Encouragements From the Piper's Wife

Love is Kind

2012-02-13T14:20:00.000-06:00

Be kind to one another, tender-hearted, forgiving each other, just as God in Christ also has forgiven you.
Ephesians 4:32

Kindness is love in action.

If patience is how love reacts in order to minimize a negative circumstance, kindness is how love acts to maximize a positive circumstance.

Patience avoids a problem; kindness creates a blessing.

One is preventive, the other is proactive. These two sides of love are the cornerstones on which many [other attributes are built.]

Love makes you kind. And kindness makes you likeable. When you're kind, people want to be around you. They see you as being good to them and good for them.

The Bible keys in on the importance of kindness:   "Do not let kindness and truth leave you; bind them around your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart. So you will find favor and good repute in sight of God and man" (Proverbs 3:3-4). Kind people simply find favor wherever they go. Even at home. But "kindness" can feel a little generic when you try defining it, much less living it. So let's break kindness down into four basic ingredients:

Gentleness:
When your're operating from kindness, you're careful how you treat your spouse, never being unnecessarily harsh. You're sensitive. Tender. Even if you need to say hard thinkgs, you'll bend over backwards to make your rebuke or challenge as easy to hear as possible. You speak truth in love.

Helpfulness:
Being kind means you meet the needs of the moment.  If it's housework, you get busy. A listening ear?   You give it. Kindness graces a wife with the ability to serve her husband without worrying about her rights. Kindness makes a husband curious to discover what his wife needs, then motivates him to be the one who steps up and ensures those needs are met---even if his are put on hold.

Willingness:
Kindness inspires you to be agreeable. Inastead of being obstinatye, reluctant, or stubborn, you cooperate, you stay flexible. Rather than complaining and making excuses, you look for reasons to comprommise and accomodate. A kind husband ends thousands of potential arguments by his willingness to listen first rather than demand his way.

Initiative:
Kindness thinks ahead, then takes the first step. It doesn't sit around waiting to be prompted or coerced before getting off the couch. The kind husband or wife will be the one who greets first, smiles firsts, serves first, and forgives first. They don't require the other to get his or her act together before showing love. When acting from kindness, you see the need, then make your move first.

Jesus creatively described the kindness of love in His parable of the Good Samaritan, found in the Bible---Luke, chapter 10. A Jewish man attacked by robbers is left for dead on a remote road. Two religious leaders, respected among their people, walk by without choosing to stop. Too busy. Too important. Too fond of clean hands. But a common man of another race---the hated Samaritans, whose dislike for the Jews was both bitter and mutual---sees this stranger in need and is moved with compassion. Crossing all cultural boundaries and risking ridicule, he stops to help the man. Bandaging his wounds and putting him on his own donkey, he carries him to safety and pays all his medical expenses out of his own pocket.

Where years of racism had caused strife and division, one act of kindness brought two enemies together, Gently. Helpfully. Willingly. Taking the initiative, this man demonstrated true kindness in every way.

Wasn't kindness one of the key things that drew you and your spouse together in the first place? When you married, weren't you expecting to enjoy his or her kindness for the rest of your life? Didn't your mate feel the same way about you? Even though the years can take the edge off that desire, your enjoyment in marriage is still linked to the daily level of kindness expressed.

The Bible describes a woman whose husband and children bless and praise her. Among her noble attributes are these: "She opens her mouth in wisdom, and the teaching of kindness is on her tongue" (Proverbs 31:26). How about you? How would your husband or wife describe you on the kindness meter? How harsh are you? How gentle and helpful? Do you wait to be asked, or do you take the initiative to help? Don't wait for your spouse to be kind first.

It is difficult to demonstrate love when you feel little to no motivation. But love in its truest sense is not based on feelings.

Rather, love determines to show thoughtful actions even when there seems to be no reward.

You will never learn to love until you learn to demonstrate kindness.

From The Love Dare, by Stephen Kendrick & Alex Kendrick, day 2, emphasis mine.

Biblical Discernment Conference

2012-02-11T17:38:00.001-06:00

From my beloved's post on The Watchman's Bagpipes:

Coming up in the third week of April is the St. Louis Conference on Biblical Discernment. This is a biennial conference which my wife and I have attended since 2002.

This conference has always been a blessing, as well as being very educational and informative. I can recommend it highly enough.

Plenary speakers this year are:
Dr. Ed Bulkley
Pastor G. Richard Fisher
Mr. Gordon Franz
Dr. Gary E. Gilley
Mr. T.A. McMahon
Dr. Ron Rhodes

These men will also be holding workshop sessions. Two other speakers will also be holding workshop sessions:
Rev. Keith Gibson
Dr. Robert Peterson

For more information about these men, the plenary and workshop sessions, fees and registration, go to: http://www.pfo.org/2012-cbd.htm

Registration prior to March 31st will save you some money!

I hope to see you there!

Love is Patient

2012-02-09T12:44:00.080-06:00

Be completely humble and gentle; be patient bearing with one another in love.
Ephesians 4:2

Love works. It is life's most powerful motivator and has far greater depth and meaning than most people realize. It always does what is best for others and can empower us to face the greatest of problems. We are born with a lifelong thirst for love. Our hearts desperately need it like our lungs need oxygen. Love changes our motivation for living. Relationships become meaningful with it. No marriage is successful without it.

Love is built on two pillars that best define what it is. Those pillars are patience and kindness. All other characteristics of love are extensions of these two attributes. ...

Love will inspire you to become a patient person. When you choose to be patient, you respond in a positive way to a negative situation. You are slow to anger. You choose to have a long fuse instead of a quick temper. Rather than being restless and demanding, love helps you settle down and begin extending mercy to those around you. Patience brings an internal calm during an external storm.

No one likes to be around an impatient person. It causes you to overreact in angry, foolish, and regrettable ways. The irony of anger toward a wrongful action is that it spawns new wrongs of its own. Anger almost never makes things better. In fact, it usually generates additional problems. But patience stops problems in their tracks. More than biting your lip, more than clapping a hand over your mouth, patience is a deep breath. It clears the air. It stops foolishness from whipping its scorpion tail all over the room. It is a choice to control your emotions rather than allowing your emotions to control you, and shows discretion instead of returning evil for evil.

If your spouse offends you, do you quickly retaliate, or do you stay under control? Do you find that anger is your emotional default when treated unfairly? If so, you are spreading poison rather than medicine.

Anger is usually caused when the strong desire for something is mixed with disappointment or grief. You don't get what you want and you start heating up inside. It is often an emotional reaction that flows out of our own selfishness, foolishness, or evil motives.

Patience, however, makes us wise. It doesn't rush to judgement but listens to what the other person is saying. Patience stands in the doorway where anger is clawing to burst in, but waits to see the whole picture before passing judgement. The Bible says, "He who is slow to anger has great understanding, but he who is quick-tempered exalts folly" (Proverbs 14:29).

As sure as a lack of patience will turn your home into a war zone, the practice of patience will foster peace and quiet. "A hot-tempered man stirs up strife, but the slow to anger calms a dispute" (Proverbs 15:18). Statements like these from the Bible book of Proverbs are clear principles with timeless relevance. Patience is where love meets wisdom. And every marriage needs that combination to stay healthy.

Patience helps you give your spouse permission to be human. It understands that everyone fails. When a mistake is made, it chooses to give them more time than they deserve to correct it. It gives you the ability to hold on during the tough times in your relationship rather than bailing out under pressure.

But can your spouse count on having a patient wife or husband to deal with? Can she know that locking her keys in the car will be met by your understanding rather than a demeaning lecture that makes her feel like a child? Can he know that cheering during the last seconds of a football game won't invite a loud-mouthed laundry list of ways he should be spending his time? It turns out that few people are as hard to live with as an impatient person.

What would the tone and volume of your home be like if you tried this biblical approach: "See that no one repays another with evil for evil, but always seek after that which is good for one another" (1 Thessalonians 5:15).

Few of us do patience very well, and none of us do it naturally. But wise men and women will pursue it as an essential ingredient to their marriage relationships. That's a good starting point to demonstrate true love.

[Learning patience is a process which you need to think of] as a marathon, not a sprint. But it's a race worth running."

From The Love Dare, by Stephen Kendrick & Alex Kendrick, day 1, emphasis mine

Better Than A Hallelujah

2012-02-07T17:57:00.000-06:00

God loves a lullaby In a mother's tears in the dead of night
Better than a Hallelujah sometimes

God loves the drunkard's cry
The soldier's plea not to let him die
Better than a Hallelujah sometimes

We pour out our miseries
God just hears a melody
Beautiful, the mess we are
The honest cries of breaking hearts
Are better than a Hallelujah

The woman holding on for life
The dying man giving up the fight
Are better than a Hallelujah sometimes

The tears of shame for what's been done
The silence when the words won't come
Are better than a Hallelujah sometimes

We pour out our miseries
God just hears a melody
Beautiful, the mess we are
The honest cries of breaking hearts
Are better than a Hallelujah

Better than a church bell ringing
Better than a choir singing out, singing out
We pour out our miseries
God just hears a melody
Beautiful, the mess we are
The honest cries of breaking hearts
Are better than a Hallelujah

Songwriters: Hart, Sarah; Hartford, Chapin;

Our Victory in Christ

You younger men, likewise, be subject to your elders; and all of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, for GOD IS OPPOSED TO THE PROUD, BUT GIVES GRACE TO THE HUMBLE. Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you at the proper time, casting all your anxiety on Him, because He cares for you.
1 Peter 5:5-7

In the same way the Spirit also helps our weakness; for we do not know how to pray as we should, but the Spirit Himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words; and He who searches the hearts knows what the mind of the Spirit is, because He intercedes for the saints according to the will of God. And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose.
Romans 8:26-28

How should we respond?

2012-02-06T08:17:00.000-06:00

Wouldn't life be wonderful and rather "easy" if our life's troubles all worked out like in the Christian movies*?  In the movies as soon as you become a Believer everything turns out well. But in real life there are many hard and difficult things that can occur which may never be resolved, and as His children it is how we respond to these things that matters the most.

What is your response?

As a new creation I have the Holy Spirit living in me. God works in and through me with His Holy Spirit. I have Him helping me through every trial~~~if I allow it. Through Him I can let go of all the things I desperately hold on to (because I think I can control them). And as we all eventually learn---we really have no control.   Sometimes "life" just happens.

I don't have to respond to any trial in sin.   I don't have to allow sin to rule in my life.   I can let the Holy Spirit rule. As I allow the Holy Spirit to work in my life and I deal with each issue, I draw closer to God. As I draw closer to God I am pressed into His image.

Awesome!

When it all comes down to it, drawing nearer to God is really what we want. We desire to follow Him, obey Him, and glorify Him.

As a very dear friend has said to me,

"The only thing we can control is how much we allow ourselves to draw near to God."

This world is not our home. It is sin filled and bad things occur. We are surrounded in this fallen world. The greatest factor of all is our God. He will be with us through all of our storms. He will give us wisdom and strength as we draw near to Him and learn to be more like Him.

Let's get back into real life and respond rightly for Him!

*About Christian movies: I love Fly Wheel, Facing the Giants, Fireproof and Courageous... They inspire and encourage us, but in real life we can not always expect complete recovery - that only happens in fiction. Sometimes God does work lots of tough things out, so continue to live trusting Him and with anticipation of how He will work.

The Hunchback

2012-02-05T20:03:00.001-06:00

B-17 Bomber Bird

2012-02-05T07:39:00.000-06:00

I grew up in a family who loved birds. We enjoyed feeding them and observing them. When I became a Believer I began to truly marvel at how God created so many kinds of birds. It is really awesome when you contemplate these things.

