholics.

It has two levels of meaning: the surface meaning

plus a hidden meaning known only to members of their church. Each

element in the carol has a code word for a religious reality

which the children could remember.

-The partridge in a pear tree was Jesus Christ.

-Two turtle doves were the Old and New Testaments.

-Three French hens stood for faith, hope and love.

-The four calling birds were the four gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke & John.

-The five golden rings recalled the Torah or Law, the first five books of the Old Testament.

-The six geese a-laying stood for the six days of creation.

-Seven swans a-swimming represented the sevenfold gifts of the Holy Spirit--Prophesy, Serving, Teaching, Exhortation, Contribution, Leadership, and Mercy.

-The eight maids a-milking were the eight beatitudes.

-Nine ladies dancing were the nine fruits of the Holy Spirit--Love, Joy, Peace, Patience, Kindness, Goodness, Faithfulness,
Gentleness, and Self Control.

-The ten lords a-leaping were the ten commandments.

-The eleven pipers piping stood for the eleven faithful disciples.

-The twelve drummers drumming symbolized the twelve points of belief in the Apostles' Creed.

So there is your history for today. This knowledge was shared with me and I found it interesting and enlightening and now I know how that strange song became a Christmas Carol...so pass it on if you wish.'

Merry (Twelve Days of) Christmas Everyone

I have often wondered about that song, but of course it was a fleeting thought (as most of mine are), so I would always forget to look it up.

Now you know if anyone happens to ask you.

Good Night and May God Bless!

"THE GIFT THAT KEEPS ON GIVING"

2011-12-12T22:40:00.012-06:00

Good Evening to All!

I must say, I'm finding it a bit ironic that in just a couple of weeks before we celebrate Christ's birth (even though it is not His literal birthday), that every devotional I have read has been about the crucifixion.

This brings to mind about my previous post on the Ultimate Giver. This just brings out the absolute truth that we CANNOT outgive God. He came down to earth for us, served us by feeding the multitudes and healing the sick, lame and blind, brought deceased people back to life, and most important of all taught multitudes of people about God's love.

As if that wouldn't have been enough, He sacrificed His human flesh and blood so that we could get started on the road to salvation and spend eternity with Him. He is such an awesome God! I know, I just felt some eyebrows go up when I mentioned getting on the "road to salvation". The reason I put it like that is because being saved is a journey. Jesus did the hard part and sacrificed Himself for us. Now the rest is up to us. We must develop a relationship with our Father. We do this by reading His Word, talking to Him and living the way He says we should according to his Word.

There is more to it that abiding by the Ten Commandments. God did not ask us to do anything. He told us or commanded us to do it.

He even came right out and said "if you love me you will keep my commandments". He also said to be able to enter the kingdom of God we must be born of Water and of Spirit. Which means we must be baptized and we must also receive the Holy Spirit within us. Those were not requests they were commands.

He took on all of our sins that we may become blameless in the eyes of God. It took me a long time to realize it, but when God looks at me, He doesn't see the "sinner", He sees what I am becoming. All because He has seen the future. With this in mind, we still have the ability to change the future, because of God giving us free will.

God wants us to love Him and have a relationship with Him because it is our choice. This is where we are different from angels. God "created" angels but he "formed us. He breathed His breath into us. His Word says nothing about how the angels got their breath. He did not give them free will. Their express purpose is to carry out God's wishes no questions asked. Our purpose on the other hand is a little more complex. God gave us free will because He wanted someone to love Him just because they want, not because "that's what they were created to do".

The answers to last night's Bible Challenge "God's Enemies" are as follows:

1. Nod (Genesis 4:16)
2. c) He destroyed their god Dagon and smote the Philistines with emerods, or tumors.
(1 Samuel 5)
3. d) dogs ate it (2 Kings 9:30-37)
4. Haman (Esther 7:10)
5. c) the families of Daniel's accusers (Daniel 6:24)
6. a) fox (Luke 13:32)
7. b) babbler (Acts 17:18)
8. d) Bernice (Acts 25:23)
9. c) he was struck down by an angel o the Lord and was devoured by worms ( Acts 12:21-23)
10. d) they will be banished and punished forever (2 Thessalonians 1:7-9)

I hate to cut this short, but I'm so sleepy I can't hold my eyes open, so I think it's time to call it quits and head for bed.

Good night to All and May God Bless!

Bible Challenge - "GOD'S ENEMIES"

2011-12-11T23:06:00.010-06:00

Good Evening to All!

While God had and still has many people against Him I can't help but feel that it is all caused by one spirit, Satan, or Lucifer. He has been God's enemy from the beginning when He was filled with pride and thought he was as good or better than God. Since then, we have been plagued with his spirit, and God has had to fight our battles against him. For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. (Ephesians 6:11-13)

I placed this picture to the right because even though this Challenge is talking about "God's Enemies", I wanted to re-enforce that my God is all powerful, all knowing and ever-present, which makes Him more powerful than Satan could ever be. After all God created Lucifer to begin with. Satan is only as powerful as we ourselves will allow him to be. If we keep our faith in God strong, we can be over-comers of Satan's strongholds no matter what they are. One of these days, I am going to do some research on where the image of the "horned, pointed tail creature with a pitchfork originated from being an actual angel of God.

