Choose a Door

Door: courtesy free clipart

 

As a child we learned the little chorus;  One Door and Only One.  It went like this - -

“One Door and Only One, and yet it’s sides are two, Inside and Outside, on which side are you?  One door and only one and yet it’s sides are two, I’m on the Lord’s Side, on which side are you?”

I was thinking of the Television Show where three doors were offered to the contestant. 

The Special door had the big prize, while the other two had smaller prizes.

Then Almost in a dream, I saw many doors with a sign that said, “All doors lead to Heaven.” 

In my spirit I knew this was not true and that the sign was a LIE.

Each door was large with the name of a god written over it such as:  Buddha, Hinduism, Mohammad, Vishnu, Sun, Moon, until the list was endless.  

One small door had the name JESUS written over it.  A person must humble themselves and be on their knees to go through this door.

I realized that Jesus said, I am the Door and NO person may enter heaven except by me.

The Bible makes it clear for those seeking to reach heaven, it is only through Jesus and accepting Him as their Lord and Savior. 

The invitation of Jesus is, Come and see and enter into the joys of the Lord.

 

God's Plan for your Salvation ... Jesus Is the Door

Jesus said, "I am the door; if anyone enters through Me, he will be saved, and will go in and out and find pasture." John 10:9

JESUS IS THE WAY . . .

"Jesus said to him, 'I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father but through Me." John 14:6

JESUS IS THE ONLY WAY TO HEAVEN.

HE WHO DOESN'T USE THE DOOR . . .

Jesus said, "Truly, truly, I say to you, he who does not enter by the door into the fold of the sheep, but climbs up some other way, he is a thief and a robber."  John 10:1

 

Dog Driver

Hound Dog
courtesy photobucket

 

“Pull that truck up into this lane!  

"I said - - pull that  #%*$#*&$#  truck over here!” 

The officer at the truck weigh station was cursing, yelling and pointing as he hollered directions at our U-Haul truck.

Robert had left the truck and went into the small office to explain why his travel papers were missing.  The permit had been left in error at the last truck weighing stop. 

The man inside was satisfied, and gave Robert a special letter of permission to continue on our journey back to California.

Robert sauntered out to the truck and entered the driver’s side.  He motioned for our old hound dog who was riding with him, to move over and give him room. 

Slowly he pulled forward and the man directing traffic realized that our hound dog with the long floppy ears had been mistaken for a man with an aviator helmet on his head. 

They both got a good laugh out of that.

Did you ever take a quick glance at a situation and make up your mind and then discover later that what you thought you saw was not that at all?

Some call that jumping to conclusions, and others say it is making quick judgments without all the facts.

That often happens to me when I go bargain shopping and discover a better deal elsewhere after I have already made my purchase.

When it comes to heaven, I am glad I am not on the jury deciding the verdict of many people who I may consider to be ungodly.

It is said; when we get to heaven we may be surprised to find some who we judged as sinners, actually made it and they may look at us and wonder how we got in.

 

Light in the Darkness; Hope for the Future



Taking notes and gleaning from his message as Pastor Jerry was reading from Isaiah 9:1-4 and also Psalm 27:1,4-9

Isaiah 9:2 The people that walked in darkness have seen a great light: they that dwell in the land of the shadow of death, upon them hath the light shined. 

Psalms 27:5 For in the time of trouble he shall hide me in his pavilion: in the secret of his tabernacle shall he hide me; he shall set me up upon a rock.

In Life there are always changes some for the better and others for the worst.  Change is a transition, a journey.  We must welcome change as it is inevitable.

At the birth of Jesus the Star shone giving direction and also light.  The light of Christ shines from birth to death and continues after His resurrection.  

During the time of Jesus on earth there were manifestations.  His first recorded miracle was the turning of water into wine.  The host would be terrible embarrassed if they ran out of wine at the wedding feast. 

The dove representing the Holy Spirit appeared at His baptism.

In the Old Testament the children of Israel were told to teach their children all that God had commanded.

In Deuteronomy 6:4-7 Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God is one Lord: And thou shall love the Lord thy God with all thine heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy might.

And these words, which I command thee this day, shall be in thine heart: And thou shall teach them diligently unto thy children, and shall talk of them when thou sit in thine house, and when thou walk by the way, and when thou lie down, and when thou rise up.

