John 15:1-8 I am the true grapevine, and my Father is the gardener. He cuts off every branch of mine that doesn't produce fruit, and He prunes the branches that do bear fruit so they will produce even more. You have already been pruned and purified by the message I have given you. Remain in Me and I will remain in you. For a branch cannot produce fruit if it is severed from the vine, and you cannot be fruitful unless you remain in me. Yes, I am the vine; you are the branches. Those who remain in me, and I in them, will produce much fruit. For apart from Me you can do nothing. Anyone who does not remain in me is thrown away like a useless branch and withers. Such branches are gathered into a pile to be burned. But if you remain in Me and My words remain in you, you may ask for anything you want, and it will be grated! When you produce much fruit, you are my true disciples. This brings great glory to my Father.
The "fruit" that the heavenly vinedresser (gardener, our heavenly Father) looks for is "Christlike-ness." To be like Jesus.
Fruits of the Spirit: Galatians 5:22-23 But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our live: love, joy, peace, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.
We are to strive to be like Jesus - to have His characteristics.
From me.
Bearing fruit for the Lord. This is a concept I struggle with. I still battle the "not good enough" syndrome in my mind. I mean, you hear of people evangelizing, talking to strangers on a train or in a diner about Jesus, leading friends or family to Christ. Brothers or sisters in restricted nations sharing the Gospel with storekeepers, people they meet in a park, all at great risk to themselves. And then there are the people who have the uncanny knack for service, sensing needs and jumping right in to meet that need....Then I look at my life and say to myself, "Well, what the heck am I doing?" Perhaps some of you readers feel the same way.
And I hear the Spirit's reply deep in my heart. "Remain faithful." Continue working with the Lord to produce the fruit of Galatians 5:22-23, no matter how slow or fast the progress is. No matter the setbacks...just keep going. Do the things His given me to do, and do them with excellence.
Use the gifts He's given, and let the fruit bearing be the Lord's responsibility, in the Lord's time. Simple things like handing out a Bible tract, caring for a family member, sending out Daily Devotional magazines to friends, Spirit lead prayer, writing a blog, donating money, food....whatever you do, do it with a heart to honor God and He will be faithful to bring fruit from it.
We are to bear fruit. But we can do nothing without staying in Jesus. And that is the key here. The more time I am with Him, the more I know what He wants me to do, and if it's God ordained to do then it is God ordained to be fruitful. In me and in those around me. He is amazing.
Thank You Lord for the encouraging words of the Spirit. "Be Faithful." I love the times when a God visit comes as I am writing this blog. For some reason that just makes me smile. You are so wonderful and funny Lord. I thank You for the desire in my heart to want to be fruitful, and bring glory to You. That desire is there by Your design. I'm so grateful that we can come into Your presence everyday, to just be in touch with You, to sit with You and rest, and get our strength for the day ahead. Lord, help us to remain in You as we go out today, listening for Your voice in order to be the fruitful children You desire.
Ask the Lord to show you the areas of Your life that are producing fruit, and those that are not. And look for the small, places you are being a blessing. Be encouraged by them!
Tuesday, August 30, 2016
Sunday, August 28, 2016
Always Praise
No matter where we are in life, in joy, in loss, in struggle, in ease....may we lift up the name of the Lord. In doing so we ourselves are lifted!
Thursday, August 25, 2016
Humble
Matthew 5:3 Blessed are those who are poor and realize their need for Him, for the Kingdom of Heaven is theirs.
Matthew 5:5 God blesses those who are humble, for they will inherit the whole earth.
Philippians 2:3-4 Don’t be selfish; don’t try to impress others. Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourselves. Don’t look out only for your own interests, but take an interest in others, too.
These are the verses that have been sticking out to me over the last couple of weeks. I know when God is impressing a verse on me, and then another pops up with the same theme, then another.....He is trying to tell me something! LOL
Sadly, I know I have a problem with pride. Not that I go around thinking I'm better than others, but I know that some of my attitudes, actions and words are based on a prideful heart. Things like, "well, I'm not going to pick up that junk on the floor, those people should learn not to put it there!" Attitudes like that at work. Or, how about, "If I do a really good job here, people will be impressed or they will think I'm special, valuable." Again, the focus is on me and how I look, think or feel. Instead of aiming to be a blessing, trying to make things better in my little slice of the world, or to please God, I am fixated on how I feel, what I think is right or wrong or fair, what is easiest for me. Me me me me me !!
The only reason I need for anything in my life is to please the Lord. I wish I could just instantly make all other motives disappear from my heart and mind! But that is not the way it works now is it? No, I need reminders like these verses to give me a godly bop on the head! And even if I don't want to hear it, I am grateful for the correction and direction. God is so good.
What if everything I did...I did just and only to please the Lord. Every action. Every word. Thoughtful, purposeful....There was a song that I heard years ago, "Let's Forget About Ourselves...." What a wonderful concept. A life lived focused centered on the Lord, living to bring Him glory and make Him smile. Again, wish there were some magic wand to make this happen instantly! But it's hard work !!! LOL
I believe the Holy Spirit told me that in order to stay satisfied in life, in Jesus, I need to stay humble. Isn't it pride that tells us we deserve more, or different. We are entitled to better treatment, more recognition? Is much of our unhappiness stemming from our pride? Uh oh! One of those "God questions!"
2 Corinthians 5:15 He died for everyone so that those who receive His new life will no longer live for themselves. Instead, they will live for Christ, who died and was raised for them.
It's all about JESUS! Lord help me to live as if Your are the only one watching. Let me live to make You smile, and bring joy to Your heart, and let others see You in me...more of You, less of me. Forgive me for my prideful ways and attitudes. Help me to overcome this sin in my life. Thank You for correction, patience, encouragement, and empowerment to "do everything through Christ who gives me strength." (Philippians 4:13.) Remind me today, remind me often....Heal me and those who are reading this, Lord. Work in our lives to glorify Yourself and be a blessing to others.
Ask the Lord to show you any areas and attitudes in your heart and life that may have pride behind them.
Matthew 5:5 God blesses those who are humble, for they will inherit the whole earth.
