Mom's Armor of God Part 3

Ephesians 6:10-18

New International Version (NIV)

The Armor of God

10 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. 11 Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. 12 For our struggle is not against flesh and blood,but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. 13 Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. 14 Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, 15 and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. 16 In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. 17 Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.
18 And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people.

vs 16-  Take up the shield of faith.

Let the attack of the world, the flesh and the devil fall flat against this defensive gear.  

Faith is my most powerful asset I have.  Faith helps resist the enemies temptations.  

I know I will be attacked by Satan, but I will wait for my Lord to help me.

I trust God!!

vs 17a- Put on the helmet of salvation

Protect my mind from attacks by the enemy and give me sound thinking

vs 17b- Take up the Sword of God, His Spirit, which is the Word of God.

Put Your truth in my heart and  mind in a fresh, new way so that I am able to pierce the heart and minds of those I encounter.

I must remember, my mind is Satan's battlefield.  I must conscientiously guard it (mind).

vs 18- pray always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit...

me:

And that's it.  That is Mom's notes and thoughts on the Armor of God.  I especially like the the insight that faith is my most powerful asset.  How often I lay it down, and just take the hits of the devil.  I let them defeat me because I forget to take up my shield of faith and I doubt the God I serve.  I am praying that this examination of the armor of God will help us to be more aware of it, to use it consistently and consciously.  Lord, help us not to lay down any part of our armor.  Remind us we are in a battle, but You have provided the victory, overwhelming victory.  Thank You.  

Lord, quiet me

Yesterday was one of those days.....you know, unexpected time stealers, extra spending, and just plain irritating.  I really should have expected it.  Sunday I did a Voice of the Martyrs speaking engagement at a warm and wonderful church in Brooklyn (Beraca Baptist--visit them if you are ever in Canarsie)  and it went so well.  We had a great time worshiping with this God-centered, on fire church and many people wanted to learn how they could come along side our persecuted family.   So, like I said, I should have expected the low, the hits to come, but I really wasn't thinking about  it.

I had my plan for yesterday.  Like I always do.  My little list of things that just have have have to get done to make my world right.  (LOL...always an amusement to the Lord, I'm sure).  And of course one of my babies (meaning my cat) decided it was time to get an eye infection.  Poor little guy.  So....there goes my time, off to the vet I go.  Just as I started fretting about the money..."God I didn't have enough time between vet visits to resave and build up the 'kitty fund"....my cell phone rings....ok, not a major occurrence you say?  Well, when you know that my ring tone is "How Great Is Our God", you get the picture.  It's as if God was saying, even before I started my whole litany of woe and anxiety to Him, that He had this handled.  He is a great God.  He can and will do whatever He needs to do to care for me.  He's got this.

Ok, the noisy tape recorder (you know, the one with all the doubts and fears and complaints on it) quieted down in my head.  I trust You Lord.  I will not get antsy and crazy over this.  You got me covered.  And my poor little guy too.  Thank You. And as far as the timing, well that's in Your hands as well.  I am going forward on this time issue....just gotta let go and let God as "they" say.  Does anyone know where I can get a job with "they"?  Sounds like a pretty nifty gig.

Onward to the irritating and the angry.   For some unknown reason (although I think it may be a spiritual problem), like I have mentioned before, I get to work and the negativity starts attacking, the anger and annoyance starts building.  I do believe there is some kind of (demonic??) negative energy that pervades that building and it just attempts to overwhelm every time I step through the door.  Some days I am better at fighting it off and tapping into the greater One inside of me than others. Some days I just allow it to infect me and in turn it affects (or is it effects?) my witness...which I hate.  There is such a darkness there, the words, the emotions of people, the mistrust and animosity...  Oh Lord, help me to be light.

This happened both Tues and Wens.  So anyway, I get out to my car at lunch and had to run to the bank.  So I listened to the radio...and yes God once again visited me through some inspired, anointed Christian music.  The first song that came on was Plumb's Need You Now.  I think this is my theme song.

Next up came The Newsboys "We Believe".  This just lifted me and helped me refocus and regroup.  My heart soared with this affirmation of my faith and I was able to get through the rest of the night in peace and contentment.  (ok, don't know how to fix the alignment here !!! I am so not computer savvy!!! LOL)

Anyway, I guess we are staying with this centering thing.  God really spent time visiting yesterday, reassuring, reaching down and lifting me up, letting me know that even though I didn't feel His presence, even though I felt all dark, dreary and feary inside, He was still there, still in control and still loving and caring for me.  I am so grateful.  I love You Lord.  Please help us to see Your visits today, even if we can't sense Your presence.  Give us faith, and let us keep Your hope, especially when things seem hopeless.  Thank You.