I had a "scarier picture of the devil, but when I uploaded it next to the red and green Christmas clad message, I just couldn't bring myself to leave it. It felt like I was giving the devil more power and notability than he deserved, so I replaced it with this clip art that doesn't look so menacing.

On with the Challenge.

1. Where did Cain go to live after God banished him form Eden? (Genesis 4:16)

2. Very quickly after the Philistines captured the Ark of the covenant, they realized it was the last thing they wanted or needed. How did God make that clear to them? (1 Samuel 5)

a) He destroyed their god Dagon
b) he destroyed their god Dagon and slew the firstborn of every Philistine family
c) He destroyed their god Dagon and smote the Philistines with emerods or tumors
d) He destroyed their god Dagon and their city of Ekron

3. What became of wicked Jezebel's corpse? (2 Kings 9:30-37)

a) it was given a royal burial
b) it was buried in a pauper's grave
c) it was destroyed in an accidental fire
d) dogs ate it

4. In a reference to Esther's adversary, American criminals of the 19th and early 20th centuries were admonished that if convicted, they would "hang higher than __________."
(Esther 7:10)

5. After Daniel survived the lions' den, King Darius ordered Daniel's accusers thrown to the lions instead. Darius likewise condemned what other individuals to the den? (Daniel 6:24)

a) his soothsayers
b) three of his wives
c) the families of Daniel's accusers
d) his master-at-arms

6. Jesus referred to King Herod as a ______. (Luke 13:32)

a) fox
b) devil
c) badger
d) lunatic

7. The Epicureans and Stoicks in Athens ridiculed Paul, calling him a __________.

(Acts 17:18)

a) Jew
b) babbler
c) lunatic
d) foreigner

8. Herod Agrippa listened to Paul's defense alongside a woman named ________.
(Acts 25:23)

a) Jezebel
b) Alice
c) Herodias
d) Bernice

9. What was the end of Herod Agrippa, who persecuted the early church, had James executed, and had Peter arrested? (Acts 12:21-23)

a) he was crucified by his own soldiers
b) he was struck by lightning
c) he was struck down by an angel of the Lord and was devoured by worms
d) he drowned

10. In 2 Thessalonians, what do Paul and his companions warn will happen at Jesus' second coming to people who have rejected God? (2 Thessalonians 1:7-9)

a) Jesus will forgive them and welcome them to heaven
b) God will give them a place in heaven a little lower than that of the saints
c) God will commit them to purgatory for varying lengths of incarceration, then accept them into heaven
d) they will be banished and punished forever.

Book Review - "HEALING IS A CHOICE" by Stephen Arterburn

2011-12-11T16:12:00.000-06:00

Good Evening to All!

Have you ever felt so hurt that you just wanted to crawl up in a ball and disappear? I have. Have you felt like you didn't know which way to turn or who to turn to? I have .

I requested this book to maybe help me through some of the hard times, but at first glance, I really didn't think I was going to enjoy "Healing is a Choice" by Stephen Arterburn. It didn't seem to be what I was expecting (whatever that was.)

I received it as a complimentary copy from Thomas Nelson Publishing or as it is more commonly now known Booksneeze for my review. The opinions which are stated herein are strictly my own for no compensation other than this free copy.

I guess I wasn't paying enough attention when I read the description as far as it's length. I try to request books which are 300 or less pages, because my attention span is not what it should be. I am a total believer in God's Healing, and in the first few pages it seemed to dwell on "talking to others", going to professionals and the like.I enjoyed this book when I really got into it because it MADE ME THINK.

This author would discuss the lies of which we have convinced ourselves, then give us the "Christian Principle". As an example after discussion of the lie, "all I need is God and me", he delves into this explaining about how we need others, such as friends, family and doctors as support for us. If we think about it, God has put them into our lives for a purpose. The author then uses scripture as Galatians 6:2, "share one another's burdens"and gives a brief explanation and then a short Bible study where we are instructed to look up listed scriptures and summarized what each verse has to do with the topic, or as in this case, connecting with others. I really like this part because it seems like if I write something down, it "sets the thought in stone" for me and helps me to consider it more seriously than just "reading a passage and going on to the next.

God CAN and WILL heal us, but ultimately it is our choice. There are ten choices to help us heal and ten lies discussed in this book that can keep a person from making those choices. Mr. Arterburn goes through each one in detail. A couple of them for example are: as mentioned above, The decision or choice is to Connect your Life; the lie being "all I need is God and me". Another is Choice: The Choice to Feel your life; the lie: "Real Christians should have a real peace in all circumstances." A third and final one which I will let you in on is Choice: The choice to Investigate Your Life in Search of Truth; the lie: "It does not good to look back or look inside."
There are ten of these to go through along with "workbook questions at the end of each chapter.

I feel that the book has some good points and is well written, even though if you come into it with "preconceived ideas, it may take a little adjustment in your way of looking at things, but go ahead and do it. You will be blessed. This book is a very helpful tool in learning how to be healed from emotional hurt physical illness.

I like what Mr. Arterburn said. "The power to heal-physically, mentally, emotionally, spiritually-- is in God's hands, but the choice to be healed is yours". He also says that everyone at some level needs healing. I personally know this. I went up for prayer many, many times before it finally happened, but a lot of it was timing, after all He will heal us in His timing. Also, I had some things that were hindering my spirit, which was causing a kind of wall between God's power and me.

