little ripples in the stream

Benjamin Nethanyahu AIPAC 2011

2011-05-23T22:03:00.000-07:00

Love Songs

2010-01-03T16:46:00.001-08:00

A few months ago I felt prompted to post this video on my friends page and say that I believed this was a song of her heart to God. Today I am singing right along with Rod & expressing my heart to God. Have I told Him lately that I love Him? I have told Him there is no one else above Him? Yes He does fill my heart with gladness takes away all my sadness. I love how the Lord will stir my heart with secular songs to express love for Him. I enjoy singing love songs to the Lord.

Hebrews 1:4-6

2009-08-01T11:48:00.001-07:00

HEBREWS 1:4-6 (Multiple versions:King James, NIV, American Standard & New Living translation)

Jesus - better than the angels
Inherited a more excellent name
For which of the angels said:
he at any time this is my son, this day I have begotten thee?
I will be to him a father & he shall be to me a son?
And when he bringeth the 1st begotten into the world and let all the angels of God worship him

Angels are certainly glorious beings and are messengers of the most high God but they are not to be worshiped. We are to worship God and God alone. In this passage we read that God the Father has called Jesus his only begotten son. God the father had declared that the angels of God are to worship Jesus.

Even today people will seek and worship angels. They worship the created rather than the creator. We are not called to worship angles. We were created to worship God. Jesus is to be the object of our worship. Be wary of any person, any thing and yes even angels who blind you into idolizing & worshiping them rather than God Almighty. Angels of God will tell you clearly do not bow to nor worship them. Any angel that seeks your worship is not of God. Any messenger that seeks your worship is not of God. Be careful what creeps into your life, ministry and church.
God said that his angels are to worship Jesus any angel or messenger who disobeys is a rebellious angel and not of God.

Col 2:18

Hebrews 1

2009-07-18T06:49:00.001-07:00

HEBREWS 1

HEBREWS 1 MULTIPLE VERSIONS

1-3

1.
In the past God spoke to our forefathers through the prophets at many times and in various ways,

2.
but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed heir of all things, and through whom he made the universe.

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.
read more @ My Bible Study Tools Christianity.com

In what ways other than the prophets has God spoken to people? Rahab had said that she and the people had heard of what the Lord has done for His people and they were in fear. So the victories that God obtained for His people were heard by others. Therefore God spoke to people through miraculous victories. Didn't God also communicate to people through creation, the commandments and his judgements? How does God communicate to His people today?
What is meant by in the last days he has spoken to us by His Son? What is meant by the last days?

Exodus 9:8-12

2009-06-10T11:19:00.001-07:00

Exodus 9:8-12

Plague of the Boils on both the Egyptians and animals-Yet Pharaoh's heart is hardened? Pharaoh does not seem to care about all the destruction he is causing. He does not care who it affects-even his magicians who stood by him and went against the Lord God almighty. Pride, Arrogance, Stubboness-sins that keep you from receiving the grace, mercy and forgiveness of our Lord and Savior. Why would anyone continue to follow such a leader? Where is the wisdom in remaining loyal to someone who resist God? The kind of loyalty or love that does not confront sin that supports you in sin is not true loyalty, love,kindness nor compassion toward you. It is certainly not wisdom that keeps you attached to sin. The scripture does not say that the magicians were coerced, forced, theatened nor abused in order to support Pharaoh. It appears that they did so for their own motives and reasonings. To freely support an evil leader in their evil doings is not wise. Resist evil with the Word of God. Jesus when tempted said to the devil..it is written...if Jesus relied upon the word of God to resist temptation then so should we.

A Photo

2009-06-06T15:23:00.000-07:00

Playing with my camera today and took a picture of my cat Jireh. Jireh has been with me since 1994. When I went to the shelter to find a cat...Jireh was at the front desk and the lady that was taking care of her saw me and said this is the cat for you. I said that I would take a look around and then decide. Well every cat that I saw that day was hissing at me and everyone who dared to glance their way. So I quickly returned to the front desk and said to the lady, you're right this is my cat. At the time I took Jireh home I was suffering from a wounded and broken heart, beginning not just a new job but a new career and just moved into a new apartment. That year I also learned how to love gardening. It was a time of new beginnings. Each day was filled with heartache and joy. It was also a year that we had a big earthquake in Calif. and parts of Sherman Oaks looked like a war zone. Jireh was a most interesting companion. The man who broke my heart was still my best friend. We continued to communicate over the phone and mail. I sent him letters of Jireh's adventures and included photos. We then began to see one another as friends. Eighteen months later the man who broke my heart and I were married. Jireh is still with us making each day a new adventure.

Exodus Chap 9

2009-05-27T13:26:00.000-07:00

http://nasb.scripturetext.com/exodus/9.htm

I am still reading and re-reading Exodus chapter 9...so please share your insights/comments on this chapter.
9:1-7
Pharaohs heart remains hardened and God send Moses to tell Pharaoh to let His people go so that they can serve Him. Pharaoh is told that if he continues to refuse then God will send another plague-this time on the beast of the field. God will also distinguish between the cattle of Egypt and the cattle of Israel. The bible does not tell us what the children of Israel are doing and thinking at this time. Were they discouraged? Were they angry? Were they patient? Were they praying?
Not sure what they were feeling but by the time I read chapter 8 - admittedly I was pretty discouraged and impatient...but reading chapter 9 this all became very alive for me. Although God is still speaking to Pharaoh through Moses...for some reason this seemed very intense and very personal between God and Pharaoh. I was amazed that Pharaoh still did not get it and continues to try to withstand the will of God. I think by now that even some of his servants wondered at the pride of Pharaoh. How awful it must be to be ruled by such an arrogant leader.

EXODUS 8: 25-32

2009-04-16T12:37:00.000-07:00

And Pharaoh called for Moses and for Aaron, and said, Go ye, sacrifice to your God in the land. And Moses said, It is not meet so to do: for we shall sacrifice the abominations of the Egyptians to the Lord our God: lo, shall we sacrifice the abomination of the Egyptians before their eyes, and will they not stone us? We will go three days' journey into the wilderness, and sacrifice to the Lord our God, as he shall command us. And Pharaoh said, I will let you go, that ye may sacrifice to the Lord your God in the wilderness; only ye shall not go very far away: entreat for me. And Moses said Behold, I go out from thee, and I will entreat the Lord that the swarms of flies may depart from Pharaoh, from his servants, and from his people, tomorrow; but let not Pharaoh deal deceitfully any more in not letting the people go to sacrifice to the Lord. And Moses went out from Pharaoh, and entreated the Lord. And the Lord did according to the word of Moses; and he removed the swarms of flies from Pharaoh, from his servants, and from his people; there remained not one. And Pharaoh hardened his heart at this time also, neither would he let the people go. EXODUS 8: 25-32

According to Matthew Henry commentary- If the children of Israel offered the sacrifices of Egypt to God then they would be an abomination to God and if they offered their own sacrifices to God then they would be an abomination to the Egyptians.
Those that would offer an acceptable sacrifice to God must:
1) Separate themselves from the wicked and profane- for we cannot have fellowship with light and darkness.
2) Must retire from the distractions of the world
3) must observe divine appointment- Do as God commands and not otherwise.

What are our surroundings? Are their items in our homes that are offensive to God? Are their issues in our hearts and minds that we have yet to confess and repent? Who are our friends and close associates? Do we compromise our walk with God? Do we spend time in God's Word while listening to the radio or t.v.? Do we shut the phones off while in prayer or reading God's Word?
Last summer I felt that the Lord would have me pray at our church at specific times and for specific purpose i.e. Monday- for our Nation, Tuesday- Persecuted Church and Friday for our Community.
Occasionally others would walk in and join me in prayer.
I do not drive - so I would take the bus there and walk home($was tight)
Up until January/February this worked out fine.
Then walking home in the ice and the snow...I was not liking this too much...
Then I was sick for about a week or two...when I felt healthy again...it snowed and it snowed...and it was too cold...(feeble excuses for someone who prays for the persecuted church and knows some of what they endure just to hear the word)
I would pray from home but it was not the same...
I am returning to prayer at church now that the weather is getting better...but oh what have I missed out on...because I chose my comfort over being obedient to God...now I know that God forgives and He is gracious to allow me another chance...But when I see someone who is mature in Christ it is usually someone who is obedient to Him and submits to His ways. I long to be someone who obeys and submits to my Lord and Savior.

