Releasing the Word

A Texas Child's Version of Palm Sunday

2009-05-02T12:39:00.002-05:00

My daughter's husband wondered if a new church they visited had a good children's program. He said when he went to pick up their son from class, the children were just playing games. I appreciated his concern and prayed the Lord would show us the truth of the matter.

We all went together to the church under discussion the Sunday before Easter. Sure enough, our grandson was playing a game when he was picked up. On the way home in the car, I asked him what they did in class. He said, "We sang some songs and played some games." I said, "Was there anything else?" He didn't remember that there was. So I said, "Wasn't there a Bible teaching?" "Nope," he said. I tried once more, "Was there a story?" "Oh, yeah," he said, "it was from Matthew 21." "Can you tell us what it was?" I asked.

We then got the story and you could tell it was one that excited him and he felt he knew it well. You see, Jesus told the disciples to go to the cavalry and get a donkey from them (not a cavalry horse with a saddle, but a cavalry donkey). And the cavalry said Yes and and they put clothes on the donkey and Jesus rode him to Jerusalem.

By the way, he does know "the rest of the story" -- that Jesus died on the cross at Calvary for his sins after he got to Jerusalem. But I could not convince him that Jesus did not ride a clothed cavalry donkey the week before. He knows what he heard in church!

And so that is the story of Palm Sunday as heard by an 8-year old Texas boy, right out of Matthew 21.

I want to add a little family trivia here: his interest in cavalry and horses are probably in his TX DNA. My great-grandfather was a scout in the cavalry. I often used his saddle, given to him when he mustered out, to ride the horses on the family farm in north central TX when I was growing up. We didn't have any donkeys on that farm but the horses were pets. My grandmother trained them and once was sanctioned by a doctor to take her trick horse Nell to cheer up an ailing neighbor in the hospital at his request. (The hospital allowed it and there was a photo and story in the Dallas Times Herald about it.) My mother was a champion barrel-racer. Despite my best efforts, I didn't get the horsewoman gene, but my daughter did. She was born loving horses. On one of her first times out, the wrangler said, "She's a natural!"

THE GLORY OF GOD IN THE HUMAN BODY

2008-06-23T13:24:00.004-05:00

Watch for the left hook in this video. You may think you know what is being said but stay tuned for the big finish. You will be amazed!

The surprise is named laminin, and if you keep watching you will learn something known by few but obvious in scripture: Jesus holds us together.

Jesus Proclaimed at Headwaters of Guadalupe

2008-05-01T21:58:00.006-05:00

Intercessors from multiple churches in Kerr County, Texas, gathered in unity April 28 at the headwaters of the Guadalupe River to pray, worship, and proclaim the name of Jesus over the river and all it touches as it flows outward. They also served communion to one another.

Come reign in Kerr County, Lord Jesus, and all the counties, communities and towns in contact with the Guadalupe. May the river of heaven flow through families and individuals, bringing your love, joy and peace. May you be glorified.

Let's Go Down to the River & Pray!

2008-05-01T13:45:00.009-05:00

Where I live it is possible to cross over several pristine rivers in one day! The closest to me is the beautiful Guadalupe, which starts in our county and flows through many others into the Gulf of Mexico where it unites with the waters there and ultimately touches distant shores.

Rivers Symbolize the Life Flow of God

Since rivers in the Bible symbolize the life-giving flow of God in our lives by His Holy Spirit, they have a special meaning to the Church.

Praying at the Guadalupe Headwaters

Last Monday intercessors from several churches in the area united in prayer and worship and proclaimed the name of Jesus at the headwaters of the Guadalupe, declaring that He would touch all communities and families that the waters of the River touch as it flows outward from springs and seeps in the Texas Hill Country.

May the Spirit of God Flow Like a Mighty River

Today it was natural as I thought about what would be appropriate to mark this special occasion of our National Day of Prayer that the River of God came to mind. My prayer is that the Spirit of God flow like a mighty river through the families, churches and institutions of America in a powerful way, cleansing and restoring all that is touched, bringing His mercy, goodness and power to our land for His divine purpose.

WHY GOOD FRIDAY IS GOOD

2008-03-21T13:24:00.003-05:00

BECAUSE OF JESUS WE CAN HAVE LIFE

This is how much God loved the world: He gave his Son, his one and only Son. And this is why: so that no one need be destroyed;

By believing in him, anyone can have a whole and lasting life. God didn't go to all the trouble of sending his son merely to point an accusing finger, telling the world how bad it was. He came to help, to put the world right again. John 3:16-18 The Message//Remix

A WAY OUT OF SIN & INTO HIS PRESENCE

The first Good Friday showed us the depth of God's love for us. He made a way for us out of sin and into His presence, with His life flowing through us, when we believe Jesus is God and trust that what He did on the cross is sufficient to make us right with God.

Photo by DetroitDerek

TODAY I PRAYED FOR YOU by Melissa Sullivan

2008-03-20T14:15:00.006-05:00

Today's post is from guest blogger Melissa Sullivan. I read her wonderful poem on MyChurch.org, a social networking and blogging site for Christians and churches. Those of us online there inspire each other, pray for each other, and have a lot of fun together. Click here for the sign-in if you want to explore MyChurch; click here to see my profile page.

Now for Melissa's poem, Today I Prayed for You:

Today I prayed for you
while I was talking to God.
I asked Him to bless you
and I found it rather odd.

That as I prayed for you
the rejection you made me feel
began to disappear
and my heart began to heal.

The anger you have shown
doesn't matter anymore
The bitterness is gone
I'm not keeping score.

The persecution I encounter
pails in compare
To the love that I feel
when I come to Him in prayer.

The judgment that I sense
no longer stings,
the only regard that matters
Is that from my King.

I asked Him to soften your heart
so that you can perceive
the hurt I have endured
has brought me to my knees.

Your animosity gave me a glimpse
of what I could see
as He carried His cross
to Calvary.

MLS 3/20/08

But He said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me. That is why, for Christ's sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong. 2 Corinthians 12:19

HILL COUNTRY ADVENTURES, in memory of Sarah

2008-03-04T00:03:00.006-06:00

SARAH KUITHE

Born: December 10, 1942
Was found to be with her Lord: February 17, 2008

My friend Sarah was devoted to the Lord, was a serious student of his word and was a servant to many. She had a passion for missions and served many hours in support of that passion, including a trip to Mexico. She was also a very good neighbor, friend and sister in the Lord to my husband and I - and a member of our church, Impact Christian Fellowship. She died recently and after a time of grieving, I wanted to post this as a celebration of her life.

We worshipped together, attended meetings together, helped each other out here and there, and had many quiet walks together and some great adventures. She came to our family reunion and held the youngest member of our family while the rest of us helped the older children fish.

I shared the adventures below previously on a blog I write that is mostly about my life in Scenic Valley in the TX Hill Country, with occasional side trips.

SARAH SAVES BAMBI

Written 8-07-06

We were out for a drive to enjoy the rural countryside in Kerr County. Sarah, our friend and neighbor, was driving in her black SUV. Suddenly, we came upon a dramatic scene: on our left we saw a fawn running as if for its life. On our right two massive farm dogs of mixed breed were keeping pace with the fawn but were restrained by a sturdy fence.

OPEN GATE = DANGER

In the pasture with the dogs, someone was baling hay and the hay balers had left the gate open for easy access to the road. The fawn was safe as long as he kept going straight but for some reason he turned around and headed in the opposite direction. When he turned back, so did the dogs.

SARAH'S SUV FILLS THE GAP!

I thought Sarah had lost her mind when she quickly threw the car into reverse and started backing up on the public road fast as she could. Quick-thinking Sarah had immediately noticed the danger: the dogs were headed for the open gate. Once out, they could do as they pleased with the fawn, for the fence on his side of the road appeared impenetrable. He would be trapped.

Caught up in the fawn's emergency, we all called out to him, as if that would help! But Sarah did something better. That's why she was backing up the SUV as quick as she could. At first I thought she did it just to continue to see where the fawn was going but then I realized she meant to cut the dogs off. They were right alongside of us and it was a toss-up if we would get to the gate before they did. But we made it! Just in the nick of time, she backed into the gate, neatly closing the entrance so that the dogs could not get out.

FENCED OUT?

We thought the fawn was home free but, strangely, he turned around and headed back in the direction he came from. The dogs turned back that way, too, and since they were no longer interested in the gate, Sarah pulled out and drove slowly so we could continue to watch the fawn and encourage him (not that he knew that!). Since he wasn't very old I kept wondering where his mother was. My husband worried that as hot as it was and as small as he was, he could die of heat exhaustion if he continued to run back and forth with all his might, breathing heavily.

When he got to a certain section of the fence he turned back. We were afraid he was headed back to the danger of the open gate but instead he quickly double-backed again. He did this several times, going back and forth, back and forth, and it became obvious to us that he was looking for a way through the fence that he expected to be there.

It was a well-built fence designed to keep deer out and to us it looked like an impossible barrier to overcome. But he kept looking, certain of what he remembered and confident he would find it. We agonized with him and worried about the dogs and the open gate.

HOME FREE!

Then suddenly, he slipped underneath and was bounding on the other side, white tail waving. (Home to Momma, I thought.) Whew! We were thrilled but exhausted from living his adventure with him.

FIREWORKS IN THE SKY

Written 9-16-06

Last night Sarah and I walked at twilight. First we checked out the northwest side of the creek, where a deer herd feeds. Then we walked over the dam and inventoried the resident birds of our lake.

Our walks are never complete until we locate and count each one. Six swans? Check! Two domestic ducks? Check! Five mallards? Where? There!

It was dark when we ended our walk on her deck. Sarah's deck is up against the side of a hill that filters out light and is almost secluded so that it makes an excellent star-gazing platform. So we sat there, contemplating the clarity of the star-laden sky. Sarah says any night she is out star-gazing, she never fails to see a shooting star. She told me that when her husband died after a long illness, she would sit on the deck at night and fellowship with God and he would comfort her by showing her shooting stars.

She's good at spotting them (she was tutored by the Best!) and usually sees some that I don't. But not this night! I stretched out, face up and counted five. Wow! And the last one? Unbelievable. It was wide and long and burst into orange-red flames just as it came to the horizon. I've never seen anything like it! Lord, thank you for this beautiful and exciting night in Sarah's company.

Shooting Star photo by J P Stanley @flickrCC

deer photo by xtoq@fCC

2008-02-12T21:10:00.011-06:00

My Flesh is Negative, Is Yours?

This is my first post here since Christmas. At that time I felt prompted to take a break from writing. Perhaps it was becoming too much like work! I don't know if I'm back or not but I know I felt a stirring in me to write this for myself if for no one else, after a statement on Jenily's blog on MyChurch grabbed my attention. (I'd put a link to the article but her site is closed to non-friends). She said something like this:

When I choose to rule over my flesh, I immediately exalt my spirit.

She then referenced Philemon 6. In the King James Version of the Bible, it reads like this:

That the communication of thy faith may become effectual by the acknowledging of every good thing which is in you in Christ Jesus.

If you are wondering what "communicating" my faith has to do with overcoming my flesh, Jenily's main point was that many Christians think there is nothing good inside them and that Philemon 6 disproves that way of thinking because it clearly states that our faith becomes effectual (starts working) by knowing the good things present in our spirit. If we turn the verse around, it says that if we don't know what is in our spirit man, our faith won't work.

ABIDE IN CHRIST

Graham Cooke just taught at my home church on overcoming negativity through resting in Christ. A main point was that any kind of negative action or thought, even toward myself attracts negative things to me. What Jenily wrote was a continuation of the larger theme the Holy Spirit has been speaking to me about guarding against negativity of any kind. If your flesh is like mine, it is very negative! For my immediate need, I am going to think of it this way:

When I choose to rule over negativity, I exalt my spirit.

or

I strengthen my spirit by ruling over negativity.

PHILEMON 6

As I normally do, I looked at several versions and paid special attention to the Amplified Version as I crafted this prayer for myself:

I pray that the practice of participating in and sharing my faith will produce and promote full recognition, appreciation, understanding and precise knowledge of every good thing that is mine because of my identification with Christ, for his glory.

Graham Cooke's Interactive Journal Crafted Prayer is available here.

THE CHRISTMAS GIFT

2007-12-20T20:21:00.001-06:00

White Ceramic Nativity Trio
Originally uploaded by riverrunner22

For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace. Isa 9:6 KJV

May your Christmas season be a blessed one.

THE WORD RELEASED WORKS

2007-10-27T21:12:00.000-05:00

The Lord gives the word of power;
the women who bear and publish the news are a great host.
The kings of the enemies' armies, they flee, they flee!
She who tarries at home divides the spoil left behind.
Ps. 68:11 & 12

This is an updated version of my first post on this site March 21, 2006. It explains the circumstances that caused me to name this blog "Releasing the Word."

A SIGNIFICANT HOMEBODY?

