Saturday, May 31, 2008

Joy

My cousin had a prayer request for his wife Cheryl and her mother Elsie. Elsie is very ill. I am praying for both Cheryl and Elsie to be filled with the peace of the Lord which transcends all understanding, for them to receive a fresh revelation of God’s love and for Elsie to be healed completely of all sickness and disease for her youth to be renewed like the eagle’s youth.

In the e-mail I mentioned to Brian, I tried not to WERF out in front of him when he came to visit dad in April. I was preparing to leave for a healing conference and already excited about what the Lord was going to do that weekend. WERF is a term I first heard Norma Dearing use when she was speaking at St. John the Divine Episcopal Church in Houston years ago. WERF is defined as a Wild Eyed Religious Fanatic. You know…I werf, you werf, he she it werfs.

Seriously I think we have all been or known brand new Christians who are so excited about Jesus they are WERF’s and probably need to send notes of apology to people they have recently seen in the grocery store, at the post office, the beauty shop, etc.

One thing WERF’s have that many Christians do not have is joy. They are in the joy filled stage of their 1st love of Jesus Christ. Sadly, life can stomp the joy right out of us and we lose our 1st love for a season, and it can be a long season. The Bible says to return to the things we used to do.

If you find yourself low on joy, search the Bible for Scriptures that will build you up, keep your focus on the Lord and not your circumstances. (I am not saying it’s easy.) Praise the Lord, He loves it and it fills you with joy quickly. Dance for Him. Sing your heart out to Him. Give Him a hand clap for all that He has done for you. If you are in the car, follow my hard & fast rule: Keep at least 1 eye open and 1 hand on the wheel.

His word tells us:

And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Yet I hold this against you: You have forsaken your first love. Remember the height from which you have fallen! Repent and do the things you did at first. If you do not repent, I will come to you and remove your lampstand from its place.

For you make me glad by your deeds, O LORD; I sing for joy at the works of your hands.

Come, let us sing for joy to the LORD; let us shout aloud to the Rock of our salvation.

Worship the LORD with gladness; come before him with joyful songs.

yet I will rejoice in the LORD, I will be joyful in God my Savior.

Let us praise His Holy Name!

Thursday, May 29, 2008

Painted Buntings & Prayer

Many times Christians debate about prayer. Some say to pray specifically is telling God what to do and we should pray in generalities because He knows what we need, others say pray specifically. Several saints as well as our Lord give us wonderful examples of prayer throughout the Bible.

2 years ago I decided I just had to see a Painted Bunting, though they pass very near to my home during spring migration, I have never seen one or heard of one being in the Richmond city limits. In 2006 we had Orioles that normally migrate on a different path. People from across the country were going to the Brazos Bend State Park to see them. That gave me the idea that Painted Buntings might be closer than normal.

I had several Hummingbirds, Cardinals, Blue Jays, Chickadees, Gold Finches, Pine Siskin, Woodpeckers, as well as several other species of birds in my yard. So I asked the Lord to send a Painted Bunting or 2 my way, an hour later I looked in my front yard and as big as day was a female Painted Bunting in all her green feathers. I thought Lord…I wanted to see a male Painted Bunting. He said, Annette you didn’t say you wanted to see a Male Painted Bunting. I knew where there was a female, there had to be a male. I sat outside for several days in my spare time and never saw him.

Since that time, I have prayed very specifically. The Lord showed me a valuable illustration on how to pray with a female Painted Bunting.

Jesus was specific in His prayers, Paul was specific in his prayers, and I would bet money that Peter did not pray in generalities and I don’t gamble. The Lord tells us in His word:

Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know.

Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.

Jesus said, "Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened.

Wednesday, May 28, 2008

Hyacinth Bucket & the Love of Jesus

I used to watch a British Sitcom called Keeping Up Appearances, the lead character Hyacinth Bucket’s (it’s Bouquet) vicar was featured on several episodes. One such episode, he was practicing his sermon which was to be on Loving Thy Neighbor; then he was informed Hyacinth was at the church, he decided to do the Water into Wine sermon instead. While very funny, I think it’s easy to turn off relationships with difficult people, to shut down and withdraw from them.

I was convicted in Beth Moore’s Stepping Up study about isolating myself from difficult people. I am not talking about abusive or dangerous people, I am talking difficult people. I have withdrawn from 1 because she lied to me for years about little stuff and big stuff, 1 interrupts me all the time, I have not finished a sentence in years and the relative does not have a clue. She tries to finish the sentence or tells me not to judge when she has no idea what I am going to say. One relative suffers from alcoholism and does not admit there is a problem, she has a thing about being right all the time…so I gradually began pulling away from these people and now have little interaction with them.

I was wrong. I should have looked at them through the eyes of Jesus. Because of His grace and with His love I can have relationship with them, it may not be like the relationship I have with other family members or my closest friends, but I can love them and I most certainly can pray for them…not pray for them to change to suit me, but pray for them to be whole in Christ Jesus. I should pray before each conversation with them whether it’s over the phone or in person.

I have heard Christians say laying down one's life means a physical death, while that may be true, I believe it also means dying to self, laying down my plans, my agenda and loving people and doing things I might not want to do...being in relationship with the difficult person walking in the love of Jesus would be laying my life down for a short time.