Exodus 8:20-24

2009-03-23T14:32:00.000-07:00

And the Lord said unto Moses, Rise up early in the morning, and stand before Pharaoh, lo, he cometh forth to the water; and say unto him, Thus saith the Lord, Let my people go, that they may serve me. Else, if thou wilt not let my people go, behold, I will send swarms of flies upon thee, and upon thy servants, and upon thy people, and into they houses: and the houses of the Egyptians shall be full of swarms of flies, and also the ground whereon they are. And I will sever in that day the land of goshen, in which my people dwell, that no swarms of flies shall be there; to the end thou mayest know that I am the Lord in the midst of the earth. And I will put a division between my people and thy people: tomorrow shall this sign be. And the Lord did so; and there came a grievous swarm of flies into the house of Pharaoh, and into his servants houses, and into all the land of Egypt: the land was corrupted by reason of the swarm of flies. EXODUS 8:20-24

The Lord spoke to Moses - get up early and speak to Pharaoh. Tell him to let my people go so that they may serve me. God's objective is not only to set the people free from slavery but to set them free so that they can serve Him. Many time we may seek deliverance and healing from God without recognizing that our purpose is to serve Him. We seek gifts and blessings then seek to serve self rather than our Father God creator of heaven and earth. God is sending His messenger to the one who is holding His people captive. God could have just set Israel free right from the beginning. He didn't need to send Moses and He certainly doesn't need to ask Pharaoh's permission to receive what already belongs to Him. Why do you suppose that God chose this way to set His people free?

God let Pharaoh know what would happen if he did not let the people go. You would think by now that Pharaoh would realize that God kept His Word. This time God said that plague would not come upon His people but would come upon Pharaoh, the people and the land of Egypt. God is in total control He not only can send a plague but decides to whom and where it will be sent.
God controls the timing of the plague. Fear not God is in control and if we are living in a time of captivity it is God who will decide what can and can not come upon His children.

Exodus 8:16-19

2009-03-17T13:07:00.000-07:00

And the Lord said unto Moses, Say unto Aaron, Stretch out thy rod, and smite the dust of the land, that it may become lice throughout all the land of Egypt.
And they did so; for Aaron stretched out his hand with his rod, and smote the dust of the earth, and it became lice in man, and in beast; all the dust of the land became lice throughout all the land of Egypt.
And the magicians did so with their enchantments to bring forth lice, but they could not: so there were lice upon man, and upon beast.
Then the magicians said unto Pharaoh, This is the finger of God: and Pharaoh's heart was hardened, and he hearkened not unto them; as the Lord had said.
Exodus 8:16-19

Pharoah does not get a warning this time. The magicians attempt to duplicate but can not and they acknowledge God even unto Pharaoh. Yet Pharaoh heart continues to be hardened. Even in corrupt leadership there will be those whose hearts and minds can be changed. Even if their hearts remain unchanged their eyes might become open enough to acknowledge the truth of the sheer vanity of defying the Lord God Almighty. Those who have the ear of leadership, those who advise leadership ought always to tell their leaders the truth. Any leader would be wise to listen to truth carefully even if it is not what they want to hear. Who knows what loss and devistation could be avoided if leaders would only heed the truth? Who knows what blessings could be possible if leaders would only heed the truth? Do not withhold the truth from anyone.
Pray that all leadership will have the wisdom and the discernment to know truth and abide in the truth. That we will always have the faith, courage and boldness to speak the truth. That we too will receive truth even when it may not be what we want to hear. God's Word is truth and it has the power, to convict, deliver, forgive, love, change and save us.

INTERESTING?
link suggest that quite possibly this plague is not complete since scripture doesn't say that Pharoah requested the plague to be removed nor does it say that God removed that particular plague.
http://refbible.com/p/plagues.htm

Exodus 8:8-15

2009-03-12T20:07:00.000-07:00

Then Pharaoh called for Moses and Aaron, and said, Entreat the Lord, that he may take away the frogs from me, and from my people; and I will let the people go, that they may do sacrifice unto the Lord.
And Moses said unto Pharaoh, Glory over me: when shall I entreat for thee, and for thy servants, and for thy people, to destroy the frogs from thee and thy houses, that they may remain in the river only?
And he said, Tomorrow, And he said, Be it according to thy word: that thou mayest know that there is none like unto the Lord our God.
And the frogs shall depart from thee, and from thy houses, and from thy servants, and from thy people; they shall remain in the river only.
And Moses and Aaron went out from Pharaoh: and Moses cried unto the Lord because of the frogs which he had brought against Pharaoh.
And the Lord did according to the word of Moses; and the frogs died out of the houses, out of the villages, and out of the fields.
And they gathered them together upon heaps: and the land stank
But when Pharaoh saw that there was respite, he hardened his heart, and hearkened not unto them: as the Lord had said.
Exodus 8:8-15

Pharaoh pleads with Moses to take away the plague of the frogs and then he will let the people go. Have you ever pleaded with someone to make a bad circumstance better and then you will give them what they want? Do you think that Pharaoh recognizes that God is speaking through Moses? That Moses is doing as God instructs? Or does Pharaoh believe that Moses is just perhaps another magician? What do you think was foremost on Pharaoh's mind-God, Moses, the children of Israel-No it was the frogs--Get these frogs out of here!!! If you do this for me I will give you what you want? Sorta of sounds familiar...if you bow down to me I will give you the world Do you think that Pharaoh has any idea of the power and authority of the Lord our God?
Sometimes we attempt to make deals with God and so far that has not worked out very well for me. How about you?
Moses agrees to make this request to God in behalf of Pharaoh...was it Pharaoh's wisdom or pride that kept him directly from making this request of God? Considering the pride of the man I would have thought that he would want to deal directly with God rather than his messenger
Moses prays for Pharaoh and we too are to pray for others, even those who mean us harm.
We are to pray that they will know the Lord our God.

And he said, Tomorrow, And he said, Be it according to thy word: that thou mayest know that there is none like unto the Lord our God.
Exodus 8:10

Pharaoh's heart was hardened and he broke his promise as soon as his prayers are answered. Hearts and minds are not changed by circumstances-we need Jesus to work in our hearts. When our hearts and mind are open to Jesus - then He who began a good work in us will continue until the day of Christ Jesus. If we are only moved by circumstance then each time the circumstance changes, so will we.

Exodus 8:1-7

2009-03-02T10:43:00.000-08:00

Why the Plagues? The plagues were a contest between God and the gods of Egypt. Egypt had many gods and many idols. Each plague was directed toward a particular god in Egypt.
1) Blood - the Nile was the life blood of Egypt and sacred to Osiris
2) Frogs- Heka was the frog headed goddess of Egypt and it was an offense to the goddess to kill frogs.

We are to not to worship any other god.
I am the Lord thy God, which have brought thee out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of bondage. Thou shalt have no other gods before me. Thou shalt not bow down thyself to them, nor serve them: for I the Lord thy God am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children unto the third and fourth generation of them that hate me;

Has our society been worshiping false gods? For decades we have heard stories of people who were unable to kill rats on their property, we are told what kind of clothing is not acceptable, we are told that we should not hunt for food nor are we to chop down trees. I believe that we are to be good stewards of our environment but let us not be foolish and make idols of nature.
Lets protect the environment with wisdom as directed by the Lord our God.
Here is a link to Protected Species List

check the link and then imagine that God determined to plague your home, community and nation with one of those that are on this list. We are certainly called to be good stewards of the environment but have we gone too far? The earth is the Lords and the inhabitants thereof. It is the Lord we should seek for direction on how to care for our environment.

Exodus 20:2,3, 5
Chapter 8:1-7 And the Lord spake unto Moses, Go unto Pharaoh, and say unto him, Thus saith the Lord, Let my people go, that they may serve me. And if thou refuse to let them go, behold, I will smite all thy borders with frogs: And the river shall bring forth frogs abundantly, which shall go up and come into thine house, and into the bedchamber, and upon thy bed, and into the house of thy servants, and upon thy people, and into thine ovens, and into thy kneadingtroughs: And the frogs shall come up both on thee, and upon the people, and upon all thy servants. And the Lord spake unto Moses, Say unto Aaron, Stretch forth thine hand with thy rod over the streams, over the rivers, and over the ponds, and cause frogs to come up upon the land of Egypt. And Aaron stretched out his hand over the waters of Egypt; and the frogs came up, and covered the land of Egypt. And the magicians did so with their enchantments, and brought up frogs upon the land of Egypt.