Jesus also gave the great commission to go and make disciples and to teach them to obey the scriptures. 

We are to reach out and share the Light of Christ to others.  Light is a comfort when it is dark. 

Darkness can bring fear, but light illuminates and sheds brightness on the fear.  Light puts out the gloom of darkness.

Often there is danger in the darkness.  Animals might be there, or things in the way to trip over.  There is danger off the path, but light goes ahead as we follow the light.  We may not see the unexpected turns in the road, but Christ illuminates each step as we trust Him.

There is fear of the unknown, fear of the dark woods.  We want to survive in the cultural change.  Governments change, policy and laws change and many suffer by it.

The early church suffered persecution and it grew by leaps and bounds.  They had a mission to accomplish and were not seeking survival. 

The important thing is that the Work of Christ be done, and for us to discern God’s will beyond survival. 

God in his perfect love casts out all fear. 

May the Love of God and His will be made known to us individually and as a corporate body of believers.

 

A Study in Spiritual Gifts

Anointed by the Holy Spirit
Courtesy free clip art

A Study in Spiritual Gifts

As Christians, we desire to serve our Lord and the Church (his body), we realize that many are naturally gifted with inbred talents, abilities, and aptitudes.

Although these natural capabilities are needed and accepted they are not in the same category with the Spiritual gifts we find listed in the Scripture of Corinthians 12. 

This list covers nine (9) Spiritual gifts:  Word of wisdom, Word of knowledge, Special Faith, Gifts of healing, Miracles, Prophecy, Distinguishing between spirits, Speaking in different kinds of tongues, and the Interpretation of tongues.

The church has also been gifted with Administration gifts which include:

First apostles, second prophets, third preacher/teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, administrations, varieties of tongues.

When you consider Romans 12, Ephesians 4 and 1 Corinthians 12 and combine these gifts, you come up with a summary of twenty three Spiritual Gifts listed here by Uniquelyou.com/ 

(Romans 12, Ephesians 4 and I Corinthians 12)

• Administration / Ruling
• Apostleship / Pioneering
• Craftsmanship
• Creative Communication
• Discernment
• Encouraging / Exhorting
• Evangelism
• Faith
• Giving
• Healing
• Hospitality
• Intercession
• Interpretation
• Knowledge
• Leadership
• Miracles
• Pastor / Shepherding
• Prophecy / Perceiving
• Teaching
• Tongues
• Serving / Ministry
• Showing Mercy
• Wisdom

These gifts and administrations all must operate by LOVE, but notice that Love is not one of the Spiritual gifts in its-self.  Love is a Fruit of the Spirit and must be desired and developed.

Many confuse the Spiritual Gifts with the FRUIT of the Spirit.  Fruit grows as we learn more about Jesus and daily walk with Him. 

Yes, whether we operate in Administration, or as a body to use our Spiritual gifts to edify, exhort and encourage, we must also seek and desire the Fruit of the Holy Spirit.

The Verses that record Fruit are found in:

Galatians 5:22-23  But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control/temperance.  Against such there is no law.

Paul prayed in Ephesians 1:16-19: 

“I Paul give thanks for you, making mention of you in my prayers:  that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give to you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of Him,  the eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that you may know what is the hope of His calling, what are the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints,  and what is the exceeding greatness of His power toward us who believe, according to the working of His mighty power”

Paul urged us to earnestly seek the best gifts.  Which is the best gift for you? 

Might we say that it is the gift needed at the moment.  As Christians we should seek God first in His holiness and volunteer to be equipped with his anointing.  At a necessary time, in boldness claim His power within you to do the task before you.

Some of the nine Spiritual gifts seem to reside in the individual while others only use one or more of the Holy gifts occasionally in their life time.

It is the same Spirit that gives gifts to his children, and always remember these gifts all operate by the Fruit of Love.

An excellent book by Howard Carter is; Questions and Answers on Spiritual Gifts

by Howard Carter  It is out of print but is available as a used book

* * * * * *

 This post has been shared with Tracy at Winsome Wednesday

The Price of Access by Guest Rod Parsley

The Lamb was Sacrificed for Our Sins
courtesy Free Clip art

And, behold, the veil of the temple was rent in twain from the top to the bottom; and the earth did quake, and the rocks rent. —Matthew 27:51

To symbolize the equality of privilege and responsibility in the covenant, sacrificial animals were split from top to bottom. Each half stood for one partner in the covenant. No one was represented by the head, and no one was represented by the tail.