At the very end of the book, it has a complete set of questions of the material of the whole book. If you are having trouble healing from some personal tragedy, loss, or relationship problems this is an excellent book. It will guide you with practicality and scripture.

I am now anxious and ready to get started on this for my own healing.

Good Night to All and May God Bless!

"LOVE AND PRAISE FOR WHO HE IS"

2011-12-10T21:10:00.011-06:00

Good Evening to All!

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. (2) The same was in the beginning with God. (3) All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made. (14) And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.
(John 1:1-3, 1:14)

My point of this post is this. We are always giving God praise for what He does. He created us, He created the universe, He delivered us from bondage, or addictions. He brought us out of a bad marriage, a bad life. He supplies all our needs. We love Him because He did. . . . We love Him because He FIRST loved us. Why can't we just praise Him and love him for WHO HE IS? Not just for what He has done for us, but literally Who He Is?

I mean lets face it. I sit and oogle over Mark Harmon every night on NCIS. (No I don't love him, but I still like watching Him). He is just another person that makes A LOT more money than I do, who has a beautiful smile, and is famous. We should look at God with MORE admiration and excitement than these movie stars. I don't like Mark Harmon because he did anything for me. Why should we do that to God? Just love Him and praise Him because He is God. He is love. He is truth . He is the way, the truth and the light. Yes, I know Jesus says He is the way, the truth and the light. See a common thread? God also said He (God) saved us. Jesus is our Savior. Notice the commonality? While I'm on the subject, when we go to concerts, or ball games, we get up and hoop and holler, wave our arms about and you would thing we won the lottery. That is another source of excitement. See? I keep coming up with all these exciting things and I'll bet you're sitting there agreeing with every word. Now, you'll probably hem and haw about this one. We should show God just as much excitement when we praise Him. He has done more for us than these football games or music stars. He deserves ALL of our praise. Without Him we are nothing. See, there I go talking about what He has done. We need to concentrate on just thanking Him for being who He is.

OK, that is another post. What I am truly trying to get at is yes, we SHOULD praise Him for what He did for us. God came to earth in the form of a human child, grew up among us, walked among us as an adult, went through more than His share of human suffering all so that we could be cleansed and sinless when we get to heaven. God did the hard part. He allowed His human body to be killed and blood to be shed on that "altar" of a cross so that we could spend eternity with Him. An even more amazing thing to me is that He told His Divine (Father) to forgive the same people who mocked, ridiculed, spat, and hung Him on the cross. I wonder how many of us could do that.

The thing is, the journey of "staying saved" is up to us. He expects us to live according to His Word. (Word in Greek is Logos or plan). So, God wants us to live according to His Plan. On a much smaller scale, my mom used to tell us girls, as long as you girls live under my roof, you will live according to my rules. In other words, she had certain rules for us to abide by and if we didn't we suffered the consequences. Anyway the point is if we are going to live with God in eternity we have to abide by His rules now. This once saved always saved idea sounds good, but and it is as long as you live for God, love God and realize that if you turn away from Him enough eventually He will count you as a reprobate (which means Hopeless case according to the dictionary).

God is love and He gives us every chance in the world to get our names in the Book of Life. We need to praise Him and love Him for His loving attributes. He equips us with everything we need to live for Him.

We live in a world where unfortunately there is too much emphasis put on conditions to be loved. To much of I love them because they did this or they will do that. I cannot imagine the generation of today living back in the old days, when women stayed with their husbands through thick and thin, or in Biblical times when women called their husbands lord. That would definitely stick in my craw if I had to do that today, but still we put conditions on our love for each other.

God is ONE who there should be NO CONDITIONS.

God gets lots of praise for what he does, but not enough for just being God. We need to acknowledge Him for WHO HE IS JUST AS MUCH.

I know that I have repeated myself probably WAY TOO MUCH in this post, but I guess you could say, I'm trying to get it through MY OWN THICK SKULL to do this. I am really harping at myself, because most of the time, that is what it takes to get things across to me, and it's ok for God to chastise me, or me to harp at myself, but I don't like my hubby to do it. I would say I am trying to beat him to the punch, but he doesn't like to talk about this subject, and that's another story.

All I am asking is that you LOOK UP, OR CLOSE YOUR EYES AND TELL GOD YOU LOVE HIM FOR WHO HE IS as well as for what He has done.

Good night to All and May God Bless!

"A MOST IMPORTANT THOUGHT TO REMEMBER" LET GO AND LET GOD

2011-12-09T11:22:00.010-06:00

Good Morning to All!

I know this is quite out of character for me to be posting this early. It's usually 10pm -midnight when I post. I may post again later, but for now I will call this my mini-post.

I was sitting at my desk reading my e-mail, checking out different things, when I happened to look up. Above my computer, I have a shelf of books. On the wall above my books, I have a framed picture of a poem that a good friend from church gave me long ago. I don't know what make me look up, but just as I did, the picture fell off the wall. Now you have to understand, this picture has been in the same place for years and I have never had a problem with it staying on the wall.

I took this as a sign that God wanted me to use it for my blog post and help people to REMEMBER what we are suppose to do. The picture is of the same poem, but a different background. For some reason, I could not get the actual picture that I have to download. The important thing is the poem itself.

Broken Dreams---Let Go and let God!

