Scattered Stones

In God We Trust ~ Does it really matter?

2012-01-11T07:47:00.000-05:00

I've gotten your attention haven't I?! This morning when I was running WCSG (again) played a song that spoke to my heart. I am completely frustrated now because I am having a block to the name of the song, and the artist, but I remember the part of the song that got me thinking. It said something like "it doesn't matter if the money says "in God we Trust", he still owns it".

That got me to thinking. Here on Facebook I see a lot of people up in arms about:

"In God we Trust" not being on our money any more.
In This no longer being a Christian nation.
In the 10 commandments being taken out of courthouses.
Of we no longer being able to pray in public schools.

In's almost as if you think God's power is diminished by these things. Well I'm here to tell you that is far from the truth!!

God continues to sit on the throne despite what man thinks or tries to do. The progression that the USA and for that matter the world is of no surprise to Him. Look at what it says in 2 Tim 3:1-3

But understand this, that in the last days there will come times of difficulty. For people will be lovers of self, lovers of money, proud, arrogant, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, heartless, unappeasable, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not loving good, treacherous, reckless, swollen with conceit, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, having the appearance of godliness, but denying its power. Avoid such people.

God has never left the public schools. Just because we cannot pray openly doesn't mean there is no prayer. Just because we can't say he's there, does not mean he's not. Just because "man" says do not speak His name does not somehow weaken God. If your children attend public schools (as mine do) do fear that God is not there! Just because some Christians have left does not mean he is gone.

God says in Hebrews 13:5 "I will never leave you or forsake you", and also Jesus said in Matthew 28:20b "and behold, (I)I am with you always, to the end of the age.”

Like I said above ~ he owns the money it doesn't matter if it says so or not. Psalm 50:9-11 says:

I will not accept a bull from your house

or goats from your folds.

For every beast of the forest is mine,

the cattle on a thousand hills.

I know all the birds of the hills,

and all that moves in the field is mine.

In James 1:16 & 17 it says:

"Don’t be deceived, my dear brothers and sisters. Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows"

So what am I ranting about then anyway, right?!

Well here it is. Stop worrying about all that you think is being taken away from this "christian nation" (which if I may say this has never been a Christian Nation, there has only (possibly) been more Christians in government then now, but saying we were a Christian Nation is basically incorrect) (Tee Hee, I'm sure I stepped on some toes there!!)

Any who, where was I? Oh yeah, don't sweat it, what God want is this. ARE YOU READY TO HEAR THIS?

HE WANTS YOU!

You are to reflect Him!

You are to shine His light in this world!

You are to proclaim him to the lost, and those in bondage!

You are to proclaim freedom through Christ!

You are to stand for Truth (the truth of His word)!

So where are you at? Do you get upset at these things that don't really upset God, but don't live a life that is in earnest, passionate, relationship with him? If you don't follow Christ, why are you so upset at the world doing what they are and will naturally do?

I'm not speaking this in judgement, but just to get you to see, Are your priorities straight? Are you following Christ faithfully, and proclaiming him, or are you so worried about a few things that "man" is trying to strip away and afraid that God is to small to fight it?

God is not to small. Man can and will continue to strip Him from public view, but I'm here to tell you, it does not effect God one iota! He is still on the throne and all will end as it said it would.

Trust Him and Obey Him alone, then what "man" does won't matter as much.

Shalom

The Art of being last.... Part 3

2011-12-13T11:39:00.002-05:00

This last post has been a long time coming because God has really be impressing it on my heart and soul. For me (and maybe you) this part is where the rubber meets the road in our walk with Christ.

But before I begin I'll let you know the verse that started it all: Romans 12:10 "Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor." Actually it was that last part "outdo one another in showing honor". Well I have to admit I for one have not been good at doing that!

In the context of this chapter, Paul is speaking to his "brothers". This is the church he is speaking to; he is saying "offering your bodies as a living sacrifice to God" - God first; "don't think of yourself more highly then you ought" - yourself last; and now put others before yourself, "outdo on another in showing honor".

Life within the "body of Christ" can be hard. People not being perfect, and sometimes living in the flesh, do things that hurt you or others. It's a product of this sinful world we live in. I'm not excusing the behavior, just acknowledging why it happens. I (you) have been hurt by someone in the church, or I (you) have hurt someone in the church. This portion of scripture tells us how to move past the hurt, and towards a fuller, more intimate relationship with Christ. Let's take a look at Romans 12:9-21, and list what it says we are to do:

Love genuinely (the NAS version of the bible says "let love be without Hypocrisy ~ Ouch) Can I ask you a personal question? Have you ever loved with hypocrisy? I have and that one hurt!!! Fake! I always say I know when someone is being fake and I hate it. How often have I been fake??? Ugh!
Abhor what is evil (Abhor means to "have a horror of ~ how often are you in horror of any particular sin, either in your life or others? Are you horrified by gossip? We're all horrified of the BIG sins, but what about "all" evil, which includes our "little" sins.)
Cling to what is good (To cling means to glue together, cement, to join. You should be permanently attached to the good around you.)
Love one another with "brotherly" love (I find it interesting that Paul mentions love twice here don't you?) (This is a love you should have for a brother or sister, familial love, ~ one that sacrifices for the good of the other. There's that word again "sacrifice".
Outdo one another is showing honor! Oh that verse! Go out of your way to show preference to someone else! Does it say those that do good to you? No, it says one another. Could that include someone who has hurt you? I think we'll find out in a little bit.
Here Paul gives a short list of other to do's and when I hear these I think of those verses in Colossians 3:17, 23. Do them unto the Lord:
Do not be slothful in your Zeal. In other words: Don't be lazy! Be passionate for Christ!
Be fervent in spirit. In other words: Be on fire in the spirit!
Serving the Lord.
Rejoice in hope.
Be patient in tribulation ~ Boy that's a doosy isn't it?! I'm not often the most patient person around, especially when there is a trial. I want it done, and yesterday!!
Be CONSTANT in prayer. "CONSTANT" I love the definition of "constant", but here is one part that I will pull out ~ to persevere and not to faint. How often do we give up in prayer when a situation is not handled as timely as we think it should be? (Please see "Be patient in tribulation").
Contribute to the needs of the saints. We are the "saints"! Remember we are set apart, a royal priesthood (1 Peter 2:5). The definition of "contribute" means to:
1. to come into communion or fellowship with, to become a sharer, be made a partner
2. to enter into fellowship, join one's self to an associate, make one's self a sharer or partner
Show Hospitality (The definition of show includes: pursue, press on towards) This means even though it may not be easy for you to do hospitality, it is still required. God gives to us what we lack. I for one have a hard time practicing hospitality, but I now know God calls me to it, especially to my brothers & sisters in Christ.

Now we come to verses Romans 12:14-21. I believe we are still talking about the church here, and look at Paul's words. How does he start off? "Bless those who persecute you". Whoa, wait one minute here, I am suppose to bless those who persecute me? What?! Bless and do not curse?! Really?! Yes really, look also at what is said in Matthew 5: 43-44, and Luke 6:27-28, and in 1 peter 3:9, it addresses the same as in verse Romans 12:17.

This is right where God has had me for awhile now. One thing I am good at is avoiding people who have hurt me. I think this is a family trait, avoidance. Well God will no longer have any of that with me. He has said "enough Kim, let's get on with obedience!" He has also brought to my mind the fact that when I say I've forgiven, I really haven't. YIKES!! (Do you see where that loving without hypocrisy hit pretty close to home?!) Over and over again He is showing me where I need to be genuine in my love, where I need to put others before myself, where I need to let go of the past, and let him handle it. WOW! What freedom is in that!! Someone actually told me lately that my countenance had changed. She could see more joy in me. Why? Because I am learning to truly forgive and not to harbor feelings that will only keep me in bondage! Hallelujah he came to set me free (Isaiah 61:1 and Galatians 5:1)!!

So what about you?

1. Do you find it easy to love others? How about those who have hurt you?

2. How do you see the part of verse 10 "outdo" each other in showing honor? What does that mean to you?

3. Forgiveness is hard in our humanness, but necessary and possible with the Holy Spirits help. We leave it to God to handle the sin. What do you need to forgive and receive freedom from?

Oh I so hope this has been a blessing to you, and something that spurs you to a closer more intimate relationship with Christ!! If I don't blog before I so hope you have a blessed Christmas! Remembering HE came to set your free!!

Lessons I learn from the Dogs....

2011-12-01T04:31:00.006-05:00

You have set our iniquities before you,
our secret sins in the light of your presence.

Psalm 90:8

My dogs hate to "go" outside, especially Gizzy.. They will do everything they can to prolong the inevitable. Champ even has gone so far as to circle the deck and come back to the door, making it look like he went down the stairs. I have to tell my kids "if their paws aren't wet (from dew), then don't let them in.

So now when I put them out I either have to go with them to the top of the stairs, or stand at the slider. Yesterday as I stood there, and they did their normal looking back, checking to see if I'm still there, it brought something to my mind.

"Am I a God at hand, declares the LORD, and not a God far away? Can a man hide himself in secret places so that I cannot see him? declares the LORD. Do I not fill heaven and earth? declares the LORD.

Jeremiah 23:23-24

Aren't we like that? We have a task to do, and it's something we do not want to do, so we keep looking back to see if anyone notices that we're being disobedient. We will do everything in our power not to do what it is that we need to do, and is really for our benefit in the end. Others may not see my disobedience, just like sometimes I miss the dogs disobedience because I walk away. But God never walks away, He is always watching, He is always on the throne. When we look back, we see Him. He knows what is best for us. He gives us tasks to do, sometimes hard tasks, but they are meant for our good and his glory! He also gives us the power to do the task, but at times we doubt that power. Our looking back robs us of our peace, and joy in Christ.

And he said to them, "Is a lamp brought in to be put under a basket, or under a bed, and not on a stand? For nothing is hidden except to be made manifest; nor is anything secret except to come to light. If anyone has ears to hear, let him hear."

Mark 4:21-23

Do not allow Satan to rob you of what God has for you! Is the road easy, no. Is it worth it, YES!

The Art of being last.... Part 2

2011-11-28T08:49:00.002-05:00

First of all I need to apologize for 2 things. The first is my first post seems to have a mind of it's own. It shows me that there is repetition of a phrase that is not supposed to be there. When I go in to fix it, it doesn't show up. Not quite sure how to fix the situation. I'm wondering if I may need to switch to a different blogosphere! The second is taking so much time in between posts. I'm not quite sure how that happened, except to say this is a hard bit of scripture, and I may have procrastinated a bit!! Anyway on with it:

Romans 12:3-8

I love how Paul pulls no punches here. He starts out say (basically) ~ "Don't think to much of yourself dude". It says in my ESV Bible to think with sober judgement (to put a moderate estimate upon one's self, think of one's self soberly). Keep it in check. We are not to look at ourselves as more important to the body because we may have a role that can be seen by more people. Everyone, and I mean EVERYONE that is a new creature in Christ has a job to do, that benefits the whole body! Not one job is more important then the rest, it's just a different job. As I type this I think of how people say, I love both of my kids the same, just differently. We love our kids the same amount, we just may love them in different ways because they are different people, with different personalities. Neither is more important than the other, just different.

It says in verse 3 - God assigns (to distribute) to each person a specific task for His kingdom. Each member has a task that is a necessary part of the body. We function as one, though we are many. Think about it ~ if one member of the body doesn't do what it's supposed to do the whole body suffers. 1 Corinthians 12 shows this concept so beautifully. One part of the body cannot say to another part of the body that they are not needed. If one doesn't work, it effects the whole body.

Do you see how important it is that you know, and do your part?! It says in verse to "use them". That means use the gifts given to you by God. He didn't give them to you to be ignored, but to help the body of Christ, which are ONE in Him. Then what ever you have been called to do, do well! In Romans 12:6-8, Paul lists a few of the gifts given. Colossians 3:17, 23; and 1 Corinthians 10:31 tell us how we are to use our gifts.

This also goes back to our 1st post. When you are a living sacrifice you do not think of yourself first, but last. Sacrificing your ambition for the good of the body. In 3 John it mentions a man named Diotrephes who "likes to put himself first, does not acknowledge our authority". This is a man who probably didn't realize his name would forever be in print as someone who thought more highly of himself then others (as Beth Moore pointed out in our study). I wonder would his attitude be different now? Will mine? Will yours?

Q1. ~ How are you viewing yourself in the church? Do you see yourself better than others, or as not measuring up? Do you see yourself as a significant part of the body of Christ? If not, why not?

Q2 ~ How are you viewing others in the church?

Q3 ~ Are you using the gifts God has given you to encourage and support the body? Again, if not why not? The body is suffering without you!

Don't look at these questions as condemnation, but as a spurring on towards greater fulfillment in Christ!!! That is most definitely how they are meant.

Pretty Pink Tractor!!!

2011-11-15T11:40:00.002-05:00

Just had to share this new Tim Hawkins video! This guy is a stitch!!!

The Art of being last.... Part I

2011-11-15T10:45:00.007-05:00

Recently a verse struck me profoundly in Romans 12, so I began a study of the chapter. I'm not going to tell you which verse right now, but you can try to figure it out and let me know which one you think started all this!! In reading Romans 12 I was blown away by how our mind is supposed to be wired in fellowship. This will be a 3 part posting.

Romans 12: 1-2

Paul begins the chapter by appealing to the brethren (church), to present (to show, Proffer, stand ready) their (our) bodies as living sacrifices, holy and acceptable to God, which was their (our)spiritual worship.

We are to first submit to God as members of the body of Jesus Christ. We are not our own, but have been bought with a price (1 Corinthians 6:18-20). We are not to be conformed (to conform one's self (i.e. one's mind and character) to another's pattern, (fashion one's self according to) to the worlds standards of me first. It says also in 1 Peter 1:14 that we (as obedient children) are not to be conformed to our former lusts, which we had in our ignorance. But we are to be transformed(to change into another form, to transform, to transfigure) by the renewal (complete change for the better, Renovation**I like that one!**) of our minds. In this way, we can test (Prove, scrutinize) what the will of God is, actually what is the good, the acceptable, the perfect will of God (my emphasis).

God's desire for us is to become new (2 Corinthians 5:17). Through the sanctifying (setting apart, making holy) work of the Holy Spirit we are transformed into a better likeness of our heavenly Father. We no longer conform, or copycat the world, but just like a butterfly we become a new creature, with a different purpose, all for the Glory of God!!!

So what is all this saying really?: GOD FIRST ALWAYS!!! Let's get it in proper order, then things will make more since! You can no longer hold unto the things that you thought before coming to Christ. Living sacrifices are just that ~ we are living, and we sacrifice our wills to His will; our mind to His mind, and in this we see His plan that is good, acceptable and perfect!

Questions:

1. We are called to present our bodies as living sacrifices to God, holy and acceptable. What does that mean to you?

2. In order to not be conformed to this world , what is one very important way to renew your mind?

Paradise Bound 5k, Personal Record, and Running with Pippa!!!

2011-11-12T12:16:00.003-05:00

Today, finally my girl and I were able to run a 5k together!!! Well as together as a 12 year old and a 47 year old can!!! We ran in a 5k which benefits an organization called Paradise Bound. This organization helps people in Guatemala, by providing homes and medical services. The money raised today went to the building of homes that a team will be building in February.

It was a beautiful day for a race!!! My only issues where I overdressed, and that pesky asthma!!! Breathing was an issue, but are you ready for this ~ I ran my personal best!!! I came in under 40 minutes!!! That is a 1st!!! My time was around 39:36, and Bekah's time was around 29:36. We are waiting for the official times to see how close we come to those numbers.

We also ran with a group of ladies from our Women's Ministry!! See our cools Scarves?! Jennifer @ Zaankali's Adventure made them all for us!!!

It was a great morning, celebrated with a late breakfast at a local restaurant!!!

A new twist on an old classic...

2011-11-07T06:00:00.000-05:00

There's a new band (well at least new to me) called "NewWorldSon". In my quest to find their new song called "Learning to be the Light", which I heard the other day I found this song...

Which reminded me of this sweet song from my youth...... (I couldn't find a video, but here are the words!

The Hallelujah Line.

Oh...I'm traveling on the hallelujah line,
On the good ole gospel train,
I am on the right track, and never will go back
To the station of sin again.

I need no fare, I'm riding on a pass
Tis the blood for sinners slain;
I'm traveling on the hallelujah line,
On the good ole gospel train. (toot-toot)

I remember when I was younger on a Sunday night (because you know in the Baptist church that's when we let our hair down) we would take sides: One side of the church would do the Choo-Choo, and the other side would sing the lyrics. My pastor, who had very red hair would take the side that did the Choo-Choo (you didn't want to sit in the front row, if you know what I mean!!). Then he would switch sides and we would do it again!! What great memories!! We also would do the Hallelu, hallelu, hallelu, hallelujah, Praise Ye the Lord! That was our exercise for the night! There again we would do one side of the church doing the Hallelujah, and the other doing Praise Ye the Lord! To see all those older people, including my very intimidating father shoot up when it was their time was another great memory!!! I miss that!!!

My Commitment as a Christian

2011-11-06T15:43:00.002-05:00

This morning in church we read the following commitment. I could have shouted it! Our pastor said that it was written by a young pastor, he doesn't know how long ago.

My Commitment as a Christian.

I'm part of the fellowship of the unashamed. I have Holy Spirit power.
The die has been cast, I have stepped over the line, the decision has been made: I am a disciple of HIS! I won't look back, let up, slow down, back away or be still!

My past is redeemed, my present makes sense, my future is secure. I'm finished and done with low living, sight walking, small planning, smooth knees, colorless dreams, tamed visions, foolish talking, cheap living and small goals.

I no longer need preeminence, prosperity, position, promotions, or popularity. I don't need to be recognized, praised, regarded or rewarded. I now live by faith, lean on His presence, walk by patience, lift by prayer and labor by power.

My face is set, my gait is fast, my goal is heaven; my road is narrow, my way is rough, my companions are few...but my Guide is reliable and my mission is clear.

I cannot be bought, compromised, detoured, lured away, turned back, deluded, or delayed. I will not flinch in the face of sacrifice, hesitate in the presence of the adversary, negotiate at the table of the enemy, ponder at the pool of popularity or meander in the maze of mediocrity.

I won't give up, shut up or let up, until I have stayed up, stored up, prayed up, paid up, and preached up ~ for the cause of Christ! I am a disciple of Jesus!!!

I must go until he comes, give until I drop, preach until all know and work until HE stops me. And when He comes for His own, He will have no problem recognizing me - my banner will be clear!!!

Can you say it with me?!

Giving Thanks Challenge 2011

2011-11-04T17:29:00.004-04:00

Well it has been a long time since I have done a Thanksgiving Challenge!! God has just blessed me bunches this past year and I just feel that I need to share with all of you! If you would like to join, go here and get the button and read the very simple rules. Here are 5 for today:

For God continuing to find me lovable and teachable!
My wonderful husband who supports me and is always my biggest encourager!
My redheaded boy!
My tenderhearted girl!
My Church, that stands firmly on the Word of God!

A Fall tradition that not everyone is happy with.....

2011-11-04T16:36:00.003-04:00

Gizzy is not the biggest fan of anything that take him outside a house!!!

Champ just deals! Well that is not necessarily true, he has a lot of "issues"!!

A Righteous Anger over a Mockery of Marriage!

2011-11-03T07:47:00.003-04:00

O.K. since I no longer have a Facebook account and I have no other place to vent my incredible frustrations, you dear ones are going to get an earful!!! Here it goes:

I am so angry over this Kim Kardasian farce of a marriage that, as I told my son this morning "I can spit fire!!!" I just saw a snippet of an interview she will be doing this morning on The Today Show, where she said "this is hard, but I had to be true to my heart". True to your heart! Shouldn't you have thought about that 75 days ago? This man did not do that much changing in 72 days! I read an article on Fox News (remember their fair and balanced, whatever) about her spending 10 million dollars on this wedding, but through selling of pictures and stories she made 17 million. It was not about love, commitment, or even having too, it was a money maker!

Well Kim dear, I am here to tell you that as a child of God, and the wife of a wonderful man, SHAME ON YOU FOR MAKING A MOCKERY OF A COVENANT THAT GOD ORDAINED!!! Shame on you!!!

You may not know this, but I am here to tell you that marriage is a picture of Christ and his church (or bride as he calls it in scripture). God ordained for a man and woman to leave their homes and cleave to each other. He ordained that it be life long (ya know like animals that mate for life). He (Christ) performed his first miracle at a wedding. Whether you realized it, or realize it now God was a witness at your wedding. It says that in Malachi Chapter 2:14. Whether you wanted him there or not, he was there! Even though society today says "follow your heart, life is too short", God does not! You took something that he ordained and made it a circus act! Here are a few more pictures to help you understand how NOT lightly God takes marriage:

Isaiah 61:10

I will greatly rejoice in the LORD; my soul shall exult in my God, for he has clothed me with the garments of salvation; he has covered me with the robe of righteousness,as a bridegroom decks himself like a priest with a beautiful headdress, and as a bride adorns herself with her jewels.

Isaiah 62:5

For as a young man marries a young woman, so shall your sons marry you,and as the bridegroom rejoices over the bride, so shall your God rejoice over you.

Matthew 9:15

And Jesus said to them, "Can the wedding guest mourn as long as the bride groom is with them? The day will come when the bridegroom is taken from them, then they will fast." (Who is this bridegroom, but Jesus Christ)

This next one gives me goosebumps and it should you too!

Revelations 19:7

Let us rejoice and exult and give him the glory, for the marriage of the Lamb has come,
and his bride has made herself ready.

We are that bride! We adorn ourselves! We make ourselves as beautiful as we can, just like any bride does today! Just like you did! You did look beautiful! But that beauty was all surface. It was not real. It was an act!

I have to admit that I am asking God to give me a love for you, because right now I am just so angry! Young people today look at you as a roll model, and you stink at it! I know why, I do! You don't know Christ, so you are going on your own moral compass, that society has taught you, you can. It's about you, and your personal happiness. It's not about love. It's not about commitment. It's not about forever. It's about the here and now. Getting all I can. Doing what is best for me, never thinking of others and how my actions may affect them. Believe it or not, you do not live in a bubble, where you decisions affect only you! People, young people are watching and learning, and you act totally irresponsibly. I know you are ignorant of these truths and I wish I could talk to you in person to speak to you about The Bridegroom himself, but I can't. I live in Michigan, and you live in la la land.

I will pray for you and for me, and for anyone that may be wrongly influenced by your actions. Right now that is what I can do, so I will do it.

O.K. I think I feel better now! Got that all off my chest. I think I'm breathing again!

I am a runner.......