Philippians 2:3-4 Don’t be selfish; don’t try to impress others. Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourselves. Don’t look out only for your own interests, but take an interest in others, too.
These are the verses that have been sticking out to me over the last couple of weeks. I know when God is impressing a verse on me, and then another pops up with the same theme, then another.....He is trying to tell me something! LOL
Sadly, I know I have a problem with pride. Not that I go around thinking I'm better than others, but I know that some of my attitudes, actions and words are based on a prideful heart. Things like, "well, I'm not going to pick up that junk on the floor, those people should learn not to put it there!" Attitudes like that at work. Or, how about, "If I do a really good job here, people will be impressed or they will think I'm special, valuable." Again, the focus is on me and how I look, think or feel. Instead of aiming to be a blessing, trying to make things better in my little slice of the world, or to please God, I am fixated on how I feel, what I think is right or wrong or fair, what is easiest for me. Me me me me me !!
The only reason I need for anything in my life is to please the Lord. I wish I could just instantly make all other motives disappear from my heart and mind! But that is not the way it works now is it? No, I need reminders like these verses to give me a godly bop on the head! And even if I don't want to hear it, I am grateful for the correction and direction. God is so good.
I believe the Holy Spirit told me that in order to stay satisfied in life, in Jesus, I need to stay humble. Isn't it pride that tells us we deserve more, or different. We are entitled to better treatment, more recognition? Is much of our unhappiness stemming from our pride? Uh oh! One of those "God questions!"
2 Corinthians 5:15 He died for everyone so that those who receive His new life will no longer live for themselves. Instead, they will live for Christ, who died and was raised for them.
It's all about JESUS! Lord help me to live as if Your are the only one watching. Let me live to make You smile, and bring joy to Your heart, and let others see You in me...more of You, less of me. Forgive me for my prideful ways and attitudes. Help me to overcome this sin in my life. Thank You for correction, patience, encouragement, and empowerment to "do everything through Christ who gives me strength." (Philippians 4:13.) Remind me today, remind me often....Heal me and those who are reading this, Lord. Work in our lives to glorify Yourself and be a blessing to others.
Ask the Lord to show you any areas and attitudes in your heart and life that may have pride behind them.
Tuesday, August 23, 2016
God's Creation
Recently we took a trip to the mid-western part of the United States. It was such a fun trip, visiting historic baseball park Wrigley Field for a tour and a game, a beautiful night on Lake Michigan to watch fireworks over the Chicago skyline and of course a side trip to see the Field of Dreams, made famous by the movie of the same name years ago. As we drove through from Chicago, Illinois to Des Moines, Iowa our route meandered through cornfields and farmland showing God's beautiful creation. My God visit today consists of some of sights...showing how He visits us everyday in the world around us. Whether those sights consist of nature, or man made items, it's all from Him and I am striving to be more aware and appreciative of the world the Lord has surrounded us with.
It doesn't matter, city, suburb or country....all around is a gift of God. The lines and engineering marvels of skyscrapers, the delicate petals of a flower or the never ending scope of the sky...it's all Him and all for our blessing...what a mighty, loving and wonderful God we serve. Thank You Lord!
Lord, help us to not take the world around us for granted. Help us to see Your beauty wherever we are.
Look around today at God's creation...look in the areas you wouldn't normally think of and give Him praise!
It doesn't matter, city, suburb or country....all around is a gift of God. The lines and engineering marvels of skyscrapers, the delicate petals of a flower or the never ending scope of the sky...it's all Him and all for our blessing...what a mighty, loving and wonderful God we serve. Thank You Lord!
Lord, help us to not take the world around us for granted. Help us to see Your beauty wherever we are.
Look around today at God's creation...look in the areas you wouldn't normally think of and give Him praise!
Wednesday, August 17, 2016
Forgive, From Mom
God's mercy. Psalm 103:3 He forgives all my sins and heals all my diseases.
From the Word Wealth section of the Spirit Filled Bible: "to pardon, spare someone, to relieve someone of the burden of their offense."
Colossians 3:13 Make allowance for each other’s faults, and forgive anyone who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others.
Word Wealth: "show kindness unconditionally, give freely, grant forgiveness, forgive freely.
Luke 23:34 Forgiveness is made possible through Christ who forgave us. Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they don’t know what they are doing.” And the soldiers gambled for his clothes by throwing dice.
Colossians 1:14 who purchased our freedom[a] and forgave our sins.
Ephesians 4:29-32 Don’t use foul or abusive language. Let everything you say be good and helpful, so that your words will be an encouragement to those who hear them. 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.
From me:
Forgiveness. It's not optional for us. God has forgiven me so very much. And continues to do so. I always think, who am I to withhold forgiveness from anyone. And the Bible has so many verses on the forgiveness offered to us by God and instructions on us to follow His example and extend it to others. One of the scariest parables Jesus told was on being a person who is unforgiving.
Matthew 18:21-25 21 Then Peter came to him and asked, “Lord, how often should I forgive someone who sins against me? Seven times?” 22 “No, not seven times,” Jesus replied, “but seventy times seven! 23 “Therefore, the Kingdom of Heaven can be compared to a king who decided to bring his accounts up to date with servants who had borrowed money from him. 24 In the process, one of his debtors was brought in who owed him millions of dollars. 25 He couldn’t pay, so his master ordered that he be sold—along with his wife, his children, and everything he owned—to pay the debt. 26 “But the man fell down before his master and begged him, ‘Please, be patient with me, and I will pay it all.’ 27 Then his master was filled with pity for him, and he released him and forgave his debt. 28 “But when the man left the king, he went to a fellow servant who owed him a few thousand dollars.He grabbed him by the throat and demanded instant payment. 29 “His fellow servant fell down before him and begged for a little more time. ‘Be patient with me, and I will pay it,’ he pleaded. 30 But his creditor wouldn’t wait. He had the man arrested and put in prison until the debt could be paid in full. 31 “When some of the other servants saw this, they were very upset. They went to the king and told him everything that had happened. 32 Then the king called in the man he had forgiven and said, ‘You evil servant! I forgave you that tremendous debt because you pleaded with me. 33 Shouldn’t you have mercy on your fellow servant, just as I had mercy on you?’ 34 Then the angry king sent the man to prison to be tortured until he had paid his entire debt.35 “That’s what my heavenly Father will do to you if you refuse to forgive your brothers and sisters[m] from your heart.”
