Good morning - Just a short hello and check in. This past weekend in my very own town we had a youth event on Saturday called Break Free at the Children's Home and then had youth Sunday at our church. IT WAS FABO!! We had the incredibly awesome Ryan Warren speaking and what a mark he has left on my church! He touched us all through the Word that we have not moved in a long time!!! even to tears!!
I have been off all media, except for a few emergencies, since the middle of March. It has been wonderfully freeing. But after some prompting from some friends and loved ones AND the granted permission from the Lord, I am coming back to the blog. I am so glad to be coming back to this. After I have my time with the Lord in the morning, I need a place to let it out or allow it to become real for me and that is done most effectively through writing it out or speaking it through...........on this blog! (I still am not sure when FB or Twitter will come back, but thanks for asking.) So here we go!
Heavenly Father - thank you again for the wonderful message we received on Sunday through Ryan. He preached from Acts 2, verses 42ff.
42And(A) they devoted themselves to the apostles’(B) teaching and the(C) fellowship, to(D) the breaking of bread and the prayers. 43And awe[a] came upon every soul, and(E) many wonders and signs were being done through the apostles.
God, I am no different than the average bear. I long to see amazing things in this world that You are part of. I want to see signs and wonders. I don't want to miss it. I want to be there where the action is. I want to stand in awe when I see your wonders preformed. I can honestly say that I don't desire every time to be part of the wonders and signs, but I just want to be there.
But before I go any further I recognize I must have on eyes that work like Yours. These miraculous things that are done through Your hands may not be what the world is looking for. These wonders may be a friend coming to church for the first time. A stranger opening up themselves to a sweet conversation about YOU! A wonder can be the very power within me allowing me to walk away from cookies - that is a wonder folks - huge!! I recognize that I must see things through Your perspective.
But the bottom line here is that there must be devotion. Yes, there may be a few times that You allow me to see things during a spiritual drought. The purpose may be to bring me out of that drought. But most of time according to this scripture I will see signs and wonders - like 3000 getting saved in one day- because I am devoted to the cause - knowing my Lord Jesus Christ.
Being devoted, committed, sold out, on fire, lit up, freakish for Him - will give me the perspective to see sign and wonders. It will give me the opportunity to discern the Heavenly things here on earth. It will close my earthly eyes and allow me to see through His. But only after there is devotion!!!
Too many times I do not want to work hard. Too many times I just want to sit back and coast. Too many times I want to take the "spiritual" excuse of "I'm just waiting on God". That is hogwash!!! Devotion happens everyday when we meet with Him personally - that private devotion!!!
Oh Jesus - it is so good to hear from You in this incredible and wonderful way. I thank you for the powerful way you spoke through my new friend Ryan! He really rocked so many of us!!! I ask that you bless he and Katie in incredible ways. I have never met Katie, but after the way Ryan spoke so highly of her so often, I pray for that gift. Jesus, I want devotion - I want YOU!!! Jesus, help me to be faithfully on fire!!! I want to see and be part of your movement, signs, and wonders!!! I love you - amen!
Showing posts with label Acts. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Acts. Show all posts
Tuesday, May 24, 2011
Wednesday, December 29, 2010
920 - Dont Stop Till You've Breathed Your Last
This vlog was made back in the summer -- July I do believe. But I have had computer trouble and haven't been able to publish it until now. I am thankful for my Mac friend that has cleaned up my computer and fixed a few things!
So here you go - enjoy!!! Not very dynamic cuz i didn't want the kids to wake up, but still good message!!
So here you go - enjoy!!! Not very dynamic cuz i didn't want the kids to wake up, but still good message!!
Tuesday, November 30, 2010
918 - Life is good??? Really???
Why is it that as we sit around a table and discuss how life it tough, things are not a piece of cake, hardships will come, etc..., but when it actually happens we then tell each other that this is not the way it is suppose to be? I have done it and actually I will probably do it again, sadly.
The fact is that I have no guts. When I sit across the table from someone that is going through some really tough stuff I don't have the guts to tell them that yes God might have planned this for their life. If He didn't plan it then He allowed it to happen. Nothing goes through His hands that He doesn't filter. I don't know for sure, but if I believe in His sovereignty, then that should be what I ultimately believe. He allows.
And why no guts - for some reason or really 2 reasons I can think of right this very second - 5:44am - I find myself too often by the words coming out of my mouth or by my actions obviously not believing God for who He is or Believe Him for what He says He can do. The other reason is that I feel a responsibility to make the Lord look good or as if He needs help so that the person will not be mad at Him or blame Him. UGH - therefore I have seen myself or heard others too making excuses for why they are going through something. Trying to help the situation or trying to not allow the Lord to look bad!