If it was not possible, the following verses would not be found in God’s Holy Word:

Jesus replied, " 'Do not murder, do not commit adultery, do not steal, do not give false testimony, honor your father and mother,' and 'love your neighbor as yourself.' "

Jesus answered: " 'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind' ; and, 'Love your neighbor as yourself.' "

The entire law is summed up in a single command: "Love your neighbor as yourself."

If you really keep the royal law found in Scripture, "Love your neighbor as yourself," you are doing right.

Jesus replied, "If anyone loves me, he will obey my teaching. My Father will love him, and we will come to him and make our home with him.

This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us. And we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers.

Tuesday, May 27, 2008

Update on my father

I posted fun stuff over the weekend instead of thoughts about the Lord. I will say I felt like my old self this weekend for the 1st time since I took Dad to the ER in Jan and since he arrived home 2 weeks ago. I spent several hours working in the yard…in the HEAT. He is getting better, but occasionally has bad days out of the clear and the blue. We were thrilled to be able to go out to lunch last Thurs for the 1st time since Jan 2 or so. We were able to call back and forth during the Indy 500. My aunt Maxine is dead and won’t know I abbreviated Indianapolis; that drove her nuts when someone said Indy in front of her. We stayed at her house when we attended the race several times.

My dad really wanted to attend his niece and nephew’s anniversary party over the weekend and was told no by the physical therapist. I was not ready to be 2 ½ hours away from him and cancelled our plans as well. He really wants to attend church is person. His faith is strong. His attitude is good.

We walked through the valley of the shadow of death several times in Jan and Feb. We clung to the Lord. Sometimes I was so tired I could not pray anymore, but my friends were praying. I say this frequently and I will say it again, ask your friends and loved ones to lift you up in prayer, don’t be a lone ranger. Christians need community; we are called the Body of Christ, not the army of 1.

When you feel alone and abandoned remember the Bible tells us:

The LORD himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged."
Jesus said, “And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age."
We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed. We always carry around in our body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be revealed in our body.

Our Lord is always with us. He loves us so much He was obedient unto death. He died and rose again. Our Lord, the Alpha & Omega, the Prince of Peace, the Lord of Lords, the King of Kings is coming again...

Monday, May 26, 2008

America The Beautiful

For the men and women who fought and died for our freedom.

Sunday, May 25, 2008

Indianapolis 500

I am watching the Indianapolis 500 (there is a commercial break), remembering how much fun I had over the years attending the race with my father and 1 of his brothers, sometimes an aunt, sometimes my husband, and some of my cousins. One of my cousins Brian and his son are there now. I do hope one year my father and I can attend the race again in person. The sound of the cars, the fans, the speed make the race so exciting.

The patriotic displays in Indianapolis over Memorial weekend are spectacular. I pray we remember the men and women who are serving now and those who gave the ultimate sacrifice to defend our freedom since the founding of our country.

I will not ask God to bless America, but I will pray that America blesses God.

Saturday, May 24, 2008

New Software

Lifeway had Bible software on sale last week, so I ordered it...it arrived yesterday. The package was sitting on my front porch when I arrived home from work. I am excited and looking forward to using it.

We usually are excited about a new Bible Study, new computer, a new pastor/minister/priest...after a few weeks, the excitement tends to fade. (Just like the new toys at Christmas.)

What can we do to remain excited about the Lord and His word? I would love to hear your responses. Please post a comment or send e-mail.

I think the answer is to continue to grow in relationship with our Lord. Psalm 119:18 says:
Open my eyes, that I may behold wondrous things out of Your law. If we pray for our relationship with Jesus to grow deeper it will, it won't always be Holy Ghost chill bumps, but it will be filled with perfect love, His perfect love.

God is eager to give you a heart filled with fire for His Son. Tell Him you want it more than blessing or your daily bread. We do not have to settle for mediocrity, we have the Alpha the Omega, we have the Prince of Peace whose Name is Faithful and True.

Thursday, May 22, 2008

No More Tears

This week so many of my friends have lost loved ones to cancer and a long time prayer partner of mine died Tues after a long battle with cancer. In a community not far from me, a little girl was run over by the next door neighbor whose wife and children were in the car, the little girl's father was watching from 2 or 3 houses down the street, all those lives traumatized, but thankfully with the grace of Jesus they can be healed. Today I heard a Christian singer's little girl was run over by her brother.

A good friend has a major problem with her daughter. My friend and her husband are heartbroken.

I know it seems sometimes seems we are hit from all sides and we think Lord, what is going on here? From my own experience, attacks are fierce just before we receive a breakthrough in a matter, a long awaited answer to prayer. Stay focused on Jesus and stay in prayer, the answer is coming.

In times like these, we must intentionally wear our armor and call on the Holy Spirit to protect our backside. I remember singing an old hymn as a child, in it the Holy Spirit was called the Paraclete. When I was young, I thought Paraclete was some kind of Roman weapon, something like an antique bazooka, I later learned it meant Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit protects us, we must learn to listen to Him, He is a powerful weapon, He is as good at offense as He is at defense.