I can't imagine not forgiving someone after reading that. And then there is Matthew 6:14-15 “If you forgive those who sin against you, your heavenly Father will forgive you. But if you refuse to forgive others, your Father will not forgive your sins.
I know my heart. I know my life. I know the size and scale of my debt, the long, long list of offenses that God has wiped away. He has so graciously pardoned me. It is only right that I never hold or harbor unforgiveness against another.
I know there have been some horrendous hurts in many peoples lives. I don't believe God isn't sympathetic with the damage done to our hearts when another abuses us, or causes unfathomable harm to another human being, destroys the things or people we love. Some things seem so completely unforgivable. Our only example is Jesus. On the Cross He asked the Father to forgive those who put Him there. Those we mercilessly abused Him and would soon murder Him.
In all honestly I believe our Father asks us to forgive these terrible hurts for our own good. Unforgiveness is toxic. It's poison to our systems...polluting us spiritually, emotionally, and physically. He knows the damage it causes the one who walks in it. It will gradually darken every corner of our lives if we allow it a foothold. It is not easy, nor is it done in human strength. It's all God working through us. It can only be so. I always marvel at those Christian brothers and sisters who forgive the ones who persecute them for their faith in Jesus Christ. I wonder how they can forgive those who murdered their family, burned down their homes, or caused great physical harm to their bodies....yet these amazing men and women do just that. It is definitely a work of the Holy Spirit. And who knows, perhaps that forgiveness will one day lead the person who caused the harm to Jesus.
Lord, help me never to forget Your mercy to me, and help me to ever walk in that same mercy to those around me. In Psalm 103:12 we are told: He has removed our sins as far from us as the east is from the west. That is amazing to me. Thank You.
Let us search our hearts this week to see if there is unforgiveness living there. And then release it. It's an act of will, not of emotion. And act of obedience. Lord give us the strength and will to do this....
From the Word Wealth section of the Spirit Filled Bible: "to pardon, spare someone, to relieve someone of the burden of their offense."
Colossians 3:13 Make allowance for each other’s faults, and forgive anyone who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others.
Word Wealth: "show kindness unconditionally, give freely, grant forgiveness, forgive freely.
Luke 23:34 Forgiveness is made possible through Christ who forgave us. Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they don’t know what they are doing.” And the soldiers gambled for his clothes by throwing dice.
Colossians 1:14 who purchased our freedom[a] and forgave our sins.
Ephesians 4:29-32 Don’t use foul or abusive language. Let everything you say be good and helpful, so that your words will be an encouragement to those who hear them. 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.
From me:
Forgiveness. It's not optional for us. God has forgiven me so very much. And continues to do so. I always think, who am I to withhold forgiveness from anyone. And the Bible has so many verses on the forgiveness offered to us by God and instructions on us to follow His example and extend it to others. One of the scariest parables Jesus told was on being a person who is unforgiving.
Matthew 18:21-25 21 Then Peter came to him and asked, “Lord, how often should I forgive someone who sins against me? Seven times?” 22 “No, not seven times,” Jesus replied, “but seventy times seven! 23 “Therefore, the Kingdom of Heaven can be compared to a king who decided to bring his accounts up to date with servants who had borrowed money from him. 24 In the process, one of his debtors was brought in who owed him millions of dollars. 25 He couldn’t pay, so his master ordered that he be sold—along with his wife, his children, and everything he owned—to pay the debt. 26 “But the man fell down before his master and begged him, ‘Please, be patient with me, and I will pay it all.’ 27 Then his master was filled with pity for him, and he released him and forgave his debt. 28 “But when the man left the king, he went to a fellow servant who owed him a few thousand dollars.He grabbed him by the throat and demanded instant payment. 29 “His fellow servant fell down before him and begged for a little more time. ‘Be patient with me, and I will pay it,’ he pleaded. 30 But his creditor wouldn’t wait. He had the man arrested and put in prison until the debt could be paid in full. 31 “When some of the other servants saw this, they were very upset. They went to the king and told him everything that had happened. 32 Then the king called in the man he had forgiven and said, ‘You evil servant! I forgave you that tremendous debt because you pleaded with me. 33 Shouldn’t you have mercy on your fellow servant, just as I had mercy on you?’ 34 Then the angry king sent the man to prison to be tortured until he had paid his entire debt.35 “That’s what my heavenly Father will do to you if you refuse to forgive your brothers and sisters[m] from your heart.”
I can't imagine not forgiving someone after reading that. And then there is Matthew 6:14-15 “If you forgive those who sin against you, your heavenly Father will forgive you. But if you refuse to forgive others, your Father will not forgive your sins.
I know my heart. I know my life. I know the size and scale of my debt, the long, long list of offenses that God has wiped away. He has so graciously pardoned me. It is only right that I never hold or harbor unforgiveness against another.
I know there have been some horrendous hurts in many peoples lives. I don't believe God isn't sympathetic with the damage done to our hearts when another abuses us, or causes unfathomable harm to another human being, destroys the things or people we love. Some things seem so completely unforgivable. Our only example is Jesus. On the Cross He asked the Father to forgive those who put Him there. Those we mercilessly abused Him and would soon murder Him.
In all honestly I believe our Father asks us to forgive these terrible hurts for our own good. Unforgiveness is toxic. It's poison to our systems...polluting us spiritually, emotionally, and physically. He knows the damage it causes the one who walks in it. It will gradually darken every corner of our lives if we allow it a foothold. It is not easy, nor is it done in human strength. It's all God working through us. It can only be so. I always marvel at those Christian brothers and sisters who forgive the ones who persecute them for their faith in Jesus Christ. I wonder how they can forgive those who murdered their family, burned down their homes, or caused great physical harm to their bodies....yet these amazing men and women do just that. It is definitely a work of the Holy Spirit. And who knows, perhaps that forgiveness will one day lead the person who caused the harm to Jesus.