God's will for our lives comes in so many forms. By that I mean, we have according to the scripture His plan for our lives - "plans for hope, not to harm" Jer. 29:11 and various other scriptures. But that doesn't mean easy and great! It doesn't mean it won't be hard. "We must go through many hardships to enter the Kingdom of Heaven." Acts 14:22 We just have to more aware of the what we tell people. I do!! I have to have the guts to allow the Lord to work in and through someone or their situation. He will always come out beautiful and doesn't need my help!
And then there is the whole situation of consequences of sin. It can get ugly, the sin and the consequences. Hardships certainly can have a direct correlation to sin in our lives. Now that is really, really hard to sit across the table and be honest about. Or worse, look yourself in the mirror and say that there is a huge indication that I made this bed and now I have to lie in it. yikes!!!
The bottom line for me when I am going through a hardship or trial or whatever you want to call it - I must be on my face before the Lord and seek Him. I must be in the Word to receive a word of correction. I know my Lord to be a God of redemption and reconciliation. He wants me to be in right standing with Him, but there are times that after the forgive is sought and received I still have to go through a hardship so that possibly I will remember and never act that way again. (I am a hard learner though.) Even the smallest of my sins deserve death - consequences as hard as it may be is still grace because I still deserve death. "For the wages of sin is death..." Romans 6:23
Life is so tough, but He really is so good. Isn't it interesting that we buy all the Life is good stuff, myself included, but none of us really believe it..... He is good. He is really, really good! Praise You Lord!
The fact is that I have no guts. When I sit across the table from someone that is going through some really tough stuff I don't have the guts to tell them that yes God might have planned this for their life. If He didn't plan it then He allowed it to happen. Nothing goes through His hands that He doesn't filter. I don't know for sure, but if I believe in His sovereignty, then that should be what I ultimately believe. He allows.
And why no guts - for some reason or really 2 reasons I can think of right this very second - 5:44am - I find myself too often by the words coming out of my mouth or by my actions obviously not believing God for who He is or Believe Him for what He says He can do. The other reason is that I feel a responsibility to make the Lord look good or as if He needs help so that the person will not be mad at Him or blame Him. UGH - therefore I have seen myself or heard others too making excuses for why they are going through something. Trying to help the situation or trying to not allow the Lord to look bad!
THE LORD CAN NOT LOOK BAD! HE NEEDS NO HELP!
HE CAN HANDLE OUR ACCUSATIONS! HE IS SECURE!
God's will for our lives comes in so many forms. By that I mean, we have according to the scripture His plan for our lives - "plans for hope, not to harm" Jer. 29:11 and various other scriptures. But that doesn't mean easy and great! It doesn't mean it won't be hard. "We must go through many hardships to enter the Kingdom of Heaven." Acts 14:22 We just have to more aware of the what we tell people. I do!! I have to have the guts to allow the Lord to work in and through someone or their situation. He will always come out beautiful and doesn't need my help!
And then there is the whole situation of consequences of sin. It can get ugly, the sin and the consequences. Hardships certainly can have a direct correlation to sin in our lives. Now that is really, really hard to sit across the table and be honest about. Or worse, look yourself in the mirror and say that there is a huge indication that I made this bed and now I have to lie in it. yikes!!!
The bottom line for me when I am going through a hardship or trial or whatever you want to call it - I must be on my face before the Lord and seek Him. I must be in the Word to receive a word of correction. I know my Lord to be a God of redemption and reconciliation. He wants me to be in right standing with Him, but there are times that after the forgive is sought and received I still have to go through a hardship so that possibly I will remember and never act that way again. (I am a hard learner though.) Even the smallest of my sins deserve death - consequences as hard as it may be is still grace because I still deserve death. "For the wages of sin is death..." Romans 6:23
Life is so tough, but He really is so good. Isn't it interesting that we buy all the Life is good stuff, myself included, but none of us really believe it..... He is good. He is really, really good! Praise You Lord!
Wednesday, November 24, 2010
916 - Rescue doesn't always mean you won't feel pain!
I learned something really cool this morning in my QT and something that speaks preciousness and peace to my heart!! Praise you Lord!!
I was reading in Acts 14 the actual account of Paul being stoned, once again and living to tell, in Lystra. This was Timothy's hometown. They were praising him for one second and then all of a sudden they changed on him and drugged him out of the city left for dead. But like a cat, Paul has at least 900 lives. ha
In 2 Timothy 3 Paul is discussing this incident and a few others and how the Lord rescued him. Verse 11 at the very end says, "Yet the Lord rescued me from all of them." That rescued right there in tail end of the verse according to my commentary means to "to draw or snatch from danger". But it gets cooler - hang with me!!
Sometimes when someone like a ref "rescues" a wrestler from certain death or more pain or at least defeat, or even an animal in a real fight, they are pulled them from the danger and possibly left to mend. The wounded will either get right back in the fight and get after it again or will just be left to recover.