Our covenant with God is a contract between equals only because Jesus Christ took our place and accomplished what we could not do for ourselves. In mercy, God did not give us what we had earned.

Jesus paid the price for our sin on the cross. In grace, God gave us what we could never earn. The gift of God's Son gave us eternal life.

At the moment Jesus died, the curtain in the Holy of Holies was torn from top to bottom. This symbolized that Jesus had now paid the price for man to have access to the throne room of God

(Hebrews 10:19-20) Having therefore, brethren, boldness to enter into the holiest by the blood of Jesus, by a new and living way, which he hath consecrated for us, through the veil, that is to say, his flesh;

(Hebrews 4:16) Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.

Jesus died to give you access to God. Come boldly before your Father today and receive His grace

Lord Jesus, I receive Your mercy and Your grace.
I can never earn salvation, but I trust You
by faith to receive all You have
for me. I love You, Lord. Amen.

Note by Hazel
The significance of the veil rent from top to bottom and the torn sacrifices also rent from top to bottom, is not preached often enough. We may now enter boldly and directly into the Holy Place.  Another interesting fact is that Jesus said "It is finished," and the torn veil marked it done. Salvation was a done deal, and Jesus did NOT suffer any more or need to do anything else to pay for our sins.

There was some things Jesus must do; one was to go to paradise or the grave (not literal hell) where the old testament Saints were, and preach to them, proclaiming that he was the final sacrifice.

When he rose three days later many of  these saints also rose from the dead and walked the streets for a short time, until Jesus appeared to the Father and presented His blood as the final sacrifice.

 

Love Lifted Me

courtesy Gospelgifs

Each year a group of member church exchange pulpits.  Today our guest minister was Pastor Dave from United Methodist Church. 

 

His reading was from Psalms 40:1-17.

I waited patiently for the Lord; and he inclined unto me, and heard my cry.   He brought me up also out of a horrible slime pit, out of the miry clay, and set my feet upon a rock, and established my goings.   And he hath put a new song in my mouth, even praise unto our God...

Our set of values may create hero’s such as the Beatles being more popular than Jesus Christ. 

When Moses was too long upon the mountain, the people soon forgot about the true God. 

Instead they were partying and crafting man made new golden gods to worship.

The commandments that God gave Moses were rules to keep a balance in life and to maintain a safe environment.  When kept, justice and peace will prevail.

Rev Dave gave an illustration;  During a war, our troops were overseas, and the MPs knew a soccer field had land mines planted there by the enemy.  A group of children came to play and the soldiers tried to warn them, but the children did not understand English.  In their effort to remove the children, their parents came to rescue their offspring and were angry with the soldiers.

Many today are warned about certain lifestyles, but their ears are deaf to the counsel because they are having too much fun to heed the caution given.  They even are furious at those who oppose their sin.

Rules when heeded will help keep us safe. 

Slime pits might refer to a loss of purpose and the of meaning of life because of defeat and tragedy. 

The pit of depression may be from loss of a job, business failure, or our fading health.

The muddy clay may also refer to sin that does so easily beset us.

What ever the muddy slime pits in life, God is able to lift us up and set our feet on His solid rock, Jesus Christ.

What to do?  We try many avenues to lift ourselves out of the slime, but to no avail.

Self help is often a wasted effort.

What we need to do is cry out to God who places us on a firm foundation.  We matter to God!  As a father cares for his children, God cares for you.

 

May You Receive From the Lord...

Devotional by Roy Lessin, from his blog Meet Me In The Meadow.
 

Courtesy Day Spring

 

May You Receive From the Lord...

