A Christmas Memory... 👠👠ðŸ‘
I suppose every generation has had some type of Christmas "behavior modification" tool that they used for their children during the weeks before Christmas. Elf on the Shelf had not been born yet when I had children. So when they were very young, I wanted to downplay the myth that Santa only gave good gifts to children who behaved appropriately.
I had read a magazine article about instilling the art of "loving your neighbor" during this time of year. Bickering and gripping between brother and sisters, seemed to be a frequent visitor in our house. This prompted me to think that perhaps this feeling of goodwill should start among my own children. With that thought in mind, I resurrected an old doll cradle and lined it with a blanket. Then I gathered a bucket and filled it with straw. I put both the empty cradle and the bucket of straw under the Christmas tree. Then that night after reading the Christmas story, I reminded my little ones, that it was the willing gift of Gods son, that Jesus was the reason for the season.
In light of that, I motioned to the straw and cradle. I mentioned that the cradle was empty but it could be filled by each child doing nice things for each other. For example, if child A gave in to child B and willingly gave their toy back, child A would have done something nice for their sibling and therefore be allowed to put one piece of straw into the cradle? Another example might be making a siblings bed...without their knowledge...all things done were to be done without seeking praise from the recipient. ...and the added straw was to be added to the cradle without someone seeing.
I wasn't sure if this would work since my children were so young. But, believe it or not, my house environment became much more enjoyable...and the cradle was nice and full of hay before Christmas.
I am not sure if any of my kids even remember this as it was only done for a couple of years. But, I dare say, all of my children today, are very giving adults. I would like to think that somewhere along the line, the true meaning of Christmas was instilled in them.
Thursday, December 14, 2017
Thursday, November 16, 2017
Bearing Your Cross
Reading through the trials and stress on Facebook, I see many walking out their journey in the mist of hurt and pain . I understand some of what this looks like and I can pray with in real compassion...my granddaughter was diagnosed with a rare form of terminal cancer at age 12. She is a senior in high school now, enduring chemo and periodic operations that have taken away her ability to ever have her own children. Over the years, there are times when I, too have wondered why?? And yet, I always go back to biblical history when parents had to endure their children being killed by kings and enemies of all kinds. One verse always reminds me of this time period...it says, Rachel cries for her children and could not be comforted...because they were not. Know one is immune to tragedy... everyone has a cross to bear. It might not be illness, but it could be the loss of a child, homes destroyed through hurricanes, deep financial issues resulting in bankruptcy, children fighting addiction or in prison. Life is a toss up, but know one escapes something they have to cling to the cross to bear. I am an old woman. I have seen the hand of God in miracles and I have seen the hand of God as he has led many through the storms... just keep walking my friend..regardless of how bad it looks at the moment, let his light shine through you and fall on those around you and receive inspiration for the cross they have to bear...because they see you clinging to the cross you have been given.
Thursday, October 26, 2017
Hidden In Jerusalem
Just a thought: There are those who do not understand why America should stand with Israel. Many have not had biblical teachings and do not understand the relationship between God and his people. For them, it is not enough for us "old people " to explain the blessings and promises of a Bible they don't understand. A book of teachings of past generations they have no relationship with. They continue to align themselves with false information and the tug of the heartstrings of perceived injustice to the Palestinian people.
Just as the heart of Pharaoh was hardened in biblical times, many contemporary hearts have been hardened to the truth of the struggles of Israel. But God has always been a God of patience and mercy....and mystery.
In this age of "open your mouth and let anything speak," I would remind you of...Ephesians 4:31
Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice.
Regardless of the fact that this is a biblical reference...it is a value we are taught in grade school. Be kind to one another.
The Lord is working on us all..continue to pray for our country and that our hearts be melted to be one with the heart of God....
Oh and one more thing..remember the mystery of the word of God...the word Jerusalem is mentioned over 800 times in the Bible. You may not have ever noticed, but God' s love for us is hidden in his love for Jerusalem...Jer USA lem.
Have a great day
Just as the heart of Pharaoh was hardened in biblical times, many contemporary hearts have been hardened to the truth of the struggles of Israel. But God has always been a God of patience and mercy....and mystery.