BUT - this is awesome!!! You ready - here is comes!!!
This rescued means to "draw to oneself than merely rescuing from someone or something". Did you get that? This is saying that in the midst of Paul's many beatings it had been made known to Him that Christ was not just rescuing him from the danger, but drawing Him in to Christ.
I like to think of it as the daddy that is teaching the little girl to ride a bike. He knows what is going to happen, probably a little pain before she "gets it". As he trains and trains her to do it right there are many times he has to sit back and watch the fall. After each fall he not only rescues her by picking her up, dusting her off, and encouraging her to ride again, but he draws her to himself, loving on her and making her feel safe and confident to try it again!
Don't you just love that! He is not only rescuing us, but drawing us to Him all the time. I love that!
I think it is interesting that Paul was aware enough to know his rescuing always came, but sometimes it was before the pain and sometimes after the pain!!! He always received that Holy hug we so desire!!
Oh Jesus - thank you for your Word!! Thank you for the rescue! Thank you for the love and encouragement!! I know of many, many times you have rescued me!! Most of the time it is from myself!!! I am my worst enemy!! I thank you and praise You for your presence in my life! I want to be more aware of your working in my life!!! I feel like I am spinning my wheels. Lord, you know I so desire a mentor in ministry!!! God - would you please send that my way!! I love you - Leigh
I was reading in Acts 14 the actual account of Paul being stoned, once again and living to tell, in Lystra. This was Timothy's hometown. They were praising him for one second and then all of a sudden they changed on him and drugged him out of the city left for dead. But like a cat, Paul has at least 900 lives. ha
In 2 Timothy 3 Paul is discussing this incident and a few others and how the Lord rescued him. Verse 11 at the very end says, "Yet the Lord rescued me from all of them." That rescued right there in tail end of the verse according to my commentary means to "to draw or snatch from danger". But it gets cooler - hang with me!!
Sometimes when someone like a ref "rescues" a wrestler from certain death or more pain or at least defeat, or even an animal in a real fight, they are pulled them from the danger and possibly left to mend. The wounded will either get right back in the fight and get after it again or will just be left to recover.
BUT - this is awesome!!! You ready - here is comes!!!
This rescued means to "draw to oneself than merely rescuing from someone or something". Did you get that? This is saying that in the midst of Paul's many beatings it had been made known to Him that Christ was not just rescuing him from the danger, but drawing Him in to Christ.
I like to think of it as the daddy that is teaching the little girl to ride a bike. He knows what is going to happen, probably a little pain before she "gets it". As he trains and trains her to do it right there are many times he has to sit back and watch the fall. After each fall he not only rescues her by picking her up, dusting her off, and encouraging her to ride again, but he draws her to himself, loving on her and making her feel safe and confident to try it again!
Don't you just love that! He is not only rescuing us, but drawing us to Him all the time. I love that!
I think it is interesting that Paul was aware enough to know his rescuing always came, but sometimes it was before the pain and sometimes after the pain!!! He always received that Holy hug we so desire!!
Oh Jesus - thank you for your Word!! Thank you for the rescue! Thank you for the love and encouragement!! I know of many, many times you have rescued me!! Most of the time it is from myself!!! I am my worst enemy!! I thank you and praise You for your presence in my life! I want to be more aware of your working in my life!!! I feel like I am spinning my wheels. Lord, you know I so desire a mentor in ministry!!! God - would you please send that my way!! I love you - Leigh
Monday, November 22, 2010
915 - R U ready?
Good morning - got a busy day and a busy week. Definitely having ankle surgery on Dec. 8 and so I will not be walking like a real person for at least 6 weeks. That means I must get some Christmas shopping done NOW!!! But you know that really is OK - I like to get it all done and then relax!
Today Clay and I are heading over to Evansville. He has a check up and I just thought I would tag along. Makes me think of an older couple in retirement that goes too all their appointments together. The future is so bright - i really do look forward to those days.
I spoke in Kenton, Tn. this weekend and had a blast. I was able to take my 2 littlest with me. They were wonderful. We laughed and giggled so much!! I love hanging out with them! I want them to better understand what I do and feel more secure in knowing this is what God has called mommy to!
This event was not just bathed in prayer, it was smothered!!! It was so wonderful!! There was a group of young girls there as part of a signing team - INCREDIBLE!!!! I loved having youth in the audience!! But they were so awesome!!! I hope to bring them to Illinois!!
This morning God reminded me of being ready!! Acts 14:1 "...There they spoke so effectively that a great number of Jews and Gentiles believed!" This past weekend I said something while i was speaking that was incorrect. It was a terrible mistake and all was corrected, but it really "shook" me to the core!!! One of the very reason I would walk away from speaking, even if it were disobedient, is the fear of portraying the Lord incorrectly or His Word in not a truthful manner! It scares me greatly!!