The first time I read Ps 68:11 & 12 in the Amplified Bible I was in a season of my life where I was home full-time. And what I read surprised me. Was God really saying I could have a powerful life that impacted others even though I was a "homebody"? I didn't have to be a foreign missionary? Or president of the PTA, or march in the street, or head a corporation in order to be significant?

Yes, that's what it says -- a woman who "tarries at home" (vs. 12) can have a life of power that causes the enemy to flee. She can plunder from him and divide the spoils with those around her.

GOD GIVES THE WORD

The key is that God gives the word. The principle works for men and women, in any location. It's His word entrusted to us that provides the power. Publish here means to proclaim, to announce, to make known. As we bear (or carry) his word and release it, His power is released. In this way we partner with God in a unique and personal way. Through this partnership, victories are won -- victories that not only benefit the one carrying the word but others as well.

How do we get this empowering word? By fellowshipping with God, by submitting to Him in prayer, by making time with Him a priority. Some people call this "tarrying" with God. Whatever we call it, the life-changing word comes out of personal relationship with Him. And it is available to all who make time to draw near to him, not just homebodies. Sometime after I first got this principle, I learned desktop publishing and started a publishing services company. Now I'm in a new season and home-based again. Along the way I've learned that whatever the season -- it is still the time spent alone with Him that brings victory and power to my life.

GOD'S WORD RELEASED WORKS

I prayed about what would be appropriate to share here as a relevant example. This is the memory that came to me: My sister and I were traveling together in Arizona vacationing together on a "sister trip." We began to fellowship around Jehovah Rapha, the Lord our healer, and proclaim scriptures out loud such as "By His stripes I am healed" (Isaiah 53:5) and "He forgives all my sins; He heals all my diseases" (Psalm 103:3). We spent the third night of our journey in a tiny log cabin perched on the edge of the North Rim of the Grand Canyon. Sometime in the night I awoke when my sister cried out. She had gotten up to go to the bathroom and, in that moment, God had restored sight to her blind right eye.

Now back to Psalm 68:11 and 12 for a summary: God had given the word of power. We had carried His word with us and published it (proclaimed it, released it, shared it with each other.) The result was victory over darkness and disease. My sister literally "saw" the results! Later God healed her of MS, a healing verified by an MRI that showed the lesions noted by previous MRIs gone. She testified to that, prayed for others and saw more healing take place, in perfect demonstration of our scripture verse.

A year and a half since I first wrote this post, my sister has had another MRI that again verified she no longer has MS.

THE BRIDEGROOM

2007-10-25T18:04:00.000-05:00

At a wedding reception I attended recently, the groom came up to me and asked how I thought the ceremony went. I told him what a lovely service it was and repeated some phrases the minister said that I particularly liked. Then I asked him what part he liked the best. With a light in his eyes he began to speak not of the wedding but of the wonderful qualities of his bride. It was clear he thought she was something special and he was excited and happy to have found her.

GOD AS BRIDEGROOM

I was really blessed by his enthusiastic delight in his bride and it reminded me of Isa 62:5B:[as] the bridegroom rejoiceth over the bride, [so] shall thy God rejoice over thee.

Later as I reflected on the experience and the scripture, I remembered one of my favorite books, The Divine Romance by Gene Edwards, subtitled "The most beautiful love story ever told." In the Prologue Edwards says this about God and why he created humankind: "He was Love. Passionate, emotional, expressive ... love." He also said, "Of all love stories I find this one unequaled."

BIBLICAL BRIDEGROOMS

After history's first wedding, performed by God, Adam, also was a happy bridegroom. First God let him experience bachelorhood, then he said, "It is not good for the man to be alone; I will make a helper suitable for him." I've heard it said that Adam's response to Eve in Genesis 2:23 was the equivalent of "Wow!"

I continued thinking of biblical examples of bridegrooms and of weddings. In the Song of Songs, the bridegroom (the One Who Loves) is considered by many to represent Christ and the bride (the Beloved) is thought to represent the Church, the bride of Christ. I think that must be true. After all, Jesus' first miracle was performed at a wedding. His miraculous gift of wine allowed the celebration to continue, proving he had a special love not only for the bride and groom but for wedding celebrations.

LIVING EXAMPLES

The definition of bridegroom is simply, "husband of the bride." Which brings me to this question: Are there husbands among us today who reflect Christ's love for his bride, the church? Several come to mind, one in particular. Many times I heard the bride say she wanted a husband like her Dad, who has loved his wife and children with unconditional and sacrificial love. (I can testify to the truth of that statement, not as observer but as wife.)

We, the bride's father and I, also think the bridegroom in this story is off to a good start. When the minister asked, "Who gives this woman in marriage?" the confident response was, "Her mother and I."

A PERSONAL NOTE
We are pleased to say to our son-in-law, "Welcome to the family." And to our daughter, "Good choice!"

Congratulations, Mr. and Mrs. O!

Two are better than one,
and a chord of three strands
is not easily broken. Eccl 4:9&12

GLORIOUS SUNSET IN SCENIC VALLEY

2007-10-04T10:58:00.000-05:00

The heavens declare the glory of God;
And the firmament shows His handiwork.

Psalms 19:1 NKJ

This glorious sunset is what I saw on my walk last night.
Isn't God good?

For more photos from Scenic Valley, click here.

How Do You Define God?

2007-10-01T15:14:00.001-05:00

heaven knows what I want
Originally uploaded by gari.baldi | stopped activity on flickr

I've been thinking about the nature of God lately. It's not that we can define him, my title is misleading in that sense. But I want to get my head around a few of his qualities that are unique to him. After all, Isaiah 26:3 says that the mind set on him will be kept in perfect peace. It's a big subject (!!) and I need help because I'm stumped.

JOT OF HIS OIL

Specifically I have been trying to remember something I once knew that has gotten fuzzy. I was taught the acronym JOT OF HIS OIL as a way to remember God's unique qualities. The emphasis is on qualities that only he possesses.

The "O's" - the "J" - and the "L"

I'm pretty sure I have all three of the "O's" down: Omnipotent (all-powerful); Omniscient (all-knowing); Omnipresent (present everywhere at the same time).

And the "L" has to be Love, specifically agape.

What About the "J"?

Surely the "J" is for Just because all his decisions are right and true. If you have a better idea, please let me know.

What's Left?

Okay, this is what's left: T from JOT, F from OF. Then there's H I and S from HIS. After that I need to fill in the I from OIL.

Who can help me out with these? Guesses are acceptable. And if someone out there knows who originated the original JOT OF HIS OIL acronym and what it said, I would really appreciate the input.

WHAT'S WRONG WITH US?

2007-08-31T20:18:00.000-05:00

What is the problem with the human race? What is it we have all done wrong?

Not all have murdered or committed adultery or stolen. But Isaiah 53:6 says "All we like sheep have gone astray; We have turned, everyone, to his own way." God calls this tendency to choose our own way rather than his "iniquity." Today we would probably call it rebellion. Derek Prince in his book Atonement sums it up this way: "The root problem of humanity is rebellion against God."

THE CROSS IS THE SOLUTION

We see in this verse not only the problem but the solution. God laid on Jesus the iniquity of us all on the cross. But what does this mean to you and me us as we live out our lives in today's culture?

The Hebrew word for iniquity is avon. This word means not only rebellion but all the evil consequences of rebellion. It is a comprehensive word including the punishment that falls on those who disobey God's law. This same word is used in Genesis 4:13, 1 Samuel 28:10, Lamentations 4:6 & 22. In each of these instances the Hebrew word avon is interpreted as punishment.

AVON = REBELLION & ITS CONSEQUENCES

Derek Prince in Atonement lets scripture interpret scripture and comes to this conclusion: the Hebrew word avon means rebellion, the punishment for rebellion, and the evil consequences of rebellion. In Genesis 4:13 we see that Cain's iniquity and its punishment were both included in the one word: avon. 1 Samuel 28:10 shows Saul using avon to assure the witch that she would not be held guilty, nor would she be punished. Lamentations 4:6 uses avon to mean punishment or punishment of the iniquity. Lamentations 4:22 also uses the word avon to mean the punishment of the iniquity.

DIVINE EXCHANGE ON THE CROSS

He further concludes that a divine exchange took place on the cross that unlocks all the treasures of God's provision: "All the evil due by justice to come to us came on Jesus, so that all the good due to Jesus, earned by His sinless obedience, might be made available to us." A future post will name the nine specific exchanges that took place on the cross and give scripture references for each.

Photo by DetroitDerek

THINK ABOUT IT!

2007-08-21T11:34:00.000-05:00

The deeds of God reveal God's ability;
His ways reveal His intentions.

That's my "thought for the day" from Eddie Smith's Insight newsletter.

I'm posting from the San Fernando Valley outside Los Angeles rather than my beloved Hill Country of Texas. There are some things that are similar. For instance, it gets hot during the day here and cools off at night just like at home. I walk every morning while it is cool and enjoy the lush vegetation. I see lovely things growing large in the yards here that I usually see only as pot plants elsewhere. There's not as much animal life here, of course, since this is a very urban area, but there was a squirrel chiding me from a tree this morning for invading his territory and I met a nice dog named Molly who shared the sidewalk with me.

May God bless your day!

Why Did Jesus Come?

2007-08-10T09:02:00.001-05:00

Jesus with little one
Originally uploaded by freestone

Over the years I have made a list of scriptural answers to this question. Here's one from Hebrews 2:14: to identify with the flesh and blood children and through his death destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil.

Now I'm asking you to name a verse that tells why Jesus came to earth. Please include the scripture reference; however, photos aren't required :)

ATONEMENT: God's Extravagant Provision, Part 2

2007-08-02T16:32:00.000-05:00

THE CROSS PROVIDES ALL OUR NEEDS

Atonement: Your Appointment With God, by Derek Prince has as its theme the work of Calvary as God's extravagant provision for all our needs. In Chapter one we learn that the word atonement refers to God and the sinner being reconciled to each other through the cross. That is, God and the sinner are brought into a relationship in which they are at one, or at-one-ment.

At this point Derek writes about the Bible diagnosis of sin as the problem of mankind. And states that the Bible remedy for sin is atonement.

CONTRASTS IN THE TWO TESTAMENTS

Old Testament Sacrifices Temporarily Covered Sin

Derek then explains the difference between the Hebrew word kippur translated atonement in the Old Testament and the Greek word translated atonement in the New Testament. Kippur actually means covering. The sacrifices offered on the Day of Atonement covered the sins of the people for one year, and only for one year. Instead of providing a permanent solution for sins, they were merely temporarily covered until the Day of Atonement arrived again each year.

New Testament Sacrifice Takes Away Sin

The New Testament gives a completely different picture. Hebrews 10:3-4 tells us that the blood of bulls and goats as sacrifices in the Old Testament could not take away sins. Hebrews 9:26 contrasts the death of Jesus and the Old Testament sacrifices by saying, "But now, once at the end of the ages, He has appeared to put away sin by the sacrifice of Himself." In John 1:29 John the Baptist introduced Jesus as, "The Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!"

So we see the huge difference between what atonement meant in the Old Testament and what it meant in the new. Old Testament sacrifices rather than taking away sin actually reminded the people of the problem of sin. Sins were merely covered from one year to the next. Jesus took away sin so that for New Testament believers who have accepted his sacrifice, there remains no further sacrifice for sins.

We Are Perfected Forever

A key scripture in this book is Hebrews 10:14: "By one offering He has perfected forever those who are being sanctified." Hebrews 9:13-14 tells us that Christ was without blemish as he offered himself through the eternal Spirit. Unlike the animal sacrifices, he was totally pure. And the involvement of the eternal Spirit indicates that his substitutionary death on the cross transcends the limits of time. The inference here is that He took on Himself the sins of all people past, present and future.

THE CROSS IS OUR ONLY SOURCE OF POWER

There is much good advice given in Christian circles and in the Bible itself, but the cross is the only source of absolute forgiveness, grace and power to make all the other good advice work. As Derek writes, "No one will ever live out the Sermon on the Mount without the power of the cross in his or her life."

Next time we will look at what Derek calls the "Divine Exchanges."

2007-07-27T18:04:00.000-05:00

FIND THE SURPRISE!!

Can you find the surprise the caption refers to?

On another blog where I often write about the nature and wildlife experiences I have here in my beloved Texas Hill Country, I posted this photo as "Hill Country Sunrise." However, since this blog is primarily for "church folks," I changed the wording a little. Did you find the "surprise?

Special thanks to my good friend and prayer partner Jean Eastes for sharing this photo.

ATONEMENT: God's Extravagant Provision

2007-07-25T21:19:00.000-05:00

Over the years I have read many books that impacted me, but if I could only have one book in addition to the Bible, it would be this one by Derek Prince: Atonement, Your Appointment With God, published by Chosen in 2000. Above the title on the front page are these words, "Discover God's extravagant provision for all your needs." The back cover adds this information, "Look at what is ours through Christ's atoning work!"

