Where can you find peace in this day? As I write, I am praying for God to come and dwell. May His Holy Spirit fall fresh on this house. I love remembering these verses:
35 ·Can anything [or Who can] separate us from the love Christ has for us? Can ·troubles [trials; tribulations] or ·problems [distress; hardship] or ·sufferings [persecution] or ·hunger [famine] or ·nakedness [destitution] or danger or ·violent death [L sword]?36 As it is written in the Scriptures:
“For ·you [your sake] we are ·in danger of death [L being put to death] all the time.
·People think we are worth no more than [L We were considered like] sheep ·to be killed [about to be slaughtered;Ps. 44:22].”
37 But in all these things we are completely victorious through ·God [or Christ; L the One] who showed his love for us. 38 Yes, I am ·sure [convinced] that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor ·ruling spirits [or heavenly rulers; or demons; L rulers;T principalities], nothing ·now [in the present], nothing in the future, no ·powers [or spiritual powers/authorities], 39 ·nothing above us [or no powers in the sky], ·nothing below us [or nor powers in the depths], nor ·anything else in the whole world[any created thing] will ever be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 8 EXB
Nothing can remove His love for us. Nothing. I know a great lies that Satan likes to tell us. Oh, God could never forgive that. Oh, that sin? No way. You haven’t had a quality time with the Lord? No, don’t even try to come back because it is all about your quiet time with the Lord looking like this, this much time, this time of day. You are plagued by fear? Yes, God could never forgive, could never love someone like you.
As I type those lies, maybe they are the lies whispered to you. Your lies may sound a little different, but these are the lies that we listen to, we believe and we ingest. Why is it easier to believe the evil one’s lies then believe God’s truth, God’s Word?
Mindy McCready believed the lies of the evil one last night. Her life was plagued by problems, by pain, by sadness. The whispers of the enemy..are powerful. Yet, they are no match for God’s love. I can imagine those last moments…I can imagine what life will be like for her two sweet boys she leaves behind. Anger, depression..
Yet God’s word says we can be completely victorious. Have you faced this? You, I, are loved. Satan’s lies cannot separate us. You may try to build a wall to Jesus but He is there. He is waiting. He is also whispering…
neither death,
The German military cemetery in La Cambe, Normandy. Picture taken in the summer of 2003. The cemetery is the resting place for about 20000 German soldiers. Photo by Bjarki Sigursveinsson.
Nor life,
A two minutes old newborn-baby girl with her midwife in a delivery-room in Jerusalem. Photo by משתמש כבד
Nothing now! Nothing in the future! No powers! Nothing above! Nothing below!
Nor anything else in the whole wide world!
His love is..
17 I pray that Christ will ·live [make his home] in your hearts by faith and that your life will be ·strong in love and be built on love[L rooted and grounded in love]. 18 And I pray that you and all ·God’s holy people [T the saints] will have the power to ·understand [comprehend; grasp] the greatness of Christ’s love—how wide and how long and how high and how deep that love is. 19 Christ’s love is ·greater than anyone can ever know [beyond comprehension/knowledge], but I pray that you will be able to know that love. ·Then [L …so that] you can be filled with the fullness of God. Ephesians 3 EXB
How do we do this? How do we grasp? We live in the truth. We hear the whispers of the enemy and we say NO.
186. My Bible that has nearly 10 years of writing…
We pray for others, we focus less on ourselves and more on the hurting world around. We lift up our pastor and his wife!
Pray that your pastor will be a man of prayer and worship, and that he will lead by example—teaching the congregation how to walk in a close relationship with the Father. (1 Thess. 5:17; Acts 1:14a; Matt. 4:10; Mark 1:35; Luke 22:46)
Ask God to provide for the financial needs of your pastor and his family. Pray that your
pastor’s wife will be a wise steward in caring for her family and using funds entrusted to
her care. Pray that her heart will be turned away from selfish gain and worthless things.
(Phil. 4:19; Heb. 13:5; 1 Tim. 6:11; Ps. 37:25; 119:36-37) Revive Our Hearts
We keep His word in our minds to do battle! Notecards. Songs that extol His Word.
A Snowy Ski lift on top of Åreskutan, in Sweden. by Anders Carlsson
Good morning, beloved,
Such a cold morning! Brrrrr…Walked the dogs this morning with my Dad and watched the sunrise. Watched the sun…RISE! We have the sun again. It is lovely to watch the sun cast its rays across the frost and snow. My brother and his family are here this weekend and we are enjoying the fellowship and laughter of family together. I am so grateful for family.