Once again God sends Moses and Aaron to Pharaoh to tell him to let the children of Israel go worship the Lord God of Israel. Once again Pharaoh refuses. God sends a plague throughout Egypt. Frogs are everywhere!( Yech...not a fan of frogs.) v 7 says that the magicians also brought frogs upon the land of Egypt...just what Egypt needs more frogs. What kind of a battle is this you would think that the magicians of Pharaoh would at least attempt to get rid of the frogs that God had sent as a plague. But it was an offense against their goddess Heka to kill frogs so I suppose the only way they could show any power was to add more frogs to an already plagued Egypt.

This plague effected the Children of Israel as well as Pharaoh and the Egyptians. The decisions that leadership makes effects a great many people whether we agree or disagree with their decisions. Quite possible their were a few Egyptians who were thinking that Pharaoh should just let the Children of Israel go and worship God rather than face the plagues God had sent upon them.

Exodus 7:19-25

2009-02-22T13:53:00.000-08:00

Exodus 7: 19-25
And the Lord spake unot Moses, Say unto Aaron, Take thy rod, andstretch out thine hand upon the waters of Egypt, upon their streams, upon their rivers, and upon their ponds, and upon all their pools of water, that they may become blood: and that there may be blood throughout all the land of Egypt, bot in vessels of wood, and in vessels of stone.
And Moses and Aaron did so, as the Lord commanded; and he lifted up the rod, and smote the waters that were in the river, in the sight of Pharaoh, and in the sight of his servants; and all the waters that were in the river were turned to blood.
and the fish tat was in the river died; and the river stank, and the Egyptians could not drink of the water of the river; and there was blood throughout all the land of Egypt.
And the magicians of Egypt did so with their enchantments: and Pharaoh's heart was hardened, neither did he hearken unto them; as the Lord had said.
And Pharaoh turned and went into his house, neither did he set his heart to this also.
And all the Egyptians digged round about the river for water to drink; for they could not drink of the water of the river.
And seven days were fulfilled, after that the Lord had smitten the river

Moses and Aaron are obedient to God and using the rod turn the waters into blood. Pharaoh's heart remains hard set against God and the children of Israel. He calls for his magicians who duplicate what Moses and Aaron had already performed - turning the water into blood. Why wouldn't Pharaoh request of his magicians to turn the blood back into water? Did Pharaoh and the magicians truly recognize that God's power is greater than their magic? Did they know that they had no power other than what God would allow? His people the Egyptians need to dig to find water to drink. Pharaoh's pride would not allow him to yield to God.
There will be times that God will send us out with specific instructions. And though we are obedient to those specific instructions the enemy will come with a deceptive duplication. It is frustrating when some impostor rises up to steer people away from the Lord. Being obedient and submissive to God means doing no more nor less than instructed. Moses and Aaron didn't get involved in a competition with the magicians. They trusted God. When in obedience to God, Moses and Aaron turned the water into blood, it was in order that Pharaoh would let the children of Israel go to worship the Lord their God. For what purpose did the magicians turn the water into blood? Scripture does not say that Moses and Aaron engaged with the magicians nor does it say that they were flustered by them. I believe that it was God's mercy that allowed the Egyptians to find water to drink. God is merciful to a people even when their leaders are ungodly.

Siesta Scripture Memory Verse February 15

2009-02-15T18:21:00.000-08:00

PROVERBS 3:7
Be not wise in thine own eyes: fear the Lord, and depart from evil.

How foolish and prideful we can become when we believe that we are so clever. When we cease to check with God if we are going in the right direction. When we neglect to read His word and seek Him in prayer we often stray from the path of righteousness toward the path of sinfulness. We are in danger when we bristle or scoff at those who would suggest that we have not yielded to God on certain issues. We often falter when we believe that we "know" what we're doing and we have sufficiently read the word of God so we do not need to constantly refer to it.

The Lord will give wisdom to all who ask and He supplied us with His word and His Holy Spirit. He has given us a great cloud of witnesses. We have brothers and sisters in Christ who will stand in the gap in prayer and share God's word with us. He has given us those who have experienced His power, love and deliverance and they share their testimony with us. How often do we miss a blessing, healing and deliverance because we believed we knew best? How often do we get entangled with things outside of God's will because we neglected to seek Him?

Exodus 7:14-18

2009-02-08T16:57:00.000-08:00

Exodus 7: 14-18

And the Lord said unto Moses, Pharaoh's heart is hardened, he refuseth to let the people go.

Get thee unto Pharaoh in the morning; lo, he goeth out unto the water; and thou shalt stand by the river's brink against he come; and the rod which was turned to a serpent shalt thou take in thine hand.

And thou shalt say unto him, The Lord God of the Hebrews hath sent me unto thee, saying, Let my people go, that they may serve me in the wilderness: and, behold, hitherto thou wouldest not hear.

Thus saith the Lord, In this thou shalt know that I am the Lord: behold, I will smite with the rod that is in mine hand upon the waters which are in the river, and they shall be turned to blood.

And the fish that is in the river shall die, and the river shall stink; and the Egyptians shall loathe to drink of the water of the river.

Incredible- God deals with Pharoah instead of wiping Pharaoh out- He sends Moses to tell Pharaoh - The God of the Hebrews sent me unto you, saying, let my people go so that they may serve me in the wilderness. God has set His claim upon His people and yet gives Pharaoh the opportunity to release them. The Hebrew people belong to God. God wants His people returned to Him. God tells Moses to wait for Pharaoh at the river and show Pharoah how it is God who will turn the water into blood. Moses is to use the very same rod that turned into a serpent. God said then Pharaoh would know that I am God. Is God given Pharoah the benefit of the doubt - maybe he doesn't know who I am? Or is God revealing the true nature of Pharaoh's heart? God is often know by His Love, Compassion and Mercy. Some only begin to recognize God for who He is after they have been convicted perhaps even chastened by God. Others come to know God by His judgements. Sadly some never come to acknowledge God as God. There are people in our life that we wonder what is it going to take? I pray that even the hardest heart will come to know Jesus as Lord and Savior.

1st and 15th Memory Verse

2009-02-03T21:59:00.000-08:00

Still taking time out on some internet stuff such as blogging to seek the Lord. I still have so far to go...I am so easily distracted. In Jan. I began participating in the 1st and 15th memorize scripture and I choose Proverbs 4:4
"He taugth me also, and said unto me, Let thine heart retain my words: keep my commandments and live."
Notice He said heart and not mind. I listened to Carter Conlon's sermon this evening and he taught on how with all of Solomon's wisdom he did not have the heart to apply God's word to his life. The link to this sermon is in the previous post.
It is not sufficient for us to know God's word we need to have the heart for His word. We need to desire His word. To Love His Word. We aught to love and delight to do God's will. I am seeing in my own life how often I have put God aside for the things of this world. How easily I am distracted is evidence of that...yet knowing that something is wrong, even acknowledging something is wrong is worthless if you don't repent and change of that wrong. I remember my "first love"...I couldn't get enough of Jesus - I was excited when I read His Word..His Word was so alive...I loved to pray and worship Him..focus solely on Him...I loved fellowshipping with other belivers, I loved telling others about Him. Not sure what happened...but there came a dullness, a dry season that became one very long season...
It is good to be wise and it is good to retain God's word in your mind...but if it doesn't enter your heart...if His word doesn't rule and reign in your heart...there is no life in it...

Another Time Square Church Link...

2009-02-03T19:57:00.000-08:00

I still have not figured out how to post a video from Time Square Church ...I just finished listening to Carter Conlon the Sermon is called the wise mans eyes feb 1 and wanted to share it with you..
here is the link

The Wise Man's Eyes
Be Blessed

check out Times Square Church Website

2009-01-28T12:02:00.000-08:00

I am still taking a time out from the internet but during my time of seeking the Lord I went to the time square website and listened to David Wilkerson.

I had wanted to post the video here but have not been able to figure out how...I am not sure then what it meant by posting but I did agree to the terms...so please go to the link below and click on the sermon how to live by one's faith david wilkerson -I believe it was dated January 18th. I will say that it is a hard message but stay with him through the end of the message.

http://www.tscnyc.org/sermons.php?filter=y&media_type=WMV

How to live by one's faith

I too will be taking a time out..

2009-01-23T21:49:00.000-08:00

For awhile I have felt that I wanted to write/comment and did not know what to write/comment.
I know that the Lord has asked me several times in the last few years to come away and spend time with Him. I confess I have not really responded with my whole heart. I have not given the Lord my full attention. I even doubted that I heard correctly. I know that others are also experiencing this call and are taking time away from blogging. I just read Edie's blog about taking a time out and sense that I also need to finally heed the call. So I too will be taking a time out.