My prayer

Lord, help me to be quiet before You now.  Speak to me.  Work in me.  The input I need most is from within, from You.  Holy Spirit illuminate and cause the seeds sown in the soil of my heart to take root and bloom fruitfully for Your kingdom and Your glory.  I bring my deepest need to You, which is the need for You.  Fill me now with Yourself.  So many loved ones have so many hurts Lord, please help them today, let them sense Your presence and Your care this morning Lord.  Lead them in solutions and in Your peace.  Open doors, bring healing, bring correction and comfort.  Let them take time to listen for Your voice.  Thank You Lord, for all Your gifts to me.  For my salvation and for my sustenance for life.  Thank You for my home, my family, my job.  Thank You for Your teaching and Your Holy Spirit within me to lead and guide and empower me every day.  You are Holy Lord. Your are filled with love and compassion and righteousness.  You are Savior, Redeemer and King.  Let Your glory be seen over all the earth.  I worship You this morning Father.  You are worthy.  You alone are God.  Let all that have breath praise You!  Pray with me, worship with me dear readers.  We love You Lord!!

Prayer

Luke 5:16  But Jesus often withdrew to lonely places and prayed.

Matt 14:23  After He dismissed them, He went up on a mountainside by Himself to pray...

Mark 1:35  Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place where He prayed.

Jesus had no Bible. (although I am sure He knew the Word).  That was kept at the local temple.  There was no notebook and pen, or computer to journal or jot down any notes in.  He had no insightful books or daily devotionals written by inspired Christian authors.   No music by which to worship, though perhaps He sang songs on His own.  He prayed.  He talked.  He listened.  He communed with the Father and the Spirit in prayer.  This says something to me, this prayer habit of Jesus'.

I spend lots of time studying in the Word.  And that is great.  We should spend as much time as we can reading, studying, fellowshipping with the Word of God.  It is what renews our minds and gives instruction, admonition, encouragement and truth.  I love reading books written by Christians  inspired and stirred by the Holy Spirit to share the beautiful truths and helpful applications He give them.  I have been aided beyond measure by some of these books.  But there is something about the constant need during my "God time" for sensory input that seems to give the one thing Jesus had, prayer, second billing.

A few weeks or so ago, the Lord revealed to me my need to sit and meditate after all my reading and studying, allowing the Holy Spirit to process within me the lessons and information He taught and shared during that time.  This is supposed to be my time of prayer with Him that I neglect.  Not only time to allow the Word to penetrate and renew my mind, take root in my heart and uplift my spirit, but time to bring my needs and the needs of others to the throne of God, to thank Him for meeting our needs and to worship Him for who He is.  Time for prayer.

I got to thinking, perhaps this is one of the reasons the persecuted church is able to stand strong in the face of horrific circumstances--having the least availability of Christian materials, even Bibles, they spend the most time just communing with God, and hold Him all the more tightly, clinging to Him in prayer.

Not that I don't pray.  But sometimes it feels more like a quick, "oh I got to pray for such and such" kind of thing.  Less purposeful and deliberate than it should be. Jesus took fixed and purposed time for prayer.  This definitely takes practice and discipline.  Just trying to sit quietly and listen for 2 minutes drives me crazy....songs start going through my head, "oh, I need another sip of coffee...perhaps I should get up and get a second cup."  Then to do lists makes an appearance...on and on the distractions come !! LOL

Through the article I was reading in "In Touch" (great inspired Christian material! helpful and needful!) I was brought to Ps 63:1-8

    O, God, You are my God, earnestly I seek You: my soul thirsts for You in a     dry and weary land where there is no water.  I have seen You in the            sanctuary and beheld Your power and Your glory.  Because Your love is better than life, my lips will glorify You.  I will praise You as long as I live and in Your name I will lift up my hands.  My soul will be satisfied as with the richest of foods, with singing lips my mouth will praise You.  On my bed I remember You; I think of You through the watches of the night.  Because You are my help, I sing in the shadow of Your wings.  My soul clings to You; Your right hand upholds me.