Thank you for all of your prayers on my behalf and my family’s behalf. I had a new type of injection in my neck with cortisone. Not fun. very painful, but yesterday was the first day I was able to play a dance game with my kids. I can’t remember the last time I was able to jump or dance without horrible effects. Praise God! I’m functioning and not in pain today. I’m so grateful for no pain.
After the injection, I must admit I was shaken and in much pain. As I lay there on the gurney, tears rolling down my face, I remembered what I wrote about in my blog. I remembered the gift of His words and they covered me like warm blankets. The gift of His Spirit that He was with me. I was not alone. Friends, that is the power of His word in our lives. If we allow Him to teach us, if we ask His word to be our guide, oh, friends, what a gift.
31 Jesus answered them, Do you now believe? [Do you believe it at last?]
Category F5 tornado (upgraded from initial estimate of F4) viewed from the southeast as it approached Elie, Manitoba on Friday, June 22nd, 2007. Justin Hobson
32 But take notice, the hour is coming, and it has arrived, when you will all be dispersed and scattered, every man to his own home, leaving Me alone. Yet I am not alone, because the Father is with Me.33 I have told you these things, so that in Me you may have [perfect] peace and confidence. In the world you have tribulation and trials and distress and frustration; but be of good cheer [take courage; be confident, certain, undaunted]! For I have overcome the world. [I have deprived it of power to harm you and have conquered it for you.]
Do you know believe? Can you let go of the thoughts that filter through your mind that cause you to worry, have guilt…?
Just as Jesus said, He was never, ever alone. You, my dear readers, are never alone. All the teachings that we have from His Word, (remember clearly the Beatitudes), do not take the garbage the evil one throws at you as truth. Jesus said. Jesus SAID. Ergo, you can have perfect, perfect, wonderful, glorious peace. Know that you will have..tribulation, trials, distress, frustration…why do we allow ourselves to hear the lies?
Jesus has overcome the WORLD.
The photo was taken by the crew of Apollo 17 on their way to the Moon. Antarctica, Africa, the Arabian Peninsula, Madagascar, and part of Asia are visible. NASA
I have deprived it of power to harm you and have conquered it for you.
My thankfuls today:
80. A son who brightens at his Momma‘s touch still.
81. My brother’s tears over missing our Grandma..balm.
82. Reviewing this past year and seeing God’s hand in it all.
I need you to know how this blog has changed me this year. Now with writing my thankfuls each day, blessing upon blessing.
Thank you for reading. Thank you for praying. I would be so honored to pray for you. Please email me if I can.
We are in the week of Thanksgiving. How did we get here? As I roam around Facebook, watch the news, read the news, I realize that the greatest thing I have to be thankful for this year and all the years in the past and the years to come is salvation.
When Satan comes prowling, I believe the lies I am most willing to accept are lies about my salvation. Stay with me here. We know we have been saved by Jesus’ blood. Yet when we are in the midst of life, our problem is two-fold.
1. We gloss over the sin. Try to forget the sin. Hope God forgot too and shove it under the carpet. Somehow, we have convinced ourselves that certain sins are not really sin. We lie to ourselves, to others and we call it white lies. We judge so often we forget that is what God calls it. How we look at people, judge their character, discern things that we have no business meddling in. We want revenge, think it is just to think this way. In essence, we ask God to move out of His spot in our lives and take over. Do we consciously do this? no.
2. We forgot the power of salvation and all that it includes. I’m going to include a chart from Precepts Ministries International that has been rocking my world. I’m thinking of tattooing it on my arm.
There is so much GIFT in this table. I love it! I’ve been staring at it for two days now, reveling. Let’s take it apart.
Tense
Free From Sin’s
When
Doctrine of
Past
I have been saved
Penalty-by His death
Romans 3: 21-24
Dominion-by my death
Romans 6:3-7
When I receive Christ
Justification
In the past, you and I were saved from the penalty of sin by one death. One life.
Romans 3:
21 But now the righteousness of God has been revealed independently and altogether apart from the Law, although actually it is attested by the Law and the Prophets,
22 Namely, the righteousness of God which comes by believing with personal trust and confident reliance on Jesus Christ (the Messiah). [And it is meant] for all who believe. For there is no distinction,
23 Since all have sinned and are falling short of the honor and glory which God bestows and receives.
24 [All] are justified andmade upright and in right standing with God, freely and gratuitously by His grace (His unmerited favor and mercy), through the redemption which is [provided] in Christ Jesus,
God’s righteousness was your gift the moment you said. I believe. I trust. I am going to confidently rely on Him. We all fall short.