One of my favorite birds since childhood has been the Mourning Dove. Years ago, after I met my husband who loves military aircraft, I surprised him when I likened the Mourning Dove to a World War 2 B-17 Bomber. There is just something about the Dove; how it flys in for a landing, just how it sits around or waddles about.  Just thinking of all of this makes me smile.

This autumn I noticed only one Dove at a time at our feeder. It became a pattern to only see one; every time, just one. I did not begin to see more than one at a time until mid-January.   Then that sinking feeling came over me and I realized things have definitely changed.

Our state has had a controversy for years about people wanting to be able to hunt the Mourning Dove.  I think this law passed for this last year's hunting season.  I suppose I knew it was inevitable, so the "sting" was lessened - but not my sadness for the seemingly needless loss of beauty.

Across our state you can now lay bait to hunt these beautiful birds from one half hour before sunrise until sunset, from September 1 through November 9, with your daily limit of only 15 birds.

I suppose you would need that many Mourning Doves to feed a family of four for one meal.   Sorry, not facts, just sarcasm.

I know the "powers that be" study all of this for every animal and bird that is to be hunted so they have enough for years to come. As for the Mourning Dove, I understand people love the challenge of hunting~~~even for a little bird that pretty much just sits there as an easy target - especially when food is laid out for it.  People probably think that doves really taste good and I am okay with that. It is just difficult for me to know that a beautiful bird at my feeder is on the hunted list.

Don't get me wrong. I am not complaining about hunting or guns or hunters. I think all of that is fine. I'm just a city girl who likes to purchase her birds at the meat counter of Fareway, and so all of this makes me completely look forward to glory where the lion will lay down with the lamb and the birds of the air just proclaim the work of His hands.

So please don't tell me you love to hunt my beautiful, bomber bird. And if you are having us over for dinner serving Mourning Dove---I think I'll pass. Meanwhile, it is SANCTUARY* for all doves in my yard!

*Sanctuary! Charles Laughton in The Hunchback of Notre Dame, 1939

Logic

2012-02-04T14:58:00.000-06:00

It has been said,

"Common Sense is no longer common".

I have wondered if this is a new phenomenon or have people
always been this way. What I have learned from speaking with
people at large is that thinking logically seems to be gone. For
generations now our culture has taught that individual thinking
is wrong. In general, the popular thought is that we must think
and do as the media and elite proclaim.

But we are new creations in Jesus and His desire is that we use
wisdom as we think, contemplate, discern. We are to use
common sense and logic as we live each day.

Therefore encourage one another and build up one another,
just as you also are doing.

But we request of you, brethren, that you appreciate those
who diligently labor among you, and have charge over you
in the Lord and give you instruction, and that you esteem
them very highly in love because of their work.

Live in peace with one another. We urge you, brethren,
admonish the unruly, encourage the fainthearted, help the
weak, be patient with everyone.

See that no one repays another with evil for evil, but always
seek after that which is good for one another and for all people.

Rejoice always; pray without ceasing; in everything give thanks;
for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.

Do not quench the Spirit; do not despise prophetic utterances.
But examine everything carefully; hold fast to that which is good;
abstain from every form of evil.

Now may the God of peace Himself sanctify you entirely;
and may your spirit and soul and body be preserved complete,
without blame at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Faithful is He who calls you, and He also will bring it to pass.
1 Thessalonians 5:11-24

Contemplate

2012-02-03T09:28:00.000-06:00

It says in Ephesians 4:11-13 that Jesus gave some
as apostles, as prophets, as evangelists, as pastors
and teachers.

The reason was to prepare and equip fellow
Christians to be able to work for the LORD in His
truth and to encourage each other in Jesus.

We are to do this to acheive the unity of
the faith, understanding the knowledge of the
Son of God, and to a mature in the fullness of
Christ.

This is the result of contemplating on wisdom as we think
and discern these things:

As a result, we are no longer to be children,
tossed here and there by waves and carried
about by every wind of doctrine,
by the trickery of men, by craftiness in
deceitful scheming;
but speaking the truth in love, we are to grow
up in all aspects into Him who is the head,
even Christ,
from whom the whole body, being fitted and
held together by what every joint supplies,
according to the proper working of each
individual part, causes the growth of the body
for the building up of itself in love.
Ephesians 4:14-16

Discernment

2012-02-02T12:25:00.000-06:00

Clear thinking and discernment in our culture seem to have been pitched out the window. Have you noticed in conversations with people that it doesn't take long to realize how many have been deceived into the lies that permeate our society, and even the world.

As new creations in the salvation Jesus Christ gave us, we need to think and discern Biblically with all that we see and hear. Don't just believe what you hear~~~check it out logically and in God's truth, and then take action. In your sphere of influence share God's truth in whatever the subject matter is. Your gentle conversations may be what other people need to hear to be set free from deception's web of destruction.

Therefore as you have received Christ Jesus the Lord,
so walk in Him, having been firmly rooted
and now being built up in Him and established
in your faith, just as you were instructed,
and overflowing with gratitude.
See to it that no one takes you captive
through philosophy and empty deception,
according to the tradition of men,
according to the elementary principles of the world,
rather than according to Christ.
Colossians 2:6-8

Wisdom

2012-02-01T08:50:00.000-06:00

Real thinking is nothing without wisdom. If we are new creations in Jesus then our wisdom must not come from the world. Our wisdom must be from the God of the Bible. This is where we think Biblically.

Wisdom Warns:

Wisdom shouts in the street,
She lifts her voice in the square;
At the head of the noisy streets she cries out;
At the entrance of the gates in the city she utters her sayings:
“How long, O naive ones, will you love being simple-minded?
And scoffers delight themselves in scoffing
And fools hate knowledge?
“Turn to my reproof,
Behold, I will pour out my spirit on you;
I will make my words known to you.

“Because I called and you refused,
I stretched out my hand and no one paid attention;
And you neglected all my counsel
And did not want my reproof;
I will also laugh at your calamity;
I will mock when your dread comes,
When your dread comes like a storm
And your calamity comes like a whirlwind,
When distress and anguish come upon you.
“Then they will call on me, but I will not answer;
They will seek me diligently but they will not find me,
Because they hated knowledge
And did not choose the fear of the LORD.
“They would not accept my counsel,
They spurned all my reproof.
“So they shall eat of the fruit of their own way
And be satiated with their own devices.

“For the waywardness of the naive will kill them,
And the complacency of fools will destroy them.
“But he who listens to me shall live securely
And will be at ease from the dread of evil.”
Proverbs 1:20-33

Think

2012-01-31T14:50:00.000-06:00

Today I would like to encourage us all to think. I mean it. Let's really think, discern, and contemplate which is completely different than following what we hear in the mainstream media.

Now, when I say, think, I do not mean, think how you feel or think what is good for you. If you are a new creation in the God of the Bible then you need to think Biblically.

“Wash yourselves, make yourselves clean;
Remove the evil of your deeds from My sight.
Cease to do evil,
Learn to do good;
Seek justice,
Reprove the ruthless,
Defend the orphan,
Plead for the widow.

“Come now, and let us reason together,”
Says the LORD,
“Though your sins are as scarlet,
They will be as white as snow;
Though they are red like crimson,
They will be like wool.
Isaiah 1:16-18

Subtle errors can be devastating

2012-01-19T16:04:00.002-06:00

Error May Be Subtle over on The Watchman's Bagpipes is enlightening for any age:

...false teachings are often very subtle because they cross back and forth over truth. All cults and false teachers have some truth in their teachings, which makes discernment of the utmost importance. Often it is the true parts of their teachings that draws people unwittingly into the false, not being able to discern where the line was crossed

It is important for every Christian to be continually in the Word of God so that the line we follow is the true path, and so that we will be able to recognize the false teachings whenever they cross our line.

Grace vs man made rules

2012-01-19T16:02:00.001-06:00

Praise God for His Holy Spirit in us! We are more than conquerers because of Him!

But sadly...some people are not aware of what this truly means and how it effects our entire life as a Believer. Simply not knowing our gift of the Holy Spirit in us is sad, but adding man made rules instead of trusting ourselves to Him can become so legalistic and imprisoning.

Once again I am sending you to Recovering Grace for an excellent post by Ileata, January 18, 2012, "Finding the Key", where her testimony makes clear what joy it can be when we discover how precious is having the indwelling of Him:

Sometimes, I think the story of my Christian life, up until recently, could be summarized in another verse from Galatians. “Are you so foolish? After beginning with the Spirit, are you now going to be made complete by the flesh?” (Gal. 3:3).

Even though I (hopefully) had looked to Jesus alone for Salvation, I was looking to the flesh for sanctification. Just following Him wasn’t enough to avoid sin. I had to add a few extra rules.

But, that doesn’t keep me from sinning. Sure, I didn’t kiss my husband until our wedding day. I kept my promise. But does that mean I didn’t sin during our engagement? Absolutely not! Not kissing him didn’t prevent me from wishing I could kiss him and then some. And it didn’t conquer lust.

Ileata ends with:

I’m so thankful for the realization that it’s “Not by strength or by might, but My Spirit, says the Lord of Hosts” (Zech. 4:6). I’m so excited about this life that is completely by grace through faith, empowered by the Holy Spirit. Talk about limitless possibilities! And limitless power to conquer sin. Again, I realize that God’s way really is best! “Tis grace hath brought me safe thus far and grace will lead me home.

Glory to God for His grace to give us the Holy Spirit!

Entangled

2012-01-18T11:02:00.000-06:00

Sin is so easy, and it easily entangles us. The sin of pride can be the root of many kinds of sins.

Just one thought that you have the "right way" and you can head down the trail of aberration from God's truth in His word. The trouble is that a person's pride can get in the way, and you can think you are Biblical and true when in actuality you have missed the mark by at least one degree. Now you and whoever follows you is on the wrong path, which could lead to destruction. The wrong path can also be destructive emotionally and spiritually. If you do not have the Biblical view of the true God then your whole life can be off track.

At Recovering Grace you will find an excellent post on the movie, Tangled, which is an animated Rapunzel story. If you have ever lived under control and manipulation, you will identify with Rapunzel's story.

Not only does the writer of this article give great analogies from the story as to how the LORD is our Father, but also a wonderful encouragement to reach out to others who may be in situations where they need guidance to see God's truth. You could be the one who begins to open their clouded vision to see the truth. What a beautiful way to glorify God by being part of setting those who are entangled free.

The Recovering Grace writer says:

So, what do I take away from “Tangled?” Well, for one, it was a great movie! But even more, I found a strong reminder that there are many more “Rapunzels” locked in emotional and spiritual towers, not knowing that there is a King who wants nothing more than to wrap his loving arms around them. I pray that you would look for them in your sphere of influence, that you would take it upon yourself to guide them to the King, and that you would show them the love that they so desperately need.

I had a mother who read to me

2012-01-18T09:35:00.000-06:00

I had a Mother who read to me

Sagas of pirates who scoured the sea,

Cutlasses clenched in their yellow teeth,

"Blackbirds" stowed in the hold beneath.

I had a Mother who read me lays

Of Ancient and gallant and golden days;

Stories of Marmion and Ivanhoe,

Which every boy has a right to know.

I had a Mother who read me tales

Of Gelert the hound of the hills of Wales,

True to his trust til his tragic death,

Faithfulness blent with his final breath.

I had a Mother who read me the things

That wholesome life to the boy heart brings--

Stories that stir with an upward touch,

Oh, that each mother of boys were such!

You may have tangible wealth untold;

Caskets of jewels and coffers of gold,

Richer than I you can never be--

I had a Mother who read to me.