A picture of time spent in prayer, in intimate communion with the Lord.  Prayer is to become as necessary as breathing to me.  My refreshment, my food, my fulfillment, my protection and my joy.

So after all this, I spent some time at the close of my morning "God time" putting this into practice.   Of course the distractions came...geez, I will be glad to get past that part of this discipline !!!  I then went for my morning (or some mornings...not all, not anywhere near the amount it should be) run.  And as is my practice I put on my Joyce M podcast (yet another inspired Christian used as a tool by the Holy Spirit...thank you!).  The message was on interrupting Satan's plan.  And what was a good part of the message about?   You guessed it--PRAYER, even down to the part of it being like breathing !!  Is God not amazing?  Teaches then confirms. GOD VISIT !!!

Lord lead me in this school of prayer.  I want to unlock the mystery, the power, the fulfillment of prayer.  I want to cling to You, draw near to You, nearer than yesterday.  I want to live in the shadow of Your wings.  It's You that I need more than even air.  Start the connection.  Let's pray.

Armor of God from Mom --Part 2

Ephesians 6:10-18

New Living Translation (NLT)

The Whole Armor of God

10 A final word: Be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. 11 Put on all of God’s armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies of the devil. 12 For we[a] are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places.

13 Therefore, put on every piece of God’s armor so you will be able to resist the enemy in the time of evil. Then after the battle you will still be standing firm. 14 Stand your ground, putting on the belt of truth and the body armor of God’s righteousness. 15 For shoes, put on the peace that comes from the Good News so that you will be fully prepared.[b] 16 In addition to all of these, hold up the shield of faith to stop the fiery arrows of the devil.[c] 17 Put on salvation as your helmet, and take the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.
18 Pray in the Spirit at all times and on every occasion. Stay alert and be persistent in your prayers for all believers everywhere.[d]

vs 14:  gird your waist with truth (belt of truth)  Wrap You Word around me, around the very core of my being.  Protect me from error by keeping me in "Your truth"

God's Word is truth, I can depend on it.  The Holy Spirit enables me to walk in keeping with God's Word.

vs 14b:  put on the breastplate of righteousness

Guard my heart and emotions from the assault (attack) of the enemy.

Let me not be ruled by my emotions (feelings) but only by the truth of Your Word.

Protect me from giving way to natural desires.

     Luke 8:22-25  One day, Jesus said to His disciples, "Let's go over to the other side of the lake."  So they got into a boat and set out.  As they sailed, He fell asleep.  A squall came down on the lake, so that the boat was being swamped, and they were in great danger.  The disciples went and woke Him, saying, "Master, Master, we're going to drown!"  He got up and rebuked the wind and the raging waters; the storm subsided and all was calm.  "Where is your faith?"  He asked His disciples.  

Obedience--A protective covering.  With this protection Satan's arrows of doubt and fear will not penetrate.  (heart) Emotions are so vulnerable, respond with Scriptural truths.

God's truth is reliable.  God's Word deflects the arrows of Satan.

vs 15  Step into the "Sandals of Peace"

Use me to take Your peace and hope into the world today.  Help me stand firm in the face of any attack of Satan by anchoring me in Your Word  I pray to be firmly planted in God's Word.

from me:

I love the way the weapons work together and the way that becomes clear to me in Mom's writings.  If I really focus on these weapons, this armor each day, I will see more and more victory in my life.   The Bible tells me I am more than a conqueror through Jesus.  But I must be obedient and put on the armor.  I love how everything is truly based in God's Word.  His Word is who He is.

Thank You Lord for the armor and for the way it all fits together.  Thank you for this lesson You gave Mom that is making that so much more clear to me.  Help me to keep my armor on and walk in the victory You provide.

My wonderful cousin was baptized on Sunday.  I am so thrilled for her.  As I sat in the audience my only regret was that my Mom was not there to see this, but then of course I knew she was looking down, along with my cousin's Mom.  And I knew they were so happy and smiling.  I can just see them in heaven hugging one another and celebrating with the Lord this new step in my cousins walk with Jesus.  The worship team led us in some great songs, the last being the God visit...it was Amazing Grace, My Chains are Gone....the same song my dear friends sang at Mom's home going celebration.  God is so amazing and so awesome and so comforting.  He just had to let us know that they were with us, in that great cloud of witnesses, rejoicing with us on earth this beautiful moment in my cousins life.