Lord, help me never to forget Your mercy to me, and help me to ever walk in that same mercy to those around me. In Psalm 103:12 we are told: He has removed our sins as far from us as the east is from the west. That is amazing to me. Thank You.
Let us search our hearts this week to see if there is unforgiveness living there. And then release it. It's an act of will, not of emotion. And act of obedience. Lord give us the strength and will to do this....
Monday, August 15, 2016
Don't Sweat The Small Stuff
A few days ago I dropped and broke a magnet on my refrigerator. Now, I've spoken many times here on my clumsiness, my seemingly interminable talent for all things dropping, spilling, and breaking. And of course the annoyance and frustration that it brings to my day. So I broke the magnet. So I got annoyed. So I complained as I cleaned it up. Normal, normal, normal.
After all the fuss of my first foray into the kitchen, I proceeded to get my much needed coffee and then settled in for some time with the Lord. Already the peace of my day was disturbed. (Hmmm, that's another avenue to explore for me). I sat down upon my bed and I opened up "In Touch" to read that days daily devotional. God had the plan. He had the lesson prepared, the answer already given and the day's instruction written out in black and white (or maybe red if you have one of those Bibles that use red for Jesus' words lol).
And what was the reading for that day you ask? Luke 12:29-34 “And don’t be concerned about what to eat and what to drink. Don’t worry about such things. These things dominate the thoughts of unbelievers all over the world, but your Father already knows your needs. Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and he will give you everything you need. So don’t be afraid, little flock. For it gives your Father great happiness to give you the Kingdom. Sell your possessions and give to those in need. This will store up treasure for you in heaven! And the purses of heaven never get old or develop holes. Your treasure will be safe; no thief can steal it and no moth can destroy it. Wherever your treasure is, there the desires of your heart will also be."
Stop sweating the small stuff. It's not about the spilling, breaking, dropping....it's not about the messes in this world that so much invade and pervade our thinking...it's about the kingdom of God. . It's not about the 100 little things that go wrong during the day, but my attitude toward them that God is looking to change. Romans 14:17 For the Kingdom of God is not a matter of what we eat or drink, but of living a life of goodness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit.
I'm not sure how many times God has to repeat this lesson in my life. Hopefully you guys get it faster than I do!! But I will keep at it and I hope you will too!
Lord, thank You for this reminder once again. I love how You are so patient. You are so tender, so kind to me. Help me to put this into practice, to turn around my habit of complaining over the small scrapes and complications of the day into sessions of praise and thankfulness to You. It seems so much easier sometimes to do this during the big stuff, maybe because the daily annoyances come so frequently....I don't know. But whatever the reason I want to change. Help me Lord.
Today, instead of complaining, let's give thanks.
After all the fuss of my first foray into the kitchen, I proceeded to get my much needed coffee and then settled in for some time with the Lord. Already the peace of my day was disturbed. (Hmmm, that's another avenue to explore for me). I sat down upon my bed and I opened up "In Touch" to read that days daily devotional. God had the plan. He had the lesson prepared, the answer already given and the day's instruction written out in black and white (or maybe red if you have one of those Bibles that use red for Jesus' words lol).
And what was the reading for that day you ask? Luke 12:29-34 “And don’t be concerned about what to eat and what to drink. Don’t worry about such things. These things dominate the thoughts of unbelievers all over the world, but your Father already knows your needs. Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and he will give you everything you need. So don’t be afraid, little flock. For it gives your Father great happiness to give you the Kingdom. Sell your possessions and give to those in need. This will store up treasure for you in heaven! And the purses of heaven never get old or develop holes. Your treasure will be safe; no thief can steal it and no moth can destroy it. Wherever your treasure is, there the desires of your heart will also be."
Stop sweating the small stuff. It's not about the spilling, breaking, dropping....it's not about the messes in this world that so much invade and pervade our thinking...it's about the kingdom of God. . It's not about the 100 little things that go wrong during the day, but my attitude toward them that God is looking to change. Romans 14:17 For the Kingdom of God is not a matter of what we eat or drink, but of living a life of goodness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit.
I'm not sure how many times God has to repeat this lesson in my life. Hopefully you guys get it faster than I do!! But I will keep at it and I hope you will too!
Lord, thank You for this reminder once again. I love how You are so patient. You are so tender, so kind to me. Help me to put this into practice, to turn around my habit of complaining over the small scrapes and complications of the day into sessions of praise and thankfulness to You. It seems so much easier sometimes to do this during the big stuff, maybe because the daily annoyances come so frequently....I don't know. But whatever the reason I want to change. Help me Lord.
Today, instead of complaining, let's give thanks.
Thursday, August 11, 2016
As Always
As always, God brings conviction, but with the conviction He brings comfort an encouragement. I left the house to do errands shortly after I posted Tuesday's blog entry. Admitting my failures in here, I thought about those shortcomings as I drove to buy cat food....wishing, praying that I could be braver when needing to stand for my convictions, and nicer to my heavenly Father when things didn't go my way....I can't say I was exactly falling into condemnation....the Bible teaches that we don't belong there....but I kind of felt frustrated with my self for not making faster progress in these areas. Sometimes my slow pace on this Christian walk drives me crazy! I'm not a very fast jogger in the physical sense either...so I guess I'm consistent! LOL But, as the saying goes, I digress.
So I was driving and thinking, driving and praying, off to do my stuff and a song came on the radio that just lifted my heart with reassurance.
And then, as only God can do....He picked the perfect time to let me pass by one of the little Sandy encouragement stars to put the exclamation point on His message of hope....this one sad "FAITH." (The stars appeared on telephone poles after the south shore of Long Island was ravaged by super storm Sandy and thousands of people lost homes, and the area sustained severe damage to property and utilities. I believe they were made by children in the area to encourage the residents who had lost so much) Usually I don't notice these stars too much because when traffic is moving you pass them by so quickly, but his time I was in a slow down and the star was staring me right in the face! Coincidence....more like godincidence!
As always, I'm so blessed by our Father's love and attention. He disciplines, but He also heals. With the hand of correction, comes a heart of love and compassion.
Lord, I'm just thankful. Thankful for Your heart of mercy, of the kindness You show, and the desire You have to share Your heart with me, with all of us Your children. Help us to grow!