Memory Verse

2009-01-15T09:01:00.000-08:00

"Jesus Wept" John 11:35
The Jews then which were with her in the house, and comforted her, when they say Mary, that she rose up hastily and went out, followed her, saying, she goeth unto the grave to weep there.
Then when Mary was come where Jesus was, and saw him, she fell down at his feet, saying unto him, Lord, if thou hadst been here, my brother had not died.
When Jesus therefore saw her weeping, and the Jews also weeping which came with her, he groaned in the spirit, and was troubled,
And said, Where have ye laid him? They said unto him, Lord, come and see.
Jesus wept. John 11:31-35

The ladies of the LPM blog are posting scripture to memorize on the 1st and 15th of each month.
I just joined them this morning and the scripture that came to my mind to memorize was Jesus Wept.
Jesus didn't just "feel their pain", he experienced their pain. We have a Lord and Savior who is not just someone who observes what we go through and has compassion on us. It is not that He relates our experience to His own since He knows the truth the beginning and the end of each circumstance. Jesus saw their weeping and in the Spirit He connected with and experienced their suffering. I believe when we hurt for our love ones and friends that it is just a small taste of what Jesus' experiences for everyone of us. When we intercede for others we sometimes experience the experience of another. How do we respond when we see beyond the immediate grief that someone is experiencing and they only see the moment? Are we tempted to speak only to a wonderful outcome? Will we let ourselves stand beside them and experience the grief of the present time? I am not talking about a pity party...but sometimes we are too focused on ushering someone out of the grief and pain...when the response that is required is to experience the grief alongside them. Then encourage and move with toward a blessed resolution.

Hallelujah Your Love Makes Me Sing!

2009-01-14T19:33:00.000-08:00

EXODUS 7:8-13

2009-01-14T12:05:00.000-08:00

EXODUS 7: 8-13
And the Lord spake unto Moses and unto Aaron , saying,
When Pharaoh shall speak unto you, saying, Shew a miracle for you: then thou shalt say unto Aaron, Take thy rod, and cast it before Pharaoh, and it shall become a serpent.
And Moses and Aaron went in unto Pharaoh, and they did so as the Lord had commanded: and Aaron cast down his rod before Pharaoh, and before his servants, and it became a serpent.
Then Pharaoh also called the wise men and the sorcerers: now the magicians of Egypt, the also did in like manner with their enchantments.
For they cast down every man his rod, and they became serpents: but Aaron's rod swallowed up their rods.
And he hardened Pharaoh's heart, that he hearkened not unto them; as the Lord had said.

MATTHEW HENRY:
-13 The first time that Moses made his application to Pharaoh, he produced his instructions only; now he is directed to produce his credentials, and does accordingly. 1. It is taken for granted that Pharaoh would challenge these demandants to work a miracle, that, by a performance evidently above the power of nature, they might prove their commission from the God of nature. Pharaoh will say, Show a miracle; not with any desire to be convinced, but with the hope that none will be wrought, and then he would have some colour for his infidelity. 2. Orders are therefore given to turn the rod into a serpent, according to the instructions, ch. 4:3. The same rod that was to give the signal of the other miracles is now itself the subject of a miracle, to put a reputation upon it. Aaron cast his rod to the ground, and instantly it became a serpent, v. 10. This was proper, not only to affect Pharaoh with wonder, but to strike a terror upon him. Serpents are hurtful dreadful animals; the very sight of one, thus miraculously produced, might have softened his heart into a fear of that God by whose power it was produced. This first miracle, though it was not a plague, yet amounted to the threatening of a plague. If it made not Pharaoh feel, it made him fear; and this is God’s method of dealing with sinners—he comes upon them gradually. 3. This miracle, though too plain to be denied, is enervated, and the conviction of it taken off, by the magicians’ imitation of it, v. 11, 12. Moses had been originally instructed in the learning of the Egyptians, and was suspected to have improved himself in magical arts in his long retirement; the magicians are therefore sent for, to vie with him. And some think those of that profession had a particular spite against the Hebrews ever since Joseph put them all to shame, by interpreting a dream which they could make nothing of, in remembrance of which slur put on their predecessors these magicians withstood Moses, as it is explained, 2 Tim. 3:8. Their rods became serpents, real serpents; some think, by the power of God, beyond their intention or expectation, for the hardening of Pharaoh’s heart; others think, by the power of evil angels, artfully substituting serpents in the room of the rods, God permitting the delusion to be wrought for wise and holy ends, that those might believe a lie who received not the truth: and herein the Lord was righteous. Yet this might have helped to frighten Pharaoh into a compliance with the demands of Moses, that he might be freed from these dreadful unaccountable phenomena, with which he saw himself on all sides surrounded. But to the seed of the serpent these serpents were no amazement. Note, God suffers the lying spirit to do strange things, that the faith of some may be tried and manifested (Deu. 13:3; 1 Co. 11:19), that the infidelity of others may be confirmed, and that he who is filthy may be filthy still, 2 Co. 4:4. 4. Yet, in this contest, Moses plainly gains the victory. The serpent which Aaron’s rod was turned into swallowed up the others, which was sufficient to have convinced Pharaoh on which side the right lay. Note, Great is the truth, and will prevail. The cause of God will undoubtedly triumph at last over all competition and contradiction, and will reign alone, Dan. 2:44. But Pharaoh was not wrought upon by this. The magicians having produced serpents, he had this to say, that the case between them and Moses was disputable; and the very appearance of an opposition to truth, and the least head made against it, serve those for a justification of their infidelity who are prejudiced against the light and love of it.

DANIEL 2:44
And in the days of these kings shall the God of heaven set up a kingdom, which shall ever be destroyed: and the kingdom shall not be left to other people, but it shall break in pieces and consume all these kingdoms, and it shall stand for ever.

Satan is a great imitator setting out to deceive and turn people from the truth. The bible tells us that in the last days that if it were possible even the very elect will be deceived. Those who are in Christ Jesus dwell in Jesus and He in them. Jesus sent the Holy Spirit to dwell in those who believe- they Holy Spirit will lead us in all truth. There are some who will continue to believe a lie even when presented with the strong evidence of the truth. They will hold unto to their almost truth to be as valid as the whole truth. Each time the deny the truth their hearts become harder and harder. Pray for God to soften their hearts and that they will allow the truth of God's word to heal, deliver and save them. Moses and Aaron were obedient to God, they did as God commanded them. They did not shy away because of Pharaohs unbelief. We do not hear them discussing that this is pointless - Pharaoh is not listening...let's just forget about it and work on delivering God's people another way...certainly we heard wrong...true Moses heard directly from God...but if we believe that the Bible is God's word then we too are hearing directly from God. We know that when someone speaks or entices us to behave in a way that opposes His Word. But what about the times when it comes close or close enough? Do we know the word of God well enough to discern? Spend time in His word, spend time in communion with God through worship, praise and prayer. Let us know Him so intimately that no cleverly devised imitation will draw us away.

Thou shalt have no other gods before me

2009-01-03T10:25:00.000-08:00

Exodus 7:1-7 And the Lord said unto Moses, See, I have made thee a god to Pharaoh: and Aaron thy brother shall be thy prophet. Thou shalt speak all that I command thee: and Aaron thy brother shall speak unto Pharaoh, that he send the children of Israel out of his land. And I will harden Pharaoh's heart, and multiply my signs and my wonders in the land of Egypt. But Pharaoh shall not hearken unto you, that I may lay my hand upon Egypt, and bring forth mine armies, and my people the children of Israel, out of the land of Egypt by great judgments And the Egyptians shall know that I am the Lord, when I stretch forth mine hand upon Egypt, and bring out the children of Israel from among them. And Moses and Aaron did as the Lord commanded them, so did they. And Moses was fourscore years old, and Aaron fourscore and three years old, when they spake unto Pharaoh.