As children bring their broken toys
with tears for us to mend,
I brought my broken dreams to God
because He was my friend.

But then instead of leaving Him
in peace to work alone,
I hung around and tried to help,
with ways that were my own.

At last I snatched them back and cried,
"how can you be so slow?"
"My child", He said "what could I do?
You never did let Go".

LET GO AND LET GOD!

Too many times we try to do things on our own at first and fail. After exhausting every way we can think of to fix our problem, we then cry to God for help. That is our first mistake. We should go to God first.

What makes it even worse though, is like the poem said. Even though we failed on our own, we criticize God for being slow about fixing that same problem. but all the while we are trying to advise Him and stick our hands in the mix only hindering His work.

We need to realize for one thing He KNOWS WHAT HE IS DOING. He sees from the END to the Beginning of our existence. He DOES NOT NEED OUR HELP.

Anyway, I said this was going to be a mini-post, so I will try and cut it short. When the picture fell, He put this on my heart. I knew that SOMEONE out there needs to hear this.

Surrender your problem to God and LET HIM FIX IT. Pray and ask for His help. He will provide a way to remedy your situations. Make sure whatever you do about it is HIS will, not your own. If you pray, you will know. Let Him have the reins. God is an excellent driver.

I know that this post didn't turn out to be the "mini-post" I thought it would be, and I spent a lot more time trying to download the photograph I took so what started to take a short time, turned into hours. This will be my post for the night after all. I pray that this post will call out to someone and ring in someone ears as they read it.

Have a Blessed Day,

"A TWO-FOLD BLESSING"

2011-12-09T00:51:00.008-06:00

Good Evening to All!

For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, the Mighty God, The Everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace. (Isaiah 9:6 KJV)

I was reading in my little Blessings Book tonight and I was trying to develop a post from this precious scripture.

First I read it, then I re-read it. Something didn't look right. The verse didn't "read right. I could not pin-point what it was, but I just could not get my brain to wrap around this scripture. I looked up the verse in my King James Bible, looked up the word "wonderful in my concordance and in the reference section of my New King James Bible. I got no answers. Finally, I went back and re-read it again, and then I noticed something.

In the verse, my book had stated the verse like this: For a child is born to us, a son is give to us . . . and he will be called: Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Now first of all, I must say I'm not a big fan of . . . (dots). Especially in scriptures. I believe that if you are going to quote a scripture, quote the WHOLE thing. (Needless to say, that is why my posts are so long. To keep the context clear, I will often back up a verse and end with a verse or two below, so that no one can say that the scripture was used out of context, or misunderstand it.

Anyway, if you will notice, the way the verse is first written according to the KJV, there is a comma between the words Wonderful and Counsellor. This tells me that they are two separate descriptions. He is Wonderful which tells me He is to be awed. We are to be in wonder of Him. The next is Counsellor. He is our advocate with the Divine Father. He is also our best strategist, and lawyer. He knows what is best for us. After all, He is God. The verse above tells us He is Mighty God, and Everlasting Father. He is also the Prince of Peace.

If we will abide by Him and allow Him to do what He will, we can be confident that We will have the power of God behind us. That is what the Holy Ghost is all about. He gives us the power of God within us. No, we cannot go out and create something out of nothing like God has, but He sent the Holy Ghost back to us to dwell within us and give us the power of boldness, to witness in the Name of Jesus, to Heal in the Name of Jesus, (No it is not we ourselves doing the healing, but the power of God. We are His instrument. The Holy Ghost was sent to us to teach us the power of grace, how to live for God and how to be over-comers of any trial as long as we have faith in the power of God .

Also, we can rest in His loving care, knowing that He tells us to cast all our cares upon Him. That the battles we fight are not our battles but His, if we will trust Him to fight them for us. If we will just hand them over to the Lord and ask Him to take care of them for us.

I said in my title that this is a two fold blessing.

He was a blessing to those who lived when He walked this earth as flesh and blood, and He is a blessing to us now in Spirit. We as humans tend to limit God's power. We don't seem to understand that He can do just as much for us now as He did when He walked this earth in the flesh. He healed the lame, blind, and sick back then and He can do it today. He fed all of those multitudes of people back then and He can do it today. He can do anything He did back then, today. We seem to forget a very important scripture, or if we don't forget it, we don't show much faith in it, and that is Jesus is the same yesterday, today and forever. This comes right out and says that He has the same power now, that He had back then, so why do we doubt that He will be there for us?

He can bless us in so many ways if we will allow Him. If we don't receive blessings, it's no one's fault but our own. He wants to do it. Just as a good and decent earthly father wants to bless his children with things they need and want (if their wants are not bad for them), so does our Heavenly Father.

The closer we become to Him the more we will understand what He expects from us as "His children, such as love and respect. Such as showing our faith in Him. Such as wanting a personal relationship with Him, and not just a "gimme" type relationship. Rather than our relationship with Him being all about what He can do for us, we also need to concentrate on what we can do for Him, such as Living for Him, praising Him, Worshiping Him, Studying His Word, praying and talking to Him, witnessing to others about what He has done for you personally, as well as what God's Word says. Jesus made a comment to His disciples one time. He said "what you do for the least of them, you do for Me, so ask yourself, what would Jesus do in given situations? How would He go out of His way to do something for someone?