If you are weary, may you receive the Lord's refreshing:
They are filled from the abundance of Your house; You let them drink from Your refreshing stream.
Psalm 36:8 HCSB

If you are weak, may you receive the Lord's strength:
The Lord is my Strength and my Song, and He has become my Salvation; this is my God, and I will praise Him, my father's God, and I will exalt Him.
Exodus 15:2 AMP

If you are wounded, may you receive the Lord's healing:
He has sent me to comfort the brokenhearted and to proclaim that captives will be released and prisoners will be freed. Isaiah 61:1 NLT

If you are worried, may you receive the Lord's peace:
Peace I leave with you; My [own] peace I now give and bequeath to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Do not let your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid. [Stop allowing yourselves to be agitated and disturbed; and do not permit yourselves to be fearful and intimidated and cowardly and unsettled.] John 14:27 AMP

If you are wondering, may you receive the Lord's clarity:
Behold, You desire truth in the inner being; make me therefore to know wisdom in my inmost heart. Psalm 51:6 AMP

If you are wandering, may you receive the Lord's direction:
And I will bring the blind by a way that they know not; I will lead them in paths that they have not known. I will make darkness into light before them and make uneven places into a plain. These things I have determined to do [for them]; and I will not leave them forsaken. Isaiah 42:16 AMP

 

Never Rule Out a Miracle

Believe, courtesy photobucket.com

 

The year was 1976 and we had moved to Oklahoma in the early part of the year so we could work during the summer and set up our home before Bible School began that fall.

Dr Kenneth Hagin would hold a Camp Meeting in July which was attended by visitors from all over the world. 

Remarkable miracles would take place during the meetings and many would receive Jesus as their Lord and Savior. 

The Christian TV Broadcasting was newly formed, and Jan and Paul Crouch had driven their large truck and equipment to do live telecasts of the evening services. 

We went home each evening and watched the re-broadcast which was fun and exciting.

At the meetings, many well known ministers were present seated in a special section although most were new to us.

During the years we attended several Camp meetings at the Tulsa Center and each event was special in its own way. 

One meeting was out of the ordinary for Norval Hayes was present and when ever he showed up, you could expect almost anything to happen.  A certain man was in attendance that had a bad heart. 

The doctor informed the man that his days were numbered and he experienced trouble as he labored to breathe.

That evening Norval was allowed the pulpit and he gave a Word of Knowledge, that someone in the audience would this very night receive a new heart.
 

As it so happened there were many who felt they could accept that prophesy as theirs, but this man in particular received and went to his hotel to rest as best he could. 

Call it a dream, but actually it was more like a vision, because he seemed to be awake through it all.  Into his room appeared a shining angel with a large sword in one hand and a thumping heart in the other. 

The angel did a quick slice cutting open the man’s chest, as he inserted the new heart.  With a swift motion he placed his hand on the open wound and it closed healed.

The next morning the man awoke able to breath and immediately he went to visit his doctor who proclaimed that his heart was beating like that of a 16 year old.  The doctor was amazed that there was a small healed scar on his chest that had not been there before.

That evening at Camp-meeting you can imagine the tumult that occurred when the testimony was given about this man’s new heart.

Jesus said to doubting Thomas, “Blessed are those who believe having not seen,”

 

I pray that all of us will be found in the crowd of believers !!

* * * * *

This post is shared with Charlotte’s Spiritual Sundays

Darn Those Socks

Old Fashioned Darning Egg
courtesy free clip art

A recent post by Floyd “Tube Socks and Superstition” caused me to remember how my mother made our socks last. 

“Use it up and make it do,” was what my mother always said, and we wore many socks that had been darned. 

A loose hem or a torn seam was easily repaired with needle and thread or mother’s handy dandy treadle sewing machine.  Mom could take a remnant of material and create a dress or skirt for us.

These days I think mending and darning is a lost art. 

For the socks, Mom had a wooden thing like an egg she would put down the sock and then using soft cotton thread, she would weave back and forth to cover the holes. 

Although our socks lasted longer, those darned places were not the most comfortable in our shoes.  Neither was the cardboard slipped inside to cover a hole in our shoes during the war years.

The darning helped our stockings to last until a birthday or Christmas when we received a new coat, new sweater and a few new clothes, including underwear and socks.

Mom and Dad taught us how to stretch a penny and not to waste anything.

Waste not want not was another saying of my mother.

Today we often joke about left over food saved in the refrigerator – and then thrown out in a few days as it begins to spoil.

It is evident that many toss good items in the trash, just because they are tired of them or they have purchased a new one. 

Our thrift stores are full of new and almost new clothing for a fraction of the original price. 

One man’s trash is another man’s treasure and that is evident as you shop the many antique stores. 