Look for God's encouragement today....make it a point to really seek.
Romans 8:1-2 So now there is no condemnation for those who belong to Christ Jesus. And because you belong to Him, the power of the life-giving Spirit has freed you from the power of sin that leads to death.
Hebrews 12:5-13 And have you forgotten the encouraging words God spoke to you as His children? He said, "My child, don't make light of the Lord's discipline, and don't give up when He corrects you. For the Lord disciplines those he loves and He punishes each one He accepts as His child." As you endure this divine discipline, remember that God is treating you ad His own children. Who ever heard of a child who is never disciplined by its father? If God doesn't discipline you as He does all of His children, it means that you are illegitimate and are not really His children at all. Since we respected our earthly fathers who disciplined us, shouldn't we submit even more to the discipline of the Father of our spirits and live forever? For our earthly fathers disciplined us for a few years, doing the best they knew how. But God's discipline is always good for us, so that we might share in the His holiness. No discipline is enjoyable while it is happening--it is painful! But afterward there will be a peaceful harvest of right living for those who are trained in this way. So take a new grip with your tired hands and strengthen your weak knees. Mark our a straight path for your feet so that those who are weak and lame will not fall but become strong.
So I was driving and thinking, driving and praying, off to do my stuff and a song came on the radio that just lifted my heart with reassurance.
And then, as only God can do....He picked the perfect time to let me pass by one of the little Sandy encouragement stars to put the exclamation point on His message of hope....this one sad "FAITH." (The stars appeared on telephone poles after the south shore of Long Island was ravaged by super storm Sandy and thousands of people lost homes, and the area sustained severe damage to property and utilities. I believe they were made by children in the area to encourage the residents who had lost so much) Usually I don't notice these stars too much because when traffic is moving you pass them by so quickly, but his time I was in a slow down and the star was staring me right in the face! Coincidence....more like godincidence!
As always, I'm so blessed by our Father's love and attention. He disciplines, but He also heals. With the hand of correction, comes a heart of love and compassion.
Lord, I'm just thankful. Thankful for Your heart of mercy, of the kindness You show, and the desire You have to share Your heart with me, with all of us Your children. Help us to grow!
Look for God's encouragement today....make it a point to really seek.
Romans 8:1-2 So now there is no condemnation for those who belong to Christ Jesus. And because you belong to Him, the power of the life-giving Spirit has freed you from the power of sin that leads to death.
Hebrews 12:5-13 And have you forgotten the encouraging words God spoke to you as His children? He said, "My child, don't make light of the Lord's discipline, and don't give up when He corrects you. For the Lord disciplines those he loves and He punishes each one He accepts as His child." As you endure this divine discipline, remember that God is treating you ad His own children. Who ever heard of a child who is never disciplined by its father? If God doesn't discipline you as He does all of His children, it means that you are illegitimate and are not really His children at all. Since we respected our earthly fathers who disciplined us, shouldn't we submit even more to the discipline of the Father of our spirits and live forever? For our earthly fathers disciplined us for a few years, doing the best they knew how. But God's discipline is always good for us, so that we might share in the His holiness. No discipline is enjoyable while it is happening--it is painful! But afterward there will be a peaceful harvest of right living for those who are trained in this way. So take a new grip with your tired hands and strengthen your weak knees. Mark our a straight path for your feet so that those who are weak and lame will not fall but become strong.
Tuesday, August 9, 2016
Fear, From Mom
Fear of God reverence and respect
Isaiah 8:13 Make the Lord of Heaven's Armies holy in your life. He is the one you should fear. He is the one who should make you tremble.
Fear - human fear - to be startled, to tremble, panic, alarm, terror.
Proverbs 15:33 Fear of the Lord teaches wisdom; humility precedes honor.
The fear of the Lord is not a terror that He is against us, rather the fear of the Lord produces wise, healthy actions.
Joshua 1:9 This is my command—be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”
Isaiah 41:10 Don’t be afraid, for I am with you. Don’t be discouraged, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will hold you up with my victorious right hand.
From me.
Look at the different definitions above. One is positive, one is negative. One brings peace, one brings turmoil and disquiet to our hearts. Fear of the Lord is healthy. It brings righteousness, right-ness, wisdom and peace to our lives. It keeps us on the wise path, and in right relationship with our heavenly Father. Respect Him. Honor Him. He is God. He is almighty, all holy. Fear of man, fear of circumstances, allowing these to rule us is paralyzing, compromising, and leads us away from God. It takes us out of His good plan for us and the center of His will for our lives. It's no wonder the Bible tells us so many times not to fear. There are times when we feel afraid. That's normal. But I believe that when the Bible tells us to "fear not," it is asking us not to let our fears outweigh our faith and trust in the Lord. We may feel fear, but it is not to control us....the Holy Spirit is to be in control and leading.
I have to admit, I struggle in this area. Plenty of times I let the fear of man's opinion override the Holy Spirit's voice. Also, I act like a spoiled brat with the Lord, rather than treating Him with the awe and reverence He deserves. I'm guessing that the post from Mom is God's little reminder, that He wants me working on these things. I am always so thankful for these convicting visits. It's easy to say fear the Lord, don't fear man....but putting it into practice, well that is going to take some hard word and a lot of prayer. That's okay though!
Romans 8: 31-39 31 What shall we say about such wonderful things as these? If God is for us, who can ever be against us? 32 Since he did not spare even his own Son but gave him up for us all, won’t he also give us everything else? 33 Who dares accuse us whom God has chosen for his own? No one—for God himself has given us right standing with himself. 34 Who then will condemn us? No one—for Christ Jesus died for us and was raised to life for us, and he is sitting in the place of honor at God’s right hand, pleading for us.
35 Can anything ever separate us from Christ’s love? Does it mean he no longer loves us if we have trouble or calamity, or are persecuted, or hungry, or destitute, or in danger, or threatened with death? 36 (As the Scriptures say, “For your sake we are killed every day; we are being slaughtered like sheep.”) 37 No, despite all these things, overwhelming victory is ours through Christ, who loved us.