YET, here’s the beauty we are all made upright. We all are in right standing with God. Not because of anything we did but by His unmerited favor and mercy..thru redemption ( a releasing effected by payment of ransom. ) Jesus payed our ransom. We are redeemed!
Tense
Free From Sin’s
When
Doctrine of
Present
I am being saved
Power-by indwelling Holy Spirit Romans 8:2-14
As I walk in the Spirit
Sanctification
Now, today, right now, breathing, we are being saved. Constantly, without fail, because of the gift of the Holy Spirit. His indwelling Spirit in our lives, as we walk in the Spirit, we are being saved.
Romans 8:
2 For the law of the Spirit of life [which is] in Christ Jesus [the law of our new being] has freed me from the law of sin and of death.
3 For God has done what the Law could not do, [its power] being weakened by the flesh [[a]the entire nature of man without the Holy Spirit]. Sending His own Son in the guise of sinful flesh and as an offering for sin, [God] condemned sin in the flesh [[b]subdued, overcame, [c]deprived it of its power over all who accept that sacrifice],
4 So that the righteous and just requirement of the Law might be fully met in us who live and move not in the ways of the flesh but in the ways of the Spirit [our lives governed not by the standards and according to the dictates of the flesh, but controlled by the Holy Spirit].
5 For those who are according to the flesh and are controlled by its unholy desires set their minds on and[d]pursue those things which gratify the flesh, but those who are according to the Spirit and are controlled by the desires of the Spirit set their minds on and[e]seek those things which gratify the [Holy] Spirit.
6 Now the mind of the flesh [which is sense and reason without the Holy Spirit] is death [death that [f]comprises all the miseries arising from sin, both here and hereafter]. But the mind of the [Holy] Spirit is life and [soul] peace [both now and forever].
7 [That is] because the mind of the flesh [with its carnal thoughts and purposes] is hostile to God, for it does not submit itself to God’s Law; indeed it cannot.
8 So then those who are living the life of the flesh [catering to the appetites and impulses of their carnal nature] cannot please or satisfy God, or be acceptable to Him.
9 But you are not living the life of the flesh, you are living the life of the Spirit, if the [Holy] Spirit of God [really] dwells within you [directs and controls you]. But if anyone does not possess the [Holy] Spirit of Christ, he is none of His [he does not belong to Christ, is not truly a child of God].
10 But if Christ lives in you, [then although] your [natural] body is dead by reason of sin and guilt, the spirit is alive because of [the] righteousness [that He imputes to you].
11 And if the Spirit of Him Who raised up Jesus from the dead dwells in you, [then] He Who raised up Christ Jesus from the dead will also restore to life your mortal (short-lived, perishable) bodies through His Spirit Who dwells in you.
12 So then, brethren, we are debtors, but not to the flesh [we are not obligated to our carnal nature], to live [a life ruled by the standards set up by the dictates] of the flesh.
13 For if you live according to [the dictates of] the flesh, you will surely die. But if through the power of the [Holy] Spirit you are [habitually] putting to death (making extinct, deadening) the [evil] deeds prompted by the body, you shall [really and genuinely] live forever.
14 For all who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God.
Receive that truth, friends. Thank You, Lord for this beautiful gift of the Spirit!
Tense
Free From Sin’s
When
Doctrine of
Future
I shall be saved
Presence-by redemption of my body Romans 8;22-25
When I get a new body
Glorification
What hope we have, no matter what our present circumstances, we also can look forward to the day when…
Romans 8:
22 We know that the whole creation [of irrational creatures] has been moaning together in the pains of labor until now.
23 And not only the creation, but we ourselves too, who have and enjoy the firstfruits of the [Holy] Spirit [a foretaste of the blissful things to come] groan inwardly as we wait for the redemption of our bodies [from sensuality and the grave, which will reveal] our adoption (our manifestation as God’s sons).
24 For in [this] hope we were saved. But hope [the object of] which is seen is not hope. For how can one hope for what he already sees?
25 But if we hope for what is still unseen by us, we wait for it with patience and composure.
Paul knew, this wasn’t the end of the story. Suffering, hard times, persecution..this wasn’t the end. No matter how bleak your circumstances appear, this is not the end of the story. We place our hope, our faith in what is to come.
