Thursday, October 29, 2009

The Light of Christ

I know our Lord and Savior never leaves us or forsakes us. I've never felt abandoned by Him, never felt let down by Him...or as we say in Texas - He's never dropped me in the grease and He's not about to start...

This week is the 1st time in over 2 years I feel like my "old" self. My energy level is almost what it used to be. I am really enjoying activities again...except exercise...I have knocked off weight and continue to do so. I am still not quite ready for attending parties...but I will be.

I do not really care to use the word feel, but it works...I know there are more tears over dad to come, but I also know there is more life, joy, and love than there are sadness and tears. I feel good again.

I am so thankful Jesus has been there for me every step of the way. We do walk through the valley of the shadow of death, we do experience heart ache and loss while on earth - our temporary home. Without trials, we would never grow as Christians. Our relationship with our Lord would stagnate. Does God send the bad stuff - NO!!! But He allows it, and it helps us so much in the long run. Remember we don't see the big picture.

I want to share some of my favorite Bible verses with you from Psalm 9:

The LORD is a refuge for the oppressed, a stronghold in times of trouble.

Those who know your name will trust in you, for you, LORD, have never forsaken those who seek you.

Sing praises to the LORD, enthroned in Zion; proclaim among the nations what he has done.

From Hebrews 13:

Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said, "Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you." So we say with confidence, "The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid. What can man do to me?"

Tuesday, October 27, 2009

Prayer Request

My brother in law Hal went to MD Anderson in Houston today for tests. He needs to have another surgery as part of continuing treatment for cancer. A blood clot was discovered and he is now in the MD Anderson ER. Please pray for him to be filled with peace and comfort. Pray for the dr's to have wisdom and discernment. And of course, pray for healing.

Thank you,

Annette

Saturday, October 24, 2009

Beauty all Around Us

I've been outside working in the flower beds this morning. Thinning out summer flowers which are still blooming up a storm to make room for a few fall blooms.

As I took a break, I watched butterflies and then noticed the sun streaming through sap hanging from a tree, the sunbeams shooting out of the sap were golden then turned a deep amber. It blows this finite mind that before the foundation of the world, our Heavenly Father knew I would enjoy the display at the very moment I noticed it.

Take time to notice the beauty our Father has given us and take note the beauty of the following verses from Psalm 27:

3 Though an army besiege me,
my heart will not fear;
though war break out against me,
even then will I be confident.

4 One thing I ask of the LORD,
this is what I seek:
that I may dwell in the house of the LORD
all the days of my life,
to gaze upon the beauty of the LORD
and to seek him in his temple.

5 For in the day of trouble
he will keep me safe in his dwelling;
he will hide me in the shelter of his tabernacle
and set me high upon a rock.

Wednesday, October 21, 2009

Seasons

I love fall, some years we almost have fall in southeast Texas. Ang posted beautiful pictures on Facebook the other day. I cannot wait to wear a sweater, drink hot chololate (sugar free of course) and have a blazing fire in the fireplace. I am looking forward to planting pansies and snapdragons. I have planted a few petunias and lobelia.

Last year we had a few snowflakes, I would love to see more of them this winter. I love spring too with all the new life and the migratory birds which pass through on their way up north.

I like summer for a week or 2.

I look over the seasons I have with the Lord, no matter the season, He is always there, never let's me go, though I may pull my hand out of His hand and run my own way for a while.

I prayed silently over a lady last weekend, I prayed she would sit next to our Lord with her head on His breast just as John did. I did not mention the prayer to anyone. The next day my friend prayed the same thing over her and it turns out the woman prayed the same prayer over herself the night before.

I pray we all recline with Him and lay our head on His breast, hear His heart beat and rest in Him.

Christmas will be here before we know it. Let us practice resting in the Lord and be much better at it by the time the holiday season arrives.

After he had said this, Jesus was troubled in spirit and testified, "I tell you the truth, one of you is going to betray me." His disciples stared at one another, at a loss to know which of them he meant. One of them, the disciple whom Jesus loved, (John) was reclining next to him. Simon Peter motioned to this disciple and said, "Ask him which one he means." Leaning back against Jesus, he asked him, "Lord, who is it?"