Egypt had many gods. The Lord had made Moses as a god unto Pharaoh and Aaron as Moses' prophet. God had told Moses and Aaron what they should say to Pharaoh and they did as God had commanded them. But God had hardened the heart of Pharaoh so that Pharaoh would not listen and let the children of Israel leave Egypt. So even though God had made Moses a god in Pharaohs site-Pharaoh would not obey. Because Pharaohs heart was hardened and he did not obey even when God increased His signs and wonders throughout Egypt this provided God the opportunity to go in with His Armies and bring the children of Israel out of Egypt. The Egyptians would would know that it was God who had delivered His children out of captivity.
We often will look to the world and see how they idolize and make gods out of celebrities. We see other faiths where they make gods of men or objects. But do we sometime find ourselves in the same trap of exalting men and women of god rather than God and God alone.
Paul said in Corinthians 1:12 -!3 Now this I say, that every on of you saith, I am of Paul; and I of Apollos; and I of Cephas; and I of Christ. Is Christ divided was Paul crucified for you? or were ye baptized in the name of Paul?
Let us remember not to taint the message and work of God's people by idolizing them instead of worshiping Our Lord and Savior. God's hand had to come down upon Egypt rather strong before they could see that Our God is God.
Exodus 20:3-6 Thou shalt have no other gods before me. Thous shalt not make unto thee any graven image, or any likeness of any thing that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth: Thou shalt not bow down thyself to them, nor serve them: for I the Lord thy God am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children unto the third and fourth generation of them that hate me; And shewing mercy unto thousands of them that love me, and keep my commandments.

Christ the Savior is Born

2008-12-24T17:28:00.000-08:00

Rose of Bethehem-Selah

2008-12-24T06:21:00.000-08:00

40 DAYS FOR LIFE

2008-12-23T13:49:00.000-08:00

CLARIFCATION: I AM NOT THE SPEAKER....THE SPEAKER IS SOMEONE FROM 40 DAYS FOR LIFE...THE "I" IN THE EMAIL REFERS TO THAT PERSON NOT ME...SORRY FOR ANY MISUNDERSTANDING

PLEASE REMEMBER TO LISTEN TO THE SEAN HANNITY SHOW FRIDAY DECEMBER 26TH
I JUST RECEIVED THIS EMAIL FROM 40 DAYS FOR LIFE

Three quick things:

1.) 40 Days for Life on Hannity radio show Friday
2.) Final results from "HOPE" teleconference
3.) Wishing you a blessed Christmas!

Let's dive right in...

*****************************************************
1.) 40 DAYS FOR LIFE ON HANNITY RADIO SHOW FRIDAY
*****************************************************

I just got asked to be a guest on the Sean Hannity
radio show this Friday, December 26, to talk about
the sweeping impact of 40 Days for Life!

In addition to addressing the life-saving results of
40 Days for Life, I've also been asked to cover:

>> Obama's promise to sign FOCA (the "Freedom of
Choice Act") and what threats that measure poses

>> The strategy memo sent by the abortion industry
to the Obama transition team which calls for
radical expansion of the abortion agenda and
$4.6 BILLION in additional taxpayer funding

>> What local people can do -- where they live -- to
save lives and counter the abortion agenda

>> The plans for 40 Days for Life campaigns in 2009

This will be the single largest audience we have ever
been able to reach with the 40 Days for Life message.

Two things:

1.) I would appreciate your prayers that God would
give me the right words to say.

2.) If you want to listen in, the show will be on
from 3 - 6 PM Eastern time (Noon - 3 PM Pacific).

I don't yet know which hour will cover 40 Days for
Life, but if I find out, I'll let you know.

To find a radio station near you that airs the show,
simply visit: http://www.hannity.com and enter your
zip code in the form on the top right of the page.

This could really help to expand the involvement in
40 Days for Life during 2009!

GOD IS WITH US- CASTING CROWNS

2008-12-18T12:48:00.001-08:00

God said bring them out of Egypt

2008-12-15T13:49:00.000-08:00

Exodus 6:10-13

And Moses spake so unto the children of Israel: but they hearkened not unto Moses for anguish of spirit, and for cruel bondage.
And the Lord spake unto Moses, saying,
Go in, speak unto Pharaoh king of Egypt, that he let the children of Israel go out of his land.
And Moses spake before the Lord, saying, Behold, the children of Israel have not hearkened unto me; how then shall Pharaoh her me, who am of uncircumcised lips?
And the Lord spake unto Moses and unto Aaron, and gave them a charge unto the children of Israel, and unto Pharaoh king of Egypt, to bring the children of Israel out of the land of Egypt.

Our Pastors and Leaders are often called to speak on behalf of God's children to national leaders and sometimes even world leaders. How often are they faced with the same problem Moses states here...that God's children are not listening to them; so how will an unbelieving world? God's response then was to command Moses and Aaron to bring the children of Israel out of the land of Egypt' a place of bondage for the children of Israel . Moses is not only faced with confronting Pharoah but also the children of Israel who are focused on their bondage and their immediate situation,but not the promise of God. I pray that we support and encourage our pastors who are following God's instructions to deliver a people unto Himself. Pastors who are calling us to come and worship the Lord,to leave Egypt,to believe God and know that it is His desire to set a people free. Pastors who encourage us to trust God even when freedom it is not immediately apparent. Instead of griping and blaming our leaders for the time delay...let us pray and encourage.

My Computer Crashed

2008-12-05T12:05:00.001-08:00

My Computer @ home crashed...not sure if itwas a virus or not...

Silent Night

2008-12-04T04:55:00.000-08:00

God Remembers-God Hears-God delivers

2008-12-02T19:19:00.000-08:00

EXODUS 6: 1-8

Then the Lord said unto Moses, Now shalt thou see what I will do to Pharaoh: for with a strong hand shall he let them go, and with a strong hand shall he drive them out of his land.

And God spake unto Moses and said unto him, I am the Lord:

An I appeared unto Abraham, unto Isaac, and unto Jacob by the name of God Almighty but by my name JEHOVAH was I not known to them.

And I have also established my covenant with them, to give them the land of Canaan, the land of their pilgrimage, wherein they were strangers.

And I have also heard the groaning of the children of Israel whom the Egyptians keep in bondage; and I have remebered my covenant.

Wherefore say unto the children of Israel, I am the Lord and I will bring you out from under the burdens of the Egyptians, and I will rid you out of their bondage, and I will redeem you with a stretched out arm, and with great judgments:

And I will take you to me for a people, and I will be to you a God: and ye shll know that I am the Lord your God, which bringeth you out from under the burdens of the Egyptians.

And I will bring you in unto the land, concerning the which I did swear to give it to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob; and I will give it you for an heritage: I am the Lord.

God reveals to Moses another name by which He is called- He said but by my name JEHOVAH was I not known...according to strongs Jehovah means self existent, eternal. God is revealing to Moses who He is- He is the Lord, He is JEHOVAH, He is the God who appeared to Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. God is telling Moses what He had done and will do- He established His covenant with them to give them the land of Canaan, He hears the groaning of the Children of Israel who are in bondage and He remembers His covenant. He will bring them out of bondage, He will redeem. He will be their God and bring them into the land that He swore to Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. God keeps His word, He hears our cry and remembers the covenant. How wonderful that God hears our cry and receives our prayers because of the shed blood of Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior. We have access to the Father because of Jesus. When we seek God in our prayers they are heard because He remembers His covenant with us, He remembers that Jesus died for our sins and therefore whoever believes in Him has eternal life. God certainly cares and certainly hears our prayers but let us also remember the cost of the covenant we have with God the Father.

hillsong lead me to the cross

2008-11-30T12:32:00.000-08:00

In His Arms

2008-11-30T10:31:00.000-08:00

Christian Glitter by www.christianglitter.com

Yes I am Thankful

2008-11-26T11:48:00.000-08:00

Am I Thankful? YOU BETCHA!!

Just Ask God

2008-11-23T17:24:00.000-08:00

EXODUS 5: 20 -23

And they met Moses and Aaron, who stood in the way, as they came forth from Pharaoh:
And they said unto them, the Lord look upon you, and judge; because ye have made our savour to be abhorred in the eyes of Pharaoh, and in the eyes of his servants, to put a sword in their hand to slay us.
And Moses returned unto the Lord, and said, Lord, wherefore hast thou so evil entreated this people? why is it that thou has sent me?
For since I came to Pharaoh to speak in thy name, he hath done evil to this people; neither has thou delivered thy people at all.

Pharaoh was the one who refused God and made even a heavier burden be placed on the children of Israel. The officers of the children of Israel went before Pharaoh and not God to seek mercy. Pharaoh refused to be merciful. Now as they are leaving Pharaoh they run into Moses and Aaron---and they blame Moses and Aaron for their current circumstances. They believed that they were God's messengers delivering God's word to them. Yet they blamed the messengers rather than Pharaoh.
Moses did turn to God and asked God why He did this evil thing. Moses wanted to know why did you send me...what happened...things are only getting worse...
I believe that God can handle our honesty...when you don't understand, when you are confused, frustrated take it to the Lord.
Moses could have been defensive with the children of Israel or got all macho on Pharaoh...instead he took his concerns to God.
Whenever, wherever, however God sends you forth always look to Him, turn to Him, seek His counsel and direction. Whether things look great or dangerous seek God first.

another informative link

2008-11-22T12:44:00.000-08:00

This is another link for information and to connect with others who are concerned about our nation.