Heaven.
Romans 8:
28 We are assured and know that [[j]God being a partner in their labor] all things work together and are [fitting into a plan] for good to and for those who love God and are called according to [His] design and purpose.
29 For those whom He foreknew [of whom He was [k]aware and[l]loved beforehand], He also destined from the beginning [foreordaining them] to be molded into the image of His Son [and share inwardly His likeness], that He might become the firstborn among many brethren.
30 And those whom He thus foreordained, He also called; and those whom He called, He also justified (acquitted, made righteous, putting them into right standing with Himself). And those whom He justified, He also glorified [raising them to a heavenly dignity and condition or state of being].
31 What then shall we say to [all] this? If God is for us, who [can be] against us? [Who can be our foe, if God is on our side?]
Let your faith arise. Let your hope swell. Lift up your hands and praise God, for He is faithful God. Always.
Kirkby Hill near Old Bolingbroke. Looking across to Kirkby Hill and the Windmill by Dave Hitchborne
Good morning,
I was pondering what to say, how to say what is on my heart. I am blind in my own sins so very often. I complain or I wish or I pity myself and this morning I realize what often tears me up is exactly what I do to others. I could give excuses. I could give reasons. In my brain now, I have them built up. Daily, I desperately need to call upon the Lord, ask Him to cleanse me of my sins, show me where I’m falling and grieving the Holy Spirit.
Here’s where the Lord is bringing me, pray. Instead of thinking, praying. Praying continuously. If a person has wronged me, pray. If a person has hurt my feelings, pray. The idea that I need to build up a federal case against someone who has injured my heart is not from God. I need to pray.
2 Corinthians 12:
there was given me a thorn ([a]a splinter) in the flesh, a messenger of Satan, to rack and buffet and harass me, to keep me from being excessively exalted.
8 Three times I called upon the Lord and besought [Him] about this and begged that it might depart from me;
9 But He said to me, My grace (My favor and loving-kindness and mercy) is enough for you [sufficient against any danger and enables you to bear the trouble manfully]; for Mystrength and power are made perfect (fulfilled and completed) and[b]show themselves most effective in [your] weakness. Therefore, I will all the more gladly glory in my weaknessesand infirmities, that the strength and power of Christ (the Messiah) may rest (yes, may[c]pitch a tent over and dwell) upon me!
10 So for the sake of Christ, I am well pleased and take pleasure in infirmities, insults, hardships, persecutions, perplexities and distresses; for when I am weak [[d]in human strength], then am I [truly] strong (able, powerful [e]in divine strength).
I cannot even begin to tell you how much I have said these verses aloud, in my head, to others. My pastor said something to me about suffering and Job. I’m not going to do it justice but here’s my best stab. When the Lord allowed (big word) Satan to rob Job of his children, money, status, etc…that was one level. There is something very profound that the Lord and Satan both understood and understand, when Satan came back a second time…it was for Job. To destroy Job with pain, physical pain.
Friends, I do not know what was Paul’s thorn. Quite honestly, now, it could have been anything. When people ask how I am doing and I have to say I’m still dizzy. I still have near constant ringing in my ears. It’s depressing. I don’t want to be that person. I want to be the one..do you hear that? It’s subtle but I believe lies when I start on this road. Who do I want to give this to? Nobody! Who would I rather have “be that person”? Good grief. When dear ones ask, I need to be truthful. Yet I can also continue to remember, His grace (His favor, His loving-kindness, His mercy)..I can boast in that. I can remember and recall for those who ask that His grace is enough for me.
Kinney Lake and Mount Whitehorn near Mount Robson by Florian Fuchs
I want to be a reflection of His grace, just like this picture. I spend way too much time with my thoughts yet His strength, His power are made perfect in my weaknesses. Oh how lovely, friends, if this trial gives me more of His strength, more of His power..that they are made more effective in my weakness..I open my hands. I give myself over to the work of God.
To glory in the work of God in my life…
To have God pitch a tent over me! Over you!
I am strong. Not because of anything in my person, but because divine strength. You are strong.
My Noah is in a constantly listening to the same track of songs..one of them is by Group 1 Crew..He Said..