In this age of "open your mouth and let anything speak," I would remind you of...Ephesians 4:31
Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice.
Regardless of the fact that this is a biblical reference...it is a value we are taught in grade school. Be kind to one another.
The Lord is working on us all..continue to pray for our country and that our hearts be melted to be one with the heart of God....
Oh and one more thing..remember the mystery of the word of God...the word Jerusalem is mentioned over 800 times in the Bible. You may not have ever noticed, but God' s love for us is hidden in his love for Jerusalem...Jer USA lem.
Have a great day
Monday, October 16, 2017
Shed The Flesh in His Presence
..as we travel our earthly journey..we do strive to show the love of God to others...but as we all know, we cannot give/show others what we do not have...Jesus yearns for us to not only receive the gifts he has given us but to walk in them like he did. We strive to not be upset when illness, financial crises, government upheaved etc., comes calling. We strive to walk in the peace that passes all understanding..As we shed the flesh and develop the skin of the love of God that is in us...then they will know us by his love in us...All spiritual things are given as a gift...but only in his presence can the "noise " and "chatter" of the daily grind be turned down so that we can have intimate conversation with the creator of our purpose....and understand what the next right step is towards our destiny.
Quite The Chatter
All spiritual things are given as a gift...but only in his presence can the "noise " and "chatter" of the daily grind be turned down so that we can have intimate conversation with the creator of our purpose....and understand what the next right step is towards our destiny. Come into his presence with Thanksgiving...Thanksgiving for the blessings as well as those trials that have a way of causing us to run into his open arms to find mercy and grace and forgiveness and restoration...knowing that it is only through the cross ...that all things can be made new.
Struggling Without Fear
Reminder...God will make a way so I am not afraid of the storm I am struggling to walk through..
Yesterday during worship, this song was played by the praise team at First Assembly in Heber Springs. It was new to me, but served its purpose as a reminder that, it is not the absence of the storm that is the miracle. The miracle is the fact that we can lean on a Father God who walks with us and not be afraid. His presence will cover us from fear..if we ask. We live in an evil world. There will always be some type of earthly struggle. But be reminded, that just as Jesus was able to sleep in the boat during the storm, we too, can walk through the storm in peace.
Pastor Lee Brown, laid down on the platform as visual reminder of how Jesus knew his father intimately and so knew he was safe..regardless of where he was in his journey. We live in an evil world. We will not escape without some monstrous waves, lighting and thunder claps of life threatening to stop us in our tracks. But, as they come, I challenge you to step into his presence and take a deep breath ... breath in that peace that passes all understanding.
Yesterday during worship, this song was played by the praise team at First Assembly in Heber Springs. It was new to me, but served its purpose as a reminder that, it is not the absence of the storm that is the miracle. The miracle is the fact that we can lean on a Father God who walks with us and not be afraid. His presence will cover us from fear..if we ask. We live in an evil world. There will always be some type of earthly struggle. But be reminded, that just as Jesus was able to sleep in the boat during the storm, we too, can walk through the storm in peace.
Pastor Lee Brown, laid down on the platform as visual reminder of how Jesus knew his father intimately and so knew he was safe..regardless of where he was in his journey. We live in an evil world. We will not escape without some monstrous waves, lighting and thunder claps of life threatening to stop us in our tracks. But, as they come, I challenge you to step into his presence and take a deep breath ... breath in that peace that passes all understanding.
Hidden In Jerusalem
Just a thought: There are those who do not understand why America should stand with Israel. Many have not had biblical teachings and do not understand the relationship between God and his people. For them, it is not enough for us "old people " to explain the blessings and promises of a Bible they don't understand. A book of teachings of past generations they have no relationship with. They continue to align themselves with false information and the tug of the heartstrings of perceived injustice to the Palestinian people.
Just as the heart of Pharaoh was hardened in biblical times, many contemporary hearts have been hardened to the truth of the struggles of Israel. But God has always been a God of patience and mercy....and mystery.
In this age of "open your mouth and let anything speak," I would remind you of...Ephesians 4:31
Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice.