38 And I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from God’s love. Neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons,neither our fears for today nor our worries about tomorrow—not even the powers of hell can separate us from God’s love. 39 No power in the sky above or in the earth below—indeed, nothing in all creation will ever be able to separate us from the love of God that is revealed in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Lord, teach us to fear only You. Let it lead us to Your heart. I know I don't want to fear what others think, fear what the future holds....And I want to treat You with the respect and honor You deserve. Help us to have healthy fear. Let our lives reflect this reverence for You and You alone.
What do you fear today? Talk to the Lord, and give it to Him...and give it to Him every time it comes to mind thereafter. Spend time looking up verses on fear in the Bible. Then pick one or two (or three or four...) to meditate on and make part of your thinking.
Isaiah 8:13 Make the Lord of Heaven's Armies holy in your life. He is the one you should fear. He is the one who should make you tremble.
Fear - human fear - to be startled, to tremble, panic, alarm, terror.
Proverbs 15:33 Fear of the Lord teaches wisdom; humility precedes honor.
The fear of the Lord is not a terror that He is against us, rather the fear of the Lord produces wise, healthy actions.
Joshua 1:9 This is my command—be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”
Isaiah 41:10 Don’t be afraid, for I am with you. Don’t be discouraged, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will hold you up with my victorious right hand.
From me.
Look at the different definitions above. One is positive, one is negative. One brings peace, one brings turmoil and disquiet to our hearts. Fear of the Lord is healthy. It brings righteousness, right-ness, wisdom and peace to our lives. It keeps us on the wise path, and in right relationship with our heavenly Father. Respect Him. Honor Him. He is God. He is almighty, all holy. Fear of man, fear of circumstances, allowing these to rule us is paralyzing, compromising, and leads us away from God. It takes us out of His good plan for us and the center of His will for our lives. It's no wonder the Bible tells us so many times not to fear. There are times when we feel afraid. That's normal. But I believe that when the Bible tells us to "fear not," it is asking us not to let our fears outweigh our faith and trust in the Lord. We may feel fear, but it is not to control us....the Holy Spirit is to be in control and leading.
I have to admit, I struggle in this area. Plenty of times I let the fear of man's opinion override the Holy Spirit's voice. Also, I act like a spoiled brat with the Lord, rather than treating Him with the awe and reverence He deserves. I'm guessing that the post from Mom is God's little reminder, that He wants me working on these things. I am always so thankful for these convicting visits. It's easy to say fear the Lord, don't fear man....but putting it into practice, well that is going to take some hard word and a lot of prayer. That's okay though!
Romans 8: 31-39 31 What shall we say about such wonderful things as these? If God is for us, who can ever be against us? 32 Since he did not spare even his own Son but gave him up for us all, won’t he also give us everything else? 33 Who dares accuse us whom God has chosen for his own? No one—for God himself has given us right standing with himself. 34 Who then will condemn us? No one—for Christ Jesus died for us and was raised to life for us, and he is sitting in the place of honor at God’s right hand, pleading for us.
35 Can anything ever separate us from Christ’s love? Does it mean he no longer loves us if we have trouble or calamity, or are persecuted, or hungry, or destitute, or in danger, or threatened with death? 36 (As the Scriptures say, “For your sake we are killed every day; we are being slaughtered like sheep.”) 37 No, despite all these things, overwhelming victory is ours through Christ, who loved us.
38 And I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from God’s love. Neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons,neither our fears for today nor our worries about tomorrow—not even the powers of hell can separate us from God’s love. 39 No power in the sky above or in the earth below—indeed, nothing in all creation will ever be able to separate us from the love of God that is revealed in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Lord, teach us to fear only You. Let it lead us to Your heart. I know I don't want to fear what others think, fear what the future holds....And I want to treat You with the respect and honor You deserve. Help us to have healthy fear. Let our lives reflect this reverence for You and You alone.
What do you fear today? Talk to the Lord, and give it to Him...and give it to Him every time it comes to mind thereafter. Spend time looking up verses on fear in the Bible. Then pick one or two (or three or four...) to meditate on and make part of your thinking.
Sunday, August 7, 2016
Joyful Day!
Today we were blessed with a Baptism at church. It's always such a joyful experience to watch a brother or sister take this step in their walk with the Lord, making the decision to obey His command to be baptized, uniting themselves with His death and resurrection. What a beautiful service today!
Romans 6:3-5 Or have you forgotten that when we were joined with Christ Jesus in baptism, we joined him in his death? For we died and were buried with Christ by baptism. And just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glorious power of the Father, now we also may live new lives. Since we have been united with him in his death, we will also be raised to life as he was.
Colossians 2:12 For you were buried with Christ when you were baptized. And with him you were raised to new life because you trusted the mighty power of God, who raised Christ from the dead.
Thursday, August 4, 2016
Choose Life!
One word. Sometimes that's all it takes for my mind to start running. The Holy Spirit takes one word mentioned in one sermon, one article, one song...one whatever and lights it up like a firework in the summer sky. And He did that with the word "choice" for me this week. Many times in the Bible we are given a choice. A choice to obey or disobey. A choice to serve ourselves or others. A choice to listen, or a choice to ignore.
Joshua 24:15 But if you refuse to serve the Lord, then choose today whom you will serve. Would you prefer the gods your ancestors served beyond the Euphrates? Or will it be the gods of the Amorites in whose land you now live? But as for me and my family, we will serve the Lord.”
Deuteronomy 30:19 “Today I have given you the choice between life and death, between blessings and curses. Now I call on heaven and earth to witness the choice you make. Oh, that you would choose life, so that you and your descendants might live!
Proverbs 8:10 Choose my instruction rather than silver, and knowledge rather than pure gold.
Ezekiel 3:27 But when I give you a message, I will loosen your tongue and let you speak. Then you will say to them, ‘This is what the Sovereign Lord says!’ Those who choose to listen will listen, but those who refuse will refuse, for they are rebels.
Matthew 7:13 “You can enter God’s Kingdom only through the narrow gate. The highway to hell is broad, and its gate is wide for the many who choose that way.
Romans 6:16 Don’t you realize that you become the slave of whatever you choose to obey? You can be a slave to sin, which leads to death, or you can choose to obey God, which leads to righteous living.