You may be knocked down now
but don’t forget what He said, He said
I won’t give you more, more then you can take
and I might let you bend, but I won’t let you break
and No-o-o-o-o, I’ll never ever let you go-o-o-o-o
Don’t you forget what He said
Who you are ain’t what your going through
So don’t let it get the best of you
Cause God knows everything you need,
so you ain’t gotta worry
Forest Mill Lane This tiny lane turns off the A303 to run close to the River Ding towards Horton. Seen from the junction with the main road. by Derek Harper
Good morning, beloved,
I am transfixed by our good, loving God. I almost laughed at the verses of the day for how perfectly they spoke the need of my heart. Let me share these verses with you.
Hebrews 10:
34 For you did sympathize and suffer along with those who were imprisoned, and you bore cheerfully the plundering of your belongings and the confiscation of your property, in the knowledge and consciousness that you yourselves had a better and lasting possession.
35 Do not, therefore, fling away your fearless confidence, for it carries a great and glorious compensation of reward.
36 For you have need of steadfast patience and endurance, so that you may perform andfully accomplish the will of God, and thus receive and[a]carry away [and enjoy to the full] what is promised.
37 For still a little while (a very little while), and the Coming One will come and He will not delay.
Friends, I long to be cheerful. Bearing what God has given me with a long gaze. This is not forever. This is not the end. Remembering that I have a lasting possession in the Lord. I, in no way, can allow my heart to walk away from the confidence, the fearless confidence in my God. When dizziness or pain break over me, keeping my eyes of the great and glorious compensation..
God has allowed me this road. He has placed my feet upon it and so I cry out to Him to give me steadfast patience. And endurance. I do not understand the heavenly realms nor can I pretend to, but I know I, in the power of the Holy Spirit, can move, live and have my being.
People take my children to events, to keep some sense of normalcy in their life. How I pray that I may be a blessing to these people who have poured into my family. What love, what sacrifice on their parts to create a world for my kids so they can see friends.
I think my favorite verse of the sections is this: 37 For still a little while (a very little while), and the Coming One will come and He will not delay.
Here’s a link to a synopsis of the book with the graph.
I began to pray with this guide and knew that this was a guide I could follow and stay consistent. Approaching prayer expectantly, just as Priscilla Shirer encouraged us to do, elbows on the knees, chin on hands, leaning forward. Do you see? Pray knowing God is speaking, listen to His voice. Taking every thought captive..as Priscilla quoted Henry Blackaby: The more you know God, the more clearly you can hear from God.
How do we know Him? Time in His Word, time in prayer, time just listening…
Romans 5:
5 Such hope never disappoints or deludes or shames us, for God’s love has been poured out in our hearts through the Holy Spirit Who has been given to us.
6 While we were yet in weakness [powerless to help ourselves], at the fitting time Christ died for (in behalf of) the ungodly.
7 Now it is an extraordinary thing for one to give his life even for an upright man, though perhaps for a noble and lovable and generous benefactor someone might even dare to die.
8 But God shows and clearly proves His [own] love for us by the fact that while we were still sinners, Christ (the Messiah, the Anointed One) died for us.
He loves us. Jesus is for real. He starts the change with us. Hope in the Lord. Put your hope in the Lord.
On this blog, I have shared my heart and my soul. It is always my hope that you would benefit from my ramblings and more than that, this would bring God glory. I haven’t been consistent this week to which I am sorry, yet, I receive notes saying people are blessed by this offering. Ministering in the midst of pain, I believe, is a great gift we can give to our Most High God. Not pretending everything is “fine” and having a stiff upper lip, but as you serve, make your time an offering to Him. Beautiful. Yesterday as stress started to overwhelm me, I began saying aloud every verse I knew. Not only did the kids stop their verbal spat with one another to listen, they began speaking truth back in the form of peace in the household. (Had to do this many times..) Another way grace filled our house, music. I smile as I think of this, I let Luke and Ella wear their swimsuits in the bath last night so they could play in our huge tub. (Another grace..) I began to sing this song and they both in a minute or so began singing it too. So cute.