DEREK PRINCE: AUTHOR, TEACHER

If you aren't familiar with Derek Prince (1915-2003), he was an internationally-known Bible teacher whose daily radio program once broadcast to half the population of the world in various languages. His presentation of Bible texts was clear and concise. People of all denominations found his teaching to be relevant and insightful. He authored over 40 books and more than 500 audio and 150 video teaching cassettes. He had a Ph.D. from Cambridge University and a Fellowship in Philosophy at King's College, Cambridge. In addition, while at Cambridge, he was an avowed atheist. But his former life brought no satisfaction to him, only depression. After an encounter with Jesus, his life was transformed.

INFORMATION ABOUT THIS BOOK

There are four divisions to this book of 223 pages: Part 1: The Cross at the Center; Part 2: The Nine Exchanges; Part 3: Five Aspects of Deliverance; Part 4: How to Appropriate What God Has Provided. Because I think this book is so important, I am going to write this review in several parts, presenting pertinent information along the way.

CONSIDER THE WORK OF CALVARY

The introduction opens with Derek in a military hospital in Egypt with an incurable skin disease. He is also depressed. Sovereignly God moves to give him direction to "consider the work of Calvary: a perfect work, perfect in every respect, perfect in every aspect." With these words, he is directed to the answer to his problems. He understood he was to focus on the sacrifice of Jesus on the cross of Calvary. As he did this, he received a complete and permanent healing. For the remainder of his life he continued in the same manner and received many additional blessings.

In the rest of the book, Derek shares God's extravagant provision through the cross of Jesus for every need in human life. In his own words, "The essence of my discovery was this: On the cross a divinely ordained exchange was enacted in which all the evil due to our sinfulness came on Jesus, that in return all the good due to His spotless righteousness might be made available to us."

MORE NEXT TIME

So, the stage is set. Next post on this topic will go in more depth about God's amazing provision through the cross.

2007-07-15T11:39:00.000-05:00

THINK IT OVER

Right now I'm plenty busy and don't have much to say but I really liked what a friend of mine sent and thought I would share. It's this:

Stop telling God how big your storm is.
Instead, tell the storm how big your God is!

Talk about a paradigm shift!

ONLY IN GOD

2007-07-02T17:27:00.000-05:00

This beautiful video of John Michael Talbot performing Only in God has gotten 1,500 hits on YouTube so far, and is rated at the top level: 5 stars. It is from a concert he gave in Florida.

I asked permission from the JMT Public Relations people to use it on this blog. I also learned that John Michael has recorded his 50th album, which will be released next month. It's called Living Water and will be in the solo meditative style shown here.

I told the JMT people I would ask how many of my readers are John Michael Talbot fans. So if you are, please drop me a line. If I get a good response maybe they will let me run more of his videos!

TEARS IN A BOTTLE

2007-06-19T22:10:00.000-05:00

You keep track of all my sorrows.
You have collected all my tears in your bottle.
You have recorded each one in your book.
Ps 56:8 NLT

CRYING IS CHILDLIKE

Emotions are very personal and sometimes irrational. I don't always cry when it's appropriate and sometimes I cry when it's not. If that happens in public - if I'm the only one crying, I get embarrassed and feel a little weird and childlike. Then I think about this scripture and tell myself that God considers all my tears - and all my sorrows - important. And if he is the only one, that's okay.

EMOTIONS ARE REACTORS

Recently I read something else that made me feel better in Beyond the Lie by Alice Smith. She said that our emotions only react; they can’t think, organize or plan. Emotions are involuntary responders to circumstances. She also noted that our emotional responses correspond to our personalities. They demonstrate how strongly we feel about an issue and trigger our will to act.

OUR AUSTERITY IS NOT STORED

Kenny Innes in his recent blog Tears are Cool says this: "When someone around us cries, it shatters the facade of "emotional maturity" and shouts out, 'I feel...'" He continues: "It's interesting that God does not store our austerity or ability to conceal our feelings in front of people ... Perhaps it's because God loves it when we feel - when we engage emotions that are deeply held, honestly pouring them out before Him."

BEING CHILDLIKE HAS VALUE

Our Father obviously sees being childlike as a good thing, even a "great" thing. In Matthew 18:4 it is linked with humility. Proverbs 29:23 says that pride ends in humiliation, while humility brings honor. Now that's a new idea to me - that my tears could actually bring me honor. But if God honors each one enough to put it in a bottle and record it, if each tear is that important to him, it follows that my attitude needs to line up with his.

KNOWING GOD

2007-06-06T16:06:00.000-05:00

GOD IS GALATIANS 5:22-23

I'm always on a quest to know God better so I often think about who he is and what his nature is. In the midst of one of those times, it dawned on me that the scripture in Galatians about the fruit of the Spirit was a perfect description of God. "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control..."

WHO IS HE?

Now, maybe that's not new to you. Maybe you're going, "Duh?" But it was a wonderful revelation to me and I'm sharing it for others who, like myself, need to be told in plain language that the only way our Father God reveals himself to those of us who are blessed to be his children is ...

by loving us,
finding joy in his relationship with us,
speaking peace to us and seeking to create peace in us,
suffering long with us when we are unloving to others,
being kind to us in all things,
bringing good into our lives,
faithfully doing what he said he would do,
never being rude to us but gentle instead,
and
exercising self-control when we are rude to him and others

ASK HIM

If you can't imagine God in this way, then now is a good time to ask him to reveal himself to you according to Galatians 5:22 and 23. He will be faithful to do so: that's his job description!

Photo by Clay Irving

2007-05-31T23:20:00.001-05:00

Teach me to see
what I still don't see.

Job 34:32
The Message Remix

Since we all have blind spots, this scripture is a good one to pray often. At my church we are often told not to ask ourselves if we are deceived but to ask, "Where am I deceived?" If only Adam and Eve had asked that question!

2007-05-30T17:01:00.000-05:00

GOD'S DOOR IS ALWAYS OPEN

For God's kids, the door is always open. So it should be simple for us to walk right in and fellowship with him, right? I want it to be that way and sometimes it is. But not always. Recently I have been struggling over a situation involving one of my children. I know God wants to take the burden off me and I know his door is open, so what's the problem?

I Kept Wrestling With It

I had gone before God and prayed and come to a kind of semi-peace. Semi in that I wasn't carrying the entire problem but little thoughts kept nagging me and I would have to keep wrestling with them, reminding myself that I had left that with God.

Little Foxes Spoil the Vine

Proverbs says it's the little foxes that spoil the vine and these "little thoughts" were robbing me of peace. When I got good and tired of it I threw myself on the floor - for me that is a reminder of the need to humble myself and admit I am desperate - and I cried out to God for wisdom in the matter. Shortly thereafter I prayed again and this time I broke through. I realized I had been trying to deal with the thoughts but had pushed down my feelings about the situation and not brought them to the Lord.

Tell Him All Your Troubles

Ps. 142 says to pour out our complaints to the Lord, to tell him our troubles. I thought I had done that, but until I really got gut-level honest with myself and God about my feelings in this situation, I didn't get peace. I knew that once (click here) but I forgot it!

I share this as a reminder to myself and possibly a hint to someone else who might have prayed but not broken through. God is available to help us. His door is open. If we aren't walking in his peace, the problem is with us.

Photo by Darryl Wattenberg

2007-05-15T08:06:00.000-05:00

I'm stepping out into the unknown this morning, starting a new medical treatment, seeing a new doctor, going to a new place in another city. So I was glad when I opened my New Living Translation and saw this:

The Lord will go ahead of you and
the God of Israel will protect you from behind.

Isaiah 52:12b

Postscript: As I was searching for the meaning of "God of Israel," one of my searches turned up this suggestion, "Search for God of Israel on eBay.com." I got a good laugh out of that! When my funny bone quit tickling, I noticed this other alternative: "Looking for God? Find it cheaper at ShopBrite. Your source for everything..."

2007-05-07T14:27:00.000-05:00

BRUCE, MATTHEW & JOHN

Bruce Marchiano recently appeared in person at Impact Christian Fellowship in Kerrville, TX to share with the congregation his testimony and experiences playing Jesus in the Matthew film and his future plans for filming John. Impact presented the Matthew film in three parts, with the last part being presented on Good Friday with Bruce present.

John as a Ministry Tool

In a taped interview presented to the congregation in segments after his appearance, Bruce shared his vision for John. It will be strictly Word-based, using the text of John as it appears in the New International Version.

His purpose in the project is to provide free copies of the film as an outreach and ministry tool. He wants to put it in the hands of all ministries, evangelists and members of the Body of Christ to share with others. He expects it to be distributed by all means possible, including Internet downloads.

A String of Pearls

About the film itself, he says that it will not be like the Matthew film in that it will not have an ongoing story format but will be a series of Jesus encounters and events strung together like a string of pearls, as it is in the Biblical account.

Raising Finances

Bruce's enthusiasm for this project is contagious. He is raising finances one dollar at a time. In this manner he will be free to make decisions on filming and distribution from a Word and ministry viewpoint rather than having to answer to commercial investors. He estimates that he will need $25 million.

Click here to check out the John website and to read recommendations by Jack Hayford and the President of the International Bible Society. Donations can be made at this site also.

TO KNOW GOD & BELIEVE HIM

2007-04-30T21:10:00.000-05:00

You are my witnesses," says the Lord.
And you are my servant. You have been chosen to know me,
believe in me, and understand that I alone am God.
Isa 43:10 NLT

It is a wonderful fact that God has chosen us to know Him, to believe in Him and to understand that He alone is God. The Hebrew word for know often refers to the relationship between husband and wife. This means we are to have a reverent intimacy and familiarity with Him.

Come to Him

In Jhn 6:37 Jesus says, "All that the Father gives me will come to me, and whoever comes to me I will never drive away." So, we come to Him, believing He is who He says He is. "Are you the Christ, the Son of the Blessed One? “I am,” said Jesus. "And you will see the Son of Man sitting at the right hand of the Mighty One and coming on the clouds of heaven." (Mrk 14:61-2 NIV)

Believe Him

I love the clarity found in the New Living Translation. But the NIV phrases our opening scripture differently. Instead of saying that we are to know Him and believe IN Him, it says we are to know Him and believe Him.

Accept What He Says

The more I think about that, the more I see the difference in believing in Him and believing Him. To believe in Him has to do with who He is. To believe Him is to accept everything He says as truth. While I purpose to practice both statements, I find it more of a challenge to believe everything He says than I do to believe in Him. How about you?

RAGTIME BUS LOADING

2007-04-28T14:45:00.000-05:00

This fun video was made by John Cotton of Frugal Audio and features some of my friends at Little Portion Monastery loading the bus for a recent John Michael Talbot concert tour. Be sure your speakers are turned up, click the arrow and enjoy!

2007-04-12T21:27:00.000-05:00

CHECK IT OUT!

For some time now I have been enjoying free streaming "soaking" music from Soaking.net. Soaking is a new concept for me. I have long been an active participant in praise and worship. And I spend private times in prayer. But this soaking business is something different. I stumbled across the term, did some research on it, and decided to give it a try. At first I wasn't sure I liked it but now I don't want to be without it. Life has been hectic lately and just hanging out with God listening to this soft low-key music has helped me quiet myself and be still. There's a lot to be said about that:

Be still and know that I am God.
Ps 46:10

In quietness and confidence shall be your strength.
Isa 30:15B

Here's a quote from the website: "We have coined the term "SOAKING" as being that which we do when we lay down before the Lord, with no other agenda than to meet with Him." There is also a statement that this is "one way among many which translates our longings into an act of worship and abandonment, something we can practice to bring us to a place of utter abandonment to God."

Much of the music is instrumental. The limited lyrics are Biblical and inspiring. The entire experience is a gentle, peaceful one that brings me to a place of stillness and quietness before the Lord.

You might want to check out their vision statement and other relevant information at http://www.soaking.net From there click Enter in the bottom right corner of the opening logo to get to the music.

2007-04-06T15:11:00.000-05:00

Was the cross of Jesus a good thing?
Is today a "Good" day?

Click here to go to an in-depth article on the topic
"Why is it called Good Friday?"

Photo by absolved

2007-03-13T14:23:00.000-05:00

THINK ABOUT IT

I've been mulling over this quote for a long time. It intrigues me but I'm not sure if I totally agree with it. I think there are definitely times to speak the truth and times to stand up for the truth. But can a hurting person hear the truth? Probably not, especially if spoken in a combative way. This I know, we need to respond not just react out of our emotions.

What do you think?

Let us learn to discern whether the words spoken against us
or against God or against the truth
are merely for the wind--
spoken not from the soul, but from the sore.
If they are for the wind, let us wait in silence and not reprove.
Restoring the soul, not reproving the sore, is the aim of our love.

~ John Piper from A Godward Life~

ACKNOWLEDGE THE LORD

2007-03-13T12:48:00.000-05:00

In all your ways know, recognize and acknowledge him,
and he will direct and make straight and plain your paths.
PROVERBS 3:6 TAB

In all your ways acknowledge him and he shall direct your paths.
PROVERBS 3:6 NKJ

When I acknowledge God, I respond first to who he has shown himself to be to me. I give thanks to him for revealing himself to me as my savior, my helper, my healer, my keeper, my constant companion and friend. I recognize his authority as Creator of the universe and as Head of his church, of which I am a member. I declare that his promises and claims in his Word are good and true. I tell him that I believe what he says and I trust who he is.