Thank You Lord, for little signs of Your love and care.  You are so kind to Your children.

Magic Eraser

God is in the little things.  Today I ran to pick up a few items from the store.  I was all set to get out of there when I ran over a packaged sponge of the floor.  My first instinct was to get annoyed....and then I was reminded that I needed Magic Erasers!!  I had completely forgotten to put it on my list and therefore was ready to leave the store without having picked one up!!  But God knew.  And He remembered.  And He put a little reminder in my path to help me out.  Now how cool is that !?!  You gotta love Him !  Thank You Lord !!

Armor--used again !!

Yesterday at work was a normal day.  I go about doing my job, and then it starts...the complaining in my head, the criticizing voices rattling around in there...and then the other voice...the good voice...Put on your armor child!!  

Thank You Holy Spirit for reminding me.  LOL  

Suffering

In case anyone noticed, I just figured out that I have a title line here.....blonde moment !!!  LOL

Phil 3:10-11  I want to know Christ and the power of His resurrection and the fellowship of sharing in His sufferings, become like Him in His death, and so somehow, to attain the resurrection from the dead.

Could it be that suffering, all suffering, from the mundane daily irritations to the unimaginable persecution for His names sake, brings me into unity with Christ's own suffering on the Cross.  Does all suffering bring me to the point of sharing His sufferings?

As I was reading "One Thousand Gifts"  Ann V. talked about something called the ugly-beautiful, that "dark can give birth to life; suffering can deliver grace."  She gave examples of new life coming from a dark womb, the beginning of the universe, darkness until God spoke the light into existence, and wheat crops, the seeds pushing up through the dark earth to reach their new stalks into the sunlight. And so this all got me to thinking and meditating on the verse she used, Phil. 3:10-11.  And the good Lord, just came and sat right down for a little visit and chat on suffering.

Suffering...we all hate it.  No one wants to go through it.  Lord, let it be easy, don't let it hurt.  But everyone knows as a rule, we get closest to our God, and learn some of our most valuable and precious lessons in the school of suffering.

But it's more than that.  Suffering is where we can be truly united with Jesus.  In Gethsemane Jesus laid down His own will, His own self interest.  Suffering.

On the Cross, He took all our sins, pain, sickness and separation.  Suffering.

When I suffer for my sinfulness, my bad choices, it unites us as You suffered for my sinfulness as well.

When my flesh suffers because I deny it, I am identifying with Your suffering in the Garden.

When I suffer illness, You too, took that to the Cross.  You suffered pain.

When people hurt me, that burden as well You carried.  You too had been hurt and betrayed by strangers, friends, the unjust and the justified.

In order to experience the resurrection, You had to go to the Cross.  In order to experience the power of Your resurrection, I must be united to You in the suffering.  Resurrection can only shine through the dark night of suffering.  Without a death, there is not resurrection.

And knowing this, that suffering brings new birth, that dark and dead gives way to light and life, should I not then give thanks for it?  If indeed, suffering unifies me with Christ, transforms death to resurrection then I must give thanks for it, even welcome it and it's transforming work.  UGH!!  Really Lord ????

Hebrews 12:11  No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful.  Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it.  

This is not an easy thing, this giving thanks for the ugly-beautiful, the suffering-resurrection.  But if I can just start looking at suffering as a friend rather than an intruding enemy bent on my demise (or just to drive me crazy!)...might I not be more at peace during the storms, less likely to lash out at the common annoyances that permeate daily living. Can I tie them all the Christ and the Cross, binding myself there as well? Something to think about.  Something to pray about.

Thank You Lord for even in the worst of things You bring about resurrection. Please help me to not fight against this process, but to embrace and give thanks for ALL things.

Eph. 5:20...always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.  

1 Thess. 5:18...give thanks in all circmstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus.

Armor of God

Ephesians 6:10-18  A final word:  Be strong in the Lord and in His mighty power. Put on all of God's armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies of the devil.  For we are not fighting against flesh and blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places.  

Therefore, put on every piece of God's armor so that you will be able to resist the enemy in the time of evil.  Then after the battle you will still be standing firm. Stand your ground, putting on the belt of truth, and the body armor of God's righteousness.  For shoes, put on the peace that comes from the Good News, so that you will be fully prepared.  In addition to all of these, hold up the shield of faith to stop the fiery arrows of the devil.  Put on salvation as your helmet, and take the sword of the  Spirit, which is the Word of God.  