Strickland Gillian

Free time

2012-01-17T14:51:00.000-06:00

One thing that seems to be lacking for decades in our children's lives is "free time". When I say this I do not mean the time they are able to watch television, be on the computer, or use their communication devices. The "free time" I am speaking of is when they can use their imaginations, play, build, contemplate, read. This is a relaxing time in their childhood to just be. It is an time of no schedule and no rushing.

Trials

2012-01-16T09:11:00.000-06:00

God's call may lead us to a season of difficulty and opposition from the enemy (Matthew 4:1). Trials do not indicate that we missed God or somehow lost our way. The very thing that God most desires to accomplish in us and through us is the very thing that the kingdom of darkness wants to oppose. We should not allow difficulties and discouragements to prevent us from obeying the call of God. If we obey and trust God's call, the Lord will be glorified by our obedience and our faith will grow exponentially.

--J. Sidlow Baxter

Our scarlet sins whiter than snow

2012-01-13T17:55:00.001-06:00

Yesterday was our first snow storm of this winter. I spent most of the day just looking out, but it was difficult to enjoy the snow as it fell, while it was flying by my eyes horizontally at 30 miles per hour.

The official amount of snow is about 5 inches, but don't tell me that after I blew two foot drifts off of our drive and walks for two hours. As our eccentric neighbor use to say, "now that the ambulence can get in" I can breath a sigh of relief.   Poor thing, she was about one of the meanest persons I have ever met. I do hope under her anger, for her life was a sad one, she actually loved the LORD and is with Him now with no more snow or sorrows.

Our sorrows can lead us right into sins. We can blame everyone else for causing our sorrows, but the choice to sin is our own.  Bitterness and anger, to name only two, can rule our lives if we allow it.  We have the choice to give up our anger and bitterness, etc. to the LORD, and when we choose this choice God is glorified.

The choice may be a tough one to live out.   Just like every discipline (teaching ourselves to obey) it may take some time to master it. The LORD is our strength and we have the Holy Spirit in us to overcome our struggles. Your struggles may still be like a roller coaster because this life is tough and we will not reach perfection on earth. Eventually you will realize, though, that you are actually better at running to Him with your struggles. Do not become weary in doing good, for in due time you will reap.

"Come now, and let us reason together," says the LORD, "Though your sins are as scarlet, they will be as white as snow; Though they are red like crimson, they will be like wool."
Isaiah 1:18

Galations 6:6-10

As I drove to the store earlier, and now as I look out at the blanket of white snow, it is gently snowing. We have had a mild winter so far and the landscapes were mainly brown with greenish tinges, but the angles seemed so jagged. It wasn't that bleak, but now that the blanket of snow covers the land it looks beautiful and softened.

What a wonderful analogy to cover red with white. In reality the color red is difficult to cover. But the LORD uses this verbiage to have our scarlet sins covered with a blanket of white snow turning us into beautiful, softened, saved people.

"May You purify me with hyssop, and I shall be clean; May You wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow."

Psalm 51:6

Show compassion to this wicked world

2012-01-12T09:29:00.000-06:00

"People will forget what you said;

People will forget what you did.

But people will never forget how you made them feel."

Colossians 4:1-6
"...Conduct yourselves with wisdom toward outsiders, making the most of the opportunity.

Let your speech always be with grace, as though seasoned with salt, so that you will know how you should respond to each person."

This world is wicked and the level of wickedness is increasing rather quickly.

You have the indwelling of the Holy Spirit. In this wicked world you can show Jesus' compassion and love to others. The "others" do not have to be only unbelievers. There are plenty of Christains out there who need a good dose of compassion and love.

People notice kindness: kind and compassionate words and actions speak louder than any monetary amount, and they will remember the compassion you show them and others.

May our actions point others to the Savior and be a sweet sacrifice to the LORD glorifying His name!

My Mother's hands

2012-01-11T07:49:00.000-06:00

I was thinking of my mother as I drove into town this past week.

The sun must have been at an angle across the back of my hands and I noticed some age spots which reminded me of her.

She had beautiful hands.

My hands do not look like her hands as mine take after my father's hands. Her hands were slender with long fingers.

Eventually she had age spots and arthritis in her knuckles, but they were just as beautiful to me.

Her gentle and loving hands which I remember did absolutely everything from dainty handiwork and holding babies to every difficult and dirty job a mother needs to accomplish throughout her day.

Even though my hands do not look exactly as my mother's, I see her in mine, and I am thankful for her example to me as I grew up under her care and also as I left the nest as an adult.

It isn't what you look like, it is your behavior which matters...

"...so the word of God will not be dishonored."
Titus 2:1-5

Snow in January

2012-01-10T07:51:00.000-06:00

The only snow in Iowa is on my kitchen counter.

Perpetual Vacation!

2012-01-09T10:25:00.000-06:00

When we reach heaven there will be no more tears. The Lord will be there and we will be in His presence. There will be safety in all things including pure worship.

There will be no more aberrations, no more heresy, no more luke warm teachings, no more bad preachers, no more cults, no more false teachers, no more self centered "worship" songs, no more talk of evolution, and no more deceptions!

In heaven we will finally have pure worship!

There will be no more need to have Christian Apologetics, thus no more Christian apologists.

It is kind of strange for me to think of this because our work here has been long and constant as we defend God's word with apologetics. When we are in glory we will not have to defend the faith, because we will all be on the same page.

It will be kind of like a perpetual vacation for apologetic ministries!

2012-01-08T14:54:00.000-06:00

Bitterness is like a weed. Once it starts growing, it covers everything.

"Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice. Be kind to one another, tender-hearted, forgiving each other, just as God in Christ also has forgiven you."
Ephesians 4:31-32

I have seen bitterness full grown in people. I have witnessed the ugliness of it showing on their faces after years of living in their bitterness. These people have everything they ever wanted. They have won every evil battle they have fought and yet even in their shallow victories they are not happy. They must continue to fight wicked battles to win.

But to win what?

Cutting people away, destroying lives, controlling every aspect, thinking they are making their lives into what they desire, and yet someday they will lose everything because of their pride.

LORD, have mercy!

The saddest part is that they claim to be Christians. Full of pride and the desire to control, manipulate, and win at any cost has only brought forth more bitterness. It becomes a never ending circle of wasted lives. A Twilight Zone of their own making.

Each of us must be very careful! Christains are not exempt from pride or bitterness. None of us want to turn into what I have just expressed. Bitterness can begin very, very tiny in our minds. We must capture it, repent, give it to God, beginning again and again.

Sometimes we have done this over and over and we think we have conquered it, but all at once the bitterness leaps out when we least expect it.

Take it captive again! Do not let it grow. Run to the LORD who is your strength!

Bitterness is an ugly, ugly character quality which we want to overcome and we can in Christ!

2 Corinthians 10:1-6

She who was forgiven much, loves much

2012-01-07T09:47:00.000-06:00

Luke 7:36-50

36 Now one of the Pharisees was requesting Him to dine with him, and He entered the Pharisee’s house and reclined at the table.

37 And there was a woman in the city who was a sinner; and when she learned that He was reclining at the table in the Pharisee’s house, she brought an alabaster vial of perfume,

38 and standing behind Him at His feet, weeping, she began to wet His feet with her tears, and kept wiping them with the hair of her head, and kissing His feet and anointing them with the perfume.

39 Now when the Pharisee who had invited Him saw this, he said to himself, “If this man were a prophet He would know who and what sort of person this woman is who is touching Him, that she is a sinner.”

40 And Jesus answered him, “Simon, I have something to say to you.” And he replied, “Say it, Teacher.”

41 “A moneylender had two debtors: one owed five hundred denarii, and the other fifty.

42 When they were unable to repay, he graciously forgave them both. So which of them will love him more?”

43 Simon answered and said, “I suppose the one whom he forgave more.” And He said to him, “You have judged correctly.”

44 Turning toward the woman, He said to Simon, “Do you see this woman? I entered your house; you gave Me no water for My feet, but she has wet My feet with her tears and wiped them with her hair. 4

5 You gave Me no kiss; but she, since the time I came in, has not ceased to kiss My feet.

46 You did not anoint My head with oil, but she anointed My feet with perfume.

47 For this reason I say to you, her sins, which are many, have been forgiven, for she loved much; but he who is forgiven little, loves little.”

48 Then He said to her, “Your sins have been forgiven.”

49 Those who were reclining at the table with Him began to say to themselves, “Who is this man who even forgives sins?”

50 And He said to the woman, “Your faith has saved you; go in peace.”

Let each of us contemplate and realize how much we have been saved from and what our Savior did for this precious salvation we embrace. When we truly realize the cost we can then forgive others more easily because we have been forgiven MUCH.

May God be glorified!

A beautiful, brand new Ferrari

2012-01-06T17:40:00.001-06:00

"Men, protect your daughters!" over on Sola Sisters is worth the read and rumination. Thank you, Christine and Cathy.

Even though this points to men to step up and protect their daughters....it certainly goes for women also. Both fathers and mothers need to protect their daughters AND sons. This is an evil world and we must proactive in our walk with the Lord.

Capture joy of the holidays everyday

2012-01-06T09:03:00.003-06:00

Here we are the week after the holidays have been celebrated, and perhaps much of the putting away and finishing off of all the food and decor is coming to an end for many of us.

As daughters of the King of Kings, we may do lots of different activities which keep us full and busy through the holiday season, but we also love and cherish what we are actually celebrating. We do not forget the season is about our Savior, Jesus; how He came into our world, why He came this particular way, what His appearance points to---His death and ressurection---and how this means everything to us.

You may be reading this realizing that the season went by way too fast for you to get everything accomplished and you never really did slow down to contemplate the "what and whys" of Jesus. The whole thing is over and now you are all consumed with the aftermath, which is all about cleaning up. Everyone else got to be happy and joyful, but you somehow missed it.

Don't despair! The holidays are over, but you really don't need them to be happy. It isn't the time of year, the decorations, the gifts, the food, the people. You can be happy, joyful, and content any time, anywhere. Even when among chaos you can experience JOY.

Chaos is sometimes the norm in life so don't wait for it to leave before you can relax and be happy. To remind yourself of this you need to make a sign for what reality actually is:

"The only thing normal around here is a setting on the dryer"

The way to be happy and joyful every day is to run to the LORD no matter what time of year it is. No matter what your chaotic circumstances are, when you run to the LORD and choose to trust in Him and rest in Him, your outlook on anything in this life will change. The circumstances of your life may never change, but because you are choosing to trust in the One and Only who can do far more than you can imagine, it is you who changes.

You must chose to trust Him. This means laying fears, doubts, anguish, chaos...at His feet and continuing to do this constantly. If you have never really chosen to do this before, then you can not imagine the difference in living it can be.

Not just happiness, but outright JOY--His joy will permeate your life if you allow Him to be the center of you and all you do. This choice is not flippant. You must go into it as a determined child of God. He will help you, but He wants you to desire it and do it. When you choose this, He is glorified!

The road to true joy is through Him. Let's get walking on that road!

"Now to Him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to His power that is at work within us, to Him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen."
Ephesians 3:20-21

One and Only: John 1:18NIV

Who's listening to you?

2012-01-05T14:20:00.001-06:00

Who is listening to you and who is watching you?

It would be good for us to always remember that we are not alone and others see our behavior.

Gentle ladies, since we are justified and adopted by the LORD through our salvation, we must allow ourselves to be pressed into His image as we draw near to Him in our sanctification. If we do not allow this, then we will be like the world - and how will God be glorified?

Our behavior in the way we act and what we say really does matter. We never know who is paying attention to us. Our character matters to the LORD, and so it matters as we are out in the world for who is watching us even when we would rather be invisible.

There are many examples I could give in this entry of how behavior matters and how it has affected certain people.  Today I want to share what happened a few days ago, and it wasn't about my behavior on that day at all.