As Jesus and his disciples were on their way, he came to a village where a woman named Martha opened her home to him. She had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord's feet listening to what he said. But Martha was distracted by all the preparations that had to be made. She came to him and asked, "Lord, don't you care that my sister has left me to do the work by myself? Tell her to help me!" "Martha, Martha," the Lord answered, "you are worried and upset about many things, but only one thing is needed.[a] Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her."


Let us be like Mary and sit at His feet, choosing what will not be taken away from us. Sure we are busy, but there is no point in stressing and fretting, letting the busyness of the holiday season keep us from sitting at His feet or reclining next to Him.

If any of you have a friend or family member who needs Salvation, please leave their 1st name in a comment and I will add their name to the list.

Monday, October 19, 2009

Longview, Texas

Had a wonderful time meeting new brothers and sisters in Longview, TX over the weekend. The praise and worship was awesome. I prayed mostly with women, many were set free from lies they believed about themselves as well as fear, perfectionism and related physical disorders. A young man's leg grew 2 inches and he walks without pain now. Backs were healed. God still heals today. He wants us whole in body, spirit, and mind. Jesus never turned anyone away.

Then there is Bob...he lives in a group home, I don't know how old he is, I believe he has Down's Syndrome. As we worshiped, he did too, he could not sing the songs, but he could say Praise the Lord and Alleluia...His worship was so pure and so filled with love. He attended the healing weekend with his sister and brother in law. Hopefully, I will see him later this year in Woodville, TX. Bob loves the Lord so much, he loves people so much, he stood in for prayer for 1 of his care takers. I tear up thinking about his love for God and people.

I would love to see the look on some of the healed people's coworkers faces as they walk into work today. What a witness to the love and glory of God.

Have a blessed week everyone and remember to praise the Lord and shout Alleluia...Bob reminded me, I need to come before the Lord with a child like heart...

Thursday, October 15, 2009

Oct 15th and Time for a Siesta Verse

If I could think of something more original to say, I would...but can you believe it's Oct 15th!!! OK - or the Ides of October...is that original?

I have chosen the following verse for my memory verse, Hebrews 12:2

Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.

As we hurtle toward the bustling holiday season, I want to really ingrain in my spirit for many reasons to keep my focus on Him; not the things of the world.

I finally decorated for fall and Thanksgiving. I thought about last Thanskgiving, so very thankful dad was at my house and enjoyed the day. It was the 1st time in a year he was well enough to make the 3 block trip to my house. I am filled with gratitude and joy by the memory.

I want to remain in a place of thanksgiving and praise for the Lord...I don't want to lose sight of him as the holiday preparations begin.

If you know anyone who needs Salvation prayer, leave their 1st name in a comment and I will add them to the list.

I will be ministering with Jack and Anna Marie in Longview, TX this weekend. Please pray for the people attending the conference to receive what God has for them and for Jack, Anna Marie, myself and other prayer ministers to be anointed and protected.

Stay in the Word, it brings wholeness!

Monday, October 12, 2009

Gentle Rain, Coffee and the Word

I am listening to a gentle rain fall as I sip coffee and spend time in the Word. Days come and go, seasons change, but the God never changes. He is the constant in our lives. Hebrews 13:8 tells us: Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.

I cannot imagine life without God, I am so thankful for His unending mercy, His unfailing love, the endless supply of grace, His Word. I am so thankful for His Son, the Holy Spirit, Covenant Promises on which we stand. I am so thankful for the Authority of His Mighty Name when I pray.

It's almost time for another Siesta Verse. I have no idea which verse He will show me.

I am so thankful we live in a country in which we can buy Bibles almost any where, we can read them, we can freely worship...

I am so thankful for my family, Siestas, and friends the Lord has chosen to cross my path in life. What are you thankful for?

I have a few names of people who need Salvation up on the right side of my blog. If you feel so called, please pray for them. If you have someone who needs Salvation, leave their 1st name in a comment and I will add them.