We are in a battle, a devouring lion is on the prowl seeking to kill, steal, and destroy. The Lord gave us equipment...use it,wear your armor, carry your sword, and listen to the Holy Spirit.

For of all those who are mourning loved ones this week, I post this passage:

Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and there was no longer any sea. I saw the Holy City, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride beautifully dressed for her husband. And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, 'Now the dwelling of God is with men, and He will live with them. They will be His people, and God Himself will be with them and be their God. He will wipe away every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.'" Revelation 21:1-4

Wednesday, May 21, 2008

Forgiveness Exercise

I did this exercise at a conference several years ago, it is powerful, you will be set free from the bondage of unforgiveness. Norma Dearing's father in law, the late Father Dearing taught her this exercise, I have since led many women through it in small groups after teaching on forgiveness...seeing people set free is a beautiful thing!

Part 1: Hold your hands in the air, palms up, hands cupped like you are filling them with water.

Hold up to the Lord all the things a person has done that bother you or has hurt you. Pretend you are stacking them up in your hands. When you are finished with your list, turn your hands over in a symbolic release to the Lord.

Then pray something similar to: Lord Jesus, I give you each one of these things and ask that you take them and pour your love and healing power through them. I thank you, Lord, that you have the power and grace to redeem them. I ask you, Lord to release the pain and hurt that has been involved which each one of these things (List them if you need to do so) that you lift it from ______________(their name)’s heart, mind, and spirit. I ask you to lift the burden of these things from ____________ shoulders. I give all this to you Lord, and trust you to deal with them. Amen

Part 2: Hold your hands in the air again, palms up (same as above) and make a list of things that bother the person your are forgiving about yourself (real or imagined). When done, turn your hands over in a symbolic release to the Lord.

Then pray something similar to: Lord Jesus, I ask you to pour your love and healing power over these things, each and every one of them. I ask you to take them, deal with them, and release them from ____________________. I trust you to heal the hurt and pain. Amen

Part 3: With hands in the air, make a list of your hearts desire for this person. Turn your hands over and release it to the Lord. Pray something similar to:
Lord Jesus, I give person’s name______________ to you, I thank you that you are able to handle him/her better than anyone else. Bring your perfect will for _______________ and let your love pour into ______________ and your healing power flow over ____________. I release him into your care. Amen

Part 4: Hold your hands in the air, make a list of things you would like Jesus to do in your life – now…then turn your hands over and pray something similar to:

Lord, I release these things to you and ask you to pour your love, mercy and grace into them. I thank you that I can and do trust you with these things. Surround me w/ your heavenly angels. Show me once more how much you love me. Amen

Tuesday, May 20, 2008

Forgiveness - Part IV

Through the Grace of Jesus and with His love, Corrie ten Boom forgave not only the man who betrayed her family, but a guard from Ravensbruck. This is her testimony:

It was in a church in Munich that I saw him, a balding heavy-set man in a gray overcoat, a brown felt hat clutched between his hands. People were filing out of the basement room where I had just spoken. It was 1947 and I had come from Holland to defeated Germany with the message that God forgives.

And that's when I saw him, working his way forward against the others. One moment I saw the overcoat and the brown hat; the next, a blue uniform and a visored cap with its skull and crossbones. It came back with a rush: the huge room with its harsh overhead lights, the pathetic pile of dresses and shoes in the center of the floor, the shame of walking naked past this man. I could see my sister's frail form ahead of me, ribs sharp beneath the parchment skin. Betsie, how thin you were!

Betsie and I had been arrested for concealing Jews in our home during the Nazi occupation of Holland; this man had been a guard at Ravensbruck concentration camp where we were sent.
"You mentioned Ravensbruck in your talk," he was saying. "I was a guard in there." No, he did not remember me.
"I had to do it — I knew that. The message that God forgives has a prior condition: that we forgive those who have injured us."
"But since that time," he went on, "I have become a Christian. I know that God has forgiven me for the cruel things I did there, but I would like to hear it from your lips as well. Fraulein, ..." his hand came out, ... "will you forgive me?"

And I stood there — I whose sins had every day to be forgiven — and could not. Betsie had died in that place — could he erase her slow terrible death simply for the asking?
It could not have been many seconds that he stood there, hand held out, but to me it seemed hours as I wrestled with the most difficult thing I had ever had to do.
For I had to do it — I knew that. The message that God forgives has a prior condition: that we forgive those who have injured us. "If you do not forgive men their trespasses," Jesus says, "neither will your Father in heaven forgive your trespasses."

And still I stood there with the coldness clutching my heart. But forgiveness is not an emotion — I knew that too. Forgiveness is an act of the will, and the will can function regardless of the temperature of the heart. "Jesus, help me!" I prayed silently. "I can lift my hand, I can do that much. You supply the feeling."
And so woodenly, mechanically, I thrust my hand into the one stretched out to me. And as I did, an incredible thing took place. The current started in my shoulder, raced down my arm, sprang into our joined hands. And then this healing warmth seemed to flood my whole being, bringing tears to my eyes.
"I forgive you, brother!" I cried. "With all my heart!"
For a long moment we grasped each other's hands, the former guard and the former prisoner. I had never known God's love so intensely as I did then.