Times change, and although I am not wasteful and careless, - - I no longer darn my socks.

 

Better “Felt than Telt”

Cool Breezes free Clip art
 

A bee stink really hurts and I have been stung by a bee more than once. 

 

What I am about to tell you - - hurts worse than any bee sting.

In the days of no air conditioning in our car, my dad was driving us to visit our grandparents. 

All the windows were rolled down, and as I enjoyed a window seat in the rear, I stuck my arm out the window.  The breeze felt so cool to my finger tips as the wind whipped by our speeding automobile.

My dad must have had eyes in the back of his head, because he hollered out to me, “Hazel, keep your hands in the car.”

Quickly I obeyed, as I knew I must and in went my entire arm.  Soon my attention span seemed to get the best of me and out went my arm again to feel the gentle wind.

Up to now, I had not been exposed to the meanness of teen age boys, but that day I got an extra dose of how callous and uncaring they could be.

A car full of these boys came speeding along side our car and as they passed us, one of the boys reached out and slapped my hand a good one. 

That smack hurt sooo bad and of course I refused to cry out or whimper lest my dad realize I had disobeyed.

Some lessons are better, “Felt than Telt,” and this was one of those kind.

In life there are some things it seems that we can only learn by experience.  Oh how I wish we could learn the easy way, but it isn’t always so.

Of course, we hear warnings from the pulpit and then as we read our Bible, we realize there are things in life to avoid.

If we would only listen to that still small voice and obey the warnings, we could save ourselves a lot of trouble.

I for one am listening a lot better lately - - How about you?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q00TXBPl9i4

This post has been shared With Ramona at: Friendship Friday

 

Baptism - God’s Affirmation

Baptism of Jesus
courtesy free clip art

Matthew 3:16-17

 

When He had been baptized, Jesus came up immediately from the water; and behold, the heavens were opened to Him, and He saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and alighting upon Him.  

And suddenly a voice came from heaven, saying, “This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.”

Today is the day of Epiphany the star of regeneration.  It is a celebration of the wise men that followed the star and brought gifts to the Christ child.

Pastor Jerry read from Matthew 3:13-17 about Jesus coming to John requesting to be baptized. 

Baptism is signifying a change of direction in one’s life, a new beginning.  Jesus was about to change direction and begin his ministry. 

At first John refused, saying that he needed Jesus to baptize him, but Jesus said to John, “Permit it to be so.”

John declared to the crowd, Behold the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the World.

Pastor said, we will not argue the modes of baptism, because the very act is a mountain top experience.  One’s heart must be ready for an experience with God and to understand all of the mysterious meaning of the Water baptism observance.

In life we have few mountain top experiences, but they are a time of extreme peace and presence of deity.  

Some would dispute the need of meeting God in a church and claim they find this peace and solitude in nature, in fishing, in music, or the arts such as painting and the dance.

Pastor said, he would not deny that God can be real in these places, but we must not neglect the gathering together in like precious faith to worship God.

The Jordan River was a mountain top experience for Jesus the sinless one.  He did not need his sins washed away as he had no sin.  This ceremony was a testimony that he was committed to finish the task set before Him.

As Jesus came out of the water, The Holy Spirit in the form of a dove came and rested upon him, and God the Father’s voice from heaven spoke and said, “This is my beloved Son, hear ye Him.” 

 

(Notice the trinity was evident here in visible and audible form.)

Our baptism may not be as dynamic as the baptism of Jesus, but it can be as meaningful.

Martin Luther said, “There is no greater comfort to the Christian than baptism, as it is an outward sign of an inward work of grace.”

 

Familiar Food?

courtesy free clip art

 

The church pot luck was always a good time of fellowship and lots of good food. 

Families were asked to bring three dishes, a main dish, a salad and a desert, while single people could bring potato chips rolls and butter or perhaps a side dish.

Coffee and punch were provided and the blessing over the food had been invoked.  The people began to line up, Pastor and his wife were first and also the elderly.

Our children were hungry and they came to me with a question; “Which food is ours?”

I tried to explain that the entire spread of delicious food was there for them to partake of, yet they wanted the familiar and were not ready to experiment with food that seemed different to them.

This caused me to consider how we as Christians often react when we are exposed to portions of the Scriptures that are considered off limits by some who fear the Holy Spirit and the manifestation of the supernatural.