A young woman I do not know made a kind and generous comment concerning me. I was privately taken aback and it took me a day to figure out how she knew anything about me to be able to say these kind things.

We were attending a retirement party for a former co-worker of my husband.  I shook hands with many employees that day, whom I had met through the years, and also met some new ones while at the party.   When I was being introduced to one new person, the young woman whom I had met only a few times helped with my introduction by saying the many kind things about me all, of which were concerning my character.

Fast Forward to my quandary of how she knew me: I am just the wife of a former fellow employee of hers, so how could she know anything about me? This is when I eventually deduced where she learned to know me.   It was from my Beloved who had obviously spoken of me so much that she "knew" me.

This is significant to me in 2 ways.

It showed me the love my Beloved has for me, how he respects me, and cherishes me so much that he would share my character with others.  No doubt the young woman was also ministered to by what was shared by him.  This career woman heard a man share rightly about his wife. From him she heard of and saw how he spoke of me and of the godly characteristics she may not even completely understand. Even so, her knowledge of me affected her enough that she desired to introduce me so kindly to the new employee.

I was greatly humbled by her introduction, now very touched, and so blessed by my Beloved for something he did at least 2 years ago.

God is glorified by our behavior.

Let us be witnesses to world who needs to see God through His people.

"As water reflects a face, so a man's heart reflects the man."
Proverbs 27:19

Romans 5:1-6

2012-01-02T16:15:00.000-06:00

Results of Justification

Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ,

through whom also we have obtained our introduction by faith into this grace in which we stand;

and we exult in hope of the glory of God.

And not only this, but we also exult in our tribulations, knowing that tribulation brings about perseverance;

and perseverance, proven character;

and proven character, hope;

and hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out within our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us.

For while we were still helpless, at the right time Christ died for the ungodly.

Psalm 63

2012-01-02T14:40:00.000-06:00

The Thirsting Soul Satisfied in God.

A Psalm of David, when he was in the wilderness of Judah.

1 O God, You are my God; I shall seek You earnestly;
My soul thirsts for You, my flesh yearns for You,
In a dry and weary land where there is no water.

2 Thus I have seen You in the sanctuary,
To see Your power and Your glory.

3 Because Your lovingkindness is better than life,
My lips will praise You.

4 So I will bless You as long as I live;
I will lift up my hands in Your name.

5 My soul is satisfied as with marrow and fatness,
And my mouth offers praises with joyful lips.

6 When I remember You on my bed,
I meditate on You in the night watches,

7 For You have been my help,
And in the shadow of Your wings I sing for joy.

8 My soul clings to You;
Your right hand upholds me.

9 But those who seek my life to destroy it,
Will go into the depths of the earth.

10 They will be delivered over to the power of the sword;
They will be a prey for foxes.

11 But the king will rejoice in God;
Everyone who swears by Him will glory,
For the mouths of those who speak lies will be stopped.

The LORD is my portion

2012-01-02T14:36:00.001-06:00

Gentle woman...perhaps you are in a difficult season of life which seems will never end.

The LORD sees you, though, and He hears you.

Are you like me with a continuous agony that "follows" me around no matter where I go or what I do? If so, I encourage you to run to the LORD, hunger for His word in your heart and mind, and also be aware of Him in your everyday life.

He will rarely choose to be "loud" to get our attention.   Instead, most often, He will probably be quiet in His mercies which He showers upon us. His hand will be shown to each one of us if we open our weary heart. In these moments He will lift our head and we will be strengthened to be carried by Him to the "next things".   He will not leave us~~~ever.

For me He is in the tender letter or text message from a dear friend, an invitation to a quiet get~together with loving people who know I ache, or in a little bird I have never seen at our feeder, who reminds me how much more He loves and cares for me. He is the peace I experience even when I am all alone and living in chaos.

Most people around me can't understand "how" I continue. They are amazed at the things I can continue to do for Him. They think and say that they would never be able to carry on if this had happened to them. Even though they also love the LORD, the situation seems too huge for them. They do not understand the words I say to glorify the Father in how He works in me. I marvel at Him also because I do not understand it either, even though I live it.

And thank God! I live it!

Where would I be without Him? How could I have survived these many years, but through how He gently has carried me, lifted me up, allowed my tears and then wiped them away in His compassion.

You will find that some people you would have never guessed do understand you, even without many words. They are in their own agonies and they have chosen to look and listen and live in His mercies also. These dear people will be your prayer partners as you choose to uphold them to God in prayer as they do you, for as long as it takes.

As you "pick up" the rest of the holiday leavings and your heart is as heavy as mine has been, run to Him in this new day!

My LORD:
Remember my affliction and my wandering, the wormwood and bitterness.
Surely my soul remembers and is bowed down within me.
This I recall to my mind, therefore I have hope.
The LORD’S lovingkindnesses indeed never cease,
for His compassions never fail. They are new every morning;
Great is Your faithfulness. “The LORD is my portion,” says my soul,
“Therefore I have hope in Him.”  The LORD is good to those who wait for Him,
to the person who seeks Him.
Lamentations 3:19-25

Theological liberals vs. militant atheists - which do you prefer?

2011-12-31T15:24:00.000-06:00

Check this subject out at Eternity Matters, December 30, 2011.

Christianity has fought a two-front war from the beginning: Persecutors on the outside and false teachers on the inside. Things haven’t changed, so we need to be on guard for both.

I think the bigger enemy is inside.

Thank you for this great overview of two kinds of enemies, eMatters.

I agree with your reasoning completely. Atheists are tough, but it becomes very sad and disturbing when communicating with those who claim Jesus' name for salvation, but do not follow what His Word says.

Honoring those whom we have lost

2011-12-28T16:41:00.000-06:00

Our Christmas tree has always been full of traditions. If you were to ask me about each ornament and decoration, I would be able to recall the special event or Christmas it was added, or who made it or who gave it to us. Each year, each tree is full of our precious memories.

I personally would not be able to have a "theme" tree for a year, as some people have, as I would miss all of our special traditions. But if all of our special decorations were destroyed in some way, we would just begin with new memories.

One way of helping each other deal with sadnesses in our lives, like the loss of dear people, is to display a special ornament of theirs which will bring happy memories and honor their life which was woven into ours. The loss is not hidden, and the person is loved and honored even though they are not with us any longer.

Traditions throughout the year can give us a warm and safe feeling, but we must also be willing to move and change if need be. You will not want to set up "shrines" for the loved ones you have lost, but enjoy your happy memories of them.

Let us praise the LORD for the people who have been woven into our lives, and let us strive to mend and revive relationships with those people we are still privileged to have with us.

Jesus is mighty now to save!

2011-12-26T12:08:00.000-06:00

O Sing a Song of Bethlehem

O sing a song of Bethlehem,
Of shepherds watching there,
And of the news that came to them
From angels in the air:
The light that shone on Bethlehem
Fills all the world today;
Of Jesus' birth and peace on earth
The angels sing alway.

O sing of song of Nazareth,
Of sunny days of joy.
O sing of fragrant flowers' breath
And of the sinless Boy:
For now the flowers on Nazareth
In every heart may grow;
Now spread the fame of His dear name
On all the winds that blow.

O sing a song of Galilee,
Of lake and woods and hill,
Of Him who walked upon the sea
And bade the waves be still:
For tho' like waves on Galilee,
Dark seas of trouble roll,
When faith has heard the Master's word,
Falls peace upon the soul.

O sing a song of Calvary,
Its glory and dismay;
Of Him who hung upon the tree,
And took our sins away:
For He who died on Clavary
Is risen from the grave,
And Christ, our Lord, by heav'n adored,
Is mighty now to save.

by Louis F. Benson

Prayers for Prodigals by B.J. Reinhard #7 of 7

2011-12-19T16:40:00.018-06:00

I decided to end this prayer series with the card back on the left side to finish with a change. I hope these prayers have been good suggestions for you in how you can pray for your prodigals. I know they have helped me, not only in praying, but in right ways of thinking of my prodigals and their situations.

As time goes by and we come closer to the end, we will see more and more prodigals appear among our own families and friends. Let us not grow weary in praying.

"Let us not lose heart in doing good, for in due time we will reap if we do not grow weary. So then, while we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, and especially to those who are of the household of faith."
Galatians 6:9-10

This is my seventh and last
installment from the prayer
card, Prayers for Prodigals,
which has 21 prayer ideas
on how to pray for prodigals:

These Scripture-based prayers are designed to be prayed for any loved one (a son, daughter, grandchild, the child of a friend, or even a spouse or parent) who has strayed from God into a destructive lifestyle. For the sake of clarity, the prayers are written with a son in mind. Please adapt them to fit your situation.

19. Lord, in this fast-paced world of instant gratification, plant in my son the perseverance he needs to succeed. Cause him to be still and wait patiently before You. Help him to rest in Your power. Establish the work of his hands.
(Ps.37:7; Heb.12:1-3; Ps.90:17)

20. Turn my son's focus away from himself and onto You. May he allow Your power to flow through him to others. Teach him to love others as himself.
(Phil. 2:4; 2Cor.4:7; Mt.22:39)

21. Cause my son to love You with all his heart, soul, and mind. May he live all his days in love with and rejoicing in You.
(Mt.22:37; Ps.27:4; Phil.4:4)

Interested in further resources: http://www.praymag.com/

Prayers for Prodigals by B.J. Reinhard #6 of 7

2011-12-19T16:06:00.000-06:00

Thank you for waiting for me to finish these posts. "Life" continues and the blog goes by the wayside.

Meanwhile this is my sixth installment
from the prayer card,
Prayers for Prodigals:

These Scripture-based prayers are designed to be prayed for any loved one (a son, daughter, grandchild, the child of a friend, or even a spouse or parent) who has strayed from God into a destructive lifestyle. For the sake of clarity, the prayers are written with a son in mind. Please adapt them to fit your situation.

16. Teach my son to live in freedom, animated and motivated by Your Spirit and in step with Him. (Gal.5:16,25)

17. Teach my son to walk by faith. Help him to see beyond his circumstances and trust You with every part of his life. (2Cor.5:7; Heb.11:1; Prov.3:5-6)

18. Impress on my son the need to protect his mind, guarding its purity through the choices he makes about what he looks at, listens to, and thinks about. (Phil.4:8; 2Cor.10:5)

Interested in further resources: http://www.praymag.com/

We have some odd ways of cheering each other up.

2011-12-11T15:26:00.000-06:00

See what Ed Welch has written on

What not to say

I have lived in pain, but even so, I do not always know what to say to a person in pain and sometimes in trying to encourage them I have said really dumb, hurtful things.

So when someone says something to me which they think is "kind" concerning my agony, I can choose to be so hurt, or I can shower them with grace and mercy in return as I assume they do not know how their words cut me in my situation.

Thank you, LORD, for teaching us to express Your grace and mercy to others.

Prayers for Prodigals by B.J. Reinhard #5 of 7

2011-12-11T15:24:00.000-06:00

This is my fifth installment
from the prayer card,
Prayers for Prodigals:

These Scripture-based prayers are designed to be prayed for any loved one (a son, daughter, grandchild, the child of a friend, or even a spouse or parent) who has strayed from God into a destructive lifestyle. For the sake of clarity, the prayers are written with a son in mind. Please adapt them to fit your situation.