Good Night to All and May God Bless

"DID YOU KNOW?"

2011-12-06T20:29:00.018-06:00

Good Evening to All!

I decided to do something different tonight. Last night, I found myself caught up in a Website full of different facts called Amazing and Interesting facts. Anyway, I thought it would be fun to share what I have learned.

The word “pie” can be traced to the 13th century, but in the old days, the dessert was more commonly known as a “coffin” or “coffyn.” In fact, “coffin” was used in this context for 300 years before it was applied to a burial casket. (I'll never look at pie the same way again!)

Vodka was used as an ingredient in early European formulations of gunpowder. (I wish I would have known this back in my younger days. I probably would have quit drinking a lot sooner than I did!)

When removing the American flag after an event, the proper term is to “Retrieve the Colors” which is commonly mistaken for “Retire the Colors”. To “Retire the Colors” is to destroy/bury an American flag due to excessive wear or damage.

In the Hatfield vs. McCoy feud, three dozen lives were lost between 1878 and 1890…all over a pig. Actually it was over the alleged theft of a hog.

Talk about protective parenting. According to Mayan tradition, a mother should cover her newborn’s face for the first year of life in order to drive away evil spirits, a practice still carried out in rural Guatemala.

The first documented bank notes come from China. The bills were one-foot-square pieces of white deerskin with colorful borders, and were used as early as 118 BC.

Restaurant chains like Applebee’s and T.G.I. Friday’s have their staff sing a specialized song to wish customers a happy birthday in order to avoid paying royalties, since “Happy Birthday to You” is a copyrighted tune. (I have to say this is the one I was most amused by! LOL!)

Pearls dissolve in vinegar

The Procrastinators’ Club of America newsletter is called “Last Month’s Newsletter.”

Habitual singing causes the lungs to release leptin, a protein manufactured by the body’s fat cells that is involved in the regulation of appetite. This may partially explain why opera stars tend to lean toward the heavy end of the scale.

Any month that begins on a Sunday will include a Friday the 13th.

The airspace over Disneyland is a “no fly zone.” Unless they have special authorization, aircraft are not allowed to fly below 3,000 feet anywhere within a three-mile radius of the park.

The drug name Premarin is derived from the origin of the drug – PREgnant MARe urINe. Yes the urine of a pregnant horse! (Ugh! I used to take that hormone, luckily not for very long!)

General Robert E. Lee and his horse were buried at Washington and Lee University.

Teddy Roosevelt’s first wife and his mother died on the same day in the same house. The day was Valentine’s Day 1884 1 floor and just a few hours apart.

I hope you have enjoyed these "fun facts" as much as I did.

Good Night to All and May God Bless!

"THE ULTIMATE GIVER OF LOVE"

2011-12-05T20:46:00.023-06:00

Good Evening to All!

Beloved, let us love one another, for love is of God: and everyone who loves is born of God and knows God. (8) He who does not love does not know God, for God is love. (9) In this the love of God was manifested toward us, that God has sent His only begotten Son into the world that we might live through Him. (10) In this is love, not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent His Son to be the propitiation for our sins. (11) Beloved, if God so loved us, we also ought to love one another. (12) No one has seen God at any time. If we love one another, God abides in us, and His love has been perfected in us. (13) By this we know that we abide in Him, and He in us, because He has given us of His Spirit.

There are many ways to express love, the exchange of Christmas gifts, or Valentine Cards and candy being just a couple. While these express love in a fun and meaningful way, I must say that the true gift of love is better any packages tied up with pretty bows and ribbons or cards with cute sayings or pretty poems in them.

I heard several accounts of the beginning of "gift giving" particularly of Christmas gifts a quick explanation of those are: some people don't believe in celebrating Christmas because Jesus was not born on December 25. Others go as far as to say it's "paganism", but I have also heard that the giving of gifts was started because the wise men brought gifts to the Christ child. Now, out of all the things I have mentioned, I would come closer to agreeing with the last one. . . BUT, truly, the ORIGINAL One who started the giving of gifts out of love was God Himself. First He gave of Himself, because He left His wonderful kingdom of Glory to come to earth and walk among us sinners. He got hungry like we do, He got tired like we do, He went through the trials and tribulations like we do. He as a human had to endure more than we as humans did back then or do today. So He showed His love for us to do this. THEN on top of that He sacrificed His human body and His blood for our sins, just so we would be able to live in eternity with Him, (if we choose to follow Him). That was and is the ULTIMATE gift any one of us could ever receive. He said it Himself . (12) This is my commandment, That ye love one another, as I have loved you. (13) Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.The thing is, it doesn't stop there. He keeps on giving. His mercy is a gift to us. We do not deserve His mercy. Look at how we treat Him. we pay more attention to our pets than we do to Him. We might spend a couple of hours a couple of times a week in His House. Unless we have a true relationship with Him and actually realize how important He is to us, we don't spend Near enough time with Him.

God wants the giving of love to continue. As we share God's love, we are completing, or perfecting, god's will that we love others. We put God's love into action, and He responds by abiding, or living in us. Love creates an unending circle.