We are happy to nibble on our common everyday Bible stories that we are accustomed to.

Yes, we are willing to acknowledge that Jesus did miracles and healed the sick, but when we come to scriptures that indicate that even today it is God’s will that we prosper and be in health even as our soul prospers, we often balk like a mule.

Paul indicated that although some spiritual gifts are to bless the church, they must be tempered and used wisely.  Then he said, "Do NOT forbid to speak in tongues."

Paul also stated that He personally prayed in tongues more than you all.  Apparently if we are not using our prayer language, we are missing a powerful tool to fight and win spiritual battles. 

Jude exhorted us to pray in tongues as this will build us up in our most Holy Faith.

As we view the table that God has spread and consider it all as eatable food, we must realize that to leave out what is provided is doing ourselves and our families an injustice.

Jesus asked us the question; “If you as fathers (and mothers) have hungry children, would you give them a stone or a serpent instead of bread?  How much more will the Father give the Holy Spirit to them who ask?”

Get ready because the dinner bell is ringing and the table is spread !!

 

The Golden Gibson Banjo



Photo courtesy Gipson Banjo

The special order was going to take longer than usual, because the musical instrument in question must be created out of the ordinary and unique.

The notice came that our long awaited Banjo with the Gold trim, was being shipped to us by a certain transit company. 

When the day arrived to receive our prized possession, Robert decided he must inspect it there at the delivery station.

Carefully he opened the crate, then the Banjo case.  What a shock to view the neck of the banjo broken with a large crack.

The workers at the delivery company were as surprised as we were, but they agreed to ship the instrument back to Gibson free of charge and their insurance would pay for a new Banjo.

Again we waited many months, as we did not want a banjo that was repaired, but we wanted a brand new instrument, unlike any other with its beautiful Gold trim.

The announcement was received; our new Banjo was ready for pick up.  Again we opened the carton and discovered the gorgeous Gibson ready for use at our church.

For many years, Robert enjoyed playing his elegant and striking Banjo.  Then one day after a year of preparation, we moved to Oklahoma to attend Rhema Bible College and Robert took our Banjo with us. 

Life was changing and although Robert played his banjo a few times, it seemed God had something else in store for us.

A young Pastor attended the Bible College along with us, and Robert was inclined to invite him over for lunch one day.  This gentleman also played the banjo, but his instrument was not fancy or as striking as Robert’s banjo.

At the end of our meal, Robert offered his prize possession to the Young Pastor and it was gratefully accepted.  Robert expected it to be used for the Lord, and he gave it joyfully.

There are times in life when there is a shift in your everyday habits and changes occur sometimes unwelcomed, but they happen never the less.

God may be asking you to lay down something that is a prized possession, but understand there is a reason and it will be revealed to you.  God’s plans are not always explained at the time, but his ways are best.

As we learn to trust, we find that we really did not need that fancy Golden opportunity we thought we would treasure for ever.

 

When Will the Shoe Drop?

When Will the Shoe Drop?

Seems like there is always something unexpected happening.  This time of year there are flu bugs trying to hit us and our families. 

 

Many are out of work and finances are tight. 

 

The weather is cold and heaters tend to quit working leaving us cold and shivering. 

 

Cars need repairs, and tires etc wear out.

Word comes that a family member was diagnosed with cancer and surgery was a few days ago to remove the offence by new Gynecologic Robotic Surgery.  The surgery went well and she is home as this method has less recovery time and is supposed to be better all around.

Daughter Becky just received paper work for requirements to be on the list for “Liver transplant.”

Daughter Judie is making trips to Bethel in Redding, CA where healing prayers are working miracles for many and she reports each time she visits she is changed.

Husband is struggling with his physical problems, and we are senior citizens at most - - rejoicing in the Lord.

SO as we think about prayer and we are tempted to first pray for ME MINE and OURS.  

Then I was reminded of Job.  Job had trouble after trouble and it was BAD tribulation.  His friends and even his wife were of NO comfort.  SO what did Job do to get God’s attention?

Job did not pray for himself, - - Instead he prayed for his friends.

Job 42:10  And the LORD turned the captivity of Job, when he prayed for his friends: also the LORD gave Job twice as much as he had before.