Regardless of the fact that this is a biblical reference...it is a value we are taught in grade school. Be kind to one another.
The Lord is working on us all..continue to pray for our country and that our hearts be melted to be one with the heart of God....
Oh and one more thing..remember the mystery of the word of God...the word Jerusalem is mentioned over 800 times in the Bible. You may not have ever noticed, but God' s love for us is hidden in his love for Jerusalem...Jer USA lem.
Have a great day
Just as the heart of Pharaoh was hardened in biblical times, many contemporary hearts have been hardened to the truth of the struggles of Israel. But God has always been a God of patience and mercy....and mystery.
In this age of "open your mouth and let anything speak," I would remind you of...Ephesians 4:31
Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice.
Regardless of the fact that this is a biblical reference...it is a value we are taught in grade school. Be kind to one another.
The Lord is working on us all..continue to pray for our country and that our hearts be melted to be one with the heart of God....
Oh and one more thing..remember the mystery of the word of God...the word Jerusalem is mentioned over 800 times in the Bible. You may not have ever noticed, but God' s love for us is hidden in his love for Jerusalem...Jer USA lem.
Have a great day
Friday, October 6, 2017
Heart Change..Not Law Change
And so another horrific, mass shooting has claimed many young lives in a concert gathering in Las Vegas. As usual, immediately following this announcement came the rise of voices claiming more gun laws. This is my thought on this issue as posted on my Facebook site.
....................................
Just a thought....
Las Vegas is another wake up call..over the years there have been many... mass murders..mini murders..mean people taking out their issues on innocents. The media always follows with, what was the motive.
Motive, Really??? In the real world, why do we need to look for a motive to be evil to others? It is none other than the depravity of man. Evil can be seen as early as the first murder in the accounting of Cain and Able. Reality is that motive, starts in the heart. It cannot be law enforced.
Let us go back in time....way back to the cross. The people who just a week prior, thought Jesus was the " best thing since sliced bread." Praising him and telling him how wonderful he was...they expressed it from the bottom of their hearts.
Yet, it was those same people, reacting from those same fickle hearts, that expressed such horrific protesting and ultimate demand for murder of an innocent man...our very own Jesus. Times have not changed, because hearts are still evil. Laws cannot change evil at its core. They can make us feel safer, but when evil raises its ugly head, no earthly law will stop it. It is only by the blood of the cross, that any of us can have a heart change.
....................................
Just a thought....
Las Vegas is another wake up call..over the years there have been many... mass murders..mini murders..mean people taking out their issues on innocents. The media always follows with, what was the motive.
Motive, Really??? In the real world, why do we need to look for a motive to be evil to others? It is none other than the depravity of man. Evil can be seen as early as the first murder in the accounting of Cain and Able. Reality is that motive, starts in the heart. It cannot be law enforced.
Let us go back in time....way back to the cross. The people who just a week prior, thought Jesus was the " best thing since sliced bread." Praising him and telling him how wonderful he was...they expressed it from the bottom of their hearts.
Yet, it was those same people, reacting from those same fickle hearts, that expressed such horrific protesting and ultimate demand for murder of an innocent man...our very own Jesus. Times have not changed, because hearts are still evil. Laws cannot change evil at its core. They can make us feel safer, but when evil raises its ugly head, no earthly law will stop it. It is only by the blood of the cross, that any of us can have a heart change.
Monday, September 25, 2017
Challenge of the day... stand between the living and the dead....
I am still reading and meditating on Numbers 16...to make a long story short... some of the people had come against Moses and declared...we are just as important as you are so we want you gone...(sound familiar) anyway, God dealt with them with a creative miracle and had the earth swallow them up...( might want to make sure you are on the side of God when you rebel...)
But then a plague hit... to stop it, God had Aaron to light a censer and ....stand between the living and the dead (vs. 48)...and the plague stopped.
ladies and gentlemen...we have a plague in our land. Rebellion, immorality etc. etc... open your eyes, light a censer (prayer) a censer created by the millions of Christians around the world. Unite our cries in one voice... we need to stop this division and unite in prayer...we can all pray for Gods purpose over our land....no matter which side of the isle we are on... if the Muslim people can consistently pray to a dead god....surely we can do the same and cry out to our one living God who hears us !!!