2011-11-02T13:57:00.006-04:00

O.K. so I'm a 47 year old runner, but for me to even say that is an amazing miracle!! It all started when our sweet Bekah joined Cross Country in the 6th grade. Both Steve and I were so amazed at her determination and ability to persevere through the pain to finish. We both said we should take up running. Well that talk went on for quite sometime!! But in March we decided to start training. We found a wonderful podcast that helps you go from the couch to a 5k in 8 weeks called runningmate101. Not wanting to overdo it I did it in about 12 weeks. To say this is amazing is just not saying enough! I remember when I first started out running at the High School gym to run 1 1/2 minutes about killed me! I couldn't wait for that 1 1/2 minutes to be over with so I could walk for 3. It took me almost the whole 3 minutes to stabilize my breathing. Funny thing too, Steve had to drop out because he got Planters Faciatis(?) and his feet hurt to bad, so I became a lone runner.

Little by little I met the challenges and surpassed my expectations! I'll never forget the first time I ran 3 ~ 12 minute intervals. I was running in Ludington State Park and cried most of the time because of the beauty, and that I could run for 12 minutes without walking!! Then came the running for 30 minutes. What in the world was I thinking! I remember starting out that day with the thoughts that I can't do this! I don't have the strength, and I'm to overweight. Then God showed up (excuse me ~ He showed me he had always been there!!!)! He started to remind me of scripture such as: Psalm 147:10; Isaiah 40:31; Philippians 4:13; 2 Corinthians 12:9. I could do it when I focused on him! And you know what ~ I did! All praise and glory and honor go to him and him alone!!!

I ran my first 5k on September 10th! Thought I would die, but I finished!!! It was hard too because I run on flat surfaces and silly me signed up for a race that was one BIG hill after another!!!

These days I run about 3 times a week. I try to run at least 3 miles, but sometimes do shorter stints at faster times. My goal is to get my 3 mile pace to a 14 minute mile. There are times I get discouraged, but then I am reminded by my wonderful husband, my kids and the Lord of how far I have come since March! I will never be fast, and that's O.K.! I can't say I love to run YET, but I do like it, and I like the fact that I can do it. If you would have told me that even 1 year ago I would have laughed at you! I remember watching runners and thinking "that doesn't even look like fun, why in the world would anyone do it!!?!" It's also encouraging for my children because I can show them that even though things are hard, in Christ's strength we can persevere! They are such wonderful encouragers too! I will run my second 5k on November 12th, this time with my sweet Bekah (of course she will be waiting for me at the finish line, since she runs much faster then I). We are running to help a ministry called Paradise Bound (great cause!)

So there you have it! I am a runner!!!!! Who would've thunk!!!!

Halloween 2011

2011-11-01T09:51:00.003-04:00

Well Halloween is over for another year! This year we let Jeremiah go out with a friend, but told him, "Seriously when you're driving, you are no longer "trick or treating!!!" I wouldn't have minded him stopping a couple of years ago, but my easy going husband was like, no big deal, so I relented. I just thought I would share their costumes from this year. I think Bekah's is my favorite one from all the years! I just loved that tu tu!!! Jeremiah's was made, hummmmm...... let's see at 3:50 yesterday!!! He said after school, "yeah I'm going with Caleb to his grand parents house." They live in a rich neighborhood apparently where they had out King Size candy bars!! Ho Boy!! So off to the local LOVE Inc (In The Name of Christ), and $3.71 later viola!!! His mask is Hillary Clinton, I honestly do not know what the rest is stating!!!!

My husband knows how to make me cry...

2011-10-31T18:36:00.002-04:00

Tonight I was out of sorts for so many reasons. Since Jeremiah was off with a friend, and we had just dropped Bekah off to go Trick or Treating with a friend, we were kid less. So we headed to Mickey D's for a hot cocoa. While getting the cocoa Steve was standing over to the side messing with his new DROID phone. I laughed and asked "what are you doing?". He said "nothing".

When we got back in the car, he put his DROID on the dashboard and all of a sudden "Margee Ann" by Fernando Ortega came on. A while back Steve told me this song reminded him of us. Well needless to say I hugged him and just started crying (Hormones, what are you going to do!!). Anyway I tried to find a video of it, but couldn't, so here are the lyrics:

My dearest, darling Margee, sleeping in my arms,
Dreams flutter just behind your eyes.
And in the eucalyptus branches all along the hill,
Birds sing their songs to the night.
I love to hold you near me, I love to hear your breath,
Blending with the swaying of the trees.
I love to wake together in our quiet home,
That looks down the hill to the sea,
White sails on the sea....
You're the first light of the morning, my cool sunrise.
You're my love across the table, a little sleep in your eyes.
You're my strong cup of coffee, you like to laugh right with me.
You're my heart's companion, my one true companion,
Sweet darling, lover of mine.
Dear Margee stay with me, don't wander from my side,
I can't imagine life without you here.
The longer we're together, the more I realize,
Our love was meant for the years,
We're made for the years....
You're the first light of the morning, my cool sunrise.
You're my love across the table, a little sleep in your eyes.
You're my strong cup of coffee, you like to laugh right with me.
You're my heart's companion, my one true companion,
Sweet darling, lover of mine.
You're the first light of the morning, you like to laugh right with me,
Sweet darling, lover of mine

My husband I think I'll keep him!!!

My Bucket List...

2011-10-31T15:17:00.004-04:00

This is my entry in the Just Ask Bucket List Getaway Giveaway. Just Ask offers a breast and ovarian cancer screening and is encouraging people to share 15 things that I want to enjoy in my lifetime as a reminder to be aware of my health. Want to enter? Head over to TodaysMama.com to get the details.

For this give-away they asked us to list 15 things that we would like to do, and here are my 15:

A trip to the Holy Land. Preferably with Beth Moore on one of her teaching trips.
Do go on all of Paul's Missionary Journeys.
To write some kind of devotional or Bible Study on what God is teaching me.
To lead someone to Christ.
To retire to a small lake somewhere in Michigan with my sweetie.
In retirement I don't want to be idle, but continue to do God's work.
To have a boxer (doggie).
To go on a missions trip and help with orphans.
To be debt free.
To travel Outwest with my hubby again and see the Tetons.
To para sail.
To learn how to work through issues with others, in order to bring healing.
To see my kids get through college with NO debt.
To see Australia.
To see a blue whale.

So if you want to join in, check out the link above!!!

What's on your bucket list???

What needs to die?

2011-10-24T08:36:00.003-04:00

One of my favorite passages in the Bible is Isaiah's vision of God on his throne in Isaiah 6. It has come to mind a lot lately, what with how God has been stripping needless things away from my life.

The passage starts out "In the year King Uzziah died". King Uzziah was a good king who did right in the eyes of the Lord (mostly). You can read about him in 2 Chronicles 26, and here is a Bible lesson that gives a lot of information on him. During his reign the nation of Judah knew prosperity and influence in the known world. Everyone would have looked to him for stability and peace. His people trusted in him, and counted on him. They enjoyed life in his kingdom. Then he dies. What now? How could things have gone so wrong? Why did he suffer such a death as this (by leprosy)?

This is where Isaiah was as he entered the temple that day. His hope may have been more in King Uzziah then the Lord. Then his vision! He saw the Lord seated on His throne, high and exalted, and the train of his robe FILLED the temple. What a sight to behold! The earthly king that Isaiah and the people of Judah counted on was no longer there. But there was/is a King that reigns eternally that we CAN put our hope in. He will not die, he does not sleep (Psalm 121:3-4). In His presence we recognize our unworthiness, but as soon as that happens he uplifts us with his grace (Isaiah 6:5-7).

This got me to thinking in light of what God is calling me to give up to/for him. Isaiah and the people of Judah needed to have their security taken away before they could see their need of the great "I AM". When Isaiah saw Him, he realized what state he truly was in, and where his hope should be placed! This encounter changed his life! From that point on his focus was not an earthly king, but the Heavenly King that was before time, and creator of the universe!

I fear our view of God is to small, as Isaiah's may have been before this vision. We do not often see him on the Throne. We have marginalized him. Made him comfortable and likable. God brought to mind this week how if we really saw God as Isaiah did , as Ezekiel did in Chapter 1 , and as John did in Revelations Chapter 4, how would our worship of him be different? How would our lives be different? Then he asked me this question:

What needs to die, so that you will see that I am enough?

So long Facebook ~ Obedience is calling!

2011-10-17T10:48:00.003-04:00

Well this has been coming for quite some time, but I have selfishly put it off. The deactivation of my Facebook account. Why do I feel I need to write such a long explanation? Probably because I need to be reminded myself of what God is calling me to do, and why.

Most people probably have no issues with time. They can manage their time well, and can control the things that try to undermine their progress in a day. I am not one of those people. I can get sidetracked really easy, and well, let's face it Facebook sidetracks me on several fronts. I find myself on there far more then anyone should. When I get up in the morning I say I just check things out while I wait for my coffee to brew ~ can't start Bible study until I have that cup in hand. Well a few minutes turns into 20 and viola shortened time in the word.

It's funny how addictions go. I am not addicted to alcohol, or drugs, but put any food in front of me or give me a Facebook account and I'm a goner!!!

Well God has been impressing on me lately (O.K. for a while now) that I need to turn it off! He wants me to focus on Him, and I truly want to focus on Him, so he's asked me "Am I important enough to you?", "Are you willing to give up something that you like and spend more time with me?" , "I have things to show you, and you need to be ALL IN, are you willing?" Well of course my answer is YES!! I want more of God! I want to know Him and the power that I possess through His Son Jesus Christ! I want to share that with others, and I can't do any of this while being on Facebook.

There is much I have enjoyed on Facebook, and other things I haven't really enjoyed.

I've enjoyed:

Reconnecting with old High School Chums!!
I have loved meeting and reconnecting with people I am of like mind with in Christ, like ~ Idella, Dianna Orea, Rhonda, Lori, Vicki, and of course E-Mom (but she's a bloggy friend too).
I have enjoyed sharing my faith and encouraging others!! (Even though I'm sure I've been hidden by a few (or not a few) for the same reason! But glory be to God I will not be ashamed, and maybe someone desires him more because of what I've wrote.
I've enjoyed connecting with family. It's hard to stay in contact with everyone and this has allowed us to connect. I will miss my 4:00 am (or even 3:00 am) instant talks with Judy, when we are both up.
I will miss the pictures I get to see on here.
I will miss the quickness of answers to breakfast from Diane and Patty, but we still have e-mail and I think we still know how to use the phone.

There is much I won't miss too, but I don't need to go into that!!

I hope that someday I can reconnect again. Once I'm through this time of teaching, and if I've learned to keep my priorities straight I just might be able to come back.

Thanks for the fun, and fellowship!!!

If you still want to stay connected come here to Scattered Stones (I think I'll be posting more) or my e-mail address is skjbvh4(at)allcom(dot)net.

Also our phone number is (616) 895-5689

Remember: So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God. (1 Cor. 10:31)

2 Peter Chapter 3 – God's patience means our repentance

2011-09-07T15:29:00.003-04:00

Apology! I am so sorry for the length of this post!! I thought about making it two posts, but didn't want to go through the effort! Please forgive me and hopefully enjoy!

2 Peter 3: 8-13

God's patience is something I have a hard time understanding. Could it be because that is one of the qualities I need to PRACTICE!!!! Those who know me well, know I can be a little impatient at times. But God! How do we begin to understand a God who waits until all those he has called come to repentance before bringing destruction on the ungodly? How do we begin to understand how day after day he can suffer all types of sadness brought on, not only by those who practice evil, but by His children? It is something I have such a hard time wrapping my brain around, do you?

But here beginning in verses 8 & 9 Peter reminds his beloved again to not overlook this ONE fact ~ to the Lord 1 day is as 1000, and a 1000 like 1 day. He is not slow in KEEPING his PROMISES as some count slowness, but is PATIENT towards us, not wishing that ANY should perish, but that ALL should reach repentance!” BUT the day will come!! Mark God's word, that day will come! All those scoffers from the previous post will one day see and understand, possibly to late for them, that God is God. He is who he says he is, and He will do what he says he will do. Follower of Jesus Christ, please understand that! God can be trusted! He has proven himself to be THE faithful, just, gracious, merciful God that he claims to be! He will come like a thief, completely unexpected. Then what he said will happen, will happen. The current heavens and earth will be completely burned up and dissolved (can you imagine?!) and ALL that is done on earth will be exposed! Yikes! Well yikes to those who are not covered in the blood of Jesus Christ. This will come as a complete shock to them, even though they had been warned.

Peter then asks the question ~ Since all these things(heavens and earth) are thus to be dissolved, what sort of people ought we to be? We're to live holy and godly lives, waiting (to expect , to look for) and hastening (to haste, make haste, to desire earnestly) the day of the LORD which will come and destroy the current heavens and earth, knowing that a new heavens and new earth await. Here's the really cool part too: Righteousness dwells there!!! This reminds me of my study of Ezekiel, where God's presence returns to the Temple. In the very last verse of Ezekiel 48:29 it says: And the name of the city from that time on shall be “The LORD is There.” So cool!!!

I have to admit here I needed a little help. The version of scripture I use to study (ESV) is a little confusing in it's wording. In the text Peter is posing a question, but to me never really seemed to answer it. When I went to the NIV it showed a little clearer what was being stated. Well that and calling my pastor to discuss it (Thanks Steve).

2 Peter 3:14-18

Here Peter begins with that wonderful word again “Beloved”. But before that he uses “Therefore” and you know what that means! What is the “therefore” there for? “Therefore” because we are waiting for what is going to happen we need to be about a few things:

We are to be diligent (to hasten, make haste, to exert one's self, endeavor, give diligence)
To be found by him (to come upon, hit upon, to meet with, after searching, to find a thing sought, without previous search, to find (by chance), to fall in with, those who come or return to a place, to find by inquiry, thought, examination, scrutiny, observation, to find out by practice and experience, to see, learn, discover, understand, to be found i.e. to be seen, be present, to be discovered, recognized, detected, to show one's self out, of one's character or state as found out by others (men, God, or both), to get knowledge of, come to know, God, to find out for one's self, to acquire, get, obtain, procure)
To be without Spot(free from censure, irreproachable, free from vice, unsullied)
To Be without Blemish (that cannot be censured, Blameless)
To be at Peace (a state of national tranquility, exemption from the rage and havoc of war, peace between individuals, i.e. harmony, concord, security, safety, prosperity, felicity, (because peace and harmony make and keep things safe and prosperous), of the Messiah's peace, the way that leads to peace (salvation), of Christianity, the tranquil state of a soul assured of its salvation through Christ, and so fearing nothing from God and content with its earthly lot, of whatsoever sort that is, the blessed state of devout and upright men after death)
To Count (regard) the LORD's patience as salvation.

We are not to be passive in our waiting. We are not to be like the statement “To heavenly minded for earthly good”. God has called us to a mission. That mission is to proclaim The GOOD NEWS to ALL people. We are to be actively pursuing God and his righteousness.

I so love the next part of this section because again it shows how Peter's heart had changed. He ends the above verse with “just as our beloved Paul also wrote to you according to the wisdom given him.”

There was a time when Peter and Paul didn't see eye to eye (See Galatians 2:11-15), so this tenderness and validation of Paul's ministry is big. They both agreed on this issue, and most likely many more. It makes one think of how you can work through issues to the Glory of God doesn't it?!

Paul wrote concerning this same thing (God's kindness meant to lead us to repentance) in Roman's 2:4.

Peter is reminding the people of the symmetry of scripture. How all the Apostles teachings reflect each others, because their hearts are in tuned to God. Each one validates the other. The people needed to know this because (as we all know) Paul's teachings can be hard to understand. Which the “ignorant and unstable” will twist to their own destruction. These scoffers, these false teachers are getting it wrong, and proclaiming what they believe as truth, as they do other scriptures.

Again Peter uses the word “beloved” when he tells them (and us) ~ you know all this beforehand. We have told you, so you are aware and prepared for WHEN it happens. So don't be carried away by these falsehoods. Stand firm, so as it says in 2 Peter 1:10-11 “Therefore, brothers, be all the more diligent to make your calling and election sure, for if you practice these qualities you will never fail. For in this way there will be richly provided for you an entrance into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.” Be confident in the truth you know! Know that truth, and know the God of truth!

“Grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.”

2 Peter 3:18

WHY

TO BRING GLORY TO GOD BOTH NOW AND TO ETERNITY!

AMEN!!

God is patiently waiting until all he has called comes in. How are you sharing your story with others to bring them to repentance? Aren't you excited about the new heavens and new earth where righteousness dwells?
Are you standing firm, or do the scoffers make you doubt? Because you are in Christ even the hard stuff of scripture will be made clear to you by the Holy Spirit. Do you trust that?

2 Peter Chapter 3 - An Intimate Reminder to Stand.

2011-09-06T06:09:00.002-04:00

Well here we are at the end of Peter, at the end of Summer! It's amazing how 2 little books took me all summer to finish, but OH how I have loved this study! As I type this I am sitting in one of my favorite places. A campground in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan! It is so peaceful here! Our whole family enjoys it, and it's a great place to end the summer, as well as this study.

I Peter 3:1-2

When you think of the Apostle Peter, what are the first words that come to mind to describe him? Impulsive? Rash? Uneducated? Weak? You name some. Through this study I have come to see how he has grown in so many ways. In this chapter I see how he gained such a love for the people in his care. I am struck by the way Peter begins this 2^nd letter. He uses the word “beloved” to describe his readers. Peter goes on to use the word “beloved” 3 more times when speaking directly to them(us). I have never thought of Peter as someone who easily shows affection, but here he is showing the great love he has for these people. Oh how the Lord can change us!

Peter again reminds his readers to remember the Prophets predictions and the commands of Jesus through the Apostles. Remember that he reminded us of that early in the passages: 1 Peter 1:10-12 and 2 Peter 1:18-21). Peter reiterates the need to KNOW scripture. This is a very important theme that is throughout the books of Peter! Know the word of God! We just finished the section on the false teachers, where we saw how important it is to know the word. We will learn more about that as we finish chapter 3. I believe what Peter is doing here in this Chapter is summarizing all his teaching, and reminding us of what is most important. 1 Thessalonians 5:20-22 says “Do not despise prophecies, but test everything, hold fast what is good. Abstain from every form of evil” Test what you hear and hold fast the the truths of scripture!!

2 Peter 3:3-7

Just as in 2 Peter 2, Peter reminds these believers that scoffers(mockers) WILL come. They will completely ignore and overlook All that God has done. They try to place doubt in the minds of the believers by saying “Where is the promise of his coming? For ever since the fathers fell asleep, all things are continuing as they were from the beginning of creation”. I love how in verse 5 it says “they deliberately overlook, this fact” ~

The heavens existed long ago
the earth was formed out of water
and through water (now here is the important part) BY THE WORD OF GOD.

Then it says “by means of these (THE WORD OF GOD) ~

the world that then existed was deluged with water and perished.

Then a future prophecy ~ By the same WORD ~

the Heavens and earth that exist now are stored up for fire.

God is faithful! He is true! As my kids learned last week at our local community fair, there are 3 things God cannot do:

He cannot associate with sin (Habakkuk 1:13)
He cannot lie (Hebrews 6:18)
He cannot go back on his word (Timothy 2:13)

These scoffers, as well as the false teachers will do their best to discredit God. But those who know Him, and his completely perfect track record can rest assured that everything he says he will do, he will do. Because he has done everything he said he would do.

We read a great verse in Proverbs 28 that I thought fit here too. It is verse 10:

Whoever misleads the upright into an evil way will fall into his own pit.

These scoffers are following their own evil desires (vs. 3), and will pay the consequence of that.

Questions:

Are you aware how much you are loved in the Lord? Do you understand the rich treasure you have in His written word? Are you growing yourself in love for the Lord and for His people?
Are you prepared for the certain attacks that WILL come against God and the gospel? Do you see it happening already, and are you standing firm? Are you confident in God's ability to take care of the situation?

In my next post we will finish this study. I hope that it not only has blessed you, but that it has given you the desire to dig into God's word, and to grow in the knowledge of Him.

2 Peter Chapter 2 - Don't you just hate "Buts"! Part 2

2011-08-16T15:28:00.009-04:00

Who are these false teachers we are learning about? Are they easy to pick out? For those who don't know the Word I would say no, they will not see them for who they are. But for those steeped in the Word there should be warning signs.

I want to start out in the middle of this passage (2 Peter 2:10-16) with this portion of scripture: "They are blots and blemishes, reveling in their deceptions, (and here it is) while they feast with you"(vs. 13b). These people ARE among us! It's not a matter of "if". Who are they? How can we tell? Peter gives us some descriptions to help:

"They are bold and willful. They do not tremble when they blaspheme (malign, dishonor, revile) the glorious ones." These people really do not believe in the powers of light or darkness. They do not really believe in the power of God. It is as if they are thumbing their noses and saying "You're(angels, God) not going to do anything, because you lack power, so I will be OK". Now can't you just see the angels (vs. 11) just seeing this situation and not responding with a ZAP! But they don't. They leave that up to God! Boy I sure wish I would respond like the angels! That's some self (or God) control!!! Can I get an AMEN!!
"They are like Irrational animals, creatures of instinct, born to be caught and destroyed." YIKES! When I think of irrational animals I think of an animal with rabies. They are just plain out of their minds! Their is no reasoning in their thought process.
Which leads into our next description: "They blaspheme about matters they do not understand". They have ceased to reason. In their thinking they have it all figured out. They know what the Word of God says, they do not need to study it. Also, if the Spirit is not in them (which it's not) they would not be able to understand the scriptures anyway. They are Ignorant, and worse yet they are irrational. There is no understanding AT ALL!
They are not ashamed of their behavior (goes again to the bold and willful). They revel in the daytime. It's there, right in your face. Try to prove me wrong, they may say. This reminds me of what Peter says in verse 2 ~ "The way of truth is blasphemed" because of their ignorance. Can't you just see the scenario? Unbelievers or young Christians (unsteady souls from vs. 14), who do not know the Word, listening to people like this, and falling prey to their wrong thinking.
Their eyes are full of adultery, insatiable (incapable of being satisfied, unable to stop) for sin.
Hearts trained (they are practiced) in greed. Remember in 2 Peter 1 where Peter is telling us to practice, well here is one reason. These false teachers are well trained. They have put their all into self serving practices. Which brings us to a delightful fellow. Balaam! Read Numbers 22, if you are unfamiliar with the story. Basically, Balaam was about his own business. He was going to give a false prophecy (placing a curse on) concerning Israel for profit. But God took care of him in a most embarrassing way.
They are waterless springs, and mist driven by a storm. There is no life in them, and they will soon disappear. But the destruction the leave behind is deadly and eternal. Because of their determination (loud boasts of folly) they entice (bait, allure, deceive)by sinful (sensual) passions those who are barely escaping. They are trying to take many with them. But please remember here, if you are a new creation in Christ Jesus, you are secure. Satan has lost the battle when it comes to you! Rest in that!!
They promise freedom, but are themselves slaves. Now here is another telling statement "For whatever overcomes a person, to that he is enslaved". There is no freedom in what these people preach, just a different enslavement. It says in John 8:34 " Jesus answered them, "Truly, truly, I say to you, everyone who commits sin is a slave to sin." But Christ has called us to true freedom. In 1 Peter 2:16 is says "Live as people who are free, not using your freedom as a cover-up for evil, but living as servants (slaves) of God." (Also the book of Galatians speaks much to our freedom in Christ). Be enslaved to Christ, may he overcome you!!
Now again we get to who are they, or should I say, who they are not? This is a very difficult passage of scripture from verses 20-22. Scholars differ over what the meaning is, and I am NO scholar, so I will give you my take and leave it up to God from there. These false teachers have never been, nor will ever be part of the "true" church of Jesus Christ. They are counterfeit. They are fakes. They have all the looks of being real, but are not. They are in and among the "true" church. It reminds me of the parable of the Weeds in Matthew 13: 24-30, 36-43. They will one day be sifted and sorted out and thrown away! There is no hope for them. They will always return back to what they know, as a dog to it's own vomit (which is so yuck when you see it isn't it!?) (Prov. 26:11) or a sow to the mud after being cleaned. It's just their instinct to return to it.