Every life has a choice
To rise up to fill the void
Every heart has a mission
And we are called to be humanWe gotta do better than this ’cause we only got
One chance to make a difference
We gotta do better than this ’cause we only got
One life that we’ve been given
A little love, a little kindness
A little light in this time of darkness
It’ll be what makes us different
It’ll be what makes us human
I’m human, you’re human, we are human
We are marked with His image
And we are scarred with indifference
Maybe now we should listen
Hear the cry of God’s children
We gotta do better than this ’cause we only got
One chance to make a difference
We gotta do better than this ’cause we only got
One life that we’ve been given
A little love, a little kindness
A little light in this time of darkness
It’ll be what makes the difference
It’ll be what makes us human
I’m human, you’re human, we are
We are human
I’m human, you’re human, we are
We are human
Gotta do better than this ’cause I only got
One chance to make a difference
Gotta do better than this ’cause I’m only
Just one
I’m human, you’re human, we are
We are human
I’m human, you’re human, we are
We are human
It’ll be what makes the difference
It’ll be what makes us human
We are marked by His image..oh friends, when God sees us, He sees Jesus. Jesus. My dear friend has struggled with fear. One thing the Lord impressed upon me to share with her was to say His name. Jesus. This morning I want to look at the power of His name. It will not be an exhaustive list but let’s look at what it means to just say the Name.
1 Corinthians 6: 11 And such some of you were [once]. But you were washed clean (purified by a complete atonement for sin and made free from the guilt of sin), and you were consecrated (set apart, hallowed), and you were justified [pronounced righteous, by trusting] in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and in the [Holy] Spirit of our God.
We are purified. I think of towels we get at a hotel. They are so white. I love that. Of course, it’s the bleach..not great. When we travel to the Bruinius family, we stop at hotels and insist on baths or showers for our crew. Now after we use the towels, ahem…not so white and then we throw in the bathtub, um, after water’s been drained. Anyway, according to Paul guided by the Spirit of God, because of the work of Jesus, we are purified. We don’t walk in the ways of darkness, we can remember we are clean, made free from the guilt of sin. We are set apart. We are pronounced righteous. How? My friends, we trust in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ. And the Holy Spirit.
He doesn’t throw us away like a towel when we mess up. He continues to love faithfully. We confess our sins, remaining in communion with Him.
Ephesians 5:19-21 19 Speak out to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, offering praise with voices [and instruments] and making melody with all your heart to the Lord,20 At all times and for everything giving thanks in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ to God the Father.21 Be subject to one another out of reverence for Christ (the Messiah, the Anointed One).
We are on this earth to be an encouragement to one another. You are worth more than gold. Sharing worship with one another.
I’ve sung up front in church. I love it. I’m not a great singer. Yet, they still want me. Joy. I love it. I watch my kids worship. I get a chance to share in the ministry of worshiping the High King of Heaven. And we give thanks. in whom? Our money? Our treasures on earth? No way…in the name of Jesus. Out of reverence for the Anointed One..be subject to one another.
Philippians 2: 9 Therefore [because He stooped so low] God has highly exalted Him and has freely bestowed on Him the name that is above every name,10 That in (at) the name of Jesus every knee should (must) bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth,11 And every tongue [frankly and openly] confess and acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
Jesus, let’s face it, stooped low to come here as a baby. He gave up so much out of His deep, deep love for us. Think of all He endured for us, God knew and He has highly exalted Jesus. That name, my dear friends, is over and above every other name. No other name has the power. Jesus’ name brings every knee down to the ground. “Should” is the past tense of “shall,” implying authority or compulsion.
So, my friend, when you are in a train wreck, emotionally speaking, call upon His Name. Confess what you know of Him. I’m going to take this with me today. God bless you. Pray on, pray on.
Heartleaf Iceplant (Aptenia cordifolia) by Jj Harrison
Good morning, beloved!
It is so good to be in His presence this morning, surrounded by my boys and hubby. We are looking through the paper, shocked at more violence and mayhem in Wisconsin yesterday. We are enjoying the quiet of a beautiful morning. The sun streaming through the windows. Starburst trying to find bones and balls to throw in our laps. She has a ball (she’s really not supposed to have) so it’s close to her mouth and she’s trying to sneaky by touching the ball lightly with her front paw to bring it to her mouth. We are all having a good laugh. It feels good to laugh.
Our hope does not rest in our circumstances. Our hope is not in what society can offer. Our hope can only be found in Him. Proclaim it this morning. God has blessed you. He has blessed me, my family. No matter our circumstances we look to faithful God to supply all our needs. When people ask how I doing, it’s hard for me to answer. Our circumstances overwhelm me and I don’t know how to start the conversation. Yet, I don’t lose hope and I know people care. My faith is buoyed by people’s care. So as I turn to our study this morning, I thank you, once again, for reading these words, praying for us and if I can ever pray for you, please share.
Do not judge and criticize and condemn others, so that you may not be judged andcriticized and condemned yourselves.