It is time to unite in one voice ... 💕
I am still reading and meditating on Numbers 16...to make a long story short... some of the people had come against Moses and declared...we are just as important as you are so we want you gone...(sound familiar) anyway, God dealt with them with a creative miracle and had the earth swallow them up...( might want to make sure you are on the side of God when you rebel...)
But then a plague hit... to stop it, God had Aaron to light a censer and ....stand between the living and the dead (vs. 48)...and the plague stopped.
ladies and gentlemen...we have a plague in our land. Rebellion, immorality etc. etc... open your eyes, light a censer (prayer) a censer created by the millions of Christians around the world. Unite our cries in one voice... we need to stop this division and unite in prayer...we can all pray for Gods purpose over our land....no matter which side of the isle we are on... if the Muslim people can consistently pray to a dead god....surely we can do the same and cry out to our one living God who hears us !!!
It is time to unite in one voice ... 💕
Saturday, September 23, 2017
NOTES from the Desk of Ms. Debbie..
Recently I have been bombarded with petitions for prayer on behalf of friends and their adolescent children. It seems like the evil of the world has come to take over and it has planted seed in the fertile soil of our precious children. As a senior citizen who has raise a few of my own, I would like to encourage those who are walking this road today.
As long as time as been recorded, the enemy has desired to take the younger generation. But even as the years have come and gone, the next generation as risen above the chaos and confusion to eventually make their parents proud. Godly parents have sought the Lord on knees of prayer for generations.
One of the few things my late husband and I did right was to bring our children to him in prayer daily..TOGETHER...because of this, the enemy had to work twice as hard to destroy the good plans laid up in the heavens for our children and grandchildren...
I am here to admonish you to continue bringing your children to the alter each morning. (Regardless of what your eyes see in the natural.) Hold them up to him in thanksgiving and remind yourself of the words spoken in Hebrews 13:8..Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today and forever...What he has done for the Abraham, David, Paul and Peter..He will do for you!!
That said, the following is one of my most resent devotions published in the summer issue of "the Secret Place." Take heart in the fact that what you may see in your children today is just the beginning of a process...the best is yet to come.!!! Have a great day in the promises of the Lord!
Don't Give Up
Galatians 6:9
Thought For Today: Let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart.
Many years ago, my son was going through a difficult transition between adolescence and adulthood. I saw no hope that he would ever grow up and be the positive person I had planned for him. I grew weary with the hope that he would ever change his ways and become a functional member of the community.
Raising a child can be a strain..especially when the child thinks they are already raised. All those nights praying that he would make it home safely, eventually panned out and he has made me proud. He has a good job and family, is respectful to others and loves the Lord.
God is a lot like a parent. He will stay with us no matter how long it takes. He will watch over us knowing that, like the prodigal, in due season, we will come home.
Prayer: Lord, help me to not grow weary in doing good. Remind me that in due season you will make all things turn out right for those who love you.
Recently I have been bombarded with petitions for prayer on behalf of friends and their adolescent children. It seems like the evil of the world has come to take over and it has planted seed in the fertile soil of our precious children. As a senior citizen who has raise a few of my own, I would like to encourage those who are walking this road today.
As long as time as been recorded, the enemy has desired to take the younger generation. But even as the years have come and gone, the next generation as risen above the chaos and confusion to eventually make their parents proud. Godly parents have sought the Lord on knees of prayer for generations.
One of the few things my late husband and I did right was to bring our children to him in prayer daily..TOGETHER...because of this, the enemy had to work twice as hard to destroy the good plans laid up in the heavens for our children and grandchildren...
I am here to admonish you to continue bringing your children to the alter each morning. (Regardless of what your eyes see in the natural.) Hold them up to him in thanksgiving and remind yourself of the words spoken in Hebrews 13:8..Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today and forever...What he has done for the Abraham, David, Paul and Peter..He will do for you!!
That said, the following is one of my most resent devotions published in the summer issue of "the Secret Place." Take heart in the fact that what you may see in your children today is just the beginning of a process...the best is yet to come.!!! Have a great day in the promises of the Lord!