Pray in the Spirit at all times and on every occasion.  Stay alert and be persistent in your prayers for all believers everywhere.  

Just the other day, I was telling a friend I felt like I was being pelted with negative thoughts every time I stepped through the doors at work.  I would start feeling peevish and irritated not ten minutes into my shift. Pride and selfishness would fill my heart and direct the words coming from my mouth.  As I was speaking this out loud to my friend, I "heard" the Spirit inside me telling me to raise my shield of faith.  So it's "funny" (Godincidence??? LOL) that the next section in Mom's journal was entitled "Armor of God."  I think I will do this in parts since it's kind of a longer section.  So here goes Mom's thoughts and insights.

Armor of God.  Eph. 6:10-18.  A covering, a protection.

Spiritual Warfare-- our warfare is not against physical forces but against invisible powers.  Start everyday in God's Word, prepare yourself by putting on "His armor."

vs. 13  Take all God's armor, His Word to be able to withstand whatever is thrown at me (us) so God get the glory.  Vigorously oppose the enemy, maintain a battle stance.

Prayer arms me to prepare for battle.  Prayer is the battle itself.  God's Word is my chief weapon - truth, righteousness (conform to the revealed will of God), peace, faith, salvation.

From me:

What a good way to start the day.  In God's Word, in prayer and remembering to put on my armor.  I believe that when we do this we are setting the foundation for a stronger day.  Battles and problems will still come, but we give ourselves something fight with.  If I didn't eat breakfast in the morning, I would be weak and anemic by midday.  It's the same spiritually.  I need my spiritual nourishment and calorie power!!

Lord, thank You for the armor.  For the power of prayer.  Fill me now with Your strength, not for my own pleasure or pride, but for Your glory.  I place Your armor on, and I stand armed with Your Word.  I know things will come against me today. But You are stronger than anything.  Thank You for confirming through Mom's "God visit" the Word You brought to my heart a few days back.  Thank You for taking the time to come, sit and speak to us, to visit with Your children.

Full Circle

The Lord seems to be bringing me back to the beginning, to the start of this blog and the reason behind it.  Perhaps I have been slipping back into the comfortable old patterns, the known.  

I was doing my study on "31 Days of Praise" today.  Whoohoo I am up to Day 6! The verses I focused on were:  

Ps 99:3  Let them praise Your great and awesome name.  Your name is holy.

which led me to:

Isa.  6:3,5  And one cried to another and said: "Holy, holy, holy is the Lord of hosts; the whole earth is filled with His glory...Woe is me, for I am undone! "Because I am a man of unclean lips and I dwell in the midst of a people of unclean lips;  For my eyes have seen the King, the Lord of hosts."

and then the next verse given:

Daniel 4:37  Now I, Nebuchadnezzar praise and extol and honor the King of heaven, all of whose works are truth and His way justice.  And those who walk in pride He is able to put down.  

Yes, I am going somewhere with this!!  

Things don't turn out as we plan.  Life doesn't work the way I think it should.  And who do I blame besides myself?  God of course.  I forget that He is good.  That all His ways are just and His works are truth.  I forget to reverence and honor Him. To treat Him with the respect He is due.  I blame and accuse.  I forget His goodness to me, the "visits" He blesses me with everyday.  I forget He is merciful to me. And I don't believe or recognize that He is working all things, even the mistakes, even the disagreeable and the undesirable out for my good and His glory.  

And again I must repent of this practice, this character assassination.  

So onward to the God visit.  I was out jogging this morning, listening to Joyce M as is my practice.  Into her teaching she brought the verses in Matthew 4 where Jesus is led into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil.  In verse 3 we read, "If You are the Son of God...."and again in verse 6, "If You are the Son of God"...and finally Satan attempts to get Jesus to bow down to Him.  But the crux here for me was that Jesus knew who He was.  He knew exactly who He was. And that is why He could not be drawn into failure by Satan.  And this is what I am to know as well....Who God is.  

When I know and remember and acknowledge who God is I will not fall into the blame and accusation game the devil so much wants me to play.  I will not doubt God's goodness or His plan for my moment, my day or my life.  