13. Thank You for offering hope and comfort to my son. Thank You for restoring the years the locusts have eaten and bestowing on my son a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of gladness instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of despair. (Is.57:18; Joel 2:25; Is.61:3)

14. Teach my son that following You is not about following rules. Show him that what You long for is a genuine relationship with him. (Ro.6:14; Jer.9:24; Phil. 3:8,10)

15. Lord, cause my son to grow up in You, maturing into an oak of righteousness for the display of Your splendor. Help him to grow in wisdom and stature, and in favor with You and with man. (Eph.4:15; Is.61:3; Lk.2:52)

Interested in further resources: http://www.praymag.com/

Teach Me

2011-12-10T12:55:00.000-06:00

by Cherry Bieber

Teach me to sing from a broken heart....

Psalm 145:2
"Every day will I bless Thee; And I will praise Thy Name forever and ever."

So beautifully expressed, thank you,Cherry.

I will rather boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may dwell in me.

2011-12-10T11:29:00.000-06:00

I have always had a "what's wrong with that?" take on things certain women in my life have said.  I wasn't involved in their "groups" and so I shrugged off what they said, but always with a nagging, "what's wrong with that?".

My fault. I was in my own little safe and happy world, and they were in a "strange one".   I now know that these women were deceived into a wrong way of Biblical thinking. It fed on itself among them and they were all heavily caught up into it. I was too niave to understand or even be able at that time to have conversations of God's truth with them.

It was not surprising that many of their conversations were about health issues.  We live in a fallen world and illnesses of every degree abound. It is now years later, and I now realize how trapped they were into their wrong thinking, and I grieve for them. My prayer for them is that they have escaped this way of wrong Biblical thinking into the freedom of God's grace as the man, Brian D., I referrence below, has escaped.

When our family tragedy enveloped us over a decade ago, some of those same people from our past have made inquiries about our health through the years. Not "how is God carrying you?, or how can you continue in your pain?" But always, "how is your health"

I knew something was strange with their questions ("what's wrong with that?") because it didn't seem like they really cared about us or our health. It was more like a curiosity to them, a shaking of the head, and an acknowlegment to our situation as if we had caused it.

Lately this has raised anger in my inner person against these "friends?" because at the time I took them as caring Christians, but it seems they were just curosity seekers.   Now I must take my anger to the LORD and lay it at His feet...His feet of GRACE.

Can you see how people can be caught up in Biblically wrong thinking? They try to solve their own illnesses in their wrong thinking, and then go around diagnosing everyone else's illnesses (unrighteously judging others).   One wrong choice leads to another and sin abounds.

These women I have spoken of were deceived into the teachings of Bill Gothard. Their wrong thinking spread like a disease ~~~ a spiritual disease ~~~ to even those of us who were not involved, even to this day. They were so concerned about other peoples' sin when they were causing more sin in spreading their false teachings through their own families and the communities in which they lived.

LORD, have mercy on we sinners!

There is a place to go for information and God's grace if you have been invovled in Gothard teachings or have been hurt on the outskirts of it.  The blog, Recovering Grace on December 7, 2011, has The Disease Catalogue by Brian D. It is quite eye opening to the way some Gothard-educated people think. It is more than eye opening~~~it is a travesty!

Brian D. ends his entry so encouraging, and so I will end with his words:

Those of us who are struggling with disease need not try to trace it back to a specific sin problem. Are you dealing with sin? Of course you are. All of us are struggling with the problem of sin on one level or another. How do you find growing victory over a sin to which you are enslaved? Freedom from sin and peace with God can be found as you experience His grace by faith–and faith alone–in His finished work on the cross. The more we grow in faith and the more we understand grace, the more we experience the peace of God.

“Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom also we have access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God.” Romans 5:1-2

So how should a Christian who is struggling with disease respond? Ask for prayer, seek out medical attention, and then remember the words of Paul, as he also struggled with physical ailment:

And He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. 2 Corinthians 12:9

Gentle women...may you be encouraged that God has not forgotten you in your pain. He is there for you full of His grace and compassion. Cry out to Him and He will incline to you and hear your cries.

Prayers for Prodigals by B.J. Reinhard # 4 of 7

2011-12-10T09:45:00.000-06:00

Today I am keeping you on your toes by putting the card to the right.

This is my forth installment
from the prayer card,
Prayers for Prodigals:

These Scripture-based prayers are designed to be prayed for any loved one (a son, daughter, grandchild, the child of a friend, or even a spouse or parent) who has strayed from God into a destructive lifestyle. For the sake of clarity, the prayers are written with a son in mind. Please adapt them to fit your situation.

10. Produce in my son a humble spirit that is yielded to You. Teach him how to live in You, and show him that apart from You he can do nothing. (Jas.4:10; Ro.6:13; Jn.15:5)

11. Lord, reveal to my son how valuable and significant his life is. Give him a vision for his purpose in the world, and show him the possibilities for his future. Through You, he can do all things. (Is.43:7; Jer.29:11; Phil.4:13)

12. Help my son to see that he doesn't need to condemn himself. Show him that he can experience complete forgiveness through the work You've already finished on his behalf. Give him the grace to repent of and let go of the past.
(Jn.19:30; Acts3:19; Is.43:18-19)

Interested in further resources: http://www.praymag.com/

Prayers for Prodigals by B.J. Reinhard # 3 of 7

2011-12-09T10:57:00.000-06:00

Praying for your own dearly loved prodigals can become difficult. Usually we call them "prodigals" because of the length of time that has transpired in their waywardness from God.

Because of the time factor we become so weary on how to pray. In our weakness we do not know how to pray, but according to the will of God, the Holy Spirit intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words. (Romans 8:26-27)

When I came across Prayer for Prodigals the LORD lifted my head in my weariness~~~may these prayers remind you that the great God of the universe hears your cries even if they are only groans.

This is my third installment
from the prayer card,
Prayers for Prodigals:

These Scripture-based prayers are designed to be prayed for any loved one (a son, daughter, grandchild, the child of a friend, or even a spouse or parent) who has strayed from God into a destructive lifestyle. For the sake of clarity, the prayers are written with a son in mind. Please adapt them to fit your situation.

7. Remove my son's heart of stone and replace it with a new, soft heart. Make this heart into a bed of fertile soil so that the seed of truth sown into it will grow deep roots and bring forth a rich crop of life. (Ezk.36:26-27; Mt.13:23; Col.2:6-7)

8. Lord Jesus, reveal to my son that lasting refreshment and satisfaction can only be found in You. In You he will find an abundant life. (Jn.4:10, 10:10; Ps.1:3)

9. Lead my son to friends who will graciously point him to You. Cause him to be attracted to those who are attracted to You. Scatter like chaff in the wind any friends who will bring him harm. Give him the courage to please You, not man.
(Prov.13:20; Gal.1:10)

Interested in further resources: www.praymag.com

Two "every day" Sparrows for a Cent

2011-12-08T17:33:00.000-06:00

I have been contemplating Romans 5 and 6. The depth and richness of just those two chapters is worth celebrating with great joy and glorifying God with happy shouts and the clapping of hands! The work which Jesus did for us is practically too awesome for any words.

Just a few feet away out my kitchen window it is a joy to see God's creations at our bird feeder every single day. We mostly get many English Sparrows. People tend to think of them as "trashy" birds, or as "every day" birds, thus they do not even matter; but if you were to observe them for a while they are actually lovely.

In Matthew 10:29 Jesus was speaking of "every day" birds when He said, "Are not two sparrows sold for a cent? And yet not one of them will fall to the ground apart from your Father." Were they English Sparrows? How incredibly awesome for Jesus to use "every day" birds as well as our individual hairs to express how valuable we are to Him.

Last week, while I was thinking all these things, the feeder was full of sparrows and one "popped" out at me. He must have had a white feather or two on the tips of a wing because his back had a white spot. "It is all about genetics", I said to myself in wonder. I decided to name this unique little creature instead of saying, "the sparow with the white feather is here again!"

The little bird touched me so because of his uniqueness. I do not know why I thought of "Nicodemus". I suppose it was because of my deep thoughts of how Jesus has saved us.

This man was a Pharisee who came by night to speak with Jesus, and then asked Him how a person could be born again after he was old. It is an incredible account beginning with Nicodemus admitting that Jesus is from God, to Jesus explaining about being born in the Spirit by using the wind as an example---'not knowing where it comes from nor where it is going'. Jesus speaks of Moses lifting up the serpent and likens it to the Son of God being lifted up with those who believe in Him having eternal life. It continues with the famous John 3:16 and 17, to the sad fact of men loving the darkness rather than the Light. Jesus ends with those who practice truth come to the Light, so that his deeds may be manifested as having been wrought in God.

I see my little Nicodemus everyday now and that little sparrow reminds me of my great God who saved even me.

Jesus said, "Do not be amazed that I say to you, 'You must be born again.' " John 3:7

Prayers for Prodigals by B.J. Reinhard # 2 of 7

2011-12-08T08:59:00.000-06:00

Gentle women...

May you be encouraged to cry out to God for your prodigals. LORD, hear our prayers!

This is my second installment
from the prayer card,
Prayers for Prodigals:

These Scripture-based prayers are designed to be prayed for any loved one (a son, daughter, grandchild, the child of a friend, or even a spouse or parent) who has strayed from God into a destructive lifestyle. For the sake of clarity, the prayers are written with a son in mind. Please adapt them to fit your situation.

4. Give my son the courage to be honest with himself and with You. Spirit of God, convict him of sin and his need for You. Don't allow my son to blame other for troubles in his life. Show him that he alone is responsible for his choices.
(Jn. 16:8; Gen. 3:12-13; Ezk. 18:20)

5. Lord, thank You for drawing my son with love and tenderness to Yourself, even in his desert place. Show him that You are with him. You delight in him. Amid the clamor for his attention and affections, may he hear Your voice calling him and respond to Your deep, deep love.
(Jer. 31:3; Hos. 2:14; Zeph. 3:17)

6. Cause my son to call out to You in his distress and confusion. Cause him to seek You with abandon. Thank You for promising to answer him.
(Ps. 91:15; Jer. 29:13)

Interested in further resources: www.praymag.com

Prayers for Prodigals by B.J. Reinhard # 1

2011-12-07T14:33:00.000-06:00

May each of you find great comfort in these prayers which I plan to post: 3 prayers in 7 blogs totalling 21 prayers.

The prayers of a righteous person are powerful and effective. The LORD inclines to us and hears our cries. (James 5:13-16; Psalm 40:1-3)

From Prayers for Prodigals:

These Scripture-based prayers are designed to be prayed for any loved one (a son, daughter, grandchild, the child of a friend, or even a spouse or parent) who has strayed from God into a destructive lifestyle. For the sake of clarity, the prayers are written with a son in mind. Please adapt them to fit your situation.

1. Lord, protect my son. Build a hedge around him to guard him physically, emotionally, and spiritually. Block his paths so that he cannot move toward activities and relationships that would harm him. (Job 1:10; Hos. 2:6-7)

2. Deliver him from evil. Rescue him from a destructive lifestyle. Restore him to his senses, bring him home from the land of the enemy.
(Mt. 6:13; Ps. 91:14; Lk.15:17; Jer. 31:16-17)

3. Guide my son into truth. Teach him to recognize deceptive ideas and thoughts. Make him alert to the lies of the enemy, and teach him how to resist the devil by faith.
(Jn. 16:13; 1 Cor. 2:16; 1 Pet. 5:8-9)

Interested in further resources: www.praymag.com

God's Silence

2011-11-30T17:15:00.000-06:00

Silence can be deafening especially when you are waiting on the LORD.

In times of silence, God is preparing His best.

In times of silence.....while you are waiting on the LORD~~~perhaps in agony...God is preparing His best.

In times of silence, God is preparing His best...which He does in private and someday you will see it also.

In times of silence, God is preparing His best...sometimes He pulls back the curtain and allows you to see just a bit and this gives you hope.

In times of silence, God is preparing His best...even when all you hear is...silence.

In times of silence....continue to run to God while...God is preparing His best.