Don't Give Up
Galatians 6:9
Thought For Today: Let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart.
Many years ago, my son was going through a difficult transition between adolescence and adulthood. I saw no hope that he would ever grow up and be the positive person I had planned for him. I grew weary with the hope that he would ever change his ways and become a functional member of the community.
Raising a child can be a strain..especially when the child thinks they are already raised. All those nights praying that he would make it home safely, eventually panned out and he has made me proud. He has a good job and family, is respectful to others and loves the Lord.
God is a lot like a parent. He will stay with us no matter how long it takes. He will watch over us knowing that, like the prodigal, in due season, we will come home.
Prayer: Lord, help me to not grow weary in doing good. Remind me that in due season you will make all things turn out right for those who love you.
Thursday, September 7, 2017
Humble Prayer
IF MY PEOPLE WILL HUMBLE THEMSELVES AND CALL ON MY NAME...
In times past, it often took the Jewish nation to be in great trouble before they would call on the name of the Lord. Case in point would be when they were running from the Egyptians and were surrounded on all sides. Then as you remember, the Lord opened the sea and they crossed over on dry land. Other times too numerous to name, saw the people in a really tight spot that they could not get out of themselves before they would humble themselves and call on the name of God.
Today, now that we are more enlightened, the contemporary thought seems to be that we don't need God...if in fact he even exists..
That said, with the forest fires eating up our land in the West, the floods from Harvey covering the South and now a category 5 storm threatening the the South East coast, not to mention the the political unrest here and abroad, perhaps this may be the hand of God using these natural and man made events to bring a stiff necked people to their knees...to humble themselves, together, in one voice, in mass as a whole group of people praying..... as one nation under God.
In times past, it often took the Jewish nation to be in great trouble before they would call on the name of the Lord. Case in point would be when they were running from the Egyptians and were surrounded on all sides. Then as you remember, the Lord opened the sea and they crossed over on dry land. Other times too numerous to name, saw the people in a really tight spot that they could not get out of themselves before they would humble themselves and call on the name of God.
Today, now that we are more enlightened, the contemporary thought seems to be that we don't need God...if in fact he even exists..
That said, with the forest fires eating up our land in the West, the floods from Harvey covering the South and now a category 5 storm threatening the the South East coast, not to mention the the political unrest here and abroad, perhaps this may be the hand of God using these natural and man made events to bring a stiff necked people to their knees...to humble themselves, together, in one voice, in mass as a whole group of people praying..... as one nation under God.
Tuesday, September 5, 2017
Celebrate
1Peter 2:9. You are a chosen people....I have called you out of darkness into my light ...
This morning during worship, I had a vision. I saw what looked like a birthday cake with one lite candle. It appeared to be sitting in darkness...in my simple mind I thought..oh yes we are here to celebrate the goodness of Jesus Christ and what he has done for us...I looked around and in the congregation, I saw one hand lifted up..instantly, I knew it, the candle in the vision represented we, his people. in a few seconds, the one candle in the vision changed.. slowly the one candle turned into two and then four and then many.
As the single candle turned into many, the darkness that surrounded the cake, became so light, that it was hard to see the cake. Then I heard these words...
"I WANT To CELEBRATE My PEOPLE."
As old as I am, it still amazes me that Gods people are often on the same wavelength... after this vision, the pastor came up and started taking...his message was on the grace and mercy of the sinner. Nothing new about that. This message in one form or another was probably being preached in many churches of today. But at the end of his talk, he quoted from a book about the life of a well known political man and hymn writer of his time. His mother raised him to believe but she died when he was young.Many horrific things followed him thereafter that caused him to lash out and cause others just as much abuse...as he felt God had brought to him. He lived his life in utter darkness and evil....until he saw the light...once he met the mercy and grace of Jesus, his life was changed.
The fact that we are sinners is as old as Adam. In fact, most of us are aware that the patriarchs of the Bible all had to plow forward through their evil impulses and even Paul, was a killer of Christians. But...he saw the light.
We live in a dark time and we see evil all around us...but we have come to bring the light to a dark world...because we have lived in the midst of darkness and by the grace of God ,have seen the light.