2 For just as you judge and criticize and condemn others, you will be judged and criticizedand condemned, and in accordance with the measure you [use to] deal out to others, it will be dealt out again to you.
3 Why do you stare from without at the very small particle that is in your brother’s eye but do not become aware of and consider the beam of timber that is in your own eye?
4 Or how can you say to your brother, Let me get the tiny particle out of your eye, when there is the beam of timber in your own eye?
5 You hypocrite, first get the beam of timber out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to take the tiny particle out of your brother’s eye.
Seeing the crowds, He went up on the mountain; and when He was seated, His disciples came to Him.
2 Then He opened His mouth and taught them, saying:
Jesus is speaking to the multitudes. This message is for all who hear. So is he calling us a hypocrite? We have to be careful when we are speaking not to judge a situation, give our opinion and think that our words helped another. Ahem. Rather, in our conversation, should it not always start with the Spirit‘s guidance and prayer for words that glorify the King?
Hypocrite (hypokritēs); corresponding to the above, primarily denotes “one who answers;” then, “a stage-actor;” it was a custom for Greek and Roman actors to speak in large masks with mechanical devices for augmenting the force of the voice; hence the word became used metaphorically of “a dissembler, a hypocrite.
When we wear our masks, pretending everything is okay and pronounce judgement on others, we are in sin. Plain and simple.
Judge(krino): primarily denotes “to separate, select, choose;” hence, “to determine,” and so “to judge, pronounce judgment.” “The uses of this verb in the NT may be analyzed as follows: (a) to assume the office of a judge
Goodness, what qualifies me to judge? Nothing. Nothing at all. When I get to the end of my life and I meet my maker, my desire, my goal is to walk through my life with Him and we see together that through the power of His Spirit, I fought the urge to judge or condemn others. It has never been my place. Lord, forgive me!
Jesus knows our timbers. He knows the logs. Our eyes are not pure without the Spirit’s guidance and influence. The Word should be our guide in our conversations.
Alright, beloved, my day calls to me. Think, pray on. Pray on.
Sunrise at Carolina Beach, North Carolina on Sunday 20th of May, 2012
Good morning, beloved,
Yesterday got away from me! Well, here I sit and am quiet. My kids are already up and running. Packing and sorting for Grandma camp this week, very excited to see the cousins! Our princess is still in the sack. She had a huge day and I’m sure needs every bit of sleep she can grab. We had friends come for dinner last night and God kept unfolding His plan: open your house, open My house. And the blessing is so for us.
I’ve been reading a few books this week and two I want to recommend to you most highly:
The first book, I got as a freebie on my kindle as a mad dash freebie (sorry not free anymore) but for those of you that are interested in these alerts. Here are these blogs:
I like these two because I don’t have to wade through smut and blech to get to the good freebies. I’m grateful.
Today is Sunday! And a song is on Pandora…check out the lyrics:
Careless, I am reckless
I’m a wrong-way-travelin’-slowly-unraveling shell of a man
Burnt out, I’m so numb now
That the fire’s just an ember way down in the corner of my cold, cold heart
Lord, this time I’ll make it right, here at the altar I lay my life
Your kingdom come but my will was done, my heart is broken as I…
[ Lyrics from: http://www.lyricsmode.com/lyrics/c/casting_crowns/the_altar_and_the_door.html ]
Cry, like so many times before
But my eyes are dry before I leave the floor, oh Lord
I try but this time, Jesus, how can I be sure I will not lose my follow through
Between the altar and the door
Here at the altar, oh my world so black and white
How could I ever falter
What You’ve shown me to be right
I’m trying so hard to stop trying so hard
Just let You be who You are
Lord, who You are in me
Jesus, I’m trying so hard to stop trying so hard
Just let You be who You are
Lord, who You are in me
Oh Lord, I
Now watch:
Well, I hope today finds you (or last night if you are a Saturday goer!) in church worshiping the one true God. He is worthy.
Let’s look at Blessed again, okay? I’m sorry. I just, well, my brain. you remember me. I’m the one who has to link words like sanctify and set apart together, salvation and deliverance…;)
So interesting (well to me..)”the heart” (Eng., “cardiac,” etc.), the chief organ of physical life (“for the life of the flesh is in the blood,” Lev 17:11), occupies the most important place in the human system. By an easy transition the word came to stand for man’s entire mental and moral activity, both the rational and the emotional elements. In other words, the heart is used figuratively for the hidden springs of the personal life. “The Bible describes human depravity as in the ‘heart’, because sin is a principle which has its seat in the center of man’s inward life, and then ‘defiles’ the whole circuit of his action,Mat 15:19, 20. On the other hand, Scripture regards the heart as the sphere of Divine influence, Rom 2:15; Act 15:9. . . . The heart, as lying deep within, contains ‘the hidden man,’ 1Pe 3:4, the real man. It represents the true character but conceals it” (J. Laidlaw, in Hastings’ Bible Dic.).