Psalm 56:3
"When I am afraid, I will trust in you. In God, whose word I praise, in God I trust: I will not be afraid. What can mortal man do to me?"

Psalm 56:13
"For You have delivered me from death and my feet from stumbling, that I may walk before God in the light of life."

With great love and thanks to you, Charlotte.

"It was a Fragile Facade"

2011-11-28T18:30:00.000-06:00

How the LORD must grieve over how we tend to twist God's Word to suit our own desires.

LORD, have mercy on us...

Over on Recovering Grace, November 21, 2011, "Keeping up With Appearances" sounds like an all too familiar a story of control and manipulation of people~~~ mainly children - children in homes of Christian parents using the LORD's name to spiritually abuse their children of any age as a way of controlling their "holiness". One poignant statement of the writer, Kristiana, concerning the all consuming "job" of making their lives appear to be perfect was: "It was a fragile facade."

Personally knowing people who sound very much like Kristiana's family, I can totally understand this statement. Appearances are everything to people who live by law and not by God's grace, so the facade is always on the edge of falling apart when a least one person is balking at the "rules". It is not an easy life when you are always "in trouble" with the leader.

Bill Gothard's teachings are not the only ones twisting God's Words to suit the leader; all it takes is one person who wants to control and manipulate others who follow them.

The LORD is our God of recovery! We can overcome the pain we have endured or are enduring. Run to Him if you are in pain of any kind. He will be your hiding place of recovery in Him, and you will be able to sing songs of deliverance!

Psalm 32:7
"You are my hiding place; You preserve me from trouble; You surround me with songs of deliverance."

The Beauty of Grace

2011-11-21T15:01:00.000-06:00

From Joni's Devotional, Diamonds in the Dust, April 17:

Ephesians 4:7
"But to each one of us grace has been given as Christ apportioned it."

Grace is what beauty looks like when it moves. God's grace is what He looks like when He moves, acting out His will through us.

Those on whom God's grace rests are truly...gracious. They are truly beautiful. The cerebral-palsied young man who smiles despite a dreay existence in a nursing home. The elderly woman who always seems to think of others rather than her aches and pains. The mother of two toddlers who is happy to baby-sit the neighbor's little boy. The pastor and his wife who take in a homeless couple for a week while they look for lodging. These people shine with a hint of glory. They shine because of God's grace.

Grace is God's energy, all bright, beautiful, and full of power. And grace is most beautiful when God is moving through us to touch the lives of others who hurt.

Grace binds you with far stronger cords
than the cords of duty or obligation can bind you.
Grace is free, but when once you take it,
you are bound forever to the Giver and bound to
catch the spirit of the Giver. Like produces like.
Grace makes you gracious, the Giver makes you give."
E. Stanley Jones: Draper, Edythe, Draper's Book of Quotations for the Christain World, Tyndale House Pub., Inc., Wheaton, Ill., 1992, p. 282.

Do you desire to be gracious? Christ apportions grace. First, a small measure in accordance with your faith, which may be small. But then, like morning sun dawning, your faith grows and grace fills you with its full and excellent brightness.

God of grace, I long to be beautiful in You, I long to be gracious to others. May Your beauty shine through me today as I move in Your will.

Who's the lucky one??

2011-11-19T14:21:00.003-06:00

PEANUTS
by Charles Schultz

Although I will agree with Snoopy that he is lucky,
biblically we are the ones who are more than lucky!
We are so blessed to have the opportunity to choose
to trust in the One and Only Almighty God who is full
of love and compassion for His people that He would
send His only Son to be our sacrifice for our sins.

The LORD is not only compassionate for us one time, but
for all the times we sin and come to Him in repentance.
Praise the LORD, O my soul!

Psalm 103
"Praise the LORD, O my soul;
all my inmost being, praise His holy name.
Praise the LORD, O my soul,
and forget not all His Benefits---
who forgives all your sins and heals all your diseases,
who redeems your life from the pit
and crowns you with love and compassion,
who satisfies your desires with good things
so that your youth is renewed like the eagle's.

The LORD works righteousness
and justice for all the oppressed.

He made known His ways to Moses,
His deeds to the people of Israel:

The LORD is compassionate and gracious,
slow to anger, abounding in love.
He will not always accuse,
nor will He harbor His anger forever;
He does not treat us as our sins deserve
or repay us according to our iniquities.
For as high as the heavens are above the earth,
so great is His love for those who fear Him;
as far as the east is from the west,
so far has He removed our transgressions from us.

As a father has compassion on his children,
so the LORD has compassion on those who fear Him;
for He knows how we are formed,
He remembers that we are dust.

As for man, his days are like grass,
he flourishes like a flower of the field;
the wind blows over it and it is gone,
and its place remembers it no more.

But from everlasting to everlasting
the LORD's love is with those who fear Him,
and His righteousness with their children's children---
with those who keep His covenant
and remember to obey His precepts.

The LORD has established His throne in heaven,
and His kingdom rules over all.

Praise the LORD, you His angels,
you mighty ones who do His bidding,
who obey His word.
Praise the LORD, all His heavenly hosts,
you His servants who do His will.
Praise the LORD, all His works everywhere in His dominion.
Praise the LORD, O my soul."

2011-11-14T19:11:00.000-06:00

Peanuts

by Charles Schultz

Made in America!

2011-11-14T19:03:00.000-06:00

I was out cleaning our heated bird bath early this morning. It was decades ago when we began heating the water for the birds all winter. It has been well worth it for the joy of seeing them come and use it and then visit our feeders.

Our temperatures have gone up to the 50's during the day again. The wind yesterday blew all of our leaves somewhere so the lawn is green. As I walked outside to clean the bath I was enjoying the crisp air and the green yard when I saw it.

A real live, made in America Ladybug. You know the ones. The tiny red oval with black spots that used to be so plentiful here and now we rarely see them. I actually do not know if they originated from America, and I do not know the "why" of where they have gone. Is it because of pesticides? The invasion of the bigger, "bitey", orange Asian “ladybug”?, or some other reason?

All I know is that little red ladybug gave me such joy this morning. It was the Joy of the LORD that was bursting out of me! After a tough week of capturing my thoughts to Him and struggling with "life," He has continued to shower me with His mercies, and this little bug was one of His mercies.

Praising the LORD with you for His creation!

Praising the LORD with you for His continual mercies!

Psalm 146:1-2
"Praise the LORD! Praise the LORD, O my soul! I will praise the LORD while I live; I will sing praises to my God while I have my being."

A Real Man vs a Boy

2011-11-14T12:14:00.000-06:00

This statement speaks volumes.

Dear women, be encouraged to wait for a gentleman, counsel other women to wait for a gentleman, counsel your daughters and granddaughters to wait for a gentleman.

If you are married to a boy then draw near to God every moment of every day and pray. Let God do the work in that boy. He is the One and Only who can do far more than we can imagine.

Ephesians 3:20-21
"Now to Him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to His power that is at work within us, to Him be the glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen."

Your job is to glorify the LORD. You can not make your boy choose to be a man.

You can glorify God, live for Him, and do next things for Him while you pray and give your boy to God.

1Peter 3:1-6
"...they (husbands) may be won over without words by the behavior of their wives...your beauty should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God's sight..."

1 Corinthians 13 for Real

2011-11-12T17:19:00.000-06:00

Please enjoy this incredible post from November 9, 2011 by A Gentle Mother.

If I could only be like her

I was inspired to write the following article after a struggle I had had in my own life. The Lord brought a woman into my life whom I quickly began to place in a higher place and thus began the compare game. Thankfully it did not go on for long and the Lord dealt ever so gently with my heart. This woman is now one of the best friends I have ever had!! The Lord has used her in my life to help me through intense healing that needed to take place in my life. I am thankful Iwas able to go from “If I could only be like her” to “I look forward to walking this life together and helping eachother grow in the Lord!”

We all know her. She is the woman who has it all together. She has the love of 1 Corinthians 13 down pat and she never falters. She always smiles at her husband and is his constant encouragement. She is gentle and kind and practices unwavering patience with her children.

And when difficult times come? She never doubts or even dares to question the Lord. Her faith stays strong and steady. We can almost bet on it that her home is orderly and constantly peaceful. She never reaches her limit.

And her children!! So polite and helpful are the older ones, and the little ones so obedient and cheerful! Her husband adores her and is never cross at her. He must make a sufficient living, too, so they never go without.

We think about her, watch her and are amazed, but after a while of doing so we grow discouraged. “I can never be like her,” we say. “What is wrong with me to be lacking all of that in my life?” We compare. We grow frustrated and we may even begin to judge her. We may even go as far as deciding we do not like “little miss perfect”. Yes, jealousy is usually the root that begins to grow deep in this soil here.

But what if…just what if she was able to ask us if she could come off of the pedestal, please. Afterall, she did not place herself there, we did. What if she could tell us that she does not have it all together and though she does long to live 1 Corinthians 13 out in every area of her life, she will never perfect it this side of Heaven. She will not stop trying, but she grows discouraged too.

What if we knew she scowled at her husband this morning, after her short night’s sleep and hardly feels strong enough to encourage him to face his giants for the day. She is not always gentle, does not always want to be kind and her patience does run thinner than thin at times, just as our own.

When difficult times come, she is not exempt from the grief process that the rest of us feel. She trusts, but she struggles.

Order and peace do not always reign. She strives for this, but does not always succeed, and she wants to be free in us knowing this.

Her children are not perfect and she wants us to be fair in allowing them to be as they are, where they are at, without any pressures to perform.

Sometimes her husband’s smile fades and caves under intense pressures. Sometimes he struggles to provide.

She really wants us to know these things. She doesn’t want us to long to be like her, but to love her and to walk this life’s journey beside her. She wants us to know she does try. She does CHOOSE God’s strength and His joy, but none of it comes easily.

She doesn’t want to be put up in a higher place in view of others, or to be compared with others any more than we would.

And who knows? Who knows that if we can let all of this go we might just find the friend we were always waiting for.

The simple gift of a little emerald, green bottle.

2011-11-09T10:33:00.001-06:00

It was a beautiful spring day in town at a friend's home. We were just a few moms who educated at home with our children for a time together. The others had mostly boys with my son being the oldest. He enjoyed these times with all the guys and they enjoyed him as they looked up to him. It was a joy to see and hear their fun throughout that morning.

Although this was in town, it was an old neighborhood and the backyard connected to a big park. Soon enough all the boys were bustling around the house eating snacks before they headed out to the wide open spaces of the park. This filled the morning and soon enough it was time to go home. As the boys straggled in we smiled at their sweaty, dirty bodies and were thankful for their fellowship time.

After all the "good-byes" my son came over to me before we got into the car. He showed me the treasures he had found in the stream where the boys played. An old Coke bottle and a very small bottle with a tiny, stream pebble caught in it for all time. I congratulated him for his find. He told me that they were both for me and then with his big, beautiful smile he said he had saved the best for last.

He then opened his hand and passed me his best treasure. It was a little emerald-green bottle. This almost-grown child knew the simple joys of his mother, and he had blessed me with a priceless gift. It was not only the gift itself, but the thought of how he found it, washed it, and planned to present it to me as his greatest treasure.

I'll never forget that day as it is precious in my memory as I handle this little green bottle this morning. It was only a small, glass Excedrin bottle, but worth more than gold to me. I keep it by my window sill and see it every day. It holds air mostly as the light shines through, but has its moments with tiny forget-me-nots, wood violets, and just yesterday the very last minature rose bud before our first snow today.

Thank you , LORD, for simple gifts.