Copyright © 1972 by Guideposts, Carmel, New York

Tomorrow I will post a forgiveness exercise I learned from Norma Dearing. It is very powerful and can be used even if the offender is dead. I have led small groups through it a few times. Most people are moved and experience a deep healing. The exercise can be done as many times as needed.

Monday, May 19, 2008

Forgiveness Part III

If we choose not to forgive we are sinning just as the person who committed the offense is in sin. If we remain angry and offended we are sinning and we usually commit more sin by telling people about it, fuming about it, and holding a grudge about it. We are also giving the offender a position of power over us and we are in bondage to them. If we turn the anger inward, it is toxic waste and will make us sick one way or another - physically, emotionally, spiritually or a combination of all 3. In prayer ministry I often meet people who are depressed because they have turned the anger inward. I also meet people who are angry over something that never happened.

I am not suggesting you tell the parents of a murdered child or a rape victim they have to forgive the day after the tragedy. I am not saying it is easy. I am saying with God's grace and only with His grace, it is possible and He tells us we must forgive. Forgiveness may come in an instant, it may be a process.

These are but a few verses from the Bible dealing with forgiveness:

if my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land. (This does not really pertain to forgiveness between 2 people, but I love the verse - it's called blogger's discretion.)

For if you forgive men when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you.

But if you do not forgive men their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins.

Then Peter came to Jesus and asked, "Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother when he sins against me? Up to seven times?" Jesus answered, "I tell you, not seven times, but seventy-seven times. (Not the answer Peter expected. I so identify with Peter and his mouth.)

Do not judge, and you will not be judged. Do not condemn, and you will not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven.

If he sins against you seven times in a day, and seven times comes back to you and says, 'I repent,' forgive him."

Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.

Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins. (Love makes it easier to walk in forgiveness and die to self.)

Sunday, May 18, 2008

Forgiveness - Part II

I don't have a story of forgiveness as dramatic as Corrie ten Boom forgiving the man who betrayed her family, but the story I am sharing hurt me badly at the time.

In 1999 one of my dear friend's was diagnosed with cancer. I had known David since 8th grade. He had become friends with my husband and I was friends with his wife Dana. We spent many evenings out with them and when their daughter arrived we spent many evenings at their house. Then their son arrived and we spent less time together but Dana and I talked on the phone frequently.

As David became more ill, Dana became more stressed, she also told me David did not want to talk to me. That hurt, but hey, he was ill, and in my book that meant he could talk and spend time with the loved ones of his choice.

His family was in prayer, our priest was praying, my friends and I were praying and even fasting occasionally. This is one time in my life, I must say I never saw a prayer answered, but I know they were.

At the beginning of May, the entire truth came out, David was and had been living at his parents for months. Dana was drunk and living alone. The drinking problem had begun a couple of years before. She only let me see her on Saturday afternoons when she was together or at church. David's father asked why I would not talk to his son. I told him David didn't want to talk to me. He cleared that up and I went over to visit him.

I spent a lot of time the next three weeks with David and his family, I will never forget the night he said it was time to say goodbye and he was dead 24 hours later. I even checked Dana into a hospital, had her at my home to spend the night a couple of times, but I wanted to throttle her. After David died, she was embarrassed I knew the entire truth. I told her I loved her and I could forgive her everything. I had a hard time with her lying about David not wanting to talk to me. Anger and grief would well up unexpectedly. I know my husband was tired of my tears, but he understood. He loved David and David's entire family. Dana cut us out of her life about a month after the funeral. I sincerely hope she is well, and I hope the children are well. They have a wonderful aunt and paternal grandparents who love them very much.

I asked God why did you let him die and leave those children with Dana? I knew and know God did not abandon David, his children, or any of us during this season, and I know He received David, but occasionally almost 9 years later, I think why.

For 1 year after David died, unforgiveness would try to well up and make me explode, like in the days of old when I was a teen and known for my fierce temper if you messed with a loved one of mine. For 1 year, unforgiveness tried to lead me into gossip about Dana, make me turn away from God and praying with people, make me bitter, make me too tired to minister to people, basically shut me down as a Christian. Then I read the letter I posted yesterday. I knew I had to really commit myself to forgiveness, really feed my spirit and mind on Scriptures pertaining to forgiveness and really leave it at the foot of the Cross and not pick it back up again.

I had really been praying to be a true Christian through all this, but would have my moments with anger and unforgiveness, because part of me really wanted to yell at Dana and shake her. The other part of me wanted her healed, I wanted/want my friend back. To this day, I miss her...even with all the lies, the drinking, etc, I miss her. She was my friend, I still love her. She could knock on my door today and I would hug her and tell her I love her.

The grace of Jesus and His shed blood make it possible. It is His power, not mine that makes forgiveness a reality. We may have to forgive over and over, but true forgiveness will come.

Saturday, May 17, 2008

Forgiveness - Part I

When I was in 8th grade I went to see The Hiding Place at the Meyerland Cinema across the street from school one afternoon. Movies were a real treat for me, my parents didn't spend money on entertainment very often, though we had plenty of good times. I think they spent most of their money on my education at St. Thomas' Episcopal Church & School and on ballet lessons.