America Coast to Coast

Prayer Request from those who are persecuted for their faith in Jesus

2008-11-21T18:50:00.000-08:00

Iran's Christian Call for Fasting, Prayer

From Christian World Newstoday...

Just Read this on the persecution blog

Iran's Christians are calling on churches worldwide to join them in three days of praying and fasting this weekend.

Elam Ministries, a group that supports Iranian Christians, says the church has come under increased persecution this year, including the introduction of a law requiring the death sentence for men who leave islam to follow christ.

Women would face life in prison.

In an initial vote, Iran's Parliament approved the measure overwhelmingly.
It is now under review before a final vote and approval by the Guardian Council.

It affects more than conservative talk radio...

2008-11-21T18:06:00.000-08:00

Free Speech Alliance

Link is for information about the Fairness doctrine...let's fight censorship.

do not negotiate with evil

2008-11-18T14:21:00.000-08:00

EXODUS 5: 15-19

Then the officers of the children of Israel came and cried unto Pharaoh, saying, Wherefore dealest thou thus with thy servants?
There is not straw given unto they servants, and they say to us, Make brick: and, behold, thy servants are beaten; but the fault is in thine own people.
But he said, Ye are idle, ye are idle: therefore ye say, Let us go and do sacrifice to the Lord.
Go therefore now, and work; for there shall no straw be given you, yet shall ye deliver the tale of bricks.
And the officers of the children of Israel did see that they were in evil case, after it was said, Ye shall not minish aught from your bricks of your daily task.

Wow! These Children of Israel who have been in bondage these many years go straight to Pharoah. They were told that God would deliver them, they believed and praised God. Pharoah chose not to be obedient to God- Pharoah did not know or respect God. Pharoah not only refused to let them go but placed an even greater burden on them. So now these children turn to their captor who deals cruelly with them and try to reason with him. From a distance this seems to me to be foolish. How did they expect Pharoah to respond? Did they really not know that the order came from him? What were they thinking? Why did they not turn to God and ask Him what was going on? Why did they not even turn to Moses and ask him to seek God on their behalf. Why go directly to pharoah? I might ask myself the same question why not go to God first. How many times did I seek a solution from an ungodly source? Why deal with the person(s) who persecute you on your own strength and in your own name? It is God who will deliver you. It is God whom you can trust. Do not go anywhere, do or say anything when confronting the enemy of your souls without seeking God first.

Taking baby steps in getting informed and involved

2008-11-17T13:44:00.000-08:00

Visit TEAM SARAH and check out the videos on Gerri's site

2008-11-15T12:34:00.001-08:00

check out this site:

pretty cool videos on team sarah posted by sharon

Exodus- This is not the response I expected....

2008-11-14T17:34:00.000-08:00

Exodus 5: 10-14
And the taskmasters of the people went out, and their officers, and thy spake to the people, saying, Thus saith Pharaoh, I will not give you straw.
Go ye, get you straw where ye can find it: yet not aught of your work shall be diminished.
So the people were scattered abroad throughout all the land of Egypt to gather stubble instead of straw.
And the taskmaster hasted them, saying, Fulfil your works, your daily tasks, as when there was straw.
And the officers of the children of Israel, which Pharaoh's taskmasters had set over them, were beaten and demanded, Wherefore have ye not fulfilled your task in making brick both yesterday and to day, as heretofore?
What Happened? After many years of seeking God for deliverance we believe He had heard our prayers and was now at this very time going to set us free. Only to find out that we are going to be persecuted even more. How could this be of God?
What would be our thoughts, concerns and response if this were to happen to us?

LET MY PEOPLE GO

2008-11-11T10:15:00.000-08:00

Exodus 4:29-31

And Moses and Aaron went and gathered together all the elders of the children of Israel:
And Aaron spake all the words which the Lord had spoken unto Moses, and did the signs in the sight of the people.
And the people believed: and when they heard that the Lord had visited the children of Israel, and that he had looked upon their affliction, then they bowed their heads and worshipped.

Exodus 5:1-9

And afterward Moses and Aaron went in, and told Pharaoh, Thus saith the Lord God of Israel, Let my people go, that they may hold a feast unto me int the wilderness.
And Pharaoh said, Who is the Lord, that I should obey his voice to let Israel go? I know not the Lord, neither will I let Israel go.
And they said, The God of the Hebrews hath met with us: let us go, we pray thee, three days' journey into the desert, and sacrifice unto the Lord our God; lest he fall upon us with pestilence, or with the sword.
And the king of Egypt said unto them, wherefore do ye, Moses and Aaron, let the people from their works? get you unto your burdens.
And Pharaoh said, Behold, the people of the land now are many, and ye make them rest from
their burdens.
And Pharaoh commanded the same day the taskmaster of the people, and their officers saying.
Ye shall no more give the people straw to make brick, as heretofore: let them go and gather straw for themselves.
And the tale of the bricks which they did make heretofore ye shall lay upon them; ye shall not diminish aught thereof: for they be idle; therefore they cry saying, Let us go and sacrifice to our God
Let there more work be laid upon the men, that they may labour therein; and let them not regard vain words.

For over four hundred years Israel had been captives in Egypt. They were in bondage for generations. God did not forget them -He heard their prayers and He had a plan for their deliverance. Moses fled to the desert, he spent 40 years in the desert. Moses met with God and God sent him to deliver the Israel. God became Angry when Moses insisted that he could not speak to the people, that the people would not listen to him. God called Aaron to speak the words for Moses. The words that God gave to Moses- Moses would give to Aaron to speak.
Moses and Aaron speak to the elders and children of Israel of God's plan for deliverance and the people believe and rejoice that God has heard their prayers. They worshipped God.
Then Moses and Aaron go before Pharoah and told Pharoah that God said let my people come into the desert to worship me. Pharoah said no and not only did he say no but put even a greater burden upon the people.
What happens when we have spent many years praying and then suddenly we have reason to believe that God has heard our prayer. We rejoice, we praise and worship God. Perhaps we brag on God to all who would listen. Then something happens that opposes what we believed God was doing and speaking to us and through us. The enemy of our souls defies God and creates havoc in our life. What do we do when it appears the enemy had won?

Random Question from Edie @ Rich Gifts

2008-10-24T13:38:00.000-07:00

Edie @ Rich Gifts Random Question...Romans 12:2

ROMANS 12: 1,2
(KJV)

I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.
And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.

It didn't take long for me to go round and round on this one...first I aimed for being transformed by the renewing of your mind...felt convicted that I was avoiding the present your bodies a living sacrifice. Well I eventually came back to the renewing of your mind.
Replacing my thoughts with the thoughts of God. A quick examination of my thoughts expose that my thoughts are not lining up with God's thoughts.
Mark 12:30-31
And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind, and with all thy strength: this is the first commandment.
And the second is like namely this, Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself. There is none other commandment greater than these.
2 Corinthians 13:2
And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries, and all knowledge; and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, and have not charity, I am nothing.
1John 4:7-20
7) Beloved, let us love one another: for love is of God; and every one that loveth is born of God, and knoweth God.
8) He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love.
9) In this was manifested the love of God toward us, because that god sent his only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through him.
10)Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us, and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins.
11)Beloved if God so loved us, we ought also to love one another.
12) No man hath seen God at any time. If we love one another God dwelleth in us, and his love is perfected in us.
13) Hereby know we that we dwell in him, and he in us, because he hath given us of his Spirit.
14) And we have seen and do testify that the Father sent the Son to be the Savior of the world
15) whosoever shall confess that Jesus is the Son of God, God dwelleth in him, and he in God.
16)And we have known and believed the love that God hath to us. God is love; and he that dwelleth in love dwelleth in God, and god in him.
17) Herein is our love made perfect, that we may have boldness in the day of judgment: because as he is, so are we in this world.
18) There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth our fear: because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love.
19) We love him, because he first loved us.
20) If a man say, I love God, and hateth his brother, he is a liar: for he that loveth not his brother whom he hath seen, how can he love God whom he hat not seen?
and this commandment have we from him, that he who loveth God love his brother also.