Anyone who is human has been hurt at one time or another. Whether it be by a loved one, a friend, even an employer. Humans will let you down at one time or another. They cannot help it. God, on the other hand will never let you down. Now, I will be honest, at times you may think he does or has, because "you didn't get what you asked for, or your prayers weren't answered". Let me say, the answer to the first comment is God knows what is best for you and if you are asking for something that will cause you harm or trouble down the road, then not getting it would be a good thing. The second thing is God answers ALL prayers. They again may not be the answer you want or are expecting. The answer might be NO, or wait a while, or you might get it, just not the way you think you should, but He will answer. We must remember God sees from the END TO THE BEGINNING. He has been to the future, so He knows what is going to happen and can keep you from making mistakes and having excess problems IF you will listen to Him. Listen to that little voice inside that says " you shouldn't go in debt right now", you shouldn't do this or that. If you will listen to that little voice your life will go a lot smoother (which would also be a gift from Him).

Sorry I got off on a rabbit trail. All these thoughts started flooding my brain

I know that loving someone who has wronged you is hard. Believe me I could be the "poster girl" for that. the thing is we must choose to let the bitterness go, before we can show true love to anyone. Bitterness is like a cancer. The longer you have it inside of you the more it grows.

If we will turn that bitterness energy into energy for loving God, and allow Him to work on our hearts His love will renew our love for others and help us to show love to others by putting the best interest of the other person not only as God's desire, but as our's as well.

When we develop a loving lasting relationship with God, His desires become our desires. We will want for ourselves what He wants for us, and His will will be our will.

A quick thought. I have had a lot of people comment to me about having to "give up so much" if they become a Christian, meaning partying, drinking, wearing "sexy clothes", and other things. The thing of it is, when you develop a soul search absolute love for God, your ideas of "entertainment, immodest clothing, drinking, and immorality aren't important to you anymore. They are replace instead by clean living, (no drinking or drugs), no immorality, modest dress, and many other things because God works on your heart and you WANT to change. No one twists your arm. You do it because when you study His Word and read these things that make God unhappy, you don't want to do them.

Well, so much for my "quick thought"! LOL! Now y'all understand why I don't get on Twitter much! LOL!

The answers for last night's Bible Challenge "Food and Drink" Part 2 are as follows:

1. b) Noah (Genesis 9:4)
2. b) Noah (Genesis 9:20-27)
3. d) fins and scales (Deuteronomy 14:9-10)
4. a) raven ( Deuteronomy 14:14)
5. False (Deuteronomy 14:19)
6. It was hallowed temple bread. (shew bread) (1 Samuel 21:1-6, Mark 2:25-26)
7. b) Solomon's (1 Kings 4:22-23)
8. c) salt (2 Kings 2:19-22)
9. d) honey (Ezekiel 2:8-2:2, Revelation 10:9-10)
10. False (there are no references to tomatoes in the Bible)

I hope you enjoyed this challenge and did well.

Good Night to All and May God Bless!

Bible Challenge - "FOOD AND DRINK" Part 2

2011-12-04T17:45:00.010-06:00

Good Evening to All!

I hope you've all had a wonderfully blessed week. I also hope you have had time to spend some quiet time with God in reflection and in His Word.

Tonight's Bible Challenge has to do with the Biblical customs of eating and drinking in the Bible.

1. God forbade this individual from eating any meat that still had blood in it. (Genesis 9:4)

a) Adam
b) Noah
c) Isaac
d) Jacob

2. Who was the first person in the Bible to get drunk? (Genesis 9:20-27)

a) Eve
b) Noah
c) Lot
d) King David

3. God told His people they could eat any kind of seafood that had ____________. (Deuteronomy 14:9-10)

a) gills
b) scales
c) gills and scales
d) fins and scales

4. Which of the following birds (among others) did God specifically prohibit His people from eating? (Deuteronomy 14:14)

a) raven
b) robin
c) sparrow
d) all of the above

5. True or False: God told the Israelites it was okay to eat certain flying insects. (Deuteronomy 14:19)

6. When David was in hiding, Ahimelech the priest gave him bread to eat. Was was special about this food? (1 Samuel 21:1-6, Mark 2:25-26)

7. "[T]hirty measures of fine flour, and threescore measures of meal, ten fat oxen, and twenty oxen out of the pastures, and an hundred sheep, beside harts, and roebucks, and fallowdeer, and fatted fowl." This was the "provision for one day" in whose abode? (1 Kings 4:22-23)

a) Pharaoh's
b) Solomon's
c) Nebuchadnezzar's
d) Herod's

8. Elisha purified the sickening spring water at Jericho with _________. (2 Kings 2:19-22)

a) honey
b) sugar
c) salt
d) vinegar

9. The prophet Ezekiel and the apostle John both "ate God's Word," devouring scrolls. what did the Word of God literally taste like? (Ezekiel 2:8-3:3, Revelation 10:9-10)

a) fish
b) lamb
c) milk
d) honey

10. True or False: The Bible refers to tomatoes as poisonous.

"AWESOME GOD, AWESOME LOVE"

2011-12-03T21:04:00.006-06:00

Good Evening to All!