Colossians 3:5-10 So put to death the sinful, earthly things lurking within you. Have nothing to do with sexual immorality, impurity, lust, and evil desires. Don’t be greedy, for a greedy person is an idolater, worshiping the things of this world. Because of these sins, the anger of God is coming. You used to do these things when your life was still part of this world. But now is the time to get rid of anger, rage, malicious behavior, slander, and dirty language. Don’t lie to each other, for you have stripped off your old sinful nature and all its wicked deeds. Put on your new nature, and be renewed as you learn to know your Creator and become like him.
The biggest choice we have in this life is whether or not to welcome Jesus into our hearts and lives, and make Him our Savior and Lord. This is the most important choice a human being can ever make. Our entire eternal existence depends on it.
We know that we cannot live this life perfectly....but only perfection, pure holiness, is what is accepted in Heaven. It's all that can be in the presence of a holy and perfect God. We cannot get there on our own. And the alternative is eternal separation from all that is good, joyful, pure and righteous...Hell. And so I offer the plan of God's salvation here today...the Gospel of Jesus Christ. He alone is the way to eternal salvation...Acts 4:12 There is salvation in no one else! God has given no other name under heaven by which we must be saved.” All of us deserve death and eternal damnation because we sin, we rebel against our Maker...but He has made a way for us to be renewed and restored to Himself. And He desires it, loves us, and wants us to come to Him through Jesus Christ. Jesus took our punishment on the Cross. He chose us! He chose to save us. And then, through the mighty power of God He rose from the grave to live forevermore.
God chose to create us. We chose to rebel. He chooses to love us anyway but now there is a price to pay for that rebellion. Jesus chose to pay that price, an ugly, horrific death on the Cross. It's our choice to accept this gift or not.
So many choices!! Do we choose salvation, do we choose to follow God, do we choose to live a life of growth, holiness, and light or choose our own baser natures, following them down the path of destruction. It's up to us.
Joshua 24:15 But if you refuse to serve the Lord, then choose today whom you will serve. Would you prefer the gods your ancestors served beyond the Euphrates? Or will it be the gods of the Amorites in whose land you now live? But as for me and my family, we will serve the Lord.”
Deuteronomy 30:19 “Today I have given you the choice between life and death, between blessings and curses. Now I call on heaven and earth to witness the choice you make. Oh, that you would choose life, so that you and your descendants might live!
Proverbs 8:10 Choose my instruction rather than silver, and knowledge rather than pure gold.
Ezekiel 3:27 But when I give you a message, I will loosen your tongue and let you speak. Then you will say to them, ‘This is what the Sovereign Lord says!’ Those who choose to listen will listen, but those who refuse will refuse, for they are rebels.
Matthew 7:13 “You can enter God’s Kingdom only through the narrow gate. The highway to hell is broad, and its gate is wide for the many who choose that way.
Romans 6:16 Don’t you realize that you become the slave of whatever you choose to obey? You can be a slave to sin, which leads to death, or you can choose to obey God, which leads to righteous living.
Colossians 3:5-10 So put to death the sinful, earthly things lurking within you. Have nothing to do with sexual immorality, impurity, lust, and evil desires. Don’t be greedy, for a greedy person is an idolater, worshiping the things of this world. Because of these sins, the anger of God is coming. You used to do these things when your life was still part of this world. But now is the time to get rid of anger, rage, malicious behavior, slander, and dirty language. Don’t lie to each other, for you have stripped off your old sinful nature and all its wicked deeds. Put on your new nature, and be renewed as you learn to know your Creator and become like him.
We know that we cannot live this life perfectly....but only perfection, pure holiness, is what is accepted in Heaven. It's all that can be in the presence of a holy and perfect God. We cannot get there on our own. And the alternative is eternal separation from all that is good, joyful, pure and righteous...Hell. And so I offer the plan of God's salvation here today...the Gospel of Jesus Christ. He alone is the way to eternal salvation...Acts 4:12 There is salvation in no one else! God has given no other name under heaven by which we must be saved.” All of us deserve death and eternal damnation because we sin, we rebel against our Maker...but He has made a way for us to be renewed and restored to Himself. And He desires it, loves us, and wants us to come to Him through Jesus Christ. Jesus took our punishment on the Cross. He chose us! He chose to save us. And then, through the mighty power of God He rose from the grave to live forevermore.
God chose to create us. We chose to rebel. He chooses to love us anyway but now there is a price to pay for that rebellion. Jesus chose to pay that price, an ugly, horrific death on the Cross. It's our choice to accept this gift or not.
So many choices!! Do we choose salvation, do we choose to follow God, do we choose to live a life of growth, holiness, and light or choose our own baser natures, following them down the path of destruction. It's up to us.
Jesus says in Revelation 3:20 “Look! I stand at the door and knock. If you hear my voice and open the door, I will come in, and we will share a meal together as friends.
Tuesday, August 2, 2016
Answered And Found!
We had a big "Clear the Shelter" day at the kitten and cat adoption center I where I help out. It was a nationwide event, hundreds and hundreds of shelters across the USA participated, resulting in tens of thousands of animals finding loving, forever homes. This is so near and dear to my heart and I was so happy to have one of our adult cats get adopted on that Saturday.
Well, that was just the start of the story. It turned into a desperate almost week long search after she got out of her new home after just 2 days. The ladies from my shelter turned out in force. Searching, setting traps, contacting local shelters, vets, rescue groups and colony feeders, posting on social media, getting the word out. I prayed. And I prayed. And I prayed some more. All week long Jesus' words in Matthew 7:7 played over and over in my head. "Keep on asking, and you will receive what you ask for. Keep on seeking, and you will find. Keep on knocking, and the door will be opened to you. Also brought to my heart was the parable where a man needed bread in the middle of the night for company. He went to his neighbor's house to borrow some. The neighbor was reluctant to open his door, but in an effort to get the man to go away, did so and gave him the bread.* Persistence.