Bøvra river in Lom, Norway. by Pudelek (Marcin Szala),
Good morning, beloved,
Hmmm, my brain never stops. In my frequent attempts to understand my male contingent in the household, I have stacked books next to my bed, listened to many broadcasts, and one thing that made me wake Joshua up in shock: there are times when you don’t think anything at all? (He was so happy with me, let me tell you that.) Ahem. You can just sit there, staring out and it be a true statement (when I ask him what are you thinking?) nothing? YES! Refer to Men Are Like Waffles, Women are Like Spaghetti..
May I just tell you I have never had a moment that my brain doesn’t run? This is why I study Scripture and pray. God has had His job cut out for Him..well, He made me so He has had a job carving and molding me to trust Him, hold His hand and turn my eyes to Him constantly. Always. Well, except when I sleep..but then I dream…
Our last day on Gentle! Can you believe it? I hope you have gleaned many truths to hold in the days ahead. God is so rich in His mercy and great in His love.
Let’s look at one last passage and as Joshua loves to say about me if a little is good then more is SO MUCH better.
Galatians 5:
16 But I say, walk and live [habitually] in the [Holy] Spirit [responsive to and controlled and guided by the Spirit]; then you will certainly not gratify the cravings and desires of the flesh (of human nature without God).
17 For the desires of the flesh are opposed to the [Holy] Spirit, and the [desires of the] Spirit are opposed to the flesh (godless human nature); for these are antagonistic to each other [continually withstanding and in conflict with each other], so that you are not free but are prevented from doing what you desire to do.
18 But if you are guided (led) by the [Holy] Spirit, you are not subject to the Law.
19Now the doings (practices) of the flesh are clear (obvious): they are immorality, impurity, indecency,
20 Idolatry, sorcery, enmity, strife, jealousy, anger (ill temper), selfishness, divisions (dissensions), party spirit (factions, sects with peculiar opinions, heresies),
21 Envy, drunkenness, carousing, and the like. I warn you beforehand, just as I did previously, that those who do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God.
22 But the fruit of the [Holy] Spirit [the work which His presence within accomplishes] is love, joy (gladness), peace, patience (an even temper, forbearance), kindness, goodness (benevolence), faithfulness,
23 Gentleness (meekness, humility), self-control (self-restraint, continence). Against such things there is no law [that can bring a charge].
24 And those who belong to Christ Jesus (the Messiah) have crucified the flesh(the godless human nature) with its passions and appetites and desires.
25 If we live by the [Holy] Spirit, let us also walk by the Spirit. [If by the Holy Spirit we have our life in God, let us go forward walking in line, our conduct controlled by the Spirit.]
26 Let us not become vainglorious and self-conceited, competitive and challenging andprovoking and irritating to one another, envying and being jealous of one another.
Crucial here to point this out in verse 22: the fruit of the Holy Spirit, work which His presence within accomplishes..friends, these fruits, you cannot bring these up in yourself alone. Paul makes it quite clear this is His presence working out these beautiful gifts. No charge can be brought against such beauty.
Please also note the war in verse 17: [continually withstanding and in conflict with each other] these are the desires of the flesh! So we must, must walk with whom? Elementary, my dear Watson when studying on paper but when in the stuff of life, when a child is throwing a tantrum in Target and people have sat down with popcorn to watch and take notes…ahem, I digress.. hits whose voice is going to be loudest in our minds? His Spirit my friends has the answer for this problem (for a friend, of course )…
Part of this for me, is remembering His Word. The children were in a VBS last week and received Bible verses on note cards. One of my munchkins took all the cards and taped them all over the house! Yes! That is what I am talking about and it fills me. Yet, also, I need to start a habit of memorizing and walking with His Spirit..our conduct being controlled by the SPirit. Not self-conceited, not competitive…gag..v26 makes me sad…
Let’s spur one another on to take hold of the Spirit in our lives. Pray on, beloved. Pray on!
We know we have been saved by Jesus’ blood. Yet when we are in the midst of life, our problem is two-fold.