I want and long to be an effective speaker! I want to display the Word for the Truth and have His name made famous. I want to bring glory to Him and speak in such a way that others are drawn to Him. I want people to see Jesus working through me and His power made known! I want to be ready and so effective that whether it is a planned engagement or a personal "street" encounter that He is made known! PERIOD!!!
But to be ready and effective - you must prepare - I must prepare!! And most of that preparing is on my knees through prayers!!!
God, thank you for your grace. Thank you for the women that delivered grace and mercy to me that day when i spoke incorrectly! Thank you for the one that showed my err. Thank you for helping me and training me to be more effective!!! Jesus, I want to do whatever and be available whenever!!! Oh but Lord, help me to be effective in such a way that they BELIEVE!!!!! I love you - amen!
Today Clay and I are heading over to Evansville. He has a check up and I just thought I would tag along. Makes me think of an older couple in retirement that goes too all their appointments together. The future is so bright - i really do look forward to those days.
I spoke in Kenton, Tn. this weekend and had a blast. I was able to take my 2 littlest with me. They were wonderful. We laughed and giggled so much!! I love hanging out with them! I want them to better understand what I do and feel more secure in knowing this is what God has called mommy to!
This event was not just bathed in prayer, it was smothered!!! It was so wonderful!! There was a group of young girls there as part of a signing team - INCREDIBLE!!!! I loved having youth in the audience!! But they were so awesome!!! I hope to bring them to Illinois!!
This morning God reminded me of being ready!! Acts 14:1 "...There they spoke so effectively that a great number of Jews and Gentiles believed!" This past weekend I said something while i was speaking that was incorrect. It was a terrible mistake and all was corrected, but it really "shook" me to the core!!! One of the very reason I would walk away from speaking, even if it were disobedient, is the fear of portraying the Lord incorrectly or His Word in not a truthful manner! It scares me greatly!!
I want and long to be an effective speaker! I want to display the Word for the Truth and have His name made famous. I want to bring glory to Him and speak in such a way that others are drawn to Him. I want people to see Jesus working through me and His power made known! I want to be ready and so effective that whether it is a planned engagement or a personal "street" encounter that He is made known! PERIOD!!!
But to be ready and effective - you must prepare - I must prepare!! And most of that preparing is on my knees through prayers!!!
God, thank you for your grace. Thank you for the women that delivered grace and mercy to me that day when i spoke incorrectly! Thank you for the one that showed my err. Thank you for helping me and training me to be more effective!!! Jesus, I want to do whatever and be available whenever!!! Oh but Lord, help me to be effective in such a way that they BELIEVE!!!!! I love you - amen!
Monday, October 18, 2010
910 - Prejudices - do they still occur?
Do you ever wonder if you are prejudice? If you ever look at a certain people as less than you? This does not even have to do with skin color, but possibly labeled in another way - adulterer, addict, divorced, poor, etc... When I just think off the top of my head I tend to lean toward the side that I don't possess any prejudices. But then in the moment I can see where they do pop up and oh how ugly they are!
This past week had to have been one of the greatest weeks in my life. The Dorbor family from Liberia stayed a week at my house. They are an extremely poor, God fearing, gracious, beautiful black family. They are here for their daughter will have surgery on Thursday to put her intestine back into her abdomen properly. Speaking Thru Me Ministries has been "in charge" of this adventure and extremely blessed through it all.
In Acts 10:9-28 we find our man Peter confronted with his own prejudices. God gave him a vision to help dispel his thoughts toward "betterness", if you will, and at first he did not oblige. God was revealing to Him that the Gospel is for the Jew and Gentile. Yes, he was called to minister to the Jew, but it was very much for the Gentile as well. God broke through to him in a profound vision and the use of another man - all of great faith to know where to go without reason and to know to believe and not cast away as just a silly dream!! (Read the scripture and you will know what I mean.) Peter was won over by the love of the Lord penetrating his heart and obedience! Love and obedience are a winning combination!
The Dorbor family said over and over, "My black people will not accept my Baby Grace. They want us to throw her away because she is not perfect. But your white people love on her and accept her. It is so strange to me."
That was such an encouraging thing to hear and made me so proud of "my" people! We are not always that way, are we? I wonder how they would have been received if they had no sick baby. Or what if they were not the poor of the poor that caused ones heart to feel so much sorrow? What if they were wealthy and all well? Hmmm?
I have to say and believe with all my heart that even in Carmi they would have still found much love and acceptance. A town I have heard from various other towns characterized as snobby and to themselves has totally blown their cover! Carmi took in this sweet family as their own and came out of the woodwork to love and receive them into their lives. Each family did differently for the Dorbors, but it was always with much grace and mercy and love! I am forever indebted!