This is so easy to write about here.  So much harder to put into practice.  Lord, I am Your temple and want to honor You with my lips, my heart and my life...help me to remember who You are.  Help me to praise Your great and awesome name always, even and especially when things are not as I want them, when things hurt and go completely wrong.  In Jesus name.  AMEN

Presence

Presence.  The presence of God.  Where does God dwell?

I was answering the question in the back of the book, The Story.  I am on the chapter where the Israelites are led back from captivity to rebuild the temple of the Lord.  Honestly, as I sat working through the questions this morning I was completely uninterested and uninspired by any of it.  I felt like nothing had meaning or purpose (God always has a purpose I know, but it certainly felt void of reason for the time being).  Do you ever have those times with God that feel like you are just not reaching Him, and Him you?  Well it was one of those times.....and then God.....

I got to the last 2 questions.  The first one:  "The Jews returned home to rebuild the temple, the dwelling place of God on earth.  Why was it important for them to do this?"  Of course, the most obvious answers came to mind..."they needed a place to worship, to come into God's presence, to meet with Him, offer sacrifice..."  As I said very uninspired, nothing deep and mysterious or awe provoking is coming out of my mind today.....but then the next question:  "Where does God dwell on earth today?"  Again, the obvious answer...."In me and all His children, the church."

But then God!  God opens up my mind to a fascinating truth.  And maybe it's a little simple, but it's something that never really seem to hit me before this.  The Israelites built a temple so that they could come into the presence of God, to worship and offer sacrifices.  We are the temple of God to bring His presence to the world, to live lives of worship and offer them as a sacrifice to Him.  In one instance, the people came to God, in the other the people bring God to the world. I am not to just keep God in church, but to be His living temple, bringing Him to wherever I go, wherever I am at the moment.  We are walking temples !!  We bring the presence of the Lord with us, to work, to the store, in our homes, everywhere.

2 Cor 2:15  For we are to God the fragrance of Christ among those who are being saved and among those who are perishing.  To the one we are the aroma of death leading to death, and to the other the aroma of life leading to life. And who is sufficient for these things. 

Matt 5:16  Let your light so shine before men that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.

Matt 5:14  You are the light of the world.  A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden.

Bringing the presence of the Lord with us.  Into every thing we do, every where we travel.  Letting Him shine through.  Letting His glory be seen.  Oh, that my life would reflect that very principle, that very essence of His presence.  Lord, help me.  I want to be that living, walking temple.  I want people to see that You live in me.  Truly, "who is sufficient for these things?"  But through Christ, I can do all things.

Answering....from Mom

Today is Mother's Day and I thought it only appropriate to share something from Mom's journal.  I miss her very much.  You know, we all realize that we don't live forever here on this earth, but still feel like our parents will always be with us. And then they are not.

Proverbs 18:13  He who answers a matter before he hears it, it is folly and shame to him.

Do not jump to conclusions.

Immediately direct your thoughts to God--

--Hold your tongue
--Don't retaliate
--Respond calmly
--Call on the Holy Spirit to help
--Don't respond immediately
--Seek God's direction
--Stop, think, wait, listen for God's answer
--The Holy Spirit will enable me
--Take that step of faith
--Meditate--as you meditate and discipline your mind, you will begin the reap            spiritual discernment and a clear sense of God's answer

Praise God, thank God

Nehemiah 5:7  after serious thought...(ponder, think, meditate on these things)

Psalm 25:4-5  Show me Your ways, Oh Lord, teach me Your paths.
Lead me...teach me.  For You are my God...On You I wait

Psalm 141:3  Set a guard over my mouth, Lord.  Keep watch over the door of my lips.

Philippians 1:27  Only let your conduct be worthy of the Gospel of Christ...that you stand firm in the Spirit, striving together as one for the faith of the Gospel.

Colossians 3:17  ...whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Jesus.

Colossians 4:2  continue earnestly in prayer, being vigilant in it with thanksgiving.

Colossians 4:7  Let your speech always be filled with grace, seasoned with salt, that you may know how you ought to answer each one.

Good advice from Mom.  I love the list she made.  I imagine with the exception of the meditation, that whole process would only take a few seconds of thought before I opened up my mouth.  It's like instead of tuning into to my emotions and opinions (I think, I feel, I want)  when I answer I change the channel and tune into the Holy Spirit (God thinks, God feels, God wants).  Couple this with time spent in prayer and meditation daily, a practice that teaches me how to listen for God's voice, and I bet a lot more of my speech would end up being beneficial for the hearers.  Ephesians 4:29  Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that we may benefit those who listen.  (I said I'd have to come back to that verse !!...it's got a lot of thought pondering to it!)