I knew The Hiding Place was a movie based on Corrie ten Boom's life. I had a little knowledge about what the soldiers endured during World War II, but I didn't know what civilians endured during the War, nor did I know how many brave people helped the Jews. I was so moved by the ten Boom's sacrifice as they demonstrated love to the unloved people and the Jews in the Netherlands. What an example of living for the Lord. I remember crying during the movie. I then asked for the book for Christmas or my birthday and read it as quickly as I could. I cried and cried for the ten Booms and all the people who made sacrifices in World War II and the persecuted people who faced harsh treatment and death at the hands of the Nazis and other evil doers during the War.

A year later I went on a ballet exchange program to Poland for 6 weeks, this was still in the days of the USSR and hard core Communism. We were heavily guarded on the trip. I toured a concentration camp and was appalled. When I returned home, I reread The Hiding Place and once again was struck with the love the ten Booms extended to everyone because of their love and obedience to Christ Jesus. Corrie later found out who betrayed her family.

This is the letter she wrote to him, it is an extraordinary example of the Grace of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Dear Mr. Vogel,

I have discovered that, almost certainly you are the man who betrayed me and my family and caused me much suffering. My sister, Betsie, and my father died in prison because of your betrayal, but, I want you to know today that I forgive you with all my heart. My Savior has forgiven me for my sins, so what less can I do for you? You may, perhaps, die very soon, but I urge you even now as you await execution, to claim the Lord's free gift of forgiveness and salvation. All you have to do is ask Him to save you from all your wrongdoings, and He will forgive you. I often tell people that their sins can be thrown into the bottom of the sea by God. I believe that God puts a sign out in the sea that says "No fishing Allowed!" You can have your sins washed away for eternity. Please know, Sir, that, because of Jesus, I have no bitter feelings toward you. I forgive you; allow Him to forgive you, too!

Sincerely,


Corrie ten Boom

Friday, May 16, 2008

It's a Jungle Out There

The jungle I am referring to is my yard. I like to work in my yard, I usually do all the yard work, though with my father having been hospitalized from January through last week, my husband has done the mowing and edging. Nothing has been weeded or pruned in months. The shrubs are overgrown, the flower beds are full of weeds. I am surprised the neighbors have not started a petition. It didn't take long to become overgrown. I can only imagine the number of plants being choked out or experiencing limited growth due to weeds.

Parts of my life have been choked out due to the cares of life. I have not exercised in months, since the 1st week of January. This was the year I was going to read the Bible in 1 year. I read it, and continue to do a Bible Study, but I will not read the entire Bible by year's end. This was the year my husband & I were going to lose weight. What a joke, we ate so many crummy meals out of vending machines, we gained weight and are as teens say ginormous (sp?).

But this week, I feel more rested than I have in months. I have eaten healthy meals, lots of salads and raw vegetables. I am going to tackle part of the yard tomorrow and Sunday. By next weekend it should look OK. I will start slowly and begin walking again. Hopefully, my energy level will still be good when I return home from work in the evenings. The last few weeks I have crashed at night.

Are you thinking by now...what is your point...my point is how easily it is to let the cares of this world choke out the Word of God. It's not just frivolous things that distract you and derail or slow your walk with the Lord. It's not that I quit believing or my faith wavered, it's that I spent little time in the Word sometimes over the past few months, other times I was in it big time. I had trouble with consistency due to driving to St. Luke's every day, being there for several hours a day, that sort of thing.

Remember we need to stay in the Word and be prepared when evil comes our way. If our prayer life is lagging, we need to call in our friends so they can lift us and our situation up to the Lord. We need our friends to carry us like they carried the paralytic:

A few days later, when Jesus again entered Capernaum, the people heard that he had come home. So many gathered that there was no room left, not even outside the door, and he preached the word to them. Some men came, bringing to him a paralytic, carried by four of them. Since they could not get him to Jesus because of the crowd, they made an opening in the roof above Jesus and, after digging through it, lowered the mat the paralyzed man was lying on. When Jesus saw their faith, he said to the paralytic, "Son, your sins are forgiven."

Sometimes we need to be carried by friends, it's OK, we are not to be lone rangers. We are the Body of Christ, we are brothers and sisters in Christ. Families help each other.

I pray you have a blessed weekend and Sabbath and I pray I have Ben Gay and Aspirin...I think I am going to need them.

Thursday, May 15, 2008

Gossip

Maybe it's because I never paid attention to the magazines situated at the end of the check out aisles at grocery stores when I was growing up (I was reading Dance Magazine, Bazaar, Glamor, and Vogue back in the day.), but it really seems there are more gossip magazines these days. I might be wrong, I remember National Inquirer and Star from my youth, they were more like the magazine inserts in the Sunday edition of the Houston Chronicle back then.

Christians work to avoid gossip like the plague but we see it with our eyes on the magazine racks, we hear it on TV, so many tabloid shows, even serious news shows on cable devote time to gossip, but they report it as news not gossip.

I think when we are surrounded on all sides by gossip, it makes it harder to keep our mouths closed and not report the latest fact about some one's marriage, wayward child, drunk mother etc. (Much gossip is spread in the guise of prayer requests...)