We have all come from a place of sin. But the Lord sees our frame. He wants to celebrate the fact that we do not give up but keep walking in his light to bring others into the kingdom.
Jesus, having walked this earth during a terrible time of racism, poverty, government unrest and evil darkness at every turn, knows our road is hard ... but he celebrates that we are a chosen people who lock arms with each other and thus one light turns into much light... he is the light of the world in us.
This morning during worship, I had a vision. I saw what looked like a birthday cake with one lite candle. It appeared to be sitting in darkness...in my simple mind I thought..oh yes we are here to celebrate the goodness of Jesus Christ and what he has done for us...I looked around and in the congregation, I saw one hand lifted up..instantly, I knew it, the candle in the vision represented we, his people. in a few seconds, the one candle in the vision changed.. slowly the one candle turned into two and then four and then many.
As the single candle turned into many, the darkness that surrounded the cake, became so light, that it was hard to see the cake. Then I heard these words...
"I WANT To CELEBRATE My PEOPLE."
As old as I am, it still amazes me that Gods people are often on the same wavelength... after this vision, the pastor came up and started taking...his message was on the grace and mercy of the sinner. Nothing new about that. This message in one form or another was probably being preached in many churches of today. But at the end of his talk, he quoted from a book about the life of a well known political man and hymn writer of his time. His mother raised him to believe but she died when he was young.Many horrific things followed him thereafter that caused him to lash out and cause others just as much abuse...as he felt God had brought to him. He lived his life in utter darkness and evil....until he saw the light...once he met the mercy and grace of Jesus, his life was changed.
The fact that we are sinners is as old as Adam. In fact, most of us are aware that the patriarchs of the Bible all had to plow forward through their evil impulses and even Paul, was a killer of Christians. But...he saw the light.
We live in a dark time and we see evil all around us...but we have come to bring the light to a dark world...because we have lived in the midst of darkness and by the grace of God ,have seen the light.
We have all come from a place of sin. But the Lord sees our frame. He wants to celebrate the fact that we do not give up but keep walking in his light to bring others into the kingdom.
Jesus, having walked this earth during a terrible time of racism, poverty, government unrest and evil darkness at every turn, knows our road is hard ... but he celebrates that we are a chosen people who lock arms with each other and thus one light turns into much light... he is the light of the world in us.
Monday, September 4, 2017
Come Sit Beside Me
The recent floods in Texas, fires in the West and horrific political unrest world wide, has caused me to wonder if in fact, is there any hope for mankind? We would all like to think that our time here on this earth has made some kind of difference in the midst of obvious chaos. Our hope is that we have left a footprint, no matter how small, in our home, our community and our world. A difference can be good or bad..one would hope that the difference we leave behind would be good and lasting.
Surfing through Facebook, we see all kinds of emotionally healthy, positive sayings and ideas for how to reframe our thinking when bad things happen to us. The main theme that runs through the Facebook headlines is to consecrate our thinking. As we read in Philippians 4:8..think on the good things..anything of virtue. But with all the evil in this world, is this even possible?
I ran across a devotional sometime back that was talking about Sampson. The article raised a question that I had wondered myself. It was saying that if Sampson was a Nazarate and had taken a vow of separation from certain things considered evil..supposedly to bring him closer to God..why was Dililah allowed to take over his mind in such a unhealthy way?
Reading further on in the devotional discussion, it gave the following explanation. As a Nasaritte, Sampson lived a life of separation from certain things. However there was never any indication that he was walking close to God. Even though God had given him a special gift, Sampson attempted to walk in holiness in his own strength.
It seems that although he was following his Nasaritte teachings, he was not living, that is, breathing in the presence of the Lord on a daily basis. Because of this he walked in his own strength...what he thought was right. The wonderful words of inspiration prick our heart. But unless we are living or communing with the heart of the Lord on a daily basis, they are just that, beautiful words. Words on a page are just that, words. Only as we have daily relationship with the Lord Jesus will those words become the heartbeat of the lord. They will become our breath....