Lord, teach me to do this.  I want to start disciplining myself to tune into YOU.  I can see where the God visits are part of that.  It's all about seeking You in everything, looking for You in each moment.  Whether it's for answering others, finding you in the small, trusting you with the huge, it's all about turning my eyes upward and my ears toward Your Spirit.  Thank you for this process.

Please give my Mom a hug for me.  Thank you for letting her be my Mom on this earth.  I was and am still blessed for that privilege.

Anointing

Ok, this is a really strange and funny God visit.  Some may even think I am a little over the edge here (and some of you already know that sooooo..... LOL)

I was running (if you call what I do running...) this morning and listening to a Joyce podcast and she was talking about being anointed by the Lord for His work.  She spoke of how we all have His anointing and explaining what  we could do to walk in this. Her story went like this:  She was getting her nails done and the manicurist recognized her and was relating how she watched Joyce on television often.  The manicurist went on to say how whenever she watched Joyce she could see something special about and around her, but couldn't describe what it was.  Joyce told her it was the anointing of the Lord that she was tuning into to.  Joyce went on to explain how we all had this anointing of the Lord, this something that is different about us from the world and how it should be evident to those around us. As she said "You have the anointing of God"  on the word anointing a little blingy noise went off on my phone.  You know, one of the notification noises.  It felt like God was saying to me, You, You Madeline have this bliiiinnnngg from Me.  It's like that little extra something of a made up word/sound that you use to describe something special.  Kinda like a whaalaa!  (however do you spell that correctly ???)  It was so funny.  And I know this may not be making a lot of sense...but it happened and it was special and such a blessing and I think it is very very cool.

Have a blessed day everyone.  Lord help us to walk in Your anointing.  To be a blessing to those around us.  Let them see You.

Mom's Writings--Forsaking Anger.

Ephesians 4:30-32  And do not bring sorrow to God's Holy Spirit by the way you live.  Remember, He has identified you as His own, guaranteeing that you will be saved on the day of redemption.  Get rid of all bitterness, rage, anger, harsh words and slander, as well as all types of evil behavior.  Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you.

vs 30  do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God
vs 31  let all bitterness, wrath, anger, lour quarreling and evil speaking be put away from you, with all malice.
vs 32  be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you.

A righteous life has no room for lingering anger.  Recognize anger is there as in vs 31.  If you are angry, admit it, identify the source.

Consider these questions:

Why am I angry?
At whom am I angry?
What caused me to feel/act this way?
When or where did this feeling start?

Once we know the source of our anger its time to forgive, no matter what. Forsaking anger means we are walking in His will.

From me:

A few things that stuck out at me in these last couple of writings of my Mom. Yesterday she mentioned not to let anger dictate how we treat people.  Lord, how often does my anger come out in my tone and body language?  It's not just the words I say. (Oh my! I hear my Mom's voice here and I am not happy LOL)  

A righteous life has no room for lingering anger.  How true.  How can I be salt and light if I am angry?  How do I share a Gospel of peace if discord and strife are filling my heart and mind?  I must forsake these.  Holding on to anger, hugging it to myself as my right, is a luxury I cannot afford if I hope to lead others to Christ.  I cannot serve anger and the kingdom.

Getting rid of this anger in my life will take a herculean effort empowered by the Holy Spirit.  It is not of myself.  Sometimes it seems anger and annoyance take over before I even know what's happening.  Suddenly I am down a road I didn't even see the street sign for.  And maybe those street signs, when noticed are God visits in their own right.  They are His warnings about going to a place He does not wish us to travel to, let alone live in.

Can you picture a street with a house on it?  That house is anger, walls of bitterness, floors of resentment hold up the house. Perhaps pride is the foundation, self-righteousness the roof.  The decor is broken down and tattered because it's all been shattered by hatred and unforgiveness.  But as we live there we don't see the brokenness, because we hold on to our justification for this anger.  That is our filter and so we are blind.  I am saddened by this house.  It is a lonely place.  A heart broken place.  It is devoid of joy and laughter.

But the sun still shines on this house,  the light of God still reaches it.  We need only to let up the shades to let in this healing light.  But that is a choice.  Do I keep the curtains drawn, the windows closed keeping out the freshness and light that could renovate, redeem this house?