Let His Word wash over you today, like a gentle rain:

Psalm 19

1 The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands.

2 Day after day they pour forth speech; night after night they display knowledge.

3 There is no speech or language where their voice is not heard.

4 Their voice goes out into all the earth, their words to the ends of the world. In the heavens he has pitched a tent for the sun,

5 which is like a bridegroom coming forth from his pavilion,
like a champion rejoicing to run his course.

6 It rises at one end of the heavens and makes its circuit to the other;
nothing is hidden from its heat.

7 The law of the LORD is perfect, reviving the soul. The statutes of the LORD are trustworthy, making wise the simple.

8 The precepts of the LORD are right, giving joy to the heart.
The commands of the LORD are radiant, giving light to the eyes.

9 The fear of the LORD is pure, enduring forever.
The ordinances of the LORD are sure and altogether righteous.

10 They are more precious than gold,than much pure gold;
they are sweeter than honey, than honey from the comb.

11 By them is your servant warned; in keeping them there is great reward.

12 Who can discern his errors? Forgive my hidden faults.

13 Keep your servant also from willful sins; may they not rule over me.
Then will I be blameless, innocent of great transgression.

14 May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart
be pleasing in your sight,O LORD, my Rock and my Redeemer.

Friday, October 9, 2009

Joel Rosenberg & Ezekiel 38-39

I wanted to share a little info compiled by author Joel Rosenberg concerning a few chapters from the book of Ezekiel. This has caused me to wonder since Iraq is in such a mess; if that's why it is not listed as a country which attacks Israel. Revelation 18 goes on to say: 2With a mighty voice he shouted: "Fallen! Fallen is Babylon the Great! She has become a home for demons and a haunt for every evil spirit,a haunt for every unclean and detestable bird. 3For all the nations have drunk the maddening wine of her adulteries. The kings of the earth committed adultery with her, and the merchants of the earth grew rich from her excessive luxuries."


If Iraq becomes a land of such rich excesses, could it be 1 of the only major oil producers left? (This is food for thought on my part.)

In a moment, I will walk you through the prophecies step-by-step. But first, let me note that the predictions found in Ezekiel chapters 36 & 37 have already come true. These are the famous chapters that foretell:

· The rebirth of the State of Israel in the end times (both chapters)

· The return of the Jews to the Holy Land after centuries in exile (Ezekiel 36:10-11, 36:24, 36:37-38, 37:12, 37:21)

· The rebuilding of the ancient ruins in Israel (Ezekiel 36:36)

· The re-blossoming of desolate, desert lands to produce abundant food, fruit and foliage (Ezekiel 36:8-9 and 36:30-35)

· The creation of an "exceedingly great army" (Ezekiel 37:11)

Such prophecies began to be fulfilled in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, accelerated in 1948 and 1967, and continue to come to pass to this day. This, of course, raises an intriguing question: If Ezekiel 36 and 37 have largely come true in our lifetime, isn't it possible that Ezekiel 38 and 39 will soon come true as well?

WHO?

That said, let's examine Ezekiel 38 and 39 more carefully. In Ezekiel 38:1-6, the Hebrew prophet gives a list of obscure names that will form a united coalition. In my non-fiction book, Epicenter: Why The Current Rumblings In The Middle East Will Change Your Future, I carefully walk readers through these prophecies and document the historical detective work necessary to determine what modern nations are referred to by the ancient text. But here's an executive summary of the major points.

· "Gog" is described as being "of the land of Magog" and as the "prince of Rosh, Meshech and Tubal." Most Bible scholars believe Gog is not a name but a title, like Pharoah or Czar. He is a dictator who will hatch an "evil plan" (Ezekiel 38:10).

 "Magog" - Leading Bible scholars say this is Russia and republics of the former Soviet Union. The first century Roman historian Josephus said the "Magogites" were the peoples whom the Greeks called "Scythians." Scythians were a fierce, blood-thirsty civilization that settled north of the Baltic Sea in what is now Russia and the European republics of the former USSR.