The Bible has a lot to say about the words of our mouth as in let them be few and gossip. Gossip was a problem years ago when I worked at a company with 20 other women...ay chihuahua, lots of gossip. Then for years I worked in a small company with 8 men and 1 other woman, no gossip, lots of sports talk and funny police and FBI cases they had worked. Now I work part time at a small company, no gossip lots of policitical discussions, talk about the Lord, the news etc.

Here are a few Scriptures pertaining to gossip:

The words of a gossip are like choice morsels; they go down to a man's inmost parts.

Without wood a fire goes out; without gossip a quarrel dies down.

Furthermore, since they did not think it worthwhile to retain the knowledge of God, he gave them over to a depraved mind, to do what ought not to be done. They have become filled with every kind of wickedness, evil, greed and depravity. They are full of envy, murder, strife, deceit and malice. They are gossips, slanderers, God-haters, insolent, arrogant and boastful; they invent ways of doing evil; they disobey their parents

For I am afraid that when I come I may not find you as I want you to be, and you may not find me as you want me to be. I fear that there may be quarreling, jealousy, outbursts of anger, factions, slander, gossip, arrogance and disorder.

Wouldn't it be wonderful if the Body of Christ would stop gossiping? I think that alone would lead so many unsaved people to the Lord. We need to be mindful of the example we set with conversation as we work at church, work in the world, shop, dine, sit under the dryer at the beauty shop...am I speaking to anyone?

Have a blessed, gossip free day!

Wednesday, May 14, 2008

My Sweet Husband

A small Bible Study meets in my home on Tues nights, we have a simple meal and get down to the study, and meanwhile my husband evacuates. It has become a joke between us as well as my Bible Study sisters. When it's their turn to provide the meal, they usually have something for him to eat as well.

Yesterday he called me from Sam's Club and asked what we were having for dinner. I said baked potatoes and a mixed green salad. He asked if I had tomatoes, I said no they were too sickly looking to buy. I had radishes and feta cheese to add to the salad. He bought grape tomatoes for us and a strawberry lemon cake. (He chose that cake because I dislike it and would not be tempted to eat a piece of it.)

The little sweet, caring things he does like this mean so much to me. He was not raised in a family that was kind to one another, the adults were out for themselves and the children were left to fend for themselves.

We still have our moments as any married couple does, but thanks to our Lord they are few and far between.

It's time to take him a cup of coffee. I suppose I should just step over the dirty socks and clothes that will be on the floor in the bedroom...

Tuesday, May 13, 2008

II Timothy Kind of Day

Yesterday I listened to a story about a 10 year old boy, he stole his mother's credit card, stole the passwords to the cable TV parent control and ordered adult movies, he then got her computer passwords ordered adult videos on line and was not caught for 2 t 3 weeks. The boy is 10...

The mother laughed about the situation. I had chills as I listened. I had been waiting for the - we are taking him to Christian counseling, we have removed cable TV from the home, etc. Nothing, she laughed. She didn't punish him at all.

I am stunned she laughed, I am stunned a 10 year old has these desires as well as the drive to steal, I am stunned he knew how to order movies.

I believe everything the Bible says about the end times, though I do not look for end time signs under every cornflake, I do believe we are seeing II Tim 3 unfold around us, I don't know of a time in history parents didn't parent to the extent we see today, children killing children as well as their parents. Mothers to be making the decision to end the pregnancy. The smut on TV and at the movie theatres, the lyrics to many songs are so ungodly. In prayer ministry I often listen to people as they try to justify sinful behavior. We see it on commercials, many of them tell us to be selfish. The world tells us to be selfish, we deserve whatever it is that is being sold. This type of thing has always been around, but the last 2 or 3 years it seems to be increasing. I base this opinion and it's only my opinion on the following from II Tim 3:

1But mark this: There will be terrible times in the last days. 2People will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful, proud, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, 3without love, unforgiving, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not lovers of the good, 4treacherous, rash, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God— 5having a form of godliness but denying its power. Have nothing to do with them.
6They are the kind who worm their way into homes and gain control over weak-willed women, who are loaded down with sins and are swayed by all kinds of evil desires, 7always learning but never able to acknowledge the truth. 8Just as Jannes and Jambres opposed Moses, so also these men oppose the truth—men of depraved minds, who, as far as the faith is concerned, are rejected. 9But they will not get very far because, as in the case of those men, their folly will be clear to everyone.

We must guard what flows into our homes via the Internet, TV, movies, books, magazines, and music. We must also remember when dealing with children rules without relationship usually brings rebellion.

As I often say, stay in the Word and keep your eyes on the Lord. In fact if we keep reading II Tim 3 we hear the good news:

12In fact, everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted, 13while evil men and impostors will go from bad to worse, deceiving and being deceived. 14But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have become convinced of, because you know those from whom you learned it, 15and how from infancy you have known the holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. 16All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, 17so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.

Remember Jesus died for all of us, He loves us, He wants us saved, healed, and delivered. Abide in Him and He will abide in you.