I. Are you prepared to face and defend THE faith against false teachers? These are people who are in and among us, can you see them for what they are?

II. True freedom only comes through Christ. Are you weakened in an area where a false teacher might be attacking? Stay true to God's word for reinforcing strength!

Boy I'm tired!!! This was a hard one. Praying you are blessed!!!

2 Peter Chapter 2 - Don't you just hate "Buts"! Part 1

2011-08-16T06:57:00.006-04:00

At the end of Chapter one we read that we do not follow cleverly devised myths, but had eyewitness accounts and the prophets to guide us. We learned also that no scripture comes from man but were from God as they (men) were carried along by the Holy Spirit. Wonderful news ~ God's word is trustworthy!! Then there is this pesky little word ~ “BUT”!

vs. 1-3: People always have to come along and try to ruin things. In Chapter 2 we read again about False Teachers who “secretly” ~ (craftily) bring destructive heresies into the church. Even to the point of denying Christ. Sound Familiar? God knows who these people are, after all he is God and knows all. He says that they are bringing swift destruction on themselves. It's not an if they will be destroyed, it's when. The sad thing is though they will bring many with them. Those that are weak will follow their “sensuality ~ (Unbridled lust, excess, outrageousness, shamelessness, insolence)”. They will “exploit” ~ (To use a person or thing for gain) the truth because of greed. Because of them the way of truth will be “blasphemed” ~ (Maligned, dishonored, reviled).

Does this all sound remotely familiar to you? Have you had concerns over certain things you have heard either from a TV evangelist or pastor from the pulpit, or even from someone you trust to know the word well? I know I have. I also know that we cannot judge the heart of man, that is up to God, (Mark 7:14-23, speaks of Jesus knowing the heart and understanding.), but there are most definitely signs that tell us what direction a persons heart is taking him/her. This is another reason it is of the utmost importance for Christ followers to know the word of God! We will get into that a little more later, but how are you supposed to be able to detect a False Teacher, if you do not know the text book he/she is maligning?

vs. 4-10: Peter goes on to explain why we can trust that what God says will happen, will happen. He gives the people a little history lesson. He uses those 2 little words “For it”:

God did not spare angels when they sinned (which is an interesting thought, isn't it?), but cast them into hell, committed them to chains until judgment.
If he did not spare the ancient world, but saved Noah (a herald (Messenger, preacher) of righteousness) and 7 others.
If by turning the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah to ashes he condemned them to extinction, making them an example of what will happen to the ungodly.
If he rescued “righteous” Lot who lived among the ungodly and was greatly distressed by their “sensual” conduct.

“then” don't you think He knows how to rescue the “godly” ~ (you) from trials, and to keep the unrighteous under punishment until the day of judgment, especially those who indulge in the lust (remember the definition) of defiling passion and despise authority? God has got it all under control! There is nothing that goes on in this world that he has not allowed! Do we understand it, NO. Do we wish it were different and that he would "smite" (cool word) them right on the spot, YES. Would he have to smite us too! Most Probably! But God will handle those who lead people astray, he will!

Yes there are those among us (we will hear more of this in the next post), that are not truly part of the church. We need to be wise as serpents (Matthew 10:16) when it comes to identifying them. We need to know the word of God. We cannot rely completely on the preaching we hear on Sunday. It has to go further, as Paul says in Acts 17:11 “Now these Jews were more noble than those in Thessalonica; they received the word with all eagerness, examining the Scriptures daily to see if these things were so.”

Are you in God's word faithfully so that you are able to fight against False Teachers?
Do you know of someone who may be falling for destructive heresies?
What does God call us to do when we see or hear a false doctrine being taught?
What are you going to do?

2 Peter Chapter 1 - Who, What, Why, How Part 3

2011-07-26T06:10:00.010-04:00

So Peter has told us Who we are, and has told us What qualities are necessary and Why. Today he will give us the How. We are looking at verses 12-21.

Peter starts out verse 12 with "Therefore". You know where there's a "therefore" it's there for a reason! HA! It's basically saying the same thing as in verse 5 "for this reason". Because what Peter just said was so important he was going to REMIND the faithful of these qualities (refer back to previous post for qualities). He goes on to say that "we" know them and are ESTABLISHED(made stable, fixed, strengthened) in this truth. There again he is encouraging us to not listen to the voice of Satan, but listen to the voice of truth! That being ~ You are in Christ; You are on equal standing with other believers; You have the power through Christ to partake in the divine nature of God; You are a force to be reckoned with!

In verse 13 he alludes to his impending death. What I see in this section is his URGENCY! Time is short! Therefore Peter thought it was right to STIR (wake up, awaken) his readers. Wake up! You need to know that you know this, and you need to put it into practice! There is no time to waste! You don't know what tomorrow brings! He would make a way for them to recall these things, even after he is gone.

Look what we have today! This wonderful book that reminds us of our calling! Is that not just AWESOME! Praise God!

This book that we have, what is it? Ah. Peter goes on to tell us about this book. What it contains.

Peter wants his readers to know that these aren't clever stories that have been concocted by man, but that they (the Apostles) who had been with Jesus are giving us an eyewitness of the glories of Christ! They saw Him, touched Him, lived with Him and were taught by Him. They were on the mountain (of Transfiguration) when he received his glory from the Father!

But, if that wasn't enough, well then you have the prophetic word (enter Old Testament). Peter uses the words "more sure"(stable, fast, firm) here in verse 19. Peter's readers knew the OT. They would know what the prophets had said about Christ, that would give confirmation to the Apostles personal testimony. It all fits together! The old and the new! So Peter tells them, you will do well to "pay attention" to the prophetic teachings because they are like a lamp shining in a dark place, until Christ returns. Scripture is not only a tool (as some would say), but is our vital connection to Christ. Without it we have no way of knowing the true heart of God, and His Son Jesus Christ!

So many today attack the authenticity, inerrancy, and infallibility of scripture, to their own demise, and the demise of those who listen to them. There are those that put the Sovereignty of God in question because they would say things like "if the writers only knew about "this or that" they would not have written that". God knew, God knows, God's word speaks! Here in the very last 2 verses of this chapter Peter speaks to this issue.

1 Peter 1:20-21

But know this first of all, that no prophecy of Scripture is a matter of one's own interpretation, for no prophecy was ever made by an act of human will, but men moved by the Holy Spirit spoke from God.

So what do you believe today? Do you doubt scripture? If you doubt, then you need to start back at the beginning.

Who are you? Are you one of the faithful? That's a pretty important question.
What qualities are you growing in your life? Do you understand the importance of these qualities to your spiritual health?
Do you believe the Bible to be the word of God, written through the hands of men, by the power of the Holy Spirit? If not, why not? If so, are you diving into it daily, asking the Holy Spirit to help you to understand what God is telling you (reminding you).

We have all we need that pertain to life and godliness, and it is contained in this wonderful book called "The Holy Bible".

DIVE IN TODAY!!!

2 Peter Chapter 1 - Who, What, Why, How Part 2

2011-07-25T06:00:00.010-04:00

So after telling the faithful who they are, Peter proceeds to let them and us know:

What we need, and why we need it?

In verse 5 he begins by saying: For this reason (what reason), because of WHO you are, you should make every effort (apply all diligence) to supplement (add to, supply) your faith ~ virtue; virtue ~ knowledge; knowledge ~ self-control; self-control ~ steadfastness; steadfastness ~ godliness; godliness ~ brotherly affection; brotherly affection ~ love.

Sounds a little like Peter is telling us to work, right? No, that is not the case. What he is saying is as we grow in Christ (I myself think of "sanctification" ~ The act of making a thing pure and holy or "Consecration" ~the devoting or setting apart of anything to the worship or service of God. ) these are qualities that we need to practice:

to make ready, to prepare

to produce, bear, shoot forth

to acquire

in order to not be ineffective and unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ (Verses 8 & 10). You need to claim these qualities, recognize the importance of them in your spiritual life, and be increasing in them. It's a big product of time spent with God, through the study of His word, through prayer, through worship. It's a nature progression that, if one truly is one with Christ, happens without effort or work. The process is driven by a thankfulness to God for our salvation; by our recognition of our state without this great salvation, our desire to KNOW him more, and our desire to be partakers in His divine nature. That being said "It's not WORK at all".

Peter also goes on to say that those who lack these qualities is SO nearsighted and blind that they forget they were cleansed of their former sins, Verse 9. If you are not in the Word, and growing in these qualities you are in danger of forgetting what God has done for you, and the power that you possess (in Him) to live a life of godliness. It is easy then to fall into temptation. But Peter says, those that practice these qualities will not fall (stumble, err, make a mistake, sin). He actually says NEVER! WOW, that's amazing! With these qualities you will make your calling and election sure. What Peter means here is that you will not doubt your standing in Christ. If you are not in the Word, and not growing in these qualities, you may doubt your salvation, and therefore be ineffective and unfruitful.

Practicing these qualities = Confidence, fruitfulness and effectiveness

Not practicing these qualities = blindness, confusion, doubt, unfruitfulness, ineffectiveness, and stumbling in the dark as a blind person.

Questions:

Are you practicing the qualities mentioned in this section? It is never to late to start. The only time it is too late is when we stand before our Lord and Savior.
Are you getting into the Word daily and seeking the Holy Spirits help in understanding what it says, and applying it to your life?
Do you doubt your salvation? If so, please talk to someone about it, and get into the word so your knowledge of God grows.

2 Peter Chapter 1 - Who, What, Why, How Part 1

2011-07-24T10:44:00.014-04:00

I'm taking a little different approach to 2 Peter. I have to admit I have procrastinated on it because it feels like a completely daunting task for me! I have said several times that I am not a writer. My thoughts are often scattered (hence the name of my blog), and my grammar, well it's pretty bad!!! So here I sit wanting desperately to translate to you (mostly Mari, my one faithful commenter!!) the truths that God is showing me in my study, and fearful of not being able to articulate the beauty of God's word. But I feel compelled to continue, so like Steven Curtis Chapman says in his song "I'm diving in"! I pray that the Holy Spirit will illuminate your mind to His truth's and I will get out of the way!

Also this will be done over a few blog posts, so they don't get to long.

WHO we are? (Verses 1-4)

Peter is all about encouragement of the saints! Really, that showed up so much in 1 Peter. Even though there will be struggle, take heart, remember whose you are, rejoice, etc....

Here in 2 Peter, right off the bat he reminds the faithful of who they are! They did not have to think them less then he, or the other Apostles (who had seen Jesus). They were on equal standing with them. There is no saint in the Kingdom of God that is greater then any other. Why? Because (by) the righteousness of our God and Savior Jesus Christ we have obtained (to receive by divine allotment) it!

So many of us (myself included) look at others and say "WOW I wish I had their faith!" Well Peter is here to tell you, YOU DO!

I often said as the Director of Children's Ministries, that God does not make Junior Disciples. In verses 3 & 4 Peter says that God's divine power has granted to us ALL THINGS that pertain to life and godliness, through KNOWLEDGE of him. There is so much more to this run on sentence of his I just need to show it:

2 Peter 1:3-4

His divine power has granted to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of him who called us to his own glory and excellence, by which he has granted (bestowed) to us his precious and very great promises, so that through them you may become partakers (sharers, partners, associates, companions) of the divine nature, having escaped from the corruption that is in the world because of sinful desire.

So you see we have all we need, our knowledge of Him needs to grow. Satan would like us to believe that we are weak and not useful in the Kingdom of God because there is always someone with more knowledge them we have, BUT throughout this chapter Peter will encourage us to understand that we have what we need IN HIM (Christ)! What we need to do is claim it, and practice it (which we will learn later).

I think my first question always has to be:

Are you one of those who through faith has obtained an equal standing? Have you professed faith in Jesus Christ, and excepted his wonderful gift of salvation? If you haven't, please seek out someone today to further explain the wonderful plan of salvation laid forth in Jesus Christ! If you have:
Are you seeing your faith as inferior to others? What does the passage say about who you are and what you've been given?
Are you claiming the divine power granted you to live a life that shows your equal standing with other believers?

Walk in that faith! You have what you need to life a godly life! We will learn more of the what, why, and how as we go forward.

Get into the Word today!!!

1 Peter Chapter 5 - Homiletics Practice

2011-07-08T08:40:00.015-04:00

Well I am to the final Chapter of 1 Peter, and I have loved every minute of this study so far! At the end of this post I will give a brief summary of what I believe is the key issue Peter is addressing in 1 Peter. I hope that these posts have blessed you and caused you to examine 1st of all the Holy Scriptures, and 2nd of all to examine yourself in light of them. I know I have, and have come up wanting.

Divisions ~

I. Verses 5: 1-4 ~ Peter instructs the elders on their role as shepherds.

This portion of scripture is so important to the life and ministry of "the Church". It speaks to the leadership. I am convicted by this passage of scripture and the passages that describe the qualifications of those who are eligible for leadership in 1 Timothy 3, and Titus 1. Why you may ask? Because I have never really taken my job as a member of the congregation seriously in nominating or voting on members of Consistory. Now I myself have a lot of questions for those who feel called to this office.
Also I think it needs to be noted here that the office of "elder" also includes the pastor. In other scripture he (the pastor) is called "shepherd" (Eph 4:11).
It is of the UTMOST importance to have men in leadership that fully embody the descriptions in these passages! To many churches reputations and effectiveness for the Kingdom are destroyed because of lack of integrity or knowledge on the part of leadership. As "the flock" we should be in much prayer and discernment when electing officers and when choosing who will "pastor" the flock!

II. Verses 5-7 ~ Peter instructs the youth and all the church in humility.

It is right for the youth to show proper respect to those older and in authority over them. That and so much more are said in these short verses. Once leadership is established, it is up to "the flock" to "be subject" to that leadership. NOW I do have to ask, what if leadership is stepping out of God's will? Well here are "my" thoughts: God has given us clear instructions in how to resolve conflict. Matthew 18 comes to mind as one. Also in Timothy where it talks about the Bible being useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training (2 Tim 3:16). What we need to remember though is that we do so in a manner that is pleasing to God and God honoring.
There is one word that is so key in all of this! HUMILITY!! Here Peter addresses "all of you", meaning the elders and the youth. The whole church! "Clothe yourselves, ALL OF YOU, with humility toward one another for God opposes the proud but gives grace to the HUMBLE."

III. Verses 8-14 ~ Peter gives instruction on how to prepare for the attacks of our adversary.

Again we are given instructions of how we should be living in order to resist the certain attacks that WILL come:

*Be Sober-minded:

to be calm and collected in spirit

to be temperate, dispassionate, circumspect

I like the word calm here, don't you? We are not to get our panties all in a bunch, but basically "Be still and know that I am God", right?

*Watchful:

to watch
metaph. give strict attention to, be cautious, active
1. to take heed lest through remission and indolence some destructive calamity suddenly overtake one

*Resist him FIRM in the faith, KNOWING that the same kinds of sufferings are being experienced by fellow Christians.

And now here's the really cool part! After you've suffered "a little while" the " the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, WILL HIMSELF:

RESTORE
CONFIRM
STRENGTHEN
and ESTABLISH

YOU!

Doesn't that just give you goose bumps!!! It should!!! For All Dominion belongs to Him forever and ever!! He is able!

Subject Sentence ~

Humility is required to lead, and to resist satan's attacks.

Aim ~

To cause the audience to examine themselves and their God given roles in the church. To understand that power to resist & restoration begin with humility.

Applications ~

I. Where has God called you to lead by example? Church, work, home? Are you leading with integrity?

II. Where is God calling you to submit to authority? Has your heart been humble in confrontation?

III. Has satan been attacking you lately? Where? If so were you able to resist? If not, why not?

One last question: Do you realize that God WILL himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you?!

Final summation of 1 Peter:

SURRENDER AND SUFFERING are our calling! God's POWER is our tool!

God's glory is our goal!

1 Peter Chapter 4 - Homiletics Practice

2011-06-29T07:01:00.012-04:00

First and foremost I must learn to spell Homiletics! Apparently I have spelled it differently a few times!!

Divisions ~

I. 4:1-6 ~ Putting on the mind of Christ frees us from sins grasp to live a spirit filled life.

In this section I was interested in the word "arm" in the ESV, here is the definition:

The original Greek word is: oplizo, meaning:

to arm, furnish with arms
to provide
to furnish one's self with a thing (as with arms)
metaph. take on the same mind

When I think on #4, being of the same mind, I think of Philippians chapter 3 and how we are to have the mind of Christ (vs. 5). To "arm" ourselves with the same mind as Christ had in his suffering, is what we are told to do here. When we suffer in the flesh, as Christ did, sin no longer has power over us, and we are able to live our lives for the will of God. This "arming" is important!

It also reminds me of putting on the Armor of God. We need this in order to fight the battle that WILL rage. It says later in Chapter 4, that suffering WILL come to test (vs 12), so we must be prepared.

II. 4:7-11 ~ Recognize the time, be good stewards of God's gifts for his glory through Christ Jesus.

In this section the word that interested me was "varied"

The Original word is: poikiloß, meaning:

a various colours, variegated
of various sorts

I like the NAS version of verse 10: As each one has received a special gift, employ it in serving one another as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.

We (as true followers of Christ) have received a "special gift", that God has given us (every one of us) to use as good stewards of his "manifold" (varied) grace. Without exception, if you are a child of God you have a gift, given to you by the Father to use for His glory. There is no excuse. We are also given the gift to be able to love each other, because as in vs. 8 "Love covers a multitude of sins". I also looked up "covers", it means to: to hide, veil, to hinder the knowledge of a thing. In Christ's death and resurrection we have a covering of our sin, and so our love continues that showing of God's grace to others. Don't you just love the definition of "varied"? It reminds me of a rainbow. God's grace is brilliant and beautiful, and has many different characteristics, and this he bestows on you and I!

III. 4:12-19 ~ To suffer for Christ is something to rejoice in, knowing God is the Faithful Creator.

Under this section the word that interested me was "judgement"

The original word is: Krima, meaning:

a decree, judgments
judgment
1. condemnation of wrong, the decision (whether severe or mild) which one passes on the faults of others
2. in a forensic sense
  1. the sentence of a judge
  2. the punishment with which one is sentenced
  3. condemnatory sentence, penal judgment, sentence
a matter to be judicially decided, a lawsuit, a case in court

Honestly on this one I had to go to the footnote of my ESV bible. Our judgment (as followers of Christ) is refinement. It mentioned in my footnote the passages of Ezekiel 9:1-6 and Malachai 3:1-4. In Ezekiel the Lord talks about going through the House of Israel and marking those who are saddened by the abominations going on in Israel, and striking down those who are not marked, regardless of age or gender. In Malachi the Lord talks about the refiners fire, that purifies the sons of Levi. We are being refined at this time. If we are being refined, then how much more will those suffer who are not of the House of the Lord. Knowing all of this, we need to live our lives giving it over to The Faithful Creator!

Subject Sentence ~ "Christians" share in Christ's suffering, entrusting God with their souls.

AIM ~ To cause the audience to understand: As Christians we no longer live as we did in the past. We understand we are different and live in the power God gives to be good stewards of his graces, know he is faithful.

Application ~

I. Are you living a spirit-filled life? Do your unsaved friends notice a difference in you?

II. Are you using the gift God HAS given you to serve His body for His glory?

III. Are you prepared for the suffering that WILL come as a Christian? Have you been arming yourself with the mind of Christ through the study of the Word of God?

1 Peter Chapter 3 - Homelitics Practice

2011-06-20T07:18:00.005-04:00

I find that I have not developed the ability to come up with clever tie ins for my division yet. You know like all words beginning with the same letter! Hopefully I will be able to in time, or maybe I'm thinking to much about that. Anyway here is my 3rd installment.

Divisions:

I. 3:1-7 ~ God's standards for marriage bring the better reward.

II. 3:8-13 ~ Evil exists, don't be part of it, but bless others and seek peace.

III. 3:14-18 ~ In suffering revere Christ, be prepared, gentle & respectful when telling of your hope.

IV. 3:19-22 ~ God's patience produces salvation symbolized by water through Christ's resurrection, placing all in submission to Him.

Subject Sentence: Do not fear submission & suffering; obey and receive blessings.

AIM: To cause the audience to: Understand that all relationships are blessed through mutual submission, first to Christ, then to each other.

Application questions:

I. How are you measuring up in your marriage? If your spouse is a non-believer, does he/she see Christ in your conduct?

II. Are you willing to turn the other cheek? Do you desire peace and pursue it, or are you letting bitterness drive you?

III. When others see your conduct in the face of suffering are you prepared to give an answer for your hope, that they hopefully see? Are you critical of others in their walk or are you respectful and gentle in teaching them?

IV. Has your conscience been washed in the blood of Jesus Christ? Are you submitted to Him as LORD?

This study hit very close to home for me, well it hit me period. I am mindful that it is not about me, but about Christ, and how I am supposed to react to what goes on around me. The evil part of me wants so badly to retaliate, to hurt back, to not forgive, but that is TOTALLY unChristlike behavior, and it DOES NOT bring glory to God. PERIOD. I'm reminded of the verses:

Romans 12:18-20
If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all. Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written "Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord." To the contrary, "if your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink; for by so doing you will heap burning coals on his head."