Psalm 16:5-8
"The LORD is the portion of my inheritance and my cup; You support my lot. The lines have fallen to me in pleasant places; Indeed, my heritage is beautiful to me. I will bless the LORD who has counseled me; Indeed, my mind instructs me in the night. I have set the LORD conintually before me; Because He is at my right hand, I will not be shaken."

Do you love me?

2011-11-07T17:27:00.000-06:00

Something serious to think about:

Love and Marriage by Stan on November 2, 2011

Fiddler on the Roof: Do you love me?

Owney the Postal Dog

2011-11-05T08:44:00.000-05:00

Owney was apparently some sort of terrier mix

Just before the beginning of the last century, Albany was known all around the world. Because of a dog.

Owney was a stray dog who wandered into the Albany, New York, post office in 1888. The clerks let him stay the night, and he fell asleep on a pile of empty mailbags. Owney was attracted to the texture or scent of the mailbags and began to follow them, first onto mail wagons and then onto mail trains. Owney began to ride with the bags on Railway Post Office (RPO) train cars across the state, and then the country. The RPO clerks adopted Owney as their unofficial mascot, marking his travels by placing medals and tags from his stops on his collar.

Owney accumulated so many medals that they started to weigh down his neck. The Postmaster General heard about this problem and ordered a special vest be made so that Owney could wear his medals and still get around.

In 1895, Owney was sent on a trip around the world -- in part via registered mail (classification: "Registered Dog Package") -- and made it back in a little more than four months, a feat which was front page news.

The New York Times described Owney as "[not] a handsome dog, but he has excellent qualities, and is kindly and intelligent."

A childrens book of Owney

July 27, 2011 the U.S. Postal System offered a stamp honoring Owney in a Forever stamp.

Justified by faith!

2011-11-03T10:49:00.000-05:00

Peanuts
by Charles Schultz

We can't help but love Snoopy. Charles Schultz gave us such joy in his using this special dog in his comics.

I know my existence is justified.

1 Peter 2:21
"For you have been called for this purpose, since Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example for you to follow in His steps."

Ephesians 2:10
"For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand so that we would walk in them."

Romans 5:1-5
"Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we also have obtained our introduction by faith into this grace in which we stand; and we exult in hope of the glory of God. And not only this, but we also exult in our tribulations, knowing that tribulation brings about perseverance; and perseverance, proven character, and proven character, hope; and hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out within our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us."

Your Special Purpose, 11-1-11, on Winging it by Stan

Resist the devil

2011-11-02T16:32:00.000-05:00

Life is tough, but do not lose heart in doing next things for Him.

Galations 6:9
"Let us not lose heart in doing good, for in due time we will reap if we do not grow weary."

1 Peter 5:6-9
"...But resist the devil, firm in your faith, knowing that the same experiences of suffering are being accomplished by your brethren who are in the world."

The LORD sees you. He hears you. You have not been forgotten. Stay your course, always seeking His face! Glorify God!

Lovingkindnesses and Compassions

2011-11-02T16:13:00.001-05:00

"The LORD's lovingkindnesses
indeed never cease,
For His compassions
never fail."
Lamentations 3:22

Can you fathom this?

I keep thinking and thinking on this scripture and it boggles my mind. As Christians we can show lovingkindnessses and we can show great compassions, but in our humanness we fail. If we have been hurt or betrayed, it can be very difficult to forgive, much less show compassion or lovingkindness.

But God---

He can do this. We can commit terrible sins and finally come to Him in repentance. He is able to truly forgive us and then He promises to remember our sins no more, never bringing them up to us again. He can then shower us with His grace and mercy so He is able to show great compassions and lovingkindnesses without begrudging us.

Gentle ladies, let's be open to learn from our great teacher, the LORD God Almighty, so we can be molded into His image in the opportunities we have to show forgiveness, lovingkindness, and compassion. In this we will glorify God, and even the angels will marvel.

With the LORD you can be the real you.

2011-10-29T11:45:00.000-05:00

Peanuts
by Charles Schultz
With the LORD you
can do all things
because He
strengthens you.
Rely on Him.
He is a shield about you,
He is your glory, and the
One who lifts your head.
Trust Him.
Philippians 4:13
Psalm 3:3

Life is tough!

2011-10-29T11:26:00.000-05:00

God is with you! Shout for joy in the morning!

Life is tough. That is just a fact. All through our fallen time throughout the ages life is just tough. If it isn't tough for you, then praise God and draw near to Him. Tough times will come.

Having a relationship with the LORD already will be your greatest asset. Even so, He will draw you to Himself. Will you allow this? Will you draw closer to Him in the tough times? Will you choose to draw near to Him in the good times?

If you are His child then you are filled with the Holy Spirit who is your teacher, comforter, your guide to drawing near to the LORD. You need only to acquiesce to Him. Written encouragement and comfort is just a page away in the Psalms. Plan some time with Him today and draw nearer to Him. It is the best place to be in the good times and the tough times.

Psalm 30:1-5
"I will extol You, O LORD, for You have lifted me up, and have not let my enemies rejoice over me.
O LORD my God, I cried to You for help and You healed me.
O LORD, You have brought up my soul from Sheol: You have kept me alive, that I would not go down to the pit.
Sing praise to the LORD, you His godly ones, and give thanks to His holy name.
For His anger is but for a moment, His favor is for a lifetime;
Weeping may last for the night, but a shout of joy comes in the morning."

Let's learn to shout for joy in the morning even in the tough times!

Communicaton?

2011-10-27T08:31:00.003-05:00

Sherman's Lagoon by Jim Toomey

Have you been fooled?

2011-10-26T14:17:00.000-05:00

A Confirmed Heretic is on The Watchman's Bagpipes today.

This world is not our home. When "christianity" comes in so many flavors it is a danger that we must keep up on. Don't just go along with what sounds good. Be a Berean!

Acts 17:11 "Now the Bereans were of more noble character than the Thessalonians, for they received the message with great eagerness and examined the Scriptures every day to see if what Paul said was true."

But have you been fooled? If so, then you are not alone!

Don't feel dumb that you listened to falsehood, but instead Glorify God that you have learned the truth! Don't remain in falsehoods. Get in His word and continue to follow Him in truth. The world is watching and when they see you, don't you want them to see the real Jesus?

Galatians 1:6-10 "I am amazed that you are so quickly deserting Him who called you by the grace of Christ, for a different gospel..."

You can be deceived

2011-10-26T14:16:00.000-05:00

"A cult is a group or relationship that presents itself as friendly, caring, loving, and offers to meet needs, but has a hidden agenda to manipulate, exploit, and abuse."
Wellspring Retreat and Resource Center

Any person... any intellect, any Christian, any non-Christain, any age person can be fooled, seduced, brainwashed, and led into a cult, a cult-like group or by a cult-like leader.

We are all susceptible. We must stay on high alert always. This goes for where we go to church, what books, media, and DVDs we watch and listen, but also for our relationships with whom we fellowship.

1 Corinthians 15:33 "Do not be deceived; Bad company corrupts good morals."

Let's keep our eyes and ears open for "red flags" in all things and always, always run to the LORD for His truth!

The Fox

2011-10-26T13:14:00.001-05:00

Thank you, Cherry, for your excellent post On The Write Narrow Path today.

The Fox In Our Midst--Why Children Need Boundaries

For two days, every time we let our dog out she would bark nonstop.  I kept looking to see what she was seeing, but could not find the source of her obvious anxiety.  Because she is not a dog that barks to hear the sound of her own voice, I am always on the alert when she does bark and my God-given “search engine” goes into high gear.

This morning while we were having breakfast, my son saw our yearling heifer, Honey, running.  He started laughing and stated, “That goofy Honey is out their running!”  I, however, did not laugh; as I immediately knew something was wrong.  Although calves and yearlings will occasionally run for the fun of it, expectant heifers do not just burst into “for the fun of it” running routines.   I went to the window and, sure enough, not 200 feet from our barn, Honey had come to a halt and was staring directly at two foxes playing in the field…oops…make that one fox and one favorite cat (Herbie)…and they were definitely NOT playing!  Herbie is not quite a year old and is rather large for his age.  His youth, feline nature, and size tend to make him think he is ten foot long and bullet proof!  Because he is such a large cat, has a dark orange coat, and his tail was fanned out much larger than I ever thought his short hair could manage, I first mistook him for a fox!  He was hunched down facing the fox prepared for a fight.

Just as the realization of the danger Herbie was in struck me, the heifer ran right between the two and stopped.  The fox took a step toward the cat and the heifer lunged toward the fox.  At that point, I was out on the porch ready to take care of business when the fox bolted toward the neighbor’s pasture.  I called Herbie and he ran toward me with more speed and obedience than that which is common to felines!  When he reached me, he leapt into my arms, his entire body trembling, and his tail remained [comically] fanned for a good five minutes.  (I’m sure he is now devastatingly embarrassed as he realizes the spectacle he made of himself.)

This incident has had me thinking all morning about other “foxes” in our midst and those who, due to youth, think they are as sly as those “foxes.”  Fortunately for Herbie, because of where we live and my desire to protect my chickens, ducks, and cats, I have learned to watch carefully for foxes and always investigate the “red flags.”

Sadly, there are too many parents paying no attention whatsoever to the “red flags” indicating that there are foxes “playing” with their children and the children have not the maturity nor wherewithal to understand the dangers that await them.  The God-given parental  “search engine” that alerts a parent to check a situation out, is all to often ignored.

Parents sometimes succumb to peer pressure from other adults who contend that not allowing children “freedom” is to be overprotective and will damage children for life.  Now, I’m not talking about hovering here.  I’m talking about setting healthy boundaries and changing them according to the “fruit” of the child’s life.  It is important to make boundary decisions based on one’s own child rather than what someone else is doing with their child.  Parents of more than one child can attest to the fact that each child they have must be assessed separately when deciding boundaries, as every child’s needs are different.  We should not raise our children as if they were popped out of a cookie cutter.

When seeking counsel on raising children, it is prudent to first consider the outcome of the children belonging to those whose counsel we would seek (remembering, however, that even some of the best parents have had rebellious children because even children have God-given choice) and then determine whether or not another’s suggestions would be applicable to our own children.

Wonderful, Merciful Savior

2011-10-20T15:21:00.004-05:00

As of late I have been greatly ministered to by music. Gentle instrumentals of all styles and also lyrics of Christian hymns and even Christian "yaya" music lyrics.

FYI: Jill's "yaya" music definition: Personally too rowdy and loud for me normally.

Musical talents, writing talents amaze me. What a gift music is.

Thank you, LORD!

Here is today's beautiful gift from Dawn Rogers and Eric Wyse. I will allow you the opportunity to find it to listen:

Wonderful, merciful Savior,
Precious Redeemer and Friend;
Who would have thought that a Lamb could
rescue the souls of the men?

Counselor, Comforter, Keeper,
Spirit, we long to embrace;
You offer hope when our hearts have
hopelessly lost the way.

Almighty, infinite Father,
Faithfully loving Your own;
Here in our weakness You find us
falling before Your throne.

You are the One that we praise,
You are the One we adore;
You give the healing and grace
our hearts always hunger for.

Glory to God! May we be found faithful.

Sins of the MInd

2011-10-19T15:26:00.000-05:00

Every single one of us begin to sin in our minds first. Our minds can be a most dangerous place for us. Don't fool yourself. Capture your thoughts for Him and seek His wisdom.

Check out the whole entry at Eternity Matters, October 19, 2011.

Sins of the Mind

..."the most dangerous sins...there is nothing to keep you accountable to them except your conscience...visible sins are always preceded by sins of the mind"

Jesus said:

Matthew 21-22 "You have heard that it was said to those of old, 'You shall not murder; and whoever murders will be liable to judgement.' But I say to you that everyone who is angry with his brother will be liable to judgement; whoever insults his brother will be liable to the council; and whoever says, 'You fool!' will be liable to the hell of fire."...