All hours of the night and day would families stop by to see the faith staying with me leaving gifts, money, and supplies! Stopping by to bless them and leaving with a heart full of blessings! Dorbors are a family so aware of where they come from and totally fine and grateful for the Lord leading them into a life of suffering! It amazed us all. I WILL NEVER be the same!
I ask that you all check your heart for prejudices - I certainly have mine. We all need the Lord and He wants us to all love unconditionally. Please be in prayer for the family especially on Thursday as Baby Grace goes in for what I am believing will be her last surgery!
Oh Lord - may I never be the same. I have so few words to pray as my heart cant find words right now. I never thought I could consider adoption in fear of not being able to love one as my own. Baby Grace showed me this was not true. I don't feel the call to adopt, but I do know that I could! Jesus, I am full!
This past week had to have been one of the greatest weeks in my life. The Dorbor family from Liberia stayed a week at my house. They are an extremely poor, God fearing, gracious, beautiful black family. They are here for their daughter will have surgery on Thursday to put her intestine back into her abdomen properly. Speaking Thru Me Ministries has been "in charge" of this adventure and extremely blessed through it all.
In Acts 10:9-28 we find our man Peter confronted with his own prejudices. God gave him a vision to help dispel his thoughts toward "betterness", if you will, and at first he did not oblige. God was revealing to Him that the Gospel is for the Jew and Gentile. Yes, he was called to minister to the Jew, but it was very much for the Gentile as well. God broke through to him in a profound vision and the use of another man - all of great faith to know where to go without reason and to know to believe and not cast away as just a silly dream!! (Read the scripture and you will know what I mean.) Peter was won over by the love of the Lord penetrating his heart and obedience! Love and obedience are a winning combination!
The Dorbor family said over and over, "My black people will not accept my Baby Grace. They want us to throw her away because she is not perfect. But your white people love on her and accept her. It is so strange to me."
That was such an encouraging thing to hear and made me so proud of "my" people! We are not always that way, are we? I wonder how they would have been received if they had no sick baby. Or what if they were not the poor of the poor that caused ones heart to feel so much sorrow? What if they were wealthy and all well? Hmmm?
I have to say and believe with all my heart that even in Carmi they would have still found much love and acceptance. A town I have heard from various other towns characterized as snobby and to themselves has totally blown their cover! Carmi took in this sweet family as their own and came out of the woodwork to love and receive them into their lives. Each family did differently for the Dorbors, but it was always with much grace and mercy and love! I am forever indebted!
All hours of the night and day would families stop by to see the faith staying with me leaving gifts, money, and supplies! Stopping by to bless them and leaving with a heart full of blessings! Dorbors are a family so aware of where they come from and totally fine and grateful for the Lord leading them into a life of suffering! It amazed us all. I WILL NEVER be the same!
I ask that you all check your heart for prejudices - I certainly have mine. We all need the Lord and He wants us to all love unconditionally. Please be in prayer for the family especially on Thursday as Baby Grace goes in for what I am believing will be her last surgery!
Oh Lord - may I never be the same. I have so few words to pray as my heart cant find words right now. I never thought I could consider adoption in fear of not being able to love one as my own. Baby Grace showed me this was not true. I don't feel the call to adopt, but I do know that I could! Jesus, I am full!
Tuesday, September 28, 2010
907 - Gargamel, from the Smurfs, doesn't want you to be energized by his unbelieving belief!
Oh Lord, what an exciting yesterday. Both the boys and girls teams of Carmi Middle School are going to state!! Our girls, which actually have a chance at winning state, won their final game yesterday pretty easily. There are so many awesome rockstars on that team it is incredible! I love to watch them play! Great group of girls too!
Our boys were not favored to win. We really were not predicted to even get this far. They are real young - all the infield are 7th graders except our catcher/pitcher - just depends on where he is playing! But that one 8th grader, Tyson, pitched an incredibly awesome game. Even though they were hitting us, we took our turn and hit them as well. It was so tensely exciting! Had one good inning and jumped ahead with a 7 run lead, but then they came back. Finally we jumped ahead again! For the final inning they about made me throw up by putting my son in as pitcher. He doesn't throw near as hard as Tyson, is a lefty, and his ball has lots of movement. I guess the change up that was needed.
Really good batters up and the pressure was on........on me it felt like!!! Tucker pitched his heart out and the team backed him up with some great plays! We WON - 14-11. The team that was suppose to just going to have a "learning year" is going to state!!! I am so pumped for all these young boys and girls!!
Anyway we are excited! Who knows what the Lord might continue to do through these boys! and girls!
As directed in my devotion I read Acts5:27-42. This is a time that Peter and some other apostles were being at the very least jailed for not shutting up about the Lord even after being warned time after time. Finally it came to a court like decision and the room wanted to have them killed.