So here I am at the beginning(if at first you don't succeed)
Renew my mind by examining my thoughts with God's word.
God's word says...If I love Him I will obey His commands. Jesus said that the whole of the commands rest on Loving God and Loving my neighbor. Paul said that it doesn't matter how gifted we are if we do it without love it is just a big noise.
John said if we don't love we don't know God. John had many other things to say about love such as if we don't love our neighbor whom we have seen then we do not love God whom we have not seen. That there is no fear in love.
Love is a hard and difficult step for me - probably why I need to keep coming back to the beginning. I have had the great fortune to come across people who truly love and they make it look so easy, so effortless....for me this is not so...
but nothing is impossible with God. Thank you Edie for this Random Question and for where it lead me...from considering being a living sacrifice to renewing the mind to God's Word on Obediance...to again praying that I learn to walk in Love.

One Nation Under God

2008-10-18T10:55:00.001-07:00

Edie at Rich Gifts posted the following prayer and ask that we post about whether we are a Christian Nation. As some of you know the Lord has placed 11 Chronicles 7:14 on my heart some time ago...I am thankful for Lou Engle and others who are fasting and praying for our nation. I will prayfully consider what to post concerning Edie's request...in the meantime please go to Edie's site and see what she and others have written concerning God and our Nation, read the prayer and pray...
Edie Rich Gifts

Dear Lord forgive me for my own complacency in praying for those that you have placed in positions of authority over this nation. It is by the Power of the Name of Jesus Christ that we have become a great nation. Lord we have become a terribly sinful nation. Please pierce our hearts Lord. Call on your people thoughout this nation to bow before you in prayer. Save us from ourselves Lord. Open wide our eyes to see all that is happening in this country from your perspective. Cleanse our hearts. Holy Spirit stir the hearts of your people. Create an intense love for our Savior and desire within us to follow hard after you and to obey all that you command. I lift up all those you have placed in authority over this nation, that they would have hearts to seek your counsel and to obey you. I pray that you would choose leaders thoughout this country who will call on the Name of Jesus Christ. I pray that you would infuse courage into all of your people that we would no longer be silent but speak up for the Name of Christ. Lord give us one mind as we vote this election, the mind of Christ. I ask these things for your Glory and your Name's Sake. In Christ ~ Amen

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS...THIS WILL BE A WORK IN PROGRESS...

II Chronicles 7:14
If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.

I believe that this is the cry of God's heart in this present day...I know that several have heard this call and have responded. But I do not see at least in my own community nor have I heard of any throughout America the body of Christ turning toward God, seeking His face,praying and repenting from our wicked ways. Yes I am grateful for Lou Engle and others who have been responding to this call for many years. Do we as Christians not take the times we are in seriously? Do we not take God seriously? Has our own walk become so compromised that we look more toward the world and it's leaders to resolve our issues. Our we serving Mammon and not God? Do we believe that abortion is a personal choice? Why have we accepted that God has no place in our schools? That creation should not be taught in schools? That it's okay to pray as long as it is not in Jesus' name? In the name of tolerance have we forsaken our God? Look at the issues we are facing and how more than a few people are fearful of the direction our nation is taking...then look at the churches and tell me how serious are they taking God?

October 20, 2008
LUKE 10:27
And he answering said, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, with all thy strength, and with all thy mind; and thy neighbour as thyself.

Heavenly Father , forgive us for all we have placed our affections on that are not of you, for all that we have loved more than you. Holy Spirit search our hearts and minds, lead us to love the Lord God with all our hearts and minds. I pray that the hearts and affections of the American people will be place on The Lord Our God. For He alone is worthy of all our love, praise and honor. I pray for all this in the Name of Jesus Christ Our Lord and Savior

Look Who's Talking 2

2008-10-02T13:58:00.001-07:00

today as I read the following passages from Isaiah 36

Isaiah 36: 8
now therefore give pledges, I pray thee, to my master the king of asssyria, and i will give thee two thousand horses, if thou be able on thy part to set riders upon them.

Isaiah 36: 16
Hearken not to Hezekiah for thus saith the king of Assyria, Make an agreement with me by a present, and come out to me: and eat ye every one of his vine, and every one of his fig tree, and drink ye every one the waters of his own cistern;
17 Until I come and take you away to a land like your on land, a land of corn and wine, a land o bread and vineyards.

Reminded me of the Look Who's Talking post and of this passage...

I'LL GIVE YOU ALL THIS IF YOU....
Again, the devil taketh him up into an exceeding high mountain, and sheweth him all the kingdoms of the world and the glory of them;
And saith unto him, All these things will I give thee, if thou wilt fall down and worship me.
Matthew 4:6

The Lord gave me the tools to identify who is speaking to me and now and He is showing me how to apply them.

..

What does in His Image look like?

2008-09-26T08:26:00.001-07:00

Edie @ Rich Gifts posed this question as her random question of the week- What does in His Image look like? I have passed by strangers on the street that when their eyes looked upon me - I could see Jesus... those eyes were filled with such love-that touched the very depth of me-that with everything I am I recognized Jesus. I have been around people who were so filled with the Love of Christ that wherever they were there was a deep sense of peace. At times I have had friends love me with such a love that I knew that it was the Lord loving me through them. In His Image is a reflection of His Love...it is a time when you are so filled with His Love that others-yes even strangers on the street-recognize Jesus...God is love...Jesus is love...

Look Who's Talking

2008-09-24T06:40:00.000-07:00

An Ancient Conversation Heard throughout eternity...
AND GOD SAID...
And God said, Behold, I have given you every herb bearing seed, which is upon the face of all the earth and every tree, in the which is the fruit of a tree yielding seed; to you it shall be for meat.
Genesis 1:29
And the Lord God commanded the man, saying, Of every tree of the garden thou mayest freely eat:
But of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, thou shalt not eat of it: for in the day that thou eatest thereof thou shalt die.
Genesis 2:17
DID GOD REALLY SAY?....
Now the serpent was more subtil than any beast which the Lord God had made. And he said unto the woman,
Yea, hath God said, Ye shall not eat of every tree of the garden?
Genesis 3:1

IF YOU ARE REALLY....
And when the tempter came to him, he said, if thou be the Son of God, command that these stones be made bread.
Matthew 4:3
Then the devil taketh him up into the holy city, and setteth him on a pinnacle of the temple.
And saith unto him, If thou be the Son of God, cast thyself down: for it is written He shall give his angels charge concerning thee: and in their hands they shall bear thee up, lest at any time thou dash thy foot against a stone.
Matthew 4: 5

I'LL GIVE YOU ALL THIS IF YOU....
Again, the devil taketh him up into an exceeding high mountain, and sheweth him all the kingdoms of the world and the glory of them;
And saith unto him, All these things will I give thee, if thou wilt fall down and worship me.
Matthew 4:6

IT IS WRITTEN
But he answered and said, It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God.
Matthew 4: 4
Jesus said unto him, It is written again, Thou shalt not tempt the Lord thy God.
Matthew 4:7
Then saith Jesus unto him, Get thee hence, Satan: for it is written, Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve.
Matthew 4:10

Does the devil ever stop talking? Don't you wish he would just shut up? Sometimes it just gets so confusing....but that's it ...isn't it....GOD is not the author of confusion. God's word is truth.
So whenever I am confused I need to turn to God's Word...Next time I am faced with the question -"Did God really say"- I am going to grab my bible and say let's go to the source and find out...Now this may take awhile since I am not as familiar with His word as I ought to be...So I may be reading aloud word by word, line by line, paragraph by paragraph, chapter by chapter...in fact let's read the whole book and really hear and know What God Does Say.
Then I will follow the example of our Lord and Savior, Jesus and respond It Is Written...

It is not always that clear who is speaking to me...but when I slow down and turn to the Word of God and seek Him in prayer...more often than not it becomes clearer what is really being asked and who is really doing the asking...no matter the question I want my answer to based on God's Word.

A phone conversation with a friend and Jesus was listening

2008-09-13T18:57:00.000-07:00

I guess this is a season where I am to look at my flaws...I was a bit stressed this morning when I grabbed the phone to speak with my best friend....I let loose with my pity party...I moaned, groaned and complained about everything...feeling ever so sorry for myself...one of the many stupid comments that came out of my mouth was "if it has my name on it I want control" ...my point was that if something had my name on it...whether I get credit or blame..I wanted control from beginning to end...I wanted my stamp on everything...I want my work to be a reflection of me...didn't want anyone else messing with it and placing their stamp on it...succeed or fail-it would be my success or failure...my friend then interrupted and said that as soon as I said those words she had the thought "If My Name is on her then I want control" we both stopped and then agreed it was the Lord speaking through her... to let me know enough...Yes the Lord gives us free will and with my free will I did ask Him to be Lord of my Life...all things were made by Him and created for Him...I was purchased with a price...He is the potter I am the clay...yet I am not fully submitted to my Lord and Savior...I have allowed the world to influence me...I have tried to make and create my self yet I struggle against the hands of my creator when it gets a bit uncomfortable...I am His creation and called by His name yet I am but a muddied reflection of my creator...but Jesus the master creator continues to work with me refining me, removing the impurities and molding me into His image.