This is what I see as I surf through the wonderful, inspirational sayings on Facebook. Everyone one is touched by the words on the screen as they scroll through. They hope the words will bring them strength...and they do...temporarily. But what the Christian world needs now is that all consuming mercy, strength and power of our almighty God.
Joshua 3:5 said for the people to sanctify themselves for tomorrow the Lord will do wonders. Living in in this day of uncertainty, we are no different than the people of the Old Testament. Qadash is a Hebrew relationship term that means separate or set yourself apart unto God. His heart for us is not...clean yourself up so then I can restore you..
Instead he says come sit on this bench right here beside me. I don't care what you look like right now. I just want to be with you. Come close and breath my presence...let it wash over you and make you clean..listen to my heartbeat. Let me tell you the great plans I have for you. Come close and let me love on you.
Sampson had only his own strength to fight with...Until he was blinded and all he could do was feel the love of the Lord for him, In like manner, unless we are drawn to sit next to the Lord and breath in his presence, we will only be able to view the temporary inspiration as it scrolls across our iPad or cell.
I challenge you today to sit close enough to Jesus so that you can hear his heartbeat and let him lead you to walk in lasting footprints ....the lasting foot prints he has walked before you.
Listening With Your Heart
Spiritual Nugget for today...
Late last night I was watching God Tv and Heidi Baker was telling a story of her trip to...Somalia, I think...during the Cholera epidemic .. she thought she would go over and just offer some tangible comfort in the form of treats for the suffering children..keeping her distance of course because it was so contagious.
However, when she got over there, the Lord said, no Heidi, I want you to speak life to them, "cheek to cheek. " Now mind you, these children were so infected that they were dripping in urine and feces and snot...no cleanliness because the country was so poor. So cheek to cheek meant getting dirt on your hands. These children had been left to die.
As Heidi explains, as she was physically hugging these children, she was speaking life into them..when a doctor walked in, pointed her finger at her and said...you stupid, white foreigner...get out do you want to die with all of these children...get out, get out !!!
Her testimony was that not only did she not leave, but not one child or adult worker died. miraculous of coarse.
The text she used was taken from Exodus 33 which talked about the presence of God and where Moses said I depend on your presence and direction and wisdom to breath.
(I know this is long but please bear with me.)
She was speaking to a conference in Japan. The Holy Spirit was so thick that I could feel it in my living room. These Japanese Christians were hungry for His presence.
As I was reading further down in the text, I noticed verse 16. Various translations say it differently, but basically what it says is, Lord God, if you don't show your favor on us, how are we any different than anyone else...and how will those around us see this difference. Think about this.
The world is in chaos. We are in a word war...he said..she said. My opinion verses your opinion. The media is full of opinions and theories. So what???
Unless they see a meaningful difference in us...
If we do not have the presence of God in us...there is no difference between us and them.
When Jesus walked this earth, people flocked in crowds to see him.. yes some came in hopes of a cure for their disease. But many came and endured the hot sun and the bugs in the grass and wind and the weather just to be near him. There was no AC or loud speakers.
What do we do just to be near him. I am not talking about going to church every time the doors are open. What do we do in our personal life to sacrifice our time to be near him. So that when we are faced with a hospital full of sick children or even one sick child, we will be so close to him that we will hear him say,
...get close to their disease and speak life into them....touch them with my love.
My challenge for you this week is pray for the fire of God to surround you and make a difference that others can see and know His presence is with you..🔥🔥🔥
Late last night I was watching God Tv and Heidi Baker was telling a story of her trip to...Somalia, I think...during the Cholera epidemic .. she thought she would go over and just offer some tangible comfort in the form of treats for the suffering children..keeping her distance of course because it was so contagious.
However, when she got over there, the Lord said, no Heidi, I want you to speak life to them, "cheek to cheek. " Now mind you, these children were so infected that they were dripping in urine and feces and snot...no cleanliness because the country was so poor. So cheek to cheek meant getting dirt on your hands. These children had been left to die.
As Heidi explains, as she was physically hugging these children, she was speaking life into them..when a doctor walked in, pointed her finger at her and said...you stupid, white foreigner...get out do you want to die with all of these children...get out, get out !!!