The one of the scribes came, and having heard them reasoning together, perceiving that He had answered them well, asked Him (Jesus) , "which is the first commandment of all?
(29) Jesus answered him, "the first of all the commandments is: Hear, O Israel, the Lord our God, is one.
(30) And you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength.' This is the first commandment.
(31) And the second, like it, is this: 'You shall love your neighbor as yourself.' There is no other commandment greater than these."
(32) So the scribe said to Him, "Well said, Teacher. You have spoken the truth, for there is one God, and there is no other but He.
(33) and to love Him with all the heart, with all the understanding, with all the soul, and with all the strength, and to love one's neighbor as oneself, is more than all the whole burnt offerings and sacrifices." (Mark 12:28-33 NKJV)

This scribe, listening to Jesus, asked Him about a specific point of law. The scribes in Jesus time were lawyers, accustomed to mulling over and debating legal issues. This scribe probably viewed even God's law as a set of "rules" to be debated and argued about. The answer Jesus gave him was one of diplomacy. Rather than coming out with an answer that could have kept the scribe going and in a state of mind wanting to argue and debate, Jesus focused on love, not law.

He summed up ALL God's law in these two greatest commandments--love God first and completely, and THEN LOVE EVERYONE ELSE. If we look at these two commandments and think about them, they take care of every other commandment God has. If we have love for God first, then we would definitely put the second one into action. When we put the second one into action, that will cover the complete way a Christian is suppose to live and treat all others, as well as themselves.

Jesus' answer more than satisfied the scribe. He showed he understood, by his response. Under the law, offerings and sacrifices were made specifically made to thank and honor God, make amends for sins and accompany specific requests.

Love brings us to a deeper level and a deeper understanding with God. It strengthens our relationship with Him and makes it personal. Love makes living for God, obey His commandments much more important. We want to please Him.

Love makes having a relationship with God more important than just following rules and learning how to behave.

I think this is where a lot of people get mixed up. Tell me if this sounds familiar.

"I go to church every Sunday but I don't pay tithes because I need the money for my bills and the tithes just go to the preacher. I'm a good person because I don't lie, cheat or steal. I don't curse (that bad), at least I don't use God's name in vain. I help others when I can.

I don't like to read the Bible because I don't understand it, but I go to church and listen to the Pastor. I don't pray because God knows what's in my heart, so I don't have to say anything, but I love God, so I know I'm going to heaven.

This is just a little bit of what I have heard since I have become serious about my relationship with God. Believe it or not, I used to say some of the same things. UNTIL I got a hunger for God and His love. I started reading my Bible and realizing what He expects from me as a Child of God and as a Christian. He expects me to love Him the way He loves me.

He loves us ALL, because we are His creation, but that does not mean that we are all "Children of God". We are a child of God if we have a relationship with Him, if we have accepted Jesus as our Savior and been baptized in Jesus' name, and received the Holy Ghost. Now, before y'all get ready to "stone me" I am going by Acts 2:38, the Plan of Salvation.

God wants us to love Him passionately. We love our spouses with passion, and as much as I hate to admit it, there are times when our loves let us down. God will NEVER let us down. He will always be there for us. We should love Him with a passion ABOVE all others. I think a lot of the problem is we have the frame of mind, "out-of-sight, out-of-mind. If we will start looking at the world in a different light and start seeing God in everything He created, I truly believe we will have that passion.

I'm sure there are a lot of Pastors out there who know a lot more than I do, but the way I read and understand it, being a child of God, being a true Christian, and being saved should go hand in hand. If a Pastor reads this please let me know if I am wrong.

This being said, I must get back to my main thought. If we are to consider ourselves Christians then we need to do as a follower of Christ would do, and emulate Him. To do this we must read our Bible to get to know Him and find out what He wants from us. Which comes back to an intimate relationship with Him. If we will allow Him to be part of our lives completely and be part of His, meaning to want to do as He tells us, then adhere to the first two commandments will not be as hard as we suspect. Especially if we surrender to Him and let Him guide us. If we do this, then the other commands will fall into place.

We should focus on loving God and others with our thoughts, actions, and energy every day

Good Night to All and May God Bless!

"THE WAY OF LOVE"

2011-12-02T22:30:00.008-06:00

Good Evening to All!

If I give everything I won to the poor and even go to the stake to be burned as a martyr, but I don't love, I've gotten nowhere. So, no matter what I say, what I believe, and what I do, I'm bankrupt without love.

LOVE never gives up.
LOVE cares more for others than for self.
LOVE doesn't want what it doesn't have.
LOVE doesn't have a swelled head,
Doesn't force itself on others,
Isn't always "me first,"
Doesn't fly off the handle,
doesn't keep score of the sins of others,
doesn't revel when others grovel,
Takes pleasure in the flowering of truth,
Puts up with anything,
Trusts God always,
Always looks for the best,
Never looks back,
But keeps going to the end.
Love never dies.

We don't yet see things clearly. We're squinting in a fog, peering through a mist. But it won't be long before the weather clears and the sun shines bright! We'll see it all then, see it all as clearly as God sees us, knowing Him directly just as He knows us! (13) But for right now, until that completeness, we have three things to do to lead us toward that consummation: Trust steadily in God, hope unswervingly. love extravagantly. And the best of the three is love.

1 Corinthians 13:3-8, 12-13 The Message Bible

The true meaning of love is taken for granted so much now days. I have heard often that love is an enigma. Something which cannot be explained. More songs, sonnets, ballads and poems are written about love than any other theme. The problems with all of these are that often they only describe physical feelings, or emotional responses rather than real love.