Advice in digested form:

Confess
Refuse
Replace
Feed on God's word
Avoid evil
Cultivate the love of God

What is God calling you to do? part 2

2011-10-19T09:59:00.000-05:00

I Refuse

Sometimes I
just want to close my eyes
And act like everyone's all right
When no, they're not

This world needs God
But it's easier to just stand and watch
I could say a prayer and just move on
Like nothing's wrong
But I refuse

Cause I don't want to live like I don't care
I don't want to say another empty prayer

Oh I refuse to
Sit around and wait for someone else
To do what God has called me to do myself
Oh I could choose
Not to move
But I refuse

I can hear the least of these
Crying out so desperately
And I know we are the hands and feet
Of You, O God
So if you say move
It's time for me to follow through
And do what I was made to do
And show them who you are

Cause I don't want to live like I don't care
I don't want to say another empty prayer
Oh I refuse to
Sit around and wait for someone else
To do what God has called me to do myself

Oh I could choose
Not to move
But I refuse
To stand and watch
The weary and lost
Cry out for Him

I refuse
To turn my back
And try and act like all is well

I refuse
To stay unchanged
To wait another day
To doubt myself
I refuse
To make one more excuse
by Josh Wilson

And Jesus said...

..."Truly I say to you, to the extent that you did it to one of these brothers of Mine, even the least of them, you did it to Me." Matthew 25:31-40

As political as I will get

2011-10-17T18:26:00.000-05:00

What is God calling you to do?

2011-10-17T17:57:00.000-05:00

Our lives are full. We have so much to do and not enough time to do it in. In some ways our conveniences have complicated our lives perhaps giving us too much free time which we promptly fill up with other good things to do.

I suggest we routinely think of what occupies our time and make changes for the betterment of our families. As always...I am speaking to myself also.

Besides our busy lives~~~What is God calling you to do?

Let's think of our lives as seasons. When I am a newlywed I am in a different season than when I have 4 children under 8 years old, and then a different season when my children are grown.  Even in each season there can be "sub-seasons".

I do not mean to make this more complicated. If you are a mother with young children you are very busy with them, but sometimes you can fit in much more of the outside world and other times you can not. These are the "sub-seasons".

The reason I bring this up is that I think that of all the good things we are doing in our lives I wonder how much we could choose not to do if we stopped---and looked around our own area, our own neighborhood, and fulfilled what God is actually calling us to do right there.

I am not speaking of taking away from our family times. Your husband and then your children are always to be first.

I am speaking of the good things we become involved with---that are good, but could God be using you and your family in other areas to touch the hearts of individual people?

Is there a lonely older person across the street, a single mother who is overwhelmed,  parents who have lost their adult child, a friend who just doesn't seem the same...I could go on and on.

Sometimes just a visit, a plate of cookies, asking to help weed or mow, sitting while a parent cries, coming alongside a friend who never smiles any more, a phone call, a hand written letter, an email...can be a life saver to a wounded, sad person. You do not have to solve their life problems, but you can be a window through which they can see God.
So many times we do not "see" these wounded people because we are so busy doing other good things.

And so I ask you~~~What is God calling you to do?

While I'm Waiting

2011-10-15T11:09:00.000-05:00

I’m waiting

I'm waiting on You, Lord

And I am hopeful

I'm waiting on You, Lord

Though it is painful

But patiently, I will wait

I will move ahead, bold and confident

Takeing every step in obedience

While I'm waiting

I will serve You

While I'm waiting

I will worship

While I'm waiting

I will not faint

I'll be running the race

Even while I wait

I'm waiting

I'm waiting on You, Lord

And I am peaceful

I'm waiting on You, Lord

Though it's not easy

But faithfully, I will wait

Yes, I will wait

I will serve You while I'm waiting

I will worship while I'm waiting

I will serve You while I'm waiting

I will worship while I'm waiting

I will serve you while I'm waiting

I will worship while I'm waiting on You, Lord

by John Waller

"I waited patiently for the LORD;

And He inclined to me and heard my cry.

He brought me out of the pit of destruction,

out of the miry clay,

And He set my feet upon a rock

making my steps firm.

He put a new song in my mouth,

a song of praise to our God;

Many will see and fear

And will trust in the LORD."

Psalm 40:1-3

Redeemed with the precious blood of Jesus

2011-10-12T11:51:00.000-05:00

The last blog post would not put this scripture on with it so I begin another post today :oD May you be blessed because of my computer's quirks.

"...Knowing that you were not redeemed with perishable things like silver and gold from your futile way of life inherited from your forefathers, but with precious blood, as of a lamb unblemished and spotless, the blood of Christ."
1 Peter 1:18-19

Our Lamb of God who took away the sins of the world is Jesus. (John 1:29)

When you accepted Jesus as your Saviour, your payment for your sins, it was His precious blood in which the Father saw you through. Jesus was our atonement, our covering.

The Father no longer sees us, our filthy rags~~~all our sins, all our works, everything that we may think has merit. (Isaiah 64:6)

When we have Jesus' blood covering us, the Father sees a new creation. Brand new. Clean. Holy through Jesus' holiness.

Your value goes from zero to priceless because of Jesus' precious blood redeeming you. The precious blood of the Lamb of God shed for you.

We can not take this lightly, and we must remember even in our darkest day to what extent Jesus' work on the cross did for us. Even our newest sins do not keep us from our salvation~~~but they sure can point us to Him in a more poignant humbleness as we can truly begin to understand the depths of His sacrifice for us, the depths of His love for us.

Truly we have reason to glorify the LORD every moment. Do this with your lives, dear ladies. Find joy in what you do~~~especially the every day things you do.   Live in a humble, thankful way and even the angels will marvel at how you glorify Him.

What is your Value?

2011-10-12T11:00:00.000-05:00

Gentle women, what have you done?   Can you explain everything you have ever done in your life and not be ashamed?   And with this confession, at least to yourself, can you assess your value?

How can any of us stand up to these questions?

Don't you know that you have been remade? He did this for you and for me!

"This is love; not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent His Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins."
1 John 4:10

You are More by Tenth Ave North

There's a girl in the corner
With tear stains on her eyes
From the places she's wandered
And the shame she can't hide

She says, "How did I get here?
I'm not who I once was.
And I'm crippled by the fear
That I've fallen too far to love"

But don't you know who you are,
What's been done for you?
Yeah don't you know who you are?

You are more than the choices that you've made,
You are more than the sum of your past mistakes,
You are more than the problems you create,
You've been remade.

Well she tries to believe it
That she's been given new life
But she can't shake the feeling
That it's not true tonight

She knows all the answers
And she's rehearsed all the lines
And so she'll try to do better
But then she's too weak to try

But don't you know who you are?

You are more than the choices that you've made,
You are more than the sum of your past mistakes,
You are more than the problems you create,
You've been remade.

You are more than the choices that you've made,
You are more than the sum of your past mistakes,
You are more than the problems you create,
You've been remade.

'Cause this is not about what you've done,
But what's been done for you.
This is not about where you've been,
But where your brokenness brings you to

This is not about what you feel,
But what He felt to forgive you,
And what He felt to make you loved.

You are more than the choices that you've made,
You are more than the sum of your past mistakes,
You are more than the problems you create,
You've been remade.

From the commentary under the You are More utube:
Don't let your past, your wrong decisions, your shortcomings define your worth or who you are, let them be tools in the loving, caring hand of God to refine you. You can always come to God as you are, but believe me- He won't let you stay as you are, He will love you, care for you, heal you, restore you, lead you out into freedom, He will transform you into greater likeness of Christ. Tomorrow is past, today you can bring before God, He will plant in your heart the hope of a better tomorrow.

So what is your value?

If you are His child.....your are priceless!

Jesus' precious blood covers you!

SAFE

2011-10-09T15:14:00.000-05:00

by Phil Wickham

To the one who's dreams are falling all apart
And all you're left with is a tired and broken heart
I can tell by your eyes you think your on your own
but you're not all alone

Have you heard of the One who can calm the raging seas
Give sight to the blind, pull the lame up to their feet
With a love so strong he'll never let you go
oh you're not alone

You will be safe in His arms
You will be safe in His arms
'Cause the hands that hold the world are holding your heart
This is the promise He made
He will be with You always
When everything is falling apart
You will be safe in His arms

Did you know that the voice that brings the dead to life
Is the very same voice that calls you to rise
So hear Him now He's calling you home
You will never be alone

These are the hands that built the mountains
the hands that calm the seas

These are the arms that hold the heavens
they are holding you and me

These are hands that healed the leper
Pulled the lame up to their feet
These are the arms that were nailed to a cross
to break our chains and set us free

Don't give up, dear ones! You are safe in Him!

I will choose to listen and believe the Voice of Truth

2011-10-07T15:55:00.000-05:00

Voice of Truth
by John Mark Hall and Steven Curtis Chapman

This song has ministered to me more times than I could ever count.

Lies can fill your head. People can lie and lie and lie to you and this fills your head.

You can know what the truth is, but they have lied so much and so long and loud that your head is so full of lies that the truth is muffled. The truth is muted. The truth is morfed into not the truth any more.

But the Voice of Truth! God is Truth! He will tell you the Truth!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Oh what I would do to have
The kind of faith it takes to climb out of this boat I'm in
Onto the crashing waves

To step out of my comfort zone
To the realm of the unknown where Jesus is
And He's holding out his hand

But the waves are calling out my name and they laugh at me
Reminding me of all the times I've tried before and failed
The waves they keep telling me
Time and time again, 'Boy, you'll never win!'
"You'll never win"

But the voice of truth tells me a different story
And the voice of truth says "Do not be afraid!"
And the voice of truth says "This is for My glory"
Out of all the voices calling out to me
I will choose to listen and believe the voice of truth

Oh what I would do to have
The kind of strength it takes to stand before a giant
With just a sling and a stone
Surrounded by the sound of a thousand warriors
Shaking in their armor
Wishing they'd have had the strength to stand

But the giant's calling out my name and he laughs at me
Reminding me of all the times I've tried before and failed
The giant keeps on telling me
Time and time again "boy, you'll never win!"
"You'll never win"

But the voice of truth tells me a different story
And the voice of truth says "Do not be afraid!"
And the voice of truth says "This is for My glory"
Out of all the voices calling out to me
I will choose to listen and believe the voice of truth

But the stone was just the right size
To put the giant on the ground
And the waves they don't seem so high
From on top of them looking down
I will soar with the wings of eagles
When I stop and listen to the sound of Jesus
Singing over me...

...Out of all the voices calling out to me
I will choose to listen and believe
I will listen and believe the voice of truth...

...I will listen and believe
Cause Jesus You are the Voice of Truth.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

"Do you not know?
Have you not heard?
The Everlasting God,
the LORD,
the Creator of the ends of the earth
does not become weary or tired.
His understanding is inscrutable.
He gives strength to the weary,
and to him who lacks might He increases power.
Though youths grow weary and tired,
and vigorous young men stumble badly,
Yet those who wait for the LORD
Will gain new strength;
They will mount up with wings like eagles,
They will run and not get tired,
They will walk and not become weary."
Isaiah 40:28-31

All because of God :oD

2011-10-06T15:35:00.000-05:00

Your Name
by Paul Baloche

As morning dawns and evening fades
You inspire songs of praise
That rise from earth to touch Your heart and glorify Your Name

Your Name is a strong and mighty tower
Your Name is a shelter like no other
Your Name, let the nations sing it louder
'Cause nothing has the power to save
But Your Name

Jesus, in Your Name we pray
Come and fill our hearts today
Lord, give us strength to live for You and glorify Your Name