It is not up to us to handle the situations that come our way in life. We are to submit to God in ALL things. It says in verse 9 of Chapter 3 ~ "Do not repay evil for evil, or reviling for reviling, but on the contrary, bless, for to this you were CALLED, that you may obtain a blessing."

May God continue to show me how I am to live my life, and may it bless someone our there also!

1 Peter Chapter 2 - Homiletics practice

2011-06-10T09:30:00.002-04:00

2nd attempt at Homiletics.

I am enjoying what God is teaching me through this study. I hope you are blessed too.

Divisions:

I. 2:1-10 ~ Living because Christ is living; chosen because Christ is chosen, to proclaim God!

II. 2:11-20 ~ Live life so that it brings honor to God in all areas of life.

III. 2:21-25 ~ Christ leads by example, showing true humility and trust.

Subject Sentence: Chosen by God, to honor God through Christ's submissive example.

AIM: To cause the audience to: Know they have been chosen, and given power to live a God honoring life through Christ's example in his suffering.

Application:

I. Do you see yourself as chosen? Why or why not?

II. Do all your actions among non-believers bring glory to God? At home, work, church?

III. Where is Christ calling you to follow his example of suffering for him?

My tug of war....

2011-06-06T19:42:00.003-04:00

For the past little while I have been struggling with how to minister to people and show them Christ. The reason this has become a struggle for me is because I have noticed that people seem to only come when there is something in it for them. If we don't have a gimmick to get them there, they won't be there.

Boy that sounds awful, even as I type it!!! Let me try to explain it better. I realize that there is desperate need out there in so many places and I for one want to help those people and most definitely show them the love of Christ. What I am speaking too (I guess) is the entitlement game. There are those who take help not only for granted, but seem to assume that it is their right. There seems to be no appreciation. They seem to have no idea that the people who are serving genuinely want to show them a better way.

So there it is ~ my ugly little secret. I'm a little ticked! It's not pretty is it?! So this thought has been going through my head since about 2:45 this afternoon, and I started to think on Christ.

What would Christ be like in these situations? How would he react? I remember him speaking to the woman at the well in John 4. He told her in verse 13 & 14 "Jesus said to her, "Everyone who drinks of this water will be thirsty again, but whoever drinks of the water that I will give him will never be thirsty again. The water that I will give him will become in him a spring of water welling up to eternal life."

So Jesus gave freely, without reservation, and as he gave he taught. I am also reminded of all the many, many times he healed in scripture. To the point of exhaustion on his part, but he could not turn the people away. Jesus loved these people! He knew their hearts. He knew that some were there just to get what they could get and then leave. He knew that there would be very few out of the crowds who would genuinely follow him. But that did not stop him to helping them.

He is my example. Where I can, I will serve. Where I can, I will serve and speak of His love. Where I can, I will remember that it is not about me, or how I think someone should feel, act, or appreciate what is being done, but I will do as my Savior calls me too.

I am also reminded that those that Christ spoke most critically too, where the religious leaders, who should have known better, and been about doing His work, instead of getting so stuck in observing the law, and making new laws.

Christ was about loving! He was about not condemning, but also he would not excuse their sin. He told the woman caught in adultery to "go and sin no more" John 8:11, but he loved her.

These are things I MUST remember!

1 Peter Chapter 1 - Homiletics

2011-06-02T19:29:00.004-04:00

Bear with me here! I am learning the study of Homiletics, and I thought it might be nice to type out my process here. If there are any Homiletic scholars out there pointers would be appreciated!! I started learning this in Bible Study Fellowship this past year so I am following their instructions. So here we go:

Divisions ~

I. 1:1-2: Peter addresses the elect exiled by work of the Trinity, for santification, obedience and forgiveness of sins.

II. 1:3-7: Born again to a living hope through Jesus Christ to an inheritance kept by God's power until end, rejoicing in these even in trials for faith's testing.

III. 1:8-12: Because of the prophets faithfulness we believe in and love Jesus Christ, the one they fortold of coming.

IV. 1:13-21: Called to be holy as our Heavenly Father is holy, through Jesus Christs.

V. 1:22-25: Purified through obedience to the truth, born again through the Living & Abiding Word that last forever.

These are supposed to be division headings. I'm thinking I should have split the chapter into 2 homelitics, way to much info. I was only supposed to have 4 sections, and I had to do 5.

Subject Sentence ~

Our salvation secure, living holy lives, through the Living Word.

This sentence is to combine several sentences into one of no more then 10 words. The sentence should be grammatically correct, containing a subject and a verb. This sentence represents to "thrust" of the whole passage.

Aim ~

To cause the audience to: Rejoice in their salvation, living lives holy unto the Lord, through the Living & Abiding Word of God that last forever!

The "aim" is the main lesson or principle you want the audience to learn or do after hearing the lesson. Aims should be short and very definite.

Specific Application Questions ~

I. Am I rejoicing in the hope of my salvation or am I living a life of guilt and regret?

II. Do I desire to live a holy life, bringing glory to God? If not, why not?

III. Am I in the Living Word everyday and heeding it's instruction?

Well there is supposed to be one application section for each division so I kind of messed up there, but they are supposed to apply to real life. The application should be a question, that will motivate the audience to put the aim into action.

So how did I do????? Confused yet? I am!!!

They kissed twice!........

2011-04-30T07:22:00.006-04:00

Those are the words that a little boy said to me yesterday at our local grocery store when we saw the their picture on the front page of the Newspaper.

Yesterday was a special day for the people of England, and for my daughter and I.. It was the day of the wedding of Prince William and Kate Middleton. Bekah and I got up at 4:00 am to begin watching it.

There was so much excitement! So much joy! So much hope for the future! So many glowing smiles and sure signs of love!

What is it about this wedding that gets so many excited? What about any wedding does the same thing?

I think there are several reasons:

The expectation of what the bride will be wearing, the colors, the flowers, etc....
It's a wonderful chance to dress up, celebrate, eat at good meal, and CAKE!!!!
The promise of true love.
But most of all the people who watched William & Kate's wedding or any wedding for that matter are hopeful that these two will be the odds. That they will understand the beauty in marriage, and truly live until death do us part.

It was evident (at least to me) that William and Kate love each other. I have also seen this evidence in many weddings I have gone too. So what goes wrong? Why do so many people stand in a church before God and pledge to love one another til death do us part, and then divorce?

Could it be that they don't really realize what it is they are doing?
Could it be that even though they say the words, they are not hearing or believing them?
Are they truly ready to put the other persons needs above their own?
Are they aligned with God and allowing him to be the head of their lives in ALL things?
Do they truly understand that marriage is a covenant (not a legal contract) that they are entering into with God as a witness (Malachi 2:14).

At the wedding yesterday the Bishop of Canterbury did (what I believe) was a great job of instructing this young couple in what marriage is:

Marriage is a covenant created & ordained by the Creator of the universe and He is a witness to it.
It was meant for procreation.
It was meant for the support and help of the couple.
It was mean to be Until death do us part.
It was meant to show the Mystery of Christ and His Church(Ephesians 5:31-33).

Are we (The Church) adorning ourselves for our Bridegroom as a bride does for her groom? Where is our excitement for His return?

Oh the beauty and promise of a wedding! Oh the mystery of the relationship between husband & wife; and Christ and His Church.

My heart calls out to all who are married & struggling; looking to get married in the future, or don't even want to have a thing to do with marriage. Look at the Author or marriage and trust him with your life & marriage.

I pray William and Kate have a long and blessed life together! I pray that for everyone that enters the marriage covenant.

Call me Hephzibah

2011-04-27T16:30:00.006-04:00

There are times in our lives when we are a new creation. The first being when we are conceived(Psalm 139:13-16). The second when we accept the gift of salvation through Jesus Christ(2 Corinthians 5:17), and the third when God does a trans formative work in your life.

Today in our study of Isaiah in Bible Study Fellowship, we studied Isaiah 62. In this chapter Isaiah is prophesying about the transformation of Zion from a Forsaken and Desolate place to a place called Hephzibah (My Delight is in her) and Beulah (your land shall be married). God has shown them who they are (rebellious children); and what they've done (continually sinned against God, worshiped idols, and denied God's control). He reminds them to look back and see what God has done for them and now hear what God will do in the future. God was going to make Zion beautiful again! He was not only going to restore Israel, but give a double portion (Isaiah 61:7) of grace to them.

We discussed in small group the other times when names were changed: Abram to Abraham; Sarai to Sarah; Jacob to Israel; Simeon to Peter; Saul to Paul. When each of these people were given a new name God did an amazing work in them. Abram was a pagan; Abraham a God follower and a man of faith; Sarai was barren; Sarah fruitful and a mother of many nations; Jacob wrestled with God; Israel rendered himself to God; Simeon was weak; Peter became a rock; Paul was a murderer of Christians; Saul was a messenger of the Good News to Christians.

When a name was changed it signified a person transformed by God.

This touched me in a profound way. I desire to be used of God for his glory. I believe he is doing a trans formative work in my life as well. This year in BSF God has shown me again and again His Sovereignty, and how all things (good and bad) work together for the good of those who love Him. There have been many lessons, but in those lessons, best of all has been a transformation of my heart!

I am blessed beyond measure and now more then ever I desire to do God's will, whatever that may be. He has redeemed me and called me by name, I am His (Isaiah 43:1). I am precious in His eyes and honored, and He loves me (Isaiah 43:4)!! So that being said:

Call me Hephzibah!

For I am a life that was changed and His delight is in me!!!!!

What would your name be?

Marriage Monday -Beauty as seen through the eyes of my husband

2011-03-21T04:41:00.003-04:00

You are altogether beautiful, my darling;
there is no flaw in you.
Song of Solomon 4:7

I am one of those women who struggles with weight and acceptance. This is not a new thing, I think I've dealt with it on many levels for many years. I know there are many women who face the same struggles I do and very often feel discouraged and defeated because of it. I come from a family of 10 kids and we come in all shapes and sizes, and sometimes I compare myself to the taller, thinner ones, and say "why me".

Steve and I have been married now for almost 16 years. He has seen me through several diets, and encouraged me various ways as I struggled to lose the weight and then eventually gain it back. He has never made any kind of statement that has made me feel bad about my appearance. I do find at that all by myself. He has always just listened and tried to help me. But there is one thing he said to me a couple of years ago that has stuck with me and always makes me smile, and thank God for Steve.

One day I was complaining (again) about my weight and the struggle that it is to constantly be thinking about it, and what I should and shouldn't be eating. Saying that I was tried of the way I look, and just feeling down. Steve looked at me and said the most beautiful words that he ever could. He said "Kim, God made me addicted to you". WOW, God gave my husband eyes that even though physically I may not consider myself beautiful, he sees me as beautiful! I am continually amazed at the true gift that marriage can be. When two people become one, God gives them each a gift. One of my gifts and one of my husbands gifts is that "God made him addicted to me". He (Steve) loves me with a Godly passion. He sees me the way God wants him to see me!

So many women struggle with what I struggle with. It is one of those battles that I think about often and pray about. Wondering as Paul sometimes may have, why God doesn't take this thorn away. But what I have that many women sadly don't have is a husband that sees me as God sees me! Oh how I wish more men recognized how they would encourage and lift up their wives if only they opened their eyes to see what God sees!

Thank you Chrysalis for allowing me to join you and the other ladies in speaking of one aspect of Marriage that I treasure!

Reflecting the Word...droW eht gnitcelfeR

2011-03-10T15:41:00.003-05:00

A few years ago someone (I think it was Jennifer Hill) told me about putting verses on the mirror of our bathroom for the kids (and us, who am I kidding). I started putting one on everyday, then went to one a week, hoping that reading the verse everyday would get it into the kids heads. When we remodeled our bathroom I stopped doing it.

On Valentines Day I decided to write "Happy Valentines Day" on the mirror. This prompted both kids to ask why I don't put verses on there any more. I asked them, "Do you want me to put verses on there?" and they both said "YES"! So I have been putting one or two up a week since them.

Here is a picture of my verse:

Isaiah 49:23b Those who hope in Me (God) will not be disappointed.

and this is what I found on my daughters mirror the other night:

Proverbs 1:10 My child if sinners entice you, turn your back on them.

Needless to say it made me SMILE BIG!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

My Pillar of Cloud

2011-03-03T08:38:00.005-05:00

Today started out no so good. Whether because of lack of sleep; a conversation I had last night that is weighing on my mind; the fact that so many parents today seem clueless to what culture is teaching their children through smutty shows (insert any show you can think of here, I am); the issues I still am working through after stepping down from my position as Director of Children's Ministries, or the fact that I am in "waiting" mode, but I was melancholy to say the least.

Fast forward to me taking the kids to school early because Jeremiah "forgot" until 9:30 last night that he had Social Studies homework. We turned unto Lake Michigan Dr. (for those familiar with the area) and BOOM - God showed himself! The sky was the most beautiful pink color. Jeremiah said "you can thank me now" (those that know him insert sarcasm here). So we travel down the road and I make another Michigan U-turn (gotta love um', not), and there in that most beautiful pink sky was a beam of pink shooting straight up! Just like a Pillar.

BOOM! God tells me "I am with you, I go before you, trust Me". WOW! I love when he does that! I wish I were like Mari and always keep a camera in my car (which I did actually say to my kids btw Mari), but alas I have no picture of the actual beam. This picture is the closest I could come.

Here is some of what the Bible says about the Pillar of Smoke:

Exodus 13:21-22

By day the LORD went ahead of them in a pillar of cloud to guide them on their way and by night in a pillar of fire to give them light, so that they could travel by day or night. Neither the pillar of cloud by day nor the pillar of fire by night left its place in front of the people.

Exodus 14:13-14, 19-20, 24
Moses answered the people, “Do not be afraid. Stand firm and you will see the deliverance the LORD will bring you today. The Egyptians you see today you will never see again. The LORD will fight for you; you need only to be still.” (A verse I memorized, not a biggy, but a biggy!)

Then the angel of God, who had been traveling in front of Israel’s army, withdrew and went behind them. The pillar of cloud also moved from in front and stood behind them, coming between the armies of Egypt and Israel. Throughout the night the cloud brought darkness to the one side and light to the other side; so neither went near the other all night long.

During the last watch of the night the LORD looked down from the pillar of fire and cloud at the Egyptian army and threw it into confusion.

The Pillar of Cloud was a sign of God's presence with His people. It was a reminder that he was going to take care of them and fight for them. It was a comfort and a shield to them. It was a guide to them by day, and a light to them at night. A constant presence and a constant guard.

He is that for me (and you) as well! Praise be to God we are not alone!!! He is going before me and He is going to be the one fighting the battle. I just need to be still and then remember to follow Him!

THANK YOU LORD FOR THIS REMINDER!!!!!!!!

To flee or not to flee - Living in community

2011-02-16T05:29:00.004-05:00

Getting along is hard, or is it just me? I find myself in a constant struggle with my inner feelings towards some, who I have been called to walk with. I think I am the only one who struggles with this issue. I see others who are so skilled at letting go and moving on. I also see others who say that they let go, but don't and carry anger, and resentment towards me or someone else that clouds their relationship with God. This is an issue that I struggle with daily. I want to be genuine. I want to be honest ALWAYS! It's hard though, because for whatever reason there is a lot of silence in community. People are afraid (myself included) to speak to someone about an issue, even when scripture says we should.

Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts. And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him. Colossians 3:15-17

I appeal to you, brothers and sisters, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree with one another in what you say and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be perfectly united in mind and thought 1 Corinthians 1:10

This is only a couple of examples of how we are to live with each other. I'm also reminded of the verses in Acts:

Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved. Acts 2:46-47

Unbelievers saw the love these people had for each other and wanted that. Sadly today there is not always much love shown in community. There is anger, resentment, frustration, manipulation, but mostly SILENCE.

This post was prompted by a quote in an article I'm reading that states:
"Running away from conflict is never the answer. "growth is dependent on staying and DEALING with stuff, not fleeing. There's a lot of infidelity in society that's rooted in our lack of commitment to particular people in particular places. And stability is a call to learn how to STAY in ways that are healthy."

As I read this quote I thought about what people flee from: Relationships, Marriage, Churches, Jobs, etc....
And also staying does not mean putting up with, but (did you see it) DEALING with stuff. Don't put on a happy face like everything is honkey dorey when things aren't. That is not truth and that is not dealing with stuff. Working through issues takes guts and the prompting of the Holy Spirit. But God wants us to live together in harmony, that means that it can happen if we focus on him and come together in humility.

Finally Ephesians 4:25-27, 29-32 says:
Therefore each of you must put off falsehood and speak truthfully to your neighbor, for we are all members of one body. “In your anger do not sin”: Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry, and do not give the devil a foothold....Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.

With man this is not possible, but with God ALL things are possible, so I continue to lay my struggle at his feet, hoping not to pick it up again.

A Lump of Clay - Who's in control here anyway?

2010-12-15T16:39:00.004-05:00

You turn things upside down,
as if the potter were thought to be like the clay!
Shall what is formed say to the one who formed it,
“You did not make me”?
Can the pot say to the potter,
“You know nothing”?
Isaiah 29:16

But who are you, a human being, to talk back to God?

“Shall what is formed say to the one who formed it,

‘Why did you make me like this?’”

Does not the potter have the right to make out of the same lump of clay

some pottery for special purposes and some for common use?
Romans 9:20-21

My Prayer for the Children- Word Filled Wednesday

2010-12-15T06:55:00.004-05:00

For this reason I bow my knees before the Father,

from whom every family in heaven and on earth is named,

that according to the riches of his glory

he may grant you to be strengthened with power

through his Spirit in your inner being,

so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith—

that you, being rooted and grounded in love,

may have strength to comprehend with all the saints

what is the breadth and length and height and depth,

and to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge,

that you may be filled with all the fullness of God.

Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think,

according to the power at work within us,

to him be glory in the church

and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations,

forever and ever. Amen.

Ephesians 3:14-21

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AH Stubborn Children....A study of Isaiah 30

2010-12-11T16:45:00.013-05:00

What a way for God to begin speaking. Do you know any stubborn children? Are you perhaps one yourself?

As I've read Isaiah 30 it struck me again how God instructs, warns, disciplines and forgives. I would love to show you what God showed me. If you see yourself also, let's together "return and find rest".

God starts out calling his children stubborn (obstinate), why? Because (vs 1):

1. They carry out a plan that is not his.

2. They make an alliance, but not of his Spirit. (Hezekiah makes an alliance with Egypt to fight against Assyria, 2 Kings 18:19 -21 and 2 Chronicles 32:10-15) They did not ask God blessing, but fear drove them to it.

3. They keep piling up wrongs (adding sin to sin).

They return to those who formally enslaved them and who have ulterior motives for the alliance (self preservation).

God tells them it won't work the way they think it will. They put their faith in everything else but the God who has proven he is faithful and who is the only one able to secure their salvation. Do we do the same thing?

Who are these people?

They are rebellious (vs. 9)

Lying children (vs. 9)

Children unwilling (note: not unable) to hear the instruction of the Lord. (vs. 9)

They do not want to hear the truth. (vs. 10) "Speak smooth things to us, prophecy illusions"; (vs . 11) "leave the way, turn aside from the path LET US HEAR NO MORE ABOUT THE HOLY ONE OF ISRAEL"

Does this sound familiar? Could it be society today? Could it be "the church"? Could it be you & me?

I love who speaks after this proclamation! Verse 12 says "Therefore (Nevertheless) thus says "The Holy One of Israel". (You may not want to hear anything about me, but you will hear from me) my emphasis add.

They are going to get (for a while) what they deserve and desire. Their protection will be destroyed. Not a piece of it will be found. It reminds me of the verse: Psalms 20:7 "Some trust in chariots and some in horses,
but we trust in the name of the LORD our God."

Then God again speaks loving instruction, using the name they used (The Holy One of Israel): "In returning and rest you shall be saved, in quietness and in trust shall be your strength."

But.....you were unwilling! Again unwilling, not unable.

God again is speaking to them (to us) come to me all who are weary & I will give you rest. Matthew 11:28 "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest."

But what was their answer? NO.......let's flee.

God's grace put off - Verse 18 - Therefore (Nevertheless) the LORD waits to be gracious to you.....

Verse 19-22 is a picture of God's future grace:

A people will dwell in Zion, in Jerusalem.

You shall weep no more. (Revelations 21:4 "He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away."

At the sound of their (our) cries, he will answer.

Though the LORD brings adversity and affliction He (The Teacher) will not hide himself anymore, but their (our) eyes will see Him (The Teacher).

He will give clear instruction for the way you are to walk.

Finally you will destroy your (our) idols. Finally you (we) will understand God's great love!(Vs. 22)

God's continued blessings (Vs 23-27)...

He restores the balance of nature.
God's glory will shine "in the day" the LORD binds our brokenness and heals our wounds inflicted by his blow.

Picture His healing presence will you! He disciplines but one day he will not only restore (make right), but he will heal wounds cause by His disciple then.....

God takes care of our adversaries (Vs. 27-33)...

God took care of the Assyrians and he will take care of every earthly power that is in opposition to him. No one is a match for the Holy One of Israel!

What does it all mean?...

Who are you putting your faith and trust in? Are you (and I) unwilling (as the Israelite's were) to trust God with your adversaries? Do you see God's great goodness in his patience as he waits for you to return and rest?

Let us all return and go to the mountain
of the LORD, to the ROCK OF ISRAEL!

HE ALONE IS ABLE!

Dear God, from the dog.

2010-11-22T19:47:00.002-05:00

My very good friend Diane sent me this in an e-mail and I just had to share! I hope it makes you smile!!!!!

From: THE DOG

Dear God: Is it on purpose our names are the same, only reversed?

Dear God: Why do humans smell the flowers, but seldom, if ever, smell one another?

Dear God: When we get to heaven, can we sit on your couch? Or is it still the same old story?

Dear God: Why are there cars named after the jaguar, the cougar, the mustang, the colt, the stingray, and the rabbit, but not ONE named for a Dog? How often do you see a cougar riding around? We do love a nice ride! Would it be so hard to rename the 'Chrysler Eagle' the 'Chrysler Beagle'?

Dear God: If a Dog barks his head off in the forest and no human hears him, is he still a bad Dog?

Dear God: We Dogs can understand human verbal instructions, hand signals, whistles, horns, clickers, beepers, scent ID's, electromagnetic energy fields, and frisbee flight paths. What do humans understand?

Dear God: More meatballs, less spaghetti, please.

Dear God: Are there mailmen in Heaven? If there are, will I have to apologize?

Dear God: Let me give you a list of just some of the things I must remember to be a good Dog.