Sometimes I come to him in the midst of stife and uncertainty but acknowledging him in this way builds my faith so that I can confidently release myself into his care and experience his peace, knowing he will take charge of my situation and direct me in straight and plain paths.

THE ETERNAL GOD IS OUR REFUGE

2007-03-05T08:51:00.000-06:00

There is no one like our God,
who rides on the heavens to help us...
The eternal God is our refuge
And underneath are the everlasting arms.
He drives out our enemy... so we live in safety.

Blessed are we, a people saved by the Lord.
He is our shield and helper and glorious sword.
Our enemies cower before us and
We trample down their high places.

Deut 33:26-29, Personalized

GOD WANTS TO MAKE US RADIANT

2007-02-15T21:08:00.001-06:00

I will extol the Lord at all times;

his praise will always be on my lips
My soul will boast in the Lord;
let the afflicted hear and rejoice.

Glorify the Lord with me;
let us exalt his name together.

I sought the Lord & he answered me;
he delivered me from all my fears.
Those who look to him are radiant;
their faces are never covered with shame.

Ps 34:1-5 NIV

SHAME AND FEAR

Shame and fear are linked together in verses 4 and 5 of Psalm 34. If we have one, we probably have the other. Being shamed, being publicly humiliated, causes a person to fear it happening again. Or if a person is abused, generally they will feel ashamed in addition to fear, even though they did nothing wrong. The first verses speak of being afflicted. Shame and fear are debilitating afflictions.

A WAY OUT

So what is the way out? The psalmist approaches God with humility and confidence. He draws near to him with extravagant praise and worship: he extols, boasts in, glorifies and exalts. He puts effort and positive energy into seeking the Lord. The word "always" indicates he does this as a lifestyle. He urges others to join him in his praise. He sees God as not only praiseworthy, but as the answer to his problems. And God responds to him, transforming his countenance from one of affliction to one of radiance.

Photo by capdar, http://www.flickr.com/photos/captain_don/

2007-02-10T11:34:00.000-06:00

THINK ABOUT IT

We cannot maintain joy and be thinking about ourselves
all the time
(i.e., I want, I think, I feel).

BILL JOHNSON ON HAPPINESS

2007-01-31T20:51:00.000-06:00

Bill Johnson recently spoke at Impact Christian Fellowship in Kerrville, TX. The crowd was often silent as we listened with great respect to what he had to say.

Now, most of us havel heard that we are supposed to think positively and biblically, so the first sentence of the following excerpt probably sounds familiar. It's the last part, which contains the consequences of negative thinking that impressed me as being noteworthy ... and extremely practical.

The biggest secret I've found is keeping my attention on what God is doing and has done and not on what he hasn't done. If you feed constantly on what he hasn't done, you build a case to support your unbelief. This legitimizes difficulties and problems and makes you feel like a martyr instead of being positioned to see the breakthrough that you hunger for.

HOW TO BE FILLED WITH GOD'S FULLNESS

2007-01-19T10:07:00.000-06:00

…that he would grant you,
according to the riches of his glory,
that you may be strengthened with power
through his Spirit in the inward man;

that Messiah may dwell in your hearts through faith;
to the end that you, being rooted and grounded in love,

may be strengthened to comprehend with all the holy ones
what is the breadth and length and height and depth,

and to know Messiah's love which surpasses knowledge,
that you may be filled with all the fullness of God.
Ephesians 3:16-19 HNV

BEGIN BY TRUSTING JESUS

Look at the first verse of this scripture passage as an introduction, as if Paul is saying, "this is how you become strengthened with the Spirit's power:" Everything that follows describes the process that leads us to walking in God's fullness. It is a progression that begins with trusting Jesus, then experiencing his love and then being immersed in it. For this to happen, we must have a mindset of submitting ourselves to God, letting Him live through us rather than our living (and doing) for God apart from submission.

BECOME IMMERSED IN HIS LOVE

Being filled with God's fullness is the result of being progressive strengthened with the Spirit’s power. As we become stronger and stronger in the Spirit and his revelation of Jesus' love, we experience that love to such a degree that we are immersed in it. We become aware that his love is above us, below us, in front of us, behind us, and on each side of us.

INVITE JESUS IN

These verses are a bit complicated but the foundational truth is that this process of strengthening and being filled with God's fullness occurs as we invite Jesus into our lives day-by-day, moment by moment. This is done by faith, not feelings. Faith rises in our hearts as we choose to trust Him one problem and one issue at a time.

Photo by fahed_awan

2007-01-18T10:15:00.000-06:00

PAUL'S PRAYER FOR US
Ephesians 3:16-19 HNV

…that he would grant you, according to the riches of his glory,
that you may be strengthened with power through his Spirit in the inward man;

that Messiah may dwell in your hearts through faith;
to the end that you, being rooted and grounded in love,

may be strengthened to comprehend with all the holy ones
what is the breadth and length and height and depth,
and to know Messiah's love which surpasses knowledge,
that you may be filled with all the fullness of God.

HOW TO BE FILLED WITH GOD'S FULLNESS

The object of Paul's prayer is that the church (comprised of believing Jews and Gentiles) is found in verse 19: that we be filled with the fullness of God. I see verse 16 as an introductory statement, as if he is saying, "this is how you become strengthened with the Spirit's power:" Everything that follows describes the process that leads us to walking in God's fullness. It is a progression that begins with trusting Jesus, then experiencing his love and then being immersed in it.

Being filled with God's fullness (verse 19) is the result of what verse 16 promises. As we become stronger and stronger in the Spirit and his revelation of the the knowledge of Jesus' love, we experience that love to such a degree that we are immersed in it. We come to know by our own experience, that his love surrounds us. It is above us, below us, to our left and to our right. process continues until we are filled with His fullness.

The verses are a bit complicated but the foundational truth here is that this process of growth occurs as we invite Jesus into our lives and issues, choosing to trust Him day by day, moment by moment.

BACKGROUND OF THESE VERSES

Previously in this chapter, Paul explains the "Mystery of God through the Ages." He says that it was always God's plan to unite Jews and Gentiles in Christ Jesus and that his plan is now being demonstrated to the angels that rule in heavenly places. This was extraordinary news, for the Jews were known as God's Chosen People and considered themselves defiled by close contact with Gentiles. In fact the word "Gentile" was usually followed by the word "sinner," as in, "Gentile sinners." And everyone who wasn't a Jew was a Gentile.

What was being played out here was a revelation of God's mercy and grace, something new to the world and to the angels. No wonder Paul says in verse 14 that he falls to his knees when he thinks about God's wise plan. No human or angel would ever have thought of - or had the means - to unite these two separate factions. But it was done through Christ Jesus, Lord of all.

ENCOUNTER WITH JOHN MICHAEL TALBOT: Troubadour for the Lord at Home in the Ozarks

2007-01-15T20:09:00.000-06:00

We walked through this lush entrance and under the Bell Tower to the Commons Center. There we got in line for a meal that promised to be special since it was prepared with homegrown organic vegetables and chicken. We filled our plates and fellowshipped with those around us. I was a stranger but my sister knew many gathered here for the annual gathering of the Brothers and Sisters of Charity, which occurs each year in the Arkansas Ozarks on the Feast Day of St. Francis.

A WARM WELCOME BY THE BROOK

After eating, we walked through the lovely garden and took each other's pictures in the swing we found there. (That's my sister in the photo to the right.) As we left the garden and walked toward a brook on the spacious grounds, I saw John Michael Talbot, Christian recording artist and founder of this community, a short distance away. I had never met him but recognized him from photos of album covers I had. He was turning to go another direction, but my sister, who had known him for a long time but had not seen him in years, called out to him, "John." Recognizing her voice, he turned and warmly welcomed us.

They had a common history and a lot of catching up to do. He was very gratified to see her because she was "fruit" from his early ministry. But he was very gracious to me, too. We talked about the beauty and challenge of living in community. He used the phrase "the crucible of community" and I understood. I had spent almost 18 years in a covenant community, so I felt we had a common experience. He invited me to attend the various events coming up as a part of this gathering. I thanked him and accepted the invitation.

I SENSED THE PRESENCE OF THE HOLY SPIRIT

I can number on the fingers of one hand how many times I have been in Catholic services, (mostly weddings and funerals), so these meetings were new experiences to me. But I found that the worship was familiar and uplifting and I sensed the presence of the Holy Spirit.

I attended four different events while I was there and I enjoyed them all. The last I attended was an outdoor worship celebration, dedication, and tour of the newly completed Portiuncula Chapel. At every event, John Michael was gracious to me. I was struck with the thought that he was not only personable, but he was personal. He noticed people and cared about each one, including me.

At the end of the gathering, I thanked John Michael for the opportunity to participate in this slice of community life. I spoke from my heart as I told him that I hoped he would count me a friend.

What I just described happened in the Autumn of 2002. Since that time, he and I have personally communicated only once or twice but my sister tells me he asks about me from time to time. When I heard he was recording his 50^th album for release later this year (a rare achievement for any recording artist!), I knew I wanted to feature him on my blog.

I'M catholic WITH A small "c"

I am not Roman Catholic but I am catholic (with a small "c" in the sense that I feel a kinship to all who confess Jesus as Lord and are born of God's Spirit. Since I often write about people in various streams in the Body of Christ, I thought the occasion of his 50^th album would be a good time to remember my visit with John Michael and the gracious people who live at the Little Portion Hermitage.

In the photo to the right, I am eating lunch on the deck overlooking the unbelievably beautiful and serene prayer garden.

LOOK FOR THE UPCOMING RELEASE OF 50TH ALBUM

Release date for this album has not been announced, but if you enjoy his music, or if this article has stirred your interest, please go to your local Christian bookstore toward the end of the summer and ask if they have it - or can get it for you. I read on his website that it marks a return to his usual reflective, meditative style of worship. And, of course, features his crystal-clear tenor vocals with his magnificent classical guitar. For more news about this album, click here. For more on the Brothers and Sisters of Charity and Little Portion Hermitage, click here.

SING TO THE LORD!

2007-01-08T17:13:00.000-06:00

Sing to the Lord, all you godly ones! Praise his holy name.
His anger lasts for a moment, but his favor lasts a lifetime!
Weeping may go on all night but joy comes with the morning.
Ps 30:4-5 NLT

WHY DAVID WROTE THIS PSALM

This psalm was written by David to celebrate God's goodness and as part of the dedication of "a house of David." He is looking back at a recent time when God, because of his holiness, corrected him for sin. After "chastening" him, God in his goodness granted David repentance. Joy came to David as he moved from mourning about his sin to rejoicing in God's forgiveness and unconditional love.

WHO SHOULD SING AND WHY?

Those who belong to God are urged to sing to the Lord as they remember both his holiness and experiences of his favor. Because He loves us, God corrects us so that we can know what is right and become like him. (Heb 12:5-10; Rev 3:19)

Happy New Year!

2006-12-31T14:59:00.000-06:00

Originally uploaded by Storeyland.

Are you ready for a blank slate, a fresh new canvas labelled 2007?

I am! Not that the Lord wasn't good to me in 2006 but I am expecting even greater things in the coming year. So I thought I would celebrate a bit here online with a fireworks display in anticipation of a future I can hope in (see Jer. 29:11).

Here are some things I'm looking forward to: quick answers to prayer (source: Graham Cooke); a [spiritual] breaking out among North America's youth (source: Wesley and Stacey Campbell); a year of success and fruitfulness (source: Patricia King); a year of increased revelation of scriptures, prophecy, dreams and visions (source: Rick Joyner); a season of clarity and vision (source: Cindy McGill); and one of the greatest years of restoration (source: Kim Clement).

ANGEL MESSENGER

2006-12-15T22:44:00.000-06:00

THE GLORY OF THE LORD

And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified.

But the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you: he is Christ the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger."

HEAVENLY HOST

Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests." Luke 2:8-14

Angel in Krakow Originally uploaded by wit.

A Very Beanie Nativity

2006-12-09T13:00:00.000-06:00

Beanie Nativity Originally uploaded by rachelandrew.

I recently searched through hundreds of nativity scenes on flickr Creative Commons and surprised myself by liking this one the best. "Why?" I asked myself. Why do I prefer this one to those that have real people in them or real animals? Why did this one most touch my heart?

Hmmm. I'm not sure we humans always understand why something touches our hearts, but as a writer, I need to try to explain my choice.

COMMUNING WITH HER CREATOR

The artist who put together this seemingly simple nativity scene was concerned with the glory and awe of the occasion. That's what I see in Mary's upturned face and prayerful posture. What God said would happen, did happen, and she is communing with her Creator, who is also the Father of her miracle baby.

POIGNANT AND PENSIVE

In one word, I would say her face and posture define the word, "poignant." My word for Joseph would be "pensive." I imagine he is feeling the responsibility of raising God's child, the promised Deliverer.