As I was praying again on Friday, I told the Lord, please let me know if my prayers are in vain, if I should stop. There were no sightings of our Mindy. The crew from AASN had been out the night before searching the neighborhood, talking to neighbors, looking in yards, under decks and in sheds....everywhere and anywhere a cat might hide. I thought, perhaps something had happened to her...surely we would have had a spotting or something by now if she was still okay. But I never felt a release to stop praying. And so, my desperate question to the Lord as I drove to work Friday afternoon with heavy hearted pray on my lips. I asked for a definitive sign of release from prayer. And I got it.
Not an hour after I posed this question to the Lord, a text came onto my phone....we had a spotting!! A cat matching Mindy's description had been spotted by one of the local colony feeders! Hallelujah! What a wonderful answer to prayer. Again the ladies went out searching, and again I prayed throughout the night. Saturday morning rolls around, and again a spotting. And this time by a good Samaritan who had a trap. She set it and caught our wayward wandering cat!! She is now back with us happy, safe and sound!! A beautiful ending! But that was only part of it.
Persistent prayer. We don't always see the answers we want right away. My prayers waited over 5 days....sometimes prayers take years to be answered. God does not measure time as we do. He measures faith. Don't give up until you hear or see your answer....that answer may be no. It may not take the form you desire or think it should, and it may not come quickly....but it is never late.
And the other part of the happy ending here, everything happens for a reason, right?.....There were many other cats living outside in that neighborhood that were not spayed or neutered...and the trap/neuter/return team has sprung into action...those cats will be trapped, spayed or neuter. and returned to their colonies and caretakers,...no more kittens being born with no homes to go to....and the kittens already in those colonies? Well, they've come to the start of their journey at All About Spay Neuter...where they will be cared for and loved until they are ready for adoption, ready to find their very own forever families.
God is good. He sees the sparrow that falls to the ground, the cat that gets lost, and the trials and sorrows of His children. Nothing escapes His notice, nothing is outside the love of His heart....that includes each of us and everything that concerns us.
Luke 12:6-7 “What is the price of five sparrows—two copper coins? Yet God does not forget a single one of them. And the very hairs on your head are all numbered. So don’t be afraid; you are more valuable to God than a whole flock of sparrows.
*Luke 11:5-8 Then, teaching them more about prayer, he used this story: “Suppose you went to a friend’s house at midnight, wanting to borrow three loaves of bread. You say to him, ‘A friend of mine has just arrived for a visit, and I have nothing for him to eat.’ And suppose he calls out from his bedroom, ‘Don’t bother me. The door is locked for the night, and my family and I are all in bed. I can’t help you.’ But I tell you this—though he won’t do it for friendship’s sake, if you keep knocking long enough, he will get up and give you whatever you need because of your shameless persistence.
Whatever you are praying for, waiting for, be persistent!!
Well, that was just the start of the story. It turned into a desperate almost week long search after she got out of her new home after just 2 days. The ladies from my shelter turned out in force. Searching, setting traps, contacting local shelters, vets, rescue groups and colony feeders, posting on social media, getting the word out. I prayed. And I prayed. And I prayed some more. All week long Jesus' words in Matthew 7:7 played over and over in my head. "Keep on asking, and you will receive what you ask for. Keep on seeking, and you will find. Keep on knocking, and the door will be opened to you. Also brought to my heart was the parable where a man needed bread in the middle of the night for company. He went to his neighbor's house to borrow some. The neighbor was reluctant to open his door, but in an effort to get the man to go away, did so and gave him the bread.* Persistence.
As I was praying again on Friday, I told the Lord, please let me know if my prayers are in vain, if I should stop. There were no sightings of our Mindy. The crew from AASN had been out the night before searching the neighborhood, talking to neighbors, looking in yards, under decks and in sheds....everywhere and anywhere a cat might hide. I thought, perhaps something had happened to her...surely we would have had a spotting or something by now if she was still okay. But I never felt a release to stop praying. And so, my desperate question to the Lord as I drove to work Friday afternoon with heavy hearted pray on my lips. I asked for a definitive sign of release from prayer. And I got it.
Not an hour after I posed this question to the Lord, a text came onto my phone....we had a spotting!! A cat matching Mindy's description had been spotted by one of the local colony feeders! Hallelujah! What a wonderful answer to prayer. Again the ladies went out searching, and again I prayed throughout the night. Saturday morning rolls around, and again a spotting. And this time by a good Samaritan who had a trap. She set it and caught our wayward wandering cat!! She is now back with us happy, safe and sound!! A beautiful ending! But that was only part of it.
Persistent prayer. We don't always see the answers we want right away. My prayers waited over 5 days....sometimes prayers take years to be answered. God does not measure time as we do. He measures faith. Don't give up until you hear or see your answer....that answer may be no. It may not take the form you desire or think it should, and it may not come quickly....but it is never late.
And the other part of the happy ending here, everything happens for a reason, right?.....There were many other cats living outside in that neighborhood that were not spayed or neutered...and the trap/neuter/return team has sprung into action...those cats will be trapped, spayed or neuter. and returned to their colonies and caretakers,...no more kittens being born with no homes to go to....and the kittens already in those colonies? Well, they've come to the start of their journey at All About Spay Neuter...where they will be cared for and loved until they are ready for adoption, ready to find their very own forever families.
God is good. He sees the sparrow that falls to the ground, the cat that gets lost, and the trials and sorrows of His children. Nothing escapes His notice, nothing is outside the love of His heart....that includes each of us and everything that concerns us.
Luke 12:6-7 “What is the price of five sparrows—two copper coins? Yet God does not forget a single one of them. And the very hairs on your head are all numbered. So don’t be afraid; you are more valuable to God than a whole flock of sparrows.
*Luke 11:5-8 Then, teaching them more about prayer, he used this story: “Suppose you went to a friend’s house at midnight, wanting to borrow three loaves of bread. You say to him, ‘A friend of mine has just arrived for a visit, and I have nothing for him to eat.’ And suppose he calls out from his bedroom, ‘Don’t bother me. The door is locked for the night, and my family and I are all in bed. I can’t help you.’ But I tell you this—though he won’t do it for friendship’s sake, if you keep knocking long enough, he will get up and give you whatever you need because of your shameless persistence.
Whatever you are praying for, waiting for, be persistent!!
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