1. I will not eat the cats' food before they eat it or after they throw it up.

2. I will not roll on dead seagulls, fish, crabs, etc., just because I like the way they smell.

3. The Litter Box is not a cookie jar.

4. The sofa is not a 'face towel'.

5. The garbage collector is not stealing our stuff.

6. I will not play tug-of-war with Dad's underwear when he's on the toilet.

7. Sticking my nose into someone's crotch is an unacceptable way of saying 'hello'.

8. I don't need to suddenly stand straight up when I'm under the coffee table

9. I must shake the rainwater out of my fur before entering the house - not after.

10. I will not come in from outside and immediately drag my butt across the capet.

11. I will not sit in the middle of the living room and lick my crotch.

12. The cat is not a 'squeaky toy' so when I play with him and he makes that noise, it's usually not a good thing.

P.S. Dear God: When I get to Heaven may I have my testicles back?

I will yet Praise God!

2010-11-11T06:02:00.002-05:00

I came across a wonderful passage of scripture in Habakkuk that I wanted to share.

Habakkuk 3:17-19

Though the fig tree should not blossom, nor fruit be on the vines,the produce of the olive failand the fields yield no food, the flock be cut off from the foldand there be no herd in the stalls,
yet I will rejoice in the LORD; I will take joy in the God of my salvation.
GOD, the Lord, is my strength; he makes my feet like the deer's; he makes me tread on my high places.

In this day and age of uncertainty we should take great comfort and be able to rejoice as Habakkuk did, that though all our earthly comforts may fail, when our hope and vision is set on God, we recognize that He is our salvation. He is our strength. Even in the midst of what could surely make one heavy with worry, he makes our feet like that of a deer. Can you picture a deer leaping? I can. They are so "sure of foot", and can climb the steepest hills or mountains. That my friends is what God gives us.

Yes the external forecast may look bleak by human standards, and there may be times of trouble, but resolve within yourself to say:

I will take joy in the God of my salvation. GOD, the Lord, is my strength

The wonderful Symmetry of Scripture!

2010-10-20T16:36:00.010-04:00

There are so many people in our culture today that say that the Bible is fragmented and contradicts itself. Those of us who are learning each and every day the wonderful interweaving of scripture know better.

Below is just one place that I've come upon recently that shows how wonderfully the scriptures flow and compliment each other. I use the word Symmetry to describe it. Here is the definition of Symmetry:

the correspondence in size, form, and arrangement of parts on opposite sides of a plane, line, or point; regularity of form or arrangement in terms of like, reciprocal, or corresponding parts.

the proper or due proportion of the parts of a body or whole to one another with regard to size and form; excellence of proportion.

beauty based on or characterized by such excellence of proportion.

Don't you just love #3, I do!! Any way here is the scripture:

Isaiah 8:18
Here am I and the children the Lord has given me. We are signs and symbols in Israel from the Lord Almighty, who dwells on Mount Zion.

John 17:2
"Father the time has come, Glorify your Son, that your Son may Glorify you. For you granted Him authority over all people that he might give eternal life to all those you have given him.

Hebrews 2:13
And again I will put my trust in Him. And Again Behold I and the children God has given me.

Just another wonderful reason to dive into scripture.

the correspondence

Peter's denial of Jesus in 4 parts

2010-09-01T07:25:00.003-04:00

I am almost done with my study of Matthew! 2 more chapters to go! It has taken me on a few tangents and today's post is another one. When I got to the part of Peter's denial of Christ I decided to look at all 4 versions and how different each author wrote things, and how they observe different things. Again this is very simplistic, because that is who I am, (I wish I didn't always feel compelled to state that!!!), but I hope it blesses any of you.

Matthew 26: 69-75

1st Peter just denies knowing Christ. He claims he does not understand
2nd Peter denies with an oath. (Getting stronger)
3rd Peter invokes (calls out) a curse on himself and begins to swear
Then the Rooster crows

Mark 14:66-72

After the first denial, Peter leaves the courtyard and hangs out by the gate.
The rooster crows once.
Marks account says the same servant girl who first asked him, speaks to people around her about him, and this brings the 2nd denial.
The bystanders begin to question Peter, and he invokes the curse.
The Rooster Crows a 2nd time.
(This is different from Matthews account of the Rooster crowing just at the end)

Luke 22:54-62

Peter followed at a distance - He ran but not far.
Luke's is mostly facts, except for one BIG detail - After the Rooster crowed it says in verse 61 - "And the LORD turned and looked at Peter". Can you imagine it!!! To not only hear the Rooster crow, but at that very moment Christ turns and looks at you!! As I write this I feel such intense sorrow! How often do I deny Christ, and he turns to me, and what I see is pain brought on by great LOVE!

John 18: 15-18, 25-27

Peter is with another disciple (most likely John)
This disciple is "known by the High Priest". It says this twice, within this context. I wonder how he was know by him, don't you?
Because he was known by the High Priest, he was able to go into the court with Jesus. He returned after he ran, and walked the rest of the way with Christ to his crucifixion.
This disciple was the one who got Peter into the courtyard in the first place, because he was known by the High Priest.
A servant of the High Priest, who just happened to be a relative of the servant whose ear Peter cut off was one who was observing that Peter was one of those with Jesus.
At once the Rooster crowed

But thanks be to God that was not the end of the story, and it isn't for me as well. Christ restored Peter and gave him a job to do:

John 21:15-19

¹⁵When they had finished eating, Jesus said to Simon Peter, "Simon son of John, do you truly love me more than these?"
"Yes, Lord," he said, "you know that I love you."
Jesus said, "Feed my lambs."

¹⁶Again Jesus said, "Simon son of John, do you truly love me?"
He answered, "Yes, Lord, you know that I love you."
Jesus said, "Take care of my sheep."

¹⁷ The third time he said to him, "Simon son of John, do you love me?"
Peter was hurt because Jesus asked him the third time, "Do you love me?" He said, "Lord, you know all things; you know that I love you."

Jesus said, "Feed my sheep. ¹⁸ I tell you the truth, when you were younger you dressed yourself and went where you wanted; but when you are old you will stretch out your hands, and someone else will dress you and lead you where you do not want to go." ¹⁹Jesus said this to indicate the kind of death by which Peter would glorify God. Then he said to him, "Follow me!"

Immutable and why that matters!

2010-08-08T14:06:00.012-04:00

Immutable -not capable of or susceptible to change.

Not susceptible to change. That is our God! For my birthday my family gave me the book "Holy, Holy, Holy, Proclaiming the Perfections of God". I haven't read the whole book yet because I have several books I'm reading, but I have read the first chapter. In this chapter it talks about one of the methods used to describe the character of God called Negation. Negation defines something by saying what it is not. One of the characteristic of God that it describes there is his immutability. Where we change and are in a constant form of change, God does not change. He will not change, he cannot change.

Numbers 23:19

God is not man, that he should lie,
or a son of man, that he should change his mind.
Has he said, and will he not do it?
Or has he spoken, and will he not fulfill it?

1 Samuel 15:29

And also the Glory of Israel will not lie or have regret,
for he is not a man, that he should have regret."

Job 23:13

But he is unchangeable, and who can turn him back?
What he desires, that he does.

Psalms 33:11

The counsel of the LORD stands forever,
the plans of his heart to all generations.

So what does it mean for us that God does not change?

It means what he has said down through history still stands. God speaks over and over again in scripture about his covenants. His covenant with Abraham was forever. Therefore since God does not change that covenant is still in effect. The Children of Israel are still his chosen people. The only difference is that through Christ (and only through Christ) we gentiles have been grafted into that chosen line.
It means that the God of the O.T. is still the God today. So many people today say that the Bible is no longer relevant. The words written over 2000 years ago cannot and do not hold up today. Oh, but God never changes, so his word that he used men to write still is valid today. What he meant to say back in Genesis, still holds true for the world in 2010 and beyond. God is Omniscient:

having infinite awareness, understanding, and insight
2 : possessed of universal or complete knowledge

this means that God has known since before time what 2010 would be like. He is not surprised by the evil that has come down through the ages. His Word was and always will be complete and relevant. Those that believe otherwise DO NOT know the True Sovereign God.

3. In the O.T. God shows himself to us his holiness, his righteousness, his justice, his love. In the N.T. he continues to show us who he is through his son Jesus Christ. The perfect representation of God.

Hebrews 1:3
The Son is the radiance of God's glory and the exact representation of his being, sustaining all things by his powerful word. After he had provided purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty in heaven.

Also the following verse speaks of Christ never changing (because he is God in the flesh).

Hebrews 13:8
Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.

The symmetry of scripture is amazing to me! God who is immutable has set this world in place, knowing the heart of man. He has given to those he has called a wonderful tool to know his whole character ~ The Holy Bible. Anyone who disparages even one portion of scripture, disparages the whole, for it all points to God the Father.

The conclusion for me: In this world today I see so much evil. I see so much acceptance of things that are contrary to God and scripture, even within the organized church. I get weary of pseudo Christians who are apathetic toward God and his fullness and only concentrate on the parts of Him that jive with their hedonistic lifestyle. I desire so much for not only myself but the "true Church" to WAKE UP! We need to get rid of all things that hinder (Hebrews 12:1), and there are so many things within the church that hinders the work of Christ, and rise up to be what God, who is immutable, has called us to be: living stones (1 Peter 2: 4 & 5).

RISE UP OH CHURCH OF GOD! Seek God while he may be found! Do not settle for man's idea of God, but seek him through His word. If you seek, you will find, he promises that in Matt 7:8 and Luke 11:10. He is so much more then this world could ever imagine!

HE IS IMMUTABLE!!

Word-filled Wednesday - Psalm 19:14

2010-08-04T06:29:00.005-04:00

Join others at the Internet Cafe for more inspiring words from The Word!

Is it Love or Infatuation?

2010-07-25T07:38:00.004-04:00

Back on December 1, 1990 I cut the following Ann Landers column out of the paper and put it on my refrigerator. Mind you I would not meet Steve for 4 more years. It is still on my refrigerator today. I don't know if I've ever shared this on my blog or not, but I thought about it the other day and know it's worthy of posting again:

Essay's Message still as relevant as ever:

Dear Ann Landers: Last weekend while going through some family photos, I found this old column. The message is as relevant as it was 15 years ago.

These days, when divorce is commonplace and teen-age pregnancy at an all-time high, people need tangible guidelines. Please reprint this column.

Here is Ann's Reply: The essay you've asked me to rerun is one of the most frequently requested. I'm pleased to publish it again. Thanks for asking. Is it Love or Infatuation?

Infatuation is instant desire - one set of glands calling to another.

Love is friendship that has caught fire. It takes root and grows, one day at a time.

Infatuation is marked by a feeling of insecurity. You are excited and eager but not genuinely happy. There are nagging doubts, unanswered questions, little bits and pieces about your beloved that you would just as soon not examine too closely. It might spoil the dream.

Love is the quiet understanding and mature acceptance of imperfection. It is real. It give you strength and grows beyond you - to bolster your beloved. You are warmed by his/her presence, even when he/she is away. Miles do not separate you. You want him/her near. But near or far, you know he/she is yours and you can wait.

Infatuations says, "We must get married right away. I can't risk losing him". Love says "Be patient. He/she is yours. Plan your future with confidence".

Infatuation has an element of sexual excitement. Whenever you are in one's another's company you are hoping it will end in intimacy. Love is the maturation of friendship. You must be friends before you are lovers (here I would add and married).

Infatuation lacks confidence. When he's away, you wonder if he's cheating. Sometimes you check.

Love means trust. You are calm, secure and unthreatened. He feels your trust and it makes him even more trustworthy. Infatuation might lead you to do things you'll regret later, but love never will.

Love lifts you up. It makes you look up. It makes you think up. It makes you a better person then you were before.

The only thing I would add to this is that he or she must be a follower of Christ. You must keep him in the center of your relationship.

A "Merry Christmas" in July Party & Award

2010-07-21T06:34:00.007-04:00

E-Mom over at Chrysalis is having a Christmas Party! Since coming back from some cold temps out west this just feels right. She has several things to check out so head on over and have some fun! One thing that blew me away is she gave me an award!! Now I haven't been blogging regularly in quite a while, and E-mom is one of my faithful commenters. Not only that but I have been so blessed by her teachings over at Chrysalis, so me getting an award from her is ~ well a big deal! Thanks E-mom! Here is my award:

Here are the rules attached to this award:

1. Thank the person who gave you this award.

2. Share 7 things about yourself.

3. Pass the award along to 15 bloggers who you have recently discovered and who you think are fantastic!

4. Contact the bloggers you’ve picked and let them know about the award.

So I am supposed to share 7 things about myself. WoW do they have to be interesting? I don't know if I have 7 things to share that would peak someones interests, hummm....... let's try:

I can read while traveling. I know many people, my daughter and mother included who get car sick if they read. I so appreciate the fact I can read while riding. It helps the time pass.
I have been told I have Indian as part of my ancestry. You can see it in my mom and a few sisters, but it appears if that is true, the only thing I received from it is my bone straight hair. Some day I would like to research this to see if it indeed is true or legend. On our recent trip though I asked the kids who this old Indian woman looked like in a picture and they both said "grandma".
When in a museum I cannot stand and read all the information near exhibits. I'm more a visual person. My husband on the other hand can spend hours doing it. So I wait alot at the the end of exhibits for him. Good thing I have a book to read!
When I was younger my hair was so blonde someone asked if I bleached it. I was in 6th grade. Do mothers let their 6th graders bleach their hair? I know mine wouldn't!!!
I used to collect tea cups. I have them all boxed up downstairs in storage, because we have not place for them to display. My favorite cup came from my sister Kam and her husband Jeff. It belonged to his grandparents. It has 22 carat gold trim on it. It's dainty and beautiful! The largest part of the collection came from my Grandma Olsen through my mother.
I was once in a television commercial. It was very short lived and was for the insurance company I worked for. I didn't think anyone would see it, but my sister told me she was watching T.V. and there I was. It didn't air very long.
Speaking of insurance. That is what I did before I became a mom. I was an underwriter at Lake States Insurance Company, based out of Traverse City Michigan. I had been in insurance for quite a few years. My favorite job though was being a Commercial Lines Rater (they are the ones who calculate the premiums on policies). I am a numbers person, and this job dealt in that. I miss it actually. Don't know if I could do it again or not, very rusty!

Well there you have it. 7 things you may not have known.

I am also supposed to give this to 15 new blogs I have gone to, but I haven't been stepping out lately to new blogs. Just my tried and true! There is one I have gone to that I love, but she has received the award from E-mom too. It's Stones of Remembrance! Can you see why went to her blog in the first place? Her posts have blessed my heart!

Postscript

2010-06-30T07:03:00.002-04:00

So there you have it. The Letters to the 7 churches. I would love to know which church struck a cord with you the most? What relevance to you believe these letters have to us today? I myself see these churches as not only literal churches, but a representation of different aspects of the "church" today. A foreshadowing if you will.

I have so enjoyed digging into these 2 chapters. I pray that for any of you that have read these posts, that they have encouraged you also, and have made you take a closer look at yourself, to guard against becoming as one of these.

Christ stands at the door and knocks, offering the most rewarding relationship a person could ever ask for. Do not let anything stand in the way of that!

To him who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.

The Church in Laodicea

2010-06-30T06:30:00.003-04:00

To the Angel of the church of Laodicea write: The words of the Amen), the faithful and true witness(Rev 1:5; 3:7 19:11), the beginning of God's creation (Col 1:15-18). In Christ we have the great AMEN. In Christ we have the faithful and true witness. In Christ we have been given Creation. I love how he ends these letters with AMEN. So be it, may it be fulfilled.

However here comes the words.

I know your works.

Let me just say that out of all the churches it stinks to be Laodicea! In all the other churches, Christ could find a few who remained faithful. Even in Sardis. Not so Laodicea. When I think of what Christ says to them ~ you are neither hot nor cold. Would that you were either cold or hot! So because you are lukewarm, and neither hot or cold, I will spit (to vomit, vomit forth, throw up) you out of my mouth. ~ I think of hot or cold drinks. Hot drinks comfort, cold drinks refresh. But when a hot drink grows cold or lukewarm it is not as comforting and most times just doesn't taste good, and if a cold drink grows lukewarm, it loses it's refreshing abilities. Neither of them do what they were intended to do, so why drink them? There is absolutely no reason for their existence if they do not do what they were intended to do. Christ's words here are even more extreme then just a spit out. The word translated means what it says above. Those are pretty strong words don't you think?

These people thought they had it all together. They thought "hey what do we need from God? We've got everything we could need." Notice all the "I's" in the passage. "I am rich, I have prospered, and I need nothing". Notice they don't even need each other. They are completely and totally self sufficient! They do not even recognize that they are wretched, pitiable (to be pitied, miserable) poor, blind and naked! Here they are strutting around and saying look at me, when all those around them are saying "How sad". Talk about living in a world of delusion! Can I get an AMEN!

Christ gives them counsel to come to him for gold that has been refined by fire, then they will truly be rich. He would give them white garments so that they could cloth themselves and the shame of their nakedness. He would give them salve (balm) to anoint their eyes so they would see. Christ OFFERED all this freely to the church of Laodicea. They refused. He reminds them that he reproves and disciplines those he loves, so be zealous and REPENT.

Christ continues to beckon to this church. He says (in the very familiar passage) "I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and eat with him and he with me." He desires relationship. All this church and we need to do is open the door, and he will come in. Recognition is so important here. This church did not recognize their condition, and we in the church today do not recognize our condition. Christ still counsels, and knocks. Are we listening and opening the door, or are we totally self sufficient and in need of nothing, not even the love of our Heavenly Father and his son Jesus Christ? Are we wretched, pitiable (that one really gets me), poor, blind and naked; and the world is looking at us and saying "how sad"?

The one who conquers (overcomes, over powers, triumphs), I will grant him to with me on my throne, as I also conquered and sat down with my Father on his throne. Christ is giving of his inheritance to us! If we persevere we will one day reign with Christ!

He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.

The Church in Philadelphia

2010-06-29T06:30:00.007-04:00

To the Angel of the church of Philadelphia write: "The words of the holy one, the true one, (Rev 6:10) who has the key of David (Is 22:22), who opens and no one will shut, who shuts and no one opens (Job 12:14).

The church that suffered discrimination.

I know your works. Christ tells the Church of Philadelphia that he has set before them an open door, which no one is able to shut. Christ is the only one who can offer the invitation. He is the only one that has the key of David. He is the only one with authority. He is the only one who can open or shut the door to God's kingdom. So many people today believe there are many ways to God. We who trust in God, and believe that scripture says Christ is the holy one, the true one, believe also that he is the ONLY way to God the Father.

He speaks of the little power that they have, YET they have kept his word and did not deny his name. How often do you grow weary in doing good(Gal. 6:9)? This church is commended for continuing in the face of persecution. Christ tells them he recognizes their faithfulness. Doesn't that give you strength to go on, knowing that HE KNOWS YOUR WORKS? The Jewish community in Philadelphia did not except this church, but then how could the Jews except them? If they excepted them and allowed them into the synagogue they would be acknowledging Christ. These Christians were thought of as lesser then the Jews that lived in the city. BUT Christ knew them! He knew their faith and perseverance. He also KNEW the hearts of the Jews. He know they were not of his kingdom, they were of the synagogue of Satan. Christ also gives the church a look at the future, when those who have persecuted them, those who have said they are nothing will LEARN THAT I HAVE LOVED YOU! There will come a time when they (Jews and religious pharisees of today) will no longer be able to deny Christ's "true church". Christ will even make them to bow down before the church! How humbling will that be? And how precious to the "true church", to know and feel the love of their Savior!

This next part has been interpreted differently by people with different view points. I am not enough of a Bible scholar to tackle that in itself, so I will just say it as I see it. There is a time where the church WILL experience tribulation. We saw that back in the study of the precious Church in Smyrna. But because of their (Philadelphia) patient endurance they will be "kept from the hour of trial that is coming on the whole world" The definition of "kept" in Strong's says this "to attend to carefully, take care of; to guard". No matter what, Christ will be there. Whether we are taken before the tribulation, during the tribulation, or after the tribulation. He has promised to never leave us or forsake us and that we will reign with him in glory. That is enough for me. Do I want to suffer persecution or tribulation? Do I want my children too? NO, but I believe that Christ will give me what I need to persevere, and that is enough for me.

He is coming soon! We today, as the church did then, must HOLD FAST to what we have, that NO ONE may seize our crown.

The one who conquers (overcomes, over powers, triumphs) Christ will make him a pillar in the temple of God. He will never leave it! He will never be excluded from coming to God or being with God. There will be no religious superiority anymore! He will have written on him, the name of Christ's God; the name of the city of God, the new Jerusalem; and Christ own new name. He will belong to God and no one can separate him from the love of God!

He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.

The Church in Sardis

2010-06-28T06:00:00.004-04:00

The dead church.

And to the angel of the church of Sardis write: The words of him who has the seven spirits of God (Rev 1:4) and the seven stars (Rev 1:16).

I know your works. You have the reputation of being alive, but you are dead. Christ starts out with a very direct statement of their condition. No commendations for them, only rebuke.

How would that statement sit with you? On the outside you are alive, but what is on the inside is dead and dieing. This reminds me of the portion of the 7 woes in Matthew 23: 27 & 28 (which started this study) where Christ talks to the Pharisees about being white washed tombs. All pretty on the outside, but decaying on the inside. What makes a church end up like this? What fundamental issue is lost? Could it be they have watered down the gospel?

I need to mention this here. Whether it pertains to this church or not. There is a church in our area that in recent years the pastor has stated that he believes there are other ways to heaven then through Jesus Christ. He learned this while in Rome. When he was in one of the churches he noticed that the sun shone through the Apostle Peter as much as it did Jesus, so he had an epiphany. Just in the last couple of weeks the church he was once pastor of (when he had his epiphany) took the cross of their building because it is offensive to others. They are now an inclusive congregation that takes peoples from all religions. They are no longer closed minded and intolerant. It is a slippery sloop that one climbs on when taking the TRUE gospel and distorting and destroying it!

WAKE UP and strengthen what remains and is about to die! There was still time to repent. To wake up and continue the work that was not yet complete. There was still hope for this church, how be it small. REMEMBER then, what you have received and heard. KEEP IT AND REPENT!

~An interesting note from Sardis' history. Twice it had been captured while their watchmen slept. So sleeping is something they do well in Sardis, and it has worked against them, as scripture always says ( check out these scriptures on Watchmen & sluggards: Is 56:10; Prov. 6:9)~

Christ mentions, as he does elsewhere in scripture that if they do not wake up, he will come as a thief, and no one would be prepared for his coming. Could it be that in the church that I mentioned above, someone was sleeping and allowed the heresy to take place, and now look where they are?

"YET, you have still a few in Sardis, people who have not soiled their garments, and they will walk with me in white, for they are worthy." Another remnant. Even in churches who are dead or about to die there is a small remnant of godly people who are worthy. Here again is a called for the righteous to persevere.