What do you think?

Beany Nativity photo by rachelandrew

DO YOU NEED A BREAKTHROUGH?

2006-12-03T09:30:00.000-06:00

FAITH WILL ARISE AND BRING 'SUDDENLIES'

Following is part of a recent prophetic message from Patricia King:

Get ready for great victory and breakthroughs! A season of acceleration is at hand; even though the enemy attempted to bring discouragement, faith will arise to release the power and purposes of God. "Suddenlies" are on their way!

Do not be discouraged at the trials you face at this time, but look to the Lord your God. There is nothing you are facing at this time that cannot be overcome in Christ. What do you need? Is it wisdom? Is it grace? Comfort? Health? Finance? Your need at this time is your next potential testimony of Christ's victory.

Click here for the rest of this encouraging message by Patricia King, as well as scriptures to meditate on to boost your faith to receive your breakthrough.

ZEBRAS, CHRISTMAS TREES, AND SHOOTING STARS

2006-11-26T12:08:00.000-06:00

IS THAT ALL?

As Thanksgiving approached, I mulled options for a traditional meal. Luby's, I decided. They provide a great turkey dinner. Instantly I was aware of a feeling inside that said, "Is that all? Is that to be our "Thanksgiving Event"? Good food, yes, but just food - no family or friends?

We've enjoyed many Thanksgivings in the past surrounded by family and friends. For example, this photo is from Thanksgiving 2005 when we had a wonderful visit with our son and his family in L.A. and were also reunited with a special friend from our past. (Our daughter-in-law, the photographer, is missing from the photo.)

This year I had expected my sister and her husband to be in town but their plans changed. And I certainly didn't feel neglected by my immediate family because we had recently hosted not one but two gatherings of our children and grandchildren, all of whom trekked here from afar. All six of the grandboys, 6 and under, had been together for the first time and had a grand time feeding the swans and fishing in our backyard. (Click here for more on this!)

REQUEST FOR SOMETHING SPECIAL

Years back I would have ignored my let-down feeling and just stuffed it inside. Or later, when I first became a Christian, I might have let my mind reprimand my feelings with religious peptalk about how I didn't deserve to feel let down since I had been given so much. But after years of experiencing the mercies and love of God, that's not what I chose to do. I took what I felt to my Father and released it to Him, something like this: Father, I thank you for the wonderful family you have given us and for the fellowship with them we had in October. Your favor was abundant and I am grateful. I lift to you my desire for something more for Thanksgiving Day than Luby's. Will you please provide something special? Thank you for whatever you arrange.

REQUEST GRANTED!

And here's my testimony to God's goodness. Last weekend, after church one of my favorite ladies asked if we had plans for Thanksgiving. "No," I said. I tried to come up with something cheerful or positive to add but nothing presented itself. "Why don't you join us?" she said. Now, this lady and her husband are the most gracious hosts I know. And she is a great cook. So, you can bet I said, "Yes."

A drive through the Texas Hill Country is always delightful but this one was to be unusually so. As we topped over a hill, I spied a decorated Christmas tree on the shoulder of the highway. My husband's first impression was that someone had left one there but when we saw the next one a mile later, it was obvious what that some inspired drive-by decorator had festively adorned live native trees, topping them off with a star. Neat! Would there be one at the next mile marker, too?

My eyes were straining to see if that could be so. And you know what I saw? Not a third decorated tree but a zebra! And then I saw another one. Two zebras feeding in a field. Real live zebras! No kidding.

It was time to exit the highway so I can't say if other adorned trees waited ahead. To increase my credibility about the zebras, I should say that here in the Texas Hill Country we are seeing more and more exotic animals on ranches, alongside our native deer.

THE MAIN EVENT

We arrived at our destination with a story to tell and in time for tasty hors d oeuvres, fellowship, and bocce ball outside on a perfect day: sunny and dry, cool and crisp but not cold. Peter, our host, showed us the rose garden and took us with him to feed the goats. Then it was time for a five-star meal and dinner conversation, followed by several "to-die-for" desserts. And I came home with generous portions to feast on again later. Somewhere in this mix, I learned from Mary, my friend and hostess, and her sister, Rose, how to fashion and hand stitch a beautiful jacket from a sweatshirt.

AND THEN . . .

My cup had already run over with blessing upon blessing on this Day of Thanks. But guess what? It wasn't over. Later that evening my neighbor Sarah and I walked just as night was falling, checking on the wildlife in and around the small lake in our community, as we often do. Yes, there are the seven swans. Where are the five resident mallards? How many wild ducks do you think we have now? As we crossed the dam, a flight of about a dozen took off. A second smaller group followed minutes later. They made quite a clatter as they rose above the water and angled just above our heads. They were as loud as Santa on the roof!

The stars were very bright on this clear dark night and the moon was just a sliver. A perfect night for stargazing!

Sarah's specialty is counting shooting stars. She's very good at that. But tonight I out-spied her. I saw three bright streaks and two brief flashes, some of which she uncharacteristically missed.

CORNUCOPIA of BLESSINGS

With all these happy experiences, Thanksgiving 2006 was uniquely delightful and special with many opportunities to give thanks. And so I prayed: Thank you, Lord, that it pleased you to honor my child-like request for "something more" with a cornucopia overflowing with blessing upon blessing. Amen.

2nd photo by bad sector @flickerCC
3rd photo by hol @flickerCC
4th photo by Steven2005 @flickerCC
5th photo by odoyle81 @fickerCC

2006-11-15T20:57:00.000-06:00

And now, may the God of peace,
who brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus,
equip you with all you need for doing his will.

May he produce in you, through the power of Jesus Christ,
all that is pleasing to him.

Jesus is the great Shepherd of the sheep
by an everlasting covenant, signed with his blood.

To him be glory forever and ever. Amen.

Hebrews 13:20-21 NLT

THE EVERLASTING COVENANT

2006-11-04T21:10:00.000-06:00

The Everlasting Covenant was made before the creation of man and the entrance of sin into the human race. Kevin Conner and Ken Malmin in their book The Covenants tell us that it is the heavenly spiritual foundation from which other covenants proceed. It was made in eternity before time began and was between the Father, Son and the Holy Spirit. It does not include man, although it does involve man. The New Covenant, which promises eternal life, brings redeemed mankind into the Everlasting Covenant.

The Bible teaches that before time began, God had an eternal purpose and that he declares his purpose through covenant. The Everlasting Covenant is the basis for all other covenants made in earth since time began. See Heb 13:20-21.

THE NATURE OF GOD

The Everlasting Covenant is grounded in the essential nature of God.

He is eternal. He is above and outside of time. He created time. He therefore inhabits eternity and all he does is eternal. Isa 57:15, Gen 21:33, Deut 33:27, Psa 41:13, 90:2, 93:2
He is omniscient: that is, he is all knowing. Although he gave man free will, he knew creation would fall and he made provision for redemption. Acts 15:18
He is omnipotent. He is all-powerful and sovereign over creation and creatures. Dan 7:17
God is omnipresent. He is everywhere present at all times. Psa 139:7-12
He is immutable. He is unchanging in his nature, being, character and covenant purposes. Mal 3:6; Heb 13:8
God is self-existent. He exists in and of Himself and is independent of time, space and all creatures. He gives life to all creatures because he is the life-source. John 1:1-4, 3:16

In addition, God chose to make covenant available because of his moral attributes:

God is absolute holiness. Lev 19:2, 11:44,45, 1Pet 1:16
He is righteous, that is, perfectly just. Psa 119:142, Deut 32:4, Rom 1:17
God is love. He manifests perfect love, grace, mercy and kindness. 1 John 4:8-16, John 3:16, 14:23, Gal 2:20
He is faithful. He does what he says he will do. Psa 119:144, Heb 6:12-20, 2 Tim 2:13, 1 Pet 4:19

THE ETERNAL GODHEAD

Because it is not a covenant between God and man, but a covenant between the persons of the eternal Godhead, we can call this covenant, which was made before time began, the Eternal (or Everlasting) Covenant. According to Kevin Conner and Ken Malmin, this covenant defined the role each of the three persons of the triune God would play in regard to creation and redemption:

The Father orginates all covenants. He makes the promises and gives the words and the terms of the contracts.
The Son is the sacrifice and the mediator of the covenant. He functions as both offering and offerer: sacrifice and priest.
The Holy Spirit is the seal, the sign and the token. He executes the covenant and sees that it is carried out in full.

See Rom 16:26, Psa 106:48, 112:6, Hab 1:12, Heb 13:20.

2006-10-29T07:59:00.000-06:00

Behold, God is my salvation;

I will trust, and not be afraid

for the LORD JEHOVAH is my strength and my song;

He also is become my salvation.

Isa 12.2 KJV

JEHOVAH: THE COVENANT NAME

2006-10-23T17:00:00.000-05:00

We often refer to a person's reputation as his "good name."

When a company is sold, often the right to use the company's name is included in the sale. The Hebrew concept of the importance of a name is similar, conveying the nature and essence of the person or thing named, including its history and reputation.

WHAT SHOULD I CALL YOU?

We see in Ex. 3:13-22 that when Moses asks God what His name is, he is not asking "what should I call you." He is asking "who are you? What are you like? What have you done?" Kevin Conner says that to understand a name in Hebrew does not mean simply to be acquainted with it but to have experience and history with the person to whom the name belongs. We know this is true by how God responds, saying that He is eternal, He is the God of our ancestors, He sees our suffering and heals and delivers us.

Jehovah is the covenant name of God. It occurs 6,823 times in the Old Testament. It is first used in Gen. 2:4. It literally means to be or to live. Further, it means The Self-Existent One, I Am Who I Am and I Will Be Who I Will Be.

Because a name contains the reputation of the person or thing named, we should treat the name with the same respect as its reputation. Therefore, God's Names, in all of their forms, deserve enormous respect and reverence.

WHAT IS OUR RELATIONSHIP?

The covenant name of Jehovah focuses on God's lovingkindness and mercy. This name is used in combination with other names or phrases that refer to how He has moved and will move to redeem those that are his. Here are some examples:

JEHOVAH-JIREH: The Lord will Provide. Gen. 22:14. From jireh (to see or to provide). God always provides at the right time.

JEHOVAH-TSIDKENU: The Lord Our Righteousness. Jer. 23:5, 6, 33:16. From tsidek (full weight, justice, right, righteous, declared innocent.) God our Righteousness.

JEHOVAH-M'KADDESH: The Lord Who Sanctifies. Lev. 20:8. Means to make whole and set apart for holiness.

JEHOVAH-SHALOM: The Lord Our Peace. Judges 6:24. Shalom. Is translated peace 170 times. Means whole, finished, fulfilled, perfected. Is related to well, welfare. Deut. 27:6; Dan. 5:26; I Kings 9:25 8:61; Gen. 15:16; Ex. 21:34, 22:5, 6; Lev. 7:11-21. Shalom refers to the kind of peace that results from being a whole person in right relationship with God and one's fellow man.

JEHOVAH-ROPHE: The Lord Who Heals. Ex. 15:22-26. From rophe (to heal); implies spiritual, emotional and physical healing. (Jer. 30:17, 3:22; Isa. 61:1) God heals body, soul and spirit.

JEHOVAH-NISSI: The Lord Our Banner. Ex. 17:15. God in battle. From a word that means to glisten, to lift up. See Psalm 4:6.

JEHOVAH-ROHI: The Lord Our Shepherd. Psa. 23. From ro'eh (to pasture).

2006-10-12T17:06:00.000-05:00

There is hope for your future:
I love you with an everlasting love,

I am drawing you with loving kindness,

I will lead you beside streams of water
on a level path, where you will not stumble.

I will turn your mourning into gladness,
I will give you comfort and joy instead of sorrow.

Jer 31:3, 9, 13, 17 personalized

HOW IS COVENANT ESTABLISHED?

2006-10-12T10:42:00.000-05:00

GOD SETS CONDITIONS, CALLS MAN

For covenant relationships to be established, all parties need to understand and fulfill their part of the covenant agreement. God initiated each Biblical covenant by setting the conditions and then calling man to enter into it.

Scripture clearly states that man must "enter into covenant." Isa 56:4,6 says that man must "take hold of the covenant."

KEEPING COVENANT

We saw previously (click here) that God initiates covenant to demonstrate his love, grace and mercy to man. It is his way of commiting himself to personal relationship with those that are his. Covenant is also how God expresses his will and purpose for man.

Once covenant is made, God requires man to "keep the covenant." This language may be unfamiliar to us, but it is very scriptural. To keep the covenant is to remember it and to consistently and continually live by its terms. Man has the responsibility to commit himself fully to the covenant God calls him into through faith and obedience. The blood of Christ is the only cleansing agent for sin.

See Gen 9:15, 16; Deut 29:1, 9, 12; 2 Chron 15:12; Psa 103:17-18, 111:5; Jer 34:10; Lk 11:52, John 6:28, 29; Rom 5:12-21; Heb 3-4, 11:8.

2006-10-08T08:37:00.000-05:00

We see things not as they are, but as we are.