· "Rosh, Meshech and Tubal" - Many, though not all, Bible scholars believe "Rosh" refers directly to Russia. Meshech is believed by many scholars to be Moscow (though some believe it refers to an ancient people group in Turkey). Some Bible scholars believe Tubal refers to the city/region of Tobolsk in Russia along the Tobol River. Others say it refers to a section of modern-day Turkey. (Interestingly, in 1964, massive reserves of oil and gas were discovered in the Tobolsk region of Siberia and people now refer to the region as the "energy center of Russia.")

· "Persia" - This was the official name of Iran until 1935.

· "Cush" - Based in significant part on the writings of the Roman historian Flavius Josephus, Bible scholars today believe "Cush" refers to Sudan and Ethiopia.

· "Put" - Bible scholars are confident that this refers to the modern day country of Libya, though it may also refer to parts of Algeria and Tunisia, based on the writings of Josephus, among others.

· "Gomer" - This is modern day Turkey, though some scholars also believe it could refer to Germany and Austria.

· "Beth-togarmah" - This refers to Armenia and the Turkic-speaking peoples of Central Asia, including the Islamic former republics of the Soviet Union.

·"Many peoples with you" who will attack along "the mountains of Israel" - Other countries will be involved in the coalition as well, notably countries that border the mountains of Israel. This includes Lebanon, Syria and possibly Jordan.

It should be noted that conspicuously absent from the list is Egypt and Iraq (typically referred to in Scripture as Babylon or Mesapotamia). This is noteworthy since Ezekiel was writing the prophecy in the City of Babylon, in the heart of Iraq. We would have to expect, then, that neither Egypt nor Iraq will participate. Egypt, of course, signed a peace treaty with Israel in 1979. Iraq is now so engrossed in its own internal struggles that it would be unlikely to join a coalition to destroy Israel in the next few years. We are, therefore, living in the first window in human history in which neither of these historic enemies of the Jewish people are likely to be involved in the next major Middle East war.

WHAT?

Ezekiel 38-39 explains that the Russian dictator known as "Gog" will develop an "evil plan" to attack and destroy Israel and seize her wealth. He will begin to build an enormous military coalition, comprised of the countries described above. He will make extensive preparations to strike. When the time is right, Ezekiel says Russia will then deploy this coalition against Israel in a show of overwhelming force, coming against the Jewish State "like a storm."

The Bible makes it clear that when this "War of Gog and Magog" begins, no country will come to Israel's defense. Not the United Nations. Not the European Union. Not even the United States. Israel will feel utterly alone, and her enemies will be convinced that they are on the verge of an historic victory in which the Jews will be wiped off the map once and for all. But Ezekiel then says some supernatural will occur. The God of Israel - the God of the Bible - will bring judgment upon the enemies of Israel, beginning with Gog, the dictator of Russia. The Lord will trigger a massive earthquake in which "all the men who are on the face of the earth will shake at My presence." Gog's forces will turn against one another, and then they will be subject to pestilence, torrential rains, hailstones, and even fire from heaven. Israel will then capture her enemies weapons and burn them for seven years and it will take seven full months to bury all the bodies of Israel's slain enemies, so great will be the devastation.


WHEN?

When will all this happen? We don't know for certain. But Ezekiel gives us several important clues. First, Israel will be a country again and Jews will be regathered to the Holy Land. Second, Israelis will be "living securely" before the "War of Gog and Magog," though the Scriptures do not go so far as to say that they will have comprehensive peace treaties with their neighbors. Third, Israel will have a measure of economic prosperity, according to the text. And fourth, Ezekiel 38:16 says explicitly that all these events "will come about in the last days" (that is, before the Battle of Armageddon).

In closing, let me be clear. Yes, Israel has been reborn as a country for the first time in 2,000 years. Yes, a dictator is rising to power in Russia that seems "Gog-esque." Yes, Russia and Iran are building an alliance today for the first time in 2,500 years. Yes, Russia and Libya are now building a new alliance. Yes, Iran is threatening to wipe Israel "off the map." Is all this conclusive proof that the "War of Gog and Magog" will happen soon, much less in our lifetime? No, I don't think we can make that assessment. Not yet, at least. Much more will have to happen to be sure. But can we rule out the possibility that this prophetic war could happen in the not-too-distant future? No, I don't think we can.