Lord, let me live in the light.  Let me life up the shades and let Your light shine into the darkest reaches of my house, my soul.  Heal the broken places, the places of pride that keep me from being the instrument of peace You desire to use to reach out to the other houses on my street.  Remind of those questions Mom penned in her journal, and remind me of the Cross where Jesus took all that anger upon Himself and offered me His forgiveness.

Mom's Writings--more on anger

I realized I hadn't shared any of Mom's insights for a while and thought it was time for some more of the wisdom she found during her visits with the Lord.  We are still on anger in her little journal.

James 1:19-22  Understand this my dear brothers and sisters:  You must be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to get angry.  Human anger does not produce the righteousness God desires....But don't just listen to God's word.  You must do what it says. Other wise you are only fooling yourselves.  

Qualities Needed in Trials-

vs 19:  every man be swift to hear
            slow to speak
            slow to wrath
vs 20:  for the man of wrath does not produce the righteousness of God.
vs 22:  But be doers of the Word and not hearers only.

Do the work of God--Hear the Word and do the work.  Be obedient

Ephesians 4:26-27   And do not sin by letting anger control you.  Don't let the sun go down while you are still angry, for anger gives a foothold to the devil.

vs 26:  be angry and do not sin, let not the sun go down on your wrath
vs 27:  do not give an opportunity to the devil.

Truth in Action--

-deal with anger quickly
-don't allow it to influence your treatment of others

As believers we cannot stand before God and justify harboring long-term anger.  It must be released at once through forgiveness.

Identify frequent instants or people who cause us to allow a "situation" for anger to happen.  

James 1:19--pray that God makes us:  quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger.
from me:
What a great prayer for us.  Something I saw on facebook comes to mind:

      IF WE COULD LOOK INTO EACH OTHERS HEARTS AND       UNDERSTAND THE UNIQUE CHALLENGES EACH OF US FACES, I THINK WE WOULD TREAT EACH OTHER MUCH MORE GENTLY, WITH MORE LOVE, PATIENCE, TOLERANCE, AND CARE. 

(Guess that was a God visit that I missed the day I saw that post...or maybe God was just holding that knowledge until this very moment when I would be reminded to include it here.)

And something that is coming up inside this moment:  I am not just to be listening with my human ear, which is guided by my own feelings, and filters, but by the spiritual ear, which is led by the Holy Spirit.

Mom spoke of identifying specific things that triggered anger in us.  What is it about certain situations, certain people that seem to cause that anger to bubble up and overflow (mine usually at work, and usually through my mouth!)?  One of the first things that come to mind, for me anyway, is pride.  A second thing that comes to mind is something that has been a topic in my Bible Study group for many years; expectations.  When people don't do what I think they should or meet my ideals, then I get angry.

Lord, help me to look past myself, my pride and needs and wants, help me to hear with Your ear, and see with Your eyes.  Let me listen to what is underneath.  And let me respond not in anger but in love.

SPRING !!!

Hurry

How many time have I spoken of being in a hurry, feeling stressed and rushed.  I always have this picture in my mind of being on a treadmill with a to-do list in one hand and a stopwatch in the other, unable to catch my breath as I run and run and run.

At lunch time last night I was reading "One Thousand Gifts" by Ann V again.  She included in her book a quote from a pastor she knew that just resonated so deeply and so thoroughly with me.  It seemed to shake something at my very core in a frighteningly profound way.  I am still quite shaken by it.  The pastor said: "Through all my haste I thought I was making up time.  It turns out I was throwing it away."

How devastating.  How saddening.  Is that what I have been doing?  Have I been so focused on getting done, moving forward that I have been rushing through the moments in my life that would have brought me the peace and joy I've been longing for.  How many God visits have I missed?  How many opportunities for gratitude, for praise?

I am still reeling inside from this statement.  I so so so want to change this perspective in my life.  I know I've seen glimpses of this principle before and I've tried to embrace it only to get back on the treadmill time and time again.  But this one statement has reached into the center of my being and caused a shock wave.
And I am praying that my time on the treadmill is over.

Will I be perfect in this?  Probably not.  Will I continue to work with the Holy Spirit to enter in to each moment and only that moment of my day?  Yes.  Eyes wide open to see the presence and glory of God in each task, each tick o the clock.  Lord help me !!