-Anonymous Proverb

When I'm looking at others and judging them,
I'm really just looking at myself (and my standard),
instead of actually knowing and responding to the other person.

-David Danielson
Sermon: What Does Koinonia Look Like?
Romans 14:1 - 15: 7
October 7 - 8, 2006

2006-10-05T08:39:00.000-05:00

How can we be secure in an environment of great change?

The answer is: our security is in the covenant nature of God. He is a covenant-making, covenant-keeping God (see Deuteronomy 7:2-9)...

Covenant between God and man is His oath sealed in blood, a bond that makes us one with Him. It is sharing the life and purpose of God, under His sovereign administration. Our security is in the assurance that He keeps His covenant Word to us. It is not in circumstance, and certainly not in our ability to always be right or do right...

God sets His affection upon the people of His choice in order to express Himself to all people... Covenant is never an end; it is always a means to an end...the accomplishment of His will.

- Charles Simpson
Excerpt, Pastoral Letter 9/99

GOD OF COVENANT

2006-10-02T13:15:00.000-05:00

GOD RELATES THROUGH COVENANT

When we look at our Bible we see it divided into two parts, each representing a major covenant from God. We call these divisions the Old Testament and the New Testament. But why does God make covenant? And what does that mean to you and me?

Kevin Conner and Ken Malmin in their book The Covenants see a progression of nine covenants in Scripture that reveal our God as a covenant-making God throughout man’s history. Not everyone agrees that there are nine covenants, but my goal is to gain a better understanding of covenant by considering the events listed in this book. Because covenant is how God relates to man, we will also be learning more about the nature of God.

This article will consider background information. Future articles will look at specific covenants.

WHAT IS COVENANT?

Modern society doesn’t really understand the meaning of covenant, especially its emphasis on the shedding of blood. The English meaning of covenant assumes a mutual understanding between two or more parties that bind themselves to carry out specific obligations. In some cases only one party assumes obligation. The Hebrew word used in the Old Testament for covenant, Beriyth, refers to a compact or pact and involves passing between pieces of flesh. In the New Testament there are two words used for covenant, but only one of them is used for God’s dealing with men. This is the Greek word kiatheke and it means “a disposition, arrangement, testament or will.”

WHO INITIATES COVENANT?

Throughout scripture we see that it is never man who approaches God and asks for a covenant. God is always the initiator. Considering this, the simplest way to understand covenant is to think of it as a contract drawn up by God and presented to man to accept or reject “as is.” Although the covenant is for the benefit of man, he is not allowed to change or amend it. God is the all-wise Creator and man is his creation. Covenant is evidence of His love toward man.

2006-09-27T21:02:00.000-05:00

THINK ABOUT IT

David wasn't thinking of being king when he was tending sheep;
he was just doing what God sat before him.

- John Fisher

GUEST WRITER: GEOFF ANDERSON

2006-09-20T17:04:00.000-05:00

Our guest writer today lives in England. We began exchanging emails when he critiqued my "Garden" article. I returned the favor by critiquing some of his writing. My favorite, inspired by Psalm 23, appears below. It turns out that what I thought of as an excellent poem was really written as a song. It, and other songs and writings, are for sale. If you're interested, or if you just want to read more of his work, click here. An MP3 of the song is available by request. To communicate with Geoff, use the Private Messenger after following the link.

MY GOD

My God protects and cares for me
As a shepherd tends his sheep.
The lake is clear and still for me
And by its banks I sleep.

My God renews my soul for me
And guides my wayward feet.
His name's a shining light for me,
His love for me's complete.

My God is with me in the vale
As death's dark shadows grow.
And as the evening light turns pale,
The more his strength I know.

My God prepares a meal for me,
Invites my foes to sup.
His blessings pour like oil on me,
His love spills from my cup.

My God will watch me evermore,
His care will never cease.
He'll call to me at heaven's door:
'Come in and share my Peace!'

Photo (c) www.danielahaussmann.com,
www.haussmann-presse.com, Daniela Haussmann,
2006, made available at flickr Creative Commons 2.0

2006-09-19T11:32:00.000-05:00

You will be blessed if
you obey the commands of the Lord your God . . .

You will receive a curse if
you reject the commands of the Lord your God
and turn from his way by worshiping foreign gods.

Deut 11:27-28 NLT

CHOICES IN THE GARDEN

2006-09-15T11:54:00.000-05:00

The following is a creative piece I wrote for a contest using the topic, "Garden." See if you recognize the characters. ~~~~

Dearest Evie, where are you? What is that you have in your hand? Yes, it's pretty. Please don't eat it. Don't even think about how it tastes! Who told you it will make you wise?

Can't I talk you out of this? You've never gone against me before. Or against our Awesome Friend who walks with us in the cool of the evening. Remember that I told you He created this garden and all that is in it? As I have told you before, He put us in charge of everything and told us we could eat from all the trees except this one. If you are hungry for something new, why don't we pick fruit from that other tree, the one called Life?

I fear things will never be the same if you eat this forbidden fruit. Disobeying will change you. We will be separated in some way, living together, yet apart. I cannot bear that.

If you are determined to eat, Dear One, then I must eat, too, so that whatever happens, we experience it together.