As for me, I don't want it to happen at all. But no man can stop what Bible prophecy says will come to pass. The most we can do is to be ready when it happens, and find ways to care for those in the Middle East and Russia who will be victims of this terrible war.



Joel C. Rosenberg

Wednesday, October 7, 2009

Alone vs. Not Alone

I was sitting at the drive through window last Friday at Chick Fil A, waiting for my chargrilled chicken garden salad. (I highly recommend them, 1 order easily makes 2 meals.) A young woman working at the window was talking when a male employee who was filling a cup with Diet Coke spun around and said, "Why would you sleep with him, he hates you?" The woman said, "Because I don't want to be alone." The man said, "But you are alone, he hates you and you are even more alone after you have sex."

I almost started crying for 2 reasons, this young woman who appeared to be 18 or so was making foolish choices because she was so confused about love, she may not know the Lord, if she does know Him - she may not have a clue He has plans for her, plans to prosper her....the young man also appeared to be 18 or so - what wisdom for such a young person...he spoke to her in truth and love, no reproach, no self righteousness, no Pharisee...

I sat there and prayed as I waited for my order. When the young lady crosses my mind, I pray for her some more.

It is my hope she is saved, healed, and transformed by the love of Christ Jesus! I am also praying for someone else to accept Jesus as Lord, if you are so called - please pray Chris accepts Jesus as Lord and Savior.

If there is anyone you need salvation prayer for, write the 1st name in comments. I can post of list of people we love and want to enter the Kingdom.

For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son,[a] that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.

My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one can snatch them out of my hand.

Monday, October 5, 2009

Jesus is Coming

Last night I saw a remark posted on Facebook which read: Jesus is coming, look busy...

How many times have we as Christians women lived our lives as busyness is next to godliness? I am not suggesting we laze about on the couch eating bon bons all day, neglect our families, neglect time in the Word and prayer by any means.

I am suggesting we may be packing our lives with godly activities and we may be very busy with Kingdom work but as a result we are missing the mark because we are so busy - back to the are we are Mary or a Martha thing...do we choose the finer thing?

Let us pray for the Holy Spirit to convict us on what the Lord wants us doing in ministry and activities, the Lord may have a change of season for us...let us pray to be obedient to changes He may desire for us...and let us spend quality time in prayer, the Word and worshipping our Lord...

Each of the four living creatures had six wings and was covered with eyes all around, even under his wings. Day and night they never stop saying: "Holy, holy, holy is the Lord God Almighty, who was, and is, and is to come." Whenever the living creatures give glory, honor and thanks to him who sits on the throne and who lives for ever and ever, the twenty-four elders fall down before him who sits on the throne, and worship him who lives for ever and ever.

Let us be mindful - Holy Holy Holy is the Lord God Almighty, who was and is and is to come!

Saturday, October 3, 2009

Thursday, October 1, 2009

Love and Persedangvering

My Siesta Memory Verse is: I Cor 13:6-7

Love does not delight in evil bit rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.

For some reason I never noticed the last word before - PERSEVERES
(and to add emphasis - Love always persedangveres) Persevere means: To persist in or remain constant to a purpose, idea, or task in the face of obstacles or discouragement.

It is easy not to delight in evil and rejoice with the truth. It is easy to protect those we love, sometimes it's hard to trust those we love due to hurts we have suffered, it can be hard to hope in the natural sense but easy to hope in the eternal sense, and it can be downright difficult to persevere...but obviously it's what the Lord wants us to do and He supplies us with the grace to do so.

Verse 8-10 tells us: Love never fails. But where there are prophecies, they will cease; where there are tongues, they will be stilled; where there is knowledge, it will pass away. For we know in part and we prophesy in part, but when perfection comes, the imperfect disappears.

It may look to our mortal eyes as if love has failed when marriages end, when feuds are not resolved, but that is not true. If a relationship is broken, meditate and feast on love verses, pray them over your loved one. You may not have the answer you are looking for here on earth, but your loved one will spend eternity in heaven and that is what is important, spending eternity in our real home.

Endeavor to love...with Him all things are possible...