Lord Jesus today I pray for my friends, those who suffer pain and disease.  Those who need financial help from you, please supply their needs be it with work or divine heavenly or earthly assistance.  Those who suffer depression, please show them how to trust and enter into your peace.  Amen.

Thou Wilt Keep Him in Perfect Peace Whose Mind is Stayed on Thee.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MR8HnwTlYJU

So we have not stopped praying for you since we first heard about you. We ask God to give you complete knowledge of his will and to give you spiritual wisdom and understanding. Then the way you live will always honor and please the Lord and your lives will produce every kind of good fruit. All the while, you will grow as you learn to know God better and better. (Colossians 1:9-10, NLT)
 

God is Still Speaking

God is Still Speaking
courtesy photobucket.com

 

Jeremiah 31: 13b  For I will turn their mourning to joy, I will comfort them, and make them rejoice rather than sorrow.

Gleaning from Pastor Jerry’s sermon, as he related the Children of Israel had been wandering and been in captivity due to their rebellion to serve and worship the true God. 

God gave a promise that if they would return to Him, he would bring them back to their land.

The area where they had been living had seen turbulent and violent times and there still is war and fighting in those areas even until this day.

The prophets warned the people to repent and turn from their evil ways, and God would bring them back into their land.

We can liken this story to a spiritual happening when we have lost our way, and will return and confess our turning away from God, he promises to bring us into his Kingdom.

Responsible reading and study of the Bible will unfold God's plans like a flower beginning to bloom.  Gently more is revealed to us of God’s love and protection as we discipline ourselves to sink deep into His Word.

God is still speaking and as we study the Bible he will speak into our hearts revealing his direction for our lives.

The 66 books of the Bible have been set and the cannon is closed and nothing more can be added.  Yet even today many new manuscripts have been discovered and they are of great interest to many. 

We are reminded that John remarked that if all the works of Jesus could be written into books, the world could not contain them all.

This new year is a time to reflect and make new decisions to follow close to Jesus.

Pastor told a story of a man who ran to catch a bus.  He finally made it and as he hopped on the step, his first words were:  “Where is this bus going?”

It is a good thing to understand where we are headed before we hop on just any bus.

There is much senseless noise telling us to go this way or that.  It is up to us to plant our feet firmly on God’s scriptural path and to commit to HIS destination which is heaven.

We can’t go back to yesterday, because today we are a different person. 

Gracie Allen once made a statement that proves true today. “Never place a period where God has placed a comma!

Understand that God is Still Speaking today - -  Are you listening?

  * * * * * * *

This post is shared with Charlotte’s Spiritual Sundays

What is Your Word for 2014?

Abide in Jesus
courtesy photobucket.com

Many are selecting a word - - good words all, and I pondered if there was a word that should be mine for this year.  As I considered - - finally was dropped into my heart the word “ABIDING.”

God has been speaking to me that I have left Him to the end of the day all my life to read my Bible.  Now for me to be abiding in the vine, I must change my old habits and begin my day with the Bible first, then my usual devotionals that are my morning habit.

If we are ABIDING in Jesus, his spirit will abide in us.  As I opened my Bible this morning I was reading about David and his anointing to become King. 

1Samuel 16:13  Then Samuel took the horn of oil, and anointed him in the midst of his brethren: and the Spirit of the LORD came upon David from that day forward.

1Samuel 17:45  Then said David to the Philistine, You come to me with a sword, and with a spear, and with a shield: but I come to you in the name of the LORD of hosts, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied.

David was the least of his brothers and his brothers called him a smarty pants when he asked questions about the giant Goliath.  No one thought he could do anything good. 

How about YOU?  Are you ever in the place where you believe about yourself what others have said?  Are self doubts plaguing you? 

It is time to change our thinking and our believing and to pick up our five stones and get them ready to use.

Pick up Your Five Stones

1.  David sang while he tended his sheep - - perhaps we need to sing unto our lord.

2.  David communed to himself with encouragement - - perhaps we can speak to our self with positive words.

3.  David walked in his anointing.  May we pick up our mantel and know God is with us.

4.  When trouble came David was not afraid.  Fear has no part in us.

5.  David knew in his own strength He was helpless, but he depended on his God.  So can you.

First things first – Decide to Abide in Christ and He in you.