A man by the name of Gamaliel, reminds me of Gargamel from the Smurfs, asked that the prisoners be removed from the room for other discussion. After the guys were taken out he reminded the room of others they had killed and the problem disappeared. But the others they had killed had nothing to do with the Lord. This wise man of the Word even though not a believer in our Jesus remembered the days of long ago. He knew of how God had worked in the past. He also reminded the room that you may shut them p, but you cannot silence God......and you certainly don't want to found fighting God - He always wins!
There is so many things about this passage that I love and could do into greater detail.
1) I love how the apostles do not back down. They are willing to die, but still will not quiet down even when in front of those that will and can kill them!!
2) I love the fact that even the unbeliever had heard of the Lord's power and didn't want to mess with that!
3) I love the fact that Gargamel had the apostles removed from the room. It was like he didn't want the apostles to be energized by the unbelievers belief in God's power.
Lord, this could be a great message brewing for a youth group or a group of youth! Show me if/where am to spur on another by Your great Words to live by!!! Oh Father - may I have the faith that would be willing to die for you!! I love you Lord!!!
Today I have so much laundry to do. Elleigh has a dentist appointment and then I will be taking off for the alter sanctuary for prayer! I love that time!! I will be ready to hear from you again!
Our boys were not favored to win. We really were not predicted to even get this far. They are real young - all the infield are 7th graders except our catcher/pitcher - just depends on where he is playing! But that one 8th grader, Tyson, pitched an incredibly awesome game. Even though they were hitting us, we took our turn and hit them as well. It was so tensely exciting! Had one good inning and jumped ahead with a 7 run lead, but then they came back. Finally we jumped ahead again! For the final inning they about made me throw up by putting my son in as pitcher. He doesn't throw near as hard as Tyson, is a lefty, and his ball has lots of movement. I guess the change up that was needed.
Really good batters up and the pressure was on........on me it felt like!!! Tucker pitched his heart out and the team backed him up with some great plays! We WON - 14-11. The team that was suppose to just going to have a "learning year" is going to state!!! I am so pumped for all these young boys and girls!!
Anyway we are excited! Who knows what the Lord might continue to do through these boys! and girls!
As directed in my devotion I read Acts5:27-42. This is a time that Peter and some other apostles were being at the very least jailed for not shutting up about the Lord even after being warned time after time. Finally it came to a court like decision and the room wanted to have them killed.
A man by the name of Gamaliel, reminds me of Gargamel from the Smurfs, asked that the prisoners be removed from the room for other discussion. After the guys were taken out he reminded the room of others they had killed and the problem disappeared. But the others they had killed had nothing to do with the Lord. This wise man of the Word even though not a believer in our Jesus remembered the days of long ago. He knew of how God had worked in the past. He also reminded the room that you may shut them p, but you cannot silence God......and you certainly don't want to found fighting God - He always wins!
There is so many things about this passage that I love and could do into greater detail.
1) I love how the apostles do not back down. They are willing to die, but still will not quiet down even when in front of those that will and can kill them!!
2) I love the fact that even the unbeliever had heard of the Lord's power and didn't want to mess with that!
3) I love the fact that Gargamel had the apostles removed from the room. It was like he didn't want the apostles to be energized by the unbelievers belief in God's power.
Lord, this could be a great message brewing for a youth group or a group of youth! Show me if/where am to spur on another by Your great Words to live by!!! Oh Father - may I have the faith that would be willing to die for you!! I love you Lord!!!
Today I have so much laundry to do. Elleigh has a dentist appointment and then I will be taking off for the alter sanctuary for prayer! I love that time!! I will be ready to hear from you again!
Monday, August 02, 2010
879 - Why do we work hard?
Dear Lord, Lots of thoughts going on in my head of so many things I want to do and so many things that I need to do. Now that it is August I am getting back into the mood of my kids heading back to school. I long for a set schedule, but have certainly enjoyed the crazy fun-filled free time of this summer. Last week was about the only time we had all summer of nothing scheduled. We did spend the good part of it in Branson, but the last few days of nothing we had to be at landed us right back on the golf course.
One of the goals of this summer was to become a golfing family. As a whole we are there except Emmajoy does it kicking and screaming! Sarahjane got her own set of clubs for her birthday and she and Elleigh are ate up! Tucker is by the far, the best/worst! He is most consumed, or has the worst addiction, but is the best at practicing and getting out there to get it done! This just might be his thing! He plays everyday - usually 18, but always 9. I love it for him!
My preacher just about preached his head off on Sunday - it was incredible!!! We are going through a series called Membership Matters based on the whole book of Ephesians. I have thoroughly enjoyed it! He is so complete, studied, and interesting all at the same time. Not to mention his most wonderful quality - humble! Never have I sat under such a humble leader!