People don't seem to give any kind of DEEP thought as to what love is truly all
about. I mean lets think about it. I have heard people ask others what they want in a spouse. Too many times I have heard; attractive looks, intelligent, sense of humor, ok, I'll give them a couple-- honesty and kindness.

They have not even given thought as to what love entails which is putting other's needs above their own, do their best to please their partner in every way through our words and actions.

Willingness to forgive is a big part of love. When we forgive, we don't keep a record of hurts. This is not a matter of allowing or enabling someone to do wrong, but rather unselfishly wanting the best for the person. To truly show love, we need to forgive grudges, release jealousies, and commit to encourage people we enabled to change their behavior.

Really, I don't understand why the idea that love is hard to explain ever came into existence. If we would just treat others the way we would want to be treated, love wouldn't need an explanation.

Love, the greatest of the three virtues of faith, hope, and love , is worth exercising and understanding

Good Night to All and May God Bless!

"THE RACE FOR THE CROWN"

2011-12-01T22:31:00.011-06:00

Good Evening to All!

Do you not know that those who run in a race all run, but one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may obtain it. (25) And everyone who competes for the prize is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a perishable crown, but we for an imperishable crown. (26) Thus I fight: not as one who beats the air. (27) But I discipline my body and bring it into subjection, lest, when I have preached to others, I myself should become disqualified.
(1 Corinthians 9:24-27)

I read something in my Bible tonight and I would like to share it with you. It is called

The Race for the Crown.
What does it take to be a champion in a given sport? For one, it is necessary to have a dedication to succeed no matter what the cost. A passion for the game is certainly essential, as is a single-minded determination to accomplish the task at hand. A willingness to train incessantly is also required. And a burning desire for the trophy or prize awarded to the one who wins is an absolute must.

In his letter to the Corinthians, the apostle Paul drew a direct comparison between the Christian life and an athletic competition. This comparison would have had immediate resonance with Paul's Corinthian readers. Corinth was the site of the Isthmian games, a great athletic festival that was very similar to the Olympic games. Contestants in the Isthmian games endured ten months of mandatory training. Anyone who failed to complete this training was barred from competing in the games. The highlight of the Isthmian games was a great endurance race. It was this race that Paul used as an illustration to depict the faithful Christian life.

In the Isthmian games, several athletes competed for one prize, there could be only one winner. In contrast, the Christian life offers the opportunity for many people to be winners. The winner of the Isthmian games received a pine wreath crown. Those who faithfully complete the Christian life, on the other hand, will receive an imperishable crown.

Paul illustrates the "champion" mindset required to faithfully complete the Christian life with his statements, "I run thus: not with uncertainty" and "Thus I fight: not as one who beats the air" (9:26). Paul was not an aimless competitor. He had a clearly defined goal. Life an athlete preparing for a race or a boxing match, Paul knew that he had to discipline his body; he had to force himself to maintain the strenuous, consistent practice needed for success.

The race that Paul prepared himself for, the race that all Christians need to prepare themselves for, was the calling of God. Paul taught that Christians are rewarded for the calling that God gives them. Paul had an apostolic ministry for which he sacrificed all things. He knew that if he was faithful to his calling he would receive a reward from the Lord for his service (4:2). Paul also knew that if he ignored or treated lightly his mission he would not receive from God the victor's crown for service. Having seen some of his close friends for sake their calling (see 2 Tim. 4:10), Paul recognized that the loss of the victor's crown was a very real possibility for any believer, regardless of his or her standing in the Christian community. The apostle's overwhelming passion was to fulfill his ministry at all costs, to stay faithful to the "fight" (9:26) to the very end. In Paul's last letter, written shortly before his death, we discover that he accomplished his goal (see 2 Tim 5:6-8).

Paul's spiritual training was the very best available. Yet he did not assume that he would automatically persevere to the end of the race. He continued to discipline himself, to fight, and follow his calling form God. In doing so, Paul provided an ideal model for all Christians striving to become champions.

Now, after reading this account of Paul's apostolic journey, and how seriously he and I'm sure the other disciples took their ministry, I can't help but realize that by the examples set by them, we definitely fall short as far as running our race for the most part.

I'm speaking about myself as much as anyone. I mean let's tell it like it is. I don't make it a practice to stop what I am doing once a day let alone 3 times (as Daniel did) to pray and I don't fast as often as I should. Those are only two of the areas which I fall short in and there are several more.

We use the "excuse" about how busy we are that we don't have time, but don't you think they were as busy if not more so back then? After all, they didn't have "banker's hours", or at least I wouldn't think so. They had full lives just like we do. It's just that they had their priorities straight. They understood how important God was to their lives, just as WE SHOULD.

We have been hearing that Jesus is coming back for a VERY LONG TIME, and some may have given up, or even begun to think it's untrue, but I'm telling you God's Word does not lie and it say's He's coming back. We must look at it from the stand point that if this has been told for years and years that it's getting closer and closer every year. Therefore, we are on the brink of His return. Our race is nearly run.

Let me ask you this. How are you doing in your race? Remember. in this race there are only winners and losers, NO placers. There is no second or third place.

I hope you are running this race to win it. Of course I don't know what it's going to be like up there other than what it is going to look like according to the Bible, and that we will be standing around God's throne singing and praising Him, but I am truly hoping I will get to meet at least some of y'all when we get up there. That is if my blog lasts as long as I do! LOL!

Good Night To All and May God Bless