. . . Oh, Evie, what have we done?

~~~~~
Genesis 3:6 & 7

Photo by Magalie L'Abbe flickerCC
http://www.flickr.com/photos/magtravels/

2006-09-13T16:44:00.000-05:00

WHO SAID THAT?

"He that is jealous is not in love."

--St. Augustine

==========

2006-09-08T18:04:00.000-05:00

What a person desires is unfailing love.

Proverbs 19:22A TNIV

THE FACE OF LOVE

2006-09-08T13:37:00.000-05:00

My last several articles have been about the love of God, both as it flows to us and through us to others. It was my intention to do a follow up article with an illustration. For some time I pondered how to illustrate the love of God. Nothing seemed suitable. Earlier I used a photo of Niagara Falls when I wrote about God's power. But what picture can accurately show God's love?

A REMARKABLE YOUNG MAN

Saturday I attended the funeral of Walker Best, a young man of numerous accomplishments. In high school he won many awards, two of which were valedictorian and Best All Around. At A&M he continued his stellar academic performance as an honors student in biology. Walker's dream was to be a doctor and he had been invited to interview at 5 medical schools. He lacked only 6 hours to graduate in December and will be awarded his BS in Biology by A&M posthumously.

Yet what people most remember about him was his ability to love others. Over 1200 people attended his funeral. Several publicly shared memories of Walker, many others shared privately. Few talked about how smart he was but rather his joyful commitment to Christ, his radiant smile, his character, his caring hugs, his nonjudgmental nature. Person after person spoke of his kindness, his loyal friendship, and his ability to put others before himself.

LOVE GOD, LOVE OTHERS

Walker's philosophy was simple: Love God and love others. Found on his computer was also this injunction: "Love much, hate little."A slide show featured photos of family and friends, some from his personal computer. On the corner of several photos he had written some of his favorite scriptures, including Romans 12:40-43.

In view of the testimony of so many, it seems fitting to use Walker's photo to illustrate the love of God.

ROBERT WALKER BEST

August 22, 1983 - August 26, 2006

A life well lived
to the glory of God

Be devoted to one another in brotherly love.
Honor one another above yourselves.
Never be lacking in zeal,
but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord.
Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.
Share with God's people who are in need.
Practice hospitality

Roms 12:10-13

2006-09-05T15:16:00.000-05:00

UNDERSTANDING
TWO KINDS OF BIBLICAL LOVE

Further down the page (click here) two kinds of love were discussed: Agapao (Do you choose to love me?) and phileo ( I love you personally and affectionately.) In another article, I gave excerpts of the definition for Agapao from the Vines dictionary. To further help us understand biblical love, below (appearing in italics) is a definition taken from Vines of Phileo.

AGAPAO & PHILEO COMPARED

Phileo is distinguished from agapao in this, that phileo represents tender affection. The two words are both used for the love of the Father for the Son for the believer, and. of Christ's love for a certain disciple. The two verbs are never used indiscriminately in the same passage; if each is used with reference to the same objects, as in the examples just mentioned, each word retains its distinctive and essential character.

Phileo is never used in a command to men to love God, agapao is used instead. The distinction between the two verbs finds a conspicuous instance in the narrative of John 21:15-17. The context indicates that agapao in the first two questions suggests the love that values and esteems. It is an unselfish love, ready to serve. The use of phileo in Peter's answers and the Lord's third question, conveys the thought of cherishing the object above all else, of manifesting an affection characterized by constancy, from the motive of the highest veneration.

Strong's Concordance says that phileo is to be a friend to, to be fond of an individual or an object, to have affection that denotes personal attachment, sentiment, feeling. Agapao is wider, requiring a deliberate choice as a matter of principle, duty and propriety. The two are related, phileo being chiefly of the heart and agapao of the head.

IN SUMMARY

The crux of the matter is this: the love God requires from us is an earnest concern and interest in the well-being of another. This concern should motivate appropriate and beneficial action.

==========

Tags: Religion , Spirituality , Faith , Inspiration , Encouragement , Jesus , Christ , Christianity , Bible , Love

2006-08-30T21:28:00.000-05:00

GRAHAM COOKE EXCERPT, Part 2
Sugarland, TX 1-06

GOD LOVES BECAUSE HE IS LOVE

His love is designed to overwhelm all things, especially fear,
shame and low self-esteem.

He does not keep a record of our sins or failings.
He has mercy that can never be properly understood
or articulated, just experienced.
And the only way we can explain mercy is by being merciful ourselves.

Jesus the Redeemer gives us value in the eyes of the Father.
He sees and he speaks to our potential.
He both protects us and releases us to fulfill all
that he wants us to see
and to know about ourselves.
He has a dream about you and everything in his heart is to train you,
develop you and bring you to the place
where you can live out that dream.

The good news is you are loved outrageously.
It doesn't matter what you do or don't do. That's irrelevant.
God doesn't love you based on how well you are doing.
He loves you because he is love.

2006-08-29T14:04:00.000-05:00

THINK ABOUT IT

What's on my mind is what I love.

2006-08-25T16:12:00.000-05:00

WHO SAID THAT?

"God loves you right where you are
but he doesn't want to leave you there."

--Max Lucado

==========

Tags: Religion , Spirituality , Faith , Inspiration , Encouragement , Jesus , Christ , Christianity , Bible , God , Worship , Heaven , Love

2006-08-24T19:48:00.000-05:00

DEFINITION OF AGAPAO LOVE
Excerpt from Vine's Dictionary

AGAPAO DEFINES CHRISTIANITY

The characteristic word of Christianity, [agapao] can be known only from the actions it prompts. God's love is seen in the gift of his Son...But obviously this is not the love of complacency, or affection, that is, it was not drawn out by any excellency in its objects...It was an exercise of the divine will in deliberate choice, made without assignable cause save that which lies in the nature of God Himself.

...In respect of agapao as used of God, it expresses the deep and constant love and interest of a perfect Being towards entirely unworthy objects, producing and fostering a reverential love in them towards the Giver, and a practical love towards those who are partakers of the same, and a desire to help others to seek the Giver.

JESUS IS AGAPAO PERSONIFIED

Love had its perfect expression among men in the Lord Jesus Christ...Christian love is the fruit of his spirit in the Christian.

Christian love has God for its primary object, and expresses itself first of all in implicit obedience to his commandments...Self will, that is self-pleasing, is the negation of love to God.

Christian love, whether exercised toward the brethren, or toward men generally, is not an impulse from the feelings, it does not always run with the natural inclinations, nor does it spend itself only upon those for whom some affinity is discovered. Love seeks the welfare of all and works no ill to any...love seeks opportunity to do good to all men and especially toward them that are of the household of the faith.

==========

Tags: Religion , Spirituality , Faith , Inspiration , Encouragement , Jesus , Christ , Christianity , Bible , Love ,
Life

2006-08-20T22:01:00.000-05:00

THE FAMOUS THREE QUESTIONS
John 21:15-17

After they had eaten, Jesus said to Simon Peter, "Simon, son of John, do you love me more than these others do?" "Yes, Lord," he answered, "you know that I love you." Jesus said to him, "Take care of my lambs."

A second time Jesus said to him, "Simon, son of John, do you love me?" "Yes, Lord," he answered, "you know that I love you." Jesus said to him, "Take care of my sheep."

A third time Jesus said, "Simon, son of John, do you love me?" Peter became sad because Jesus asked him the third time, "Do you love me?" and so he said to him, "Lord, you know everything; you know that I love you!" Jesus said to him, "Take care of my sheep." Good News Bible

WHY THREE QUESTIONS?

One explanation for the three questions is that Peter’s answers brought redemption to his three times of denial. But is there more going on here? Richard Trench, author of New Testament Synonyms, thinks so. He emphasizes that the two different meanings for the word love used in this passage are a reflection of the dynamics of the relationship between Peter and Jesus. In the first question, the Greek word for love is agapao. (As in, "Do you choose to love me?") When Simon answers, however, he uses the Greek word philo (As in "I love you personally and affectionately.")

CHOICE AND / OR AFFECTION?

In his second question Jesus again used agapao. According to Trench, the word used in the first two questions suggests judgment and deliberate choice; the word Peter used in his answers, and the one Jesus used in his final question speaks more of attachment and personal affection. Trench reasons that agapao on the lips of the Lord seems to Peter at this moment too cold a word, as though his Lord were keeping him at a distance, or at least not inviting him to draw near, as he passionately yearned to do. For this reason, Peter substitutes his own stronger “I love” (philo) in his answers. When Jesus questions a third time if Peter loves him, he uses Peter’s word, the word for love that describes personal attachment and affection.

DEEPER DIMENSION

Understanding the difference in the meaning of the two words brings a deeper dimension to the dialogue and, therefore, to the relationship between Jesus and Peter. And by inference, to other believers, who can be assured that their Lord values not only choice but passionate affection as well.

==========

Tags: Religion , Spirituality , Faith , Inspiration , Encouragement , Jesus , Christ , Christianity , Bible , Love ,
Life

MEDITATIONS & EXPERTISE ONLINE

2006-08-17T22:41:00.000-05:00

Previously, I mentioned visiting Liberty Revival Church, aka LRC, in Houston, TX. (The address and a photo of their sanctuary is down the page a bit.) It is a unique church without pews, without walls, on the cutting edge of technology, founded 19 years ago by Ernie and Lyn Fitzpatrick. On their website at http://lrchouston.com LRC is described as progressive, yet traditional in values.

FROM BLAH TO BLESSED

You don't have to live in Houston to profit from Ernie and Lyn's expertise. If you're a woman, you will be incredibly blessed, and possibly transformed, by reading Lyn's meditations. Her latest one details how she went from "blah" to blessed. Here's an excerpt.

Recently, I went through a period of feeling like God was a long way off . . . I've walked with him long enough to know it'’s not a forever thing, but it really stinks while you're in it. I was lonely, directionless, and generally blah. I had run down the spiritual checklist of what to do when you find yourself in the desert: keep praying, keep reading your Bible, confess all your sins, forgive where needed, press in, persevere, etc., etc. Life was still very dry, so I ditched the checklist. It didn't seem to be getting me anywhere, so I went back to blah. You know you're a mess when every other sentence is, “Whatever.”

That's the blah part. The blessed part comes through a revelation of God's love involving a sunset-colored dog named Lady. Find this devotional and others on her beautiful website at http://www.transformingwomen.com/meditations.mgi or click here. Lyn's transparency and her spiritual sensitivity are evident in all her articles.

KINGDOM PRINCIPLES

Ernie, a former businessman, has a heart to help people prosper in the business world by embracing Kingdom principles in business and personal spheres. He blogs on current events, politics and finance at http://www.transformhouston.com/or click here. Ernie also is the author of three e-books available on the church website, as well as HowtoBePromoted.com, AskAboutElections.com, AskAboutGold.com, AskImmigrationQuestions.com, and AskSpiritualAdvice.com

==========

Tags: Religion , Spirituality , Faith , Inspiration , Encouragement , Jesus , Christ , Christianity , Bible , Church , God

2006-08-09T18:08:00.000-05:00

What you see above is a Sunday morning service at Liberty Revival Church in Houston, Texas, located near Northwest Mall at 16200 State Highway 249. My family visited there recently and when the music started, many in the congregation went forward to stand in front of the praise team so they could take a more active part in the worship. Without making a conscious decision or speaking to anyone else, I found myself up front, too. I didn't want to miss out on anything. And it was really good.

GOD IS MOVING ON CHILDREN

Sometime later, I looked down and was surprised to see my 5 year old grandson standing to my left, his face aglow, clapping to the music.

Praise music isn't new to him. His mom plays it in the car and he sings along. And over a year ago, he sung "Jesus, my Loooord" to me on the phone and told me that Jesus is his Lord, even though no one has formally led him in that confession. At our house he asks me to put on the "Jesus music" and he plays it as loud as he can. Then he runs to his Papa to share his excitement. Of course, we think he is special and I'm proud to show him off in this article. Jesus thinks he's pretty special, too. He loves him deeply in a personal way, as He does each of us. But there's something more here I want to say: children are experiencing God today in a way that most of us have never seen.

Jeris J. Cribbs in the August 2006 issue of The Voice of the Prophetic magazine writes that we are increasingly seeing God move in children today in " . . . a Joel 2, Acts 2 demonstration." There are three articles in the magazine about God moving on children. Steve Shultz has one called Out of the Mouth of Babes, in which he tells a true story about God using children to save an American Soldier.

AKIANE, CHILD PRODIGY

And then there's Akiane, an 11 year old painter, whose parents were atheist before Jesus began visiting her when she was four years old. Her most compelling painting, in my opinion, was done when she was 8 and is called Prince of Peace. She has been featured in many magazines and newspapers and has appeared on The Oprah Winfrey Show.

Why not check out her website and see which of her paintings is your favorite? Click here.

==========

Tags: Religion , Spirituality , Faith , Inspiration , Encouragement , Jesus , Christ , Christianity , Bible , Children , God

2006-08-08T11:11:00.000-05:00

WHO SAID THAT?

"Prayer is greater than the problem."

--Joyce Meyer

==========

Tags: Prayer , Hope , Religion , Spirituality , Faith , Inspiration , Encouragement , Jesus , Christ , Christianity , Bible , Life

GOD LIFTS A STANDARD

2006-08-06T08:34:00.000-05:00

ISAIAH 59:19

When the enemy comes in like a flood, the Spirit of the Lord will lift up a standard against him.

In Old Testament times a standard was considered a token of protection and fidelity. Although I have loved this scripture for years, and often turned to it when feeling overwhelmed, I appreciate it even more after reading this definition of standard from Unger's Dictionary:

"God's lifting or setting up a standard implies a peculiar presence, protection, and aid in leading and directing his people in the execution of His righteous will and giving them comfort and peace in His service."

Our covenant with the Lord positions us under this powerful standard.

THE CHRISTIAN FLAG

To illustrate this scripture to God's church today, I have chosen to use the Christian flag. It was conceived over 100 years ago at Brighton Chapel, Coney Island, New York by Charles C. Overton.

The white on the flag represents purity and peace. The blue stands for faithfulness, truth, and sincerity. Red, the color of sacrifice, brings to mind the blood shed by Christ on Calvary, represented by the cross.

==========

Tags: Hope , Religion , Spirituality , Faith , Inspiration , Encouragement , Jesus , Christ , Christianity , Bible , Father , God

2006-08-03T08:32:00.000-05:00

If we keep . . . going through the trials
that are in our lives by faith,
eventually the blessings of God overtake us.

--Chuck Pierce

==========

Tags: Hope , Religion , Spirituality , Faith , Inspiration , Encouragement , Jesus , Christ , Christianity , Bible , Father , God

2006-07-30T09:33:00.000-05:00

WHO SAID THAT?

"I started understanding what it meant to be a friend of God,
and it changed my whole view of worship.
We have the privilege of talking with God and hearing Him speak to us. It’s not a monologue."

--Israel Houghton, Worship Leader,
Author of "Friend of God"

2006-07-27T13:13:00.000-05:00

GRAHAM COOKE EXCERPT
Sugarland, TX 1-06

WHAT IS JESUS LIKE?

He has an immense, immeasurable and eternal compassion.
His compassion is always greater than our sin.
He is scandalously forgiving.
His mercy burns as it destroys shame.
He has unbounded patience, unending goodness.
His love is so compelling it heals us.
It strips away all our pretense and restores us to happiness.
His grace is the empowering presence within
that enables us to feel good about ourselves.
His mercy is his total favor given gladly to the undeserving heart.
He is the kindest person I have ever known.
His goodness is so outrageous and shocking
that it is disreputable to the religious minded.
He is the happiest person I know;
he has the happiest disposition of anybody you will ever meet.
He is enthusiastically fervent in his pursuit of us.
He is amazingly humble and gentle
but he is also a powerful warrior king who loves to fight
and who laughs at his enemies.
He has a fabulous servant spirit, needing no title, status or position,
but he joyfully sets an example of simple heartwarming slavery.

Tags: Religion , Spirituality , Faith , Inspiration , Encouragement , Jesus , Christ , Christianity , Bible , God , Love

2006-07-24T11:26:00.000-05:00

WHO SAID THAT?

"The future belongs to the intercessors and to those who pray."

--Francis Frangipane

BECOMING COMPLETE IN GOD'S LOVE

2006-07-21T22:06:00.000-05:00

PUTTING THE PIECES TOGETHER

What must we do to be made complete in God's love? To be established in His love . . . to know it personally and then to consistently manifest it to others?

1 JOHN 2 SHOWS THE WAY