Received an award from plant lady

2008-09-06T15:29:00.000-07:00

I just received this award from plant lady - plant lady has a fabulous blog - she is very encouraging and a very creative way of sharing what the Lord places on her heart.
I am passing this award onto...
sharon
katrina
Both Sharon and Katrina have also been very encouraging to me if you are not familiar with any of these wonderful bloggers drop by their blog and say Hi...

Hide and Seek

2008-09-05T06:51:00.001-07:00

Seeking God....
Ask, and it shall be given you, seek and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you;
For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened.
Matthew 7:7,8
But the hour cometh, and now is, when the true worshipers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth for the Father seeketh such to worship him
God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth.
John 4:23,24
How think ye? if a man have an hundred sheep, and one of them be gone astray , doth he not leave the ninety and nine, and goeth into the mountains, and seeketh that which is gone astray?
Matthew 18:12
There was a time that when I read the Word, Prayed,studied the Bible, worshiped or even when I washed the dishes or would take a walk...God was right there -with me every day every where...I should say that I was aware that He was right there I could feel His closeness..I could see and hear...this went on for years with very little effort on my part...Some say I had a very long honeymoon period with the Lord others say I had a very long infancy in the Lord...If it is an either/or - I have to confess it leans more toward infancy than honeymoon...infancy totally dependent on the Lord being fed ,nourished, directed and protected...but lacking the depth of the honeymoon period of deep intimacy and deep dwelling and knowing and being known...

For the last few years I am experiencing a distance between the Lord and myself...for a while at first I would panic...what's going on...what did I do??? Then I would be in His presence and realize that He has not left me He is still leading me and guiding me...but I did not recognize this until after the fact- I no longer had that sense of recognizing Him immediately... it was more like -Oh! That was you Lord! The time span in between seeing and hearing from Jesus grew from moments to days, weeks even months...
It began to seem like a game of Hide and Seek, Now you see me...Now you don't...or a game of Catch Me if You Can...Then I began to realize that the Lord was saying will you still pray, read the bible, fellowship with other believers, still love me even when you can't hear, see or "feel" me...Others have confirmed that the Lord is calling me to walk deeper in faith...
This morning I began to see that it is not a game of" hide and seek" as much as "follow the Leader" I look up and see the Lord and then I look again and cannot see...but what I can do is walk toward the direction where I last spotted Him ; so far when I arrive at that destination - once again I see Him in the distance - saying come follow me...

A New Step...Perseverance

2008-08-31T05:32:00.000-07:00

Romans 5:3-5 (New International Version)
New International Version (NIV)

3. Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that
suffering produces perseverance;
4. perseverance, character; and character, hope.
5. And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us.

James 1:3-5 (New International Version)
New International Version (NIV)

3. because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance.
4. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything
5. If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all
without finding fault, and it will be given to him.

There are times (more often than I would like to admit) that I want to give up...
Due to my stubborness and pridefulness - I usually don't stay with that thought for very long...but stubborness and pridefulness did not develop a Godly Character in me, did not bring me to maturity and a place of not lacking anything. At times I have been less than hopeful and times that I certainly lacked wisdom...
But I believe that God is working a new thing in me...working in me to will and do of His good pleasure...I am a new creation in Christ Jesus...the old has passed away...
so today I ask my Lord and Savior to work perseverance in me...that I begin to be steadfast in Him...looking toward Him and achieving His goals in His time rather than relying on self - running the race that He has set before me...as this is a new beginning for me I am not sure what the subtle and not so subtle differences will be between not giving up due to stubborness and not giving up due to perseverance...God's word says that it will work Character, Hope and Maturity...I am looking forward to receiving those promises.

A new begining - trusting others at all times

2008-08-28T08:23:00.001-07:00

Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.
1 Corinthians 13: 4-7 (NIV)

Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind.
this is the first and great commandment.
and the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.
On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets.
Matthew 22: 37-40 (KJ)

Love always trust..
Do I always trust those I love? I confess that there are times that I suspect those I love...I question motives and I don't always believe that they will do what they say they will do. I have a hard time delegating responsibility to some because I don't trust that they will keep their word. Based on their past behavior I am reluctant to trust them in the present. I am working on renewing my thoughts and this will be a good place to start. I don't remember a time when the Lord has ever told me -You messed up in the past so now you will forever be untrustworthy...the Lord does provide opportunity for me to be faithful with little so I can grow into being faithful with much...If the Lord can trust me with little then I can certainly do the same for others...expect and believe the best of those I love...the Lord encourages and supports me with being faithful in the little...I too can support and encourage others in being faithful in the little...I can stop being prideful and stop thinking that what others do or don't do is a reflection on me...how egotistical can one be?...I can learn to confront with love and compassion instead of seething inside but say nothing or waiting until I am so filled with resentment and disappointment that I become hurtful and offensive...
I know how it hurts to be overlooked or when others have low expectations of me...I do not want to do this to anyone ever again. I will begin to renew my mind with prayer and God's word-I will seek to change my actions and thoughts toward others...to begin to trust.

God is doing a work here- Let it Be

2008-08-20T07:56:00.000-07:00

I was speaking to my best friend about what I posted yesterday...we shared how great it is to have a friend who will just let you cry...sometimes well meaning friends can interrupt the work that the Lord is doing in our life by trying to "soften" the blow...
Our words have power...in the past I only thought of mean and cruel words as those I needed to be on guard against...but at times I need to curb my desire to "make it all better"... be careful not to use words that build someone up in an area that God never intended for them - sometimes it is best to stand by and support the work that the Lord is doing in someone. Sometimes that may mean they need to go through the pain and need you to just listen,hand them a tissue or give a hug.

Jesus -Lover of my Soul

2008-08-19T06:01:00.000-07:00

Yesterday when I began to do my daily reading...I opened up my bible and began to read from Isaiah(I find nothing in Isaiah that triggered this)...then all of a sudden I started weeping...I could feel the pain in my heart...thus began a conversation with the Lord...He showed me the hurt I felt from being pushed aside...how much pain I carry because others perceive me as useless...what hurt and humiliation I have because people will say good and excellent things about me and their action toward me state something very different. How it doesn't really make a difference to me that the person who pushes me aside is insecure...the result is still painful...How much I regret all that I never read or never learned. How frustrated at my inability to learn on my own. How sad I am that no one wants to teach me. How it hurts to be someone who is so easily discarded and pushed aside. There is so much that I don't know...so much that I want to know.
At this time the only thing I know is that this is now in the Lord's hand and He is healing me. He revealed what was in my heart and mind: He let me know that He knows what is there and that He wants to heal me. I have no idea how this will work out but feel the peace, joy, and a great anticipation knowing that I and all that I am are in the hands of my Lord and Savior. Once again the Lord shows how much He cares about our concerns and that nothing is too little and does not escape His attention.
My post yesterday was about the futility of searching for self...then at a time I was not looking for self...the Lord showed me a bit of me but so much more He showed Himself as a very personal, intimate and loving God.

What Kind of Fool am I

2008-08-18T13:27:00.001-07:00

A fool hath no delight in understanding, but that his heart may discover itself. Proverbs 18:2

In the world we seek to "find ourselves". We want to know how to improve ourself for ourself. Show the world our best self. God's word also tells us that the wisdom of the world is foolishness with Him and that the Wisdom of God is foolishness with the world.
God tells us to love the the Lord God with all our heart and to Love others. We are not to consider ourself above others. The world certainly does make a good show of caring for others-they feed and clothe the poor, they stand for those who cannot stand for themselves, create and enforce laws for our protection. But to whom do they give the glory? If not to God then they are claiming it for themselves therefore they are truly serving self.
I have been on a search for self and while there seem to be periodic revelation of self...there is no growth based on my finding of self. I often don't like what I find and without the Lord I am unable to do anything about the findings.
I have come to the conclusion that it is wiser to seek and to know Jesus. To obey His commandments to Love God and Others. By losing self I may truly discover the person Jesus Created me to be.