The one who conquers (overcomes, over powers, triumphs) will be clothed thus in white garments (the raiment of victory!!!) and I will NEVER blot his name out of the book of life. I will confess his name BEFORE my Father and before His angels!

He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches!

The Church in Thyatira

2010-06-27T06:37:00.008-04:00

The tolerant church.

To the Angel of the church inThyatira write: The words of the Son of God, who has eyes like a flame of fire, and whose feet are like burnished bronze. (Rev. 1:14-15)

I know your works.

Things they were commended for:

Their Love
Their Faith,
Their Service
Their Patient Endurance
Their latter works exceed the first (opposite of the Church in Ephesus)

BUT I have this against you:

You tolerated that woman Jezebel, who calls herself a prophetess and is teaching and seducing my servants to practice sexual immorality and to eat food sacrificed to idols.

This church is long on love. They serve tirelessly ( I see a church dedicated to social justice). But they lack discernment and tolerate heresy. They appear to go a step further then the Church of Pergamum and seem to accept her teaching. Could you possibly hear someone in this church say, "hey there are many ways to God, live and let live". "God is love, and we must except all people and the way they believe". "you cannot love the person, if you do not just except them the way they are". The list can go on and on of statements you could add to what someone in this church might say.

Jezebel (whether the original who married Ahab, or the spirit of her, or another Jezebel, we do not know) was given time to repent of her sexual immorality (Rev 2:21), but she REFUSED. Here I wonder why Christ has already mentioned the sin of sexual immorality twice? Three things will happen concerning this refusal:

Jezebel will be thrown unto a sickbed. She will cease from a role of importance, and like the first Jezebel will be no more.
Those that have fallen for her false teaching will be given time to repent, but will experience great tribulation.
Her children (those who proclaim her teaching as correct) will be struck dead.

Harsh words! But this is serious stuff. God throughout scripture has told of his laws, and people throughout history has either ignored, changed, or intentionally distorted them.

Christ says, "all churches will know that I AM HE, WHO SEARCHES MIND AND HEART (1 Chron. 28:9) AND I WILL GIVE TO EACH OF YOU ACCORDING TO YOUR WORKS." Just as God throughout the Old Testament, especially in Ezekial says "Then they will know that I am the LORD." Christ is saying this here. Then they will know who he is, when he does what he has said he will do. This is not something that might happen, it will happen.

There was a remnant though. In verse 24 Christ speaks to the rest who do not hold this teaching, who have not learned what some call "the deep things of Satan". To those he says he does not lay on them any other burden. He says "only hold fast what you have until I come." This speaks of persevering. Again STANDING FIRM IN THE TRUTH. Even against opposition that will make you out to be mean, cold hearted, intolerant, bigots. Family and friends may not understand why you can think such things, why you can be so closed minded. But Christ calls up to be set apart. He calls us to speak truth. Yes of course in love, but that love does not mean we except sin that will destroy the people we are called to love.

Another question to think about. How scary is the statement "the deep things of Satan"?! Doesn't if just make you wonder how far the depravity can go? How deep and sinister the king of this world is and what he will used to try and destroy those who will fall for his lies! Please remember anyone who may be reading this who does not know Christ ~ Satan is not out to show you a good time, to let you live your live for yourself, NO he wants to destroy you, he wants to keep you from finding the freedom in Christ. There are many who think that in following Christ there is bondage, but the TRUE bondage is in allowing Satan freedom to destroy you body and soul.

The one who conquers (overcomes, over powers, triumphs) and keeps my works until the end (persevering) to him I will give authority over the nations, and he will rule them with a rod of iron, as when earthen pots are broken in pieces, even as I myself (Christ) have received authority from my Father (God) (notice Christ calls him his father here, Christ was not just a prophet, but the True Son of God, as he mentioned in his description). And I (Christ) will give him the Morning Star (Christ himself).

How glorious is that! Instead of bondage, destruction and eternal damnation, we get authority, rule, and to top it all off CHRIST HIMSELF!

He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches!

The Church in Pergamum

2010-06-26T06:00:00.001-04:00

The Church that Dwelt where Satan's throne is.

To the Angel of the Church of Pergamum write: The words of him who has the sharp two-edged sword (Rev 1:16).

I know where you dwell. Pergamum was full of worship. Put not to the One True God. There were temples and worship for "the divine Augustus", the goddess Roma, Asklepios (the god of healing), and Zeus. Being a Christian in this atmosphere would not be easy at all. To stand firm and resist, while also facing persecution, would surely test one's faith.

Yet you hold fast to my name, and do did not deny my faith (even amidst persecution of others, Antipas).

What Christ has against this church:

You have some there who hold the teaching of Balaam, who taught Balak to put a stumbling block before sons of Israel, so that they might eat food sacrificed to idols and practice sexual immorality.
You have some who hold the teaching of the Nicolaitans.

In other words, can't you hear someone saying ~ We believe the way we believe, but others are free to choose how they believe. Who are we to tell someone else they are wrong in what they believe? ~ Wishy Washy isn't it. They are not denying Christ. For them Christ is it, but they allow people to dilute the true message, but believing in other things. The words "you have some there who", means that these people worshipped with them. There was no discipline, no correcting these peoples errors in belief!

He says REPENT! If not HE will come and war against them with the sword of HIS mouth. We are to speak out against these falsehoods. Just like when scripture says "if they keep quiet, the stones will cry out", Christ will come and do what he says he will do, but Whoa to him who was not obedient in his task. There are many within the church today that allow things to go on, that should not only be stopped, but should be dealt with, with godly discipline. So much is allowed to seep into the conscientiousness of the church and soon explained away. Never to be made right. Godly discipline is seen as intolerance. But Christ will take care of it once for all. He does not leave us without a task though. REPENT, Stand Firm, Speak Truth from God's word (a Sharp double edged sword Hebrew 4:12), Do not allow sin to weaken the church.

He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches: To the one who conquers (overcomes, over powers, triumphs) Christ will give some of the hidden manna , and He will give him a white stone, with a new name written on the stone that no one knows except the one who receives it.

Interesting note on the white stone: Historically a white stone was given to victors at games for entrance to banquets (can you say The Great Banquet); such a stone was also used by jurors at trials to vote for acquittal. We are given our invitation and acquittal, by Christ himself, and our new name is known only to ourselves and him! Doesn't that just excite you?! A secret between you and your LORD!

Indeed, let us not stand for anything false that will try to infiltrate the church. Speak out, do not remain silent.

The Church in Smyrna

2010-06-24T21:08:00.006-04:00

To the Angel of the church of Smyrna write: "the words of the first and last, who died and came to life again". Interesting note which I should have mentioned in Ephesus, is that Christ is quoting his description from the previous chapter of Revelations, verses 17-20. Again these word would ring so true for this church.

The suffering church.

What would you do if you heard these words from your Lord ~

"Do not fear any of those things which you are about to suffer. Indeed (it's going to happen), the devil is about to throw some of you into prison, that you may be tested, and you will have tribulation ten days( a limited number of days). Be faithful until death, and I will give you the crown of life"

There was no happy pronouncement for this church. The Lord saw what they had endured:

Tribulation and poverty (yet they were rich)
Slander of false Jews (of the synagogue of Satan)
About to suffer more
Imprisonment (That they may be tested)
Will suffer 10 days of tribulations. (In some of the articles I've read, it mentions that the tribulation will be brief, but as in the culture at the time, most imprisonment ended in execution).

Are there churches out there that are strictly meant to suffer for the cause of Christ? I know I have many situations swirling in my head right now. Also it makes me think about many people I have known and heard of who have suffered so much, yet remain faithful. I think of the churches in China, India, the Middle East and all the other countries where they are executed for their faith, but what about here in America? If it has not started already, SOON, we will experience tribulation. Are we ready?

Do we desire to be part of "the suffering church" or would we rather skip that part? What if Christ has called us to that? Would we be able to "Be faithful unto death, and receive the Crown of Life (eternal life)?

"He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. The one who conquers (overcomes, over powers, triumphs) will not be hurt by the second death (that time when the wicked are judged to eternal death, Rev. 20:4-6)."

I asked again, where do we stand? Where do I stand? Am I ready to say to Christ "I will be faithful, even to death"? I pray that when he sees my heart, he sees YES!

The Church in Ephesus

2010-06-23T07:08:00.004-04:00

I'm no Bible scholar, but I believe this was the only city Paul visited. It was a large and very important city in it's day.

To the Angel in Ephesus write: "The words of Him who holds the 7 stars in his right hand, who walks among the 7 golden lamp stands." This description is significant because later Christ says if they do not repent their lamp stand will be taken from them.

They were commended for their work, toil, and patient endurance. They would not bear with those who are evil, and tested the false apostles (The hated the works of the Nicolaitans). They remained strong and did not grow weary.

BUT I have this against you: You have abandoned the love you had a first.

They were doing the work. They were doctrinally sound. Fine preaching was being done, but what was missing? I believe HEART. They were going through the motions of sorts. Of course they still love the Lord and wanted to work for him, but the PASSION was gone. Passion for Christ and love for each other. Could it be they focused so much on the letter of the law that they lost the heart?

Christ calls them to REMEMBER from where they had fallen. REPENT and do the works they did at first. Remember what is most important. OR their lamp stand will be removed! They would cease from being a church. They would no longer be of any good to anyone.

I will stop short of speaking of specific churches in these post. I want anyone who reads these to reflect for themselves their status and the status of the church they attend. What I truly want is for us all to WAKE UP, REMEMBER, AND REPENT!

To end this letter Christ says: "He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To the one who conquers I will grant to eat of the tree of life, which is in the paradise of God. " We will finally be able to eat for real from the tree of life! That which was once forbidden will be offered to the one who conquers (overcomes, over powers, triumphs)! Eternal Life in God's paradise.

May our ears be open and attentive to Christ, and return to our first love!

A study of the Letters to the 7 churches

2010-06-22T20:28:00.003-04:00

While studying Matthew 23, and the 7 woes which are found there, I remembered the Letters to the 7 Churches in Revelations 2 & 3, and how they somewhat parallel each other. I decided to do a little study of them and do 7 posts, one for each church. Here is this post I want to begin with some of the things that stood out to me as I read these letters. I hope that through these posts you grow in your desire to know and love the Lord more and more each day.

Things that fascinated me about the 7 letters:

These were written to "The Angel of the church of". I wondered who this would be, would this be an actual angel, or someone earthly. I looked up the definition in Strong's and it said: angel, messenger, envoy, one who is sent, a messenger from God.
After the introduction of the church, Christ describes himself. It is a different description when speaking to each church.
He ends each letter with the word "To the one who conquers" and then describes what they will receive.
Each church receives a commendation and rebuke, except for 2, who only receive a rebuke, and a stiff one at that!
There are two churches that appear to be suffering churches.

One of my fears for us as "the Church" today, is that more often then not I see us in these churches. I hope that we are not so much like the two churches who only received rebuke from our LORD. Are we so focused on the business of church that we do not have room for Christ? Are we the Pharisees in the audience that are blind leaders?

I pray not! I pray that we WAKE UP and stand for truth in a world that is increasingly hostile to the truth, even within the Church.

A winner on my 500th post!

2010-06-21T07:29:00.006-04:00

Well there weren't as many comments as I hoped but hey what do you expect from a chick that doesn't post much these days! Drum roll please!!!!

The winning commenter is #9 (for some reason it's not letting me show the results, but I know you all trust me right?!) - E-Mom!!!! Now even though she comes from the Coffee mecca of the world (WA), I think she'll enjoy this little coffee from Michigan! E-Mom send me your address and I'll try to get this all out to you before I leave. Also I'm thinking you may already have my favorite devotional ~ A long obedience in the same direction ~ if you do, I'll surprise you with something else!.

Thanks for joining in my celebration all! Have a blessed day!

The 7 woes of Matthew 23

2010-06-18T06:25:00.005-04:00

In my study of Matthew I am now to Chapter 23. The beginning part of this chapter has helped me in the past, but I've not gone further in it until now. In reading the 7 woes it became increasingly clear how they parallel our culture today. And people say the Bible isn't relevant any more! I do not claim to be a Bible scholar or even a good student of the Bible for that matter. What I do have is a desire to know God and his Son Jesus more through reading His word, and then sharing it in hopes that it stirs within someone a desire to know him more as well. So with that being said, here is my thinking on the 7 woes.

Woe #1 - "But woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you shut the kingdom of heaven in people’s faces. For you neither enter yourselves nor allow those who would enter to go in."

The teachers and leaders of the day had made a religion of their own. It became a religion made up of rules and false ideas of what God had established. The religious leadership had added to and taken away so much from God's laws that not only were they not entering the kingdom, but they were keeping those who would enter from entering through their false teachings. How often have we in the past and still continue to make up rules within the church that have no biblical standing? How often do we lay burdens on others that we ourselves do not have to carry because of Christ? Are we missing it? Are we missing Him in our religiosity?

Woe #2 - Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you travel across sea and land to make a single proselyte, and when he becomes a proselyte, you make him twice as much a child of hell as yourselves.

The teachers and leaders are able to convert some to their way of thinking, and even go to great lengths and faraway places to do so, but in doing so with false teaching they have just converted someone who is destined for the same place they are. There is no Truth in their teaching. How many people have been converted to a wrong way of thinking because of untruths that have been taught throughout generations? How many have been led to believe they are saved without that saving knowledge? How many are feeling good about themselves because of the false teaching of someone who cannot accept the God of scripture?

Woe #3 - Woe to you, blind guides, who say, 'If anyone swears by the temple, it is nothing, but if anyone swears by the gold of the temple, he is bound by his oath.' You blind fools! For which is greater, the gold or the temple that has made the gold sacred? And you say, 'If anyone swears by the altar, it is nothing, but if anyone swears by the gift that is on the altar, he is bound by his oath.' You blind men! For which is greater, the gift or the altar that makes the gift sacred? So whoever swears by the altar swears by it and by everything on it. And whoever swears by the temple swears by it and by him who dwells in it. And whoever swears by heaven swears by the throne of God and by him who sits upon it.

They have it backwards. Their focus is on the superficial and not on the significant. How often do we put our focus on the things man made within our churches and not on the truly important things of God. Our focus is on the simple, while missing the amazing. Our focus is on earth, while missing the heavenly, and in doing so leading others astray in our blindness.

Woe #4 - "Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you tithe mint and dill and cumin, and have neglected the weightier matters of the law: justice and mercy and faithfulness. These you ought to have done, without neglecting the others. You blind guides, straining out a gnat and swallowing a camel!

They did all the right things for all the wrong reasons. They again focused on the rules and missed the blessings. Tithing is important, Yes! But when you focus on the tithing, when you make it all about how much or how little, what should be included in the tithe you have missed the point. Stop focusing on these small matters, focus on what is important to God: Justice, Mercy and Faithfulness. Funny thing, if the latter were focused on the former would not be an issue.

Woe #5 - "Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you clean the outside of the cup and the plate, but inside they are full of greed and self-indulgence. You blind Pharisee! First clean the inside of the cup and the plate, that the outside also may be clean.

Don't we all look nice on Sunday? We cover so much with a veneer. We look all shiny and clean, but the heart, the heart! Self indulgence, so much of society today screams this! We want what we want when we want it (My word look at the those "W's"!!). How we try to clean up and make it look right on Sunday, when in fact, just like the leaders of old, our insides are not clean.

Woe #6 - "Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you are like whitewashed tombs, which outwardly appear beautiful, but within are full of dead people’s bones and all uncleanness. So you also outwardly appear righteous to others, but within you are full of hypocrisy and lawlessness.

Whitewashed tombs. Tombs, they hold dead people don't they? Are our churches whitewashed tombs? Are we? Do we ourselves appear righteous to others, but within are we full of hypocrisy and lawlessness? Are we kidding ourselves? Do we know the drill, and how to talk the talk, but walking it faithfully is a mystery? Are we any different then those Christ is admonishing here?

Woe #7 - "Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you build the tombs of the prophets and decorate the monuments of the righteous, saying, 'If we had lived in the days of our fathers, we would not have taken part with them in shedding the blood of the prophets.' Thus you witness against yourselves that you are sons of those who murdered the prophets. Fill up, then, the measure of your fathers. You serpents, you brood of vipers, how are you to escape being sentenced to hell? Therefore I send you prophets and wise men and scribes, some of whom you will kill and crucify, and some you will flog in your synagogues and persecute from town to town, so that on you may come all the righteous blood shed on earth, from the blood of innocent Abel to the blood of Zechariah the son of Barachiah, whom you murdered between the sanctuary and the altar. Truly, I say to you, all these things will come upon this generation.

How often do we say "We would never have done that"? We are more civilized, more enlightened then our ancestors. In the church how often do we say, when going through a conflict, "we would never do what so and so are doing"? Yet we do. Here the leaders paid homage to the dead prophets, killed by their forefathers. Saying they would never do the same, but at the same time plotting to kill The Christ. How often are we blind to our own hypocrisy?

Church of Jesus Christ WAKE UP! Let go of all that hinders (Hebrews 12:1) and run the race for Him! He is crying out to us too! He longs to gather us as children under his wings. Let God open our eyes and ears so that we can say we have persevered, and are not like the scribes, Pharisees and Hypocrites!

500th Post! Well actually 504th post, but whose counting!

2010-06-14T07:05:00.002-04:00

Thought I should recognize my 500th post! I can't believe I've made it, especially since I have been blogging so little. I have been mulling over this post for days, thinking what clever thing can I do? What do I want to do?

First of all I want to recognize a few people who are such an encouragement to me in the blogging world:

Mari @ My Little Corner of the World - If I get one comment on a post, it is from Mari! She is such a faithful bloggy friend and church friend. Thanks Mari for always coming by and leaving a sweet comment!

E- Mom @ Chrysalis - E-Mom has always had wise words of advice for me here in bloggydom and on Facebook. I so appreciate all the things I learn from her and her blog!

Linda @ Mocha with Linda - First of all I love her book reviews! Sometimes I have way to many books to read because of her (shame on you Linda!!!) Also when she posts her "Then Sings My Soul Saturday" posts, I'm always brought back to my childhood, with all the wonderful old hymns! I don't know where she finds those videos!!! She is so funny, and sometimes I think she's the Texas me because our lives have paralleled at times.

There are so many blogs that I still love to go to, and get so much enjoyment from, just not as often as I used too! Thanks for everything!

O.K. now I have a selfish request! I have never gotten many comments on my blog, and I would love to see how many comments I can get for my 500th post. Since I don't get many people by these days, I was wondering if I could get help from my faithful readers : - ) There will be something in it for those who comment.

Since there are three things I love: My Heavenly Father, Coffee and Stones, I would like to have a give away to one commenter. A copy of one of my favorite devotionals, a pounds of my favorite coffee (Winter Wonderland (I drink it in the summer too, tee hee)), and a stone from my favorite place on earth, the UP of Michigan!

Thanks for the ride!

Cyrus - "God's Annointed"

2010-06-10T21:10:00.011-04:00

The other day while reading the first chapter of a book by R.C. Sproul called "Holy, Holy, Holy, Praising the Perfections of God", he quoted from Isaiah Chapter 45, verses 1-8. It just blew my mind! Cyrus was called my anointed one! A Gentile King, one who did not know God, and he was still God's anointed. This passage again shows me the sovereignty of God. It shows me how God's hand is over all things, even those who do not proclaim His name are used by him. Nebuchadnezzar was used to discipline God's Children, Cyrus was used to redeem God's child and to restore them back to their land so that prophecy could be fulfilled. I want to take it section by section and point out to you what I saw:

Isaiah 45:1-8

"This is what the LORD says to his anointed,
to Cyrus, whose right hand I take hold of
to subdue nations before him
and to strip kings of their armor,
to open doors before him
so that gates will not be shut:

² I will go before you
and will level the mountains ^a]">[a] ;
I will break down gates of bronze
and cut through bars of iron.

First of all as I studied this I learned that Isaiah spoke this prophecy 150 years before Cyrus' birth. Isn't that amazing! A gentile king being spoken of as God's anointed. God tells him I will take your "right" hand and subdue, strip, open doors, and gates won't be shut before him. In other words "What you will do will succeed because I am the one doing it, not you. You may think it's all you and your advisers, but not so much (my emphasis)".

³ I will give you the treasures of darkness,
riches stored in secret places,
so that you may know that I am the LORD,
the God of Israel, who summons you by name.

"so that you may know that I am the LORD, the God of Israel, who summons you by name." How did this make Cyrus feel? When I did my study of Ezekiel I noticed the phrase "then they will know that I am the LORD" over and over again. God has been continually revealing himself to us from the beginning of time. Those who say you cannot know God are lying. He has revealed himself and still is revealing himself! That is why I love the Old Testament so much. My Father God, and all his Holiness is revealed so powerfully!

⁴ For the sake of Jacob my servant,
of Israel my chosen,
I summon you by name
and bestow on you a title of honor,
though you do not acknowledge me.

Now this one for me is a hum dinger! "For the sake of Jacob my servant, of Israel my chosen". On so many levels this is powerful! Just like Nebuchadnezzar was used to punish Israel (See Jeremiah 25:9. Cyrus was to redeem and restore Israel. He was sent to provide the way to get the Israelites back to the Holy Land, where the Christ (the true Anointed one) would be born. One thing I want to point out here is the fact that Israel is God's chosen. Please remember that God is the Covenant keeper. He is Immutable (meaning he cannot change). So Israel is still his chosen. The great thing is "the Church" is now part of his chose people through Christ, but that does not negate the covenant made between God and Abraham. The Jews still are not making decisions that God is pleased with, but they are still His chosen people. One last point that struck me on this portion is scripture. Sometimes God brings trials and adversity into our life's for our good. The Israelites were punished through Nebuchadnezzar for their good, and they were redeemed through Cyrus for their good. Good and bad come down from the hands of a Sovereign God.

⁵ I am the LORD, and there is no other;
apart from me there is no God.
I will strengthen you,
though you have not acknowledged me,

This passage just shouts! Cyrus did not have to acknowledge God to be used by God! How many people today are being used by God to fulfill his plan, and they are not even aware of it? They believe it is they that control their destiny. If you are ever told this - do not believe it - it is a lie from satan sent to turn your eyes from God back unto yourself. Our life is in God's hands. Our future is in God's hands. His plan has been marching forward every since, even before time began. I hope this gives you comfort. It does me! I have come to find peace, even when I see all that is going on in the world today. They way that Christians are viewed already in this country is enough to make one lose a sense of peace, but then we refocus our eyes back on The One True God whose plan is being played out. Knowing full well that in the end we will be victorious, and already are victorious in Christ Jesus!