Monday, May 12, 2008

Full Redemption

Yesterday I joined a group of people from my former church and prayed over a young lady having surgery today at Texas Children's' Hospital, she was diagnosed with a brain tumor. I cried a lot yesterday afternoon, I yelled to the Lord...I am tired of people especially children being attacked by satan in the form of cancer. So many people at my former church not to mention around the world stricken with this terrible disease.

I know this is not the Lord's plan for His people. He loves us, Jer 29:11 tells us:

For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.

Psalm 130 tells us we are fully redeemed, not kinda redeemed, but fully redeemed.

Gal 3:12-14 states:
The law is not based on faith; on the contrary, "The man who does these things will live by them."Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us, for it is written: "Cursed is everyone who is hung on a tree."He redeemed us in order that the blessing given to Abraham might come to the Gentiles through Christ Jesus, so that by faith we might receive the promise of the Spirit.

As we are hit with bad news on all sides, remember to keep your eyes focused on the Lord. In Him we find rest, hope, love, grace, our covenant promises to name a few things.

Abide in Him, in Him we have victory...we are fully redeemed

Saturday, May 10, 2008

Swept Away

The other day I walked into the utility room to grab the broom and sweep the kitchen. The broom was no where to be found. I searched every room in the house, the front porch, and the garage.

I called my husband and asked him if he had seen the broom (it did not cross my mind to ask if he had used it), he said he used it to sweep out his boat and did not know what he did with it. I am not into man bashing, I love my husband, but in all seriousness how do you lose a broom, a standard O Cedar broom with a bright yellow broomstick? It must have made it's way to one of the company vehicles.

A couple of days later I went to Target and bought a Clorox broom with dustpan because it was on sale. As I pushed the shopping cart down the aisle, I passed the Spic n Span and smiled, thinking back to 1986 and the cleaning incident which I blogged about earlier this year.

I decided to look up the word broom on http://www.biblegateway.com/, broom only appears a few times, mainly in connection with the word tree - broom tree, and pertaining to Babylon in the book of Isaiah. Curiously there was no verse which read thou shalt not taketh thy wife's broom unless thou returneth it to the utility room, or thou shalt not sweep thy boat with the kitchen broom thus saith the Lord.

Since I bought the new broom, my husband does not have to be concerned that I will ask for 1 as a Mother's Day gift. I asked for a reel lawn mower this year, he said no, last year I asked for an ironing board for my birthday, he said no. He said I am crazy if I think he will buy that type of gift for an occasion. He has a problem with me telling people I got an ironing board or a lawn mower for my birthday or Mother's Day. Since when has he cared what anyone thinks?

I pray you have a blessed Sabbath and mother's day tomorrow. For those dear sisters in Christ who have lost their mothers, I pray their day is filled with an extra dose of joy straight from the Lord.

Friday, May 9, 2008

Lights Out

Last night I had several things to do around the house after work. At 5:05pm I went outside to water potted plants, it was our first really hot day. 2008 has been cool and windy...until yesterday...

I went inside after watering to begin laundry and the power went out, I called Centerpoint Energy they said the problem should be repaired by 8pm. I thought...where we will go for dinner. My husband came home and asked why I had not turned any lights on, he sat on the love seat and said I am so full from lunch, I won't eat dinner tonight...note to self scratch going out to dinner.

I worked on my Bible Study while it was still light then went into the den to talk with my husband. We talked about the Episcopal Church, politics, my father's continued healing, our dogs, and plans for the weekend. I prayed off and on through out the evening. I kept thinking about Jesus when he said: I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life. When there is no light in the area, it gives you a deeper picture of the spiritual darkness. We have lights on 24 hours a day, in cities like Las Vegas there is no night.
I am not sure the word darkness has the impact it did even 100 years ago.

I must confess another verse kept running through my head - Let there be light....and there was at 1:32am, we were asleep and lights came on all over the house as well as the blessed a/c.

All and all, a great evening.

Wednesday, May 7, 2008

Praise God

If I could still do a cartwheel, I would do a cartwheel for the Lord. (if I did a cartwheel, we might have to call Life Flite) My dad is home from the hospital...I never would have guessed as I raced him to the ER at St. Luke's 01/08/08 he would just now be back home.

I will definitely do some singing and praise dancing tonight!

I am so filled with joy, I can barely type...in the words of a great psalmist:

Let everything that has breath praise the Lord!

One God...

In America we have the debate over the phrase One Nation Under God...

Do you think our forefathers would be shocked we are so free in America we have become stupid and are sowing ourselves into bondage? Our forefathers and their families paid a high price for our freedom...

Psalm 33: 10-20 tells us this:

The LORD foils the plans of the nations; he thwarts the purposes of the peoples.
But the plans of the LORD stand firm forever, the purposes of his heart through all generations.
Blessed is the nation whose God is the LORD, the people he chose for his inheritance.
From heaven the LORD looks down and sees all mankind;
from his dwelling place he watches all who live on earth-
he who forms the hearts of all, who considers everything they do.
No king is saved by the size of his army; no warrior escapes by his great strength.
A horse is a vain hope for deliverance; despite all its great strength it cannot save.
But the eyes of the LORD are on those who fear him, on those whose hope is in his unfailing love,
to deliver them from death and keep them alive in famine.
We wait in hope for the LORD; he is our help and our shield.