Sunday's sermon is worth going to our website and listening to or running by the church to get a copy! http://www.fbcarmi.com
Eph. 4:28He who has been stealing must steal no longer, but must work, doing something useful with his own hands, that he may have something to share with those in need.
So often I think I buy into this "lie", you might say, that I work hard so that I can buy things for myself and certainly my family. I work hard so I can provide for my family. And I do believe God does bless with many wonderful things as a reward of that hard work. But I guess my question is all that hard work just for me and my own doings? Is there anything else I can or am suppose to do with the extra?
The verse above is kind an odd one to me. That whole chapter, 4, has been talking about unity in the body of Christ and then goes on to discuss living as Children of light. Then all of a sudden the writer throws in an exhortation to not steal any longer! I am not real sure where that comes from, but I am ok with it - as if I have the right to not be ok with it - ha! Obviously there must of been some members of the church of Ephesus that were not pulling their weight. In fact they must have been stealing instead of working with their own hands - earning an honest wage!
But the tail end of the verse is what I kind of was convicted over. We work hard so that we don't steal. Got that and am good with that! We work hard using our own hands because we need to provide for ourselves and so that we can build a huge pool. Right? Well, almost.
There is certainly nothing wrong with having a pool (one of the things I so desperately am begging my husband for), or having nice things, or providing the best for your family - or any of those things. But I think the point of it all is that we work hard so that we can take care of priorities and give back over and over again.
My Bible referenced Acts 20:35 where Paul is again telling the people that the reason he worked so hard was not just for himself, but to give to others or "help the weak". He reminded those he was talking with of the words of Jesus - "It is more blessed to give than to receive."
All of our giving looks different. Some may give up some luxuries just so there is extra cash available to give with. Some may even add luxuries so that they can share it with more.... Some are adding to their families even in messy situations because they have seen a need. But the point I take from this today is that we are not given much to hoard. We are given much to take care of our own, but also to help those in need - even if for a short time!
Lord, I am not always good at this giving thing just because I don't know where to start. This Saturday my SS class is offering a free lunch to a neighborhood in Carmi that certainly is known for having less. So many kids in this part feed themselves or just don't get fed. It is very obvious and we vowed to not ignore it any longer! So this Saturday from 11am to 1pm we will be at Bradshaw serving a hot meal to anyone that is hungry! We have pooled our money together to provide "those in need". Even if you are not part of our SS class or even our church we would love to have you out there to help serve. Lord, may you be glorified!!
Monday, July 23, 2007
398 - Will a Schedule Ever Come Back
Oh Lord Jesus - my girls have such a summer cold. It seems to be better this morning, but I was up almost every hour last night giving drinks of water, cough medicine, and stuff. I am one tired momma already and it is only 8:30am. Hopefully we are at the tail end! My blogging this past week has been so sparse. I am at the point now that I am longing for school to start just so we will all be on a schedule and know expectations. I am not too good at just sitting around and waiting for the next fun thing to happen. I like to look forward to it because it is on the schedule. That might be an issue I need to work on.
My Believing God study this morning was great. We have now started looking deeply into our pasts and all the places we can see His hand and fingerprints. It is awesome. I came to Acts 17:16-27. Paul is telling the people of Athens to reconsider their religious ways and practices. They have statues, alters, objects of worship, etc., but no god and certainly no relationship! So Paul stands up and never condemns what they are worshipping, but proclaims to them the missing piece. He explains to them that you have everything and are worshipping the "unknown" and he is now going to reveal that "unknown". Verses 26 and 27 meant the most to me. It states that God made everything from one man. "he determined the times set for them and the exact places where they should live." Why did God do this? Why didn't He just let us live where we want and do as we please? "so that men would seek him and perhaps reach out for him and find him", verse 27. GOD HAS A PLAN AND PURPOSE. I am not puppet and i do have choices, but God has a greater plan. The bottom line is to bring people to a point that they reach out for Him, seek Him, and find Him!! I just love it.
The details are important. Seeing God in even the very smallest things of life is so very important. Knowing where He has brought you and what He has done for you is so very important! My history is such a great story and to some quite boring. I know to some extent why He has moved me so many times in my life and I love it. I don't understand why He has kept me from so much disaster or kept me from experiencing a tremendous amount of pain, but I am so very grateful. All i do know is that HE is faithful. The adventure from Dec. 9, 1972 has been wonderfully exciting. The story is not very long as of yet and I hope to have another 65 or 70 years to add. Oh how generous that would be! I am so thankful he has determined my time and the exact places I would live. I want to walk closer and closer so that I can be sure as i have been in the past of the changes He is requiring! Lord, I can not praise You enough. I can not shout out or sit in silence long enough for what you are due. You are worthy - you are great - you are holy - you are mighty!! I want to do nothing but serve you!!! Guide me, keep me close, and speak to my heart. I am holding on - thank you for never losing Your grip! I love you!