Her testimony was that not only did she not leave, but not one child or adult worker died. miraculous of coarse.
The text she used was taken from Exodus 33 which talked about the presence of God and where Moses said I depend on your presence and direction and wisdom to breath.
(I know this is long but please bear with me.)
She was speaking to a conference in Japan. The Holy Spirit was so thick that I could feel it in my living room. These Japanese Christians were hungry for His presence.
As I was reading further down in the text, I noticed verse 16. Various translations say it differently, but basically what it says is, Lord God, if you don't show your favor on us, how are we any different than anyone else...and how will those around us see this difference. Think about this.
The world is in chaos. We are in a word war...he said..she said. My opinion verses your opinion. The media is full of opinions and theories. So what???
Unless they see a meaningful difference in us...
If we do not have the presence of God in us...there is no difference between us and them.
When Jesus walked this earth, people flocked in crowds to see him.. yes some came in hopes of a cure for their disease. But many came and endured the hot sun and the bugs in the grass and wind and the weather just to be near him. There was no AC or loud speakers.
What do we do just to be near him. I am not talking about going to church every time the doors are open. What do we do in our personal life to sacrifice our time to be near him. So that when we are faced with a hospital full of sick children or even one sick child, we will be so close to him that we will hear him say,
...get close to their disease and speak life into them....touch them with my love.
My challenge for you this week is pray for the fire of God to surround you and make a difference that others can see and know His presence is with you..🔥🔥🔥
Friday, June 30, 2017
Nothing New Under the Sun
Here it is over six months into the new term under a new president, and still bullies on the playground fight for who is top dog. well, actually, that was decided last November, but the liberals are bound and determined to rebel the loudest.
Their hope is that by screaming at the top of their voice, the lies and scewed stories will cover the truth. That truth is that this administration is here to stay. They may have hit a "bump in the road," or actually, it looks more like a detour. But, one thing the conservatives are good at is the turtle game. You know, just plugging along at the same slow pace, while the liberals continue to do the hyperactive dance of media chasing. Most of what they are doing is serving its purpose. That is sidetracking the issues. As long as the administration is having to spend its time trying to fight the media and trying to defend themselves, nothing of any real purpose will be permitted.
Ecclesiastics says there is nothing new under the sun. Case in point: I am reminded of something similar that happened long ago. Moses was the elected person in charge, but like the liberals of this generation, Kora thought she and her followers could do just as well. Raising her voice and telling Moses that she was just as good as he was...had just as many good ideas and was just as deserving. Therefore it needed to be put to a vote as to who should really be in charge. Kora forgot that God had already made the decision ... and it was not negotiatable. But Kora would not submit.
So God in his sovereignty, opened the earth and swallowed up the dissenting group...swallowed them whole.
Because, I am a believer in the fact that the character of God is the same yesterday, today and always, I would be very careful of rebelling against the person God has put in place.
But then, many have decided there is no God !!
Their hope is that by screaming at the top of their voice, the lies and scewed stories will cover the truth. That truth is that this administration is here to stay. They may have hit a "bump in the road," or actually, it looks more like a detour. But, one thing the conservatives are good at is the turtle game. You know, just plugging along at the same slow pace, while the liberals continue to do the hyperactive dance of media chasing. Most of what they are doing is serving its purpose. That is sidetracking the issues. As long as the administration is having to spend its time trying to fight the media and trying to defend themselves, nothing of any real purpose will be permitted.
Ecclesiastics says there is nothing new under the sun. Case in point: I am reminded of something similar that happened long ago. Moses was the elected person in charge, but like the liberals of this generation, Kora thought she and her followers could do just as well. Raising her voice and telling Moses that she was just as good as he was...had just as many good ideas and was just as deserving. Therefore it needed to be put to a vote as to who should really be in charge. Kora forgot that God had already made the decision ... and it was not negotiatable. But Kora would not submit.
So God in his sovereignty, opened the earth and swallowed up the dissenting group...swallowed them whole.
Because, I am a believer in the fact that the character of God is the same yesterday, today and always, I would be very careful of rebelling against the person God has put in place.
But then, many have decided there is no God !!
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