Let's look at 1 John 2 for some pointers. (I'm using both the New Living Translation and the Amplified Bible today.) Here's what I see in Chapter 2 that will help us complete the puzzle:

Treasure and obey his entire word, vs. 5

Live our lives as Christ did, vss. 6 &29

Love our fellow believers, vss. 10 & 11

Do not love the world and its forbidden cravings, vss. 15 & 17

Remain faithful to what we have been taught from the beginning, vs. 24

Continue to fellowship with Christ, vs. 28

LIVE AS CHRIST LIVED

In verse 6 we see that we are to live our life as Christ did. Verse 2:1 in The Amplified Bible tells us that He conforms to the Father's will in purpose, thought and action.

BUT IF WE SIN

I don't know about you, but, while I purpose to live as Christ lived, I mess up a lot. That's why I'm so glad for 1 John 2:1:

...I am writing this to you so that you will not sin. But if you do sin, there is someone to plead for you before the Father. He is Jesus Christ, the one who pleases God completely. He is the sacrifice for our sins. He takes away not only our sins but the sins of all the world. NLT

LIVES FILLED WITH GOD'S LOVE & BEAUTY

As we continue in this way, remembering both the exhortations of 1 John 2 and also the provision made for the times we fail, our lives will begin to take shape, being filled with God's love and beauty.

Photo from FlickrCC: photobydave

Tags: Religion , Spirituality , Faith , Inspiration , Encouragement , Jesus , Christ , Christianity , Bible , God , Love , Sin

2006-07-19T16:51:00.000-05:00

THINK ABOUT IT

There's no grace to carry the burdens that aren't ours.

2006-07-18T10:45:00.000-05:00

CHECK IT OUT

With all that is happening in the Middle East, I want to call your attention to a prophecy given January 29, 2006 by Chuck Pierce.

Check it out at http://www.elijahlist.com/words/display_word_pf.html?ID=4291

2006-07-17T14:57:00.000-05:00

I trust in the Lord with all my heart and
lean not to my own understanding.

I acknowledge Him in all my ways
and He directs my paths.

I am not wise in my own eyes
but fear God and shun evil.

Living like this brings health to my body
and moisture to my bones.

Proverbs 3:5-8 Personalized

==========

Tags: Hope , Religion , Health , Faith , Inspiration , Encouragement , Jesus , Christ , Christianity , Bible , Life

2006-07-15T07:28:00.000-05:00

WHO SAID THAT?

"Worship is the key to overthrowing a throne of iniquity.
It is a way of ascending to Heaven and of submitting to God."

--Chuck Pierce

==========

Tags: Religion , Spirituality , Faith , Inspiration , Encouragement , Jesus , Christ , Christianity , Bible , God , Worship , Heaven

FULLNESS OF LIFE & POWER

2006-07-13T11:17:00.000-05:00

...you will be filled with the fullness of life & power
that comes from God

Ephs 3:19B NLB

WHEN?

This astounding scripture is from a prayer prayed by Paul in Ephesians 3:16-21 and is followed in my mind with the question, "When? When will I be filled with God's fullness and power?" It's what I'm after, to be flooded with the fullness and power of God.

THEN . . .

Paul's prayer starts like this: "May you experience the love of Christ, though it is so great you will never fully understand it. Then you will be filled with the fullness of life and power that comes from God."

We are filled with God's fullness and power when we participate in and partake of his love personally. When we can say, "God loves me," not just God loves.

ROOTED & GROUNDED

The second part of verse 17 adds this to our understanding of when we will be full of God's life: "When your roots go down deep into the soil of God's marvelous love."

We need to be planted in God like a tree with deep roots. Permanently grounded, thriving and prospering in his care, not wavering or wandering. That is when we will know experientially his love consistently day by day. His love is extravagant, inexhaustible, without measure and beyond reason. He doesn't just tolerate us, he delights in us. When we are in his beloved son, the Father accepts us completely. Most of us have never known that kind of love and acceptance and so it is beyond our understanding. This is from The Message:

And I ask him that with both feet planted firmly on love,
you'll be able to take in with all Christians
the extravagant dimensions of Christ's love.
Reach out and experience the breadth! Test its length!
Plum the depths! Rise to the heights!
Live full lives, full in the fullness of God.

TRYING ISN'T THE ANSWER

We have seen that being filled with his fullness and power is a result of walking in the continual awareness of his love. I'm encouraged that instead of saying, "Try harder," Paul prayed in verse 18 that we would have the power to understand his love (New Living Translation). Trying isn't the answer. Asking for and relying on God's power to understand, receive, and be established in his love is. I pray for myself and for you, that we will have this power and will be established progressively in the fullness of the life that comes from God.

Photo by Aditya Mopur, Flickr CC

==========

Tags: Religion , Spirituality , Faith , Inspiration , Encouragement , Jesus , Christ , Christianity , Bible

2006-07-10T19:44:00.000-05:00

CHECK IT OUT

Shannon Woodward, a writer who blogs at Wind Scraps asks this question on her latest post: "How vast is our God?" Then she demonstrates the limitlessness of our amazing God with a series of photos comparing earth to various other planets, suns and giant super stars.

It's an awe-inspiring presentation, even if you aren't into astronomy.

Check it out at http://windscraps.blogspot.com/2006/07/god-is-amazing.html

2006-07-10T13:46:00.000-05:00

WHO SAID THAT?

"The problem with doing nothing
is not knowing when you're finished."

--Ben Franklin

2006-07-07T11:36:00.000-05:00

No one can please God without faith,

for whoever comes to God

must have faith that God exists and rewards those who seek Him.

Hebrews 11:6 Good News Bible

==========

FAITH AFFIRMATION

God's message benefits me because I mix it with faith.
When I hear his voice I do not harden my heart.
I draw near to God's throne by the blood of the Lamb and receive
unmerited favor and grace to help in time of need.
I appropriate God's promises by believing what he says and trusting who he is.

==========

Tags: Hope , Religion , Spirituality , Faith , Inspiration , Encouragement , Jesus , Christ , Christianity , Bible , Life

CADRE Comments: Happy Fourth of July

2006-07-04T13:09:00.000-05:00

Click on this link for a celebratory photo worthy of this day: CADRE Comments: Happy Fourth of July

2006-07-04T10:19:00.000-05:00

LET FREEDOM REIGN!

We stand for freedom. That is our conviction for ourselves;
that is our only commitment to others.
-- John F. Kennedy

I believe that freedom is the deepest need of every human soul.
-- George W. Bush

Freedom is never more than one generation away from extinction.
We didn't pass it to our children in the bloodstream.
It must be fought for, protected, and handed on for them to do the same, or one day we will spend our sunset years telling our children and our children's children what it was once like in the United States where men were free.
--Ronald Reagan

==========

When we turn to the Lord, the veil is taken away (2 Cor 3:16)
and we have freedom of access to the presence of God.

. . . . where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty. 2 Cor. 3:17

==========

Tags: Religion , Spirituality , Faith , Inspiration , Encouragement , Jesus , Christ , Christianity , Bible , Freedom
, 4th of July

2006-07-03T22:24:00.000-05:00

WHO SAID THAT?

"Jesus is agape incarnate."

--Bob Mumford

==========

Tags: Religion , Spirituality , Faith , Inspiration , Encouragement , Jesus , Christ , Christianity , Bible

2006-07-02T10:05:00.000-05:00

THINK ABOUT IT

God loves us just the way we love our children,
only he does it much better . . .

Your Father is not waiting to love you more . . .
He loves you perfectly, flawlessly.

It's not because of anything you can do for him.

It's not because you try really hard to walk a straight line.
It's not because you're diligent to read your Bible exactly thirty minutes each morning . . .

He just loves you.

from A Whisper in Winter by Shannon Woodward, p. 22

==========

Tags: Hope , Religion , Spirituality , Faith , Inspiration , Encouragement , Jesus , Christ , Christianity , Bible , Love , Father , God

WE REAP WHAT WE SOW

2006-06-29T11:32:00.001-05:00

THE PRINCIPLE OF SOWING AND REAPING

As long as the earth remains, there will be planting and harvest, cold and heat; winter and summer, day and night. Gen 8:22 CEV

In the first book of the Bible, early on, God establishes the principal of seedtime and harvest. And then in the New Testament, we are told this principal of sowing and reaping is extended to the unseen realm as well:

Those who sow to please their sinful nature, from that nature will reap destruction; those who sow to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life. Gal 6:7-8 TNIV

EVERY ACTION IS A SEED SOWN

Every action we take is a seed sown that will bring a harvest in due time. Some seeds sprout quicker than others. Some harvest times come long after the seeds are forgotten. But the principle is certain: we will reap from what we sow. That which is motivated by our selfish desires cannot bring forth anything good; that which is corrupt can only begat corruption. On the other hand, seeds sown in faith and obedience will result in a good harvest, a harvest of spiritual blessings.

THE MORE WE SOW, THE MORE WE REAP

There’s one more thing that needs to be said about seedtime and harvest: the more we sow, the more we reap, whether good or bad. What we give out will come back to us. If we are generous with others, they will be generous to us. The measure with which we scatter abroad is the measure of our return.

Remember this saying, "A few seeds make a small harvest, but a lot of seeds make a big harvest." 2Co 9:6 CEV

Photo by Stu Seeger @Flickr

==========

Tags: Hope , Religion , Spirituality , Faith , Inspiration , Encouragement , Jesus , Christ , Christianity , Bible

2006-06-27T12:57:00.000-05:00

WHO SAID THAT?

"The miracle you need in your life
is on the other side of your worship."

--Vicki Yohe, worship leader
Charisma June 2006

==========

Tags: Worship , Hope , Religion , Spirituality , Faith , Inspiration , Encouragement , Jesus , Christ , Christianity , Bible , Life

2006-06-24T21:47:00.000-05:00

THINK ABOUT IT

Only God is perfect;
Only God can perfect.

==========

Tags: Hope , Religion , Spirituality , Faith , Inspiration , Encouragement , Jesus , Christ , Christianity , Bible , Life

2006-06-23T18:35:00.000-05:00

I have come that you might have life and have it abundantly.
John10:10

==========

Tags: Hope , Religion , Spirituality , Faith , Inspiration , Encouragement , Jesus , Christ , Christianity , Bible , Life

DREAMING THE UNTHINKABLE

2006-06-21T12:25:00.000-05:00

To him who by means of his power working in us is able to do much more than we can ever ask or even think. Eph 3:20

WHAT IS BEYOND THINKING?

This scripture tells us that God wants to do more - much more - for us than we can think or ask. What is beyond thinking? I recently heard Graham Cooke ask this question. I thought it was a good question. What is more than thinking? His answer was: "dreaming." God wants to do something for us and in us that is higher and more awesome than where our thinking can take us.

ARE WE WORLDLY OR OTHER-WORLDLY?

The image in this photo has an "other-worldly" appearance. Like it, we are to be extraordinary, rather than ordinary. We are to be something special in the earth. Something that reflects the glory of God. We cannot get to that place through our own devices, our own thinking. Dreams take us beyond our intellect and touch the hidden man of the heart (Prov 3:5). What if there is a part of God's glory waiting to be manifest in the earth that only comes through dreams? Sometimes he ignites dreams through images in the night and sometimes he puts secret longings and desires in our heart, and we call those longings dreams. Through dreams he works in us to will and to do what pleases him. (See Phil 2:13.)

DREAMERS AREN'T OFTEN UNDERSTOOD

Joseph in the Old Testament had a dream that brought much opposition and adversity in his life. Dreamers aren't often understood. That's why it's important to be sure your dream is from God before you commit to it. When I'm not sure my longings and dreams are from God, I ask him to give confirmation and I search his word to see if my dream is scriptural, while I continue to pray for clarity. I ask myself if the fulfillment of my dream will bring God glory. Often I discuss it with someone I trust, someone who knows the Word and the ways of God. Someone who won't kill my dream just because it is bigger than I am, just because it hasn't been done before.

HE WANTS TO TAKE US BEYOND OURSELVES

After due consideration, if we know that we know that God has put a dream in us, let us hold it fast and not let the naysayers steal it! Let us trust God to bring it forth. Eph 3:20 tells us that it is his power working in us that will cause the "so much more" to manifest. If we stay close to him, he will take us beyond ourselves. And that's not just a good thing, it's a God-thing!

==========

Technorati Tags: Hope , Religion , Spirituality , Faith , Inspiration , Encouragement , Jesus , Christ , Christianity , Bible , Dreams

2006-06-21T10:07:00.000-05:00

. . . it is God who works in you
to will and to act
in order to fulfill his good purpose.
Phil 2:13 TNIV

Be energetic in your life of salvation,
reverent and sensitive before God.
That energy is God's energy, an energy deep within you,
God himself willing and working
at what will give him the most pleasure.
Phil 2:13 TMB

==========

Tags: Hope , Religion , Spirituality , Faith , Inspiration , Encouragement , Jesus , Christ , Christianity , Bible

2006-06-19T11:43:00.000-05:00

CHECK IT OUT

My writing is usually for both men and women, but I just stumbled on a beautiful online magazine called Christian Women Online that I want to share with my women readers. It is subtitled CWO: Uniting Women of Faith. The layout and photography are professional; the writing is excellent. Some of the articles really hit the spot for me and others didn't but might appeal to you. Scripture references abound.

Regular columns include:

DysFUNctional by Darlene Schact who writes wittily about family and life
Wind Scraps by Shannon Woodward: my personal favorite
Me and My House by Kim Brenneman speaks to large families
Book Buzz with Heather Ivester reviews Christian books
Home and School is by Ann Voskamp, mother and home schooler
Bonnie's Kitchen offers simple ideas and recipes that make every event an occasion

Recipes and inspiring children's stories are included in this e-zine. Scrapbooking with CWO is, obviously, for scrapbook enthusiasts and Blogging with CWO is for bloggers. The last includes a blogroll of Christian women bloggers. And each month a different blog is featured as "Blog of the Month."

The theme of the June issue is Father's Day. Reflections of Our Father's Love, by Sarah Lantrips was selected as the winner of a recent writing contest. Her article is a heartwarming testimony to our Father's keeping power and love.

To check it out: click here.

Once there, click anywhere on the top to enter. You'll then be greeted by a letter from the editor. After that, scroll down to find this month's features. On the left you will see groupings of specific articles and offerings. Be sure to click on Who We Are.

Wherever you click, you'll find something good!

==========

Technorati Tags: Peace , Heaven , Hope , Religion , Spirituality , Faith , Inspiration , Encouragement , Church , Jesus , Christ , Christianity , Bible , Women

2006-06-17T09:10:00.000-05:00

WHO SAID THAT?

"Stress is a choice, because whatever the 'trigger event,' we always choose our own response."

--John G. Miller
QBQ! The Question Behind the Question, p. 26

2006-06-14T15:05:00.000-05:00

ROMANS 14:19
Bringing Peace to Ourselves and Others

. . . we must always aim at those things that bring peace and that help strengthen one another. Good News Bible

So let us . . . definitely aim for and eagerly pursue what makes for harmony and for mutual upbuilding (edification and development) of one another. The Amplified Bible

==========

Technorati Tags: Peace , Righteousness , Hope , Religion , Spirituality , Faith , Inspiration , Encouragement , Weary , Sin , Church , Jesus , Christ , Biblical Christianity

LIGHT IN THE DARKNESS

2006-06-12T15:21:00.000-05:00

Thy word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path. Ps 119:105 KJV

God's word will show us where we are (a lamp unto our feet) and where we are going (a light unto our path.)

STAYING ON THE PATH

When approached prayerfully and in concert with the Holy Spirit, God's word will open our eyes to what is really going on in our current circumstances; we'll see truths we may have missed on our own. We will receive wisdom and insight that make difficulties "doable." We'll receive vision for the future that will keep us on the path of our destiny, even when darkness surrounds us.

Spirit can only be known by spirit--God's Spirit and our spirits in open communion. Spiritually alive, we have access to everything God's Spirit is doing . . . 1 Cor 2:15 TMB

COMING OUT OF CONFUSION

Making a habit of reading his word with the help of the Holy Spirit will bring us out of confusion by bringing clarity to our understanding of who He is and who we are in Him and to Him. As to our destination: He doesn't show us the entire path, but he does give us enough to keep us going in the right direction, even in the dark of night.

Photo by Claudia West, Creative Commons License 2.0
==========

Technorati Tags: Peace , Guidance , Hope , Religion , Spirituality , Faith , Inspiration , Encouragement , Church , Jesus , Christ , Biblical Christianity

2006-06-09T22:13:00.000-05:00

CHECK IT OUT

Do you know Eddie Smith of the U.S. Prayer Center? Eddie circles the globe in order to equip God's people in areas of prayer, spiritual warfare, spiritual mapping, deliverance, leadership and other Christian disciplines. He is the author of many books and articles and is a "writer's coach."

He is also blogging now. In an article entitled Living in Timelessness, he has opened a window into heaven. If you want to peek in, follow the link below. If the lord has called home someone you love and you are still feeling the loss, you will be comforted by Eddie's insight.

Check it out: click here.

==========

Technorati Tags: Peace , Heaven , Hope , Religion , Spirituality , Faith , Inspiration , Encouragement , Church , Jesus , Christ , Biblical Christianity