This is going to another busy week - school supplies shopping today. Tomorrow SJ goes for her 6 year old well check and kindergarten physical, etc. Then we are going to meet our church at New Harmony pool. Wednesday we go to get Tucker's cast off. It stinks so bad. We let him do a slip and slide and swim in the lake the other day. I just couldn't hold off any longer for him. I felt so bad for him. So it stinks, but he is happy and it comes off on Wednesday. Thursday I meet my parents in Nashville to give them all 4 kids!!!!!!!!!!! yeah baby!! We even have to swap cars!! Hopefuly I will get to visit a few minutes with Dori while i am "in town". Friday I am going shopping and Saturday and Sunday and Monday and then back to my brother's on Tuesday to pickup the kids!!! So i guess that is a schedule... I am thankful!!!
Monday, March 12, 2007
267 - Don't you give in!!
Oh Father - this time change about got me this morning. I wanted to crawl right back in the bed and not even it the snooze - just turn off the alarm. But thank you for getting me up and meeting with you. I studied about how we discern God's will for our lives - 4 easy step process - but this morning i want to praise you for a great weekend with my parents and the wonderful church we had. I mean incredible.
The praise music was just a tad too loud, but it didn't bother me. We sang the News Boys (or maybe it was Newsong group) song Rescue. It was wonderful and just beautiful. Chad our preacher is a great singer and the piano player is out of this world. There is another lady on keyboard that is awesome too. I could not hear the piano player as well as i would have liked to yesterday. Maybe they were having some sound troubles - they had a video that didn't quite work. Anyway - they brought us to the Throne of Grace for sure!
Chad did an awesome job on the sermon yesterday. We were talking about the power of a word - that would be the inspired Word of God. When God lays something on your heart and then confirms it in scripture - that is your Word. You hold on to that Word until You see Him releases you from that or He works it into fruition. He will, but sometimes we have to be patient. Patience is one of those things that is the prelude to many blessings. But i think too often i go right on passed that blessing because i take things into my own hands or never wait to see it through. Forgive me Lord.
We found ourselves in Acts 27 - the account of Paul going to appeal Caesar. He had been accused of something and they really couldn't find a crime to peg him with, but nevertheless they wanted to have him killed. So as a Roman citizen, Paul had the right to appeal before Caesar to get the decision reversed. This is much like someone appearing before our Supreme Court. Before I go on about all the Paul endured, I was kind of astonished at the Word we received in I Thes. 2:17-18, specifically vs. 18, "Satan hindered". In the Greek that means to make slow, difficult, or prevent action. It is as if a person is going on a trip and they are hindered such that either the trip must be stopped or the trip has to go in a totally different direction.
This is where I and many of us throw in the towel. We get one obstacle and quit. Not willing to fight any longer, not willing to rough it out, not willing to give it our all. It is easier to assume that God did not will that for our life and just give up. But following Him takes work. First we have to know that the situation is worth fighting for. We have to have received a Word, that take patience, from Him knowing we are to proceed through. Then we have to be willing to fight and wait and fight and wait.............and then wait some more. Just because we don't see it happen immediately doesn't mean that God changed His mind.
In Acts 27 - this is where Chad was tremendous and so anointed. We went through the ship wreck story of Paul. He received his Word that he was to appear before Caesar. His real goal was to preach the gospel to Caesar. He knew this was his purpose in life from this point forward. So they set sail in a bad storm. "Unite your faith in the midst of the storm, not lose your faith" - Chad. Angel of the Lord confirmed Paul's purpose, but the storm continued for 11 days. They finally reach land - long time - and he loses all his stuff and lands on a island of Barbarians. He then is cold and makes fire. As he is making the fire he gets bit by a poisonous snake. They are ready to watch him die, but God prevents that. He then gets hailed as a god and taken to a palace - he has yet to see the Caesar, but is holding tight to his Word. Many months have gone by. Paul gives up......... not!!!!!!!!!!! When we have a promise or Word from the Lord, we must fight, we must be patient, and we must prevail - only Him through us! Prayer must be the foundation.
Lord, thank you for this word yesterday. There are many ways i can apply it. Lord, help me to reach deep within and hold onto the patience You have given me. I have received a Word that I am willing to fight and wait for. In the mean time don't let my worst, or nearly my worst, enemy ruin everything. That would be me!!!!!!!!!!! Dawn Everette and Tracy Berta are both waiting to have their babies. May that be soon for both. Thank you for today, already. Thank you for mom and dad coming and the great time we all had. Please heal my dad's back or allow him great relief from a cortisone shot. However you can heal him!! I love you, Lord.
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