⁶ so that from the rising of the sun
to the place of its setting
men may know there is none besides me.
I am the LORD, and there is no other.

⁷ I form the light and create darkness,
I bring prosperity and create disaster;
I, the LORD, do all these things.

⁸ "You heavens above, rain down righteousness;
let the clouds shower it down.
Let the earth open wide,
let salvation spring up,
let righteousness grow with it;

I, the LORD, have created it.

He is the LORD! There is no one like Him! He has created and sustained the heavens and the earth! He and He alone is to be praised! We are his workmanship created for good works that he has created in advanced for us to do (Eph 2:10). Dictators, Terrorists, Presidents, Senators, Governors, you name it, they are only they because God would have them be there. Take heart brothers and sisters! Stand firm! Keep your eyes on the prize and continue to bring Him glory in all that you do!

Marriage Monday - Honeymoon Memories

2010-06-07T05:59:00.000-04:00

Want this button?

We were married on July 22, 1995. It was a great day, with the promise of looking forward to Gatlinburg, TN the following day. We had a cabin on hold for us at I believe Cades Cove. The car was loaded up and ready for our trip the following morning.

I didn't know it through the whole wedding day or into the evening the my new husband was in intense pain from kidney stones. I thought from time to time, he doesn't really seem to be enjoying the "Happiest day of his life!", but he never said anything to me.

Well that changed at about 10:30 at night in the hotel room he so lovingly rented for us. He told me he had been feeling kidney pain for 3 days but didn't want to tell me because he knew it would stress me out. Sweet sentiment, but seriously I wish he had told me. Well by 12:00 we were on our way to the hospital, where my new hubby was put on morphine and I filled the time walking around, or reading outdated magazines.

Needless to say we couldn't leave Michigan, so we cancelled our cabin in Tennessee. Even though the lady felt bad we still lost our deposit. Well being me I started thinking of other options. I found a bed and breakfast in Harbor Springs, MI (a little resort time) called Kimberly Country Estates (appropriate right, since my name is Kim). Well at first Steve balked at going because it was really prices, but his brother told him basically dude you have to give her that, so we spent one night there. It was beautiful and secluded. They had these beautiful thick and thirsty robes that I loved. Since we got married a week before my 31st birthday Steve surprised me by purchasing one.

After the night at Kimberly Country Estates, we headed for northern Michigan. Mackinaw City to be exact. We stayed in our little tent at the Tee Pee Campground in Mackinaw. I don't know if you've ever been there, but if you get the chance it's a great place to go.

On my birthday we headed over to Mackinaw Island. Now that is a great vacation spot! 2 weeks before we got married we purchased roller blades, so being the smart people we are, we decided to roller blade around the island. Did you know that Mackinaw Island is 8 miles around. Needless to say we were wasted by the time we made it around that place. We went back to the campground and collapsed!

The rest of the week was spent in Northern Michigan, and the Upper Peninsula. It was a great week!

Steve passed his Kidney Stone a week later. This July we CELEBRATE 15 wonderful years of marriage! I thank God everyday with my wonderful husband, and can't wait to see what other adventures we get into together.

Enrique's Journey - Me trying to understand Illegal Immigration - Final Installment

2010-06-06T18:46:00.000-04:00

Well this is the final post on Enrique's Journey. It has helped to write about it, and clarify it in my head.

Enrique is now in America. It has not been as he or his mother would have thought or wished it would have been. He is angry, and still fills abandoned, or that his mother will again abandon him. She is frustrated over his lack of respect and the fact that she still has one child (her daughter) in Honduras. Enrique also has a daughter back in Honduras. His girlfriend gave birth after he left.

To me this situation is humanly hopeless. I say humanly because if God were allow to govern peoples live; if they gave him control, we would not have these issues. But because we are evil all the time (Genesis 6:5), this situation will continue to go on. Below are some things that struck me:

Illegal migrants are able to get driver's license. Enrique was charged with driving while impaired. In the book it talks about how nearly 4 times as many Hispanic drivers as non-Hispanic drivers in North Carolina have been charged with driving while impaired. I find it amazing that he could get a drivers license while not being here legal. And when charged all he had to pay was $1,000 and tell the judge he was sorry. No deportation.
These immigrants can buy fake ID's, and then find work. (Here again it is not the legal way, but illegal)
In Honduras if you are a woman and over the age of 25 or 28 you are no longer considered for many jobs. Middle age women have 3 options: Washing and Ironing clothes, cleaning houses, or making tortillas at home. These jobs pay $50 to $90 per month. A family needs $350 a month minimum.
A quote from Enrique to his aunt or cousin: "You think that filling our bellies is the same thing as love." Enrique was basically on his own from the age of 5. At this point in the book also Enrique moves away from his mother. She says "Her live is in Florida with her "de facto husband", daughter (who was born in US) and sister. "You never acknowledged me as a real mother. I have to work at my life with my husband now". When did Enrique, or any child like him, have a mother?
Despite the increased danger, more migrants are making the attempt. Between 2001 & 2004 , the number of Central American migrants detained and deported each year by Mexico nearly doubled, to more then 200,000....During that same period the number of children detained by the U.S. Border Patrol while entering the country illegally and without either parent nearly doubled.
Through out Latin America, even in traditional societies such as Mexico divorce and separation are increasingly common.
The countries they leave benefit in different ways: Lower unemployment being one. Also the money sent back to the families brings $30 BILLION a year to Latin America alone. The cash flow makes up a whopping 15% of El Salvador's gross domestic product and is Mexico's second largest contributor to the economy after oil. Do you think they want it to end?
A quote from a Honduran migration official: "Keeping the family together-even if they are poor-is more important then leaving and improving their economic conditions."
Each year the US legally admits nearly a million people. Another 700,000 arrive illegally.
36 million residents of the US were born in another country; nearly a third of those live in the US illegally.
Enrique and his mother disagree about the impact of this on the US. Enrique says that were he an American citizen, he would want to curtail illegal immigration. He admits he does not contribute no taxes on what he earns. Lourdes says: "To her immigrant labor is the engine that helps drive the American economy. Immigrants do the work no American wants to do. (Lazy us)
The immigrants notice a lack of work ethic in Americans. The native born workers take alot of breaks and work slower. The immigrants want to keep their jobs so they work harder.
The Center for Immigration Studies, which seeks reduced immigration levels, found that in 2002 nationwide, households headed by illegal immigrants used $26.3 billion in government services and paid $16 billion in taxes.
Those hardest hit by the influx of immigrants are disadvantaged native-born minorities who don't have a high school degree.
The Labor intensive industries in America use migrant labor to help their bottom line. (There's the greed thing again. It's not what's good or what's right, but what will make them the most money.)

There is so much more I could quote or mention from the book, but I realize this post is already getting long, so I will end with my conclusion.

I am still very much against "illegal immigration". No matter the circumstances that one faces, several wrongs do not make things right. With the choices these people are making there is destruction left in the wake.
Even though my heart grieves for these people, I cannot condemn their method. It would be tantamount to saying that those who live in poverty anywhere can rob, sell drugs or kill because they live in impoverished conditions.
This issue will not be away or be solved, because of greed, incompetence and apathy. Also no one is working for the greater good, but for themselves. The rich need the migrants for cheap labor, and they have become such a fabric of our society that truly our economy would suffer if they weren't here.
In the end the biggest thing for me is it's just WRONG. Period. It's illegal. Follow the proper channels. Come to America, come the right way, not the dishonest way. Come and make the most of what America has to offer, but do not slink in her in the cover of darkness to take what would be given to you freely, if you came the right way.

O.K. I think that's it. At least I feel better about getting it off my chest.

Enrique's Journey - Me trying to understand Illegal Immigration Part 2

2010-06-05T03:41:00.006-04:00

Today I want to cover the journey Enrique and thousands (and I do mean thousands) attempt every day. Some successfully and others unsuccessfully by either being deported, maimed by the trains they ride, or beaten by gangsters, bad cops, and badly hurt or killed.

There were parts in this book that were so very hard to read. The journey is around 1500 miles long. The majority of the trip is done by jumping on and off trains. The state of Chaipus Mexico is very dangerous to pass through. That is where most of the gangsters go that have been deported from the US because of criminal activity. I cannot decide if the country of Mexico cares or even knows what their citizens do to these migrants. Also what state employees are doing to them as well. Enrique was badly beaten up by a gang that demanded money. His injuries almost killed him and left him with several scars, both inside and physical. Where most of the really bad physical injuries come from though are trains. Jumping off and getting on. One wrong move and the train sucks the person under the wheels. Here is a quote from the book: "At a rate of nearly one every other day, the Red Cross estimates, U.S. bound Central American migrants who ride freight trains lose arms, legs, hands or feet. ...It does not count those who die instantly when they are cut in half or decapitated." Enter an angel unaware: Olga Sanchez Martinez. This woman's story is amazing in itself, but I'm not going to go into her whole story, just know that she takes in these people, who others treat badly. She ministers to them. These people wish to die, but Olga tells them "God has a plan for you. You will learn to live another way". She is a wonderful testament to God's love and grace, and she gives testimony of God's goodness to all those she helps. She has opened a shelter for these amputees called: The Shelter of Jesus the Good Shepherd. Through this book I have developed a desire to reach out to her and help her with her mission. Olga has had to beg for food to help these people. She is truly showing them the love of Christ. Here is a website about the book. It includes a website where you can send money to help, if you feel led.

There are many other people who show kindness to these migrants, while others look down on them and abuse them. Sounds familiar doesn't it. It really doesn't matter where in the world you are from, there are evil people everywhere.

These people suffer much on this journey. It is a testament to their determination and desperation. Going to the "land of milk and honey". Where everything will be great, and they will be able to help their families back home. So sad that this isn't always the case.

It takes Enrique 122 days to make the trip.

When things calm down both mother and son have many struggles. Most of them stemming from the fact that he harbors anger and resentment over her living and her believing he should respect her because of her sacrifice. Many times they fight over this issue, never to a resolution that benefits both of them.

One thing I forgot to mention and with this I will close today's post, with one more tomorrow. These illegal immigrants are preyed on. Not only by the gangsters and bad police, but by people that say they want to help them. They have people that say they will smuggle their children into the US for a sum of money and then disappear with the money. Lourdes (Enrique's Mom) also tried to become a US citizen (of course again not through the proper route) and was bilked of a few thousand dollars that she could have sent to her children. Another bad decision on her part. It never ceases to amaze me the evil in men's hearts, where they will prey on the poor and desperate. It again proves the verses in Genesis 6 & 9 "Men are evil from birth". Without Christ we are truly lost!

Enrique's Journey" - Me trying to understand illegal immigration

2010-06-03T06:03:00.010-04:00

Recently in a Facebook status I asked for someone to enlighten me about illegal immigration and why some seem to think it is O.K. My nephew and sister in law told me to read the above book and it would help me understand. I have read the book and this post is to help flesh out my thoughts and feelings about the issue, and the final conclusion I have come to believe.

First of all let me say that my heart just breaks over the poverty and corruption in this world. Reading this book was very hard because I could see and feel the abject poverty that would make someone decide to do something like this. I feel empathy for the migrants that make this journey, and I wish so badly that their governments cared for them as they should (more on that later).

After reading the first 25 pages here is what I saw:

Father's abandoning their families
Government's not helping their people (maybe from corruption or maybe because of the country being poor, I don't know)
Mother's making a desperate decision, how be it wrong (as it states in the book Enrique would have rather dug through the dump and still have his mother, then what she could give him by leaving) to leave their children.
The mothers are seeing false advertising about the USA. The pictures they have are of New York, Las Vegas and Disney. Now there's a clear picture of the US isn't it. Once they get here (and that journey is unreal) they realize that "all that glitters is not gold". They have been told a lie, and leave all that is precious in search of that lie.
Kids just want their MOM's. No matter what country they are from.
The government cannot and will not be able to help everyone. This goes for Latin America's government and ours. That is a pipe dream. There is not enough money in the world that can solve the world's issues. What needs to happen is we need to practice what the Bible teaches about helping the poor, widows and children. (James 1:27). We are all called (as Christians) to help others. To put others before ourselves. To remember the poor (Paul writes about this in Galatians).

That was all from the first 25 pages! So now the book is finished and I have much to process. After Enrique's mother left, he was shuttled from place to place. His father "left" him with his grandmother and started another family. One of the things that just hits me so hard is the fracturing of the family. It is not only happening here in the US but all over the world. Parents (in this case the fathers) are abandoning their God given rolls and responsibilities and it begins the process of destruction that can never be repaired. Enrique's mother has been gone for 10 years before he starts his journey. 10 years of promises to return, for visit, for Christmas, etc.... 10 years of desire and questions in a boys mind of why his mother abandoned him. And this book clearly states that most if not all children left behind feel abandoned. I have so many dog ears in this book where there are things I desire to quote, but I'm afraid there's to many, but I will quote one here. This quote is from a portion of the book that discusses what happens after the children are brought to America: "Inside Murillo's office, children usually fire the first salvo: "I know you don't love me. That's why you left me there." Some mother's to avoid traumatic farewells, told their children they were going out to the market, or to see their children's teachers, and instead leave for the United States." These relationships cannot be repaired (unless of course God is given control). The book states that the children begin to look elsewhere for love and belonging. The boys go to gangs, and the girls longing for unconditional love get pregnant young.

This post is getting to be long and I haven't even begun to go over Enrique's journey, so I guess I will do as many post as it takes to process this material and conclude my thoughts. I hope that these posts stir in you a desire to not only read the book, but consider what you can do to not just understand the situation, but to possibly do what you can for any who are poor. They are all around us.

Stay tuned for part 2.......

Sunday Morning!

2010-05-11T19:24:00.003-04:00

This is so good I just needed to share it. It makes me laugh every time I watch it, but there is so much truth to it too! I for one do not want to be entertained!!

"Sunday's Coming" Movie Trailer from North Point Media on Vimeo.

Customer Service in 2010

2010-05-01T19:55:00.004-04:00

I was told by Mari that she needed to hear the story of my recent trip to a world wide fast food restaurant, which I won't name, but the Arch in St. Louis reminds me of it (hint, hint), so I thought I would blog the story.

It started on a cloudy Thursday morning this past week. My wonderful son was scheduled to have his braces taken off, so I told him we would celebrate with a chocolate shake at said restaurant.

We drove up the the drive through, and ordered 1 large iced coffee, and 1 small chocolate shake. I got the the window and handed the girl my debit card. She ran the card, then opened the window and apologized for not telling me that their shake machine is not working. "Would I like another coffee drink instead or any of other drink". "No" I said, "it is for a 13 year old boy, and all your other drinks are $1.00 and I spent almost $2.50 on the shake, please credit my card, and while your at it, just take the iced coffee off as well, and we will travel down the street to another said restaurant of the same name".

I then received a strange look as the window closed. My son at this point is looking out the window away from me. I think he was embarrassed for the people, he couldn't have been embarrassed because of me right? I mean I was in the right, right? So while I am asking my son "Why aren't you looking at me? This isn't my issue, it's theirs!" 3 other people join said girl. A man approaches the window it opens and he says "Mame I am sorry for the inconvenience, if you would like to order a frappe you can have one of those". Again I told him the drink was for a 13 year old. How about just giving me a gift certificate for the amount and we will be good". He hands me a card good for an extra value meal. I told him "I don't want an extra value meal, I want my card credited".

He then gave in and credited my card for the shake. Not the shake and the iced coffee as I asked but the shake. He told me I could pick up my iced coffee at the next window. Like Franky from The Middle on ABC, I just didn't see the point in fighting anymore, so off to get my iced coffee I went (after retaining the refund receipt of course). When I reached the window, the girl had a bag and cup of brewed coffee for me. I told her I didn't order that but an iced coffee. She said "They told me you didn't want the iced coffee". I told her "Well since I paid for it I want it now".

As I pulled away on my way to the other fast food restaurant across the street that is fit for a King, I asked my boy if he thought I was wrong in expecting good customer service. He agreed with me quickly (I don't think he was afraid). I had him call his father though and he told his dad "Mom had a hissy fit at @c**n%#*s. I said "I did not have a hissy fit. I felt I was very controlled, but firm."

We reach the other restaurant. I pull up to the drive through, ask if they have chocolate shakes, ask if their shake machine is working, and finally get my son the shake he ssssoooooo wanted! He said it was the best he ever tasted! GOOD ANSWER!

Miley understand this: THERE IS ONLY ONE WAY TO HEAVEN!

2010-03-21T17:05:00.002-04:00

Today I was reading the Parade Magazine, which comes in our Sunday Press. It had Miley Cyrus (oh excuse me Miley Ray) on the cover. I read the article and was taken back first of all by how rude this young lady is, but second and most importantly how her "christianity" is that of the world. Here is the whole article if you care to read it.

“My faith is very important to me,” she says. “But I don’t necessarily define my faith by going to church every Sunday. Because now when I go to church, I feel like it’s a show. There are always cameras outside. I am very spiritual in my own way. Let me make it clear, though—I am a Christian. Jesus is who saved me. He’s what keeps me full and whole. But everyone is entitled to what they believe and what keeps them full. Hopefully, I can influence people and help them follow the same path I am on, but it is not my job to tell people what they are doing wrong.”

Is it hard being openly Christian in Hollywood?

“People are always looking for you to do something that is non-Christian,” she answers. “But it’s like, ‘Dude, Christians don’t live in the dark.’ I have to participate in life. If I wear something revealing, they go, ‘Well, that’s not Christian.’ And I’m like, ‘Yeah, I’m going to go to hell because I’m wearing a pair of really short white shorts.’ Suddenly I’m a slut. That’s so old-school.” (This is still part of the quote, I don't know why it's not green)

How sad it is that people will read this and agree. "Let those people believe the way they want to believe. Sure I wish that they believed like I did, but who am I to tell them they are wrong?"

Let's see:

Jesus came to seek and to save those who are lost (Luke 19:10)
He has called us to make disciples (Matthew 28:19)
He has called us to preach the gospel (Mark 16:15)

So why is she saying it's not her job. If she is a "true" Christ follower, it is her job; she signed up when she accepted Christ as her savior. None (and I mean none) of us get to say we have not been given a job to do by Christ. Not that the works saves us, but just by process of our relationship with Christ we are called out; we are a people set apart (sanctified); we are a Royal Priesthood!

I am about to type something that will shock some, but it is the TRUTH, and it needs to be said. If anyone, ANYONE believes there are other ways to heaven except through JESUS CHRIST, AND HIM CRUCIFIED, then they CANNOT (I cannot stress this enough) be a true follower of Christ. Christ himself says "I am the WAY, the TRUTH, and the LIFE, NO ONE comes to the Father EXCEPT THROUGH ME. John 14:6.

His words, not mine. Miley you need to take a good hard look at THE BOOK. Stop falling for this fallen worlds philosophies! The potential you have to do great things for Christ are being ruined (that is if you truly are a follower of THE CHRIST).

And girl don't even get me started on: Yeah, I’m going to go to hell because I’m wearing a pair of really short white shorts.’ Suddenly I’m a slut. That’s so old-school. Oh if I were your mother, first of all you wouldn't be wearing those really short white shorts, and I'd tan your hide for calling me dude so much!!!! Now that my friend is old-school, and I'm proud of it!

Abundant Life!

2010-03-13T07:29:00.004-05:00

Hello Everyone, miss me???!!!! Lately it has been hard for me to put more then 420 characters together (because of Facebook), that I seldom blog. Only when God gives me something that truly speaks to me, do I sit down and type it out on here. He just recently showed me something that spoke to me and I hope it speaks to you as well.

Just the other day I was in a local store. I was 2nd in line at the cashier, and overheard he saying hello, how are you. The man replied "breathing". It seemed they knew each other and continued to talk. He asked her "how are you?" She said "I would have to say breathing as well". I thought to myself, how sad. Their live comes down to Just breathing! Where is the joy?! Now I do not know whether these two were Christians or not. If they are not Christians then I can see how their life would amount to only breathing. There is no joy, no hope, no peace, no passion without Christ!

BUT how often do we as Christians say something similar?! Oh I know I have! Complaints, worries, anger, whining. We all do it. Oh at least I do it! But God brought this scripture to mind right there in line:

John 10:10

The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy.
I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.

"Have it ABUNDANTLY!" In the NIV it says to the FULL! Filled to overflowing!

Other verses that speak of what God has for us (and these are only a few):

Nehemiah 8:10

Then he said to them, "Go your way. Eat the fat and drink sweet wine and send portions to anyone who has nothing ready, for this day is holy to our Lord. And do not be grieved, for the joy of the LORD is your strength."

Psalm 28:7

The LORD is my strength and my shield;
in him my heart trusts, and I am helped;
my heart exults,
and with my song I give thanks to him.

Colossians 1:11-12
May you be strengthened with all power,
according to his glorious might, for
all endurance and patience with joy,
giving thanks to the Father,
who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of the saints in light.

God has not called us to a life of woe is me. God has not called us to just exist and breathe (even though breathing is an awesome gift he give us every second of every day!) God has called us to ABUNDANT LIFE! To a life lived to show HIS GLORY! To a life of beauty and thankfulness!

So the next time someone asks me "how are you doing?" what will my response be? What will your response be?

Lessons I learned from my dog......

2010-02-06T06:42:00.003-05:00

The other night was not a good night! I was woken up by my husband getting out of bed and then telling me that the dog, who shall remain nameless (maybe) had gotten into the garage; that of course I forgot to stick back under the kitchen sink. So suffice it to say what happened was not all his (the dog's) fault. So being awake at say around 1:00 am, I wambled out to the couch to read and most likely spend the rest of my night, as not to disturb my beloved! Herein lies my night spent with said dog, and the consequences of his previous actions. Surprisingly this lead me to biblical lessons that I would like to share with you.

The first thing that came to mind as I was letting the dog in and out, so he could, well you know, was how we as sinners always tend to get involved in things that are not good for us, and that have consequences to them. Champs (oops, said his name) issue is he loves the good treats that can be found in the trash, like bacon grease, or hamburger grease, etc, etc. Our issues are far more complex, and far reaching. The passage of scripture that comes immediately to mind if Romans 7:14-24 (The Message). In our flesh we cannot have victory over our sin nature. Even Paul, who was the greatest Apostle, struggled with the hold sin can have, in the flesh. That can way a person down. Make them feel like they can never live a life of faith. Oh but that is not why Paul wrote this passage. He wants us to see the victory in Christ Jesus! Take a look at Verse 25.

²⁵The answer, thank God, is that Jesus Christ can and does. He acted to set things right in this life of contradictions where I want to serve God with all my heart and mind, but am pulled by the influence of sin to do something totally different. (Romans 7:25, The Message)

The very next chapter says we have been set free from the law of sin and death! Read Romans 8 and feel the victory!