Eph 4:4-6 says:

There is one body and one Spirit—just as you were called to one hope when you were called— one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all.

Our nation exists because God ordained it, please join me in praying for the USA to return wholeheartedly to the Lord.

Monday, May 5, 2008

The USA

I feel a real burden to pray for the USA. If any of you are sensing this, please comment and let me know what the Lord is impressing on your hearts.

We all know we need to pray for the country, but I am sensing something deep similar to the day I was on vacation in CO for my 20th wedding anniversary. The feeling I had just days before Katrina formed in the Gulf.

We need our country to come to repentance. The Lord God Almighty gave us geography which has kept us safe from combat on our shores in WWI and WWII. He has given us minerals, oil, forests, and food which we seem to take for granted.

We have been given much and as a result much is required.

Please pray:

for our nation to repent for our sins as a nation against God
for our leaders to make decisions which are right in the Lord's eyes, most especially decisions which involve Israel
for the Church in America to preach the Gospel with boldness in truth and love
for the Church to be relevant
for protection from our enemies
for revival to come to the people of America as well as all facets of the entertainment industry
for the Lord's candidates to be elected in Nov

Sunday, May 4, 2008

Louie Giglio - Laminin

We are physically and spiritually held together by the power of the Cross..

Saturday, May 3, 2008

Say It, Work it, Pray It

I am in a Bible study group of darling women, we are 1/2 way through Beth Moore's Psalm of Ascent Study. (A wonderful study)

She has us say each psalm out loud, work it which means highlighting verses which speak to us, write notes in the margin, circle all references to the Lord, etc. We then turn the psalm into a personal prayer.

I have prayed Scripture prayers for years, I really recommend this type of prayer especially for ongoing situations.

I thought about how many times in life, we say it, work it, pray it...but not necessarily in a holy way. I was listening to a woman talking on her cell phone as we were in an elevator. She was saying it and working it, I could tell she had called everybody in her circle of friends about how Susie Q had done her wrong. Over the years I have had people request I pray an unholy prayer for them. For example someone said I am angry with Susie Q, the Lord knows why, He will not make me forgive her, please pray she loses her job. Of course I did not pray that. Nor did I tell the person requesting prayer she had to forgive. I prayed Scriptures over them both and binding prayers.

I want to post another example of a binding prayer, using myself as an example.

I bind myself to the Cross and it's power of life, love, mercy, grace, forgiveness, holiness, dying to self, to all things that are pure, holy and true.

I bind my mind to the mind of Christ.

I bind my mouth to the mouth of Christ.

I bind my heart to the heart of Christ.

I bind my feet to the path of Christ.

I bind myself to God's Holy Word.

I bind my spirit to the Holy Spirit.

I bind my will to the Lord. (never bind someone else's will)

I loose myself from pride, arrogance, a hard heart, judgment, a critical spirit, spiritual blindness, apathy, and laziness.

I loose myself from sickness and disease.

In Jesus' Name I pray.

Thursday, May 1, 2008

Policeman's Daughter

There are times I can definitely tell I am the daughter of a retired police officer. For example, I always have my keys in my hand before I leave a building and walk to my car. (Served me well when I was mugged years ago, I had no purse or driver's license, but I had a key to open my car door and a key to start the car - remember using a key to open the trunk and car door?) I look at people around me in parking lots, stores, etc. I am not paranoid, just aware crime happens. I saw a situation at the post office today few noticed, but an elderly lady did not close out the automatic postal machine, dishonest people could have bought stamps and shipped packages on her credit card.

There has been a prominent news story in Houston the last 2 days regarding a man who was killed by a Houston police officer. The victim was pulled over by police, gave them his CIA ID and then drove off and led police on a lengthy chase. No one understands why he ran. The policeman's daughter thing kicked in and I thought no way was he CIA. He wife, family, and friends are not only mourning, they must feel betrayed at this point. His wife was surprised to learn he was in the US much less Houston and must have been equally surprised he had a fiancee. I feel for his family and friends as they grieve and all the lies are being exposed in such a public way.

When I worked for a private investigator (my father), many clients were criminals and or had been accused of crimes. I learned a lot about people at that job, some were guilty some were innocent. The guilty clients tried to hide many things in their quest for freedom.

Don't you suppose we can be like that in our Christian walk? We are becoming more Christ like, but we aren't there yet, so we pretend everything is so nice at home or at work, when it's unbalanced or unhealthy for some reason. I mean, what will people think if they know we struggle with drink or we can't keep away from Internet porn. I am not suggesting telling everyone in town, but talk to your pastor or a Christian counselor. Ask prayer warriors to pray for you. They don't need all the details. Don't sweep sin under the carpet of pretense. People will know you are a hypocrite.

In Matthew 26, Jesus took the cup, gave thanks and offered it to them, saying, "Drink from it, all of you. This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins.

The Blood of Jesus is big enough for any situation of your life. All confessed sin is under the blood. Your struggling marriage is under the Blood. Your crummy job is under the Blood. Your mother-in-law is under the Blood.

Remind yourself you are in a covenant with God through Jesus Christ, He spilled His blood for you. Walk in the power and authority the Blood gives you. Confess your sins, live in your covenant power and know what God says in His Word.