The next thing that came to mind is Proverbs 26:11:

As a dog returns to its vomit,

so a fool repeats his folly.

Isn't that just like us? We can tend to return to things that we have sworn we would never return too. That we thought we had conquered. I think about this in respect to my issue with watching what I eat. I can lose weight, feel I have finally come to understand the hold food and eating have on me, and start to fall back into the same old habits that I was in. I return to my folly. We (I) can forget the promise of VICTORY in Christ Jesus!

I am so glad for Romans 7 & 8! I am so glad that through Christ we have victory and there is no condemnation, because I am in Christ Jesus!

And I am thankful that God uses all His creation (including my sweet little Champerdoodle) to teach us lessons about who we am, but most of all about who HE is!!!

My winning ways.....

2010-02-06T06:39:00.002-05:00

Lately I have been on a winning streak! I thought I would wait until they all came in the mail before I showed them all off! Well here are my winnings!

Let's see if I can remember what I won first!!!

Healing Sands by Nancy Rue and Steve Arterburn - I won this from Linda @ Mocha with Linda. This is actually the 3rd book in a series called the Sullivan Crisp Series. I asked Linda for advice for a book for our book club to read and she recommended Healing Stones, which is the first book. First of all Linda is an awesome book reviewer. I have read so many of the books that she has reviewed and have loved them all. These books are awesome! You really get involved with the characters. In all truth, this is the one I related to the most.
I can't really remember the order I won them in any more, but the next win is the Mosaic Bible, this also is from Linda's blog. Since I have so many Bibles, I am praying God will show me who to give this one too. That is exciting!
Camp Club Girls bag. I won this too off Linda's blog. Can you see a theme here!? She has alot of giveaways because of the review she does. If you are a reader, her blog is a must read! This prize came with 2 of the Camp Club girl books, a journal, a flashlight, key-chain thingy and this cool bag. Bekah is enjoying the books and uses the bag to bring her stuffed animals places we go.
The next one is the 2 books "Fearless" and "Fear Not" by Max Lucado. I won these from Iris at Grace Alone . These books are part of a series Iris is doing called "Living Fearlessly" I am looking forward to possibly giving them away at a Praise and Coffee Night in the future. Thank you so much Iris!!!!
O.K. did you miss prizes from Linda? The next book I won was "White Picket Fences" by Susan Meissener. Great Book! I have since read other books of hers! She is a great author!
Finally, the last book to arrive was The Chic shall inherit the earth. This book came from Linda's blog as well. It is written for high school age girls. I have donated that to my church Library.

Woosh! I think that's it! That was fun! Thanks to these two awesome ladies for giving me something exciting to look for in the mail!!!

Marriage Monday - Celebrating Valentines Day all year long!

2010-02-01T06:32:00.001-05:00

Want this button?

Solomon 7:10

I belong to my lover,

and his desire is for me.

Today is the first Monday in February, so it's very appropriate that Marriage Monday has a Valentine Theme! E-Mom asked us to share with each other how we celebrate Valentines Day all year long. How do we keep the romance alive? Well I thought about it all weekend. Laughed a little at the things that are TMI, and came up with my top three. Now these are very simple things, and they are not the only ones, but they were just so much a part of why I feel so close to my husband.

We laugh alot! We are always saying to our children, what a weird family we have, because we do so many strange things that make us all laugh. This past weekend Steve and I got to go on a mini date to shop for bathroom fixtures. It was so exciting! It's amazing to think that shopping at Lowe's would bring such excitement, but we were just two tickled lovebirds, every once in a while sneaking a smooch when we got a good deal on something! What I realized at lunch was we laugh alot when we're together. We thoroughly enjoy each others company! Steve is my very best friend! The one I go to first, (after God of course), so it just makes sense that we would find each other amusing too!
We pray together. Now this doesn't happen every night, so we're not like some super couple who is very righteous. But I can see how praying together keeps you talking and close. God meant for us to bond through our relationship with him. After all his Son is the Bridegroom and we are the Bride. So it just fits that when we are doing something that honors him together, he draws us closer together. I love how Steve prays over me at times too! He knows when I need to be covered in prayer. When I'm at the end of my rope and I just need his arms around me and a prayer said over me! Oh I love that!
We encourage each other. Just yesterday was when he encouraged me. Spent some time with the SMIL, which can be difficult because she is a opinionated woman, and if it's not done her way, she says things that can be hurtful. I'm not going into the whole sorted story, just suffice it to say Steve know I needed to be built up after that, and he did! We both do that for each other. Now I may feel that I don't do it as well as he does, but we HAVE EACH OTHERS BACK!!! Also we were just talking with weekend how it seems that when one of us is discouraged about a certain issue, the other is able to give encouragement. It is very seldom that we are both down at the same time.
O.K. so I said three and now I am putting a 4th one. I just thought of it when I found the verse above. This is more about Steve, and it falls into the encouragement category, but I think it's great what he said and this is what God give us as couples. I have struggled with my weight FOREVER, always feeling inadequate, and defeated. A couple of years ago when I was lamenting again Steve said "but Kim, God made me addicted to you". He loves me! When he sees me he desires me, not anyone else! God made him addicted to me and me to him! As far as I'm concerned Steve is the most handsome guy on the planet!!!

I hope you have enjoyed stopping by today! God bless you all, and God bless our marriages!!!

What does ministry in the Church look like in 2010?.....

2010-01-20T13:29:00.002-05:00

For some that know me this may be a brutally honest post for you. You may wonder "What is going on in Kim's mind these days?" Well so be it. I have been contemplating many things about ministry within a local body for sometime now and am feeling compelled to write about it.

Questions:

What do you think ministry looks like within your local church body?
Is it the same as it was years ago?
Do you find people rise up to the challenges placed in front of them to serve, or do you find that it is harder to fill volunteer positions?
Is the church providing to many ministry opportunities?
Has times changed so much that ministries within the local body have become obsolete?

I am the Director of Children's Ministries in our local body. Questions I think about a lot are:

Are all the ministries we used to have still utilized?
Do people still think they are important?
If there were no longer there, would people care?
What do people want? What do they feel are important?
Are we just to busy, or do we need to rethink what we are doing?
Are we holding on to things because it has always been done, or are they truly important to the faith of our children?
Would our children be O.K., if one or two of the programs we offer, were no longer available?
DO PEOPLE CARE?

These I do not have answers for, and it burdens me. I want what Christ wants for our kids. Simply I believe that is to know Him. To be a follower of Christ. To Love Christ and Love Others.

I look at the church (and in particular the local body I attend) and wonder. Is this what Christ meant by the Church. We are so caught up in programs, and procedure, and recruiting volunteers, and following this lovely book called the BCO (Book of Church Order; that even sounds awful to me!) It seems the leadership gets so caught up in following this book of man made rules and procedures that it just weights down anything Christ could be doing within the church. I often find myself saying "What does Christ think of that: overture, motion, vote, liturgy, process, etc.....? Sometimes I just want to scream!!!!!

Following Christ is so simple really, but we make it so much more complicated!

So where does that leave me? Who knows! Do I step down because I'm not comfortable with church government? Do I speak out against man made government, and ask "Really, is this important in Christ's eyes? Do I remain silent and just minister to the children? So many questions, and so much business that I find I am not listening to God so I can't hear him speak to me!

I don't know if this post made since or not, but I feel better having gotten if off my chest. Please pray that God will open my ears and eyes to His will! When he gave me this call, he gave me this verse:

Isaiah 30:21
Whether you turn to the right or to the left,
your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying,
"This is the way; walk in it."

I pray that I will hear him regarding my future work for him now.

A Small Decorating Job!

2010-01-12T20:00:00.003-05:00

We just did a little decorating job in our front living room. I thought I would share a couple of pictures! I took these pictures of the kids this summer. My sister told me I should put them over the couch, but in order to do that we need to patch holes and repaint. I have been wanting one of the walls in the living room an Olive color, so I thought this was the perfect time to do it.

The words above the pictures say "Children, are a blessing from the Lord."

Another Treasure from my Bible

2010-01-11T07:00:00.001-05:00

Dear Child,

Before you open my Word this morning, stop and consider what you are holding in your hands. It is more then paper and ink, more then words and sentences. You are holding in your hands the very essence of who I AM! My Word is my nature, my wisdom, my guidance, my love distilled into letter form. You are holding health and life, truth and healing. Keep my Word before your eyes. Give it permission to roam the rooms of your heart - cleaning, straightening, rearranging; closing doors on some things and opening windows on others. My word can be for your heart a companion, a hearth, and a housekeeper; a gardener to weed your thoughts and a guard against intruders. And so, as you open my Word this day, read with your eyes, but listen with your life.

I want to speak to you,

God

The Sphere of Exaltation

2010-01-09T07:44:00.004-05:00

This morning I have been going through one of my old Bibles. This Bible happens to be my NIV study Bible that I used for years. Tucked away in it's pages I am finding little treasures I left for later. This is one of them. I don't know where it came from. It looks like it was typed and photocopied, so I hope I'm not violating any copyright! It is not intentional.

The Sphere of Exaltation

"Jesus leadeth them up into a high mountain apart by themselves." Mark 9:2

We have all had times on the mount, when we have seen things from God's standpoint and have wanted to stay there; but God will never allow us to stay there. The test of our spiritual life is the power to descend; if we have power to rise only, something is wrong. It is a great thing to be on the mount with God, but a man only gets there in order that afterwards he may get down among the devil-possessed and lift them up. We are not built for the mountains and the dawns and aesthetic affinities, those are for moments of inspiration, that is all. We are built for the valley, for the ordinary stuff we are in, and that is where we have to prove our mettle. Spiritual selfishness always wants repeated moments on the mount. The times of exaltation are exceptional, they have their meaning in our life with God, but we must beware lest our spiritual selfishness want to make them the only time.

2 men, 2000 Demons and a herd of pigs

2010-01-08T06:01:00.005-05:00

Before I begin, I feel I have to state the main reason I blog. It is to share what God is showing me in scripture, and I hope that it blesses the hearts of anyone who may stop by. I do not wax eloquent. I am not a writer. They are my thoughts pure and simple. They may not even make sense, but when I see something in scripture that I may have read many times over my lifetime, or a story I've known since childhood, and God shows me something new I rejoice and want to share!

Such is the case with Matthew 8:28-34. This is where Jesus crosses the Sea of Galilee and encounters 2 demon possessed men. It said they were "so fierce no one could pass by". Immediately the demons speak to Jesus. They know who he is. This of course is no surprise to us, we have have known that is part of this story. One thing that I thought about during this portion is, it comes right after the doubt of the disciples in the boat during a storm. The demons had NO doubt he Jesus was. They were shaking in their little demon boots! HE was here! The one they knew about. They knew their time was not yet up, but what was he going to do to them now?

There was a herd of pigs. Now this is where I begin to really be amazed. It says in Mark 5 that this herd numbered about 2000. Did you get that 2000! It also says in Mark that the demons named themselves as Legion, which means many. Probably nothing new to you, right. But here is what got me anew this morning.

2 men, 2000 demons!

Could you imagine the torment?!!! How can this many demons be in just 2 men! Yet they did not stand a chance against the Son of God! The power of evil, wiped out by the ALL SURPASSING POWER OF GOD!!! I wonder what these men did next? I wonder at the freedom they must have felt? I also wonder if you had someone with that kind of power in your region, why you would ask them to leave (Matthew 8:34)?

Discipleship Tools for 2010 and Beyond!

2010-01-02T08:58:00.002-05:00

I stopped by Iris' today and she had a link to Kathy Howard's Discipleship tools. Since I desire to be a better disciple and have pledge to share anything I find with you all, I thought I would stop in really quick and tell you about it. I will also have the link in my sidebar if you need it in the future.

In the small group that I am in we are doing a Precept's study on Counting the cost of Discipleship. We have been going over passages in Matthew that discuss what Christ is calling us to, and out of. Being a disciple is not easy, Christ never said it would be, but it is worth every step that we walk with Him.

God Bless and have a wonderful Saturday and wonderful beginning to 2o1o! Doesn't it seem weird to be saying that?!

Happy New Year!

2010-01-01T06:00:00.001-05:00

Make a Smilebox greeting

Facing the new Year!

2009-12-31T06:00:00.000-05:00

Last year at this time I felt more focused. By this time last year God had given me Hebrews 10:23-25 as verses he wanted me to concentrate on. This year I do not feel that. I am not starting to panic yet, I need to remember the verses God gave me to memorize through the year about "waiting", and be patient. I do not want to rush into what I "feel" God is directing me too, but to walk confidently in the direction he desires me to go. My natural tendency is to panic though. Isn't that amazing! God has shown me so much about himself and how he controls the future and I still start to panic! Ugh!!!!

I begin this new year with some uncertainty. I can't go into things right now, but I have felt a lack of peace for sometime over a particular situation, and I know that I need to be obedient to God in the acting on that lack of peace. A few weeks ago the word "disquieted" came to my mind. I looked up disquieted in the dictionary and this is the definition:

lack of calm, peace, or ease; anxiety; uneasiness.

God also woke me up at about 3 in the morning with these words going through my head "Peace, peace, where there is no peace". I got up and read the scriptures where these words could be found. They are:

Jeremiah 5:13-15

From the least to the greatest,
all are greedy for gain;
prophets and priests alike,
all practice deceit.

They dress the wound of my people
as though it were not serious.
'Peace, peace,' they say,
when there is no peace.

Jeremiah 8:10-12 says about the same thing.

and

Ezekial 13:9-11

My hand will be against the prophets who see false visions and utter lying divinations. They will not belong to the council of my people or be listed in the records of the house of Israel, nor will they enter the land of Israel. Then you will know that I am the Sovereign LORD. " 'Because they lead my people astray, saying, "Peace," when there is no peace, and because, when a flimsy wall is built, they cover it with whitewash, therefore tell those who cover it with whitewash that it is going to fall. Rain will come in torrents, and I will send hailstones hurtling down, and violent winds will burst forth.

I feel and yes even fear that changes are coming! Changes that are going to be hard. Changes that are going to require faith, trust, and courage. I desperately want to be obedient, and to grow closer to Christ everyday. To be conformed more and more into His likeness. So like it or not, whatever happens, may He find me faithful.

I haven't posted a lot in the last few months either. That is partly because of the overwhelmed feelings I have been having. I hope to remedy that and be on here more frequently. I just want you all to know how much I have appreciated your visits and how much visiting your blogs has blessed my life this past year.

God Bless you all as we enter 2010! May He find us faithful!!

My Verses for 2009 Part 2

2009-12-30T06:24:00.001-05:00

Here are the final verses that I memorized this year. The last few are a bit sketchy but I have next year to continue learning them, so I am not giving up.

Hebrews 13: 5 & 6

Keep you life free from the love and money and be content with what you have, for he has said "I will never leave you nor forsake you". So we can confidently say: "The Lord is my helper, I will not fear, what can man do to me?" (Again this verse speaks to not trusting things of this world, but the Lord. He is my helper! I do not need to fear what man can do to the body!)

Psalms 37: 7 & 8

Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for him; do not fret when men succeed in their ways, when they carry out their wicked schemes. Refrain from anger, turn from wrath, do not fret it leads only to evil. (I have to be honest with you here. This verse came about because of the election last year, and what I believe this administration is about. It also deals with the hearts of man without God. I am not to let that effect me or my witness though. I need to keep my eyes on Him, knowing this is all part of His plan.)

Isaiah 46: 3 & 4

Listen to me, O house of Jacob, all who remain of the house of Israel, you whom I have upheld since you were conceived, and have carried since your birth, even to you old age and gray hairs, I AM he, I am he who will sustain you, I have made you and I will carry you, I will sustain you and I will rescue you. (Do not fear the future, do not worry about retirement. God is over all and he will take care of you. That is what these verses say to me. Great comfort!)

I Peter 5: 6 & 7

Humble yourselves, therefore under God's mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you. (Do you see that he may lift you up? It's not us! It's God! We can cast all our cares on him because he cares for us! What comfort!)

Psalms 5:3

In the morning O LORD, you hear my voice. In the morning I lay my requests before you and wait in expectation. (This was the beginning of my summer verses. Thought I would go easy on myself and I'm glad I did, because I didn't do such a good job staying on track. This verse means alot to me because in the morning is when I met with God for my quiet time. I can give Him my day and know that he hears me.)

Psalm 27:14

Wait for the LORD, be strong and take heart and wait for the LORD. (Do you see a theme here? Do you think I have an issue with waiting? That would be a BIG yes!!!! This verse helps remind me TO WAIT on Him!)

Psalm 40:1

I wait patiently for the Lord, he turned to me and heard my cry. (Oh don't you just love that! He turns to me and hears my cry!!! Oh how I love that!!)

Ecclesiastes 5:2

Be not rash with your mouth, nor let your heart be hasty to utter a word before God, for God is in heaven and you are on earth, so let your words be few. (I think that doesn't need alot of explanation for why I picked it, or why God gave it to me. I'll let you form your own idea ; - )

Well there you have them. 28 verses total. That's not bad! Even though I didn't do so good at the end, I still memorized over 24 verses. And God used every one to conform me more this His image! So it's all good!!!!

My Verses for 2009!

2009-12-29T06:00:00.006-05:00

Starting with the Acronym RENEW that Beth gave us, I waded into the thing called memorization with not alot of hope that I would do very well. Good way to start right!! One of the things I've learned this year is: God wants us to know him and one of the best ways to know him is to know his word, and he will give you what you need to accomplish this task.

So I began with a small verse that I needed:

Exodus 14:14

The Lord will fight for you, you need only to be still. (Waiting on God and being still has always been an issue for me, so I thought that this was a good one to start with)

The next one I memorized was the Hebrew 10:23-25 passage that I mentioned in the previous post.

Isaiah 33:6

He will be the sure foundation of your times. A rich store of salvation, wisdom and knowledge. The fear of the Lord is the key to this treasure. (This passage means alot to me because of the uncertainty of our times, and the state of the economy here in the USA and the world. When all around us is falling apart, we can trust in the sure foundation.)

Proverbs 30:7 & 8

Two things I ask of you, Oh Lord, do not refuse me before I die. Keep falsehood and lies from from me, give me neither poverty nor riches, but give me only my daily bread. (Again God's provisions were one of the reasons I choose these verses. Also I needed to keep my priorities straight, who is my one priority - Christ, who is my daily bread.)

I Corinthians 6: 12 & 13

Everything is permissible for me, but not everything is beneficial, Everything is permissible for me but I will not be mastered by anything. Food for the stomach and the stomach for food, but God will destroy them both. The body was not meant for sexual immorality but for the Lord and the Lord for the body. (This passage was one I used and continue to need in my ever present struggle with weight. Along with realizing that I made a covenant with God to be healthier.)

2 Corinthians 10: 3-5

For though we live in this world, we do not wage war as the world does. The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of this world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds. We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God and take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ. (This passage was to remind me that I have power that does not come from me. That we have weapons that the world does not have! We can have victory over our foes!!)

John 6:27

Do not work for food that spoils but food that endures unto eternal life, which the Son of Man will give you. On Him the father has placed his seal of approval. (This again was a verse to help me in my struggle with weight. I need to focus of spiritual food, not physical food.)

Jeremiah 9: 23 & 24

This is what the Lord says:

Let not the wise man boast of his wisdom, or the strong man boast of his strength, or the rich man boast of his riches, but let him who boast boast about this: that he understands and knows me, that I am the Lord who exercises kindness, justice and righteousness on the earth, for in these I delight. ( these verses encouraged me to KNOW God. To recognize who he is and that he wants me to know him, and will answer that quest with a resounding YES!)

1 Chronicles 28:9

And you my son Solomon, acknowledge the God of your father and serve him with wholehearted devotion and a willing mind, for the Lord searches every heart and understands every motive behind the thoughts. If you seek him he will be found by you, but if you forsake him, He will reject you forever. (God knows my heart and my motives. I cannot hide anything from him. I need to seek him, not out of obligation or routine, but out of devotion and with a willing mind.)

I will post the rest tomorrow. Counting down to 2010! I hope and pray that I can continue to add to the list of verses that God is using to transform my heart and mind into a better reflection of his son!

Looking back, looking forward!

2009-12-28T06:58:00.001-05:00

What a year huh! I can't believe that it is almost over! I have been trying to think of how to word my last post of the year. God has taught me so much about who he is, what he requires of me, and what I, out of the love in my heart for him desire to do for Him. Late last year God gave me the passage Hebrew 10: 23-25

Let us hold unswervingly to the hope that we profess, for he who promised is faithful. Let us consider how we may spur one another on to love and good deeds. Let us not give up meeting together as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another and all the more as we see the day approaching.

as an instruction passage for my life. So many times throughout the year I was brought back to this passage. It helped me to keep things in perspective, and calmed my fears and worries, when they popped up. I also studied the book of Hebrews and saw a clearer picture of Christ and what he did for me, and you.

I also began to memorize scripture with a couple of thousand other women through the LPM Blog, and Beth Moore. I did really great until the summer, and then in September when I thought I would pick it up again, I really didn't do well. I hope to continue through this year as well. Getting back on track and memorizing the verses God gives me. At the beginning of the year Beth gave us an acronym to help us in our memorization. It is RENEW:

Read it.....

Examine it.....

Need it.....

Echo it.....

Wield it.....

This helped me in choosing the verses or passages I memorized. I will be posting the verses over the next couple of posts (otherwise they would be way to long) and explain a little about why I choose them and how they helped me.

Some of the things God has taught me this year are:

About His Sovereignty. Reading from the book of Ezekiel gave me a picture of who he is, and the control He has over ALL things.
He is a Covenant keeper! This is so important to all of us. God has never broken any of the promises he as made to us. If we are going to make a covenant before God we need to remember his covenants, and not make it unless we determine with God's help to keep it.
Marriage is a covenant that God witnesses. So because he puts great importance on covenants, he puts great importance on marriage.

There have been struggles, but through it all God has shown me things that needed to be pruned off, so that I can be more effective for His kingdom.

I have grown in my knowledge and love of Christ. I look forward to the coming year, and all it will entail, good and bad (even though of course I don't really look forward to the bad, but know God will work it for good!)

I hope you all have a wonderful New Year, and enjoy these last few days of 2009 with your family and friends!

Merry Christmas From our house to Yours!

2009-12-23T20:21:00.003-05:00

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Isaiah 9:6 & 7

For to us a child is born,

to us a son is given,
and the government will be on his shoulders.
And he will be called
Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,
Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

Of the increase of his government and peace
there will be no end.
He will reign on David's throne
and over his kingdom,
establishing and upholding it
with justice and righteousness
from that time on and forever.
The zeal of the LORD Almighty
will accomplish this.

May you all have a very blessed Christmas!!